Children's Ministry - Look Around

I saw the picture first. One of our Sunday school students made a card depicting John 21:1-19. The picture was great. What blew me away however was when I opened the card and read, "Look around, Jesus works miracles."

Wow. A mic drop if every there was one.

I loved it not because she made such a definitive statement - Jesus works miracles - but because this child calls us to action. Look around! The miracles are right here, right now, if only we have eyes to see them.

When Jesus stood on the beach, the disciples did not know him. So I wonder, what is the beach on which we now stand, staring at Christ in front of us, not recognizing him?

We don't even have to look that hard. There are miracles happening every day here at St. Paul's. Maybe they aren't miracles of nets overflowing with fish, but rather pews filling with young families, bringing their children to worship. Look around.

Maybe the miracle is children at Easter dying hard-boiled eggs and decorating cookies for people who are homeless, showing not just concern for nutritional needs, but bringing joy and dignity with a special treat. Look around.

Maybe the miracle is Sunday school students planting seeds that will grow into vegetable plants that will feed our neighbors. Look around.

Maybe the miracle is 16 young Confirmands (and 4 adults!) making an affirmation of their faith when the Bishop comes on Pentecost.
Look around.

Maybe the miracle is 35 young people and adults traveling to West Virginia on the mission trip to to share faith and community by repairing homes and caring for abandoned animals. Look around.

Maybe the miracles is children and young people of all ages gathering for inspiration, music, games and fun for City of God, our Vacation Bible Camp. Look around. Look around. Look around.

Jesus works miracles right here, right now, among us. May we always have the eyes of a child to see them.

Lisa Brown, Director of Children's Ministry