Instead of the usual Wed. Kids Lock-in for Elementary
children, this year Hope decided to have a parents
with children event. For the first time
in a while, Hope UMC has over a dozen children in the pre-school to 2nd grade
age. It seemed like a great time for the
parents of those children to share some of their hopes and dreams for their
children's faith development. August is
a busy time, so there was only 20 of us at the
gathering—but some beautiful hopes were shared.
Here are a few of the comments. “We
want our children to learn about serving others.” “I grew up in a smaller church where the
older and younger children knew each other, played together and the older
watched out for the younger children.”
“We want our children to know the stories of faith—the people of the
Bible.” “We want our children to have
songs they like to sing that teach them about God.” “We want worship to be fun—so our kids don’t
have to sitting completely still and silent.”
Out of the gathering the parents of the youngest children came up with
the idea that once a month following worship they’d like to have a play time
for their children—and a time to get to know one another better. The playground is perfectly suited for
pre-school and early elementary kids. A
learning activity might be woven in. A
picnic was also mentioned. And, outside
the event a few women whose children are grown also mentioned they’d be willing
to watch over the kids a bit if the parents wanted to spend a little time with
each other during that time. Many
possibilities were raised and one of the things about Hope Church is we’re
willing to try things and see what happens.
So, as Hope’s pastor, I look forward to what these young parents with
great hopes and dreams will create for their children. If you want to help Hope’s children’s
ministries: Hope Wednesday’s Kids is
looking for drivers to pick up the children from their schools on Wednesday,
adults to help with Wed. programming and lunches. And, Hope is always looking for Sunday School teachers. If
any of this interests you call Pastor Roger @ 334 –
5849. If you wish to fund programming,
simply make out a check to Hope UMC – Children’s Ministry. Enjoy the pictures of the face painting part
of the evening below.
(Pictured left to right are:
Emily, Sidney, Madeline, and Alessandra)
