At Sewickley United Methodist church and at many other churches, back to school season signals the start of a moving and grooving year of activities. As the kids head back to school, Children’s Church begins. I love that these two things go hand in hand. As a parent, I know one of the best ways to set my kids up for success is to pray with them and for them and to teach them how to pray. However, my child isn’t always eager to listen to me. I heard the phrase “it takes a village” spoken from the mouth of my son’s new kindergarten teacher. This phrase has withstood the test of time! It indeed takes many hands and willing, compassionate people to help our kids grow up in a way that keeps them safe and helps them thrive.
Here’s the good news, and something someone from our education team here at church reminded me of. When we baptize children, we make a commitment to be a part of their lives. We make a commitment to help raise them up in the way of Christ, taking to heart the education they receive and the way we mentor them. The question for each of us who says those words and makes those promises is, “How serious are we about that commitment?” Do our words carry weight? Are you willing to step up and support the systems that are being built to care for the kids God has entrusted to us? Are you willing to be a volunteer that has the chance to impact a child in a way that strengthens the foundations on which their lives are being built to ensure a more positive future? I am dedicating this front page to asking you to say yes. Say yes to volunteering with Children’s church, Youth Group, Fellowship of the Cross, and many other opportunities throughout the year. I am asking you as a parent to be a positive and active part of the village that helps care for my children and for others.
There are ways you can begin putting action behind the promises that have been made.
Pray for the Education program at our church. This includes our leaders and volunteers who help make that program come to life.
Pray for our kids. They are exposed to many things. May our prayer be a shield of protection and care for their lives.
Reach out to our Education Coordinator, Mandy Williams, with your availability and willingness to volunteer.
Last, I want to encourage you. No effort is too small. God does not need our grandeur to make big and wonderful things happen. No skill set is inadequate to help work with our kids. Actually, the Bible is full of people without the needed skill set, yet God worked wonders through their willingness. The Bible is also full of this; age does not matter. God can and will use you to do good things as long as you say yes. I look forward to seeing your name grace the list of our new education volunteers!
From one light to many others,
Pastor Hannah Loughman