1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000 Good morning, everybody. 2 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:03,000 Good morning. 3 00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:10,840 It is so nice to have all of you with us here today for our very special episode of Trinity 4 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:11,840 Talks. 5 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:13,160 So hello to Grace. 6 00:00:13,160 --> 00:00:16,680 First of all, you are our Children's Director here at Trinity. 7 00:00:16,680 --> 00:00:17,680 I am indeed. 8 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:18,680 Good morning. 9 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:19,680 Good morning. 10 00:00:19,680 --> 00:00:23,520 And I also have two volunteers that help quite frequently out in the Children's Ministry 11 00:00:23,520 --> 00:00:24,520 here. 12 00:00:24,520 --> 00:00:26,320 So good morning to Simon and good morning to Jordana. 13 00:00:26,320 --> 00:00:27,320 Good morning. 14 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:28,320 Good morning. 15 00:00:28,320 --> 00:00:33,280 So we are going to be kicking off today a little bit of a ministry spotlight that occasionally 16 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:36,720 throughout the coming months, we're going to be spotlighting and highlighting some of 17 00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:39,400 the ministries that go on here at Trinity. 18 00:00:39,400 --> 00:00:42,920 And I'm really excited to be starting off with our Children's Ministry, which is really 19 00:00:42,920 --> 00:00:48,100 such an integral part to our life here at the church. 20 00:00:48,100 --> 00:00:52,680 And I know one thing before we get to anything serious that you always do with the children 21 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:53,680 is play some games. 22 00:00:53,680 --> 00:00:54,680 100%. 23 00:00:54,680 --> 00:00:55,680 Right? 24 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:56,680 Because it wouldn't be fun without them. 25 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:57,680 Best part of a kids' church. 26 00:00:57,680 --> 00:01:04,400 How often do you get a chance to play the games that you are doing at kids' church? 27 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:08,080 Actually for myself pretty often, because I always have the other leaders lead the games 28 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:10,280 and then I just like hop in and play. 29 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:11,280 All right. 30 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:12,280 How about you guys? 31 00:01:12,280 --> 00:01:20,400 No, I'm usually the one looking out for if there's a kid who's reluctant or sometimes 32 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:21,960 nervous about them getting hurt. 33 00:01:21,960 --> 00:01:22,960 Yeah, right. 34 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:25,240 You know, they're running around just making sure. 35 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:26,240 Yeah. 36 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:28,200 It's the same, not too often. 37 00:01:28,200 --> 00:01:29,200 Not too often. 38 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:32,000 And how often do you get to do the arts and crafts element? 39 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:36,840 Because I know there's usually a little bit of coloring that goes on in kids' church. 40 00:01:36,840 --> 00:01:37,840 I usually do. 41 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:40,160 I mean, I make the arts and crafts. 42 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:42,880 Maybe I'll make an example, but usually not. 43 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:45,520 But today we're going to have a little fun with you. 44 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:48,600 And you all have some whiteboards in front of you. 45 00:01:48,600 --> 00:01:53,480 And you have some pieces of paper under your chairs, which I know you haven't looked at 46 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:54,480 yet. 47 00:01:54,480 --> 00:01:55,480 You have a marker in your hand. 48 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:56,880 I did try to get you to... 49 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:57,880 And you can either... 50 00:01:57,880 --> 00:01:59,800 You also have a blindfold. 51 00:01:59,800 --> 00:02:02,180 If you prefer not to, you can close your eyes. 52 00:02:02,180 --> 00:02:07,660 But I have a little famous Bible story that you may probably have taught children. 53 00:02:07,660 --> 00:02:11,940 It's one of the stories that children learn in children's ministry. 54 00:02:11,940 --> 00:02:18,340 And I would like you to draw a picture of that Bible story while blindfolded and see 55 00:02:18,340 --> 00:02:22,920 if each other can figure out what story you are trying to convey. 56 00:02:22,920 --> 00:02:23,920 All right. 57 00:02:23,920 --> 00:02:26,480 So I'm going to talk a little bit while you guys get started. 58 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:31,040 So let's just make sure that you get your pieces of paper out so everyone can just read 59 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:32,040 their stories. 60 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:36,360 I'm sure you're all familiar with this story, and probably you are too out there. 61 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:37,360 See if you can play along. 62 00:02:37,360 --> 00:02:39,440 I hope the markers come up on camera. 63 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:43,720 But if you'd like to blindfold yourself, perhaps you don't trust yourself to close your eyes. 64 00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:46,120 If you can close your eyes, that's fine. 65 00:02:46,120 --> 00:02:49,800 But you may get started just drawing your pictures while you are blindfolded. 66 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:55,200 So as I said, that we are doing a ministry spotlight today, and we are going to be talking 67 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:57,040 about the children's ministry. 68 00:02:57,040 --> 00:03:01,240 And I want to thank all of the volunteers, first of all, who do help out with the children 69 00:03:01,240 --> 00:03:03,160 in some capacity here at church. 