The pastors of the
urban churches in the Presbytery of Cincinnati meet each Wednesday
for prayer. Sometimes there are two, sometimes there are thirteen.
The morning is a time of tears, laughter, and discovering God
at work within their ministries.
On one of these occasions, the Rev. Clarence Wallace, pastor
of Carmel Presbyterian Church, a predominately African American
congregation, shared that he and the congregation were prayerfully
seeking how they could increase their ministry with neighborhood
children. They were not prepared for the unexpected way God
answered their prayers. It began one summer day when two girls
wanted to enter the church for a drink of water. The Rev. Wallace
invited them in. He showed them the sanctuary, the classrooms,
and the fellowship hall. Before the girls left, he invited them
for Sunday school and worship. He suggested that they come early
for the Sunday morning continental breakfast.
One Sunday morning the girls returned. The next Sunday, eight
more children came with them. Week after week, the number increased.
Joyful as it was, the increase in children brought unforeseen
challenges—the struggle with staffing Sunday school classes,
providing balanced diets, and creating an interest in learning,
in church and school. As true church folks, they formed a committee.
What started with two thirsty little girls has watered the congregation’s
thirst for a new children’s ministry.
During worship, each child sits with an adult who helps the
child feel comfortable in the service. After church, the children
are served a hot lunch. The members, Mr. Wallace said, have
taken a great interest in these children and other children
of the neighborhood. They are actively involved with the public
school system, provide school supplies for low-income students,
and serve as mentors. Today, forty-five to fifty-five children
attend every Sunday. Some bring their parents!
The presbytery’s 84 congregations and 17,322 members
are learning that you need to be careful about what you pray
for and be prepared for the unexpected! |
