Page 8 - April Spire 2013
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8
Children’s Ministry
Minute with Mickie
Worship, The Bible, Community and our Children
T
he children at NPC are blessed to be involved in
the Worship experiences at our church on a weekly
basis. It is always the job of the older generation to pass
the faith on to the younger. We do this through many
venues. One is to have children participating in the
Worship service regularly. To hear the prayers, to sing
the hymns and praise songs, to confess their sins and
receive the assurance of pardon and to have a time to
Wonder about God’s Word, are all important building
blocks to a mature faith. This happens at 9am, 10:30am
and 5pm (at Open Doors). In morning Sunday school
classes these children also can learn
Biblical stories and other traditions of
our faith and our church like The Lord’s
Prayer, the Doxology, the Apostles’
Creed, the importance of giving our
tithes and offering and being involved in
Mission. They learn how to re-tell the
Biblical stories that will shape their faith
and learn how to listen to hear God
speaking to them.
Another great and important building block for our
children’s spiritual growth is the Bible itself - God’s Living
Word. On April 7, 2013 during the 9:00, 10:30 and
Open Doors Worship services, I will have the privilege
of giving a Bible to each of our Second Grade Children.
These children, their parents and I will then spend time
together learning how to use the Bible and I will be
giving each of these children their own “Life Verse.”
During Fellowship Time and at Open Doors please see
these young people with their new Bibles and ask them
about their new Bible and their Life Verse. Offer to sign
your name to the inside cover of their Bible so they can
remember that you are a part of their church family.
This takes me to the next important building block for
our children - Community.
To help our children grow to be worshiping adults
they need to know and feel that they are a part of a
supportive Community. NPC IS their Community and
YOU are that support. What a privilege. So don’t
forget that another great way to participate in the life of
the children God has given us here at NPC is to
participate with them this
summer at Vacation Bible School.
Either morning (9-Noon) or
early evening (4-7) from June 23-
28 hundreds of children will need
mentors to help them learn the Bible,
grow in community and worship God. Help with the
Marketplace, our new craft area, teach a Bible story,
serve a snack or just travel around “ATHENS” and hear
from the Apostle Paul. It’s going to be great fun. Can’t
be here during the week? No problem, come the week
before and help us decorate, or more
accurately, transform the church to look
like Athens. This creative environment will
help bring the reality of the Biblical story to
life. Or perhaps you can do some creative
projects at home to prepare us all for
that week. Maybe, just maybe you would
be willing to be a “Prayer Partner” for
Children’s Ministry. That is another way
to be part of the Community that helps to
shape the next generation. Call me at 203-
998-1443, email me at
or stop by my office anytime. I’m always praying - so join
me.
Want to actively participate in the spiritual growth of our
NPC children? Visit
and look at all we
are doing to help our/your children grow in their faith.
Can’t make it on a Sunday? Download the lesson and
do it at home. Everything is there for families on the go!
I wonder a lot about our children and get very excited
seeing all the ways that this loving church family supports
Children’s Ministry. We are growing, so more people
from this Community are needed. It is vital that our
children are involved in Worship, know the Bible, and
are supported by their Community so they will grow in
their relationship with Jesus - Are you with me? I hope
so. . . .
For the Love of Wonder,
Mickie O’Donnell
Director of Children’s Ministry
