Kids Happenings November 2018
Hello church family,
I’m feeling led to share in this article about the many blessings I see within children’s ministry and what goes on in the upper level of our church on a Sunday morning. If you haven’t noticed, we have a lot of children within our church... We average 100 children ages newborn through 5th grade. This requires at least 35 volunteers each Sunday morning. These amazing volunteers are investing and pour out their love to all of the children. While “Big” church is taking place our children are also having fellowship with other kids their age, engaging in worship, giving offering and learning God’s word at the same time and right up the stairs. It’s truly amazing that God provides for our needs and continues to send more children into our ministry.
Two areas within our children’s ministry that I would like to highlight in this article, because I believe it is the silent blessing given by our children, the Missions Giving and Service Project Kids. Teaching children the importance of giving to others, whether time, money or energy, is one of the most valuable character traits in a child of God. Every Sunday our children, during worship time, have an opportunity to give offering to a specific need. They are eager to hear about the ways they, as small children, are able to make a difference in others lives by simply giving. They are also eager to hear how close they are to meeting their goals. Let me add that our children don’t receive any rewards for their giving and or meeting their goals. They understand that the reward is in knowing they are a blessing to others.
Our Service Project Kids give back to our church and community by doing more hands on projects. These children meet Sunday at 9:30 and are children who have parents that are also serving within our church on that Sunday morning. (These same children attend their age appropriate life group at the 11 am service.) You may have noticed some of their crafts around the church and didn’t even realize it. They have helped in a number of different ways, such as planting the potted flowers out front, making bird houses for shut-ins, posters and cards for 1st responders, and even get well cards for loved ones to name a few.
When I see our children serving and giving to others with a joyful heart it shows me that the truths they are learning within our church and in their homes is being played out with a servants heart and more so the Christlikeness that we all should strive to have. Hebrews 13:16 reads “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” It doesn't matter if you have a lot to give or a little, it's the heart that matters! If you are a parent please remember to ask your child each Sunday how they are making a difference with their giving and service to others. And for everyone else, please encourage our children by letting them know that what they are doing is making a difference in the lives of others. You never know how a small act of kindness can draw someone closer to God. Thank you for allowing me to love on your little ones.