70 00:03:03,160 --> 00:03:07,600 We have so many different programs and activities and even outreach events that touch the young 71 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:08,640 people of our church. 72 00:03:08,640 --> 00:03:14,560 So I want to say thank you to everyone who helps provide a consistent and safe and just 73 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:17,720 absolutely beautiful environment for the children of our church. 74 00:03:17,720 --> 00:03:22,380 But one amazing thing about children's ministry, when we really think about it, it's a ministry 75 00:03:22,380 --> 00:03:27,660 not only to the children, but to families and to their caregivers, and in many ways 76 00:03:27,660 --> 00:03:31,080 also to the entire church and for generations to come. 77 00:03:31,080 --> 00:03:32,440 So no pressure. 78 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:36,600 Children's ministry does have far reaches, and we never know what God is doing in the 79 00:03:36,600 --> 00:03:39,280 lives or hearts of the people who are touched. 80 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:41,280 So thank you very much just for your commitment. 81 00:03:41,280 --> 00:03:42,280 All right. 82 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:43,920 It looks like you're done your pictures. 83 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:48,040 So we're going to have let's have Grace reveal your picture first. 84 00:03:48,040 --> 00:03:50,160 Can we open our eyes? 85 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:51,160 You can open your eyes. 86 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:52,440 I love the honesty. 87 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:53,440 All right. 88 00:03:53,440 --> 00:03:54,440 Oh, all right. 89 00:03:54,440 --> 00:03:56,800 So we've got a nice picture here. 90 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:58,680 It's a picture. 91 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:00,760 It's a picture. 92 00:04:00,760 --> 00:04:04,880 And actually, if that was done, closing your eyes, I would say it's pretty good. 93 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:07,520 I don't want to describe it too much from what I'm seeing. 94 00:04:07,520 --> 00:04:10,120 He's here listening and we've got a nice picture here. 95 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:13,760 I'd like Jordana and Simon to take a guess. 96 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:15,680 I'd say it's the Jesus walks on water. 97 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:17,160 I was going to say the same thing. 98 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:18,160 Ding. 99 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:19,160 Yeah. 100 00:04:19,160 --> 00:04:20,160 Well done. 101 00:04:20,160 --> 00:04:21,160 I tried to do a smiley face. 102 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:22,160 That's pretty good. 103 00:04:22,160 --> 00:04:23,160 Yeah, that's pretty good. 104 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:24,160 That's pretty good. 105 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:25,160 Not bad. 106 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:26,160 All right, Jordana, your turn. 107 00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:33,240 Oh, wait, this seems like seems like a no brainer. 108 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:34,240 What is it? 109 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:35,240 Do you want to guess, Grace? 110 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:36,240 That's Noah's Ark. 111 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:37,240 That is Noah's Ark. 112 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:38,240 Very good. 113 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:42,160 I like that you didn't attempt to do animals two by two. 114 00:04:42,160 --> 00:04:44,120 That could get messy. 115 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:46,120 All right. 116 00:04:46,120 --> 00:04:47,120 What do we have over here? 117 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:48,120 Mine wasn't quite as good. 118 00:04:48,120 --> 00:04:52,520 I don't think not quite as good. 119 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:53,520 Definitely have two figures there. 120 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:56,520 I didn't know someone threw up in the Bible. 121 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:58,680 It was not great. 122 00:04:58,680 --> 00:05:01,520 Jesus feeding the five thousand. 123 00:05:01,520 --> 00:05:03,040 Is it Jesus feeding five thousand? 124 00:05:03,040 --> 00:05:05,040 No, it was David and Goliath. 125 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:07,040 Oh, OK, I see it. 126 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:08,040 Those are the rocks. 127 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:09,040 Those are supposed to be the rocks. 128 00:05:09,040 --> 00:05:10,040 Those are the rocks. 129 00:05:10,040 --> 00:05:12,040 And that's with a size differential. 130 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:13,040 Yeah, OK. 131 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:14,040 Not bad, actually. 132 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:15,040 Yeah, it wasn't the best. 133 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:16,040 Well, well done. 134 00:05:16,040 --> 00:05:17,040 That's OK. 135 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:18,040 That's all right. 136 00:05:18,040 --> 00:05:21,040 That's why you're one of the leaders and not one of the children. 137 00:05:21,040 --> 00:05:22,040 Just kidding. 138 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:23,040 All right. 139 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:25,240 So, Grace, you are the children's director here. 140 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:29,440 I know you've worked through you've been part of Trinity for a long time. 141 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:33,120 So what led you to this role here at Trinity Church? 142 00:05:33,120 --> 00:05:38,040 Yeah, so I've been coming to Trinity since I was eight. 143 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:39,080 So a while. 