“Kern has become my children’s home away from home. To see them grow in faith and feel such a sense of belonging has been a huge blessing. I can’t wait to see the lives Kern can enrich through this childcare program!”

“Our daughter started attending Camp Faith over a year ago, and it’s been such a great experience. The staff is wonderful, and she looks forward to going, always talking about her teachers and the friends she’s made. Through Camp Faith, we also started attending Sunday services at Kern and found a welcoming community. Over the past year, our family has gone through some big changes, and we’ve always been surrounded by support. We’re so grateful for the impact Camp Faith and Kern has had on our lives.”

As a dad, I know how important safe, trusted childcare is for families. And as a pastor, I care deeply about passing on the faith to the next generation and helping people take their next step with Jesus.

That’s why I’m excited about Growing the Next Generation. This is about helping more people find their place to belong in a supportive community. It’s about creating more opportunities for lives to be changed, both now and for years to come. This isn’t just about a building; it’s about people. It’s about the future. And it’s something we get to be part of together.

“We started at Kern with Camp Faith and loved the teachers and environment so much that we decided to attend and then join the church. Kern has become an important part of our lives. The church continues to bless our family and, in turn, gives us opportunities to bless others in the congregation and the community.”

“On Easter Sunday morning, following worship, I stepped over to welcome a family visiting Kern. As I approached, one of the kids ducked past me to get to someone behind me. That someone was his former Camp Faith teacher, Whitney Dongarra. I turned around just in time to see the boy jump into her arms with a huge grin on his face and squeeze her neck. That is the type of program we have at Kern. And that is why I am excited about the childcare vision, which will allow us to bring that experience to many more children in our community.”

“I am excited to support childcare at Kern Church because I know competent, caring, and affordable childcare has always been an important and often difficult hurdle for young, growing families. Our church has the facility, we have the dedication, and I believe perseverance to provide the best, and our community has the growing need! There is no greater mission than to lay a nurturing and caring foundation for our future generations. I have been attending Kern Church for about 25 years, and I felt welcome from the very first Sunday I walked through the door. Although I love the whole Kern experience, from Trunk-or-Treat to the Sunday morning sermon, and everything in between, I have found my true space in my Sunday School Class. It is such a close-knit group, and I believe we all feel comfortable with any topic we may stray into. And I have asked some crazy questions, I admit.”

“For years now, I have asked the question, Why can't we have a full-time daycare? The answer has been, “We would have to tear the building down and start over." I am so happy that God has placed this vision on others’ hearts, too. Thanks be to God.”

“I did not grow up in a family of faith, but as a girl met people of faith who told me about God’s unconditional love. The opportunity for Kern to do the same with children in our community is so vital. As a former teacher in a UMC pre-school program, I want every child to know church is where they are completely safe and completely loved.”

“Soon after moving, my Daughter's mother-in-law and I visited the church for a daycare option for our just-turned-1-year-old granddaughter. We were so impressed with Chanda and the setup. It felt so inviting. She is soon to be three and has thrived at Kern. It would be so exciting to have this exceptional care expanded for more children.”

“As a member of Kern and a long-time staff member of Kern Camp Faith, I cannot tell you how excited I am for Kern to be growing and expanding their childcare services. The community is in desperate need of safe, affordable, and trustworthy childcare. I have witnessed the deep connection that we are able to make with families of the community through Camp Faith, and am excited to see this continue.”

“I’m excited about Kern opening a childcare program because quality childcare plays such an important role in nurturing and supporting families. It’s a blessing to be part of that mission. Children bring joy, energy, and light. It will be wonderful to create a place where they can grow, learn, and feel loved.”

“I’m excited about the childcare ministry because supporting parents and nurturing children makes a big difference in the present and carries the long-term ripples out into the future for generations to come. Doing that in the context of the good news of God’s love makes the impact even more powerful.”

“I am enthusiastic about this golden opportunity to establish a daycare at Kern as a vital addition to serve families and our wonderful community for years to come.”