Introduction
Like hot water overflowing a teacup, tears welling up in a touching moment, and contagious smiles filling a room full of people . . . that is how to picture my heart overflowing with gratitude for all you do on behalf of children. One person can only do so much. You and I can touch only the lives of those children with whom we have contact. Think of the thousands of others in United Methodist congregations all over the world whom we join. Each makes a difference in the lives of many children and their families. Together we change the world, one life at a time. Thank you!
Thank you for each moment you give to a child. Thank you for each time you plan a lesson or an event where children can experience God, learn Scripture, meet Jesus, help others, or be a friend. Thank you for each time you speak up on behalf of children in your church and in the community. Thank you for each act of kindness to a child or to a child's family. You are a gift from God! May God continue to bless children and their families through you and your ministry.
In this issue of I:CM (Information: Children's Ministries) you will find helpfulinformation to read, act upon, and save. There is information on mission education for children. You may add to the information by sending me your mission project ideas, and I will add them to the Children's Ministries' website, www.gbod.org/children.
Also in this issue is information about the next FOCUS event, as well as a form for workshop proposals for FOCUS '05. My ministry with children has been transformed by the FOCUS events I have attended. Every effort is being made to assure that you will leave FOCUS '05 with your ministry renewed and made new. Plan now to attend. Bring others with you and see the children's ministries of your congregation shaped in fresh new ways. See you in July '05!
For the sake of the children,
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Mary Alice Gran
Director, Children's Ministries
General Board of Discipleship
PO Box 340003
Nashville, TN 37203-0003
Toll-free: 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7143
E-Mail: mgran@gbod.org
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| Archived Editions |
| Children's Ministry Home Page | GBOD Home Page |
Focus '05 Workshop Proposal Form (in pdf)
Child-Friendly UM Mission Projects
UM Children's Fund for Christian Mission
Christian Educators Fellowship
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