Holiday Club 2023 - Let the children come…
by Peter Blount 23 July 2023
Welcome to ‘Sharing Our Faith’
Matthew Ch 19 v 13 – 15
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
These verses are often quoted whenever ‘children in church’ are mentioned and of course, during holiday club week, the whole idea is to have as many children in church as possible so that the gospel can be shared.
In these three verses Jesus’ love for the children is clearly demonstrated as he takes them onto his knee, places his hand upon them and blesses them.
What an ideal picture these verses paint, that, in the midst of all that was going on for Jesus, He finds time to silence his challengers, rebuke the disciples and bless the naive innocence of local children.
Some of the children of today seem mostly to have lost that ‘naïve innocence’ and appear to be street wise, impartial and grown up before their time. This is not helped by the apparently laid back approach to the common practices of manners, respect and courtesy. All of this makes attracting them into church for a holiday club more difficult.
Therefore, our first request for prayer this week, is that whatever barriers may be perceived to exist will be broken down and the children of the Blagreaves area will be attracted, not only to attend, but take part and receive great blessing from Holiday Club 2023.
I have included here just the music of the song ‘His eye is on the sparrow’ assuring us, however old or young, his eye is on each one of us even if we don’t realise!
Please listen as you continue to read and pray.
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This year the Holiday Club title is ‘The Restoration Station’ and is presented, in parts, in a similar fashion to The Repair Shop, as seen on TV.
The themes for each day revolve around Jesus the healer, Jesus the restorer and Jesus the forgiver. The week appears to be shaping to be its usual mixture of fun, chaos, games and stories – but throughout, although we are no longer able to take children on our knees and bless them physically, we pray, and ask you to pray with us, that amongst all that happens at Holiday Club, Jesus’ love and compassion for the children who come along will be seen and experienced through those who lead and share the gospel message of love in today's world.
Thank you for praying with us, and for us – we will continue the theme in next week's thought.