We asked Ken to speak from his heart about what it has meant for him to be of such immense service to the NVC Community as our Youth and Family Leader. Ken shared not only his heart, but some other news about his next life adventure:
“I was fortunate enough to be the Y & F Leader at NVC for just less than a year and a half. I started a couple of weeks before Easter Sunday in 2015. Even after 30+ years of teaching, I was incredibly nervous! I’d only taught 3rd-6th grade; I didn’t know a THING about the ‘little guys.’ I learned fast and learned a lot, but thank goodness for those experiences with them! I had a blast!
The most challenging part of being the Y & F Leader is not knowing whether you will get to teach one child on Sunday or twelve. The age span may be ten or more years apart, so planning is key. I have always tried to steer my lessons to be in alignment with the message in adult church, and Rev. Penny has been very helpful with that. Jeff Hargis has always been there when I need him, whether it be finding a ladder when I’m hanging something up in the youth room or last minute stepping in when we found ourselves short of teachers.
Ron and I are beginning a new adventure in Eugene, OR in September. Eugene is Ron’s home town and we have a lot of family there. When I retired from teaching in May of 2010, I told Ron ‘the world is our oyster!’ It took him a while to realize I was serious, I guess! Leaving NVC and our fantastic community was one of the toughest decisions we’ve ever made, but the timing just feels right for us.
My hope for NVC’s Youth Program is that it continues to grow. My dream was that we’d have so many kids that we needed someone for the primary group and someone else (me!) for the older kids. I know in my heart that my dream will become reality one day. Imagine being raised in this teaching, knowing we are ALL ONE… What a blessing to grow up that way.”
Namaste’
Ken Casey
Ken – All of us at NVC, especially the children and families whose lives you have so graciously and lovingly touched, stand in your dream and truth that our Youth Program will, indeed, continue to grow and flourish. And, yes, we are ALL ONE, Ken Casey, no matter if we live in Arizona or Oregon. We love and thank you for your dedication to this important service ministry in our Community.