Our Preschool Small Group Leader is Ms. Shirley. Ms. Shirley has been attending FUMC for 51 years. She was 18 when she received Confirmation and became a member. Of those 51 years, she’s spent 30 years serving in Children’s Ministry.
When Ms. Shirley is not busy influencing the faith of the next generation at FUMC, she works in the CASHS cafeteria serving and preparing lunch for the students. She also works at Dollar General.
In addition to Children’s Ministry, Ms. Shirley serves with Hungry Hearts as a cook for our community meal on Thursday nights. Throughout her years at our church she has helped in many different ways. She currently leads a woman’s Bible study on Wednesday nights. She drives the church van for different groups. She’s gone to adult and youth workcamps. She’s been to Impact with the youth. She helps with Joyful Jingle. And I share all of this with you, just from I know because she was too modest to list all she has done and does for the church.
Many families tell me how much Ms. Shirley means to them and their children. Putting our 2 year-olds in Sunday School is not easy, especially when they cry and scream for us. Ms. Shirley remains calm and patient (with the kids and parents), and assures us that the kids will be fine so we can go to worship without worry. When we return the kids are smiling, playing, laughing and happy. What a blessing!
Ms. Shirley says the most rewarding part of being a Small Group Leader is the smiles of the children and hearing their answers when she asks them about the Bible story.
The most fun part of being a SGL for Ms. Shirley is “spending time with kids at our [super terrific awesome] First Lights events!”
Ms. Shirley definitely recommends being a SGL because she believes our members have a lot of wisdom to share with the next generation.
Her favorite Bible Verse is –
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11