Kid History of our Church

Last Sunday we wrapped up our series on the History of our Church in the Kid’s Wing. Brian and I spent time talking about what the kids absorbed from the others guest speakers throughout the month. First I asked, “What is the purpose of discussing history?” One kid hit the nail on the head when he said, “We study history so we can know where we come from and know where we should go in the future.” Beautiful.

Brian and I were amazed at the kids’ recollection of our church history. They remembered Ray Hollenbach was a former worship leader, then pastor of our church. They loved to hear the stories about how the church started in Dick and Diana Salmon’s house, then moved to a store front, then a movie theater, and finally to our warehouse. The kids were amazed that people in our church used to stay up all night praying every Friday.

The kids reflected on Kelly Dillard being one of the first children's church leaders. They were amazed that they used to meet in a broom closet. That is amazing! Our first children's church leader was actually a kid herself, so that challenged this class to think bigger about their role in the church. Our final guest speaker was Sammy Yoder, one of the first missionaries to Peru sent out by our Vineyard. He shared stories that these kids will never forget. They remember a story about a man who had no home and slept on the streets under a homemade tent. But the best part about what Sammy taught them was that they don’t have to go to another country to be a missionary. The kids took that to heart as they began to reflect on how they could change the community around them.

I shared some stories with the kids about our former outreach to a government housing area in our town. I told them that we used to have a home group partly led by kids in that neighborhood and the kids would throw block parties, pick up litter on the street, and throw Christmas parties for some kids that may not have Christmas otherwise. Most of the kids in our group were 3 and under when we used to do these outreaches, so they got excited about getting to experience this type of outreach for themselves.

It is important to reflect on our history and teach our church history to our kids. Hopefully, we will open a well of reflection that will lead to true life change and motivate a community to meet Jesus in a real way.

Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

*pic by www.freephoto.com