Sunday School

This Sunday I volunteered at my church, leading a youth group of ages 4-5. Every Sunday I volunteer with these children, teaching them about the Bible and the Lord, watching them grow. Because it is at a church the people, both young and old, are all Christian. It is, however, a nondenominational church, so the people are off all different sects of Christianity: Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran, etc. As a Youth leader I work with children and other adults. The people I work with are of all races and ethnicities. I ignore all of the skin colors and unique features that surround me, trying to include everyone whether they are in my group or not. Before church actually stops there is about 30 minutes where all the children have a time to play and interact with eachother. This is a really nice time for the children to meet others and to get to know other children from different areas and of different races. As a chaperone/facilitator/leader, I try to look for the kids that are playing alone or isolating themselves from others. If I see any children alone, I invite them to play with me and a few other children. The most rewarding part is as the children begin to play and interact in depth I am able to back away from them and watch as they form new friendships and strenghen bonds.
I volunteer as a church leader for 2 hours, and the drive one way is 30 minutes. That makes my voluneer service 3 hours every sunday. I don't mind this time spent in church because, first I don't mind being in church, but also because I truly love the relationships I have developed with the children I teach. I love working with children, all 5 of my paying jobs are doing something with children, but doing this on my own time and really having the ability to get to knonw the children all around, not just through their school work or in dance class, is a real treat. It is a really wonderful experience to get to know them in a peaceful atmosphere.