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A Young Disciple – Emma’s Story

“The moms at Brightmoor have to reuse their babies’ diapers! So I was glad to help provide clean new diapers for them,” Emma said as she sits at the table with one of the Harry Potter books that she is reading for a second time in front of her. “At the middle school retreat I helped unpack 400 diapers from large boxes into smaller bags of 10 diapers each.” She continues, “They (the Brightmoor babies) can only get 9 diapers a week and that makes me sad.”

Listening to Emma talk about her love of helping others, you might think she is much older than her young 11-year-old self. For only being in the 6th grade, she has enjoyed multiple church- related activities, with the most recent being the Middle School Retreat to a ski resort in Cadillac. “It was my first time skiing and I fell a lot! But Ms. Youn and Petrina (Hone) were with me and it was a lot of fun.”

Leading the 15 students at the retreat were Pastor Susie Hierholzer and Petrina Hone, Middle School Coordinator, and 5 volunteer parents. “The kids had a great time on the middle school retreat,” says Pastor Susie. “They went skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and played broom ball. Then we had a time of devotion and a mission project. We packaged diapers with a note of encouragement and they will be given to the people of Brightmoor. So proud of these kids for their thoughtful discussion and putting their faith into action to help others!” One of Emma’s favorite parts of the retreat was writing encouraging notes and tucking them into the packages of diapers. “I would tell them that that they are amazing,” she said.

What was her most challenging part of the service? Emma admitted, “Attending a different church on Sunday. I was nervous that it wouldn’t be a friendly place.” The retreat participants attended Faith UMC in Coleman, Michigan and experienced comforting hospitality. Emma continued, “But everyone at that church was very friendly and smiled a lot. They talked with us about our retreat and made us feel very welcomed.”

When asked, “What changes might you make in your life after going on this retreat?” Emma did not hesitate and quickly responded, “I will continue to donate a lot of my time. The more help you give others, the better. I would rather help others than myself.” Emma has given many hours of her 11 years being the hands and feet of God. She has participated in multiple 45C mission trips as a 4th and 5th grader. She participates in youth group, choir, and choir camp, which she proclaims “is the best place to be!” She also enjoys helping her mom with our Angel Tree Project where Birmingham First members donate gifts and meals to children with incarcerated parents. “When we deliver gifts to Angel Tree families, we are helping them know they are loved,” responds Emma.

Emma loves her church so much that she adds, “I know my friend, Sofia, who doesn’t go to church, would like church and I have invited her to come to many activities. She finally said yes and is going bowling with me and the youth group.”

Eleven years old. A passion for serving. Inviting others to join her. Emma IS a disciple and is helping to build new ones!

Thanks to your generosity, youth like Emma are not only growing in their faith, but sharing the Good News as well.

For more information on our youth programs, please visit our Student Ministries page.  

“I will continue to donate a lot of my time. The more help you give others, the better. I would rather help others than myself.”
Emma
11 Year Old
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1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009
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Chelsea-Rose Jabboori

My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room.  This is my first year teaching at First Kids.  I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny.  I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.

I come from a large family.  I am the oldest of six siblings.  We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada.  I have a love for nature and adventure.  I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping.  I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts.  I love to study children’s psychology and herbology.  With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn.  Children have always been my passion in life.

I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.

I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.

Brooke Lynch

My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher!  This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year.  I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University.  I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago.  I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan.  I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby.  After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom.  First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent.  I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!

Jillian McDonald

My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room.  This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool.  Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years.  Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit.  Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney.  Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall.  My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan.  I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds.  As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable.  I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence.  I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution.  I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!

Gloria Fulton

My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool.  I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church.  I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir.  For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school.  I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate.  I  enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.