As summer draws to a close, I remember a wise saying concerning children: “If ever you see children on the side of the road selling lemonade, buy some. You will never be disappointed.” Last week, my wife drove by children selling lemonade on the side of a road in our neighborhood. She bought some; it was one dollar for a full glass and fifty cents for half a glass (quite a bit more expensive than when I sold lemonade). She said, “It was worth every penny!” She watched the childrens’ completely infectious excitement. Their eyes opened wide. Smiles ran across all their faces like an electric current. She imagined hearing them say to themselves, “Wow. We just made a dollar! Can’t wait ‘til mom or dad goes to the Dollar Store, so I can buy a lot of candy with my own money!” Simple pleasures. Pure joy. Worth every penny, indeed.

There’s no question why Jesus said, “Suffer the children to come unto me.” (Mark 10:14) Consider the fact that Jesus engaged in theological and philosophical duels day after day. Leaders of organized religion verbally assaulted him continuously, questioning his teaching and motivations. The needy sought his miracles, protection, and baskets of free food. His disciples never seemed to catch onto what he taught; and, no doubt, this disappointed him from time to time. Plus, Roman soldiers watched his every move, making sure he never spawned rioting. What enormous pressures surrounded Jesus’ ministry, knowing perhaps all the while that some of his followers hunted him, looking for a chance to take his life. No wonder Jesus adored innocent and affectionate children.

What if we adults put up lemonade stands in front of our churches on Sunday mornings? What if we grown-ups took that idea one step further, dedicating one Sunday a month to activities that bring children joy, maybe like a Vacation Bible School, where children laugh, joke, play, and rejoice in life? After church folk quench their thirst with a glass of lemonade, folks would gather together first thing in the morning to act out a comedy skit, laugh, sing a song or two as they stomp their feet and clap their hands. Afterwards they’d go into small groups to learn a biblical lesson, before going out to romp around in the playground. After playing outdoors, they gather together for snacks. Then it’s craft time, created to help them remember that our God is a God of love. After crafts, it’s snack time again (yeah!). Finally they close with worship, gathering together to celebrate their joy and excitement. If we did that once in awhile on Sunday mornings, then maybe more of us could have fun in church and attend a little more often.

Let’s take this notion one step further: Perhaps some of us pastors in Cortez should get together to form “The Lemonade Church for Vacation Bible Schoolers” (L.C.V.B.S.). We could stage our multigenerational Vacation Bible School at each of our churches once a month. Break the monotony a bit. No one would know where we’d strike next. Mystery might fill our sanctuaries as congregates excitedly ask one another, “Is today our day for Vacation Bible School?” Could be a lot of fun. Even God and Christ might find a reason or two to chuckle.

Regardless of how far we might implement this idea of the L.C.V.B.S., I’ve personally decided that for the remainder of my summer, I intend to amass a special wad of dollar bills, drive around Cortez, and hit every lemonade stand owned and operated by our neighborhood children anywhere they crop up over town; and, maybe on some Sunday, I’ll celebrate a multigenerational L.C.V.B.S. worship service for children of all ages — preschool to post-retirement.



Pastor Tom recently came from Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah to Cortez, where he pastors First United Methodist Church. He’s a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary and Johns Hopkins University.