Give Them a Hug

Greetings in the Name of our Lord,

Sunday will be an exciting time in the life and worship of Stonebridge UMC. This Memorial Day weekend, come and bring friends and family to our unified service at 11:00 a.m. (9:45 and 11:00 will combine into one service). Breakfast will be served at 10:30 a.m. – eggs, bacon and “whomp” biscuits. Thanks to the Men’s Group and the Hospitality Team for providing and helping with the breakfast. It’s going to be awesome!

Next week, we begin our Summer Listening Tour – Making Stonebridge UNSTOPPABLE. Our first two meetings are Tuesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 30. I will share my vision for the future, and we will brainstorm ideas to get us there. We need everyone to attend one of these meetings over the next three months. Sign up now or learn more at our Summer Listening Tour page. We want to hear everyone’s ideas. Let’s see where God is leading us. 

Finally, VBS and summer youth activities are just around the corner. Stonebridge UMC needs you. We need your prayers. We need your positive energy. We need your financial support. 

This summer our priority is our children and youth ministries. Invite. Share. Pray.

A new momentum of the Spirit has begun at Stonebridge UMC. Can you feel it? Families with kids of all ages are returning to campus. We expect double the kids at VBS. If you are available, we need you

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for our church. People are developing new spiritual habits, and I believe they are looking for a church of substance. We are the church where people can find support for their lives and growth for their spirits.

As we make sharing Christ with kids a priority this summer, let me share this list of “kid’s wisdom”. The list is entitled, “Kids’ Little Instructions on Life”. My favorites are below. 

Children and especially teenagers are honest and straightforward in their approach to life. Children are especially open and innocent. They so easily accept others and love us no matter what our faults may be.  


KIDS' LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS ON LIFE

"Wear a hat when feeding seagulls." -Rocky, age 9

"Never ask for anything that costs more than $5 when your parents are doing taxes." -Carrol, age 9

"Don't ever be too full for dessert." -Kelly, age 10

"When your dad is mad and asks you, 'Do I look stupid?' Don’t answer him." -Heather, age 16

"Never tell your little brother that you're not going to do what your mom told you to do." -Hank, age 12

"Remember you're never too old to hold your father's hand." -Molly, age 11

"Remember the two places you are always welcome-church and Grandma's house." -Joanne, age 11


Maybe this is why Jesus said, “… for to such as these does the Kingdom of God belong.” 

(Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16)

Do you have a child or teenager? Do you know a child or teenager? Give them a hug. Listen to their wisdom. Tell them how much you love them, just the way they are. Invite them to the exciting things that are happening at Stonebridge UMC. 

Share the stories of what God is doing, for God is changing lives and making a difference. 

Pastor John Allen