Safe

What follows is the sermon I had written for yesterday's all-age service. I didn't read it, though, but talked without using my notes. I felt it did not go particularily well but I was very blessed to receive positive feedback on the sermon and the service itself. So, maybe, just maybe it went a little better than I thought :).

Today's Gospel reading comes from the book of John.

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. John 6: 16-21 (NIV)

When I was very little I was afraid of the dark and I wanted to sleep with the lights on. The problem is that in order for our bodies to get all the rest they need we really ought to sleep in darkness. That’s how our brains know that it is night and sleeping time. So I had to learn to be ok with the darkness. And I did.

How many of you have a toy or a teddy bear or something else you take with you to hold on when you go to sleep? Mine was a red velvet elephant called Fantti. I loved to hold its red ear to my cheek (and to be truthful to suck my thumb, too). That’s how I felt safe. I don’t have Fantti anymore but I remember her with great affection.

But sometimes I would be restless after the day and then I wished there would be someone with me. And there was, I just did not know it. Who do you suppose it could have been? Yes, Jesus. How do I know this? Because I know there were people praying for me (like my granny and grandpa) and because when I got a little older I would pray myself, too.

Have you ever been afraid of something? Of course you have. We have all been afraid at some time or another. It is nothing to be ashamed of -- even us adults are sometimes afraid. Some of us may be afraid of high places, some may be afraid of the water, some may be afraid of spiders, but all of us are afraid of something.

Today’s story tells about the disciples being very frightened, too. They had climbed into a boat and were on their way to a new town. Before they got to the other side darkness fell and not only that but then the wind started to blow and rock the boat. Many of the disciples were used to sailing because they were fishermen but they were beginning to be a bit afraid because the weather for so rough.

So, when they looked and saw someone coming toward them walking on the water the Bible says that then the disciples were quite simply terrified. The poor disciples!

But. Then, then they heard the voice of Jesus. He said, "It is I, don't be afraid." When they realized that it was Jesus they were no longer afraid.

When it comes to being afraid, we really are all in the same boat. But the good news is the very same the disciples experienced: if we invite Jesus to join us in our boat, we no longer have anything to fear, because we are protected and safe under the shielding wings of the love of Jesus.

RESPONSE TIME

You adults I invite you to think about the things in your life you are afraid of and to invite Jesus into them. You may go wander around in the main nave or just stay seated. [Our family services are held at a side chapel of the Turku Cathedral].

You who are a little younger - but also you adulsts - you could if you wanted write a prayer to Jesus about your fears. If you want you can place your letter to this basket and I will pray for them placing my hand on the letters but not reading them.

And then you little ones you could draw a picture of anything that makes you feel safe.
As we continue I will pray for all of us.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, please take over and resolve what we are not able to resolve.

Take care of those things that are beyond our reach.

You have the power to do so.

Thank you for watching over us and keeping us safe.

We know there are angels watching over us at all times and thank You for them.

In Jesus name we ask you for your peace to come over us when ever we find ourselves scared and afraid.

Amen.