Children's Newsletter
Welcome Joni Mindrebo: Children’s Ministry Director
Joni Mindrebo (pronounced “Joanie Min-dray-bo”), her husband Jonathan, 4-year-old Owen and 2-year-old Charli Rose have been part of the SLPC community since 2016. In a recent interview with Allison Frassoni, Joni shared how the Lord called her to this new position and prepared her to say “Yes” to His divine plan.
Joni grew up in Newtown Square guided by parents committed to Christian Education as administrators and teachers. The whole family actively participated in AWANA and youth groups. Even after long school days Joni remembers that mid-week commute, especially one particular night in 6th grade. Looking out the car window at the stars, she recalled her study of the solar system and the vastness of God’s creation. She wondered how such a BIG God could desire a personal relationship with her. These seemingly conflicting thoughts came together as the Holy Spirit revealed to her that even though God holds the universe in His hands, He reached down to earth through His only Son, Jesus, to know her and save her. In that moment, Joni gave her heart fully to the Lord.
When asked who made the biggest impact on her faith journey, Joni replied without hesitation, “My mom, Suzi.” As a Christian School teacher for many years, Suzi’s wisdom and experience prompted Joni’s own decision to pursue Christian Education degrees at Taylor and Cairn Universities. While in college, Joni volunteered at a Christian camp leading Bible studies where she observed the eagerness of the children to learn God’s Word. Seeing the fruit produced in their lives opened Joni’s eyes to recognize that God had given her the desire and passion to teach God’s Word.
Following graduation, doors were opened for her to teach middle and upper elementary students at Red Lion Christian and Delaware County Christian Schools for 12 years. Transferring to New Jersey’s Timothy School, the Lord gave Joni a new role as Director of Curriculum, Accreditation and Instruction -- PLUS a new name when she met and then married Jonathan Mindrebo. After serving in administration for 3 years, Joni was blessed to begin her own family – choosing to stay at home to raise Owen and Charli Rose.
How fitting then, in God’s timing, that when the position for the SLPC Children’s Ministry Director was posted, Joni knew in her heart that this was what God had been preparing her for. Desiring to raise her own two children to know and love God and His Word, motivated Joni to accept this new role. On a personal level, she can identify with families who need the prayerful support and hands-on participation of all church members to provide a vibrant Children’s Ministry. By coming alongside parents, Joni’s hope is to see our “covenant kids” grow up strong in their faith from the crib to college.
Echoing Pastor Rick’s admonition to the congregation at Baptisms -- “God has called us to live life together in fellowship – to know Him and seek Him as a community of followers of Jesus,”-- Joni believes that is our great commission, and she is eager and ready to give her heart (again) fully to the Lord.
We welcome Joni and her family to this new adventure for all of us!
“God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
(Psalm 73:26a)
Things to Look Forward to in Children’s Ministry: Fall Family Hayride on October 30th