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​Holy Week – not just for grown ups

We have something at Salem that is fairly unique in a church setting. In case you haven’t noticed, kids are not only involved in Sunday school and youth group, but they are an integral part of our worship services. On any given Sunday, kids are greeting, ushering, running screens, helping in the nursery and leading worship. Holy Week was a good example: kids of all ages paraded into the sanctuary with palm branches on Palm Sunday, and teens dramatized a 9 page script of the passion scriptures. Several teens sang with the choir on Good Friday, and played instruments to accompany us. All ages brought the symbols of Lent to the front and extinguished candles as the choir sang. We had a fantastic trumpet player for Easter from Olathe North high school, and the youth served us a delicious Easter brunch.

I realize this is normal for Salem, but the participation of our kids in worship is truly extraordinary! Pastor Dave has asked us in the last few weeks “Why are we here? Is it just something we do on Sunday? Because Mom said you have to come to church?” I beg to differ, as I watch our kids find meaning in worship. Allow me to repeat: teenagers read and dramatized 9 pages of intense scriptures at 8:00 in the morning on Palm Sunday! Kindergarteners washed each other’s feet and hands on Maundy Thursday, and 3rd graders presented symbols of Lent on Good Friday! Kids are not only present, but are finding value in worship. Our congregation is richer for their presence, and we thank our families for encouraging all, no matter your age, to use your gifts to God’s glory. He is risen indeed, hallelujah!!

In Christ’s love,
Heather Lewis, Worship and Music Director

Tags: Weekly Word