Shining Light: 2024 Texico Children’s Ministries Retreat

ALBUQUERQUE – People from various parts of the Texico Conference came together this spring for the first Texico Conference Children’s Ministries Retreat. The one-day event was held in Albuquerque, N.M., and featured workshops on “Teaching Kids to Pray” and “Teaching with Nature” along with insightful discussions on children’s mental health, an engaging Vacation Bible School training in the afternoon and the introduction of the new Sabbath School curriculum, “Alive in Jesus.”

Kathy Clifford, Texico Conference children’s ministries director, expressed her belief that it was time for the conference to organize a retreat to support the hard-working leaders in children’s ministries. “I felt it was important to provide them with training, networking opportunities and a chance for renewal,” said Clifford. “I was touched by the sight of these individuals dedicated to teaching children about God’s boundless love, especially in a world filled with challenges.”

The event saw over 60 registrations from attendees representing more than 20 churches. Many expressed their anticipation for a similar retreat next year, eager to bring along their entire team. The retreat’s morning session started with training sessions on children’s mental health and special-needs ministry, as well as workshops on teaching through nature. These sessions were presented in both English and Spanish by Kathy Clifford and Sonia Cano, Southwestern Union children’s ministries director.

During the morning devotional, attendees committed to letting their children’s ministries represent a city on a hill that is visible and holy. “We reminded them of their purpose to shine forth the light within them,” said Clifford. Texico Conference President Lee-Roy Chacon led a prayer session, and the attendees were thanked for their dedication to embracing the complexities of children’s ministries and for their unconditional love towards every child, including those often overlooked by others.

The presentation of the new children’s Sabbath School curriculum, “Alive in Jesus,” and the introduction of the new Baby Steps and Beginners programs were significant highlights of the retreat. In the afternoon, attendees enjoyed participating in the Thunder Island-themed VBS, rotating through various stations and engaging in different activities. “This retreat would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many volunteers,” said Clifford. Overall, attendees reported feeling greatly blessed and encouraged by the experience. Given the interest, the Texico children’s ministries department is looking to organize a larger and more comprehensive retreat next year. 

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By Debby Márquez

Communication Director