Children's Ministry

Deb Dininno, Interim Director

God's Big Backyard

The vision of Children's Ministry is to win kids to Christ and grow them spiritually. We reach out to children with the message of Christ's unconditional love, guiding them to grow into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nurturing in them a heart to serve.

I would like to share two stories from people whose lives have been impacted by Children's Ministry. The first is from a child who has been a part of Children's Ministry for the past decade and the second is from an adult who has been a faithful volunteer for many years.

I received Jesus in 1998 when I was four years old at Central Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Central is the church where I was baptized and attended Sunday School. I was at Vacation Bible School with Miss Helena Santos, my teacher. Miss Helena asked if anyone had not yet given their life to Jesus. I said that I didn't think that I had. Next, Miss Helena asked if I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart and I said "Yes." We prayed together and I asked Jesus to come into my heart. I remember that I felt good because now my sins had been forgiven and I had the promise of eternal life. Miss Helena told my Mom about my decision and she was very happy. Later that day, at the closing picnic, I told my Dad and he was also really happy.

Today, just a few days before my tenth birthday, I am understanding more about the decision I made. I feel comfortable asking questions about God and Jesus and how He came to earth. I believe that Jesus died for me and also know that there is still a lot more for me to figure out. --- A child

Philippians 2:15b-16a, "... in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." This verse continually encourages me to participate in Children's Ministry and embrace its challenges. The goal is to sparkle brilliantly so 'the word of life' is presented with creative design, happily heard and hopefully, skillfully planted in a child's heart. A smile, the willingness to come to class, the answers that flow comfortably, all point to the evidence of my 'shine.' Then, mix in the intangibles, the valuable seeds found in the Lord's word and his love -- the outcome is incomprehensible. Unfortunately, the results of one's valuable work are not instantly recognizable. Recently, I was given a small gift affirming my 'shine.' Now a teenager, a former student who as a child, shyly waited for the greeting and questions about the week, approached me excitedly in a setting outside of church and proceeded to openly share the happenings in her present life. Children's Ministry is a place where you do make a difference in a child's life. Children's Ministry is not necessarily a place where the seed blooms in front of you. The call is to "shine like stars as you hold out the word of life." Children's Ministry provides a place where the 'word of life' is held out. The leader's role is to be the star that shines in the amazing universe of children. --- A leader

We are very grateful to the leadership of Rhonda Herman for the past decade. It is with much love and sadness that we say goodbye to her leadership. And now we look ahead to next year and many opportunities we will have to make a difference in the lives of children.