Did you hear about the people who almost got kicked outta church?

This Sunday we're going to talk about a group of people who almost got turned away from Jesus.

Can you imagine that?  Not because they had done anything wrong. It’s just they didn't belong.

Simply because... they were kids.

Parents were bringing their children to Jesus, not for a miracle, not for a sermon, but simply for a blessing. Yet the disciples saw them as a distraction. An interruption. In that culture, children were expected to be seen and not heard. (Ever wonder where that expression came from?) Surely Jesus had more important people to see and more meaningful things to do.

Then everything changed.  Mark tells us Jesus was indignant. He was HOT. He essentially said, "Time out!" "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14)

Which led me to wonder... Are there people we sometimes assume don't belong?  Who do we quietly decide is too messy, too broken, too different, or too far from God?

Maybe it’s someone you know? Or even…even yourself.

One thing Jesus made abundantly clear: the people others overlook are often the very people He welcomes.

This Sunday, we'll discover why Jesus made room for children and really, for anyone who sincerely comes looking for Him, and why we must do the same.

We'll celebrate everything God did this week through Illumination Station and pray for Ian and our students as they head to camp next week.

Because when we make room for the next generation... when we make room for people... we're following in the footsteps of Jesus Himself. The future of the Church isn't waiting to grow up.

It's already walking through our doors.

So, Bring your family. Bring a friend.  And above all... Bring the Kids.

I'll see you Sunday!

— Pastor Mike

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