Children Lead at HUMC

Children Lead at HUMC

In raising children who love God we often miss the importance of building our children’s confidence that they can be leaders for Christ at any age.  We have opportunity to nurture a sense of value, responsibility and self esteem in our children in the way that we invite them to be active participants in the life of the church.  One of the best things about Harrisburg UMC is the commitment of the adults in the congregation to live into the promises we make in baptism to “..surround these children with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others.” We can’t say it better than the way Tracy Bartels recently shared.

“Today, while my older 2 kids were in a church van on the way home from [a youth retreat] with 19 other people, my youngest and her elementary-aged friends ran things. They were ushers, taking time out only to run in and acolyte (they are experts and did perfectly in a strange candle situation) or participate in children’s moment.

The comfort these kids have running around the church and ensuring everything is running smoothly makes me so happy and proud. They are leaders and integrated into the life of the church, where they feel they belong and are valued.

We went to another church last spring, and adults ran the show. Children were neither seen nor heard. We were allowed in as a favor and kept to one side. Made me happy we are not in that place often. We have kids in the (adult) choir, kids helping run Sunday schools, kids running their own small groups, kids playing music, and kids running everywhere. The grade-school kids in my class today welcomed a toddler and took care of her, ensuring she had enough snack before they took anything. I can’t imagine it working any other way.”

What a gift to be part of a church family that helps people of all ages find their place to serve and lead in the kingdom of God!