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Dear Joy!,
I want to start by saying thank you all so much for your support, words of encouragement, and prayers as I took on the role of the Assistant Youth Director. This position has been such a blessing, and I have loved every minute of it since I started in August.
This school year, we’ve introduced some exciting updates to youth ministry that are already making a big difference! Middle school and high school are now combined into one group, which has been a great way to build more connections. We also meet right after the 10:30 service, which kicks off with lunch, then some fun games, a quick lesson from Pastor Mark, and small group time.
These changes came straight from our students! During the mission trip to Nashville, TN, they suggested meeting right after worship to make it easier to stick around and even encourage more of them to attend the service first. It’s been so cool to see how their ideas are working and how much more engaged everyone is!
The students have truly stepped into leadership roles within youth ministry, and Pastor Mark and I are so unbelievably proud of them! We’ve already seen an increase in attendance and engagement this year. We currently have a weekly average attendance of 12-13 students on Sundays and hope to see even more growth in the months to come!
Here’s a quick recap of some highlights from the past six months:
All of these fun and meaningful opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of you and our wonderful youth mentors. Thank you for everything!
Ellie Jensen
I want to start by saying thank you all so much for your support, words of encouragement, and prayers as I took on the role of the Assistant Youth Director. This position has been such a blessing, and I have loved every minute of it since I started in August.
This school year, we’ve introduced some exciting updates to youth ministry that are already making a big difference! Middle school and high school are now combined into one group, which has been a great way to build more connections. We also meet right after the 10:30 service, which kicks off with lunch, then some fun games, a quick lesson from Pastor Mark, and small group time.
These changes came straight from our students! During the mission trip to Nashville, TN, they suggested meeting right after worship to make it easier to stick around and even encourage more of them to attend the service first. It’s been so cool to see how their ideas are working and how much more engaged everyone is!
The students have truly stepped into leadership roles within youth ministry, and Pastor Mark and I are so unbelievably proud of them! We’ve already seen an increase in attendance and engagement this year. We currently have a weekly average attendance of 12-13 students on Sundays and hope to see even more growth in the months to come!
Here’s a quick recap of some highlights from the past six months:
- Pastor Mark and I took eight students to Nashville, TN, for our mission trip in July, where they served in camps, nursing homes, and local children’s programs.
- We hosted a bake sale to raise funds for our upcoming mission trip to Loveland, CO, this summer, raising $1,300.
- In early October, we took a road trip to Richardson’s Farm and Corn Maze with 20 students and their friends.
- Seven students helped lead games at Trunk or Treat.
- We celebrated Halloween at Pastor Mark’s house with games, his light show, and, of course, lots of food!
- Pastor Mark and I had the privilege of confirming four students this November.
- Responding to their desire to start serving more, the students completed their first service project in November. They made fleece tie blankets for the homeless which will be distributed this winter.
- We celebrated Friendsgiving together with plenty of chicken, side dishes, and time spent reflecting on all that we’re grateful for.
- We wrapped up the year with a Christmas white elephant and ugly sweater party!
All of these fun and meaningful opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of you and our wonderful youth mentors. Thank you for everything!
Ellie Jensen
