Community of Christ Mission Initiatives for Children
Community of Christ is a faith community that encourages the ministry of all people, including children and youth.
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Invite People to Christ
Christ’s mission of evangelism. We Invite People to Christ by sharing the peace of Jesus Christ with those who are waiting to hear the redeeming words of the gospel. |
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Abolish Poverty, End Suffering
Christ’s mission of compassion. We Abolish Poverty, End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons. |
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Pursue Peace on Earth
Christ’s mission of justice and peace. We Pursue Peace on Earth by restoring Christ’s covenant of peace, even the Zion of our hopes. The hope of Zion will become reality when we live Christ’s peace and generously share his peace with others. |
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Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s mission. We Develop Disciples to Serve by equipping men, women, and children to be true and living expressions of the life, ministry, and continuing presence of Christ in the world. |
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Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip congregations for Christ’s mission. We Experience Congregations in Mission by becoming congregations that are the true and living expressions of Jesus Christ, woven together by the Spirit, and sent into the world as evangelistic witnesses, compassionate ministers, and justice and peacemakers. |
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Our Mission Initiatives equip individuals for Christ’s Mission, guide us directly on to paths that help us make Christ’s Mission, Our Mission. They help us to know, be, and do as we serve Christ. |
Embracing the Spirit of the Children's Mission Prayer
Children possess a unique combination of innocence and curiosity, approaching the world with a sense of wonder that often inspires adults to see things from a fresh perspective. A beautiful expression of this spirit is captured in the simple yet profound Children's Mission Prayer.
This prayer not only encapsulates the purity of a child's faith but also serves as a reminder for all of us about the values we should strive to embody in our daily lives.
Seeking Purpose and Connection
The opening lines, "God, What are you doing today? Maybe I can help!" reflect a child’s desire to be part of something greater. This sense of purpose is a fundamental human need. It reminds us that no matter our age, we can seek to understand and contribute positively to the world around us. By asking how we can assist in divine plans, we open ourselves to opportunities for growth, service, and connection with others.
The opening lines, "God, What are you doing today? Maybe I can help!" reflect a child’s desire to be part of something greater. This sense of purpose is a fundamental human need. It reminds us that no matter our age, we can seek to understand and contribute positively to the world around us. By asking how we can assist in divine plans, we open ourselves to opportunities for growth, service, and connection with others.
Strength and Gentleness
The prayer continues with the request to be "strong like a lion, gentle like a lamb." These contrasting images of strength and gentleness highlight the importance of balance. Strength without compassion can lead to aggression, while gentleness without strength might result in passivity. By aspiring to be both, we can navigate life's challenges with resilience and kindness, embodying a powerful yet considerate presence.
The prayer continues with the request to be "strong like a lion, gentle like a lamb." These contrasting images of strength and gentleness highlight the importance of balance. Strength without compassion can lead to aggression, while gentleness without strength might result in passivity. By aspiring to be both, we can navigate life's challenges with resilience and kindness, embodying a powerful yet considerate presence.
Courage and Compassion
"Make me caring and brave," the prayer implores. Courage and compassion are vital traits for creating change in the world. Courage empowers us to face adversity and stand up for what is right, while compassion ensures that our actions are guided by empathy and understanding. These qualities are essential in a world that often demands both action and sensitivity from those who wish to make a difference.
"Make me caring and brave," the prayer implores. Courage and compassion are vital traits for creating change in the world. Courage empowers us to face adversity and stand up for what is right, while compassion ensures that our actions are guided by empathy and understanding. These qualities are essential in a world that often demands both action and sensitivity from those who wish to make a difference.
Spreading Love and Peace
The concluding aspiration, "to fill the world with your love and peace," is a universal goal transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Love and peace are the cornerstones of a harmonious society. By striving to embody these ideals, we contribute to a world where differences are celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through understanding and mutual respect.
The concluding aspiration, "to fill the world with your love and peace," is a universal goal transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Love and peace are the cornerstones of a harmonious society. By striving to embody these ideals, we contribute to a world where differences are celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through understanding and mutual respect.
A Call to Action
The Children's Mission Prayer is a call to action for people of all ages. It encourages us to look beyond ourselves, harness our strengths, and approach life with a compassionate heart. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect, spreading love and peace throughout our communities and beyond.
As we reflect on this prayer, let us ask ourselves how we encourage children and youth to be instruments of positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.
How can they be strong, gentle, caring, and brave today?
By embracing the values expressed in this prayer, they can help fill the world with the love and peace we all yearn for. Amen.
The Children's Mission Prayer is a call to action for people of all ages. It encourages us to look beyond ourselves, harness our strengths, and approach life with a compassionate heart. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect, spreading love and peace throughout our communities and beyond.
As we reflect on this prayer, let us ask ourselves how we encourage children and youth to be instruments of positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.
How can they be strong, gentle, caring, and brave today?
By embracing the values expressed in this prayer, they can help fill the world with the love and peace we all yearn for. Amen.
If you would like to join with us in pursuing Christ's Mission, please see the opportunities listed on the "Activities" page of this website.