Standing Room Only and Full of Grace

Dear Friends at Grace,

This past week, I found myself grinning almost the entire evening as I had the joy of participating in the Jacob’s Learning Ladder Christmas program. I had the honor of accompanying on guitar while our preschoolers sang familiar carols, and the Christmas story was shared by their teachers and lovingly acted out by alumni of the preschool.

The children sang their hearts out, Silent Night, Feliz Navidad, Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star, and more, and they did a wonderful job. But what made the night especially meaningful was not just the music. It was looking out and seeing the Great Room completely full, literally standing room only, with parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends gathered to support these children and the ministry of Jacob’s Learning Ladder.

That kind of turnout does not happen by accident. It is a powerful witness to the deep commitment of the teachers and staff of the preschool, and to the congregation’s ongoing support of this vital ministry of our church. Through Jacob’s Learning Ladder, we continue to plant small seeds of faith, seeds that will be nurtured by God and revealed in ways we may never fully see. And yet, on this night, we caught a glimpse of that holy work unfolding. The Spirit was clearly at work in the lives of these children and their families.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Director Stephanie Cryderman, Assistant Director Betty-Jo Freeman, and the entire Jacob’s Learning Ladder staff, as well as to our church staff here at Grace, for their care, creativity, and dedication. What a gift it is to be part of a congregation that so fully embraces this ministry.

I will confess, it certainly put me in the holiday spirit. More than that, it reminded me of the quiet, joyful ways God continues to show up among us, singing through young voices and gathering us together in love.

See you in church!

With gratitude and joy,
Pastor Kevin