Covid-19 Update – August 20

SMBC Covid-19 Update

August 20, 2020

Let’s talk about small children and church. A couple of weeks ago, I took a week off and was “away” for a Sunday. We weren’t really away on that Sunday though. To be quite honest, there’s nowhere we would rather be than with you guys. We love our church! Sherry, Mili, and I snuck in and sat in the back row for the 11:00 service. I’m so glad we did. The worship was wonderful. Dr. Fort did a beautiful job preaching the Word and you did a great job of participating in both. 

While we sat there on the back row, we got a better understanding of what it’s like for you to be in the pews during the corona days. We sat triangulated between three families with very small children. We saw their struggle. My heart went out to all of them. I wanted them to know that we all understand. I prayed that perhaps a sliver of the sermon might reach them while they wrestled with their babies. 

I’ve been eager to say this ever since that day. Please don’t think anyone minds if your small children are fidgety or fussy during church! We’re just so very glad you are making the effort. It’s ok if you have to slip out the side door for a little walk-around time. The children will learn how to do church and the church will learn how to do church with children. WE WILL ADJUST AND SO WILL THE BABIES. PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP!

God is adjusting us and temporarily removing from us some of the conveniences on which we have become too dependent. Nurseries and children’s churches are two of these things. Don’t be the person who says, “I won’t come if there isn’t a nursery.” In past days there were no nurseries. Would you not have been a faithful worshiper in the church if you lived in those days? What other requirements will we put on God before we obey His command to not forsake the gathering together of believers? 

So, let’s adjust. Let’s get accustomed to babies in church. Let’s not be afraid that our own little wigglers will make too much fuss. Jesus digs babies in church. We have a responsibility to have them here.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Love, 

Pastor John

p.s. I know that this note will make some of you feel guilty because you still feel like you shouldn’t come back to in-person worship yet. That was not my intention. I know you are staying faithful and participating online. You are gathering as you are able. Please be at peace. 


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