Pg 16 I Love Teaching Children

I love children. My past vocation was teaching in church preschools and public kindergarten. When I arrived at First Church, I wanted to get involved with the many activities our church offered—all of which enriched my spiritual life. Not until this past year when I was asked to be on the Family Ministry Leadership Team did my involvement with our preschool students begin to grow.

Having had experience in teaching, I began to feel the Lord was now leading me in this direction. First, I was impressed with the facility; the classrooms and playground were so well-equipped. Supplies and teaching materials were given to me. The curriculum was very easy to follow—from the time the children appeared at the door to when we said our good-byes.

My Sunday morning class was small but required much attention; they were so precious. Creating craft projects that related to our memory verses, I hoped to make the lessons more meaningful to the children. Teaching them a few simple songs I remembered from long ago I hope made the morning uplifting. Handouts given to parents when they picked up their child explained what they had learned in class that morning. Parents were encouraged to have conversations and to discuss what they remembered from the class experience.

Vacation Bible School was another eye-opener for me this past summer. It was well- organized and the class size was much larger. Again, all the material given to us was easy to follow. It was a busy week, filled with crafts, Bible stories and verses, and lively music. The children also played outside where they learned new rules to follow in taking turns and making new friends. VBS is also an outreach program; many children who live nearby but don’t attend Wonder Years sign up to spend VBS week with us.

As part of the Leadership Team, I also worked at the kiosk during First Stop, hoping families would sign up for some of the activities being sponsored. Trunk-or-Treat was a great mission outreach that was well attended by children and parents who live in the area.

Each season, we strive to offer opportunities that strengthen family life. Our Wednesday Family Night begins with an evening dinner for parents and children which allows us to mingle and meet new young families in our church.

I know from my recent involvement in Family Ministries that WE NEED YOU. First Church needs the support of caring volunteers in all areas to continue to build upon the foundation of this wonderful ministry.

When I look back on my church activities as a child, I realize it has helped to mold me into the person I am today. Like many of us, I have been greatly blessed and I believe we have the capacity to greatly bless the children and families who walk through our doors. We have a lot to offer them; won’t you join us? There are many ways to serve. A small investment of time can go a long way.