Recently one of our staff, Children’s Pastor Jessica Lee, was able to spend a few days at a KidzMatter Conference in Indiana. She shared a reflection from her time which you can read below.

I was especially encouraged by this comment: Thank you for your prayers and support. I’m also grateful that our church’s general budget makes opportunities like this for continued education possible. What a gift to be part of a church that invests in its leaders so they can serve others. I’m grateful and excited for all that God has written for us.

I, too, am so thankful for your faithful giving that makes Jessica’s trip and so much more possible here in our community. And I trust that you will be encouraged as we see the Lord continue to write our story!

Sincerely,

David Anderson
Lead Pastor

P.S. One powerful part of our story as a church is our annual Trunk or Treat outreach. It’s happening this Saturday, October 24, right here on our campus. Jessica and her Trunk or Treat team would love to welcome you and your friends to this family-friendly trick or treating experience! For more information, including ways you can serve, CLICK HERE.

Dear COD Family,

Greetings! The 2026 KidzMatter Conference in Indiana has wrapped up, and I wanted to say THANK YOU for praying. I sensed your prayers, and they did not return void.

There are so many hoops to jump through to travel out here. So many logical reasons to stay in Glendora and carry on. So much temptation to remain on the merry go round of day to day ministry, afraid of what might happen if I step off, or how hard it might be to jump back on when I return. But praise God, His voice is louder than the one in my head! He helped me get here, and what a gift it has been.

Ministry can be hard. It can be amazing, full of transformation and answers to prayer, but it also requires sacrifice. And this time away has been such a gift.

I got to sit in an auditorium with 3,000 other people who specifically serve in children’s ministry. I was with my people lol! We laughed at bad goldfish cracker jokes and nodded knowingly at stories of last-minute volunteer cancellations and ministry hardships. We broke bread together, prayed together and swapped ideas. We saw and understood each other in ways that only people serving in the same trenches really can.

I also got to simply be present as a daughter of the King, there to receive rather than lead. The conference was designed to minister to us. None of us knew if the program was running behind or if the printer had died five minutes earlier. Bless! We simply got to show up and be fully present.

They led us in incredible worship that left my cheeks dry precisely ZERO times. We got to sing together, declaring the power of Jesus, His grace and His love. What a gift to worship alongside thousands of others who also know the rarity of adult corporate worship. Our eyes could remain shut the whole time not worrying about any kids slipping out of the room ha-ha.

I was blessed by no fewer than seven inspirational and encouraging speakers and attended nine breakout sessions chock full of practical wisdom, ideas and encouragement.  The conference nerd in me, pen in hand, got to live her best life. But the greatest gift was the space God gave me to simply receive, listen, rest and behold our Savior and His faithfulness without distraction. What a good, good Father.

I also found myself reflecting on the health of our church staff and the unity we share. Children’s ministry at Church of the Open Door has never had to fight for a seat at the table. We have always been valued, supported and included. I was reminded this week that this is not the reality everywhere, and I am deeply grateful for the way our church values the next generation and those who serve them. That is not something I ever want to take for granted.

My heart is full. My spirit renewed. I leave Indiana more deeply in love with Jesus and more committed to making sure the next generation knows just how much He adores them.

Thank you for your prayers and support. I’m also grateful that our church’s general budget makes opportunities like this for continued education possible. What a gift to be part of a church that invests in its leaders so they can serve others. I’m grateful and excited for all that God has written for us. He’s so good to us.

God is on the move!

Jessica Lee (aka the Reflective Sap)
Children’s Pastor

P.S. Here is the Spotify playlist from the conference if any of you want to slide into your week with some solid tunes.