144 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:40,480 And everyone jokes now. 145 00:05:40,480 --> 00:05:44,080 They're like, I knew you're going to have this job because between the ages of like 146 00:05:44,080 --> 00:05:50,680 11 to 13, after the church service, I'd always have a baby on my hip and like two or three 147 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,600 kids running around me that I was like keeping an eye on. 148 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:59,760 And so I went through my teenage years, had some rebellious teenage years where I didn't 149 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:02,320 come to church. 150 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:05,440 And then I was a little bit miserable. 151 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:07,840 I was a miserable teenager. 152 00:06:07,840 --> 00:06:10,920 And then I thought, you know, I might as well try this Jesus thing. 153 00:06:10,920 --> 00:06:16,360 So I started coming to youth group and made some really great friends there. 154 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:21,400 When your husband was running youth group, that was great. 155 00:06:21,400 --> 00:06:26,560 And I really started delving into my faith, working through my anger with God was definitely 156 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:28,040 a big thing. 157 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:32,960 And then when I graduated high school, I was like, I have no idea what I want to do with 158 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:34,400 my life. 159 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:38,600 I knew that kids were in the forefront of my life. 160 00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:42,200 That's where I found my passion and I really, really loved kids. 161 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:47,120 And so I was like, maybe child psychology, maybe midwifery. 162 00:06:47,120 --> 00:06:51,400 So I decided to take a year off just to kind of discern that. 163 00:06:51,400 --> 00:06:55,560 And I went to England with my friends and we went to something called New Wine, which 164 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:59,760 is a Christian festival in England. 165 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:05,960 And the Holy Spirit really directed me towards the New Wine discipleship year. 166 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:10,620 And so I spent a year doing this job. 167 00:07:10,620 --> 00:07:15,960 So I was running toddler groups, I was running Sunday groups, I was running events. 168 00:07:15,960 --> 00:07:22,840 But alongside that, I was also delving into my faith and so really delving into the Bible 169 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:24,280 and we had teaching days. 170 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:28,960 And so those combined, I was like, I think this is God's calling on my life. 171 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:31,320 This is something that I really enjoy. 172 00:07:31,320 --> 00:07:33,920 And so I came back from the discipleship year. 173 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:40,200 And then a little while later, a job opening happened at Trinity for a kids church assistant 174 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:41,200 under Julie Wormald. 175 00:07:41,200 --> 00:07:43,120 And I was like, oh my gosh, yes. 176 00:07:43,120 --> 00:07:46,240 So I applied, got the job. 177 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:50,560 And I remember thinking God has been so patient and so faithful working with me because I 178 00:07:50,560 --> 00:07:56,560 remember my first year as assistant director, or sorry, pardon me, not assistant director, 179 00:07:56,560 --> 00:08:01,560 assistant, like children's ministry assistant, assistant to the director. 180 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:08,400 If you get that, if you get that office term, thank you. 181 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:11,120 And so I remember sitting there and working with Julie and it was great. 182 00:08:11,120 --> 00:08:14,760 And I was like, oh, I could never be children's director. 183 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:16,960 I was like, I just don't have capacity. 184 00:08:16,960 --> 00:08:17,960 I could never do it. 185 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:22,200 And then a year later, Julie moved to BC. 186 00:08:22,200 --> 00:08:28,600 And so Robin and Natalie approached me and they were like, could you be children's director? 187 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:30,240 I was like, I think I could. 188 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:33,600 And I went and I said, but I could never do camp. 189 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:36,040 I was like, I could never be camp director though. 190 00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:37,480 So that's our idea coming. 191 00:08:37,480 --> 00:08:41,840 And then this year, Julie has decided to stay in BC for camp. 192 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:43,280 And so now I am camp director. 193 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:50,040 So it's been amazing to see God's faithfulness working through my confidence levels and just 194 00:08:50,040 --> 00:08:51,040 preparing me up. 195 00:08:51,040 --> 00:09:01,920 Like what led me to this job was finding a passion in kids, but also making theology 196 00:09:01,920 --> 00:09:03,000 understandable for them. 197 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:06,360 Because I think a lot of times what we can do is we can dumb things down for kids. 198 00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:08,440 And I feel like that does them a disservice. 199 00:09:08,440 --> 00:09:15,840 And so my passion is making theological concepts understandable for them where they're at. 200 00:09:15,840 --> 00:09:17,880 Just we can teach them the truth and encourage them. 201 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:22,840 That is so fun and what a great story that you have, it's just so fun to see God's presence 202 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:26,560 in every step of the journey and how he challenges you and pushes you. 203 00:09:26,560 --> 00:09:31,840 But also how you kept saying yes to all of those responses or to all those questions. 