Middle America Wee Kirk Conference 2009
I have been the Director of Christian Education at the 1st Presbyterian Church in McAlester for two years. I run the Kool Kids after school program and the Mother's Morning Out nursery program. I am the 5th of 6 children. I am a proud Aunt (2 beautiful nieces, 2 wonderful nephews) and the very proud parent of a 15 month old, 150 lb, Great Dane "puppy" named Merlin.
My parents have always been an inspiration to me and have always told me to go and do what I felt called to do. Having a minister as a father (who has always had an eye for mission) has helped me in my own faith journey to be a much more active Christian. I believe that to be quiet and still has its benefits, but to truly change you must move. I am working towards becoming a Certified Christian Educator, and attending East Central University where I am pursuing a degree in Human services and Counseling.
Critters for Christ - Just how do you bring a dog to church?
How do I make the elderly and home bound feel connected to the congregation? This question kept me up nights. My love for animals and my desire to help solve one of our congregations biggest issues lead me to seek out a faith based animal therapy program. Our congregation like many has a large number of members who can no longer get out and about. As a solution I decided to start the Critters for Christ Animal Assisted Therapy program at First Presbyterian Church in McAlester as a community outreach. Critters for Christ is an excellent program for bridging the awkward visitation gap; it is much easier to go and see the elderly and home bound if you have a built in distraction in the form of an animal. God's unconditional love shines brightly through animals.
