June 2025
“Planting Seeds in the Next Generation”
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:13–16(NRSV)
You may be wondering if spring is really here. Well, not quite yet—it’s still cold! Maybe we’ll skip straight to summer, with June already around the corner.
What do you expect in June? As the month unfolds with longer days, warmer air, and the hum of summer beginning, many of us turn our attention to outdoor projects—planting gardens, mowing lawns, soaking in the sunshine. It’s a season when growth becomes visible. The earth reminds us that new life needs intention: seeds must be planted, watered, and nurtured before any fruit can be seen.
A few weeks ago, I was surprised to see something new in my garden. Plants I had forgotten about began to sprout and even blossom—despite the lingering cold. I was in awe. They were beautiful! I tried to remember what they were and when I had planted them. Then it came to me: I planted them two years ago, after getting them at Atlas UMC’s Easter sale. They had come in a small pot, and I transplanted them into my garden. I expected them to bloom the following spring—but they didn’t. I was disappointed and gave up on them.
But even though I gave up, God didn’t. Those little seeds endured underground, quietly surviving. God’s grace was still at work, even when I couldn’t see it. And now, finally, they have sprouted and blossomed.
In the same way, this season invites us to tend to something even more precious than tomatoes or tulips: the faith of the next generation.
This summer, as Vacation Bible School and special youth activities begin to appear on our calendars, we’re given a holy opportunity—to pass on the stories of our faith to our children and youth.
Some may wonder why we offer Vacation Bible School or youth programs. It might seem like a lot of effort and expense without much visible fruit. But like my garden, the seeds of faith we plant in children and youth may not show growth right away. Still, God’s grace is there, working beneath the surface.
Remember, Jesus loves when children come to Him. In the Gospel of Mark, we read:
“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.’” (Mark 10:13–14)
Please don’t be like the disciples who tried to block the children. Instead, be part of welcoming them. You can join in the children and youth ministry by volunteering at VBS or helping with the youth summer program.
This will be our third year offering Vacation Bible School. From past experience, we know how God works through it. Whether you volunteer during activities, donate supplies, offer your encouraging presence, or keep the event in prayer—your support matters.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, neighbor, or simply someone willing to smile and say a kind word to a child on Sunday morning—you are part of this sacred task. A seed planted through a story shared at VBS, a whispered prayer, or a conversation while volunteering might not bear fruit overnight, but God is faithful. God brings the growth.
So this June, I invite you to pray for our children and youth. Support their ministries. Show up when you can. Encourage those who work with them. And trust that even small seeds of kindness, scripture, and love can grow into strong, fruit-bearing trees of faith.
May this season be one of joy, hope, and planting—with eyes fixed on what God can do through every little seed we offer.
Blessings,
Pastor Jenny