204 00:09:31,840 --> 00:09:32,840 So wonderful. 205 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:33,840 That's so good. 206 00:09:33,840 --> 00:09:38,800 We had a song earlier today where we were saying, all your promises are yes and amen. 207 00:09:38,800 --> 00:09:43,120 And it just makes me think that God is just saying yes to us and pushing us along on our 208 00:09:43,120 --> 00:09:44,120 journey. 209 00:09:44,120 --> 00:09:47,700 And thank you for just everything that you do here at church. 210 00:09:47,700 --> 00:09:50,080 And then we have an amazing team of volunteers. 211 00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:56,240 And you are some of those volunteers who spend your time and give of your hours during Sunday 212 00:09:56,240 --> 00:09:57,240 services. 213 00:09:57,240 --> 00:10:00,240 So Jordana, how long first of all have you been at Trinity for? 214 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:02,240 It's a long story. 215 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:08,040 I came to Trinity in the mid 2000s for a few years, but then left when I moved away. 216 00:10:08,040 --> 00:10:12,960 So I moved downtown and that was when I left the church. 217 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:17,640 I moved in a few places over the years and then came back to Mississauga end of 2013. 218 00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:21,600 But I had a tiny baby, a toddler. 219 00:10:21,600 --> 00:10:23,560 The church wasn't on the horizon. 220 00:10:23,560 --> 00:10:26,680 I was just very tired in those moments. 221 00:10:26,680 --> 00:10:35,880 I think it was really only 2017 when I joined the moms group here by Jen Surson. 222 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:40,840 And then that was literally the extent of my involvement at Trinity for a couple of 223 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:41,840 years. 224 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:49,200 And then ended up beginning to come to church much more regularly around 2018, feeling my 225 00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:53,520 feet, you know, feeling more comfortable again. 226 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:56,560 Then the pandemic disrupted all that. 227 00:10:56,560 --> 00:11:00,040 So it's hard to say how long I've been here. 228 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:05,560 Do I count the 2000s or is it more like 2018 or is it post pandemic when I really began 229 00:11:05,560 --> 00:11:08,080 to come much more? 230 00:11:08,080 --> 00:11:09,440 I don't know. 231 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:10,800 We have a good answer for that. 232 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:13,240 But it does sound like you have a journey with Trinity. 233 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:14,240 Yes, it is. 234 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:15,240 Yeah, it has been a journey. 235 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:18,840 And then so what led you to want to volunteer in children's ministry? 236 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:20,960 I know you said yourself, you have some children. 237 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:23,560 Yes, I have two boys. 238 00:11:23,560 --> 00:11:29,000 And right when we came back, actually much earlier even, they were, I just enjoyed that 239 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:35,000 they were getting other children and they were part of a children's ministry and they 240 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:37,120 were being blessed there. 241 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:45,800 And so when it felt like the ministry was growing and there was a call for volunteers, 242 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:49,160 I just thought, OK, this is a place where I'd like to be involved. 243 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:51,840 My kids are getting an enormous benefit from here. 244 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:55,840 And the other side of it is to echo grace. 245 00:11:55,840 --> 00:12:02,040 It's just lovely to be able to invest in these kids and say, you have a beautiful God whose 246 00:12:02,040 --> 00:12:04,840 character comes through through all these stories. 247 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:08,960 And he is worth your trust and he is worth you knowing how much you are loved. 248 00:12:08,960 --> 00:12:13,920 And if that each week is the message they take, that is great. 249 00:12:13,920 --> 00:12:19,920 And so I think those two reasons would be why I ended up saying yes. 250 00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:20,920 I love that. 251 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:21,920 I love that. 252 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:22,920 And thank you. 253 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:25,440 Thank you for your time that you put in there. 254 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:30,000 And Simon, so what led you to want to be part of children's ministry? 255 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:33,440 Well, so I started working at camp a few years ago. 256 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:34,440 OK. 257 00:12:34,440 --> 00:12:39,400 I was a leader in training when Grace was the director of like the LITs it was. 258 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:41,040 And so I found that really fun. 259 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:44,800 And then for the past two years, I've been working at camp and it's been a blast. 260 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:48,400 Like I really love hanging out with the kids and it's just a lot of fun. 261 00:12:48,400 --> 00:12:51,480 So then I found out about Kids Church and I thought that'd be a great opportunity to 262 00:12:51,480 --> 00:12:53,360 like help out with the church. 263 00:12:53,360 --> 00:12:54,480 And I thought it'd be a lot of fun. 264 00:12:54,480 --> 00:12:56,320 And Grace was telling me about it. 265 00:12:56,320 --> 00:12:58,120 It sounded like a great opportunity. 266 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:00,160 So I thought I had to join. 267 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:01,160 That's amazing. 