Having a servant's heart starts young for some....

This past Sunday was a super fun day for me.   I had been watching Gwen's kids while Gwen and Tim attended an out of town wedding of a former youth member from their church.  It just happened to fall on this special Sunday -  the Rock Soup Kitchen.  The Rock is the Children's ministry of Fellowship of Faith.  I have heard about this event for many years, but I have never actually witnessed it.  All I can say is WOW!  Instead of just TALKING about being a servant to the children, they give them an actual, meaningful way to serve their church family.  Members create homemade soups and bring them in crock pots.  The children are given jobs, appropriate for their ages.  I loved that Pr. Dave encouraged the congregation to "allow the kids to serve you!"  He went on to explain that often adults just jump in to "help" thinking that they can do a faster or better job.  But especially on this day, it was important for the kids to be able to SERVE.  Lia and I got to sit back and be served, since she is now out of ROCK and in BOULDER (the Middle school/High school ministry). 

Our first treat were these adorable turkeys that Anna's class had made.  Such a cute addition to the meal.  

Zeke's class was in charge of the drinks and also the bowls and spoons.  Each of the kids had a chance to do most of the jobs in each age group.  

Ellie's class got to serve the soup.  She got to serve some wonderful homemade Green Chili Enchilada soup.  There were so many varieties that it was hard to pick which wonderful smelling soup you would try.  I actually picked the Ham and Bean soup in the first picture and it was delicious!

They had the recipes near each soup so that you could make them at home.

Anna's class was also in charge of collecting the dirty dishes to take them to kitchen.  Quite a big job for these 4's and Kindergartners.   All of the kids did a wonderful job of smiling and asking if there was anyone who needed anything.  I was extremely proud of our three servants.

I can't think of a better way to help the children feel a part of the church than to help serve.  The large crowd of people eating this soup reflected the congregations willing participation in this event.  This is just one of several ways that even these young children have a chance to serve throughout the year.  

Many of you know that Children's Ministry has been my passion forever.  I invested many, many years of service with children and youth in all kinds of ways.  Because of this, I have witnessed so many children grow into adults who love and serve Jesus.  I believe that there is nothing that Jesus loves more, than seeing children serving others.  Leaving Children's Ministry was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But, as with so many things, there is a season for everything.  And my season of serving in that way was done.  I am so thankful that I get to watch (from the sidelines) as Gwen has stepped into a new role as Children's Ministry Director at Fellowship of Faith.  Gwen and Tim have been serving with the Bolder Youth Ministry for many years and they will continue to serve there.  Gwen has been helping in ROCK for several years and  this opportunity came at exactly the right season for her and it was clearly a God-orchestrated event.  Don't you just love how Jesus knows how to bless you?  This is such a blessing for me to see Gwen pour ideas and vision into an already great program.  

So, this Thanksgiving (or really any time) watch for ways to let those that are younger than you, serve and bless you.  I know that sometimes it is hard to accept help, but remember that you might be helping grow a servant heart.  Let that young boy hold the door open for you.  Or let that sweet teenage girl help you on the stairs.  Being served will bless you also.

Jesus, thank you for your servant heart that even washed the feet of your friends.  Holy Spirit, help us all to not only look for ways to serve others  but give us soft hearts to be willing to accept help and let others serve us.  Thank you for great ideas that help our children learn and grow.  Continue to speak to us all with new and creative ideas to help us reach our world.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen