We asked Breanna Kalinowski, leader of our nursery ministry, to share how this ministry impacts our mission and the significance of A Legacy of Worship for the nursery.

How long have you been part of the ministry?

I’ve been volunteering in this ministry for almost 2 and a half years. I’ve assisted Alison Lesinski throughout 2016, and I will take over the responsibility from her in 2017!

Why do you feel called to lead this ministry?

I have loved taking care of small children since I was 8 years old. That’s when I changed my first diaper. When God opened the door for me to be able to lead this ministry I was very excited, because working with young children has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.

How does this ministry play a part in the Church’s mission?

“We exist to pervade the Back Mountain, Wyoming Valley and the world with the Gospel by making disciples who make disciples and who display the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in every phase of their lives”

The nursery is one of the first stops a family will make when they come to our church for the first time. It is so important for parents to feel comfortable “leaving” their children in the nursery. No matter how great Pastor Marc’s sermon is, a new family will not come back if they don’t feel like their children are safe and cared for while they learn about and worship God.

Staying plugged into a church community is a key aspect in someone becoming a disciple (and can, in turn, create disciples). Having a safe and fun nursery is one of the keys to keep families coming back to our church.

What is your favorite memory while being a part of the ministry?

I can’t narrow it down to one specific event. It is always so sweet to see an “older” child in the nursery comfort a younger child, or even a baby or toddler who may be crying or upset. Seeing the compassion and love children show to each other by hugging them or sharing their toys bring my heart such joy! It is also great to see how much the children love the volunteers, especially the way the teens connect with the children and how much they enjoy playing together.

How has being part of this ministry strengthened your relationship with the Lord?

Kathy Dimmick has been great in reminding me that leading a ministry cannot be done in your own strength, or for the wrong reasons.

Being in a position of leadership reminds me that I need to strengthen my relationship with Him in order to better help and to better serve the volunteers and children in the ministry.

How have you seen others grow who have been a part of the ministry?

One of the best parts of this ministry is seeing how the teens interact with the young children. We really are blessed to have such loving, caring, responsible teens. Seeing the way they act is a great way for them to be a role model for the toddlers. It really is exciting!!

How do you see the expansion of our facilities impacting your ministry?

I’m very excited to have the nursery closer to the sanctuary. I think this will make parents (especially parents who may be more recent additions to our congregation) feel much more comfortable having their young children stay in the nursery. Safety is, of course, always a top priority. I think this expansion will really help out in those areas.