Children's Ministry Brings Joy To Lincoln StaffTeachers and staff at Lincoln Elementary School were able to get their car washed for free Saturday at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St.
The car wash was done through the children's ministry at the church (known as Kids Changing the World) as part of its outreach program, said Angela Ayers, director of the children's ministry.
“Every month, I have a community outreach project for the kids so they have an opportunity to serve the community. We’ve done things within our church but we really want to bring joy back to our community,” she said.
Saturday was the first car wash the children’s ministry has done for its outreach program and the idea came as an idea of what the ministry can do to help teachers and staff get ready for school.
Ayers said the reason Lincoln Elementary was chosen was there was a prior relationship between the church and school, as the church has done some work at Lincoln with its homework clubs, and some of the children in the children’s ministry attend Lincoln.
It depends on the month how many children show up to serve during its outreach project. There are about 25 students in the children’s ministry. On Saturday, there were four: Mariah Cummins and Luci, Teo and Isaak Petre.
Ayers said she feels it’s her responsibility to provide an opportunity for the children to serve. Some of the past outreach projects the church has done include making pictures and keychains for Lincoln teachers and making encouragement notes for hospital workers.
Ayers said she hoped the children that participated in Saturday’s event were able to connect with the Lincoln teachers and staff that showed up and show them appreciation for what they do “and bring them smiles.” She hopes the outreach program in general gives children the opportunity to serve and understand the children are giving joy, as well as receiving it.
Ayers also invited members of the congregation to serve during its outreach projects because it allows the children see serving is something that isn’t outgrown and allows the different generations to connect. She said serving allows people to be more compassionate and gives people an opportunity to see the good things in the community.
