K-I-D-S

Hello Church,

For those who missed it, Beth Pollitt talked from her heart yesterday during worship.  It was a good talk and we certainly will pray for her as she pursues her Call.  As she goes through an exciting and a little terrifying transition (she will be the Youth leader at Amelia UMC), our transition at Emmanuel is no less exciting and terrifying.

4 people at Emmanuel are stepping forward to work together with kids and youth.  Kevin Uhl, Chad Ellis, Morgan Boone and Amanda Forsee are taking the plunge.  This kind of leadership is new to every one of them (though Chad has been teaching Sunday School for a while now).  The exciting part for me is that every one of them is also excited.  They have energy and enthusiasm.  They have dreams and hopes for the Fall as we discuss the kids of the church and the community.

The terrifying part for me (and Beth knows this too) is that it is very difficult to implement programming without the help and commitment of the church and the rest of church leadership.  Beth spoiled us some in that she is uniquely driven to youth ministry.  Beth is not the norm.

Emmanuel is at a place where we will need to be open and honest about what kind of kids and youth ministry we want... now just in how we talk, but how we behave.  Churches tend to move in one direction or another in their behavior.  Either they make children and youth programming a priority or they don't (church budgeting, worship time, volunteers, etc are examples of prioritizing).  Of course, every church SAYS they want young people in their church.  As a pastor, I quickly learned that is because that is the right thing to say.  But proof is in  the behavior.

As we continue the renewal on engagement, this time of year the focus could be on our young people.  Let 's do it.  Kevin, Chad, Morgan and Amanda will be talking to parents and kids about what they would like to see in the months to come.  Sunday school, nursery, children sermons, evening events, community events, outreach events and more are all on the table.  It's a blank slate.  Let's talk.  Let's decide.  Let's engage.

If you are a young family and new to Emmanuel or are looking for a fresh start, here is your chance.  Not only do you have the opportunity for something new for your kids, but you have the opportunity to shape the kind of ministry you want your kids to have.  Let's talk.  Let's decide.  Let's engage.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe