Lynn Somers

Teaching the foundations of learning and of the Christian faith to young children. Some of the learning was through FB videos back in the Spring of 2020 due to COVID19. Now open using safe practices and distancing as appropriate.

Part-time Parent's Morning Out Preschool teacher - St. Paul's PMO Preschool - Winter Haven, FL

(2020-02)

Teaching the foundations of learning and of the Christian faith to young children. Some of the learning was through FB videos back in the Spring of 2020 due to COVID19. Now open using safe practices and distancing as appropriate.

• Teach 3 year-old class
• Cooperatively work with other ages in the older classroom with the other teacher/director of the PMO Program

Volunteer mission/ministry teaching experience - One Mission Society & Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc. - Albacete & Barcelona, Spain

(2018-07 - 2018-08)

During a three-week training event with young people and adults, provided intensive training in the skills and art form of puppetry and puppet ministry. This allowed the ministry to go international and multinational with reach to Bulgaria.

• Provided the Keynote kick-off message on the Importance of Children's Ministry and Faith Formation
• Delivered in-depth and intense training in the skills and art form of puppetry and puppet ministry

Encourager of Children's Formation & Families - St. Barnabas Episcopal Church - Montgomery, OH

(2015-08 - 2016-07)

Part-time position with primary responsibility to encourage the new growth and continue the growth of new families with young children in the congregation.

• Initiate, develop and implement a Godly Play program for preschool through 1st grade in the weekly church school
• Oversee the 2nd & 3rd grade Communion class and the 4th & 5th grade church school class
• Provide support for families in the nurture of their children's Faith

Part-time professor in Christian Ministries department - Asbury University - Wilmore, KY

(2015-01 - 2015-05)

Taught a class in Children's Ministries in the Educational ministries department to upperclassmen focused in the areas of Christian ministries. The three hour block course taught on Tuesday nights utilized a pedagogy that combined the theological, theoretical and the practical aspects of Children's ministry.

• Student observations and in-class presentations
• Actual interaction with children, including a hands-on teaching session with real children at a local church at the end of the term
• Interviews with children's ministry church staff

Children's Director & Church Choir Director - Belmont United Methodist Church - Dayton, OH

(2012-08 - 2013-05)

Part-time positions responsible for the overall visioning, direction, and implementation of the children's ministries of the church and for the music planning, selection and teaching/directing of the Chancel and Children's choirs.

• Lead children's moments in worship
• Share gifts in puppet ministry in various settings

Subject Matter Expert for Course writer & Online Adjunct Professor - Ohio Christian University - Circleville, OH

(2013-07 - 2013-03)

Contracted to be the Subject Matter Expert for designing an Online course in Children's Ministry. Required knowledge of children's ministry and working knowledge of the textbooks to be used. Taught as an Adjunct an online course in the Survey of Christian Education for 10 weeks in January, which then extended into March because of two students requiring an Incomplete status in the course due to family emergencies.

• Learn and understand the Online course structure and process for OCU

President - Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc - Haines City, FL

(1991)

Provide leadership for a ministry encompassing music, puppetry, and Christian Education in the forms of programs, educational events, training, equipping and empowering churches and organizations.

• Primary Puppeteer for Pediatric Puppet Comfort Therapy (PPCT)
• Provided Pediatric Puppet Comfort Therapy at PennState Geisinger Health System-Hershey Medical Center, Pediatric Rehab 1998-2001
• Program provided comfort therapy through a puppet friend interacting one-on-one with children in cooperation with therapists
• Funding for this program was provided through Ronald McDonald House Charities

Adjunct Professor - Lancaster Theological Seminary - Lancaster, PA

(2001-01 - 2001-12)

• Spring 2001: Taught a course in Puppet Ministry, which included basic skills, script writing, manipulation of muppet-style puppets, use of puppets in teaching and performing and introduction to the concept of pediatric puppet comfort therapy. The course concluded with the students doing a live ministry performance in the seminary chapel service.
• Fall 2001: Taught a Children's Ministry course on Monday nights that incorporated a Kid's night program at an inner-city Lancaster church for teaching application for the seminary students

Student Assistant to Faculty - United Theological Seminary - Dayton, OH

• Help to organize, evaluate, and catalog a new Christian Education Curriculum & Resource center
• Work with the C.E. professor and department
• Assist students with finding resources
• Lead workshops

Substitute preschool teacher, aide, or Lead Caregiver - Hope United Methodist Preschool - Ephrata, PA

(1994 - 2003)

Substituted for any of the staff as needed in Mother's Day Out Program, working with children as young as 18 months or as old as 4-5 years.

Program Consultant - Hope United Methodist Church - Ephrata, PA

(1994 - 2003)

Consulted with the various program areas and committees of the church, provided ideas, resources, input, suggestions and feedback which equipped lay people to be in ministry more effectively. Provided the groundwork for a full-time Director of Christian Education and Nurture to succeed.

Outreach Worker/Administrator Afterschool Care - Fort McKinley United Methodist Church - Dayton, OH

• Implement, direct, teach and administrate afterschool care program for children K-6 grades five days a week
• Design curriculum for use in the program
• Design program and resources for summer time program
• Teach SS classes and work with education
• Direct children's choir (K-4 grades) and work with other outreach programs of the church

Childcare Worker/Preschool teacher - Little Angels Christian Day Care - Springfield, OH

Taught three and four year old classes in their preschool program three days a week. Assisted with childcare tasks during the day. Worked with the afterschool program three days a week during the school year and full-time during the summer.

• Supervise crafts, music, free play, swimming and field trips

Summer Day Camp Director - Salvation Army-Townview Center - Dayton, OH

(1985 - 1986)

For four weeks each of the two summers, directed children in activities, crafts, and open gym times, escorted field trips and swimming. Was responsible for the total program and curriculum design. Was also responsible for supervision of teen workers and volunteer staff. Summer position only.

Activity Leader - Otterbein U.M. Retirement Home - Lebanon, OH

Work study position at United Seminary. Worked with activity and program staff.

Youth Director - Mulvane United Methodist Church - Mulvane, KS

(1983 - 1984)

• Direct the Junior and Senior High youth programs and groups in regular weekly meetings and events, Bible studies, activities, and fund-raisers
• Work with the CE program and teach Sunday school
• Coordinate and direct puppet ministry team with youth
• Lead an aerobic exercise group with church members

Childcare worker/Houseparent - Methodist Children's Home - Waco, TX

Live-in 24-hour per day childcare worker/houseparent.

Ph.D.

• Religious Education and Faith Formation - The Union Institute & University (1999 - 2006)

Master of Arts - Religious Education (specialization in puppets and children's ministries) - United Theological Seminary

Master of Arts - Theological Studies (emphasis in music performance, vocal technique, and stage presence) - United Theological Seminary

BA - Psychology - Asbury College