Dear Church Family,
I don't know if you noticed this past Sunday, but we had 11 children attending Children's church. That seemed like a distant dream just a year ago. We now have two groups of children learning and growing together each Sunday. We are blessed that Beci Rohkohl has come forward to direct our program, with her husband, Phil, who supports her (and us in this endeavor.) Phil and Beci have a passion and dream for creating a network of programs and community to support children who are in our foster care system. Especially for those older teens who begin to transition out of the system with little or no support. Currently, they are raising 5 of her grandchildren - you see them every Sunday as they, too, are solicited to help grandma and grandpa in setting up for each Sunday and every Youth & Family function.
I am grateful for the many adults who assisted in raising me through my church experiences. Growing up in a church there were Sunday School teachers, youth ministers and counselors, as well as, choir leaders who knew my name, got to know my family and gave me time, attention and encouragement along the way. While most of these adults were younger adults, they truly represented all ages of adulthood. Sister Della Thompson was in her 70's and was considered a Bible scholar. She was also a dear soul who always gave me a special attention and by doing so reminded me that she was supporting me. Willard Wright was in his 60's and a very giving man. He encouraged me to read as much as I could - if possible two books a week! I loved his family and the many kindnesses they extended to mine growing up. One Christmas when my dad's union was striking there was little money for gifts. Brother Wright visited our home several times to offer friendship and brought gifts for my sisters and I. There were many adults in my church life who by their actions, reminded me that I was loved.
I am grateful that Beci and Phil have come forward to lead our youth. As times change, however, so do our needs. When I was a child, it was common for there to be one adult present to teach each group of children. We live in a new age, and with good reasons, we have new safety protocols that ask us to have 2 adults present for each group. We have a teacher and an assistant for each group. We've shared with you, our congregation, that we are inviting you to share in this experience of being blessed by spending one Sunday morning every month, 6 weeks or two months assisting with either group of our youth; the young ones (age 4 to 10) or the older ones (11 through 18). Those who work with our children tell me it changes their lives. Maybe that scares us. That's okay, this is the kind of fear that is good for us to face. Recently I shared with a congregant who is very active in our ministry an idea that we will begin asking everyone, face-to-face to participate by assisting Children's Church once every 2-3 months. She said, "Not me, I've done my part, I've raised and took care of my children and grandchildren." I understand the reluctance - yet I asked her the question - "What message do we send to our children when we say that?" What message are we sending when say, "I've done my part already."
I don't know Sister Thompson or Brother Wright were edified or blessed by their experience of teaching Sunday School. I think they were blessed people by virtue of their commitment to serve God and live God's love . I hold in faith and through imagination that our church family is stepping up to bless our children with their presence of love, attention and support. I encourage you to get to know our youth by their names - address them, encourage them, praise them, let them know that YOU see them. And when we ask you to assist - prayerfully consider the opportunity, open your heart to the possibilities of being blessed - and know the blessings are coming forth.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert