Jesus Calls Us to Welcome Children

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them,

but the disciples rebuked them. 

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.

He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 

And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

Thanks for taking time to look at my new blog.  It's dedicated to one of my passions how we care for children and especially how we care for chidlren in the church.  As Christians, we are called to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.  This is true in all areas of our life, including how we relate to, care for and teach children.  Welcome the Children emphasizes the example Jesus set for us in the gopels for how we value, care for and teach children.

A passion for children.....

With more than 28 years of professional experience and volunteering in the church, I have been working with children and adults, families and churches helping them understand how children grow and thrive.  After receiving undergraduate degrees from Hesston College and Bethel College, I went on to obtain my graduate degree in education from Wichita State University. 

In the early years of my career I worked for the Harvey County Health Dept. on licensing daycare homes and centers, and teaching early childhood workshops.  I also taught workshops for parents, teachers and foster parents through Kansas Children's Service League.

Teaching children is also a passion of mine and I taught in early childhood classrooms as a MVS (Mennonite Voluntary Service) volunteer at the International Institute in St. Louis, MO.  I also taught in the Wichita School system as a classroom teacher and at Wesley Medical Center Daycare as lead teacher and program director.

Later I taught at New Creation Early Childhood Program.  Most recently, I was director/teacher at Zion Preschool and an Early Childhood Instructor at Hutchinson Community College.

My passion for teaching children and educating adults is not just part of my professional life.  I have also worked on the Christian education committees of all the Mennonite churches to which I have belonged and taught in Sunday school classes, Wednesday night programs, and Vacation Bible school.  This summer (2010) I had the privilege of giving a session on "Welcoming and Embracing Children in the Church" at the Western District Conference.

Supporting me along the way has been my husband, Tim.  God has blessed us with two great daughters, Terra and Ruth.

Along with weekly postings in this blog, I also offer workshops on issues relating to children in the church.

Thanks again for stopping by.  May God be with you and bless you as you do the sacred work of caring for children.

Kathy