268 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:04,120 So how often do you join downstairs and help with the kids? 269 00:13:04,120 --> 00:13:06,200 I'd say like once or twice a month. 270 00:13:06,200 --> 00:13:07,200 Probably. 271 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:08,680 Yeah, it's a lot of fun. 272 00:13:08,680 --> 00:13:11,920 And I hope to keep volunteering throughout the next few years. 273 00:13:11,920 --> 00:13:12,920 That would be wonderful. 274 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:15,880 It's wonderful to have that consistency too in our leaders if we can. 275 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:18,480 Now, Grace, can you tell us we've talked about children's ministry? 276 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:23,640 Some people might not know what goes on in our kids church or even in our toddler room, 277 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:25,280 which we do have those separations. 278 00:13:25,280 --> 00:13:26,280 We do indeed. 279 00:13:26,280 --> 00:13:30,280 So what does children's ministry actually look like here at Trinity? 280 00:13:30,280 --> 00:13:31,280 Yeah. 281 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:34,840 So we like to do different programs based on the age, right? 282 00:13:34,840 --> 00:13:40,720 So someone in kindergarten is not going to benefit from the same lessons and games and 283 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:43,000 structure as someone in grade five. 284 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:47,480 And so what we really like to do is we like to, A, work with kids where they're at, but 285 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:51,400 also, B, work with parents where they're at. 286 00:13:51,400 --> 00:13:56,480 Because kids are the light of your life and we have the privilege of having parents feel 287 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:58,760 comfortable leaving their kids with us. 288 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:05,360 So if you have a littler one, so like a little baby, there are different things where you 289 00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:06,360 can do. 290 00:14:06,360 --> 00:14:09,480 So you're more than welcome to have your baby with you in the service. 291 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:13,560 Right across the way, we have a parish hall where we're streaming the service, where we 292 00:14:13,560 --> 00:14:15,040 have some toys in there. 293 00:14:15,040 --> 00:14:21,040 We have a room downstairs beside the crawler's room where we're streaming the service as 294 00:14:21,040 --> 00:14:22,040 well. 295 00:14:22,040 --> 00:14:26,080 So if you need to feed your baby or you need to change your baby, it's just your space 296 00:14:26,080 --> 00:14:31,920 where you can be with your baby while also participate in the service. 297 00:14:31,920 --> 00:14:36,120 Or if you feel comfortable enough leaving your baby, we have a room called the crawler's 298 00:14:36,120 --> 00:14:41,840 room, which is really for babies to about young toddlers. 299 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:46,120 And it's a room where we have volunteers who specifically work with that age group and 300 00:14:46,120 --> 00:14:48,120 have your kids during that time. 301 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:49,800 So we call that crawler's. 302 00:14:49,800 --> 00:14:51,920 We also have walkers. 303 00:14:51,920 --> 00:14:56,640 So we don't have distinctive ages just because every child is so different. 304 00:14:56,640 --> 00:15:01,360 So when you say like from this to 12 months, like one child at 12 months is like walking 305 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:03,740 and going and one child is still crawling. 306 00:15:03,740 --> 00:15:06,980 So we let parents discern where they'd like to put their younger ones. 307 00:15:06,980 --> 00:15:10,800 But walkers, they have like the funnest room ever. 308 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:13,640 Don't tell the kids I said that. 309 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:16,360 Every room is great. 310 00:15:16,360 --> 00:15:19,360 But yeah, it's just it's all these toys. 311 00:15:19,360 --> 00:15:20,360 It's a playhouse. 312 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:21,360 It's a play kitchen. 313 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:23,000 It's got a lot of terrains. 314 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:27,040 And it's really just getting them comfortable, getting them used to coming to church and 315 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:28,080 being away from their parents. 316 00:15:28,080 --> 00:15:29,840 So it's mostly play. 317 00:15:29,840 --> 00:15:32,920 And then we also have snacks and little crafts available. 318 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:36,060 So that's what our crawlers and walkers programs look like. 319 00:15:36,060 --> 00:15:42,920 So parents usually drop them off like just before the service or during the kids dismissal. 320 00:15:42,920 --> 00:15:48,560 But for our kindergartners to grade five, we really like to start off our Sunday morning 321 00:15:48,560 --> 00:15:52,780 by coming all together and worshipping together as a community. 322 00:15:52,780 --> 00:15:57,980 So you'll notice that our kindergartners to grade fives and even some of our crawlers 323 00:15:57,980 --> 00:16:04,320 and walkers are up and they are participating in the first couple of songs. 324 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:08,240 And so then I come up, do my little spiel, talk to people about what we're learning about 325 00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:10,240 and dismiss the kids. 326 00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:15,520 So if you are in kindergarten or grade one, you've just sat through two songs. 327 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:16,520 You've sat very nicely. 328 00:16:16,520 --> 00:16:17,520 Hopefully. 329 00:16:17,520 --> 00:16:18,520 Or maybe not. 330 00:16:18,520 --> 00:16:19,520 I don't know. 331 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:22,520 Your Gloria loves to dance. 332 00:16:22,520 --> 00:16:26,520 Elizabeth has her youngest daughter. 333 00:16:26,520 --> 00:16:28,120 She loves to dance. 