gift of time to learn my new position. It was a gift of a reset to explore new ideas. Another surprise was the fun of the Gospel Project curriculum and its excellent resources for families who choose to stay home. Now that Kids’ Harbor is open, how are the volunteers doing in classrooms that look and feel different? What are some of your observations as you walk the Kids’ Harbor hallways on Sundays and Wednesdays? Our volunteers are amazing. They are willing to wear masks as they teach. We’ve brought them through the ringer with all the changes, and they don’t complain. They keep on teaching about Jesus Christ every single week and it’s incredible. The children love being here. I am amazed that even our little two- and three-year-olds wear masks and fidget less with theirs than I do mine. The children come running in to the classrooms and are reluctant to leave. I think they are so hungry to be together again, like we all are. And we don’t want to miss the opportunity to teach them about Jesus in any way we can. What are some ways you’re supporting your volunteers as well as the Kids’ Harbor families? We send out a weekly enews to both groups with helpful ideas and information. Our team visits each classroom multiple times and looks for ways to help. We hope we’re welcoming when families check in. I have a giant list with the names of every child and volunteer in Kids’ Harbor, and each day I pray for part of that list.
For the older kids, we post sermon questions in advance of Sunday for parents to read the passage and discuss it with their kids. We offer links to the curriculum for families to view and learn together at home. We adjust the curriculum on our end to make it best serve our Kids’ Harbor mission and vision. And that mission is? Equip and embolden families to walk as children of light. With that in mind, do you have any advice and encouragement for parents? For volunteers? Parents, if you have more time with your kids in this season, ask God to show you how to better teach them the gospel. It doesn’t need to be fancy or complicated. It means reading the Bible together, talking about it, singing about Jesus, praying together, and then, applying the truths of Scripture together. I want to encourage parents to ask your questions, so we know how to help and pray with you. Introduce yourselves to my team and me—we want to build relationships with you. And volunteers? Be encouraged that the seeds you are faithfully planting will bear fruit by the work of the Holy Spirit. Don’t give up. Finally, on a personal note, what has God been showing you in all of this? God continues to show me that even when everything else changes all the time, he does not. When I feel inadequate. He is not. When I make mistakes, he does not. When I see only fog ahead, he does not. He is unchanging, all-powerful, perfect and wise. He also gives grace and mercy for each day.
Prayer Gatherings Online & In Person Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer (Online) 8-8:40 a.m. Led by Pastor Eric Channing Monday Morning Prayer (In person) 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A. Led by Elder Rob Wolgemuth Wednesday Night Prayer (Online) 7-8 p.m. Led by the Missions Office • Jan 6: Speaker TBD • Jan 13: Bruce & Becky Wilson • Jan 20: Nate & Laura Amodio • Jan 27: Harry & Wendy Robinson Friday Lunch Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In person) 12-1 p.m. in C103.
Lydia Prayer Fellowship meets at the home of Joyce Patterson, Tuesday Jan. 12 at 9:15 a.m. Think warm thoughts as Mandy Pehrson, here from the tropics of Papua New Guinea, shares about her life and ministry with her family there. Hannah Prayer Fellowship Abigail Prayer Fellowship Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship Watch the weekly emails for updates on prayer fellowships.
Our prayer pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews signup" on our website. If you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any email and select prayer pulse to add yourself.
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