“Our help is from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.” Psalm 124

All the children are here for Sunday School today.  And this is the SCS Teacher and this is Pastor Ed.

“Hi daddy!” said Loretta. “Can I go over to Running Chairs after church?” 

“We’ll see.  You’ll need to ask your mother.” said Pastor Ed.

The SCS Teacher began.  “Today in church we will have a Healing Service as part of our worship.  I have invited Pastor Ed here to tell us about what a Healing Service is and to answer any questions you may have.”

Loretta raised her hand with a question.  “Mommy, Daddy said it is okay for me to go to Running Chairs after church!  Can I go, please?  Can I, can I?” 

The SCS Teacher gave her daughter a look that said “NOT NOW!”

Pastor Ed explained to the children how, when they go up with their families to receive Communion, then they can go over to where the pastor is standing and the pastor will say a prayer and then he will anoint you.

“Can children even get anointed?  Will it hurt to get anointed?” asked Haman.

“Nope, doesn’t hurt.” said Pastor Ed.  “I have this little container called an oil stock.  It has a nice smelling oil in it that I touch with my hoof and then I will mark your forehead in an invisible sign of the cross.”

“Will the oil, like, you know, make my cold go away?” asked Running Chairs.

“No, it’s not like magic oil.  You will still have your cold.  But the oil reminds us that God helps us and that He gives us strength.  And that strength will help your body to heal.”

“What if someone is really old and sick?  Can you anoint them?” asked Polly.  “Certainly.” said Pastor Ed.

“What if they are really, really, really old and really, really, really sick?” asked Elizabeth.  “What if they are going to die?”

“You’ve asked a hard question Elizabeth.”  But before Pastor Ed could continue, Barabas raised his hand to speak.

“Is it kind of like God gives us HELP in THIS body until we’ve used it all up and then He gives us a NEW body for our life in heaven?”

“Yes.” smiled Pastor Ed . . .  By the way; Pastor Ed has always hoped that maybe someday Barabas will grow up to be a pastor.

At the end of class, Loretta went to her mother and said in her most grown-up voice  “I am sorry I interrupted class.  But can I pleaseee go over to Running Chairs after church.  Her mommy is making peanut butter and hay sandwiches.” 

“Yes Loretta, you may go.”  Eeeee-eeeee-eeeee said Loretta in a kind of whiney sound.

As the children left the Sunday School room, Pastor Ed let the children smell the oil that would be used for anointing. Here, I have some cotton balls that smell like the oil if you would like one!         THE END

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