THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

View from the Pew

May is Child Month

The Theme for this year is "PRIORITIZE OUR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH: STRONG MINDS, SAFE FUTURE" As a Church community, we are entrusted with nurturing God’s children - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and, most importantly, spiritually.  Children are a gift from God. The Bible reminds us of the immense value God places on our children. They are not an afterthought, but a blessing from a responsibility we hold in stewardship before God.

When we care for a child's holistic wellbeing, we are honouring the image of God in them.   Keep them safe. Safety goes beyond physical protection; it includes creating an environment that is conducive for learning, a place where they feel safe, secured, loved and can be heard. Gone are the days when children must be seen but never heard. Children do have a voice.

What we ought to be doing is clearly written in the book of Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This training involves guidance, consistent discipline, with LOVE and a safe space for them to express their fears and to ask questions without being ridiculed.

Jesus himself modelled how we should care for children when He said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" Matt.19:14 (NIV). He openly treated them with love, pride and dignity.

Growing Strong Minds

A strong mind is rooted in love, peace and truth. Phil 4:8 encourages us to focus our thoughts on "Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, ..." (NRSVA). As parents, teachers and church family we must listen to our children.

This Child Month, let us commit to being protectors of our children’s hearts, minds and their whole physical wellbeing. Let us pray for and with them daily, speak kindly to them and create homes and classrooms where they can grow strong in faith and character. A safe child becomes a confident adult, and a confident adult builds a stronger society.

May God bless every child in this congregation and may we as adults never fail to be for them the safe hands and gentle voice. Amen.

A few gentle reminders to parents:



1. Spend quality time with your children.

2. Give ten minutes of your undivided attention daily - no phone, no lecture, just listen.

3. Watch for signs: Withdrawal, mood swings, changes in sleep/appetite - they may be struggling. Pray, then talk with them.

4. Pray together, bedtime Bible stories and prayers help children feel safe.

5. Be a good role model.

Audrey Forrester-Saddler