One of our largest goals in Rock City Kids and at All Nations Church in general is, community. We believe that Christians need each other, that fellowship with other believers is essential. We need people in our lives who can call us on our faults, rejoice with us in our successes, pray for us in the ups and downs of life. People who we can turn to for advice, comfort and truth.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
It has been a hard couple of years, a lot has happened and we have all been doing our best and making decisions that are best for our families. If online still feels best for your family, we support that. We have a great online program, with our monthly boxes and printable activities. But online is not the whole experience. There is worship, a message and even a discussion, if you follow along with the whole program, but there is no fellowship. Unfortunately there is no way to recreate the incredible Sunday morning fellowship and community in an online format.
In person, there are trusted leaders, teenagers and adults, who are passionate about children and their growing faiths in Jesus. Our leaders are a very special and important part of Rock City Kids. They are other people in your children’s lives, who care about their spiritual journeys and lives. They are a safe place for your children to discover who God created them to be. They are partnering with you and coming alongside your children to develop them spiritually and show them the deep love God has for each of them. They are something we can not recreate online.
The other very important piece we can not create online is the fellowship of other young believers. Children are very smart, completely capable and wonderfully curious. God is ready and waiting to be discovered by them. The small group discussion where Children get to share their growing faiths, ask questions and encourage each other are key in maturing their faiths. There are countless places in the Bible where we are called in to community and fellowship.
Romans 1:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
We are not meant to walk this life alone, we encourage adults to participate in Bible Studies and Small Groups because we know how important they are. It is equally, if not more important for children to be developing their faith and spiritual practices alongside of other Christians going through the same stages as them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
If you haven’t made the move back to in person, what is your reason? It could be because there are still worries and unknowns. That’s okay, give yourself grace, know that following online, doing the activities and having discussions with your children is still valuable. Keep doing what you’re doing, when the time is right, we have a place in Rock City Kids for your children. If you haven’t made the move back to in person because of convenience (online is easy) or you’re out of habit, remember how important in person is. You and your children will benefit from the community and fellowship that is continuing to grow here at All Nations Church.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Rock City Kids is here to partner with families to develop your children’s spiritual foundation. We would like to be a resource for all areas of raising children. If there are resources or topics which you would like information on, or if you have any questions, please reach out; jmortley@allnationschurch.ca.
