By now most of you know that I will be stepping down from my role as Children’s Minister. I had not expected for this to be a long term position for me, but had merely accepted the job to help stabilize the ministry until the search began for a replacement. I believe it’s time to begin that search.
I have been involved with the Children’s Ministry at Singing Oaks for at least 14 years. I know that God has blessed Singing Oaks with teachers and volunteers who have made great sacrifices and poured out their hearts for children. We have elders who confidently hand over a generous budget to help us teach and nurture the children. It’s been such an honor to watch your children grow up, from babies to teenagers, from elementary age to young adults.
This job is not possible without a lot of help! Every Sunday there are at least 30 volunteers who teach the classes and help on the nursery teams and Children’s Worship. Many of you work more than full time (in or out of the home) and yet show up with a smile to teach or be a helper. You have been willing to try new things and have been very supportive even when it meant getting out of your comfort zone.
No matter who is chosen to be Children’s Minister, the need for volunteers will not go away. People come, people go and it is not the person that we throw our allegiance behind but the God who’s not going anywhere. I want to leave you all with an exhortation that you commit yourself to passing along your faith, to your family, to your church family, to strangers. May the words of Paul to Timothy be said about all of us:
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
God bless Singing Oaks, may our children grow strong in the Lord!