God's Provision, Our Stewardship - Children & Family Ministry, February 2026
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
GOD’S PROVISION, OUR STEWARDSHIP
In the fall of 2025, I was approached by Bob & Kim Young and Pastor Doug about writing a grant for the Children’s Ministry Program. They shared the requirements and procedures for applying for an “Angel Tear Ministry” grant from Concordia Lutheran Ministries. I spent much time reflecting on the purpose of my program, how we steward resources, the mission of the church, and Jesus’ call to the “least of these.” I wanted to make sure that the funds, if we were to receive them, were used in good conscience with the intended purpose [to “uplift projects that address vital needs in communities – especially those related to children and the elderly assistance, healthcare access to necessities, Christian education, and spiritual formation (source: The Mission & Ministry Committee of the CLM Foundation Board)].”
I am so pleased to announce that they have chosen to award the Children’s Ministry Program with $9,000, which is nearly double what is used for the entire year in this ministry. These monies are meant to “prime the pump” in hopes that programs will be sustainable on their own in the future. Thanks to the generosity and ongoing support of the congregation we have been able to do and will continue to do amazing things. God provided (through YOU) almost exactly to the dollar the amount used in 2025! With humility, intentionality, and eagerness, I have proceeded to plan the following ministry programs that will benefit from the grant monies: Intergenerational Ministry (Messy Church), Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and Community Outreach (Father Daughter Dance, Gingerbread House Night). These programs are familiar to us, but we will be able to supply better, more well-rounded meals during Messy Church. We will be able to purchase more curriculum for Sunday school and VBS. Advertising will increase and families will receive more resources. Attendees of VBS will receive free T-shirts. I am working with Knoch school district and Isaiah 117 to provide some basic needs to local children. Perhaps we will even be able to reopen preschool, provide after school care, or go on a summer family mission trip.
At the core of who we are and what we do is love for God and one another. My prayer for the use of the grant monies is that it may be stewarded to reach the most people, do the most amount of good, and be like the Proverbs 31 vineyard that is purchased and produces more fruit for the future. Please humbly join me in this prayer as we seek to discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Here is a portion of what I wrote in the grant:
Why do we do what we do and how do we do it [at SMPC in the Children’s Ministry Program]? This was the question that was posed to me in an application for a grant from Angel Tear Ministries. I responded, “As scripture states in Matthew 5, we as Christians are exhorted to “let our light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” “To SHINE the Light of Jesus Christ” (as our church mission statement proclaims) will therefore BRING GLORY to God. As God-breathed creatures, that is our whole purpose in existence—to glorify God, and that is why we labor to no end.
The second part of our church mission statement is “to DISCOVER, EXPERIENCE, and SHARE His Love with our Community and World.” As members of Christ’s body, we view others in the compassionate eyes of Jesus our Shepherd. He fed the hungry, healed the broken, and demonstrated Agape love to all around Him. We are compelled to go and do likewise into the local and global community because of that example.
How do we “SHINE the Light of Jesus Christ and DISCOVER, EXPERIENCE, and SHARE His Love with our Community and World”? We do this practically by offering hospitality (providing food/friendship), reaching out to families during events, VBS, intergenerational ministry opportunities (Messy Church), and sharing the message of God’s love for all people. We attempt to meet people where they are and strengthen faith and family values.”
Sunday school continues weekly at 10:30 am with an Easter party on April 5th during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in teaching Sunday school or helping in the nursery, PLEASE SEE CARRIE or email her at kidsandfamily@saxonburg.org.
Other events
Father/Daughter Dance: February 13th, 7-10pm.
HELPERS ARE NEEDED for:
* Decorating on February 11 & 12th at 10 am,
* Filling cookie trays & registering guests on February 13th during the dance (6-10)
* Clean-up on the 14th from 10-noon.
Messy Church: Second Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm
* February 10th (God’s Love & Kindness); Taco Bar and chicken nuggets
* March 10th (Amazing Grace Easter); Pasta Night and PB & J
* April 14th (“Hero Central”); Hero Sandwiches or Potluck
Easter Egg Hunt: March 29th @ 11:30 (youth house)
VBS – save the date!! June 29th – July 3rd in the evening. Volunteer teachers, guides, and registrars are needed. VBS Celebration / Fireworks Night July 3rd; campfire, hot dogs, s’mores, fireworks.
In the Love of Christ,
Carrie Allio
Director of Children & Family Ministry