The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
BY: Sara King, Journal Pilot
editor@journalpilot.com
used with permission
On Aug. 1 Rachael Moore assumed the role of Children's Minister at LaHarpe Christian Church. Alongside the church, Moore is working to improve upon a long-established, strong children's ministry within the church through the implementation of updated safety protocols, regularly scheduled children's events, and by spreading the word of the gospel into surrounding communities.
Each Sunday, approximately 55 children ages birth through 6th grade attend services at LaHarpe Christian Church. "We have strong, consistent attendance each week," Moore commented, "and we hope to expand and grow that number over the coming months through regularly scheduled children's events."
Along with regular Sunday morning children's services, Moore works to coordinate God-centered children's events every couple of months. The next planned event is a glow-in-the-dark party Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. "Supper will be provided along with games, prizes and a devotion centering around how we can shine God's light in a dark world," Moore explained.
Implementing new safety protocols to ensure children's safety during Sunday morning services has also been a main focus of Moore's. "We have developed a check-in system that is all done through a computer system," Moore stated. This computer system collects data for attendance records and also prints off a safety tag for each child and a corresponding tag for the parent(s). "Both tags have the same number on them which instills protection for the child and volunteers to release the child to the appropriate adult," Moore explained.
Looking to the future, Moore plans to continue regular children's events, hold an annual summer vacation bible school week, and hopes to expand upon the strong attendance base by encouraging more families and children to attend services. "We hope to show kids the truth of God's word. Our prayer is for each child to choose a relationship with Jesus Christ and secure their salvation for eternity. We want to spread the gospel beyond our four walls and into the community," said Moore.
LaHarpe Christian Church is located at 200 East Main Street in LaHarpe. Children's services are at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 10:30 a.m., in coordination with their adult services. Youth Group is also held each Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. Questions regarding the children's ministry can be directed to Rachael Moore at 217-659-7813 or 309-333-5104. Questions regarding general church information can be directed to Nate McCarter, Senior Minister, at 217-659-7813.