Well, I'm finally on my maternity leave. We had a beautiful baby girl on July 24th, and today was my second Sunday back in church and upstairs with the 'big kids' for worship. Our pastor was speaking about the presence of God, and it got me thinking. Thinking about a certain number of people who feel they can't 'miss out' on what's going on upstairs in worship on a Sunday morning. That is such a great quality to have in a church. A place where people come with expectations that God is going to show up, and that His presence is real and active in our services. Praise God for that! There is no down side to this, only an awareness as a children's pastor that those same people who don't want to 'miss out' unfortunately use this reason on occasion as an excuse for not getting involved in serving in our children's programs. Ouch...could this really be true?
This morning I was able to peak in on our children's ministries department, and it did nothing but put a huge smile on my face. Leaders were interacting with enthusiasm, encouraging children in activities; lovely ladies and young people were sitting on the floor while playing and cuddling with our nursery babies. It was a noisey, energizing beauty to behold. Okay, I'm a cheesey children's pastor...but hear me out. I am absolutely enjoying being upstairs during my maternity break. I remember a time long ago when I longed to be 'upstairs', simply to have a break from the weekly grind of doing children's ministries. But I can say with all honesty that I felt the same welling up in my spirit, a realization of the presence of God, as I peaked into the 'sanctuary' downstairs, as I did being in the dynamic service upstairs with arms raised in worship. The presence of God is alive and well in children's ministries, and it's felt and seen in the diligent service of our volunteers and the growing hearts of our kids. It's shown in the integrity of workers who know that they too are tending the flame of the altar, and stoking the coals being lit by the Spirit in our children.
What a great feeling this morning to know in my heart of hearts that while I can enjoy being upstairs with the grown-ups, I can testify to anyone who would listen that in NO WAY do people 'miss out' on God's presence while serving in church. His presence goes with us, and through us. It truly does consume us, and our call in children's ministries is to help our little ones to be consumed by an awesome God as well.
One of our up and coming junior leaders asked me this morning when am I coming back downstairs again. She had an innocent but loyal longing in her eyes. I wish I could have explained to her better that I have this one precious year to spend on maternity leave and so I won't be downstairs in kidz church until that time is up. I would have said to her with equal loyalty "I wish I was with you guys right now", but I didn't. Instead, I smiled knowing that the presence of God is alive and well in our Lakemount Kidz. Upstairs or downstairs, it really doesn't matter. We are all in His wonderful capable hands.
This morning I was able to peak in on our children's ministries department, and it did nothing but put a huge smile on my face. Leaders were interacting with enthusiasm, encouraging children in activities; lovely ladies and young people were sitting on the floor while playing and cuddling with our nursery babies. It was a noisey, energizing beauty to behold. Okay, I'm a cheesey children's pastor...but hear me out. I am absolutely enjoying being upstairs during my maternity break. I remember a time long ago when I longed to be 'upstairs', simply to have a break from the weekly grind of doing children's ministries. But I can say with all honesty that I felt the same welling up in my spirit, a realization of the presence of God, as I peaked into the 'sanctuary' downstairs, as I did being in the dynamic service upstairs with arms raised in worship. The presence of God is alive and well in children's ministries, and it's felt and seen in the diligent service of our volunteers and the growing hearts of our kids. It's shown in the integrity of workers who know that they too are tending the flame of the altar, and stoking the coals being lit by the Spirit in our children.
What a great feeling this morning to know in my heart of hearts that while I can enjoy being upstairs with the grown-ups, I can testify to anyone who would listen that in NO WAY do people 'miss out' on God's presence while serving in church. His presence goes with us, and through us. It truly does consume us, and our call in children's ministries is to help our little ones to be consumed by an awesome God as well.
One of our up and coming junior leaders asked me this morning when am I coming back downstairs again. She had an innocent but loyal longing in her eyes. I wish I could have explained to her better that I have this one precious year to spend on maternity leave and so I won't be downstairs in kidz church until that time is up. I would have said to her with equal loyalty "I wish I was with you guys right now", but I didn't. Instead, I smiled knowing that the presence of God is alive and well in our Lakemount Kidz. Upstairs or downstairs, it really doesn't matter. We are all in His wonderful capable hands.
