Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Exodus 31:1-5
I get to have fun every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the gym. At that hour, kids ranging in ages from Kindergarten to 5th grade learn about God in Kidquake. If you’ve never been in there, we study the Bible from a slightly different perspective. We’re not heavy on those big words and we try to have a little fun while we’re at it but we hear the message just the same as you big kids in the sanctuary.
As I’ve pondered our “Generous” theme in November I can’t help but think of those folks that make Kidquake happen. You’d be surprised how much time and how many people it takes to conduct this weekly service for JCBC’s kids.
Steve Skidmore comes in early every Sunday morning to set up all the audio/visual equipment. Most Sundays his kids (William and Alexandra) lend a hand. It isn’t unusual for our first conversation to be held on the gym floor because Steve is down on his hands and knees securing cable. I asked him once why he went to all the trouble of taping down wires every week and he replied, “…so the kids won’t hurt themselves.”
Chriss Kolls is our visionary. She preps our sets to ensure they reflect the message we want to get across. I love her ideas and the way she can think like a child so they can relate to the lesson. Even with the successful health battle she has had this past year, she continues to churn out the ideas.
Stephanie Ealy has been teaching Kidquake for over a decade. It has been fun to do these lessons with someone that is about as goofy as I am! It makes things so much easier to work with someone that isn’t scared at all to make fun of herself.
How Andrea and Charlie Dodenhoff make it every week amazes me. They have three young boys and I’m sure it is quite the production just to get the family ready on Sunday mornings. Andrea took over our music a couple of years ago. Besides being talented, she works with our kid singers and dancers to ensure the songs look and sound top notch. Charlie does whatever is needed. You have to love guys that are always there and will do anything.
Moses was up on top of Mount Sinai talking to God — now that was an important staff meeting! He had led the people out of Egypt and was working out the details on heading into the Promised Land. I can imagine the guy was overwhelmed at the task at hand. How could he possibly lead the people and construct the tabernacle, the altar, the priestly garments and everything else God wanted him to do?
God basically told Moses that he had his back. Help was right there within the Israelites. In Exodus 31, God tells Moses about Bezalel and Oholiab — two talented guys skilled in crafts AND “filled with the Spirit of God.” I’m sure Moses was thrilled Bezalel and Oholiab were there with their talents and dedication.
Steve, Chriss, Stephanie, Andrea, and Charlie, I’m glad you are there most every Sunday of the year to teach these kids in Kidquake. You are “Generous” with your time and you make a difference. I love working with you all. Thank you.
Ed Rivers
Recreation Director
Johns Creek Baptist Church
2 Comments. Leave new
This is a wonderful expression of generous appreciation for fellow workers. I’m especially glad to see the input from Ed Rivers. As a “Senior” in our church family, we don’t get to experience all that is happening in JCBC. Ed is especially appreciated by me.
What Ed doesn’t say is how much he makes the kids laugh – from wacky wigs and costumes to silly questions, the kids love Ed. The whole KidQuake team form a worship experience out of the energy that bounces off the walls as young kids dance, laugh, sing, and respond to God’s message. We’re fortunate to have Ed!