Every year before Christmas, we designate a special Sunday for our kids to lead us throughout the morning. For the past 6 weeks and during advent, our kids have been putting together this special Sunday for us. Here are some things you can expect for this coming Sunday, December 18th, 2016:

There are many ways we can worship God. One of those ways is to worship God through “play”.  There will be three four-square stations available during our musical worship that folks of all ages are invited to come so they can play & worship.  The 4-square on the stage will be reserved for the youngest children.

During these past 6 Sundays, the kids and youth have had a chance to reflect on how God has made them and what their interests are. They’ve selected a class based on their interest.

Some of the kids chose sports. In that class they learned that God made all the places we play in and the stuff we play with, and described it as good. God is creative, intelligent and relationship-oriented. We are made in His image, and our play reflects our creativity, intelligence and need for community. In this way, play can be an expression of gratitude to our God for His good gifts to us.

We normally worship by having musicians, dancers, and artists “play” or create in front of us and they invite us to join them. This coming Sunday we are including sportive play as well. All are invited to watch or participate in this play as an act of worship to God.

So, how do we play as an act of worship? Just like singing, each of us does it in our own way.  But here are some keys:

• Remember that play includes cooperating and competing at the same time. Each player has different talent and skill levels but all are valuable and loved creations of God. Treat your fellow players accordingly.
• Thank God for all the components of play that He created, e.g. the air in the ball and your lungs, the playing surface made from trees, your body that can move skillfully, the joyful emotions that you are experiencing, and the people you are playing with/against and those enjoying watching you.

Other activities the kids chose were Flags, Dance, Drama, Cooking, Creative Arts, and Musical Worship. Some of these activities you will be able to see and experience this coming Sunday, but let’s recognize and appreciate all our kids this Sunday as they have poured their hearts out into their passions and interests.