This summer looks different in so many ways, both in the world around us and in the walls of the church. We usually offer programs for children at both campuses and VBS or other summer programs. But this year the rooms on both campuses are silent. The laughter and singing isn’t there right now, but it will be again in the near future. Our programs have shifted to using Facebook devotionals and Sunday school videos to still serve our families with Truth and share the love of Christ with the children. That vessel of reaching our children has been an unexpected gift during this time of separation! Thank you, Michael-Anne Land, for serving under these unique circumstances. People of all ages have been tuning in to the message of the Gospel from so many homes, states and even Canada. What a gift!
The mission of The Church of the Cross for Children’s Ministry is to offer children a solid Biblical foundation while having fun. We believe in showing children God’s unfailing love for them and equipping them with the knowledge and love of Christ.
As we look ahead to regathering our children and youth in the fall, we ask you to pray about what you can do in mentoring and guiding the children of the Church. We are in need of teachers at both campuses and are also looking for help with our little ones with special needs. If you have a heart for ministering to the next generation or have experience with special needs youth, we would love to have you join the team!
Below you will find a testimony from one of the faithful teachers on our Historic Campus. Judy Berry has been teaching Sunday School for many years and wanted to share a glimpse of the joy teachers receive in serving in the Children’s Ministry at The Church of the Cross. Thank you, Judy, for sharing your experience from earlier in the year.
“Yesterday, when I taught Sunday School, I enjoyed watching ten little faces full of questions, lots of energy, playfulness and a little low on their ability to concentrate. Eight of these little children were new to our Sunday School program, and I had never met them before. We always start each lesson waiting for the Church Bell to ring, listening to music, coloring in Biblical coloring books, dancing if we are so moved and talking to each other. When the Church bell tolls, we put away all of our materials and share one thing we did that week that was fun! That is always a very eye opening discussion for me. Then we get down to business and go around the circle with each child saying, “Good morning, God. It’s me (and they say their name).” When it is my turn, I do the same and then say a short prayer where they repeat the phrase I say after me. Yesterday, as I looked into those new eight little faces, I knew that I really needed to help them understand who we were talking to and why. First off, I always Thank God that they have parents that love them so much that they bring them to church! I don’t know how to explain it to you, but as I did this yesterday, I felt My Wonderful Counselor’s presence guiding me and I sensed that the little children in that room were meeting and talking to our Lord for the first time.
I feel humbled and Blessed that He choose me to be His Instrument ! After Church, as we were leaving the Sanctuary, one of the new little girls came up to me and wrapped her arms around my legs and looked up to me with the biggest smile I have seen in a long while! And in that moment I was reminded, Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Luke 18:16).”
Father God, You created each one of us in Your image and knit us all together in our mother’s womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for the next generation and the generations to come. Help us to see loving and serving the smallest in our congregation as an act of worshiping You. You have called us to serve in love in our homes, communities and inside the walls of the church. Bless this ministry and continue to multiply the children being reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Lead us, guide us, equip us and convict those You are calling to join the Children’s Ministry team. Jesus, You are the reason we serve and love on others. May we follow Your example. Amen and Amen.
