I came across this story today and absolutely LOVED the practical examples it provided of what family ministry actually looks like.  As we enter our second year of officially being a “Children & Family Ministry”, we are always reflecting on what it means to be in ministry to children and families in the church and the larger community.  This story comes from Family Ministry, by Diana R. Garland.  I’ve taken a few liberties and modified wording to reflect the language and context of Quest Church:

JoAnn and her husband are active members of their congregation and have two young daughters.  A compassion/justice team in their church was formed to sponsor a refugee family from Bosnia.  JoAnn was so involved in other ministries that she did not volunteer to be part of the QJC team, but she followed its activities with great interest, and she and her husband wrote a check to help with the expenses of the refugee family.

The team was gathering furniture to furnish an apartment prior to the family’s arrival.  One of JoAnn’s friends mentioned in Sunday School that they had everything they needed except a chest of drawers; the team had nothing in which the family could put clothes.

After the worship service, JoAnn walked toward the parking lot chatting with her friend Marta, her daughters running ahead of her.  Her husband had to work that day and was not at church.  As the two friends walked down the sidewalk, they passed a yard sale across the street, and a chest of drawers was prominently displayed.  Turning to JoAnn, Marta said, “I’ll go half if you will put up the other half.”  They talked to the owner, haggling a bit and explaining the reason they wanted the chest.  Satisfied that the price was reasonable, Marta asked if JoAnn could cover the cost until Marta could go to the bank on Monday.  But JoAnn had no cash either.

John, another church friend, was walking by, and JoAnn hailed him and asked if he could lend them the price of the chest.  He happened to have his checkbook and pulled it out.

Next came the issue of how to transport the chest. JoAnn called over her daughters and handed them a drawer to carry between them.  Several other children and teenagers walking toward the parking lot were pressed into service.  JoAnn and John carried the chest itself.  The chest of drawers became quite a parade, with laughing and kidding among the carriers.  The chest was placed in a Sunday-school classroom, and the committee was informed it was there to be transported to the refugee family’s new apartment.

This event was family ministry on several levels.  First, it addressed the concrete needs of the refugee family…relationships in the community of faith were strengthened…sharing work that contributes to goodness give purpose and meaning to relationships beyond simply the gratification of mutual affection…Christian education took place.  JoAnn and Marta demonstrated a spirit of “willing readiness” for ministry to the children and youth they involved in the chest parade.  [Ministry] takes place as the saints walk through life sensitive to need and ready to respond…each child and youth had the opportunity to experience the meaning of Christian faith.  Moreover, each child and youth recognized their own significance in the project…By it’s very nature, an experience of family ministry, family-in-ministry, such as this cannot be programmed.  Yet a program of the church- resettlement of a refugee family- laid the groundwork.  And a spirit of “willing readiness” had been instilled.

What a beautiful example of what happens when we are ready to be God’s hands and feet, extending love to our neighbor, and inviting others to join us along the way.  Lives are impacted in ways that may go deeper than we can fully understand.

The checklists have been made, gifts purchased, cookies baked, parties attended.  What’s next?  In the midst of the Christmas movies and music, lights and treats, here’s a great story to remind us that Christ is the center of this holiday season:

The Real Meaning of Christmas(author unknown)

One week before Christmas, a well-known visitor made a surprise appearance…I had just finished the household chores and was preparing for bed when a noise startled me.I cautiously opened the door to the front room. To my amazement, Santa Claus stepped from behindthe Christmas tree! He placed one finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.“What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. Then I realized that Santa had tears in his eyes. His usual jollymanner was gone. The eager, boisterous soul we all know was quite sad. Santa offered these simplewords, “TEACH THE CHILDREN!” I was puzzled—what did he mean? Anticipating my question, with onequick movement he brought forth a great bag from behind the tree. I stood there, bewildered.Santa explained, “Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. So many people todayhave forgotten what Christmas is really about!”Santa then reached into his bag, pulled out a tiny FIR TREE, and placed it on the mantle. “Teachthe children that the stately fir tree remains green all year round, showing the everlasting hope ofmankind. The needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of our prayers that always reach God.”Santa again reached into his sack and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that theBethlehem star was the sign of promises long ago. God promised to send a Savior to deliver the world.The bright star pointed to the fulfillment of that promise—God’s only Son had been born!”Next, Santa pulled a CANDLE from his bag. “Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Jesus,God’s Son, is the light of the world. When we see this light, we remember the One who overcomes thedarkness.”Once again Santa reached into his sack. This time he removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.“Teach the children that the wreath reveals the endless nature of God’s love. Real love never ceases.Nothing can stop God’s amazing love.”Santa then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. “Teach the children that Santa Claussymbolizes the generosity and good will we show to others because God has given us His veryspecial Son. Don’t forget to tell the children that Saint Nicolas was not part of the first Christmas inBethlehem.”Santa then reached into his sack and carefully placed a CANDY CANE on the tree. “Teach the childrenthat the candy cane represents the shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff rescues sheep who havestrayed from the flock. God never gives up on people who wander from Him.”Next, He removed a delicate ANGEL and lifted it to the very top of the tree. “Teach the children thatangels shouted the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. These heavenly messengers sang ‘Glory to Godin the highest! Peace and good will to everyone on earth!’”Finally, Santa pulled out a beautifully wrapped GIFT. He said, “Teach the children that God deeplyloves people, so He gave them His most precious gift—Jesus, His only Son. When the wise men arrivedin Bethlehem, they bowed before the Child and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Thisis why we give gifts to others each Christmas.”Then Santa paused. He stared at the tree and seemed to be pleased. I saw that the twinkle hadreturned to his eyes. He slowly turned, looked at me, and smiled. Santa offered these final words,“Remember to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Please don’t put me in the center, forI am but a humble servant. Jesus Christ is the real reason for the Christmas season. I am glad to join allothers who bow down and worship Him, our Lord and God.”