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Like many opportunities that come our way, I fell into ministry with the K – Gr. 3 students at a local school in my area without much forethought. My pastor had approached the school next door to our church for opportunities to serve and the principal expressed an interest in some Christian programming for the students during the lunch hour. I had already been involved in programs in two other schools in our area in my work with YFC so my pastor asked me if I would accompany him to a meeting with the principal. We learned in that meeting that she was primarily interested in a program for the K – Gr. 3’s but was agreeable to programs for the older grades as well.
The principal was offering us the opportunity to develop programs for the entire school!
The result has been:
• a partnership between YFC and my church, • sharing expenses and volunteers, • the development of three programs in the school,
This connection has been great in letting kids know about events and programs taking place for their age group in the church and in YFC.
Heading up the K - Gr. 3 program was a stretch for me as the kids I work with are usually in the 12 – 18 age range. I use costumes and props to illustrate stories and we always make some sort of craft. I am not particularly crafty and recently a lady from my church has offered to dream up craft ideas for me based on the lesson. What a lifesaver! My volunteers for the K – Gr. 3 program are two retired elementary school teachers, and while they are not willing to take a leadership role in the program, have been invaluable in their experience with this age group.
Karen’s reflections:
I love the innocence and honesty of the younger kids! Their hearts are open and their faith is simple and fresh. I am not quite sure how long we will have this much freedom in this school but we will ride this wave for as long as we can!
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