"It's like we're eating with God."

It was a typical Wednesday evening at The Rainbow Club, except today we had decided to share a meal.  As we were eating, a first grade boy spoke up.  "It's like we're eating with God," he proclaimed.

So named because of the mural painted on the wall, the Rainbow Club meets Wednesday evenings. The five children, ages 4 through 9, are there because their parents are involved in Bible Study or music rehearsal.  We meet in a previously unused room,  the rainbow mural a reminder of an earlier time when this church boasted a larger membership and many Sunday School classes.  We have reclaimed the room, finding assorted furniture and supplies around the building and slowly adding our own touches to make the room our own.  Each week we explore one of the stories covered by the Disciple class meeting across the hall.  Our exploration, however, is much more active than the video and discussions taking place in their parents' class.  There is also time for homework, free play and snack.  But these children are learning scripture and experiencing the word of God.  It would be easy to think it not worth planning lessons for such a small group of such diverse ages.  I hear that attitude a lot.  But Noble's astute statement proves otherwise.  Perhaps it was the discussion of our new worship corner that provoked his proclamation.  Or maybe it was the little bit of chocolate on the worship table as a symbol of a tithe from our larger chocolate bar.  Regardless, it was obvious that he had a sense of the presence of God in this place.  Rather than simply playing with toys in a nursery while parents learn, this small group of children are learning scripture and developing lasting relationships with each other, their teachers, and the Lord.  What more can we ask?

getting started...

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20

Connections 18:20

This group has been meeting for two years now, and, although each meeting has been meaningful and served the needs of [at least some of] the people involved, I can't help feeling that there needs to be a way for more interaction.  

A Facebook page is available, but not everyone is on Facebook, and not much has been posted.  Someone suggested setting up a blog, so here we are.  But this seems somewhat one-sided.  I'm wishing, rather, that we could have a "clog" instead; a conversation log, where other people could post and discussions could take place.  This is, however, a starting point.  A place to share the distinctive dynamics of children and youth ministry in small (or medium) membership churches. 

 From my experience, any training, workshop or conference I have attended has focused on ministries attended by larger groups of children and youth, leaving those of us struggling with smaller numbers feeling left in the dark.  Yes, having a smaller number to work with is a challenge. But that does not negate the powerful work you are doing.  I have heard it said, "there are not enough kids to do...."  But that brings us back to our framework scripture:  "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” 

Successful Sunday School can take place with one teacher and one student. I have seen it happen.  I have experienced it myself. Let us not be deluded into thinking otherwise.  Yes, we are called to make disciples of all people.  But we are also called to make disciples of the ones already in our care, that they "may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal."