Books
“When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?” ( Matthew 21:15-16)
YES! God’s Word does say that the children will praise God! In order to do this they need to be taught who God is in the name of Jesus!
Did you know our Academy classrooms have a small library for the children to read? Many of the current books are in rough shape as they are getting older. Now I know we have yearly book fairs for parents to purchase books for their children but how many of these books are faith based. As a faith-based academy how many of our library books are faith based? I have to tell you… not many.
One of the many items of concern we have been addressing here at Beautiful Savior this past year is the relationship between the congregation and the Academy. Well, here is another way we can strengthen our relationship… let’s support building their library with books… especially faith-based ones. How many of you have children’s books laying around your house that haven’t been looked at for years? Let’s donate them to the Academy! Each year they do have Scholastic come and have a book fair… have you ever thought of helping purchase books for the kids in their classrooms?
One of the things I enjoy to do during chapel time is to read to the kids. Over the years I have collected a number of books that I enjoy reading to the kids. Some of them aren’t even faith based but tell of real life situations where faith can make a difference. One of these books is called, “Alexander and the Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.” Its about a boy that has a really bad day. All kids have bad days… and one way to help out a bad day is to pray to God. Alexander doesn’t do this in the book but what a great teaching moment!
At our next Congregational meeting, Our Academy director, Becca, will be sending around assign up sheet asking for volunteers to come and read a book to the children at the Academy. What a great opportunity to share some of your gifts to make a difference for these kids! Please be sure to come to the congregational meeting on August 17th following the worship service and sign up to read!
While I was at the National Churchwide Assembly, our publisher, Augsburg Fortress had a bookstore that showcased a whole new series of children’s books from Spark House Publishing called Frolic - Little Steps Big Faith. What wonderful books to have in a school library! Check out the website to see more: Frolic | Sparkhouse .
Again… let’s see what we can do to help stock our Academy’s library by donating some books… faith based or not… they could use a restock! Old and new books are needed! Let’s bring them to the box in the church office. Let’s grow the faith life of these kids and give them a chance to sing praises to God!
See also: Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Augsburg Fortress Press - https://www.augsburgfortress.org/
Concordia Publishing - https://www.cph.org/
Peace,
Pastor Tony