Volunteering In The Nursery
From Setup to Snuggles: How Art Found His Perfect Fit in the Nursery
Art shares his story of how volunteering in Kidside has made such a huge impact……
When Art and his wife Heather first walked through the doors of Eastside Redlands, they were simply following a friend’s invitation. After a few visits, they realized this church would be a good fit not just for them, but potentially for their adult children too. What they couldn’t have anticipated was how perfectly Art would fit into an unexpected role that has brought him incredible joy and fulfillment.
Like many spouses of volunteers, Art initially found his place supporting from the sidelines. When Heather joined the nursery team, Art naturally gravitated toward setup and teardown—a practical way to help while staying in his comfort zone. But everything changed when Heather mentioned that he could actually serve directly with the children.
“I switched and am glad I did,” Art reflects. With five younger sisters and four children of his own, Art was no stranger to young kids, but he wasn’t sure how his presence would be received in the nursery. “At first, I was unsure it was going to work out as some of the young ones seemed scared of me,” he admits. “But in time they came to be comfortable with me, and some even enjoy the more active play I am inclined to share.”
That transformation (from hesitant newcomer to beloved nursery volunteer) speaks to something deeper Art discovered about serving. “I feel that having a dad in the nursery adds a different atmosphere,” he says. In a ministry space often dominated by women, Art’s male presence brings a unique dynamic that both children and families have come to appreciate.
What Art enjoys most is simple yet profound: “Playing with the kids; helping them discover new things and enjoy some of the same old things.” There’s something beautiful about an adult who can find wonder in the everyday moments of childhood—the excitement over a new toy, the joy of a familiar game, the comfort of a caring presence when mom and dad aren’t in sight.
The personal benefits Art experiences from serving run deeper than he might have initially expected. “I like that I can help little ones enjoy their time with us while their parents get a break to get the most out of the message in church,” he explains. There’s a servant’s heart in that statement…recognizing that his role enables something bigger, allowing families to fully engage in worship while their children are loved and cared for.
But perhaps most significantly, serving in the nursery has drawn Art closer to his faith. “Seeing individual kids with their different interests and abilities reminds me just how awesome God is and His creation,” he shares. Each Sunday, Art witnesses firsthand the unique personality, curiosity, and wonder that God has placed in every child. It’s a front-row seat to the creativity and intentionality of the Creator.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Art’s service is the partnership he shares with his wife, Heather. “We always work well together, and being able to share memories of specific things that happened during the nursery time before church is a fun thing to share,” he says. They’ve discovered that serving together doesn’t just benefit the ministry—it enhances their own relationship, creating shared experiences and stories that extend their impact far beyond Sunday morning.
Art lights up when talking about the positive feedback their nursery receives. “I enjoy hearing positive things being said about our nursery, and knowing I am part of that feels good.” It’s the satisfaction that comes from being part of something excellent, something that genuinely makes a difference in families’ church experience.
For those who might be hesitant about stepping into ministry, Art’s advice is both encouraging and practical: “There is plenty of direction given by staff and experienced servers to help you ‘get it right’. Start with a desire to serve, and I really believe the rest will fall into place.” His words echo the heart of what it means to be a Change Maker—it’s not about having all the right skills from day one, but about having the willingness to step in and learn.
To someone still on the fence about becoming a Change Maker, Art offers this simple truth: “…Helping brings a joy of fulfillment and accomplishment.” His journey from setup volunteer to beloved nursery caregiver proves that sometimes the perfect ministry fit isn’t what we initially imagine—it’s what we discover when we’re willing to step in and say yes.
Art’s story reminds us that being a Change Maker isn’t about having the perfect background or feeling completely prepared. It’s about recognizing that God can use our experiences—whether it’s growing up with five sisters or raising four children—in ways we never expected. It’s about discovering that the very thing that makes us unique might be exactly what a ministry needs.
Most importantly, Art’s journey shows us that when we step in and serve boldly, we don’t just change everything for others—we change everything for ourselves, too.
Did you know our volunteers are called Change Makers? They are the heroes around here, making a difference every week. Volunteering at Eastside is a powerful way to use your time and experience to have a positive impact. Visit eastside.com/volunteer to see how you can get started.
These amazing Change Makers partner with parents to build into kids’ lives, speak hope, and provide encouragement to each child and student. Our monthly curriculum focuses on godly values like honesty, courage, and kindness – qualities every parent wants their child and student to develop.
This approach gives families an immediate point of entry—especially for those new to church and Bible stories. When we say THIS IS FOR EVERYONE, we mean everyone and every age! Learn more about our kidside curriculum at eastside.com/kids. We have specific programs for ages birth through young adults and you can learn more at eastside.com/nextgen.
Do you have a Change Maker who’s made a difference in your child’s life? We’d love to hear about it! Please click on the “SHARE YOUR STORY” button at eastside.com/stories.