We have been enjoying our new Connection Center for the past two months. Little details are still being wrapped up as with any construction project, people are still trying to figure out what light switch works which light, new keys are about to be issued, and parents are learning how to register their children and which classroom their children attends. It is exciting to see people getting “connected” in fellowship and with Jesus.
Getting our children and teens connected with Jesus in a fresh and safe environment has been the primary goal of the new center. To fulfill this goal, we need many volunteers to teach classes, assist teachers, to register children, and to care for the infants and toddlers in our nurseries.
It is amazing how many volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to implement effective children and youth ministries . . . and in keeping our adult ministries functioning, and, we need you help to make it all happen!
You may ask: WHY? WHAT? or HOW?
Let me begin with WHY. Infants, children, teens, are the most valuable resource in our family (personal family and church family). They are precious to us, they are at the most formidable time in their lives, and you can be a special part in helping to shape their relationship with God and others. Have you ever stopped to think about the awesome feeling you will have if one day a young person (or as an adult) walks up to you and says: Hey Mr./Mrs. ________. Thank you for helping me find Jesus in my life!
Jesus told his disciples about the importance of Children’s Ministry in Luke 18. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
How about the WHAT? People with all talents and abilities are needed to help. You may be gifted as a teacher, or one to help oversee the children during lesson time, maybe you could help with crafts or snacks, cleaning up a room after class, registering children when they arrive, rocking babies in the nursery, and the list goes on. There is something for everyone. When the Lord asked the question, “Who shall I send,” Isaiah said, “Here I am Lord, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Is the Lord calling you??? Do you need to respond, “here I am, send me!”
Note: If everyone would help once a month or a few times a year, it would make a big impact on our children and youth ministry. And please understand . . . by saying “yes” this is not a life sentence!!! You are welcome to help as long or as short of a time you feel called to serve!
HOW do I go about getting connected to help? In the next few weeks a list of needs will be in your bulletin. It will list things where help is needed in various ministries and other tasks needed around the church. You will be asked to look over this list and see where you can get connected and it will tell you HOW to get connected.
Every person in the church and the things you are able to do will help make a difference in the Body of Christ (read 1 Corinthians 12). “You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.“ 1 Cor. 12:27 (The Message)
I am looking forward to partnering with you in the ministry of the Newville First Church of God as we serve the Lord together. I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6).
Pastor Wayne