Brand New Things

Written by Faith Storck
Featured in Live Oak Church's newsletter, The Messenger

Each year I have a verse or word for myself, and/or the ministry that I am working with. For 2024, the verse that I picked out was Isaiah 43:19,“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

It really is funny how God orchestrates things in our lives even when we have no idea what is about to happen. When I claimed this verse for 2024, I had no idea what all was about to take place in my life, and in children’s ministry.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, keep on reading so you know what brand new things are happening here in children’s ministry at Live Oak Church.

Back in September 2023, Trish and I were in the office one day and she informed me that she was offered the job to become the business administrator for Live Oak Church. We’ve always joked in the office about how our lives in 5 year segments. In my little cry session with her, I told her I thought I had her for 5 more years in kid min. If you’ve ever had the chance to work with Trish, you know that she has such a heart for the people of this church.

She is one of the greatest people that I’ve ever had the privilege of working with/ for. She’s such a great friend, and such a calm presence in the midst of my chaos. I will miss sharing an office with her, and all the laughs, however I am sure she is so glad to have her own office now so she can have some peace and quiet! I know that Trish will be the best business administrator for Live Oak Church, and I can’t wait to see her excel in this role!

Faith, “For I am about to do something new.”

No, I am not leaving. Don’t think is my resignation letter, as some parents do when I send an e-mail saying I will miss their child (because they are moving up to a new age group and out of kids ministry). After much prayer and many, many conversations, I decided, after being offered this position, to try to fill these big shoes that Trish has left vacant. You see, above all, I want what is best for the children of this church, and I didn’t know if that was me. However, I do want to be a willing vessel for God, and I didn’t want to miss out on something new that God had in store for me and the children of this church. I would covet your prayers as I make this transition, and as we look for someone else to step into my old role.

What does this mean for those that have children in kindergarten through third grade? Nothing will change for the time being, until someone is hired to take over kindergarten-third grade. I will still be teaching your children until then. Parents that have children in this ministry will be the first to know when something changes. Until then, anytime you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Parents and Children of Live Oak Church, “For I am about to do something new.”
There are some big changes taking place within our facilities. Beginning in January, our nursery hallway will now only have children that are in the infant, one and two year old classes. Our preschool, three and four year old classes will now be held in the children’s church area on Sundays.Our current kids in kindergarten through third grade will
now meet in the FLC (gym) on Sundays at 9:30 and 11. (Wednesdays will still take place in the children’s church area.) There will be new places to check your children in, and new safety measures will be put in place.Please make sure you read
your e-mails to know what all is happening in the nursery, preschool and children’s ministry in the days and weeks to come.

Connect Camp, “For I am about to do something new.”
When I picked this verse this year, I also had no idea that this verse would be the theme verse for Connect Camp. I can’t wait to see what brand new things that God will do in and through the kids in our community as they attend Connect Camp. Registration goes live in February, so make sure to stay tuned for more information.

I can’t wait to see what brand new things God is going to do in my life and in the kids that are
a part of Live Oak Church. This is sure to be quite an adventure, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store!