YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE:
Happy NewYear! As we enter 2026, I am pleased to announce that Sunday school participation is improving with average attendance in December of 6 students a week. The Advent series was well received, each lesson built on the previous week. I was also able to share the lessons with our Youth group Dec 10th and a great discussion followed.
In January, the Sunday School lessons with focus on how to read the bible and get more out of the stories in preparation for the bible milestone for third graders. If you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader that has not received their bible, please contact me so I know how many to order. These will be children’s study bibles aimed at 8-11 year olds. He study panels are written in easy to understand words. Every book of the Bible begins with a quick look at what you’ll read about in that book.
Themes, important moments of belief, and lessons are explained as well, with verses to help you locate them.
Our Confirmation and youth groups are also growing. In December, a group of high school students asked for a bible study of their own. Keven Martini has graciously agreed to lead the 10th-12th graders. So far we have a group of 6-7 students involved. What a blessing to see this evolve.
The confirmation/youth students will be learning about Martin Luther and the reformation, the Holy Spirit, and the 6th and 7th commandments. I am impressed with some of the discussions we have had.
We also plan to attend Camp Shamineau, January 23-25. We are looking for at least one male chaperone. Please let me know it you are interested.
It is good for us to model bible study and prayer for ourchildren/grandchildren. Here are a few ways to pray for biblical virtues.
Growth in Grace. “I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Love. “Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them” (Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:2).
Self-control. “Father, help my children not be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
The youth held their annual Christmas party on Wednesday, December 17. It was a time for fellowship and for fun.
