Children’s Day—Recapping a Faith Filled Year

Children’s Day is not just for children! It is for the entire congregation that nurtures, supports, and prays for them. On Sunday, May 19 at 10 a.m. 24 third graders will receive their Bibles and 28 middle school students will receive a service award during the 10 a.m. worship. Your presence is a visible sign of this congregation’s commitment to nurturing children who love God and neighbor as Jesus teaches.

Not only do we celebrate the beloved, 90+ year tradition where third graders learn scripture by heart before receiving a personalized Bible on Children’s Day, a generous gift of the Allen C. Menke family, we give thanks to God for the ways Children’s and Family Ministry is having an impact on young people and those who care for them. The video and the highlights below offer a glimpse into a faith-filled year of ministry with children 6th grade and younger.

Thanks be to God for 44 adults who taught Sunday school this last year and for 40 who are already committed for 2024–2025. What a gift to have so many faithful adult role models!
Many beloved Kenilworth Union traditions continued this year including the Christmas pageant with live animals; a juggler on homecoming Sunday; The World Jesus Knew led by middle school; and our midweek groups Faith234 and MSYG.
We welcomed 25 new families to our program.
We partnered with Family Promise to deliver 2 weeks worth of meals and provided books and games for their day center. A record number—122, of wish lists were fulfilled for the Lawrence Hall gift drive. Along with the Green Team, we hosted an author event with Kenilworth Union’s own Carolyn Armstrong. Green ideas written by kids were included in the Lenten e-devotional.

Jena Acuff and Ryan Watson, Trustees and Children and Family Ministry Co-chairs emphasize that “Children’s Ministry is the heart of Kenilworth Union Church. Experiencing church life through our children’s perspective has deepened our understanding of God’s love, brought us closer to other families, and expanded our musical appreciation of those catchy Sunday School songs. We are grateful for the devoted staff and for the wonderfully diverse calendar of events throughout the year that help build our connection with God and our church family. We hope to see you at Children’s Day or another Children and Family Ministry event soon.”

Please join us on May 19 at 10 a.m. to celebrate all that God is doing in the lives of children through the ministries of the church.

Greta Connor and Christine Hides