Children’s Corner
by Laurie Strollo, Director of Children’s Ministry
Hello Trinity families! A new school year has started! Are you excited, energized, and maybe, to tell the truth, a little scared? I admit that, even as an experienced teacher, I feel the same mix of emotions going into a brand new classroom and a brand new school year. A little nervousness is to be expected, of course, anytime we enter uncharted waters. After all, kids today have a lot going on: they face packed schedules, new teachers, new friends, new lessons to learn – and they face navigating around obstacles, like peer pressure and discerning right from wrong. What advice does the Bible give us as we sail through these waters?
Let me answer that question this way. When I was on vacation this summer in coastal Kiawah Island, South Carolina, I biked past a swampy lagoon that had a sign posted. “Warning: Alligators. It is Illegal to Feed or Harass Alligators.” As I biked away (without seeing a ‘gator and not particularly sorry that I hadn’t), I thought “Why was it necessary to post such an obvious thing?” Doesn’t every adult and child know instinctively that it would be very foolish to tease an alligator? Later, as I was reviewing my pictures, which included that sign, I realized that sometimes reaffirming an obvious truth makes a whole lot of sense. Can we read too often John 3:16? Can we ever hear too many times the well-known song, Jesus Loves Me? Can we ever really overemphasize to our kids that they are a masterpiece created by God? The Bible tells us so.
So as we plunge into this new school year, let’s reaffirm to our kids this eternal truth: God loves you. God loves you when you are aceing a test or scoring a goal, and He loves you when you are not. Let’s love Him back by being disciples in the world who share the Good News.
I hope you will join us every Sunday during the 10:30 service for Children’s Worship and Club 5/6, and for all our fun events throughout the year, starting with Bounce Back Sunday on Sept. 11. Let’s work together to make this a great school year! You can contact me at lstrollo@umtrinity.org with your ideas, to volunteer (yes, please!), and just to connect.
Blessings,
Miss Laurie
5 Reasons to Join Youth Group This Fall
by Catherine Wethington, Director of Youth Ministry
- Friends – At Youth Group you can develop long lasting friendships with other Christian youth.
- Service – Youth group offers opportunities throughout the year to volunteer and serve others in our community and the world from environmental clean-ups to food drives, and more.
- A Safe Place – Youth group is a safe place where you can totally be yourself. A place where you can share your achievements, your failures, your joys, and your sorrows and be loved and seen through all the ups and downs that life throws your way.
- Grow in Community with Christ – Youth Group is a place where you can learn about Christ with others who have similar beliefs. You can learn how to live through the teachings of Christ, meet adult mentors who are also trying to live in the way of Christ, and participate in the life of the church.
- Fun! –Youth Group is synonymous with … Fun! Imagine: Nerf Wars, Movie Nights, Overnight Retreats, Pool Parties, and more. You won’t want to miss it!
Youth Group resumes regularly this fall starting on September 18. Youth in grades 7 through 12 are invited to join us for all youth meetings. You do not need to be a member of Trinity UMC to participate in youth group. All are welcome, invite your friends, too!
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