The following story was shared by Dr. Diana Butler-Bass on Facebook today.  It is worth a deep reflection.  First, the story as she told it. 

So this happened at Foundry UMC in DC today:

The pastor called the little ones forward for the children’s sermon, about a dozen preschoolers gathered on the chancel steps. The pastor asked, “Where is the candle? Do you see the candle?” The children looked around. One sharp-eyed boy said, “There it is.” And the pastor replied, “Would you get it?” The boy retrieved the candle and handed it to her.

“Where is the white bowl?” she then asked. And the same happened. “Where are the silver and gold beads?” Repeat. “Where is something that reminds you of Christmas?” Again.

Finally she asked, “Where is God?”

The children looked about. Up, down, all around. A few bewildered stares, some shrugged shoulders. Then, a small blonde boy in a plaid shirt, about three years old, said, “I know!” The pastor said, “You do?” The little boy looked excited insisting, “Yes, yes!” Then the pastor said, “Where?” And the little boy replied, “I’ll go get God!”

He jumped up from the chancel stairs and ran down the center aisle. His father, obviously a bit worried about the open doors at the back of the sanctuary, leaped out of his pew to fetch his son.

Before he got very far, however, the little boy had returned. He was holding the hand of a kind-looking woman in her seventies, literally pulling her down the aisle. “Here!” he cried, “Here’s God! She’s here!” The pastor looked puzzled: “Miss Jean?” And the boy pointed, “There she is! God! God!”

She was his Sunday school teacher.

* * * * *
Best sermon ever.

Thank you Dr. Bass for sharing this true life story from Foundry United Methodist church is Washington, DC.  This story has touched me on many levels:

First, I know Foundry United Methodist Church since I was a part of the Baltimore-Washington Conference from 1968 to 2002.  My heritage and work with the United Methodist church still runs in my veins and stories like this one remind me that all faith traditions are reaching to find the holy in both expected and unexpected ways.  To me, a miracle is defined as when the holy comes to us unexpectedly. 

Second, as a religious educator, I sometimes watch those who touch souls though the avenue of religious education never receives the credit due.  Many do not strive for recognition and that is admirable.  But is it not possible that we recognize the whole and not just the individual?  How do we stand up appreciate all of those professional and lay religious education leaders who have brought a spark to all?  And then, how do we adjust the church just enough to value religious education as a priority for the total of its religious life?

Third, I reflect deeper on the many teaching of Dr. Bass and the changing, shifting 21-st century church.  I have spent much of this afternoon and evening reflecting on this story in light of the shift?  What will be the role of education in the shifting church?  I believe it will be a vital component and will only work if educational models are as diverse as the people attracted to the 21st century global church.  I am excited to think about what that could look like!  Religious education will not fit into a neat package.  Instead, it could explode with possibility and great "Aha!" moments.  Bring it on.

As I continue to reflect, I give a shout out to Miss Jean and all the Miss Jean's who have shown us the face of God.  Thank you Miss Jean for bringing God to this congregation in a way that no one else could. 

For more information on Dr. Diana Butler-Bass' work, check out her website:  http://dianabutlerbass.com/