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For the first time in several years, we will get the opportunity to celebrate a Youth Ministry Sunday at Grace, and I couldn’t be more excited! So much of what happens with youth and family ministry happens out of sight of the congregation.
This year we made a big investment in youth ministry, including creating the new youth space upstairs in the education building and adding a dedicated Youth and Family Ministry leader to the staff, Liv Kyles. And as one youth parent recently reported to the Council, these investments are paying dividends. We now have an active High School Youth Group, and our Confirmation program has continued strong as a partnership with Bethany Lutheran.
This year we sent eight youth to the Lutheran Youth Organization's annual conference for the North Carolina Synod! For context, three years ago, we sent only one. And not only that, this year, one of our youth, Hannah Fletcher was selected to serve on the LYO Board where she helped to lead the conference. And we just got the great news that Barrett Davis has been selected to serve on the LYO Board for next year!
Throughout the year, when the children go to Children’s Church time they do a variety of activities including singing. So, in addition to the youth leading in worship this Sunday, we will also get a chance to hear some singing from our younger children as they share the music they have been learning.
Following worship, the whole congregation is invited to come to the Fellowship Hall for a special meal hosted by the youth and their families. We have eight youth signed up for our summer Mission Trip to Nashville. They would love to tell you more about this trip and ask for your prayers and financial support, as we make final preparations. We will be looking for sponsorships of $50 per youth per day of service on the trip.
Again, I am so very proud of how our youth and family ministries have grown over this year, and I can’t wait for the kids to share their amazing gifts with the congregation this Sunday!
In Grace,
Pastor Steve
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