334 00:16:28,120 --> 00:16:31,200 And so you'll always see her dancing. 335 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:35,680 But yeah, so when your kindergartners or grade ones first come down, it's a time for them 336 00:16:35,680 --> 00:16:36,680 to play. 337 00:16:36,680 --> 00:16:37,680 So we have blue blocks. 338 00:16:37,680 --> 00:16:40,280 We have a bunch of toys for them. 339 00:16:40,280 --> 00:16:43,440 And Simon actually is one of our main teachers for K to one. 340 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:45,440 Yeah, that's the age group I'm mostly in. 341 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:48,960 Yeah, we usually play games at the start and they have a lot of fun. 342 00:16:48,960 --> 00:16:49,960 Love it. 343 00:16:49,960 --> 00:16:50,960 Yeah. 344 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:53,600 And then we'll have like a snack and some crafts, just meeting them at an age appropriate 345 00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:54,640 way. 346 00:16:54,640 --> 00:17:00,320 For our grades two to five, they start out by playing a few games together. 347 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:05,960 So like structured games, lots of running games to get that energy out, themed games 348 00:17:05,960 --> 00:17:07,540 around the lesson. 349 00:17:07,540 --> 00:17:10,760 And then they would sit and they'd watch a video and then they'd break off into smaller 350 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:11,760 groups. 351 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:17,200 So we have grade twos and threes who will do a craft and more discussion questions, 352 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:20,280 kind of picking apart the lesson of what they've learned. 353 00:17:20,280 --> 00:17:22,200 And then we have the four to five to come together. 354 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:25,760 And Jordana is a four to five teacher. 355 00:17:25,760 --> 00:17:30,320 And that's actually the first time where you're opening the Bible. 356 00:17:30,320 --> 00:17:34,360 And so before you go to youth group, we want to get you in the habit of learning how to 357 00:17:34,360 --> 00:17:35,960 navigate your Bible. 358 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:37,240 So what is the Old Testament? 359 00:17:37,240 --> 00:17:38,400 What is the New Testament? 360 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:41,000 How do you find a verse in the Bible? 361 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:45,960 And so grade four and five is when they actually start reading the scripture for themselves. 362 00:17:45,960 --> 00:17:49,280 And so they'll do discussion questions and sometimes we'll bring it like a game or a 363 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:51,520 craft just to break it up. 364 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:55,560 But that is what kids church would look like for every age group. 365 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:56,560 That's wonderful. 366 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:58,160 And I know we also have secure check in, right? 367 00:17:58,160 --> 00:17:59,760 We do indeed. 368 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:05,600 The last thing we want is for a child to go home with the wrong parent. 369 00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:08,560 That's like my biggest fear. 370 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:13,240 I remember this dad came downstairs and I had no idea who he was. 371 00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:14,240 And I was ready. 372 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:16,280 I was like, who is this man looking in the toddler room? 373 00:18:16,280 --> 00:18:18,760 And then I looked, I'm like, oh, is this this is your son? 374 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:19,760 He's like, yes. 375 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:24,920 I'm like, oh, Tom, I I almost protect these kids, but it's all good. 376 00:18:24,920 --> 00:18:30,280 So what we do is when you check in, we all have a check in system where we get name tags. 377 00:18:30,280 --> 00:18:34,520 And so during the check in system, if you have children with you, you get name tags 378 00:18:34,520 --> 00:18:36,220 as well as a code. 379 00:18:36,220 --> 00:18:41,000 And so that code is something that you need to hand in in order to pick up your kids so 380 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:46,840 that we can make sure on our ends that the right kids are going home with the right parents 381 00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:51,040 just to keep everyone safe and to have that security for parents knowing that their their 382 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:52,160 kids are safe. 383 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:53,160 That's great. 384 00:18:53,160 --> 00:18:58,100 Now I want to hear a little bit about some of your favorite stories or memories or experiences 385 00:18:58,100 --> 00:18:59,620 that you've had in kids church. 386 00:18:59,620 --> 00:19:02,720 So obviously you're enjoying doing this ministry. 387 00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:06,800 I'm wondering if each of you could take a moment just to share what your favorite thing 388 00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:10,960 is or maybe a memory or a story or just overall experience. 389 00:19:10,960 --> 00:19:13,720 But what happens in kids church that you really love? 390 00:19:13,720 --> 00:19:14,960 So let's start with Simon. 391 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:15,960 Yeah. 392 00:19:15,960 --> 00:19:20,000 So as Grace mentioned before, I'm usually in the K to one age group and in the K to 393 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:21,080 ones we usually play. 394 00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:24,320 They play with toys for the first like 20 minutes or so. 395 00:19:24,320 --> 00:19:28,160 And one of my favorite parts is the blue blocks they have, which we've had for a lot of years 396 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:29,720 here at Trinity. 397 00:19:29,720 --> 00:19:32,600 And they love building forts and like just running across them. 398 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:33,640 It's a lot of fun. 399 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:36,480 And also when they're playing with the other toys, they're just always having a lot of 400 00:19:36,480 --> 00:19:38,040 fun running around. 