After many years of dreaming, discussions, and planning, two Golden churches are reaching out to the children and families of their community – those who fill their pews each week, those who have never walked through the church doors, and many in between. Immanuel and Trinity Lutheran Churches (both affiliated with the ELCA) are introducing a new staff position this summer - Coordinator of Children & Family Ministries. "We’re building a program from the ground up, and we’re bursting with enthusiasm and new ideas," said Jennie Van De Velde, who has been hired to work with children, ages Pre-K through 8^th grade, in both congregations and within the community. She plans to survey members of the congregations to find out just what kinds of events and programs families might take advantage of throughout the year. Van De Velde hopes to include a balance of social activities, spiritual growth opportunities, and service projects. Some ideas being considered include family camping trips, drive-in movies, carnivals, board game nights, family olympics, mini-golf, sports, or bowling; Children’s Church, age-appropriate devotional and Bible Studies for kids and their parents, a weekly Kids’ Club for grade school children; or volunteering at Community for Christ Assistance Center, cleaning up the community, visiting nursing home residents, doing odd jobs around the churches, or joining other volunteer efforts. Trinity and Immanuel hope that this new ministry reaches out to a segment of the church that has sometimes been overlooked and underserved. Van De Velde is looking forward to "encouraging families to grow in faith together, and bringing Jesus’ love to the young members of our community."