Thank You for 10 Years in the Nursery

Who knew that a gig as Trinity’s nursery director would begin with a dream? Lou Ann Rossler had just become Trinity’s new Administrative Assistant to Congregation Life when she took a new member class and met a nice couple who were interested in becoming members of the congregation. Since they had a young child, they inquired about Trinity having a staffed nursery. “Trinity didn’t have that at the time…and the couple decided not to stay,” Rossler said.
Not long after that, she had a dream where she recognized the old cabinet that was housed in the nursery. She was wearing a smock apron and held her arms out, welcoming children into the nursery. She shared this dream with Marty Greder, and “that’s how I became the nursery director!” Rossler said.
One of the first things she did as director was to purchase a wooden dollhouse with some memorial money. A little boy was playing with it one Sunday morning and asked, “Where are the people?” Rossler answered, “We don’t have any…but we have some animals!” Another purchase was made, and the kids delighted in playing with the people in the dollhouse. “I tried to keep toys updated and safe,” Rossler mentioned.
She said, “Over the years, we’ve had lots of kids come through the nursery.” Having the nursery director be a paid position made the nursery more reliable. “Parents can come in to visit anytime,” Rossler said. A requirement is to have two people supervising the nursery at all times, and any additional nursery helper needs to go through a background check and have CPR training.
Rossler’s memories include “lots of fun memories!” She said, “I have a close relationship with some of those kids to this day!” Lucky enough to initially meet many children back when they were babies, Rossler now delights in watching them grow up. “One little girl came into the nursery and called me ‘Lou Lou,’” Rossler said. “She was adorable…and always wore pink cowboy boots no matter what else she was wearing!”
From getting hugs to watching kids go through separation anxiety when their parents dropped them off, Rossler said, “I have had more fun than challenging times. It has truly been rewarding! I think children are the future of our church, and if they have fond memories of their time at Trinity, they’ll want to bring their own children to church someday. You always want church to be a welcoming place.”
After ten years of playing with the little ones, Rossler said, “It’s time for me to retire. I’m glad I was in the nursery, as it was a wonderful way to serve! I’m excited to see the changes that will take place in the nursery. It’s time for ‘fresh blood’ and a new direction! For generations to come, that room will hopefully be a welcoming place for them.” 
When asked what she’ll do with her extra time, Rossler laughed and said, “Well, this weekend, I’m going to do van transportation!” Wherever she is, there’s a smile, a comment with a “sweetie” thrown in here and there, and a soul as welcoming as can be found. Thank you, Lou Ann, for your service in the nursery, your welcoming heart, and your open arms for hugs. Trinity has certainly been blessed with your direction of our youngest members! †