Monday, February 23, 2009

Our First Task: A Space for Kids to learn.

Naturally, I've been swimming in new information. I'm full of desire to grow the ministry here in the city. And I've got many people to meet and listen to, and more wanting to bend my ear on certain issues and matters. All good.

But basically Task #1 was to create a clean and functioning space for our kids to be taught about Jesus. I've been told many times to prioritise your family in ministry.

However, there were no other regular kids in our church. Just our kids. So we are at First Base for the kid's ministry. We went to church on February 8th and The Little Man came into the North Porch, was a little taken aback, and said:
Where are the other kids?
My wife’s heart sank a little, but she responded wonderfully. She taught him to say:
We are work in progress.
Here is how I am looking at it: we have this special moment in their lives. They may never have this opportunity again. The opportunity to teach them to be welcoming, with no one their age to welcome them. It's square one with the kids.

So, we are saying to The Little Man and The Little Lady that as each new child comes, we’ve got to welcome them, and to love them and to share their space with them.

Just like us adults are supposed to be in church.

Last Saturday, Dr Laurel and I (mostly Laurel) cleaned the North Porch, to create a new and safe space for kids. So that others can bring their kids, or grandkids.

On February 15th, there were 4 kids. And last Sunday, there were 6 toddlers in the room. And we had a kid's spot in the 10AM service. So we are slowly moving.

Lots more to happen, of course. Keep us in your prayers.

_________________________

13 comments:

Mark said...

My son felt very welcome. In fact he wants to come back this Sunday!

Louisa Claire said...

As the newly appointed Coordinator of Early Childhood Ministries for the Baptist Union of Victoria (mouthful!) it is fantastic to see that this is a priority for you. As a sister in Christ and a mother, I also think it's absolutely awesome that you are teaching your kids in this way and prioritising creating a space for kids to worship their God and introduce others to Him!

Rise children rise said...

God will recognize your heart desire. Cry out to Him. He is your rock. He is good. He will speak to you in the deep of the night. He is in the night. Let Him take over. Peace to you friend.

Peter Milner from NC

Rise children rise said...

God will recognize your heart desire. Cry out to Him. He is your rock. He is good. He will speak to you in the deep of the night. He is in the night. Let Him take over. Peace to you friend.

Peter Milner from NC

EJ said...

yes, pray we shall!

Pete said...

Glad you are making a good start. Will enjoy continuing to read about it. Will keep praying.

Rory Shiner said...

We are in a similar situation at our little Unichurch International congregation- so will pray for your kids as I pray for ours.

Cheers Susan Shiner

Meredith said...

Hi there!
When we started at our church last year our two boys were the kids church. Everyone who asked us how they could pray for us received the answer, "Pray that young families would join us and pray that we would be ready to receive them." We now have six people on a Sunday School roster and six more on a creche roster - and last Sunday we had 13 kids with us. We are thankful for God's answered prayer in our situation and pray that He will send the kids your way too.

Unknown said...

can i be a child too? that is some wonderful thinking going on. god has truly blessed you!

i miss oliver. louisa. henry. yes, you two too.

Anonymous said...

Maybe I am just sleep deprived, but this post brought a little tear to my eye.

nat jonker

Anonymous said...

Umm. That's not moving slowly in my books. 2 new kids per week? That will get to big numbers in no time. I guess it depends on how many stay. Nice work Moffatts!

Clifford Swartz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Clifford Swartz said...

We're still a work in progress back in Manhattan! A few families were away last Sunday and it was just my girls and Katie in the elementary group.

I reference your prophet sermon in my post today, but don't really know how to do a link up in the post itself. I'll try to figure it out.

Miss you guys!