My name is Caroline Millette. My husband Eric and I have been members of Living Hope for 2 ½ years. We are blessed to be involved with several ministries at Living Hope, including small group, mentoring, volunteering with our Burmese/Karen families and Children’s Ministry.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I took the elevator to our Sunday School class. Our hands were full and one of our “senior saints” kindly held the door for us. After greeting each other, my husband asked the lady, “What floor, please?” The lady answered, “Why I just don’t know? There are so many choices!” He pressed the 3rd floor button as she smiled and laughed. Imagine her surprise when the doors opened! She quickly turned to us and said, “We have a 3rd floor? How long have we had a 3rd floor? And what goes on up here?!”
I thought about her puzzled look and curious questions that week. I kept wondering how many other people don’t know we have a 3rd floor or what goes on “up here?”
“Yes, Virginia, there is a 3rd floor!”
The Children’s Ministry is a vital part of Sunday mornings at Living Hope. On 3 floors, we have hundreds of children who come to learn and grow in Christ. There are many volunteers who serve those children as well, teaching them that God is faithful and holy, a God of mercy and grace.
The 3rd floor is where our 4th and 5th grade children meet. This year they are studying “To Be Like Jesus.” Each week, the kids take home a handout to give to their parents. It lets them know what we have studied for the day and how to focus on the lesson at home during the next week.
Here is a quote from a recent handout: “The world has an agenda for our children and it is well written. Do we have an agenda for our children?”
What are we teaching each Sunday morning, on 3 floors, to hundreds of children? The Word of God!
Do we have an agenda for them? Absolutely…to love and obey God and to become like Jesus as we walk with Him daily.
Jason stated this morning that Stephen didn’t give (the people) what they wanted; he gave them what they needed. (Ref. Acts 7)
The same is true of Sunday mornings on the 3rd floor. We are giving the children the only thing they will ever need…a foundation in Christ Jesus, solidly built on the Word of God. The hope is that they may not only know the Word, but the Word Giver.
I invite you to take a ride or stroll up to the 3rd floor. Come and watch. Listen to the children recite scripture, pray for their lost friends, and sing praise songs to Jesus!
Yes, there is a 3rd floor Living Hope. And we will not be silent! We have an agenda and are ready to share with the world!
1 comment:
A lot happens each week on the 3rd floor for students all the way through 8th grade.
I am grateful for people like Eric and Caroline who help advance an agenda for our students and their families.
I feel challenged to have an agenda that is well-known by all members of our family. I hope others will accept this challenge as well.
Charles Fortney
Post a Comment