by Kaleesha Thompson

“…for nothing in my week compares to the thrill I get when I am greeted by the little girl who runs to me with open arms on Sunday morning.”

Maureen Morgan has been serving at Brookside church for almost a year. Her role as a Sunday school teacher may not be glaringly glamorous, but that’s not what interests Maureen. Week after week, Maureen comes to Brookside to teach children about Jesus. Interestingly enough, week after week, she leaves having learned even more about Him.

“Although the world may not define Brookside as a rich community,” Maureen says, “there is a richness there that money can’t buy. I appreciate how God works – giving us at Northview opportunity to share our resources with folks that share their love with us… for nothing compares to the thrill I get when I am greeted by the little girl who runs to me with open arms on Sunday morning.”

Megan Jessup has had a heart for the Brookside neighborhood for quite some time. In the last year, she has taken over the youth program at Brookside Community Church and has witnessed some incredible transformations in the lives of the children and teens whose lives are being affected by the ministry going on there. “The major growth I’ve seen is spiritual,” Jessup says. “[The kids] are connecting with others, learning to serve others, and learning how to invest in real relationship. There is an amazing sense of family, commitment and engagement.”

Maureen echoes that sentiment: “Serving at Brookside has reminded me how it’s all about relationship. Before long, you are heading to Brookside on Sunday morning with hopes of seeing certain people who have captured your heart in one way or another. Adults, children, guests, staff and other volunteers – somehow it turns out to be one big family.”

Currently, the youth program at Brookside consists of a nursery (which provides care to children birth through kindergarten), a Kindergarten–2nd grade class, a 3rd– 5th grade class, and a 6th– 12th grade class which meet on Sunday mornings during worship service. If the volunteer presence increases, there are plans to provide extra childcare on Sundays so the Brookside Community Church music department can begin a choir. In addition, Brookside would like to add more structured classes to the Wednesday night Bible study for elementary students and start a small group Bible study for middle and high school students. This, of course, cannot happen without a strong volunteer base.

The need for volunteers is great, as the Kindergarten–2nd grade Sunday school class is presently without a teacher. Support is also needed in the 3rd–5th grade class, as well as with the teens. Jessup hopes to partner Northview volunteers alongside Brookside teens and congregants to provide leadership training and to foster mentoring relationships. “It’s important to realize there is a time to be served and a time to serve” Jessup says.

“We need consistent volunteers who are willing to invest in relationships.”

Could that be you? Are you willing to invest in relationship? Maureen can testify to that your return will reap dividends of blessing, joy, and a greater sense of family.

For more information on volunteering with the youth program at Brookside Community Church, please contact Megan Jessup at megan.jessup@att.net.