Matthew 10:40-42

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: How are you doing, Sammy?

Sammy: I’m thirsty, Pastor.

Pastor: You’re thirsty?

Sammy: Yes, I need water. Can I have some water?

Pastor: I don’t have any water to give you. There’s a water fountain in the hallway.

Sammy: Even if I use the stool, I still can’t reach the water fountain. I’m thirsty, Pastor. I need a drink. Boys and girls, have you ever needed a drink? Maybe right before bedtime?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: I don’t have a drink for you, Sammy.

Sammy: Well, Jesus says if you give me a drink then you get a treat. I am just trying to help you out, Pastor.

Pastor: Oh, Sammy. Jesus is talking about how we should treat each other.

Sammy: I know that. I am a little one. I am thirsty. I would like a drink. I can’t reach the water fountain. Nobody is sharing a cup of water with me. 

Pastor: Hang on, Sammy. You are missing the point. 

Sammy: I don’t think so. I think I understand the point perfectly. I’m thirsty. I need a drink. You give me a drink. You get a treat. 

Pastor: Jesus is talking about how we should treat each other. People did not always treat Jesus or the disciples very nicely. There were men who brought God’s word to people. These men were called prophets. A lot of times, prophets spoke words of truth that were hard for people to hear. Sometimes, people listened to prophets, and sometimes they just got mad at the prophets.

Sammy: What does this all have to do with my drink?

Pastor: I am getting to that part. Jesus shows us that we need to be loving and welcoming to strangers and to people that are little. 

Sammy: I am little!

Pastor: Yes you are. Jesus is talking about how we need to focus on listening to people who follow God and we need to focus on loving and serving the littlest people in our lives–children.

Sammy: That makes sense to me.

Pastor: I don’t have a drink for you, Sammy. But I think after church I can help you get one. 

Sammy: That sounds great, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for encouraging us to love and serve each other. Help us to always listen to you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Did you bring your sword, Pastor?

Pastor: My sword?

Sammy: Yes your sword. I thought you could show the boys and girls the sword I found the other day.

Pastor: Yes. I remember that day. You were wandering around my yard and I invited you in for a drink.

Sammy: Yes you did. I was a thirsty lamb. You have good water.

Pastor: After you got your drink, you wandered around the house.

Sammy: Yes I did. I found all sorts of wonderful things in your house. So many fun toys and the sword. Show them the sword.

[If you have a play sword, a picture of a sword, etc. share this item with the children]

Pastor: Here is the sword.

Sammy: That’s a great sword!

Pastor: You know, Sammy, it’s great that you found this sword in my house ahead of this Gospel reading today.

Sammy: It is?

Pastor: Yes it is. Today in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword.”

Sammy: What does that mean? What is Jesus saying?

Pastor: Jesus is talking about how when people believe in him, they sometimes have family and friends that don’t believe in him.

Sammy: Some of my family members don’t believe in Jesus. It’s hard for me to talk to them sometimes about how much I love Jesus.

Pastor: Don’t be discouraged, Sammy. When Jesus came to earth the first time, he brought a sword, and people were divided against one another. When Jesus comes back to create a new Heaven and a new Earth, we will have peace.

Sammy: I look forward to that day, Pastor. But until then, maybe hang on tight to that sword.

Pastor: I will, Sammy. Boys and girls, can you please pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, help us to pray for peace among our friends and family. We thank you Jesus for your love. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Matthew 28:16-20

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: How are you doing, Sammy?

Sammy: I am doing well, but I am a little confused.

Pastor: What are you confused about, Sammy?

Sammy: What does authority mean? 

Pastor: That’s a great question, Sammy. Boys and girls, let’s try to help Sammy understand this word.

Sammy: Wait–I have a guess. 

Pastor: Go ahead, Sammy. What do you think authority means?

Sammy: Well, you heat up water on the stove, and then you get a mug, and you put dried leaves in the mug. Author-it-tea.

Pastor: That’s not right, Sammy.

Sammy: Well, it was worth a try.

Pastor: It’s always a good idea to try. Even if you are wrong. Still try. Anyway, boys and girls, what do you think authority means?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: I love all of these answers. Authority means that person is in charge. He or she is given something to rule or command. And everyone needs to look to that person for where to go or for what to do.

Sammy: So what is Jesus given authority of?

Pastor: Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” All authority. Everything in Heaven and on Earth belongs to Jesus.

Sammy: Woah. Everything?

Pastor: Everything.

Sammy: Everything? Are you sure?

Pastor: Sammy, Jesus is God. Everything belongs to him. Everything in Heaven and everything on Earth.

Sammy: Pastor, that means all of us belong to Jesus too.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. Jesus has authority over our good days, our bad days, our happy moments, and our sad moments. He is with us at school, on the playground, at church. There is nothing too big or too small for Jesus. He has authority over everything.

