The Oldest New Kid on the Block

Yvette Wyatt

As someone who is blessed to have been a part of this incredible FPC congregation for 27 years, it seems a strange thing to be introducing myself. Yet as your newly hired part-time Pre-K-1st grade Sunday School Teacher, I thought I would share a bit about why this position was created, why I felt compelled to apply for it, and how someone interested in serving with our children could get in on this magical action!

First question: Why did the Children and Family Committee design this position?
The deep and wide answer to that question is: Continuity. Providing continuity to our children, families, and volunteers is a key element to the success of the Children and Family Ministry Vision Statement:
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“Acting with Love First through intergenerational interaction, children and their families will develop a lasting faith in Jesus Christ”.

​A staffed teacher provides the thread of continuity through all the components of the program, including the procedures for presenting curriculum and the more vital aspect of relationship building. When children (and volunteers) can trust the routines and teaching structures to be consistent, they can relax and be more open to engaging with content and discussions, thereby enjoying and learning more. Teaching the stories and lessons of Jesus Christ to our children is certainly a worthy goal for Sunday School, but sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ through caring and authentic relationships is the primary intention for creating an employed position. Good, supportive relationships are built on trust and grow in a reliable environment. The continuity of a staffed teacher offers the foundation for such a trust be established for our children, their parents and our valued volunteers.

Second question: Why did I feel called to apply?
Early Childhood Education was the career from which I retired three years ago, so my lifelong endeavor points me toward placing a high value on children’s first instructional experiences. I was employed with NIC Head Start for 27 years; serving children and parents as a pre-K teacher and home visitor for 13 years, and then moving into administration, where my role was to oversee the educational services which included providing direct support to the teaching teams.  I share this background information so that our parents of Pre-K to 1st grade children can feel confident in my teaching experience and skills.

Yet, what I truly hope they come to learn about me is that I find it is a joy to use and share God’s gifts to connect around Christ’s abundantly crazy love with our FPC children, their families and those who volunteer for this amazing ministry.

Other things to know about me:

• I respect children and have a high regard for their capabilities.
• I believe and recognize that parents are their child’s first teacher and best advocate.
• I see my role as a partner with parents in growing their child’s spiritual understandings.
• I enjoy mentoring volunteers and always expect to have fun in class.
• One of my important life verses is Micah 6:8
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“He has told you, O woman (personal edit) what is good — and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
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Third question: How could an interested volunteer get in on this action?
There are a couple ways to learn more about the children’s ministry or how to connect to volunteer:

1. Talk with me (208) 691-4507 or call the office (208) 667-8446 and talk with Emily or Naomi
2. Following the June 4th All-church Summer Kick-off BBQ starting after first service, join with the Children and Family Committee, parents of our Sunday School children, and volunteers at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary for a short celebration of the past year’s successes and looking towards the bright future of the Children and Family Ministry.

​Peace, Yvette