We have a baby in our church who justs steals all of our hearts. Her name is Lauren she is 8 months old. I tell her parents one day she is going to be an A.M.E pastor. Lauren loves church! Two weeks ago we sang Amazing Grace and Lauren was rocking back and forth mumbling right in tune with the songs. She can only say Mama but for all three verses she sang some made up words and clapped. At our church we end the service with a Circle of Love and sing "Yes Jesus loves me" then the Benediction. As I was saying the Benediction I saw a shocked looked on the face of our Lay president, he was staring at Lauren, Lauren had her right hand in the air smiling and saying the word Praise!! It was all I could do to get through the benediction. All of our kids bring such joy to our church. What would a church be without children. Please share some of the children's moments from your church.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2002

Answers

When my son, Joshua, was 3 years old he sang his songs with the Cherub (children's) Choir by using his own form of unique dance improvisations. He would swing from side-to-side (albeit not in rhythm), wave his arms in clock-wise and counter clock-wise fashion and sing at the top of his lungs. Well, at least his choir director, favorite steward and parents were pleased at the effort and creativity. In contrast to my son's holy boldness, my daughter (older sibling) is very shy and has a long history of being stage-fright in public speaking. On one occassion she was in Church School, I think she was 5 or 6 years old then, and completely forgot everything she knew flawlessly when practicing her speech at home. While standing there alone on the stage, frozen, with nothing to say, her Church School teacher hugged and kissed her and told the audience about the great contributions she (Nia my daughter) makes in class. This was a great boost to Nia's self-confidence and enabled her to complete her assignment. Kind and compassionate words really do go a long way. QED

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002

Bill thanks for sharing the rememberences of your children. They were treated exactly that way Jesus would have treated them. The messages that were given to your children is that God loves them. I hope we can all remember this when dealing with children in the church. Kiss those angels for me.

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002