Rooted in Christ – ECCC 2025
In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.
May the blessing of the Father who calls us and His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ who saves us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies and transforms us be with us all, that we may hear His word and bear fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Amen.
Introduction – Jesus Is Our Vine
Verse:
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NKJV)
Good morning, my beloved children!
Today, I want to speak to you about our retreat theme: “Rooted in Christ.”
Have you ever seen a tree with big, strong roots? What do roots do?
They hold the tree steady. They bring food and water to help it grow.
Without roots, a tree falls. And without Jesus, we fall too.
St. Cyril of Alexandria said:
“As branches cannot bear fruit unless they are rooted in the vine, so we cannot bear fruit unless we are rooted in Christ.”
Let’s discover three things together today:
- My Faith,
- My Church,
- My Role in this world.
1. My Faith – I Am a Child of God
Verse:
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
You are not just any child—you are a child of God!
Jesus Christ came from heaven, became a little baby just like you, grew up, and gave His life so we could go to Heaven.
We believe in:
- God the Father who created us,
- God the Son, Jesus, who saved us,
- God the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us and gives us life.
Do you know what the Church is?
It’s not just a building—it’s our mother. She teaches us our faith, helps us get ready for Heaven, and tells us the stories of the saints.
So remember, my children: Faith means trusting Jesus every day—when you’re happy, scared, or confused.
2. My Church – I Belong to the Coptic Church
Verse:
“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” – Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV)
We are Coptic Orthodox Christians. That means we are part of the Church that started in Egypt almost 2,000 years ago.
Did you know that the Lord Jesus visited Egypt when He was a baby?
The Holy Family—Jesus, Saint Mary, and Saint Joseph—stayed in Egypt for over 3 1/2 years. That’s why our land is holy.
Saint Mark, one of the 70 Apostles, came to Egypt and started the first Church in Alexandria.
Our Church is:
- Holy – set apart for God,
- Catholic – for the whole world,
- Apostolic – following the steps of the Apostles.
Church Father – St. Athanasius
“He became what we are so that He might make us what He is.”
So remember, my children: You belong to a big Church family—from Heaven to Earth! And when you pray and go to Church, you grow stronger in Christ.
3. My Role – I Shine for Jesus
Verse:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Each of you has a job—even if you’re little. You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. That means your love, your smile, your honesty, and your kindness can change the world!
Church Father – St. John Chrysostom
“Let your life be your sermon. Be a shining lamp in the house of God.”
Bible Story – Samuel the Prophet
When Samuel was a child, he lived in the temple and served the Lord. One night, he heard God calling his name: “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said:
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” – 1 Samuel 3:9 (NKJV)
Even though he was just a boy, God chose him to be a prophet because his heart was ready.
So remember, my children: Even now, you can shine for Jesus!
Here’s how:
- Obey your parents.
- Be kind to your friends.
- Say sorry when you make a mistake.
- Share with others.
- Say “Thank You, God” every day.
Closing – Let’s Stay Rooted
So, what did we learn today?
- You have a faith—you are a child of God.
- You have a church—a big family that teaches you to love Jesus.
- You have a role—to shine, to serve, and to love.
And all of this is possible when you stay rooted in Christ.
Let’s say together:
“Lord Jesus, help me stay close to You. Let me grow strong in You like a tree rooted in good soil. Help me love You, follow You, and shine for You. Amen.”
May the Lord bless us, transform our hearts and minds, that our homes may stand on the Rock, our hands serve in the harvest, and our hearts long for Heaven. Amen.