Students use Legos to build something related to a Bible verse, Matthew 5:1-2, during Building Foundations at FBC Mena. (Screenshot)
MENA, Ark. – Located in the heart of downtown Mena, First Baptist Church has incorporated innovative ways to minister within its community.
Goldfish and Grace
A weekly event for moms and their young children, Goldfish and Grace is a casual gathering where moms can connect while their children enjoy a snack – Goldfish crackers – and playtime.
Pastor Jim Tennery said the ministry gives moms the opportunity “to interact, and to share, and to fellowship, and to just converse with other moms.” They also incorporate scripture reading and prayer time.
Started about a year and a half ago, Tennery said Goldfish and Grace continues to grow, creating a community for mothers of all ages and circumstances.
“It is really open to all, and it has kind of created that sense of community,” Tennery said, noting some of the moms have organized times to meet outside of the church, furthering those connections.
“It’s a lot of fun. It has been a real benefit, a real ministry. We have moms from not just FBC but from all over the community here that come and join us.”
Goldfish and Grace starts at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday and generally runs through noon or 1 p.m. Moms come and go during that time, spending however long works best for their schedule. On average, Tennery said they have at least a dozen moms in attendance.
If churches have the space, Tenner said, “It is a really amazing program.”
Building Foundations
Building Foundations, a youth ministry, uses Legos in teaching the word of God to children pre-K through sixth grade.
The children are treated to a small meal, followed by a game, before they gather for a Bible lesson. This year, the summer program’s focus is Jesus and miracles.
After an about 30-minute lesson, the students have a build time, where they use Legos to build something related to the Bible story.
“Every kid loves Legos. Every kid loves to use his or her imagination to come up with things, so they do that,” Tennery said. Sometimes those creations are shared online.
“This has been an amazing program. The kids since last summer have been asking about bringing it back. It has been a big hit. It has really grown,” Tennery said. Building Foundations restarted June 11 and will run throughout the summer.
“We’ve seen a lot of good come from that. It’s lot of fun and opportunity for them not to just hear God’s word but actually take it and apply it by building something from it,” he said. “It’s real impactful in a sense of engaging kiddos and even comprehension and recollection.”
These are just two of several programs at FBC Mena. For more information on the church and its ministries, visit firstbaptistchurchmena.com.