United Church of Warsaw

Early September brings that hint of change as the relaxed pace of summer gives way to the more structured time of fall. School is back in session, and here at the church, the buildings burst into life as Head Start and Starburst resume their activities, and the glorious sound of children fills every nook and cranny. Regrettably, the Food Pantry didn’t have any ?down-time? this summer, as demand for its services was at an all-time high. It faithfully continues with its ministry of compassionate care season after season. The WIC program brought a steady stream of families through our doors throughout the summer, which will surely continue into the fall. What a blessing to see these buildings utilized for the glory of God through our ministry of education, care and hospitality!

The coming of fall also heralds the start of some new activities for our Church Family activities which will help us build our sense of identity, and strengthen us for the ministry God calls us to here in Warsaw. The first change involves one of the priorities you set when you searched for your new pastor: Welcome new families into the church, and increase the involvement of children and youth in the life of the church. We will do this in two ways, both of which build on those beautiful words in the book of Proverbs: “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22: 6). Or, in the words of the oft-quoted African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.”
The fourth Sunday of each month is now designated “Family Sunday.” On that Sunday, the worship service will specifically be designed so that all-ages will be included in the service, with children and youth actively participating in the worship experience. Consequently there is no Sunday School on that Sunday, as we will instead worship together as a church family. The children will learn to be part of the worshipping community (instead of only having an allegiance to Sunday School), their teachers will have the Sunday to be in worship, and the adults will be blessed with presence of the children, who are often our greatest teachers. I hope to involve the youth in the leadership of these services so that they have a meaningful role in planning and leading worship here in the church.

The second change is a simple one. Once Sunday School begins on September 9th, the entire church family will join together for fellowship after worship and Sunday School. The current pattern of the children and young people remaining in the Sunday School area until after fellowship time will cease. Instead, once Sunday School reaches its natural conclusion, the children and young people will proceed to the East Room so the church family can share fellowship and refreshment together. This will allow our children and young people to be part of the family and learn from all the adults in the church, and also allow the Sunday School teachers to participate in the fellowship that is such an important part of church life. Since we are a “village” working together to raise our children, the parents of the children will still be able to enjoy fellowship, knowing that there are many other adults here to help watch the children! We can all work together, for the glory of God, and the well-being of everyone the family here at the United Church.

I hope these changes help with one other challenge that is facing the Sunday School this year the recruitment of teachers. We already have a strong “team” of four men who will be teaching our older children (and because they are a team, they will be sharing the responsibilities and thus be able to be in church more often, etc). But we still need teachers for our younger ones perhaps another team to share the joy of working with our children. When 2-4 people come together as a team, the teaching responsibility becomes a joy shared among friends, and our children gain the gift of excellent role models and an inspired Sunday School experience that always feels fresh. Can you respond to this opportunity and challenge?

You will read of many other opportunities for our church family to come together in a variety of different ways Bible Study and prayer, fellowship through games and activities including dancing, and service. All of these different opportunities strengthens our bonds as a family, and encourages us in our ministry.

After all, that is what it is all about. We are not here just to take up space in the middle of Warsaw. We are not here to just keep these beautiful buildings in good repair and keep our cherished history and traditions in tact much like one keeps a museum or art gallery in perfect order, free from change or alteration. We are the Body of Christ, living and breathing, and called to ministry NOW. Respectful of our past and with our eye on the horizon, we do all that we can to live and grow NOW in the way God is calling us to grow. And we are blessed to be able to do that here as a family the United Church family.

What an exciting time to be part of the church. NOW!

With love and prayer,
Kim