Finding the Gospel in Things Kids Love
Did you ever play hide and seek as a kid? The thrill of searching, the laughter when someone popped out from their hiding spot, the surprise of discovering something right under your nose? That sense of wonder and discovery is at the heart of a new sermon series I’m starting in September, Hide and Seek: Finding the Gospel in Things Kids Love.
Over several weeks, we’ll look for the hidden gospel in places you might not expect—like Bluey, Little League, Minecraft, Playing, and Kids’ Books. Maybe you don’t know what Minecraft is, or you’ve never seen an episode of Bluey. You are not alone! You don’t have to be an expert in cartoons or video games to discover how God shows up in surprising ways. These messages are for anyone from every age and stage in life—from kids who are right in the middle of these worlds, to parents and grandparents who love watching them grow, to adults who simply want to be reminded that God is not limited to church walls or ancient pages.
I love how our church believes that everyone belongs in the story of faith—no matter your age, background, or level of Bible knowledge. That’s why you’ll find children participating in worship and serving right alongside adults. It’s why we create space for youth to ask big questions about life and God. It’s why our Sunday school classes and small groups welcome people who’ve been in church their whole lives and those who are just beginning to wonder if church could ever feel like home.
This series fits right into that mindset. And it’s not just for kids and families—though they’ll love it! These sermons are for anyone who might be curious about where faith meets real life. When we talk about Bluey, we’re really talking about family, joy, and learning from kids about what it means to be humble and open-hearted. When we talk about Little League, we’re really exploring how practice, failure, and teamwork prepare us for bigger challenges in life. When we talk about Minecraft, we’re really asking how creativity, perseverance, and even frustration can shape us spiritually. When we talk about books and play, we’re really diving into imagination, courage, and the great story God invites us to live in.
Even if these things are not familiar to you, you will recognize the feelings they bring. You know what it’s like to be surprised, to laugh, to fail, to create, to wonder. That’s where the gospel shows up.
I hope you will come to worship for this series. I also hope you will think about someone you can bring with you. It might be a child, a grandchild, a friend, or a neighbor. Be sure to bring your curiosity and your sense of wonder as well. Together, we’ll discover that the good news of Jesus is closer than we think—sometimes even hidden in plain sight.
At FUMCWF, whether you’re 5 or 95, a lifelong churchgoer or stepping inside for the very first time, you belong. And when it comes to God’s love, you don’t have to look far to find it.
With love, and joy, serving as your pastor,
John McLarty