Showing up on a Sunday morning ready to worship was always part of their weekly plan. But for a few years now, mother and daughter, Mimi Koonse and Katie Choi, have added serving in Crossing Kids to their Sunday routine. With one “yes!” they’ve seen God do big things in transforming their view of community.
Here’s what they have to say about it.
How long have you been serving in your roles with Crossing Kids?
Katie: I’ve been with this group since they were in kindergarten. They’re now in fourth grade. It’s been fun to see how Sunday mornings and the kids have changed over the years. I’m more like a small group leader now. I’m helping to empower them to be big kids. It’s been fun to learn alongside them and build consistent connections over the years.
Mimi: I joined Katie when the kids were in third grade. I loved seeing Katie’s connection with the kids and how well she knew them. How comfortable they were with her. So, I decided to start from the beginning this year with kindergarten. It’s so fun to teach them. I was intimidated at first; I didn’t want to say the wrong thing. I’m still learning, but I’ve realized it’s okay to say you don’t know. The kids are just so excited and sweet, and they know so much. It is really fun to see.
What is it like serving with people you know?
Mimi: It was nice that Katie asked me. Nice to have someone to run things by and to serve together. As a mom, I loved getting to watch Katie make connections with other people on our team.
Katie: I think it’s nice to be invited to something. It’s fun to serve with people you know. It is good to feel encouraged in what you’re doing.
Has serving impacted your community at all?
Katie: It has been so sweet to know the stories of others. I’ve met people I wouldn’t have known otherwise, and I feel a sense of purpose in a big church that I didn’t have before. It feels nice to help out and serve so that other parents can go to their classes and enjoy church. We help the kids, so the parents can be filled up, and that is a cool picture of the church.
Mimi: You have an instant connection with the people you’re teaching with, and there are more faces you recognize in the hall. It was hard to meet people before I served, but this has broadened my community. In a big church, it can be hard to know who to interact with, but this gives me opportunities to interact with people and do life with them. You can feel the enthusiasm, the love, and the laughter on a Sunday morning. It feels natural to serve with these people and figure it out together.
What is your favorite part of serving?
Katie: I just really love the relationship-building piece. Getting to see the kids' relationships grow and to help them feel known.
I wanted the parents to know that I know their kid. With a big church, it feels important to make real connections with the kids. It’s encouraging for parents to know their kid is known. I think it lets them know that we are glad they are here. That there is a place in Crossing Kids prepared for them. That’s how God views us, too! Kids are known, cared for, thought of, and prayed for. It’s so great to get to be a part of that.
Mimi: I love watching their little minds open to what you’re giving them and their reaction and their expression and excitement. Even with kindergarten. Just sitting and being with them. It’s really their enthusiasm. Getting to be someone who makes them comfy. It’s all a gift. Crossing Kids staff makes you feel known, cared for, and secure as a volunteer. It makes it easy to serve. You just take that and try to do the same for others.
How has serving with Crossing Kids shaped your view of God?
Katie: Sometimes it’s nice to be able to take your faith down to an elementary level. We sometimes overcomplicate things in adult life. So, to take it down to the basics, God, Jesus, and his promises, is really encouraging. No matter what the lesson is, you always walk away considering something you haven’t thought about. It’s really fun because you’re encouraged when you hear the kids share things. I’m there for the kids, but it’s amazing how it impacts my heart.
Mimi: It’s all simplified down, but it’s still the same lesson the adults get. You’re teaching about forgiveness, and you have to apply it to yourself. We’re always trying to measure ourselves and see growth and get bigger and better, but the simplicity reminds you that you don’t always have to strive so hard; you can just rest in these truths.
Is it worth giving up part of your Sunday mornings to serve?
Katie: There are many Sundays that I come to church and think, “If only I didn’t have to stay.” But I have never left and been sad that I stayed to serve. The time has always been redeemed. You always walk away thinking, “I’m so glad I did that, I’m so glad I was here.”
You have to step outside of yourself and see all of these other people, and I think it’s pretty hard not to want to do it.
Mimi: I think it’s great for your community to witness you serving. To see parents volunteering, modeling, and living what you value. It feels good to help and offer something of yourself for others.
Even when you’re intimidated or don’t feel super gifted, there’s a need. I may not be the best, but I’m where I am needed. There’s a way to serve for everyone. Everything is ready for you. The kids want to feel accepted; they are waiting to be accepted. The more they recognize you, the more they feel comfortable with you. You trickle down, and you really do grow to want to serve each time.
If you want to see your vision for community and service grow, consider serving in Crossing Kids like Mimi and Katie. Learn more about the different opportunities to serve in Crossing Kids and sign up to become a volunteer today.
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