04/14/2020
Park Hill UMC
Children
This is one of my favorite stories/ideas, that Jesus did NOT stick around and establish a monarchy. Instead he leaves the kingdom to a handful of "unknowns." I hope our children can begin to see the trust and value Jesus placed on his followers, including us today.
*Read along in pg. 346-9 of Whirl Kids Story Bible, and you can also email tory@phumc.org if you need help following along in a different Story Bible.
Youth/Students
Today's story is that of the ascension, which means Jesus going up into heaven.
I wonder how many of us would have been sad and scared having our (recently executed) leader leaving us again so soon. Usually when people "win" they stick around, especially political leaders. It's as if Jesus won the "election" and then chose to give up the presidency. What does it say about Christianity that we are asked to be a movement of followers and disciples, instead of the presidency of a powerful individual? Do our leaders today do enough of building movements instead of simply getting votes to stay in power? I pray as you all become old enough to vote, that you find leaders that build movements of love and justice, instead of just picking who gets the power.
Parents/Adults
"The Uprising of Fellowship," Chpt. 34 in We Make the Road by Walking
This chapter emphasizes that the disciples of Jesus have been given the power to forgive. What a different kind of power than the cabinet of most world leaders. Imagine a world where people were forgiven their debts, and forgiven their trespasses in ways that brought freedom and fellowship. Are we forgiving enough today?
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