Changing Seasons ~ It's A God Thing

From the time I can remember, I couldn't wait to work with children. I looked forward to the day when I was "old" enough to help in a classroom. By the time I was 14, I was teaching and building relationships in Sunday School classes with 6-10 year olds. My 11th and 12th grade years of high school were spent coordinating the elementary grade Sunday School. I loved the Lord so much and I wanted to share that love with His children. While in Seminary and since then I have been so blessed to use the gifts God has given to me here at Central in Children's Ministry. It was a dream come true (next to my husband, of course)! You all have trained me well and I thank you!

Now, like the change from summer to fall, it is time for me to move on.

"As with the change of seasons, God sends us signs of change in our lives in gradual ways. We may not notice those first nudges from God; they may seem only an idea or a 'coincidence.' Yet they point to a new season coming in our lives. Gradually, the signs increase, and we can no longer deny that change needs to happen." (by Beth A. Palm)

Last week, through Bible study and prayer God made it clear to me that I need to enter into a time of rest. My last day of employment at Central will be Friday, October 29, 2004. I have many unanswered questions like why and for what purpose? I don't surrender easily, but I know without a doubt that God has called me to be obedient and to trust Him on this. This is a painful place to be and I don't like it, but I know that it is all part of the process of God's preparing me for what lies ahead.

God promises to be faithful. "The Lord said, 'Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'" God will take care of the children and young families at Central by bringing in the next Director of Children's Ministry who has a far-reaching vision for being "A Church Without Walls." And, God will help me to rest and to prepare for the next leg of my journey.

Shalom, Rhonda

Forever Grateful - from 10/24/04 News & Views

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7

This is the verse that I was presented with last Sunday and it is my personal mission statement. All that I am I owe to Christ and I want to share that with others. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you and your children as the Director of Children's Ministry.

I'm forever grateful,
Rhonda