Church ministry to begin new season

Published 6:39 pm Tuesday, September 26, 2017

It’s time to take a coffee break.

Terra Ceia Reformed Christian Church newest season of “Coffee Break” — a ministry sharing Jesus with women and children simultaneously — begins Tuesday.

“It’s always exciting when a new season starts,” said Anne Maatman, a member of the outreach program committee at Terra Ceia.

Women can engage in a 90-minute bible study with leader Laura Chrismon while children head to either a nursery or the classroom — whichever matches the appropriate age. A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers and a “Story Hour” is provided for children 3-5 years old, according to Maatman.

Through crafts, song and Bible stories, children have the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Through spiritual conservation, interaction with other women and stories, women can grow in their faith, Maatman said. It’s a ministry that’s been sharing the Bible for nearly half a century and spans 17 countries. The ministry started in reformed Christian churches in the 1970s and sparked from the need for nurseries, according to the Christian Reformed Church.

At Terra Ceia, it’s a 25-year old ministry, and it is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. Maatman said it is “interdenominational,” as women from any denomination can join. She said the ministry caters to all, regardless of previous experience.

“It ministers to women who know the Bible and women who don’t. The idea is to pair those people up — the ones that don’t with the ones that do. And then they share what it means for them personally,” Maatman said.

Chrismon has been a part of the ministry for six years. It’s her first time leading the study, and while the task can be daunting, she said she’s up for the challenge because it gives women in the community a great outlet for growth.

“It’s just learning more about each other, learning how we can better serve one another, serve God and grow closer to him through bible study,” Chrismon said.

Story Hour leader Jenny Febus rejoined the Coffee Break ministry this year after taking a few years off. She said she’s looking forward to working with children and spreading the love of Jesus in their lives because for many, it may be their first interaction with a teacher.

“They haven’t really heard the Bible stories over and over yet at that age. It’s fresh to them. … You can start telling that they can turn to Jesus,” Febus said.

“Coffee Break” begins at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Terra Ceia CRC, located at 3298 Terra Ceia Highway, Pantego. It meets weekly October through May. Women of all ages are invited along with infants through preschoolers.