401 00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:40,960 Sometimes we play like hide and seek, even though it's like a really small area down 402 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:41,960 there. 403 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:45,560 They like sometimes chasing me around with different stuff. 404 00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:46,560 It's a lot of fun. 405 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:48,120 Yeah, that's probably my favorite part. 406 00:19:48,120 --> 00:19:49,120 I bet. 407 00:19:49,120 --> 00:19:50,120 Oh, that's great. 408 00:19:50,120 --> 00:19:52,960 And if anyone hasn't seen anyone from the church has seen those big blue blocks downstairs. 409 00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:53,960 They are a lot of fun. 410 00:19:53,960 --> 00:19:54,960 They're really great. 411 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:56,880 They just like the size of a four year old. 412 00:19:56,880 --> 00:19:57,880 Yeah. 413 00:19:57,880 --> 00:19:58,880 Yeah. 414 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:01,000 The creativity that comes out from these kids with those blocks is beautiful. 415 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:02,760 It's great to see. 416 00:20:02,760 --> 00:20:03,760 Yeah. 417 00:20:03,760 --> 00:20:04,760 So thank you. 418 00:20:04,760 --> 00:20:05,760 Yeah. 419 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:06,760 And what about you, Jordana? 420 00:20:06,760 --> 00:20:08,040 I work with the great fours of five. 421 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:09,040 So there's a lot more discussion. 422 00:20:09,040 --> 00:20:12,040 There's a lot more delving into the Bible, chatting. 423 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:18,360 I think one of my favorite memories was one week when I can't remember what Bible story 424 00:20:18,360 --> 00:20:22,560 it was that prompted the reflection, but it was on God blessing us and giving us what 425 00:20:22,560 --> 00:20:26,400 we need, but not necessarily everything we want. 426 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:32,080 And so the kids were asked to draw on the whiteboard, you know, what we need, what we 427 00:20:32,080 --> 00:20:33,080 want. 428 00:20:33,080 --> 00:20:36,120 And they began with what we need in terms of it was easy food, clothing, shelter. 429 00:20:36,120 --> 00:20:40,680 And then they began to branch out into freedom and faith. 430 00:20:40,680 --> 00:20:44,520 And one kid said, God, and one kid said, prayer. 431 00:20:44,520 --> 00:20:50,000 And then as they wrote among the ones that grew a debate, you know, do you need a computer? 432 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:54,240 And they actually, I think my favorite moment was when they began to debate is chocolate 433 00:20:54,240 --> 00:20:56,440 a need or what? 434 00:20:56,440 --> 00:20:58,920 And then they went into is a computer or a need or one. 435 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:01,400 That's a hard question to answer in our culture. 436 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:08,720 So it was just really neat to see them working through, you know, what just what would be 437 00:21:08,720 --> 00:21:11,160 considered a blessed life. 438 00:21:11,160 --> 00:21:15,440 I mean, that's my wording, but it was just a neat moment. 439 00:21:15,440 --> 00:21:16,440 I bet. 440 00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:20,680 I bet they made you think you've been probably challenged some of the way you thought. 441 00:21:20,680 --> 00:21:21,960 Yeah, that's great. 442 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:22,960 Thank you. 443 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:24,200 And then the next question is, do you have a favorite memory? 444 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:26,400 I know it might be hard to come up with one. 445 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:29,960 So what's your favorite thing about kids church or something that you like? 446 00:21:29,960 --> 00:21:34,600 I think my favorite thing about kids church is just the process. 447 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:36,960 And there are two things that I love. 448 00:21:36,960 --> 00:21:41,600 The first thing that I love is that it helps me as a person remember to come to God as 449 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:43,120 a child. 450 00:21:43,120 --> 00:21:47,120 And so like when you're telling these kids these stories, or like you'll have kids who 451 00:21:47,120 --> 00:21:52,360 will like be so overcome with the Easter story that they cry. 452 00:21:52,360 --> 00:21:57,960 And it's just a reminder that like as adults and as teenagers, you really get used to it 453 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:02,080 and you and you don't see the beauty in it. 454 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:06,480 And so I think like coming to God with childlike faith, it's a reminder every week, which is 455 00:22:06,480 --> 00:22:07,480 great. 456 00:22:07,480 --> 00:22:12,800 And then another aspect of children's ministry is the fact that it's family ministry. 457 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:17,800 And so one of my favorite things is working with families. 458 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:21,920 So like you'll have a baby come in and it's working with that mom to be like, okay, like 459 00:22:21,920 --> 00:22:24,200 what do you feel comfortable with? 460 00:22:24,200 --> 00:22:25,600 What makes you feel comfortable? 461 00:22:25,600 --> 00:22:28,800 Sorry, I'm waving to a little one. 462 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:33,040 What makes you feel comfortable leaving your child and working with them so that they feel 463 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:34,040 comfortable? 464 00:22:34,040 --> 00:22:36,480 And then you see the child like go through all the stages. 465 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:39,840 So you like see them and like often you see them. 466 00:22:39,840 --> 00:22:44,400 You're like, they take, they took their first steps or like, oh, they're teething. 