TLO Youth and Family Ministry

October 2022

Dear Friends in Christ,

Get ready for a fun and exciting new focus for TLO Youth and Family Ministry beginning this year! This month’s TLO Disciple will introduce this new focus, highlight continuing Youth and Family Ministries and give the Scriptural basis for TLO’s Youth and Family Ministry. All ministry in the name of Jesus is timeless because the love of God through Christ never changes, as Hebrews 13:8 says, for “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.”

First and foremost, Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Youth and Family Ministry is concerned about communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the students who come to TLO and participate in our youth and family ministry.

All TLO Youth and Family Ministry, Sunday School, Confirmation, Middle School, High School and Young Adult classes teach salvation is by grace alone through faith alone through Christ alone. You will not want you or your children to miss Sunday School, Youth meetings and Family events as we hear:

• God's Word is truth.
• God's attributes are displayed throughout the Bible.
• The Bible presents true history, not just "stories" and not "myths."
• God's plan of redemption through Christ alone is woven throughout Scripture.
• By the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we live in light of what the Bible teaches.
• We must be ready to give an answer for what we believe.

I pray as you work through this material, you will be encouraged to join with us in this common goal of raising up children through the instruction of the Word of Christ that all might come to know Jesus as both Lord and Christ.

Pastor James Kroonblawd

From God's Word

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Stepping Stones/Faith Life Stages



Each person develops physically and emotionally through different stages in life. The same is true of one's spiritual development. At Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, we've been asking, "What are the different spiritual milestones in that development?" Also, "How can we best support a child's spiritual development in our Christian Education programs in the TLO Church ministry and TLO Lutheran School ministry?"

The beginning of all spiritual development is Baptism, so at a child's baptism, even from infancy, the parents and sponsors (Godparents) are asked to nurture that development in their children and "pray for them, support them in their ongoing instruction and nurture in the Christian faith, and encourage them toward the faithful reception of the Lord's Supper." Those words make an excellent guide for us to think about how the church can be the best help and support to parents and Godparents.

To support parents in the ongoing instruction in the Christian faith to their children, Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church has a Cradle Roll with materials for parents to teach their newborn infant through the first three years leading to Sunday School.

The next stepping stone of faith is the First Bible program which runs throughout the third- and fourth-grade Sunday School years.

The next stepping stone in faith is a two-year Confirmation Ministry that children are invited to join, starting in the seventh grade. 

Finally, for the faithful reception of the Lord's Supper while participating in Confirmation Ministry there is a special class with the Pastor to learn the blessings and benefits of the Lord’s Supper before children receive First Communion on Confirmation Day.

If you would like more information about any of the Faith Stepping Stones please contact the TLO Church office or speak with Pastor Kroonblawd.

Faith Starts at Home

From illustrated bibles to prayers over dinner, children learn about God from the day-to-day life and people in their family. As a parent, you start out as their whole world, but that influence gradually fades. Yet, children seek answers long after they stop constantly asking “Why?” This means there are chances to continue to shape their faith.

While every family is unique, one thing many parents have in common is worry. We all want a good future for our children, and that means a solid foundation in the Word of God.

There’s no question about the pressure facing kids today, which parents feel as they offer guidance and support. What if my child falls in with the wrong crowd? What can I do to protect her from bullies? What if he struggles with the influence of social media?

TLO church can play a major role in faith formation of young people through supporting families. Every family has a story, and when your family attends church, each person in your family brings their own individual gifts into the body of Christ and their view of God’s grace in their walk with Christ. Come and worship. Click for source.

From God's Word

“May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughterss like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace.”

Psalm 14:12 (ESV)

For Parents

TLO Congregation intends to support and reinforce what is taught from the Bible both at home and through our ministry. TLO Pastors, Sunday School teachers and Youth Leaders are interested to know how best to bridge what is discussed in class with what is discussed and taught at home. If you have questions or comments about the lessons taught please contact one of the pastors, your child’s teacher or youth ministry leader.

Children Are Welcome in Worship at TLO

Children are always welcome in worship at TLO. Children sometimes find it difficult to sit through the entire worship service without wiggling, fidgeting and losing interest. In order to help children and parents make the most of the worship experience, TLO offers these resources:

Nursery/Cry Room - A nursery is available on the sanctuary level for families with sad infants and/or enthusiastic toddlers

Children’s Bulletins are available for children from the table in the narthex. The Children’s Bulletins include activities based on the day’s Bible readings.

Children’s Message – an age appropriate message for children is led by one of the pastors or teachers during both worship services. Parents are welcome to accompany your child(ren).

From God's Word

 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

ambassadors for life brunch

Amnion is hosting a free brunch for young adults (upper teens through 20s) at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran to inspire and encourage the next generations to stand for life. Space is limited; reserve your spot today! Registration deadline: Friday, October 21, 2022.

Sunday School for the Entire Family

Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church invites your family to attend a weekly Sunday class at 9:15am.  The children are in groups depending on their grade level. For information about Sunday School and the Sunday morning Adult Bible study opportunities, contact the Church Office. The Sunday School registration form is available from the Church Office. Or register online at https://www.trinityloneoak.org/children-s-ministry

Click here for a complete TLO Youth and Family Ministry Handbook or contact the church office for a paper copy. 

