Children’s Ministry Leaders
Marilyn Vengroff
I’ve been volunteering as a leader in Children’s Chapel for 4 years!
Why I volunteer:
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise kids. I know my family benefits from our family ministry village and that makes me want to be not only a beneficiary but a contributor, too.
My favorite part about volunteering is:
Getting to know the kids and watching them grow. And getting to know the children's families, too.
Why should someone else think about getting involved?
It's rewarding to contribute to our community and so much fun to get to know the kiddos.
Something that has surprised me is:
How insightful and deep some of the questions the kids have.
What I’ve learned from the kids is:
Worship doesn't always have to be formal. Taking joy in being in community and thoughtful play are great ways to show appreciation for God.
Debra Eich
This will be my third year volunteering with Messy Church! I also participated with Vacation Bible School one summer.
Why I volunteer:
I enjoy getting to know the youth of our church better, presenting God’s message to the children by way of Science, creativity then standing back and watching them take it to a whole new level.
My favorite part about volunteering is:
I am grateful to be a part of the inner workings of the church and get to meet so many people that I wouldn’t ordinarily ever get to work with.
Why should someone else think about getting involved?
I have found the more time I spend in the halls and inner workings of the church, the more my faith grows, as I work through God’s ministry for me.
Something that has surprised me:
Each person and child leaves an indelible mark on your faith and life which you carry with you always and would have otherwise missed out on.
Something you've learned from the kids:
The children are so creative and clever. Many times I have my script all written out and materials available to demonstrate the Bible verse or scientific principle for the lesson. But when the kids come in, my plans go out the window. I have to stand back and assist, and prepare to be amazed!
Michael Roush
I started volunteering with Children’s Ministry in 2023 at VBS and then started volunteering at Children’s Chapel and Messy Church.
Why I volunteer:
Giving your time, talent and treasures was something I learned very young in church and volunteering with the children’s ministry is great fun! I enjoy the children’s humor, their larger than life stories, their excitement for the activities and I enjoy the fellowship with the other volunteers, the parents and the Cathedral staff.
My favorite part about volunteering is:
I love the stories that the children share. Kids really do say the darndest things. One Sunday in Children’s Chapel we were talking about how God forgives us when we do something wrong. One child said “Jesus even forgives my parents when they get on to me.” There you have it parents - you are forgiven!
Why should someone else should think about getting involved?
It is a great release to get out of the busyness of the world to just be present in the moment with the kids. Also - Hillary makes it easy to volunteer.
Something I’ve learned from the kids is:
Be in the present moment and have fun!
Lois Ricciardi
I’ve been in some way since 2019 with Messy Church, VBS, Children’s Chapel and more!
Why I volunteer:
The children are the future. It's very rewarding to be a part of their growing and learning new things while having fun in a safe and faith-based environment.
My favorite part about volunteering is: Having a parent tell you later how much their child enjoyed an activity and what they learned from it. And of course, getting messy!
Why should someone else think about getting involved?
It's fun to take a break from adulting and be a kid with the kids. And how often do you have the opportunity to get your face painted?!?
Something that has surprised me:
The range of diverse talent that we have among our Cathedral youth. We are truly a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Music) community.
Something you've learned from the kids:
To listen first. They are eager to learn, create and grow. If you listen, you learn how best to give them support and confidence.
Cathy Rome
I’ve been volunteering with Messy Church since 2018.
Why I volunteer:
I love being with kids. Although my own grandchildren live far away, Messy Church lets me do activities with Cathedral children and families.
Favorite part about volunteering:
Being with the kids and having fun. It definitely takes my mind off of everything else.
Why someone else should think about getting involved:
It's a great way to get to know our young families because the whole family comes to our activities. We also get to follow our Messy Church graduates as they continue through the Cathedral.
Something that has surprised you:
How much the kids look forward to Messy Church! and how well they interact with each other regardless of age and other differences. They seem to take the Bible lessons to heart.
Something you've learned from the kids:
How open, creative, and go-with-the-flow they are. They are a delight!