Kids Church

Good day Vineyard family and friends tuning in...I want to share an excerpt of a letter I just received about our Children's Ministry here at South Metro Vineyard Church. Our CM Director shared this with her team that works with the children. I read it and knew that you had to see it too! It really blessed me -- as the pastor of the church and as a parent of kids in the ministry!

So, here it goes:
This past week was fun! It was the first time that I got to see the kids engage in worship with Paula. I was expecting to see the same worship that we experience in church. Yes, you have permission to call me worship-leader impaired What I saw was God meeting the kids at their level. Paula led the kids in songs that bent down to them and yet reached up to God at the same time. For example, during 2nd service, Paula led in singing "Give me Oil in My Lamp." You know the one. Most of the kids were singing and clapping along. A few of the girls were either too shy or too cool to give it their all. Mid-song Paula asked them what they like to do. One girl called out "Talk." So right there, on the spot, Paula started singing, "Give me minutes for my phone cuz I cannot talk alone. Give me minutes for my phone I pray. Hallelujah! The girls were immediately listening and singing. I think it made them feel like they belonged.

Paula is fabulous; we are so blessed that she is giving her talents & gifts in our direction. We are also blessed because God has raised up Nichole and Amy to lead our children in worship. But the deepest blessing here is that God is raising up a team in Children' Ministry. We each contribute a vital piece in teaching South Metro's children that God loves them. Reread 1 Cor. 12:12-26 if you need a refresher about the importance of all parts working together. I felt a bit disconnected this past Sunday but our kids were still blessed because the message they received was not dependent on me. God worked through us as a team to touch the hearts of the kids.

Did I see anything that led me to believe that God was touching hearts? Yes, indeed!

I saw God calm Bud in first hour Pre/K and open him up to enjoy his Sunday school class which was led by Chris. In the past month, Bud has moved in with his new foster family; he is new to our church. During worship, he came over and held my hand when he was nervous. Isn't God amazing? He is teaching Bud that church is a fun and safe place.

I saw Emma who was shy during worship break into a smile when I danced over to her; whispered in her ear that she couldn't fool me. I knew she was dancing on the inside. She smiled and I could see the tension leave her shoulders. For whatever reason, her body wasn't moving but she really WAS dancing on the inside.

I saw Betsy and Lydia with their eyes closed and their hands outstretched worshiping Jesus. I saw other children gaze with wonder a their faces. They seemed to be asking, "Is that real? And if it is, can I be part of that?"

Maybe it was just a passing glance, but He is here.

It's incredible to see our children growing in worship and the ability to hear God's voice. Over the past few weeks some pretty incredible things have been shared by the kids as they've prayed and listened for His voice.

Would you pray for our children, both in this ministry area and also the nursery? These are our next pastors, teachers, prophets, worship leaders, etc. Pray that they would continually be open to His Holy Spirit's work in their lives. (They may not know what that means, but pray it anyway!) God's blessings to ya! Have a great day!

Pray it doesn't rain tonight -- I have three ballgames to get to tonight! :)