Notes from the Director - Children's & Family Ministry, August 2025
- music9224
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Greetings Families and Friends of SMPC!
I hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying a summer filled with relaxation, fun, and refreshment. After an incredible VBS, I have taken a deep dive into more intentional ministry here at SMPC called “Team Family”. We have been exploring the summer theme of “TEAM FAMILY: Rewind, Be Kind” during our children’s sermons this month.
A word about Messy Church and Team Family:
MESSY CHURCH* is back and better than ever with reimagined intentionality and a new named “TEAM FAMILY”. Officially it will begin in September on the second Tuesdays of each month, but we hosted a special summer kickoff event called “Rewind, Be Kind” on July 29th from 6:30-7:30 pm in the fellowship hall. We had a blast with an ICE CREAM bar with all the toppings!!
*(Messy Church/Team Family is intergenerational, playful, creative hospitality geared for all ages and family types—even if it is just you and your sister! It is NOT a drop off program; however, keep your eyes peeled for a special babysitting parents’ night out in November.)
Side notes from the director:
I think that this new intentional ministry is a beautiful answer to the feedback that I have received from church and community members. Yes! I do listen…families are busy, there are limited resources (time, energy, money, volunteers), etc. Therefore, my solution is to reimagine “MESSY CHURCH” (our intergenerational ministry), combine it with encouragement for families (don’t forget to take your “Power Pack” home with you) and a community/church service component, and specifically BE THERE for the needs of children and families in the church. You may expect one event and one family worship service each quarter along with take-home “power packs” (answer to busy lives). Families will be encouraged to participate in service projects that are already happening in our church (answer to passing traditions down, and teaching service) and beyond. Certainly, the only solution that has lasting effect is that we magnify God and his love as Jesus demonstrated, and in that end, may we all labor. Can’t wait to see you here!
CHURCH PICNIC
August 24th
Nursery will be provided during the service.
Children’s activities will be included with the picnic.
TEAM FAMILY (aka Messy Church) SMPC Fellowship Hall
September 9th: “Take Courage” Fall Theme Kick-Off Event, 6:30-7:30 pm
October 14th: “Take Courage” Celebration, 6:30-7:30 pm
“Courage is confidence knowing that God is always with us.”
Theme verse: Joshua 1:9
NATURE EXPLORERS’ CLUB
The last Nature Explorers’ Club meeting for the season will be:
August 13 at Todd Nature Preserve: “Shapes in Nature”
Todd Nature Preserve367 Kepple RdSarver, PA 16055
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Sunday, September 7 at the 10 am service
SUNDAY SCHOOL Begins in September 14. We are looking to expand our nursery caregiver and Sunday School teacher team. If you are feeling led to provide nourishment for young people, please contact Carrie Allio at kidsandfamliy@saxonburg.org
Peace,
Carrie Allio
Director of Children's & Family Ministry