Connecting Points Magazine Winter 2018

CONNECTING POINTS | WINTER 2018
CLA KIDS
BY BRITTANY ROE
I recently had the opportunity to sit
down with Kerri Anderson—a teacher,
mom, and faithful CLA Kids volunteer—
to talk about family and instilling a passion
to serve within families here at CLA.
Within just a few minutes, her passion and vision to see her own family serve together
within the CLA community is evident. Kerri, Jeff and their kids Elise (11) and
Carsten (9) are regular volunteers with CLA Kids, and their daughter Kinley (5) an
excited attendee.
Kerri has been serving at CLA since arriving 8 years ago. “I love kids - and have
always loved kids,” she says. “As soon as we started attending here, Jeff and I knew
we were going to serve. As a parent, I believe we have a responsibility to understand
what our kids are learning, and get involved in serving. It’s an ideal way to get
to know your kid’s friends, and the community they are growing up within!”
One morning on the drive to CLA, Kerri asked the kids if they knew “why” they volunteer
together. Carsten thought it had lots to do with being fun, and a great opportunity
to hang out with his dad. I asked Kerri if Carsten ever expressed disappointment in
missing his own class when it was his turn to volunteer, but it was clear that for Carsten,
serving alongside his dad was just as important as going to Sunday school himself.
Elise, helps with toddler classes and said that she serves on Sundays because
when she attends Rev (CLA’s Youth Ministry) there are other people serving her, so
this is her chance to serve other people.
“It’s a really nice way to meet the people who are a part of our church family”
said Kerri, “and it also gives us purpose as a family to do it together.”
“We just want our kids to know that this is what you do. You don’t just go to
church, you become a part of the culture and the community – so it’s important that
we each find an opportunity to serve. We want our kids to learn that the Anderson
family won’t just come and leave. We want them to understand that it’s a commitment.
That if you are scheduled you show up. It teaches responsibility.”
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