Witnesses

Children's Message

Sermon

Note: This sermon is best when adapted and specified to your setting. Try taking some time before Sunday to learn who made a piece of the worship space or when a certain person first started coming to church and why.

Good morning! Today is a very special day at church where we celebrate people who came before us and made our community a better place. But before we get too far into that, I want to start at the beginning. Do you know what the word “witness” means? (Take a few answers.)

Good, y’all are on the right track. In the dictionary, “witness” means to see something happen. In the church world, it means both to see something and to tell something.

Take a look around our worship space. What stands out to you? (Give kids a minute to notice things like stained glass windows, a cross, the altar, all the people, etc.) Do you know who designed those windows, or who made that cross, or who first brought some of these people to church? Some of these things we do know, like I know that Sally Sue first started attending church here when her friend Betty invited her 50 years ago. And some of these things we don’t and probably won’t ever know, like who first installed the pews.

We are witnesses to all the wonderful things that people did long ago and just yesterday in this church. We get to see the result of other people’s faithful work and then we get to tell people about it. Today is a day to see and tell.

Paul tells his friends the Thessalonians about this seeing and telling. He asks them to remember how he worked with them in the beginning and first started the church so that they will continue to be faithful to God now. To remember what they saw back then, and then live as a witness now.

The special thing about today is that we don’t just see a big picture, we take time to notice the little details. Who isn’t here who used to be here? Who is outside but needs a safe place indoors? Who is too scared to come inside because their clothes are dirty? We have to see both the things that are here and the things that are missing.

There have been many wonderful witnesses who came before us in this church and now it’s our turn to be witnesses. To see the good work of others and the pain of those who need help, and to tell the good news of Jesus with both our words and our actions.

Prayer

Almighty God, we know that you see all. You see the people who came before us and you see our hearts now. Open our eyes so that we might see what you are calling us to be witness to today. Move us to see and then tell, with our words and our actions. Amen.

Wonder Questions

I wonder what you see when you look at our church?
I wonder if there’s anyone you miss who used to be here?
I wonder what you think people will see 50 years from now?

Church Activities

1. I Spy: Play a game of I Spy in your space. Practice looking around and really noticing the little details.
2. Tell It: Think of one person in your church that has done great work. Maybe it’s a Sunday School teacher, an usher, or the person who always shares a mint with you in the pew. Write them a thank you note telling them you see how much they do and appreciate their faithfulness. For older kids, add the challenge of trying to imitate their faithfulness over the next few weeks.

Family Activities

1. Noticing the Neighborhood: Draw a mural together of your neighborhood or community. Who do you notice is included? Who is missing? Is there any part you are leaving out because it isn’t comfortable to talk about or look at?
2. Remembering: Look through old photo albums and tell stories about family and friends who have passed away. Invite the kids to share their favorite memories and what they miss most about those people.