Hello Church Family, and Happy Thanksgiving!
This week, instead of sharing a typical ministry update, I wanted to give you something special: a glimpse into the hearts and minds of our students. I asked them a series of questions about life, faith, and gratitude — and their responses are honest, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging.
Enjoy this window into their world!
1) “What is one moment from this year so far that has stuck with you?”
Malia Bennett – 9th
A moment that has stuck with me from this year is getting to experience 6,000 people worshipping together. (LIFE Conference in Indianapolis.)
Lydia Sietstra – 7th
One moment that has stuck with me this year is probably the middle school retreat in October. It felt pretty cool to be able to gather with other churches and talk and grow in our faith together.
Kase Sietstra – 9th
I would say it’s not one specific moment but bringing friends to youth group and building great relationships with them.
Josie Paitt – 8th
From youth group I would say the “healing” lesson because I really needed that.
2) “What’s a song you’ve had on repeat — and why do you love it?”
Evie Betts – 10th
We didn't start the fire, by Fall Out Boy, cus it’s about all the crazy events that happen in our lives, and that we can’t avoid stuff, we just have to be strong when bad things happen.
Makenna Bennett – 11th
Blue Ridge Runs by Hunter Metts because it reminds me of the US and how lucky we are to live in a place so beautiful.
3) “What’s something you’re learning about God right now?”
Luke Imes – 9th
Something I'm learning about God is that, "God loves all".
Tarik Larvick – 11th
Right now I'm learning to love myself in the way that God made me, there's always ways I can change myself to be better for myself and the people around me. I'm looking for things in little ways that connect me to him and trying to reflect more on the ways God has blessed me and my life rather than the negatives that pull me further from him.
Austin Champion – 10th
Something im learning about God is that everything that happens to me has its reasons and that even if I don’t want it to happen and I may see it as bad, it’s just one of the many ways God is sculpting me for the future- building onto what's already there. Sometimes you need to break something down to make it stronger.
Hudson Douglas – 11th
Right now I’m learning that God still loves me even though I sin a lot. It’s something we learn and a lot of people know about, but to fully understand that there’s nothing we can do that will make him stop loving us is powerful.
4) “If you could tell the adults in our church or in your life one thing about what it’s like to follow Jesus as a teenager today, what would you say?”
Josie Robidoux – 10th
I’ve learned that the ability to show the love of God is a blessing that we shouldn’t take for granted. At school and times when we’re surrounded by people who don’t have the same beliefs, we should not look at it as a curse, but as a blessing.
Emmi Wimmers – 8th
I’m learning more, and if I learn something fast or slowly I’m still learning. It might just take me a minute to process.
Addi Van Metre – 11th
If I could tell the adults in my life one thing about what it’s like to follow Jesus as a teenager today, I would say that he is my comfort, and most teenagers seek Jesus more than you know. Kids just need a safe place to ask questions without feeling wrong.
5) “If you could give a thank-you shout out to one person for something they’ve done, who would it be and why?”
Tyven Wimmers – 10th
Hudson Nathaniel Douglas, he’s been a great friend, teammate, fellow believer, brother and it’s been awesome to be a part of his life and to walk through it with him so I’m very grateful for him.
Travis Betts – 8th
I would love to give a shout out to Pagie for everything she does for the children's ministry. She always looks out for the teachers and helpers, but she also does so much for the kids.
Kellen Olsen – 11th
My mom and my dad and my grandma and friends, because through life we need a support group and I've been blessed with two great parents and a grandma who really care about me and who I can talk to and then a friend group that has been really helpful in having people who are there to help me, because two are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
Church family — these are your students.
You may not know all their names, but you’ve seen them in our halls, serving your kids in children’s ministry, stacking chairs, or even serving donuts last week.
This week, take a moment to notice them. Smile at them. Encourage them. Let them know that you are glad they are part of our church family.
Grateful for you all,
Melissa