Sammy: I have so much peace knowing that Jesus has authority over everything. That means, no matter what, he is King.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you pray with me? Dear Jesus, we thank you for your authority. We praise you for your love and for holding our lives in your hands. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: Peace be with you, Sammy.

Sammy: Peace be with you, too, Pastor. Hey, Pastor?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: We say, “Peace be with you” during church, and Jesus says “Peace be with you a lot.” Today he said “Peace be with you” to his disciples.

Pastor: All of what you said is true, Sammy.

Sammy: So what does “Peace be with you” mean? I hear this phrase every Sunday, but I just don’t get it. I don’t go around greeting animals at the farm saying, “Peace be with you” to them. And when I go to the farmer’s market, the farmers don’t say, “Peace be with you” to each other. I hear a lot of “Good morning!” and “How are you?” and “What’s up?” but not ever “Peace be with you” until I come to church. So what does it mean and why do we say it?

Pastor: That’s a great question, Sammy. Boys and girls, what does “Peace be with you” mean?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you for all of the wonderful answers. Sammy, “Peace be with you” is a very special phrase. “Peace be with you” is a blessing. We are asking God to give a blessing of peace to others, and we are praying for peace between us and our neighbors. Church is a great place to share peace. But we can share peace with each other anywhere we go.

Sammy: That makes sense to me. I like that I can share peace with my friends and neighbors. 

Pastor: Something else that is really important about the Gospel reading for today is that Jesus gives his disciples the Holy Spirit. 

Sammy: That’s an incredible gift!

Pastor: Yes, the Holy Spirit is a gift Jesus gives us now. When we follow Jesus, we get to experience the peace of the Holy Spirit.

Sammy: I like that. Peace be with you, Pastor.

Pastor: Peace be with you, Sammy. Boys and girls, we are going to pray, and then I would like you to say, “Peace be with you” to someone on your way back to your seat. Let’s practice. Ready? Peace be with you. Nice job! Let’s bow our heads and fold our hands. Dear Jesus, thank you for your peace. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sammy: Peace be with you.

Pastor: Peace be with you.

Prayers of the Church

June 28, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost:  Proper 8, Lectionary 13

All: Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 (God’s covenant with David)

Sola/LSB: Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)

                ELW/RCL: Romans 6:12-23 (Delivered from slavery to sin, be slaves to righteousness)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, whoever gives cup of water in His name receives reward)

                ELW/RCL: Matthew 10:40-42 (Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)

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Opening Hymn: O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

Hymn of the Day: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660 (Even if your congregation , like mine, normally sits for the Hymn of the Day, GET EM ON THEIR FEETSES for this one!)

OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

Communion 1: We Give Thee but Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion 2:  Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

*******

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you pay us the compliment of revealing hard truths to us. You expect us to see the world honestly, and to value your truth above even earthly peace. You speak to us of sin and death, cross bearing and persecution, suffering and service. Give us a double measure of your Spirit as we seek to be disciples of Jesus, because, dear Lord, we’re going to need it!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the Church courage to speak your truth, even when that seems to bring not peace but a sword. Keep it faithful to the testimony of apostles and martyrs, saints, and doctors of your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout all time and space. Grant that it should prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ; and that it should count as its greatest honor the bearing of his Cross in this sin-shadowed world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Preserve the lives of your persecuted servants from those who despise your Law. When they must bear a bitter cross, keep them faithful, firmly fixed on the joy set before them. Give us courage to defend and assist them. Give us grace to faithfully serve the Lord for whom they are willing to die.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Give us fresh ways to reach, speak with, and walk alongside people who don’t know your love. We ask a special blessing upon all Vacation Bible School programs this summer. Give them dedicated volunteers and lots of happy children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even in the lazy days of summer, you call us to be Jesus’ apprentices in the art of healing souls, teaching minds, and softening hearts to receive your great gifts. Bless and guide everyone learning to be disciples of Jesus, walking with him as he seeks the hurting and lost.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. Bless us with peace, and with freedom from every evil  and falsehood. Teach us all to live together as your children, and to work together for the prospering of all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep those in the military, and all who defend life and liberty, safe from harm to body and soul. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Give them clear heads, capable hands, and upright spirits. Bring them safely home when their task is done, and heal those who are injured in any way.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of your servants who suffer in body, mind, spirit, or circumstance, and for all who crave your mercy and blessing, including: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness, and hope. Help us to give even a cup of cold water for the sake of our Lord and his love for them. Bless all caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists with compassion, expertise, and cheerful service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Help us care for each other for Jesus’ sake. Help us speak hard truths with humility and love. Give us grace to take up our cross and follow Jesus, knowing that he will lead us through danger, evil, and death, and will bring us home to you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

June 21, 4th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 7, Lectionary 12, Father’s Day

