Union Children’s Ministries Retreat Gathers 300 Leaders

ATHENS, TEX. – Around 300 children’s ministries leaders from across the Southwestern Union gathered at Lone Star Camp in Athens, Tex., March 14-16, for a weekend of training, inspiration and networking at the annual Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries Retreat. 

Opening the weekend’s events on Friday night, participants were led in a foot-washing ceremony, followed by a special meal. The evening's focus was not only to show gratitude to the leaders for their service but to encourage them spiritually and remind them of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Organized by Sonia Canó, children’s ministries director, and her team of volunteers, the weekend focused on preparing leaders for the new Alive in Jesus Sabbath School lessons that will be available for Kindergarten and Primary Sabbath Schools in January 2026.

In addition to a presentation on the Alive in Jesus curriculum, participants got to see a demonstration of what a Sabbath School class using the new curriculum will look like. Designed to be hands-on, Alive in Jesus includes a strong focus on Bible stories, worship and creating a lasting relationship with Jesus. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the spiritual development of children, offering parents a way to be more engaged in their child’s faith journey.

Teachers for the Babies and Beginners classes had a chance to begin using the new curriculum this year, and the response has been positive. “This is something they’ve been asking for,” said Patricia Rangel, volunteer area children’s ministries coordinator in the Southwest Region Conference, “and now they’re asking for something for the bigger kids. I tell them, ‘It’s coming!’”

In addition to the curriculum training, participants were introduced to new resources available for children’s ministries. One notable program is the Mountain of Miracles Vacation Bible School (VBS), which will be available this summer. “It’s a fully Seventh-day Adventist program with original music, original Bible stories and crafts,” said Canó, “and the most special station in it is the prayer station.”

The event concluded with a special dinner where attendees were treated to a Western-themed celebration. As each participant walked through the entrance, they were applauded for their dedication. “The staff made us feel special!” said Sybil White, one of the participants at the retreat.

“We really appreciate what these leaders do,” said Canó. “Without the children’s ministries leadership in the local churches, we wouldn’t be able to have children’s ministries in their conference or in the Southwestern Union.”

The attendees were grateful for all that was done to make the weekend a valuable experience. “I loved it so much that I’m coming back next year!” said one first-year participant

In 2026, Canó promises an extra-special retreat as participants will celebrate ten years of Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries Retreats. “Plan for something big,” says Canó, “It’s going to be exciting!”

By Lori Futcher

Managing Editor and

Associate Communication Director

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