Family Ministry
Youth Ministry | Children’s Ministry
September 2024
Jill DeCent
Family Ministry Coordinator
Happy September!
Well, here we are….it’s September! And of course, as always, many of us are questioning “Where in the world did Summer go?” I believe us Minnesotan’s try to squeeze every single precious moment of the Summer sunshine, warm temperatures, lake days, bike rides, picnics, and all the other wonderful things that Summer brings into 2 short months (Let’s be real-it doesn’t truly FEEL like Summer until July) and I tell you what-It simply is NOT enough! Ok, rant over, let’s get to the good stuff.
Our new VBS partnership with Salem Lutheran Church was a success this year! There were 70 children ages 3-11 who registered for VBS, and a great week was had by all under the sea at a “Scuba” themed VBS. We hope to do this again next year and will be part of the planning process more extensively and intentionally as a congregation. There was also a series of VBS in the Crosby Park in July, where we “Popped Up” in the park, with music, a game, bible stories, give aways, and a make and take craft during each session. As with all new activities, a few more kids would join us each time. It felt wonderful to bring the good news out into the community! Thank you to the youth and adults who volunteered their time to help make VBS in both places a success!
This years annual “Party at the Parsonage” was held on July 24th for all youth and their families. We had excellent attendance,
excellent weather, and a delicious meal! Youth always enjoy a lake day at the parsonage, and especially enjoy tubing. We were sad, but also joyful to had taken “Mabel” out on her last voyage on the lake. Mabel is Pastor and Jill’s well-loved pull behind boat tube. Youth then went on a day trip on July 29th to visit “Kerfoot Canopy Zipline Tour” in Henderson, MN, along with a stop to Minnesota’s Largest Candy store. Kerfoot features 14 lines above the Minnesota River Valley, with lines hovering up to 175 feet off the ground. A HUGE thank you to parents that helped get their child to/from church, and Pastor Paul and Kevin Martini-our fearless drivers for the day.
In August, the Youth ended their Summer activities at the Peter and Jan Nordell residence, complete with an evening of Wiffle Ball, Burgers, Bonfire, Smores, and fellowship!
As we look ahead to the fall, we also look ahead to Sunday School, Youth Group, and Confirmation. Rally Day and Blessing of the Backpacks will be on Sunday, September 8th, during the 10:30 service. Grab your backpacks, or a special item you would like a blessing for the upcoming school year!
There will be a Confirmation and Youth Group orientation for ALL YOUTH GRADES 6-12, on Wednesday September 4th, at 6pm. Youth group then resumes on Wednesday, September 11th, then Confirmation classes on Wednesday, September 18th.
To Immanuel Lutheran:
Thank you to your youth group for the generous donation of 80 lbs of food and twelve boxes of cereal to the Cuyuna Range Food Shelf. We also thank you for the 17 lbs of food and 16 boxes of cereal in July.
As you may know, in June 2024 we converted from box distribution to customer shopping to better serve our communities. You gifts will ensure continuity for the Cuyuna Range Food Shelf in its mission to provide substantial distributions of good, nutritious food in our area. It will positively impact the health and well-being of individuals and families in need served in the cities and rural areas surrounding Crosby, Deerwood, Ironton, Cuyuna, Trommald and Riverton. Our measure of success is that we will never send anyone away empty-handed; a goal we have met for the past 41 years of operation.
Thanks to your generous support, we will be able to carry on with our mission.
With Sincere Appreciation,
LeAnn B. Tichenor, Treasurer
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