Small Hands, Big Hearts: How Zion’s Youngest Leaders Fed a Community
At Zion Lutheran in Galesville, faith isn't just something the children hear about—it’s something they are being empowered to lead. In our synod, we strive to cultivate life-giving relationships rooted in God’s love, and sometimes, the best way to see that mission in action is through the eyes of a child.
This winter, two young siblings at Zion turned a simple school challenge into an inspiring example of what it means to lead, proving that when a congregation empowers its children, the impact ripples far beyond the church doors.
A Culture of Caring
The children of Zion didn't wake up one day and decide to lead; they were raised in a culture that showed them how. They watched their elders run the summer lunch program. They walked past the shopping cart in the narthex every Sunday, seeing it overflow with donations for the local food pantry. They felt the warmth of the hot food Zion provides the town during Trunk or Treat.
The turning point came this past fall at a local orchard. A parishioner realized he had more than enough apples to share with the entire town, so he called for backup. A team of congregation members of all ages headed to the trees to pick and deliver the harvest door-to-door. Being part of that team had a major impact on the siblings; they weren't just watching ministry happen—they were an essential part of the engine sharing what God had provided with their neighbors.
This experience planted a seed:Our church cares about feeding people, and I am part of that work.
From Classroom Challenge to Community Mission
When Galesville Elementary announced a "cereal box challenge"—a friendly competition between G-E-T elementary schools to see who could collect the most for the food pantry—the siblings saw an opportunity. They didn't just bring a box from home; they brought the mission to their faith family.
Feeling empowered by a congregation that has told them their voices matter, they approached their pastor with a plan. They didn't just ask for help—they took the lead. The 2nd grader took on the role of writer, crafting the announcement, while the 4th grader put new skills to work by designing a PowerPoint slide for the church. Together, they practiced their "mic technique" to clearly articulate their vision to the adults in the pews. They even handled the logistics (using a borrowed wagon), organizing the collection and promising to transport every box to the school themselves.
The Domino Effect of Faith
The response was overwhelming. The congregation joined the kids’ cause, filling the church with boxes of cereal. When the boxes were finally delivered to school, they joined a massive total from across the district.
To celebrate, the schools lined up every single box to create a giant, winding domino chain. As the first box tipped, it represented more than just a fun video—it represented the "domino effect" of a child’s faith. All the cereal was ultimately delivered to the food pantry at First Presbyterian, ensuring that local families had breakfast on the table.
Why It Matters
This story isn't just about cereal; it’s about faith in action. It is about an older generation that has successfully created a space where children don't just "sit and listen," but "stand and lead."
By supporting these two students, the people of Zion Lutheran lived into our synod’s call to nurture emerging leaders. They proved that when we listen to our youth and invite them into the work we are already doing, we aren't just helping them with a school project—we are helping them realize that through God’s love, they have the power to change their community.
Watch the Joy:Click here to see the video of the cereal dominoes in action!
