About 10 years ago, I made my very first hire as your pastor. With the help of several church members, one name kept rising to the top of the list for our brand-new Children’s Coordinator position: Wanda Pille. Wanda was a little nervous at first. After all, she had never served in an official ministry role before. But it didn’t take long for her gifts, faith, and love for children to shine through. Before we knew it, she was leading what many of us still remember fondly as J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) on Wednesday nights in Wesley Hall. I can still picture those Wednesday evenings. Tom would head out in the church van to pick up neighborhood kids, while Wanda made sure everything was ready for an evening filled with lessons, games, snacks, laughter, and lots of opportunities for children to learn about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Those nights were powered by wonderful volunteers, but Wanda’s heart and enthusiasm helped make J.A.M. a place where kids felt welcomed, valued, and loved. A lot has changed since that first September in 2016. Ministries have grown, children have grown up, and our church has experienced many seasons together. But one thing has never changed: Wanda’s passion for introducing children to the Jesus who has loved, guided, and held her throughout her life. This Sunday, during worship and following the service at Glenda Arnold, we will have the joy of celebrating and thanking Wanda for 10 years of faithful service in children’s ministry. We would love for you to join us in showering her with encouragement and appreciation. If you would like, please bring a card, note, or gift card. We will have a special place where you can leave your gifts and messages so that Ms. Wanda can truly feel the love and gratitude of her church family. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Over the past decade, Wanda has faithfully lived out that calling. Through countless lessons, hugs, prayers, conversations, crafts, events, and even some challenging seasons, she has consistently put our children first so they could come to know the Jesus she knows and loves. The impact of her ministry is far greater than anyone can count. It can be seen in the lives of children who learned their first Bible stories, discovered God’s love, built friendships in the church, and began a lifelong walk with Christ. So today, we simply want to say: Thank you, Wanda Pille. Thank you for saying “yes” ten years ago. Thank you for your faithfulness, your servant’s heart, your patience, your joy, and your love for our children. We love you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for all you have done for Royse City Methodist Church. Most of all, we thank God for the way you have helped share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with generations of children. Your ministry has mattered, and your church family is deeply grateful. Be God’s, Pastor Chris
