Recent attendance of the National Children's Ministry Conference held at St. John's Lutheran Church and School, Orange, CA, provided many different thoughts.  This gathering was a celebration of children and children celebrated with us as they led us in worship, introduced and prayed for sectional leaders, directed adults around the campus, provided needed information with welcoming and joy--Jesus on their faces and in their hearts.

These events and conferences are the most enjoyable--it's where the action is!!  We always come away with the same resolution---the children "get it".  They know and show the love of Jesus in their lives.  All one has to do is ask them.  Those of you working with children in early childhood centers experience this every day with the children and families you serve.  Our prayer is that you consider that one of your goals, and that of your congregation this year, is to strive to find more ways to connect with the children and their families supporting and encouraging them in their faith walk.

Below is an excerpt from an article written several years ago by Dr. Judith Christian, former Director of Children's Ministry with LCMS District and Congregational Services, who asks the question, "Where are the Children?"

The mission field is on our doorsteps, and in our buildings.  Do congregations embrace these schools as a significant ministry of the congregation?  We have been given the opportunity to exercise our God-given responsibility to provide positive firsthand experiences that by the power of the Holy Spirit nuture the faith of young children and their families.  Are we prepared?...

Each of us in our faith community influences the children in our congregation.  We have the opportunity to exercise our God-given responsibility to provide positive, firsthand experiences that by the power of the Holy Spirit nurture the faith development of our children...

Let us be about asking this question--publicly and privately, energetically and intentionally--"How are the Children?"  Let us speak passionately on behalf of children in our congregations and communities.  Let us be prayer warriors for children.  Let us give of our time to engage with children regularly and often, sharing especially our personal stories of faith.  Let us invite children to join us in our worship, service, and witness.....

A new school year is beginning with new opportunities with the children and their families that God is sending to you and your congregation.  What a blessing-the opportunity to educate and the privilege to share the love of Jesus!!

Many blessings in the year to come.

Martha and Karen

 

 

(From LEA Early Childhood Educators Network) 

1.   Appreciation can be both private and it can also be public.

2.   Appreciation through notes and cards.

3.   Attach a "Pay Day" candy bar to paycheck--candy bar kudos

4.   Little Surprises.

5.   Staff lunches at the school and/or outside of work.

6.   Small amount in gift cards--Starbucks or other coffee houses.

7.   Welcome back goodies to begin the new school year.

8.   Celebrate staff birthdays.

9.   Prayer partners.

10. How does the school show appreciation to the pastor, board members, parents, and congregation?

11. Plan a special celebration during National Lutheran Schools Week celebrating parents using the children.

12. Staff appreciation does not always have to come from the director--it can/should also come from the pastor, board of education, parents, congregation, and principal it there is a school.

13. Staff should include all folks who are employed by the church and school.

by Shaya N. Walz 

Take these tiny seeds

Plant them in some dirt to grow

Sun and water is all you need

To harvest what you sow

God's love is like the flowers

He feeds us with His love

He gave us the Light in His Son

And watches us from above

Take good care of this gift

With tender love and care

Beauty will bloom in its roots

For all of us to share

God plants the seeds in our hearts

So we grow faithful and true

His love for us will never leave

He promises me and you