WS Chronicle

Photo by Donna Rogers

BY DONNA ROGERS 

THE CHRONICLE

In many churches, some programs for the congregation take a break in the summer just as schools do. As parents think about their students returning to school, many parents also are thinking about returning to church activities and how their students can participate.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church’s Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry held an informational session to talk about the ministries and what they offer children.

Lisa Smith, who is in charge of the Children’s Ministry, said her ministry provides Children’s Church, which will restart next Sunday. She said the Children’s Ministry also will offer some new programs, such as recognition of students’ good grades.

“We just want the kids to know that we recognize their effort,” she said.

Keya Edwards is in charge of the Youth Ministry, which provides a Wednesday Bible study. She invited parents to come to the sessions as volunteers to see what their children are learning.

One family who doesn’t belong to the church was at the informational session. Sherril Gentry asked questions and took notes while her daughter Deshiah, 11, sat at the table with her mother and father, Derrick Gentry, who also took notes.  The family expressed appreciation to Smith as she invited them to participate without having to join the church.

Melinda Hart told the audience that her grandson, Jessean Werts, 6, likes to talk about what he has learned in Children’s Church.

Smith says the staff of the Children’s Ministry teaches lessons slowly so that the students can keep up.

“We are truly imparting within them the Word of God,” Smith said.