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Doing What She Loves Meet Jennifer Smith

photo by Marcie Bolton

Wednesday January 30, 2013

By Marcie Bolton

   Local Middlebury resident Jennifer Smith is doing what she loves and she feels very lucky.  She is working with children on a spiritual level as the Director of Children and Youth Ministries at the Congregational Church in Middlebury.  The combination of teaching children and working for her church in a community which she feels very close to is very symbiotic.

    Jennifer lives with her husband and two children and has been in Addison County for many years after moving here from Syracuse, New York area.  She has a Masters degree in Education, and she taught Spanish for 10 years in the NY public school system, grades 7-12.  “I started the Spanish program at St. Mary's school here in Middlebury for grades 2-6 and I taught Spanish at the Gailer School for 2 years,” Jennifer said.   Her history in education as a teacher, and her love of her church brought her to her current position which she feels is a perfect fit.  Jennifer explains what her job description is, “What that means is that I'm basically in charge of all the activities related to children and youth; we have 70 active members ranging in ages 0-18.  I run a Church School on Sundays consisting of 5 different classes (Pre-K/K, 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th).  Each class is taught by a dedicated teacher.  Four of my five teachers have been volunteering their time ever since I started 6 years ago...amazing!  Church School is run during part of our church service in the Charter House building across the street.  At the end of class time, I join all the children together for something we call "Big Meeting".  This is a time for us to come together as a group (church family) and voice our concerns and celebrations by saying prayers and lighting candles.”

   In addition to Church School, Jennifer also runs a Jr. Youth Group for 7th and 8th graders.  This group meets outside of church time.  She says, “We often meet about 2-3 times a month and engage in either service related projects or fellowship activities.  I currently have 16 kids in the group.  You do not have to be a member of the church to participate...all are welcome!  Things we have done this year include:  collectively raising $1000 for the Addison County Crop Walk, making arts and crafts to sell at our church's Holiday Bazaar which netted $500, baked pies at Thanksgiving time to raffle off and the $380 proceeds were used by the group to purchase Christmas gifts for local teens on the HOPE giving tree.  Some just for fun things that we did include:  a kick-off party in September at my house where each child brought a parent and we played outdoor games, bowling in our Halloween costumes, a Christmas party at my house, a snack and game day where we play all sorts of board games.  Two upcoming events include:  cooking an Italian dinner on Jan. 27 for their parents followed by an Italian Renaissance art presentation by [Middlebury College professor], Katy Abbott and on February 8.  We will host a Community Supper in conjunction with the Sr. Youth Group.  

   “There has been an effort this year to incorporate the parents into more events, allowing them to get to know each other better too.” explained Mrs. Smith.  “As our church continues to grow, we need to make sure that we are offering opportunities for members to meet in smaller groups to stay connected.  I also started a breakfast club for moms of 7th graders, a chance to communicate about similar concerns, challenges and joys.”  Not only does she take great care of what the children need, she involves the parents and through discussion brings her group full circle.  What I mean is, when teaching children, in one arena outside of the home, bringing the parents into that education circle only enhances the community for all involved.

   Jennifer informed us of the church’s Pastor Andy Nagy-Benson’s role with the kids in the community; “He works with the Sr. High Youth Group which consists of 9th-12th graders.  There are currently about 20 youth in this group but it continues to grow each month.  I would say about half of the members of this group do not attend our church but knew someone that did and/or are interested in helping others, being a part of a spiritual group and learning more about the world around them.  This group meets with Pastor Andy weekly, typically on Sunday evenings from 7-8:30pm.  The year concludes with a weeklong service trip.  Two years ago, we worked with an organization called YSOP in Washington D.C.  Last year we went to Philadelphia and worked with an organization called Wellspring Ministries.  Both of these trips involved inner city service work and it was life-changing to the youth involved.  This summer we will work with the Sierra Club in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey helping with Hurricane Sandy recovery.  Our year long theme this year at church is "Earth Stewardship" and we were already scheduled to go to New Jersey to do some environmental work.  However because of Hurricane Sandy, our trip will take on a whole new meaning.”

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