“My family has a lot of fun serving together,” said sixth grader Matthew Lawhon.  “I think it’s brought us closer.”

Four members of the Lawhon family serve together weekly in Surf Shack, a worship service for children in first through fourth grades whose parents serve on Sunday mornings.

Matthew has been a Surf Shack vocalist since the program began in May of 2008.

“Matthew started the whole thing,” said mom Tracy Lawhon.  “It was his idea to audition.”

Shortly after Matthew was named a vocalist, Surf Shack director Jenny Rogers asked his dad Blake to serve as a mentor for the vocal team.

Tracy became involved during the first week of Surf Shack, when she showed up to help and never left.  Now she serves as a Classroom Support Leader.

Fifteen-year-old Mariah Lawhon also began serving in Surf Shack by helping out as needed.  Now, she serves as a mentor to first grade students.  “When I became an official mentor, I loved it,” said Mariah.  “I love to see how much the kids are growing in Christ and that they want to be there.”

Blake said that one of his favorite parts of working with Surf Shack is seeing his kids serve.  “It’s something we can go home and talk about,” he said.

Serving together is not new for Blake and Tracy.  Tracy has been an Administrative Support Leader for the FSK second grade team for nearly 10 years, and Blake helps her with her weekly duties.  “Sometimes we’ll even spend a date night at church, putting things together,” he said.

Now that the entire family works together, the Lawhons are able to share the experience with their children.  “It’s cool seeing my parents serve,” said Mariah.  “We have something in common—something that we all love—and we can have an impact on younger kids.”

“I enjoy the shared experiences,” Tracy agreed.  “It’s not only a way for us to serve others, but we get to spend extra time together.”

Tracy pointed out that several other families also serve together in Surf Shack.  “It’s one of the few places that provide an opportunity for all members of the family to serve together on Sunday mornings,” she said.

Larry Loraine serves as both the lead guitarist for the band and a second grade mentor for Surf Shack.  His wife Erin is also a second grade mentor, and his oldest son is a junior mentor.  His younger son is a second grade student.

“I love serving with my family and using gifts that God has given me by playing music,” said Loraine.

Fellow guitarist Scott Smith said that his 12-year-old daughter Jordan, a Surf Shack vocalist, encouraged him to try out for the band.  “It was a great opportunity to serve together,” he said.  “It’s a lot of fun for both of us.”

Tracy said that one of the most unique aspects of Surf Shack is that kids lead other kids in worship.  Children and teenagers not only fill the positions of vocalists and band members, but also serve as action leaders, junior mentors, and ushers.  “I believe kids are gifted by God,” said Tracy.  “This is showing them that they can lead and serve others now and not wait until they’re grown-ups.”