M&S for Children

Children in church, our smallest members, need to learn about and to share in the vision of the United Church-the church that they will one day lead.

The vision and work of the United Church and the Mission and Service Fund, both past and future, may seem like weighty subjects for little ones. However children can understand their church. They are eager to understand their church. The work that we do around the world and at home can both amaze and inspire them. Children can also relate to the M&S Fund and the idea of pooling resources for the best result.

Some say, "It is easier for children to understand a project instead of telling them their gifts are going to the general M&S Fund." Yes, it is good to put a face on the work that we share-to tell the stories and show the pictures of people and places. Through these personal connections children grow in understanding the world and their church, and in growing their generosity. We can also help children develop an understanding of the United Church way of working through M&S.

Children can relate to the M&S Fund and the idea of pooling resources for the best result. Children can understand that the United Church has a fund, a piggy bank, where we all put our gifts. As the money grows we are able to send that money all over the world to help many people. They can understand that it is good to have money in the M&S Fund so that when an emergency occurs we can help right away.

Children also understand about partners. Partners are good for playing games, for doing a project, for sharing a job. The United Church has partners, too, with whom we work to help others. These partners tell us about the work that needs to be done, and we can help them by sharing our money. The Mission and Service Fund is who we are and what we do. Our youngest members can celebrate our united vision and efforts.