Greetings,

This week I want to bring your focus to our children’s ministry. So, here is a message to all of us from Katie, one of our children’s ministry supervisors.

This past Sunday, we learned that our focus and priority as a church is to cultivate a culture of community. When I think about community, I think about family – A large group of people sitting down to eat together, laughing together, and even playing together. Community, to me, feels inviting. It feels warm and welcoming. I see people hugging and sharing things. It’s a safe and loving environment where we can learn from each other and grow together. In fact, this definition of community is exactly what I hope our Children’s Ministry space looks and feels like every Sunday.

I have had the pleasure of serving on the Children’s Ministry Leadership Team for about two years. I love the time I spend with the kids when I’m serving on Sunday mornings, and the behind the scenes work that takes place to make it happen. I especially love seeing my daughter grow up in our church and making friends that know her by name and run over to greet her. It is very special and I get quite sentimental about it. Children’s Ministry has buried its way into my heart and become a part of my life that I genuinely cherish.

I care a lot about our kids, which is why I want to make you aware of a need in this ministry. The past few years, the toys that our children play with on Sundays have reached the end of their life. Many have been thrown away because they were broken or were unsuitable for infants. Today, our collection is sparse and many of the toys that remain are parts of incomplete sets, or no longer turn on. In fact, only a handful of toys are played with regularly and are in good working condition. A complete toy replenishment is needed and would be such a blessing to our kids and those that visit our church. My hope is that in return, this will ignite a spark and be the start of a culture of community in the Children’s Ministry space that is cherished by those who gather.

Here’s the best part – You can help by shopping on Amazon! I put together an Amazon wish list of items I thought would help cultivate a culture of community and provide us with opportunities to teach our kids about that culture (i.e.: inviting someone into your home, having meals together, sharing, etc.). There are also items that I know the kids love playing with (the walking puppy, push cars, blocks, etc.) and some music makers to engage kids with the worship CD.

Creating the culture of community we are all striving for doesn’t start and stop at shiny new toys – We’ve got some work to do. But, this is a small step forward in coming together as a church and as a family to help a ministry in need and cultivate community. Please join me in contributing.

              Children’s Ministry Amazon Wish List: http://a.co/hpRPJzS

With love and gratitude,

Katie Aguirre

You can ship the items to Katie (address will automatically be provided at checkout if you choose that option) or you can ship something to yourself and bring it with you to church. Let’s aim to purchase every item on this wish list before this next Sunday! I think we can do it.

Love ya, 

Chris