And so it begins…another Children’s Day programme. Now most people will think the day started on the morning of the 8th December. I certainly wished it did and most likely others of the Church may think so too. The children and teachers of the Children department will know better!
You see, this story started many, many days ago. Sounds like a story? Well, it is. Preparations for this year’s annual event began as far back as August!
The idea was to celebrate God’s gift to the Church, our children. So the sermons were focused on this central theme in the wording - Children of the Bible. The songs were selected based on the thought that has children, their lives are to be given to Jesus and that He is able to guide, protect and support their every need.
Believe or not, it took ages to find the songs to meet the criteria. We needed enough songs to add to the four mini-sermons to occupy the time usually allocated for the main service, creating for each speaker their own segment. There was also the special songs of the Sabbath School and the afternoon programmes.
So in total, it was eight songs, two were already ‘known’ to the children. One was song the last Thirteen Sabbath (September) and the other, the last Children’s Day in 2017 (vaguely remembered). So this was going to be a very tall order to learn six new songs in just under four months (heavens help me, in retrospect what were we thinking? Heaven did come to our rescue!). It proved a challenging task to say the least; with the problems of attendance, attitude and time.
The sermons were distributed in late October. The four children were told to adopt them in whatever manner that suited their speaking style and confidence. The advice was to read the script in front of a mirror and try looking at their reflection while doing so. It appears that worked well for them, as they did very well on the day.
So, back to the day. It was early, the Vickers minivan (poor Rommie, she hates that name, my car does have feelings!) went out earlier than ever, picking up the core members to begin Sabbath School. At Church, other children are waiting to begin. God bless them and their parents! Sabbath School actually started on time (or early depending on who you are speaking to) with all the main participants in place. Has parents and teachers, we know that getting the children together on time and ready is always a headache, so this in itself was a miracle of no small proportions and a sign of what was to come.
Let’s all agree that the Holy Spirit is real, real as can be, for the programme went like clockwork and without any major hiccups (there were a few tiny ones, but they didn't detract from the day). Only the Lord could let that happen. Believe me when I say so, because our last practice didn’t go according to plan and that was our full rehearsal. May the Lord be praised!
The reports from the children classes were detailed and delivered well by Conroy Smith (Primary/Kindergarten) and S. Thomandru (Teens). The children memory verses made us proud, has ALL our regular children recited from memory (something that hasn’t happened the last three Thirteen Sabbath programmes!) and we added a few who turned up the day. Then, like little angels and with the actions, they sung the first song of the day - Run to Jesus by God's Kids Worship Band © 2018
The other S. Thomandru (Amu) did the mission slot, appealing to the Church for its support of the school building program in the South Asia-Pacific division, using a special video from Adventist Mission. She then closed the morning service with a special solo performance by singing the song Blessings (Lara Story song) written by Laura Story (a beautiful and heart searching story of a singer's fall and rise above affliction).
The mid-day service was now on hand. The speakers were gathered with the platform party with Elder Griffiths in the little room. This was his first Children’s Day programme. Let me say this wise man is a perfectionist when it comes to punctuality. I think we did him proud that morning, as the children got ready on time. Mind you, there was the last minute rush to the toilet, the nervous talking and twitching, but we can all admit that that can be expected even from adults!
Introduction
S. Thomandru (Chinnu) The Bible, our Lighthouse
The Sermons
| Child | Title |
|---|---|
| T. Fraser, 11 | Little Children Brought to Jesus |
| M. Scott, 11 | The Ruler's Daughter |
| R. Radi, 10 | Timothy |
| S. Forster, 12 | The Holy Child Jesus |
Once again the children were little angles has they performed their songs. The speakers, although nervous, stuck to their scripts and delivered their sermons with boldness and experience beyond their years, at time even looking down at the congregation. Note well, that these children are 10 to 12 years old, even I would have a hard time in front of such a gathering.
The Songs
| Instruments Of Peace |
| You Gave - by God's Kids Worship Band © 2018 |
| The Heart Of Worship - by God's Kids Worship Band © 2018 |
| God Has A Plan For Me - by God's Kids Worship Band © 2018 |
Lunch was served and then it was on to the afternoon programme. This was a celebration of our children, so it was the adults doing the programme. With the teachers managing the preliminaries, the children choir performed with their new lead singers, little Finas and Oshea; We Believe - God's Kids Worship Band © 2018.
The main speaker for the evening was Elder C. Gooden. He continued the theme of the Children of the Bible with emphasis on the celebration of children in the Church and the broad horizons there are for them in Christ.
He gave praise to the children, telling them to not let the sky set the limit of their asperations and dreams. He noted we need more Christ-like people in the world. He would be more happy to have the services of the grown up children of the Church and look forward to see them succeed in life with God as their guide.
The parents were asked to give words of encouragement to the children. This was an inspiring time for everyone, very emotional has parents spoke fondly to their children and the children of the Church.
In a short interlude between the parents we had Sister Cary, a mother of three children and also one of the speakers of the morning service, told a story of encouragement to the children. This story involved a peacock and a mockingbird. It decribes how all will have a place in God's kingdom, and that we all have a purpose to fulfill here and now.
The day was brought to an end with the children's last song - Light of the World - Cave Quest VBS © GroupMusic. It was a highly charged, action enable, fast moving song - that was a mouthful, but you should ge the idea.
Elder Graffiths then closed with a special prayer for the children and the future of the Church, and so came the end of a long day, some five months of hard work and dedication. There is no doubt in my mind that all were blessed, and the spirit was the Lord was rasied high. That the children did splendidly was without doubt!
Thank you all, children for your service to the Lord this day! Thanks to all the teachers and supporters/members of the Church who supported this mission of service and salvation.The Sermons
To see more sermons go to to the Sermons or browse through the sermon links here.
Website Established 2013 © Copyright 2013 - 2018
Website last update: 13th December 2018
