There is not a single facet of church life that remains unaffected by the pandemic, even now, two years in — but ministry for children and families has perhaps been most deeply changed — not just at UCG, but across the country. Here at UCG, we’ve seen shifts in attendance patterns, in ministry needs, and in desired types of engagement. In recent months, the ministerial staff, as well as several relevant boards and committees, have begun to reflect on how we might need to reconfigure the staffing of our children’s ministries for future flourishing. 

For ten years, Keri Trosper has served as the Director of Children’s Programs, with primary responsibility for United Tribes, the K-5th grade programming, which runs most Sundays September-May. Keri has also supervised the Childcare and Nursery Supervisors and been a primary point of contact between childcare staff and the office, as well as coordinated Children’s Sabbath. She has shown exceptional love and care for the children of UCG over the years in this role.

As we began to assess UCG’s needs for children’s ministry, we determined that one of the most pressing was to have a year-round Director who staffed multiple programs.  At the end of the program year, we discussed the anticipated changes and reconfigured position with Keri. Keri was invited to move forward in this reconfigured Director position. However, at this time, she has chosen not to pursue this new role. We support her decision, and are thankful for her valuable contribution to the children’s ministry over the years.

Again, we are so grateful for the ways in which Keri has loved the children and families of UCG and so invite you and your children to share notes or cards of thanksgiving and blessing for her ministry with us. Please leave notes in the church office by Sunday, August 21 and we will send them in one package along with a gift from us all.