Efforts Invested in the Lord's Cause

By Anne Nielsen

It is often that I reflect on what a blessing those who serve in Children's Ministry are to the ministry and to Central Presbyterian Church. As we begin to close out one school year, gear up for the summer and plan for the fall, I am again thinking of and thanking God for those who serve in Children's Ministry. I am also praying to the Lord of the Harvest that He will bring forth workers for the summer and for the fall.

First Corinthians 15:58 is so appropriate for those who serve in Children's Ministry:

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Our efforts are invested in the Lord's cause... what a bountiful place to serve Him!

In our nurseries, our volunteers are blessed by their time with infants and toddlers. They know that because of their service, parents are worshipping, learning and/or serving. They rejoice as children make the transition into the nursery away from their parents. They play with the children, enjoy their personalities and fall in love with them.

Our early childhood volunteers have discovered what sponges their children are. They are eager to learn and usually eager to please. One volunteer says that her service each Sunday is the highlight of her week. As she sees how the children learn so quickly from the adults around them, she knows it is crucial to set a good example. This has motivated her to strengthen her own walk with God.

In our elementary area this past year, we have a beautiful story of a girl bringing her friend every week. This led to friendships for the new girl and she participated in class. In time, the new classmate's mom began to attend Central. The quality of the experience for the child brought changed behavior for the family!

Here are 3 pictures of people living out 1 Corinthians 15:58 with God-honoring outcomes! Let us rejoice that parents can worship, learn and/or serve! Let us praise God that in our service we are driven to see our need for Him and go to Him for help! Let us celebrate that a child brought a friend who had a good experience and the friend's mom started attending Central!

Do you see God at work here? Would you like to join God as He works in the lives of the parents, children and those who serve in Children's Ministry? If you feel God's call on your life to impact children and parents for eternity by serving in Children's Ministry this summer, stop by the table in the Concourse or the Welcome Center in the Children's Ministry Lobby. We are happy to talk about opportunities available for you.