Introducing CRUX Student Ministry

Middle School and High School Youth

Name: The CRUX Student Ministry               

Motto: Crux Sola est Nostra Theologia

Why "the CRUX"

Many high school students and young adults are no longer continuing the faith of their parents and of their childhood. According to recent research, only 1 in 4 Americans in Gen Z attend church on an almost weekly basis and only 58% of Gen Z identify with any sort of religious affiliation. This ministry hopes to get to "the crux" of the problem.

Through an intentional and dynamic engagement with Culture, Relationships, Understanding, and eXample, this ministry will reach into the struggles and the challenges of young people as they attempt to navigate the intersection of life and faith and will teach them the skills and the habits of successful Christians.

We also want to be a resource to parents and other Christians who need assistance navigating the quickly changing and increasingly hostile culture. With Church attendance on the decline and the rise of hopelessness and nihilism among the new generations, the CRUX hopes to be conduit of God's Grace and faithful Lutheran ministry to the students of High School age.

Mission

The mission of the CRUX Youth Ministry is to provide a space for High School students to build community and to engage with the difficult and controversial questions faced by young adults in an increasingly post-Christian America from a perspective informed by our motto “the Cross alone is our theology” and faithful to the teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Vision

The vision of the Crux ministry is that students shall

●      Learn the theology of the Cross and its application for daily life

●      Understand how to live out their faith daily

●      Encourage regular Church attendance and service

●      Build Christ-centered relationships among themselves and the Church

●      Be able to anticipate and defend the Church against common complaints

●      Provide a space and opportunity for evangelization of non-affiliated teens

●      Understand how other mature Christians remain faithful when faced with various hardships

Guiding Verses

-      Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-      Hebrews 10:25 - Do not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

-      Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

-      Joshua 22:5 - But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

-      1 John 4:7-10 - Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

CRUX STUDENT MINISTRY - Middle School Group (Grades 7-8)

Middle School Youth Activities led by parents of Grades 7-8.

CRUX STUDENT MINISTRY - High School Group (Grades 9-12)

Meets second and fourth Mondays of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. CRUX High School Group will be led by Matthew and Elizabeth Berg.

From God's Word

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12 

Resources for Parents

Are you seeking parenting resources? TLO can help.

RightNow Media has been called the Netflix of video Bible studies and for good reason. With the largest library of on-demand Bible study videos anywhere, there is truly something for every member of your family. TLO pays your subscription fee! Don't have an account? Text RIGHTNOW TLOLC to 41411; Or visit the TLO website to signup https://www.trinityloneoak.org/rightnowmedia.

Here’s a few parenting and family organizations that can help you raise your children in the Christian faith:

The Parent Cue app: www.theparentcue.org;

Focus on the Family www.focusonthefamily.com;

National Fatherhood Initiative www.fatherhood.org   

What Resiliency Looks Like

The above infograph is based on research of highly engaged young Christians by George Barna. Barna’s research shows resilient disciples highly prioritize their life of faith outside of their place of worship. David Kennaman and Gabe Lyons continue to ask questions what makes the difference for those who stay faithful in connecting with their faith and continue to keep the faith through their 20’s and beyond. It’s clear from this research that weekly worship and participation in ministry keeps faith growing and active. https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-disciples/

Recommended: My Prayer Book

“What comfort it is to know that we have a gracious Lord who receives our sighs, our groans, and yes, our prayers.” 

This is the introductory sentence in the preface of the 2021 updated version of Concordia Publishing House’s My Prayer Book. God tells us to pray to Him about everything. No matter how your day has gone or what emotion you may be feeling, it’s important that you have words to bring it to God in prayer. My Prayer Book is filled with more than 200 prayers that help you find the words for any situation. Look inside: Https://www.cph.org/pdf/061333.pdf

Want to rejoice and give gratitude that you are a Christian? Need to pray for help on forgiving someone or asking for forgiveness? Know someone who is getting married or newly engaged and want to offer them blessings? See a family struggling with their child who has strayed from God’s path or has a physical or intellectual disability? My Prayer Book can help you with all these life situations and much more. 

Section titles include Morning and Evening Prayers, Prayers for the Christian Life, Prayers for the Family Life, Prayers for Vocation, Prayers in Time of Sickness, Table Prayers, and Bible Resources.

Consider adding the revised My Prayer Book to your family library of devotional and prayer books.

Pray with us

Almighty God, Your Son instructed His disciples during His earthly ministry and commanded them to teach all nations the things He gave to them. As Your church continues to teach the truth of Your love in Jesus Christ and the goodness of Your creation, bless both teachers and students, that all who teach and all who learn will trust in Jesus Christ as their savior and learn to serve their neighbor according to Your holy will. Encourage and strengthen our Sunday School, Youth and Family Ministry, and TLO Lutheran School, that they may be places where Your Word is truth and Your Son is glorified. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.