Director of Children’s Ministries Cheryce Berg

Cheryce Berg

Put one fist on top of the other and sing with me:

The wise man built his house upon the rock,The wise man built his house upon the rock,The wise man built his house upon the rock,

And the rains came tumbling down.

The rains came down and the floods came up,The rains came down and the floods came up,The rains came down and the floods came up,

But the house on the rock stood firm.

(lyrics Public Domain)

Yes, it did and praise God!

We created a new logo and mission and vision statement this year for Kids’ Harbor. Our lighthouse is built on the rock of our faith in Christ, ready to withstand any storm, shining the light of Jesus.

MISSION:

Kids’ Harbor equips and emboldens families to walk as children of light.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4, ESV)

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Eph. 5)

Kids' Harbor Logo

VISION:

Grace-redeemed children of God who shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.

...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life... (Phil. 2:15-16)

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By God’s grace alone, we opened children’s programs in September and have grown significantly since then. We were also able to switch to a new curriculum, Gospel Project; purchase new technology to aid in teaching; offer special events in the summer, at Christmas and Easter and begin some renovations of our aging space. God also provided a large team of fantastic and flexible volunteers!

I am thankful for my wonderful Children’s Ministry team members—Karin Tuurie, Jenn Miller, Sarah Herr, Angie Schroeder, Sarah Tews and Liz Stahler—as together we support and minister to the many volunteers and children and their families.

Catch glimpses of more of what is happening in Kids’ Harbor.

Ashley Ramsland, nursery superintendent:

Each Sunday we welcome your babies and toddlers into our rooms as we strive to care for the youngest in our church. We play, read and sing with them to engage them during the services, allowing the parents to worship knowing their children are well cared for during that hour. Praise the Lord for the dedicated men and women who serve week after week ready to get on the floor and play or rock a sleepy baby.

Sarah Mikolajczyk, preschool Bible school superintendent:

Praise God for the faithfulness of our teachers and volunteers in the preschool ministry! These are experienced teachers, seventh grade helpers, IT administrators, college students and nurses—all ordinary men and women who have stepped into a God-sized ministry plan this year. Every week at 9:30 they bring the gospel to 45 precious little ones. We have been creative and safe, used new technologies and focused on the Word of God. Those of us who serve together are so encouraged, and families are blessed as the seeds of God’s truth are placed in these little hearts. From the creation story to our recent unit on how God grows the church, these two-, three-, four- and five-year-old children learn that they are an important part of the body of Christ!

Daniel Burden, elementary Bible school superintendent:

Praise God for the 75 children who are coming to first through fifth grade Bible school! Even through the harsh conditions of this pandemic year, dedicated teachers have continued to proclaim the gospel message to children. Masks and social distancing have not stopped the ministry of God’s Word…not for the kids, or for the teachers. Teaching in Kids’ Harbor is as much about letting God’s Word speak to adult leaders as it is about instructing youth. Praise God for the adaptability of children. There is something so refreshing about the simplicity of a child’s heart. Through all the difficult circumstances confronting traditional classroom education, the kids have remained remarkably adaptive. Thanks to the kids for weathering this storm. Thanks to the parents who have set the stage for their adaptability, and praise be to God for the opportunity to continually dwell under the ministry of his Word.

Suzanne Shirley, Kids Korner superintendent:

Even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, amidst many COVID 19 restrictions, Kids Korner was able to welcome 20 children this past fall. Seven teachers faithfully showed up each week to care for these little ones in two different classrooms—one for babies two and under and one for preschoolers. At the start of the spring semester, we were able to add one more preschool classroom and three more teachers to serve a total of 29 children. Having Kids Korner open, even at a much smaller scale than a normal year, enabled moms to join in-person Women’s Bible Study small groups. It’s amazing that even though we are all masked, the babies “see” our smiles and are quick to smile right back! Praise God for providing a place for children to experience the love of Jesus while their moms study God’s Word with other women.

Judy Ford, Pioneer Girls superintendent:

It’s true this has been a difficult season, but the young ladies who come to Pioneer Girls each Wednesday evening have a great time! From the very beginning of Pioneer Girls (back in 1939), the purpose was to help children follow Christ in every aspect of life, and I praise God when I see him working in these precious lives. The structure has always been Bible memory, Bible lessons, songs, games, projects, gym time and building community. One Wednesday, while visiting in the third- and fourth-grade classroom, I heard the teacher continuing a story about a missionary in the Philippines.

When she stopped, she heard groans, but it was time for discussion to check their understanding. One girl commented, “I think it is interesting how God works in the different people.” I then peeked in the first- and second-grade room and heard these young children reciting the 23rd Psalm with actions—another good building block! The fifth graders opened with prayer and then headed to Kimmer’s for ice cream! Sound interesting? Fun? Visit us and see for yourself!

Terry VanSomeren, Boys Brigade superintendent:

Boys Brigade has gone very well this year. We had a slow start, but by early November, we were having 50 boys on average each week. Since the new year, we have worked on cars and memorizing Isaiah 12. On March 24, we had the races, and the boys were excited. We have had a great group of leaders, who have faithfully served through the year.

Children’s Church (Lisa McKenna) and WOW (Nancy Chase)

These programs did not open this year as we focused all our energies on Bible School and Wednesday programs, but will be back in the fall.