Reflections

Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

May 24, 2012

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

WOW!!! What a night.  110 Kindergarteners and 4- year-olds graduated from our Child Enrichment Center Tuesday night.  They recited scripture; Psalm 100, John 3:16 and Psalm 23.   They also lead us in praise to God as they concluded their musical time with songs of worship and praise.  What a powerful moment it was when those 110 voices sang, “How Great Thou Art.” 

The Bible tells us that we are to pass on the faith to the next generation.  In Psalm 78 we read:  “He gave laws to the people of Israel and commandments to the descendants of Jacob.  He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.  In this way they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.” (Psalm 78:5-7; Good News)

I thank God for the staff of our Child Enrichment Center who seek to do just that, pass on the faith to the next generation.  And the children are getting it.  My 4-year-old grandson heard the name Mary the other day and responded, “That is Jesus’ mother.”   He went on to tell about Jesus’ birth, then His dying on the cross and rising again and living in our hearts.  I thank God for the teachers and staff who are helping pass on the faith so the children “will put their trust in God…”

I also thank the many persons who helped make Tuesday night a great success.  By the time the families and friends of those 110 children got into the sanctuary, it was packed.  Pews that comfortably seat about 12 adults had 13 to 15 persons on them.  Extra chairs filled every spot in the balcony.  Micah Dorman had a group of youth who helped the parking ushers.  And Marcia Cuellar had her faithful ushers and greeters showing hospitality.  I will not attempt to name all that served with them, but thanks to all who gave of their time last night.  Also thanks to Bob Bradley, Susan Payne and Alan Riethmaier for serving in the sound and media booth.    

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee and the Child Enrichment Center Board knew that finding the person God was calling to lead this vital ministry was critical.  The Interview Team worked through about 20 resumes.  There were some excellent candidates.  After working through the interview process, everyone agreed that the person that could best continue to move this ministry forward, as a ministry, is Kay Moman.  In another week, Kay will move into the role of Director.  Undergird Kay with your prayers as she assumes these new responsibilities and seeks, with the SPRC and CEC Board, the support staff who will be part of the administrative team. 

The Child Enrichment Center is just one part of our ministry to children.  The Children’s Choirs, under the direction of Stacy Curl and Carrie Gilmore, blessed us on Sunday night.  As Stacy said, they were worship leaders Sunday evening. 

  

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome.  You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.