Rev. Wells was invited to give the invocation at the Pinellas County School Board meeting that was held at Lakewood High School on Tuesday Feb. 25, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Here is what was said:
In the Christian tradition, our scriptures include a story about people bringing children to Jesus to be blessed and the disciples basically shooing them away. Jesus is remembered for welcoming the children and saying, “Let the children come to me for to such belongs the commonwealth of God.”
So as Christians we add our voice to the many religions, spiritual traditions, and cultures that place sacred value upon the lives of children and youth.
Let us join together in prayer:
We gather in gratitude for children and youth and all that they teach us about awe and delight. They rekindle our love of learning. They draw forth our compassion and creativity. They school us in patience and persistence. Children and youth are our teachers as we pursue what it means to be fully human.
We give thanks for all who are part of the educational system – parents and families, administrators, custodians, coaches, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, technical and support staff, elected officials, and, of course, teachers and students. Together let us seek wonder in the world around us and within us. May we all learn to live together in peace on a healthy, thriving planet. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 