A special community service
Tom, Hanna, Lukas and Emma made their way to the service together on this Sunday morning. Today there was something special: The children were allowed to help! Tom was supposed to help greet the visitors, Hanna and Emma wanted to sing in the children’s choir, and Lukas was allowed to help clean up after the service.
“I’m curious to see how it will turn out,” said Lukas as they opened the large wooden door to the church. “Normally we just sit there and listen.”
Inside, there was already a lot of hustle and bustle. The candles were burning, the sunlight was shining through the stained glass windows, and a soft sound of organ music filled the room. Tom stood at the door and gave the people a friendly welcome. “Good morning, nice to have you here!” he said bravely to an elderly lady who looked at him with a smile. Meanwhile, Hanna and Emma went to the choir, while Lukas looked around curiously.
During the service, the pastor spoke about community. “No one should be alone,” he explained. “God has given us to each other to support and encourage each other. Together we are strong.”
Hanna felt how beautiful those words felt. She took her little Bible out of her pocket and leafed through it until she found a suitable place. Then she whispered:
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Tom smiled. “It reminds me of the first Christians,” he said quietly to Emma. “They also always met to pray together, sing and share what they had. And Jesus was always with them.”
Emma nodded thoughtfully. “So that means that we are more than just friends – we are a family in faith, so to speak.”
After the service, Lukas eagerly helped with the clean-up. Together, the children put the books back in their place and put the chairs neatly in place.
“It feels kind of nice to help,” Lukas said thoughtfully.
“Yes,” Emma added. “It’s not just about ourselves, it’s about doing something good together.”
Outside, the sun shone warmly on their faces. The bells rang and the congregation said goodbye with warm words. Tom, Hanna, Lukas and Emma went home with a happy feeling.
“Today was really a special day,” Hanna said happily.
“Yes,” Tom agreed. “God has brought us together, and if we are there for each other, then he is in our midst.”
The friends laughed and ran along the path, ready for the next day – knowing that they always had a home in their community. 💛
Bible passage
A fitting biblical passage that underlines the importance of fellowship in faith and the involvement of children in the congregation can be found in Matthew 18:20:
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Schlachter 2000)
This passage shows that Jesus himself is present in the community of believers, be it at the divine service or at other gatherings in which children are also allowed to participate.
