WWJ Thanks “Walking with Jesus”
By Joni Mindrebo

Each Fall, Pastor Rick and Ms. Becki teach the “Walking with Jesus” class for elementary aged children. The class is open to students in grades 3 to 5 and is meant to serve two purposes: First, Pastor Rick and Ms. Becki get to know the children of the church in a personal and meaningful way. Each child knows that the Pastor knows who they are, and they know him. Secondly, the children are taught the basics of the Christian faith in a format that is appropriate for their age and spiritual development. After taking the course, the children are offered the opportunity to speak with an Elder of the church to share their faith and become communing members.

As a first-time observer of the class, I was blessed to see the relationships formed between Pastor Rick, Ms. Becki, and the children. Children learn and grow in environments where they feel safe and loved. Pastor Rick and Ms. Becki certainly created such an environment of love and acceptance that we will build on in the Children’s Ministry. I was also encouraged to hear the foundations of the faith being absorbed by their little ears. While we are able to teach the children quite a bit on Sunday mornings, we can’t possibly get to everything. This class is another layer of our church building into our children’s lives and supporting the growth of their faith and relationship with Jesus.

I asked each of the children who participated in the WWJ class this Fall to share some memories or lessons learned. Here is what they had to say:

Christabel: One memory that I will never forget from when I participated in the “Walking with Jesus” class was that for the first time in a while I felt like I was really connected with God. I found myself praying all the time whether it was before I went to bed or even during my soccer games. The “Walking with Jesus” class was also super fun and amazing. I enjoyed every second that I was there and will never forget about all the fun that I had there.

Mercedes: We were discussing the 10 Commandments, and the eighth is "Don't steal." Pastor Rick told us a story about when he was a mischievous little boy, and he stole his grandfather's wallet out of his pocket when they were fishing. Then he immediately spent the stolen money on candy! After he ate all the candy, he felt extremely guilty. Pastor Rick confessed to his grandfather, who had already found out who the culprit was. He got punished, but his grandfather was happy that Pastor Rick had admitted what he had done. So I learned that when you've done something wrong (the Holy Spirit lets you know this) it is important to confess!

Corban: When I first started the class I was really nervous, but Pastor Rick and Ms. Becki were really nice. They made me feel comforted, and not like I was the new kid. Pastor Rick said, "Ms. Becki can you turn the board for Corban?" And that made me happy because I couldn't see from where I was sitting. Oh, and they prayed at the start of class AND at the end of class; they were long and meaningful prayers, but in a way...short, because they made me calmer. I always enjoyed the part when I got to show Pastor Rick my homework, and he'd say, "Oooo, cool."

Karis: My memory of WWJ is looking in the Bible and seeing Pastor Rick and Miss Becki teach. I like all of the words they used to describe things.

Shane: My favorite memory was when somebody asked Pastor Rick if he gets paid! -- I also really liked when we shared all our pictures.  My favorite was Corban's picture because it was of children getting burned up... and then an old lady came and saved them. (This was in response to an assignment to draw a picture of someone being saved.)

Sam: I will remember for a long time that one of the ways to walk with Jesus is through prayer. I will also remember walking into the WWJ class for the first time. It was special to me and I loved being there.

 

COMMON THREADS winter 2022