Dear MRC Family,

Blessings to you, beloved of God

Bless the beasts and the children

For in this world they have no voice

They have no choice

Bless the beasts and the children

For the world can never be

The world they see

As I was thinking about what to write to you today, I began my morning singing this beautiful song written by The Carpenters. Why am I thinking about children?

Because this Sunday is Children’s Day at MRC

Because there are so many areas of our world at war — Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Congo, Syria, Haiti, just to name a few

Because I woke up to the news that Israel bombed Iran

And I am thinking about those who are caught in these cruel wars — especially the children — who have died, are dying, and who will grow up only knowing war and cruelty. And who have had no voice or choice in this cruelty.

And I am recalling part of a prayer written by William Sloane Coffin, Jr: We call to mind . . . those “who will not grow old as we who are left to grow old,” those whose lives were too brief for us but long enough, perhaps, for thee. Forgive us that they died so young because we were too unimaginative, too imperious, too
indifferent, or just too late to think of better ways than warfare to conduct the business of the world.

We can do better. We must do better.

So come this Sunday to celebrate our children and teachers and to show them we are committed to following the ways of Jesus and imagining better ways to live peacefully with one another in our world. Our children will sing How Majestic Is Your Name; The Creation Song; and You’re a Great Big God. They will also present a skit called The Choice That Changed Everything adapted by Nancy Coffin.

Let us promise our children that we will always strive to —

Light their way

When the darkness surrounds them

Give them love

Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children

Give them shelter from the storm

Keep them safe

Keep them warm

 

Keep following Jesus, beloved.

 

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish