Worship Wonders

What happens when church ministries work together to teach children to love the world in the name of Jesus? At Acton United Methodist Church in Granbury, Texas MAD (Music, Art and Drama) for Mission happens every summer! This year children who have completed grades K-6, led by staff from the music department and the Minister of Outreach combined with United Methodist Women, the adult Outreach Team and members of Soundwave Youth Choir to learn about life and worship for children in Sudan. In response to the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five loaves of bread and four fish, the children made 250 backpack meals for children in need in their own neighborhood. While learning about health and education needs in Sudan, they made 100 health kits and 200 school kits to send to Sudan through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). In art, they made prayer pinwheels voicing their own personal prayers for Sudanese children. “Red Hand” posters illustrating Philippians 4:15 (“Let your gentleness be known . . . the Lord is near”) were sent to the United Nations in solidarity with peacemakers around the world against the use of children as soldiers. United Methodist Women shared pictures and stories about Sudan from Response magazine and made snacks that children in Sudan might eat . . . pita bread with honey and toast with cream cheese and dates. In story time, they heard that “it takes two hands to clap” and shared how their hands can help children around the world who have needs so big their families cannot meet them. As an offering, they brought nickels and dimes and pennies and quarters to help build a fishpond in Sudan stocked with fish through Heifer International that will feed children and families for generations. In worship on Sunday, they led the congregation to “go and do likewise” by singing Sudanese songs of praise and community. . . . and the congregation added $400 to their $67 of nickles and dimes and quarters to build the tank! Thanks be to God for the privilege of teaching children to join their brothers and sisters around the world in their struggle and in their hope. "Who will build the church now? We will, yes we will!"