"It Takes a Church!"

An article in the Advocate quotes Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, as saying; “How can we be a people of faith and not take care of our [children]?” That’s a good question. “Children need people to advocate for them. They do not choose their parents. They do not choose how or where to live. They are totally vulnerable and we must do all we can to protect them.”

Sometime back, Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote a book titled; It Takes A Village. She borrowed her titled from the African proverb which states; “It takes a village to raise a child...” Her book acknowledges the many challenges and struggles of raising children in America, and stresses the importance the community plays in the upbringing of healthy and secure children. The former First Lady draws on her own experiences as a child, mother, and lawyer, as well as those of concerned parents, teachers and advocates for children and she also listens to the important lessons that children can teach adults.

One of my earliest memories from Sunday school is a picture of Jesus blessing the little children. I am sure you all have seen a similar picture, in which Jesus is holding a child on his lap and other children are either seated or standing around him. Looking at this picture, as a young child, visually taught me that Jesus loves all children. I began to realize then, and especially as I grew into a youth, that Christianity wasn’t something solely for adults, but that I had a place and a voice in the Church.

Wayne Oates once said; “We need to give our children two things. The first is roots, and the second is wings. We need to give them a sense of belonging...” Let us be a faithful church that nurtures, nourished and strengthens our children. Let us be a church that allows our children and youth to express themselves and live out their faith openly and freely.

A wonderful sense of joy and excitement comes from the birth of a new baby! In fact, as a father, I would have to say nothing is more awe-inspiring than the miracle of birth. However, we witness this miracle every day - both in nature and in people. Some of these births are quiet and serene, such as the births that takes place in the natural setting; others are more dramatic and noticeable, such as the birth of a child. The metaphor of birth is also a popular one, especially when it comes to baptism or conversion. We have heard of people talk about being “born again.” Certainly, baptism is a fitting example of “being born again” or “born anew.”

As I prepared for the birth of my second child, I couldn’t help but ponder the miracle of birth and the gift of children to families and to the church. Edgemont has been blessed with many children. It is amazing to see, on some Sundays during our Children’s Sermon, nearly two pews are filled with children who come forward. It is even more exciting to see and listen to their activity and involvement in worship.

In the beautiful poem written by Daniel B. Merrick titled; Filled with the Joy and Gladness, we find both an expression of joy and the realization of the responsibilities of parenthood. This poem was written for the dedication of his grandchild, Emily Williams. It is a prayer that through all the “fears and trembling” of the unknown future the child will grow up proclaiming God’s love and faith. It reads:

“Filled with the joy and gladness of life’s wonder,

We stand before you, new life in our hands,

Trembling with fear before the unknown future,

Earnest but awed before life’s stern demands.

Filled with wonder, standing in your presence,

This newborn child before your life we lay.

You wait upon the small and bear the tender,

You who command the planets on their way.

By all your work and love’s divine intention

We have been born to new life in your name.

Your living work surrounds this celebration.

Lord, let this child your love and faith proclaim.”

We have the wonderful privilege and tradition of dedicating our children to God and the Church. A tradition that began with Hannah’s dedication of her son, Eli; to Mary and Joseph’s dedication of Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem. Amber and I plan to have our son, Elijah Eros Yopp dedicated on Sunday, July the 22nd. But let us not forget the importance of dedicating ourselves to the children and youth of Edgemont. May we help to give them strong roots and wings.

In the Book of Common Prayer is found the beautiful prayer, which reads; “Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when they are discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may thy peace which surpasses all understanding abide all the days of their lives.” Indeed it does, “takes a [church] to raise [our] children.”