All: Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 69:7-18 (Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)

Sola/LSB: Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

                ELW/RCL, Romans 6:1-11 (Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission; fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)

                ELW/RCL: Matthew 10:24-39 (Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value

to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)

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Opening Hymn: On Eagles’ Wings: WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

OR Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment: LBW #556, LSB #511

NOTE: If tune is unfamiliar, use the tune Regent Square, LBW #50, “Angels, From the Realms of Glory”

Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

Communion 1: Just as I Am, Without One Flea: LBW #296, LSB #570

Communion 2: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

Closing Hymn: Our Father, By Whose Name: LBW #357, ELW #640, LSB #863

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

*******

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus. We may trust him even when he brings not peace but a sword. Thank you for the severe mercy of death and resurrection; Law and Gospel; repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for entrusting your Kingdom and your Word to us, even though we often feel unequal to that trust!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You established your Church as a school for mission to the world. Rekindle that missionary zeal throughout the Church. Let all Christians be eager witnesses to the love of Jesus. Free the Church from worldly preoccupations. Free it to announce and share with the world the Gospel of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen those who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Keep them from repaying evil with evil. By their gentleness, patience, and faith, turn the hearts of their tormentors to trust only in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fashion this congregation into a missionary outpost; a school for discipleship; a hotbed of generous service; and a temple resounding with your praise. Teach us simple ways of sharing your love with everyone we meet; and give us the strength and will to do them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is such a great need for pastors, evangelists, and disciple-makers! We know the world is starving for the living bread of your Word. Help us to nurture faith, help fellow believers to discern God’s call to ministry, and support them in every way possible as they respond to his gracious invitation. And if others say to us, “Perhaps you are the one God is calling,” help us to say, “Here I am, Lord.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the leaders of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, with righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. Help us to live, insofar as it’s up to us, at peace with our neighbors, even when we’re annoyed with them. Help us to care for one another, even when we’re stressed out and stretched thin. And help us to forgive each other, even when that seems hard.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, by your Name all fatherhood is blessed. Shape all fathers, foster fathers, uncles, grampas, and mentors to reflect your strength, wisdom, and love. Heal fractured relationships between dads and their children. Comfort those who can’t be fathers, have lost a child, or who grieve the absence of a good dad in their lives. Be their dear Father, now and always

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring health and gladness to all whose lives are shadowed by pain, suffering or sorrow – including: {List}. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander. Give compassion, gentleness, and patience to all who care for them. Shelter them always with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep us firm in faith and constant in affection. Command your holy angels to shield us from the Evil One’s flaming darts. By the Cross of your beloved Son, lead us safely into your presence. There, with all whom you have redeemed and raised up, grant that we may delight in praising your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

June 14, 3^rd  Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Lectionary 11

All: Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)

All: Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

Sola/LSB: Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)

                ELW: Romans 5:1-8 (We rejoice in suffering, which leads to hope that doesn’t disappoint, for Christ died for us at the right time)

All: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)

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Opening Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

Hymn of the Day: Preach You the Word and Plant it Home: LSB #586

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

                                Spread the Reign of God the Lord, LSB #830

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

(use if you preach on Romans text)

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

Communion 2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW 381, LSB #827

Closing Hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

*******

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Jesus calls us to share your love with other ungodly sinners. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be everything you desire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those wounded by sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead many people to the One who died that they might live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense, aid them by our prayers and material support, and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so we serve you with joyful gratitude. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We confess that obedience to your word and will is not our strong suit. We prefer our own devices and desires. Forgive us. Soften our hearts, focus our minds, and strengthen our spines, so that we withstand the temptation to give in, give up, or give ourselves over to the evil one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your Lordship and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Help them to be honest, fair, competent, and just. We humbly ask that you give us the leadership we need, not just that which we desire or deserve.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who protect and serve others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, brave, and wise. Surround them, and their loved ones, with your holy angels. Help us to honor their service. Speed the day when they stand down from duty and enjoy your blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and those whom we name before you now: {List}. Bring to them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

June 7, 2026: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, Lectionary 10

All: Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

All: Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

*******

Opening Hymn: Give Me Jesus/ In the Morning When I Rise: WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

