I have been abundantly blessed to work with the Family Ministry in many ways: handbells, handchimes, choir, and the MainKids musical. I have helped with Missions on the Go, MainKids University, Worship Discover Share club, and Sunday School. I have helped with several carnival-style events, dressed up for Journey to the Baby, and camped overnight on couches in the Youth Center as a counselor at Camp-In. When a request comes in from the Family Ministry Team, I rarely turn it down!
It is difficult to choose just one favorite activity, but right from the beginning of my time at South Main I was very impressed with the Sanctuary that houses Little Church for the MainKids. The kids might leave the large Sanctuary, but they are being taught all the elements of worship in their own special space that even includes replicas of the stained glass windows! It has been my honor during Camp to observe the youth group helping guide the younger kids in the things they learned in Little Church.
I'm certain I did not truly realize what a privilege the fellowship around the supper tables in the Turner Fellowship Hall was until we had to pause that activity temporarily. I love arriving early each Wednesday for supper, then waiting to see which kids will ask to join me for simple conversations about their day.
My favorite new activity this school year has been Bible Times with Mini-MainKids. The preschool hall is now home to a room that has been carefully transformed to look like a town might have looked when Jesus was a boy. The children listen to a Bible story read from a scroll and learn about all sorts of things Jesus might have done as a child. We dress in Bible costumes and act out feasts, journeys, and even simple daily chores. We pretend to collect eggs from our chickens; milk our goat; care for Clip Clop, our donkey, and Timmy, our mouse (both are friends from the book that helped to inspire Journey to the Baby); sweep the floor of our house; build with carpenter's tools; go fishing; gather food from the garden and grapes from our vine on the wall; and even bake pretend bread! The children are so excited each week to repeat their favorite things and I am convinced these simple hands-on activities are helping to create life long memories for them to cherish.
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
It has been my honor to work with many other volunteers to help all of these precious children learn about the Good News. I hope I will be able to continue for many years to come!