467 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:47,380 Or it was like their first year of kindergarten. 468 00:22:47,380 --> 00:22:52,640 And you just see the kids grow through season of season and you get to see their relationship 469 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:55,000 with God grow. 470 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:56,840 And it's just one of the most beautiful things. 471 00:22:56,840 --> 00:23:01,600 Like I think of some of our grade fives that we've had and I've seen them like since they 472 00:23:01,600 --> 00:23:04,920 were infants in their, in their baby seats. 473 00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:11,320 And it is just so beautiful to see them still enjoying and coming and learning about God. 474 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:13,320 Oh, it's beautiful. 475 00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:15,560 It is beautiful though. 476 00:23:15,560 --> 00:23:17,080 It is beautiful. 477 00:23:17,080 --> 00:23:22,360 So you're talking about kids ministry and the progress that you've seen even in your 478 00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:24,000 time here at Trinity. 479 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:28,360 Kids are young and getting into their older children's ages and maybe going off to youth 480 00:23:28,360 --> 00:23:29,920 group. 481 00:23:29,920 --> 00:23:33,960 Children's ministry is something that evolves and grows and touches actually, like we said, 482 00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:36,080 the whole church in so many different ways. 483 00:23:36,080 --> 00:23:40,920 It's actually so interesting because I think of like Simon and all the other people, like 484 00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:45,720 some of the youth, like they go to kids church and then they go into youth. 485 00:23:45,720 --> 00:23:49,040 And then after a few years, then they're coming and teaching in kids church. 486 00:23:49,040 --> 00:23:52,760 There's all these cycles that happen and we never know the extent to how God is going to 487 00:23:52,760 --> 00:23:55,240 work through these ministries. 488 00:23:55,240 --> 00:23:59,920 So I'm wondering if you could each just share a hope that you have for the children's ministry 489 00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:01,480 here at Trinity. 490 00:24:01,480 --> 00:24:03,320 And I think I'm going to start with Jordana this time. 491 00:24:03,320 --> 00:24:04,320 Oh, okay. 492 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:06,320 We're just mixing it up. 493 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:10,440 Keeping you on your toes as I'm sure you're used to in kids church. 494 00:24:10,440 --> 00:24:18,200 My hope is just with each week that the kids take something where they know that they are 495 00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:24,280 loved and that God is good and that they can take that into the week. 496 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:28,920 And kids are so present in each moment, right? 497 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:29,920 They can forget. 498 00:24:29,920 --> 00:24:36,320 But if they can do that, that's a good thing for me. 499 00:24:36,320 --> 00:24:42,160 As a ministry, I hope that just more kids come to benefit from it and have friends that 500 00:24:42,160 --> 00:24:47,200 can chat about these matters of faith. 501 00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:49,200 I think that's my hope. 502 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:50,280 Yeah, great. 503 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:51,280 Thank you. 504 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:52,280 Yeah. 505 00:24:52,280 --> 00:24:56,600 So I would say for me is like, I want the kids to have fun and look forward to coming 506 00:24:56,600 --> 00:24:59,840 to kids church every week and also learn a lot about Jesus. 507 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:04,440 Because I remember when I was a kid going to Sunday school at like a different church, 508 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:09,480 I remember I was looking forward to it, playing the games and hearing a Bible story that were 509 00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:10,480 always really cool. 510 00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:15,920 So I just hope the kids can look forward to coming each week and just having a great time. 511 00:25:15,920 --> 00:25:16,920 Great. 512 00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:19,400 And a place that they feel included and welcomed. 513 00:25:19,400 --> 00:25:20,400 Great. 514 00:25:20,400 --> 00:25:26,120 And now, Grace, do you have any hopes for this ministry and what you can see for the future 515 00:25:26,120 --> 00:25:30,480 or even just as Georgina was saying, just on the day to day? 516 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:38,200 My hopes for kids church is that even as we grow and even as we have more kids come, that 517 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:45,200 we can continue to have that intimate connection with these kids. 518 00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:51,920 Where these kids come and they feel loved and they feel seen and that when they come 519 00:25:51,920 --> 00:25:56,400 to kids church, they can meet with God in a way that works for them. 520 00:25:56,400 --> 00:25:59,980 And so I think that's something that I'm so grateful that we have. 521 00:25:59,980 --> 00:26:06,800 And my prayer is that as we grow, we can continue to have that intimacy with God. 522 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:07,800 Thank you. 523 00:26:07,800 --> 00:26:09,040 I mean, that's just so beautiful. 524 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:14,020 And we are going to have to wrap up now, but if you are interested in learning more or 525 00:26:14,020 --> 00:26:19,280 participating in any way, volunteering, any children that could benefit from the ministry, 526 00:26:19,280 --> 00:26:21,880 make sure that you contact Grace. 527 00:26:21,880 --> 00:26:26,400 Her email is grace at trinitiestreetsville.org or feel free to connect with anyone on the 528 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:31,840 children's ministry team and we can point you in the right direction.