It Takes a Village (of Godly People)

By Steve Barg

Daddy, how much is 10% of $26? Hannah yells from her bedroom. Never mind, she says, I'm pretty sure it's $2.60 . . . right? Right, I say, smiling, and thankful that all the fraction and percentage homework she has been doing lately is paying off.

Later on in church that morning, I watched as Hannah carefully pulled from the pouch of her Bible cover two crinkled dollars bills and sixty cents in change, placing them in the offering plate.

Susan and I have talked with Hannah about the importance of giving of her time and resources as part of her faith commitment -- but we had not thought about discussing the concept of tithing yet. Where did she learn about tithing? "We read about it and discussed it in Sunday school a few weeks ago," Hannah said.

About 14 years ago I hurriedly left the auditorium right in the middle of our cousin's high school graduation ceremony -- sobbing uncontrollably, overcome with emotion. Susan followed me out, held me close and asked what had happened. I apologized for rushing out and said, "It just hit me, like a ton of bricks -- we will probably never see Aaron walk across that stage."

Eighteen months ago we received a phone call from Pastor Dwight. "Brian and I have been talking about Aaron and we would like to have him join the confirmation class this year." I was taken aback at first; having co-taught several confirmation classes with interim pastor Everett Jackson, I knew what was required of the confirmands in terms of Bible study and knowledge. But Aaron can't read, his congitive level is maybe 18 months, and it would be impossible for him to attend class every Wednesday. Sensing my hesitancy, Pastor Dwight patiently and lovingly explained what confirmation is and assured Susan and me that we could work through the issues and details together. This May Susan and I will proudly watch Aaron wheel across an even more important stage in life and, with his peers, acknowledge the presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their lives. (Note: For the Covenant Companion's later account of Aaron's confirmation, look here. Pastor Dwight's Confirmation sermon is here.)We

We are blessed with a multitude of Christian education ministries at Libertyville Covenant Church; lifelong learning opportunities to grow and strengthen our faith in Christ Jesus. Many of these ministries are dependent, either in whole or in part, on the lay members of the church -- that's you and me (hint, hint).

Sunday school, Bible study, Vacation Bible School, God Squad, Confirmation, Covenant Harbor -- God has used the gifts of so many to teach and nurture our children in the ways of the Lord. These gracious people have helped prepare the way, in our kids and ourselves, for the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts.

My prayer is that God will continue to call forth CE leaders and workers to serve, teach and minister to our children, youth, adults, and families. We are so richly blessed -- how faithful the Lord has been to us through the gifts and service of so many of you. Thanks be to God!