Reforming the Feminine ContentHow To Stack Fisher-Price Rings
Last Sunday morning, a small redheaded girl squinted her face into a sustained grin that barely revealed her two emerging front teeth; another young boy walked four consecutive steps toward open arms, a three-step improvement from the previous week; and a pastor’s son showed me how to stack colored plastic Fisher-Price rings on the stand in order, displaying his rapidly growing cognitive skills. And these are only three of the gem moments of getting to serve Mars Hill parents by caring for the infants in the nursery each week.
Several months ago, God tugged me into serving in the nursery when my best friend found out that she and her husband were expecting a baby this October. I didn’t even remember how to hold a baby, much less comfort and entertain one. The kicker came when I suddenly realized that most of my friends were going to be in that “expecting” bracket within the next several years.
One of the most rewarding things I’ve done at Mars Hill has been serving in the nursery. Looking back, the children’s ministry has been a small taste of pseudo training for parenthood and a glimpse into the families of Mars Hill. And I have to tell you, I have a new respect for parents and mothers.
As our church grows to new campuses and more services, we are in need of many more volunteers to serve in the children’s ministry, among other ministries in need of increased help. Pastor Scott Thomas recently posted an article in Pastor’s Prayers about this specific need. If you are considering volunteering or wondering how to get involved, walk up to the Serve desk and they would be happy to help get you plugged in. Speaking from experience, I think you’ll be glad you did.
I still pray for certain childcare workers that my older kids had many years ago, wherever they are. I never forgot the love and care and time they took. If a mother doesn’t forget, imagine how Jesus feels. God notices.
I’m one of only about 3 guys who helps in the preschool department at my church. I started out helping the teacher of the kindergarten class, and now I teach it. The reaction of just about everyone, when they hear I teach 5 year olds, is laughter. I’m 31, married but no kids yet, and just not “the type” to teach kids.
I’ve taught a lot of bible studies, and I’ve preached a lot, but I think I’ve learned as much if not more from those kids. Compassion, patience, and just plain ol’ love. And now that I have a new group, when I pass the “old ones” in the hall they smile and wave, or run to get a hug. I highly recommend serving in such a class, even once a month, as a great way to grow.