Youth and Family

August 15, 2023 
 

As I mentioned in my sermon this past Sunday, I am currently in one of my busier seasons as preparations are underway for a new programming year. On Sunday, August 6, I met with the Comprehensive Youth team to plan Rally Day and discuss the upcoming Sunday School year. The theme this year is “God’s Game Plan: Catch the Spirit!” An all-congregation email went out earlier today inviting the entire congregation to participate in Rally Day on Sunday, September 10. We will gather in the Sanctuary for a “Spirit Rally” at 9:45 AM and then march across the parking lot to the bridge lot for a Rally Day Tailgate where there will be games, snacks, a craft, etc. Sunday School registration forms will be completed online this year (rather than hard copy forms, as used in previous years). The link to register was included in the all-congregation email, as well as an invitation to invite non-members. If you or someone you know is interested in serving as a Comprehensive Youth volunteer or Sunday School teacher (or both), please send them my way. We are always looking for and in need of volunteers for the many ministries and events that come from the Comprehensive Youth Ministry Team.

 

On Sunday, August 6, the Luther League youth and adult advisors gathered and the Stertzbach home for an evening of games, snacks, and a bonfire. It was a fun-filled evening – even our dogs, Max and Mally, joined in on the fun! Max especially enjoyed playing Spike Ball with his new Luther League friends. What a gift it was to be together, enjoy one another’s company, and do some planning for the next few months. One of the highlights of the bonfire was a friend of a St. Matthew youth “officially” asking Pastor Steve and I to join our congregation and attend ELCA National Youth Gathering. The Spirit continues to be at work within our youth – we just need to give time, space, and grace for it to do its work! Additionally, we recognized and congratulated our newly elected Luther League Officers:

 

President – Anna Holthouse

Vice President – August Weight

Secretaries – Emma Gierhart + Gavin Gerspacher

Treasurer – Hope Rohde

 

In addition to the many programming preparations, I preached on July 30 and August 13 – which also included a blessing of the backpacks for students and teachers. I attended meetings for the block party, finance team, dandelion team, and constitution and bylaws committee. I also served on my first entrance panel for the Northeastern Ohio Synod’s Candidacy Committee. On August 14, I met with my mutual ministry team for our third quarter meeting. To conclude my report, here is a list of upcoming events for you to be aware of:

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August 27 Catechism Orientation (for middle school youth + parents)

August 30 Care Package Team Meeting

September 10 Rally Day; Installation/Blessing of Teachers and Students (both services)

September 17 Luther Middles Bonfire @ the Stertzbach home

September 24 Luther League Spaghetti Dinner + Dessert Auction (5:00 PM)

October 22 2nd Grade Bibles (both services)

October 29 Reformation Sunday, Reception for Confirmands (9:45), Affirmation of           Baptism (11:00)

November 12 Luther Middles Food Drive (12:00 PM)

November 19 LL Thanksgiving Dinner (5:00 PM)

December 17 SS Christmas Program + Youth-led worship (one service @ 9:30)

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Peace be with you,

Deacon Lindsay