A blessed Advent to you all!
As we approach the end of 2024, there is much to celebrate about CLA Kids across all four campuses. For example, what a joy it was for our children to lead us into Advent last Sunday. We’re all about celebration at CLA Kids! But 2024 was also a year of significant transition. Pastor Jenni Colwell concluded her role as Family Life Pastor at the end of May, but even in her new role at the District Office, she’s chosen to stay one day a week at the Maple Ridge Campus. Her heart still beats for CLA Kids!
When I stepped into the Family Life role, I hired Peter Lindstrom to become the Assistant Family Life Pastor at the Langley Campus. Additionally, Linda Breckenridge and Cailyn Grace work part-time as ministry assistants to Elementary and Preschool children respectively. When the new Abbotsford Campus opened in October, Moriah Colwell became their Children’s Director and with additional hours also worked at the Langley Campus. Kierra Schulz is the part-time Children’s Director at the Sooke Campus.
This is my 8th year serving CLA Kids and I can sincerely testify to the heart and the dedication of all the people I’ve served with over the years. Our office is a joyful space, and our aim is to see Generation Alpha begin and deepen their journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. We’re here to serve them, but we’re also here to serve you, Mom and Dad, Grandparents, Guardians, and Caregivers. God’s call isn’t just to ministry teams, or to parents; God asks one generation to tell the next generation about his love for them. So, let’s give it everything we have.
Some highlights from 2024 for CLA kids are:
- 4 children baptised at Langley Campus
- 20 children were dedicated at the Langley Campus and 3 at Maple Ridge
- CLA Kids raised $1000 for Takua Pah Children’s Ministry in Thailand
- And raised $850 for a Prayer Covenant Projects
- 520 children attended CLA Kids camp this summer across two campuses
- 73 children received sponsorship to attend camp
- Two new families attended camp from Jenni Gaglardi Place
- Sooke Campus held a Spring break camp using last year’s camp curriculum
- Abbotsford Campus began serving CLA Kids right from the first Sunday!
Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) This is the message of hope we must pass onto the children. Jesus will be the light they need to navigate this complex and troubled world. And Jesus will give them true life in a culture that plays with death. As the pastor of this vital congregation of CLA, spread across 4 communities, I’m calling you to pray. Pray for salvations, pray for healing, pray for transformation and calling – these children are going to change the world, and I’m delighted to be their pastor.
