Scripture is full of instances when God chose young people to do his work. Jesus said to let the children come to Him, for the kingdom of God belongs to them. He also told us that whoever welcomes a child in His name welcomes Jesus himself. God tells us that we are His children - made in His image, chosen, and beloved. We are adopted as His sons and daughters as co-heirs with Christ.

It seems that children have always been part of God’s plan. That’s why they are part of our plan, and why 2012 will be the Year of the Child at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.

Throughout the year, we will place a special emphasis on children - children around the world and in our community; children in our church family and children in need of families. And not only will we be studying and seeking ways for adults to serve children, but also ways in which our children can serve as well. We will be celebrating the Year of the Child through worship, study, service, prayer, and fellowship.

May each of us have faith like a child as we embark on a special year together focusing on some extraordinary members of God’s family. January 8 is the official kick-off to the Year of the Child with Peter Barnes beginning a sermon series on children. Check this webpage, the Echo and other WHPC publications to learn of monthly speakers and events for the coming the year.

WHAT'S AHEAD IN THE YEAR OF THE CHILD:

DATES	THEME	SCRIPTURE	RESOURCES
January - March	Children of the World	When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14	Click here to view the Children of the World brochure for adults. Click here to view the Children of the World brochure for kids.
April - May	Children in Need of Families	A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:5-6	Click here to view the Children in Need of Familes brochure for adults. Click here to view the Children in Need of Families brochure for kids.
June - August	Children in our Community	And whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5
September - October	Children in our Church	Train a child in the in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
November - December	Our Children Serving in the Community and World	Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12