Amber Staehle: Youth and Children’s Ministries Overflow with Life and Faith
Faith Family,
I have been on quite the journey with the young souls that belong to our church! The children’s ministry has seen a tremendous increase in weekly participation; regularly seeing more than 20 children at mid-week activities. The College Care Ministry supports 15 students, and we have just put together our second round of boxes, stuffed with love, care, and helpful goodies. Yet, it is the movement in our youth group that needs recognition now.
When Pastor Terry and I recently discussed how many people are currently in the group, I was excited to say, about 20! The list was readily available on my computer, but when I got it out, there were 39 names on it! Each name represents a precious story, an invitation, and a special connection to our church.
Each year, when we send children and youth to Camp Egan, they hardly ever want to return home. This is incredible because they are mostly disconnected from not just the world, but from their devices as well. It is not uncommon for me to hear comments from a child or youth, wondering about camp, or excited for the next one.
Nothing, however, compares to the excitement Lily has had.
She should be a spokeswoman for the camp, recently telling me in youth group, “Mrs. Amber, you know how when something is going to happen and you just can’t wait? That is how I feel about church camp, I just can’t wait!”
A year ago, the group adopted a mission project. Monthly, they go next door to Bartlesville Assisted Living. At times they share goodies, and other times they simply share smiles, conversation or play games. We have all grown attached to the residents and staff and look for opportunities to bring them joy. This mission project has created important friendships and imprinted something Christ-like on their hearts.
How important was youth group to you growing up? Did you even have one? These youth have impressed me; always willing to study hard, even if it is a 45-minute scavenger hunt through ALL 66 books of the Bible! Yet, it is when we go outside for free time and a group of youth ask to go take a picture at the cross, that it really sets in… the Spirit is here.
If you get the opportunity to support the youth group (and Children’s Ministry!), you will be quite spiritually rewarded. Eat supper with them, teach them a Bible lesson, lead a craft, talk with them, play games, and just stop by the space they have created in Room 162. You will find that they have decorated the room, and if you look closely at the windows, you will even see scriptures that move them.
There are exceptional young people in this church, with unique gifts and individual journeys. It is my prayer that you see them, all.
Blessings,
Amber Staehle
Director of Christian Education and Family Life