Lifelong Worshipers
The joyful sound of children’s voices rings through the hallways as kids of all ages join in song at choir practice. Teresa helps welcome them, marveling at how such a simple task can make her heart feel so full. Years after her own children participated in choir, she continues to lend a helping hand on Wednesday nights, sharing “Seeing the children grow in their faith and being so open to learning is the most rewarding part. I feel honored to be able to be there for them and to see how the Lord uses me.”
Watching the children as they dance around, learning Scripture put to music, Teresa cherishes the opportunity to help lay the groundwork for them to be lifelong worshipers. She shares, “There’s a structure to the order of worship on Sundays, so teaching the children what that looks like helps them feel comfortable, informed, and stronger in their faith.” While they have fun singing and dancing, they are learning about how much God loves them and that their worship matters just as much as the adults’ worship does.
Teresa has been a part of HP Pres since she was a little girl, so she knows how just showing up can have a big impact in a child’s life. She shares, “There are so many people who have gone before me and filled me up since I was little. They made me feel like I was special in God’s eyes. They loved on me in such a big way that I knew it was from above.”
As she welcomes the children to choir practice each week, she is reminded of how Jesus called the little children to him. Our faith in God does not have to be complicated, and the children’s excitement and curiosity about God is evidence of that. Volunteering with the children’s choirs reminds Teresa that she can come to God with the enthusiasm of a child, and he will welcome her with open arms. She shares, “It’s so sweet to watch the children who are in choir because of their eagerness to know him in such an innocent way. It reminds me that God wants each one of us and he knows each one of us.”
The choir leaders have musical and educational backgrounds, but you don’t need a degree in music to lend a helping hand. Teresa, and volunteers like her, help to make sure the children know the hand motions to the songs, gather in the correct location to help lead worship, and give them the encouragement they need to feel confident as they sing out the words to meaningful songs. Teresa shares, “They teach me, and they bring a smile to my face. It’s so fulfilling. I absolutely love to do it. You never know how God is going to bless that time or anytime that you just show up.”
Sign up to serve or register your child for choir at hppres.org/music.