                OR Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

Hymn of the Day: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

Communion Hymn #1: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

Closing Hymn:  One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

*******

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you have created us, blessed us, and forgiven us. You send us to share your forgiveness with fellow sinners. Help us to do that eagerly and well! Give us strength to find our joy and purpose in life by loving you with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shape your Church into the image of Jesus. Make it a place of steadfast love and righteousness. Make it a place of forgiveness, hope, and praise. Make it a place of truth and grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, there will always be people who stop their ears and refuse the Good News. Strengthen your persecuted people with your Holy Spirit. Give them the fullness of joy that Jesus promised, because he has overcome the world. Help them to share that joy, and the hope that is within them, even with their enemies, so that in Christ, they may be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this congregation in pathways of faithful worship, loving service, and wise words. Let everything we say and do help lead even one other precious soul a step closer to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all students, especially graduates, as they complete another year of school. Thank you for good teachers, aides, and coaches. Give all of us the joy of learning a  new skill and increasing our wisdom and knowledge, whether in the classroom, on the job, or in “the school of hard knocks.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, please give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to everyone in positions of authority in our country, and around the world. Teach them rightly to use the authority and power entrusted to them. And help all of us to be good neighbors, citizens, and stewards of your good creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect and guide all whose work is difficult or dangerous, especially those who protect us from harm. They need your good gifts of courage, competency, and dedication! So do we. Help us to honor their work, and to not make it any harder than it already is through needless fear, foolishness, or malice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son healed everyone who called upon him for aid. We pray, therefore, on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including our dear ones: {List}. Restore them to health, and strengthen their faith in you, the God whose promises have their Yes in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those whom we loved who have gone before us, who shaped our faith and our lives, and who now rest in your embrace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so our lives may be a blessing to others. Lead us into your house of many rooms, where we may be reunited with your saints of times past, greet those unknown to us, and rejoice with them in your presence forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: Today is a special day, Sammy.

Sammy: Yes it is. We have church today!

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. And today at church it is Ascension Sunday.

Sammy: What does that mean?

Pastor: Well today we read a passage from the Gospel of Luke about Jesus ascending into Heaven.

Sammy: Ascending. Ascending. Boys and girls, can you try that word with me? Ascending. Ascending. What does ascending mean? 

Pastor: Ascending means that Jesus went up into Heaven while the disciples were looking at him.

Sammy: Oh I think I get it! Jesus was standing on the ground and then he started floating in the air and then he went into Heaven.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy.

Sammy: That’s kind of like this one time I was standing on a sidewalk with a balloon.

Pastor: What does a balloon have to do with Jesus?

Sammy: Hang on, Pastor. I am getting to that part. So I was standing on a sidewalk with a red balloon, and then all of a sudden, I let the balloon go.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think happened to Sammy’s red balloon?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: These are good answers.

Sammy: My balloon floated up and up and then I couldn’t see it anymore. I don’t know where it went, but it went up really far.

Pastor: Jesus ascended just like your balloon, Sammy, but Jesus went to Heaven. Most balloons that float away from us pop and the pieces come back down. Or they get stuck somewhere.

Sammy: I miss my red balloon. Do you think the disciples missed Jesus?

Pastor: I think they missed him in a way, but you know, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. And Jesus promised to always be with them. He was with the disciples, and he is here with us today.

Sammy: I love that Jesus is always with us.

Pastor: Me too. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a tiny baby. Thank you for choosing to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you for showing us your glory in beating death, rising again, and ascending to Heaven. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Today is a special day! Today is Mother’s Day!

Pastor: Happy Mother’s Day to all of our church mamas out there. 

Sammy: You know what’s great, Pastor?

Pastor: What is that, Sammy?

Sammy: I have a mama at home, but here at church, I have many mamas and grandmas that God gave me. We all believe in God, and we are a church family. I love looking around at my family here at _______ (church name).

Pastor: That’s a gift, Sammy. Boys and girls, what are some of the things your mamas and grandmas do for you because they love you?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Those are all great answers. My mom helps me _______. 

Sammy: Pastor?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: What is an avocado?

Pastor: An avocado is a fruit that grows on a tree.

Sammy: No. No. Let me try again. What is an ad-vo-cat? 

Pastor: An ad-vo-cat?

Sammy: Yes, an ad-vo-cat.

Pastor: I don’t think that’s anything, Sammy. I think you are making up words.

Sammy: I am not making up words. You were the one who read the Gospel, Pastor.

Pastor: Oh! You mean an advocate. Jesus is talking about an advocate, Sammy.

Sammy: Phew! I was worried that you were not going to understand me, Pastor. So what is an advocate.

Pastor: An advocate is someone who speaks on our behalf and who watches out for us. In the Gospel, the Advocate Jesus is talking about is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has to go back to Heaven, and he promises his disciples, and us, too, that he is not going to leave us alone. 

Sammy: But he left!

Pastor: Right, but the Holy Spirit is with us always. God is always with us.

Sammy: I am glad he is with me and that he is my advocate.

Pastor: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us because he loves us. Just like our mamas love us. Just like our church family loves us. We are given these gifts from God because his love for us is so great, it is more than we can ever imagine. 

Sammy: That’s a whole lot of love. I love that Jesus sent an advocate for me. And I love that he gave me my mama, and our whole church, too.

Pastor: Let’s pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for mamas.  Thank you for our church family. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, everyone!