Dear Parents, Volunteers, and Contractors,
Thank you so much for your continued care and commitment to our Children’s Ministry. Because of your dedication, our Sunday mornings remain a welcoming, engaging, and safe place where our kids can learn, grow, and experience the love of God.
As many of you know, Claire is moving on to a new chapter in her journey. We are so grateful for the creativity, heart, and structure she brought to our ministry. While transitions can be hard, I want to reassure you that we have both a short-term and long-term plan in place to ensure our Children's Ministry continues to flourish.
Short-Term Plan:
We are thrilled that Lily Thomas has agreed to step in as our Interim Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Lily has been a valued part of our Children's Ministry team since April 2024 and brings both experience and a calm, capable presence to this role. She recently graduated from CSUSM with a degree in History and will begin a paralegal certification program this fall.
During this interim season, Lily will:
Communicate with teachers and volunteers who are scheduled for the upcoming week
Work with me to oversee curriculum planning
Set-up and clean up classrooms
Serve as the Sunday morning lead
She will be supported by our amazing Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy White, who will continue to check in with scheduled teachers and maintain the monthly rotation through the summer and beyond. We will also continue using the scheduling system Claire implemented to keep things running smoothly.
Youth Program:
We’re also excited to share that our Youth Program is growing. Niko Butler, who has been on our team part time, will be moving into a full time staff role at the end of July. Niko will work with a strong team of volunteers to develop new opportunities for our middle and high school students this school year. Youth Sunday School will continue weekly, except on fifth Sundays.
Long Term Plan:
Our search for a new part-time Children’s Ministry Director or Pastor is already underway. We’re casting a wide net to find someone who shares our deep passion for making church a joyful, safe, and spiritually nurturing place for kids. Please join us in praying for the right person to emerge, someone who will love our children well and carry forward the beautiful work Claire helped shape.
We know transitions like these can bring uncertainty, but we are confident in our team, in the Spirit’s guidance, and in the strong foundation Claire has helped build. We are also confident in you, our volunteers, parents, and partners, whose love and care for our children is at the heart of all we do.
Thank you for walking with us in this season. Your presence, flexibility, and prayerful support mean the world.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Jenell Coker
Co-Lead Minister
Oceanside Sanctuary