During his sermon, the song “Jesus Loves Me” was asked to be sung by the congregation by Milford United Methodist Church's former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Keith Johnson.
The special program Oct. 5 at the church marked the 25th anniversary of its daycare program, Little Leaps of Faith. Johnson was the church's preacher at the time it was started, and said in his sermon, titled “Jesus Loves Who?” that while he has been at various pulpits for 52 years, “Jesus Loves Me” is the song that always got the most reaction from his congregations.
“When you were singing, there were some of you that were smiling,” he said. “I saw it.”
Though it wasn't always easy at the time, he commended those who started LLOF as a place to teach young people they are the children of God and that Jesus loves them.
“Twenty-five years ago people had a dream … and came together to achieve the dream of starting Little Leaps of Faith in Milford,” he said.
In her call to worship, Milford UMC's current pastor, Lyn Seiser, spoke about the time she spends with LLOF students. Since starting in the pastor’s role just over a year ago, she said she feels the happiness they express when they are being taught about the life and teachings of Jesus.
“And my life has been fulfilled as much or more than theirs,” she said. “I can't imagine how the much the community has been influenced by the presence of Little Leaps of Faith.”
Someone who would have first-hand experience on the influence would be Renee Soukup, who has been LLOFs' director for the entire 25 years, with about 500 children – ages six months to 12 years – being students in the program during that time. She said about 25 of those students have grown into being involved in a supervisory position at LLOF.
Among her remarks, she read some thank-you notes received for herself and LLOF teachers:
“LLOF is an awesome daycare and preschool program – children are encouraged to grow through faith and create a relationship with God.”
“The center's strength is the teachers. They are all amazing. I love how they treat us as if we are friends and not just parents.”
“I cannot say enough good things about the daycare or the teachers. You see my children more than me at times and I can't thank you enough for the values you have taught them.”
Soukup mentioned her staff members and the roles they take, including assistant director Chantel Davenport, who she said is her “right hand gal” in helping her run the center efficiently. As well, she recognized several people who aren't on the staff but also offer various functions of help in LLOF's daily operation.
“And really, thank you Milford community for accepting our Christian daycare,” Soukup said. “The saying says 'to raise a child takes a village,' and we sure have a great support system here.”
Johnson said through the teaching of Jesus, followers have been charged with teaching one child at a time.
“Teachers plant the seeds of life … that last a lifetime,” he said.
As he closed his sermon, he offered a prayer centered on the idea that everyone can be teachers.
“Jesus was our great teacher and taught us all to teach the word of God,' he said, “so greet the person next to you and say, 'thank you for being a teacher.
“Amen.”
