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Bike lesson: Repentance and forgiveness

Children’s sermons can be times for cuteness or for expressions of theological realism. Here is a story of such realism. Our parish’s intern was reinforcing the theme of the day’s lectionary lesson. He held up one sign that read WELCOME and another that said KEEP OUT, and let the children spell out the significance of both.

“Is there a welcome sign in front of Ascension Church?” he asked.

“No,” they answered. I had never noticed that omission in the 39 years I’ve been a member. But I have long ago concluded that having such a word on a sign out front means nothing.