Children’s Emphasis Sabbath

January 1, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. – Oct. 2 was the North American Division designated Children’s Emphasis Sabbath. Churches from around the Oklahoma Conference prepared a special program where the children led some or all of the Worship Service. Isaac Ortega taught the sermon at Oklahoma City Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, while many of the other children provided all of the other essential portions of the church service. At Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Jr. Sabbath School class provided a wonderful skit for the children’s story, the kindergarten class had special music, and children also led out in the offering call and prayer. Oklahoma City Central Hispanic Church had a special program honoring children. One of the highlights was when mothers dressed in Bible-time costumes brought their children to Jesus to be blessed. They went to the park in the afternoon for a wonderful time together. What a blessing it was to have our children not only be the focus of the church service, but the ones who were leading out as well. 

Now is the time to train our children and young people to lead out in our churches, teaching and mentoring them in the various aspects of our worship services. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Giving children the opportunity to participate in the worship service, teaching them how to speak and pray up front, inviting them to share their musical talents, teaching them to learn how to run the PA and allowing them to make mistakes in a safe environment are all part of “training up a child.” I challenge you to make your church a place where children are treated as integral, growing members.

By Norma Shepherd