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Debe Nelson - Christian Education CoordinatorKids & Youth
Our Faith Journey So Far

Debe Nelson
Christian Education Coordinator
 

We started our Faith Journey Retreat series by spending some time getting to know each other better and by focusing on our own relationships with God.  On our second retreat, time was spent on particular questions asked by the youth and the adults.  We spent a lot of time discussing our beliefs about baptism and the relevance of membership.

On our third retreat, March 11-12, we looked at the current Mission Statement of the church, the Statement of Faith, and the current membership policies in the by-laws.  The youth suggested several changes in wording as well as the desire to revamp our membership model completely.

Currently, Section 1 of Article V Membership reads:  "…This church will welcome into its membership any persons who affirm their discipleship to Jesus Christ, and who will join in covenant as active participants in the ministry of this part of His body, the church."

Faith Journey
Retreat Dates

April 29-May 1
Departure time will be posted soon.

May 15
Celebration of our journey in worship.
The youth suggest changing it to:  "This church will welcome into its membership any persons who affirm the process of exploring a relationship with Jesus Christ, and who will join in covenant as active participants in the ministry of the church."

The last line of the second paragraph currently reads:  "…and to seek to bring others into the fellowship of Christ."  The youth suggest:  "...and to share with others the fellowship of Christ."

Currently, Section 2 reads:   "a. Confession of faith in Jesus Christ...." The youth suggest: "a. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ…."

Pastor Tom met with the youth on Sunday, March 20, for a dialogue on Baptism.  Following that, we have two more retreats scheduled, one at Pilgrim Firs for all youth of our Conference who are on similar faith journeys, and another one by ourselves.  Those dates are April 15-17 and April 29-May 1.  

Upcoming Christian Education Themes

April:  EasterScripture Focus: Matthew 28:1-10

May: Pentecost
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:4-12

Once we have completed this series, we will discuss the possibility of a series of retreats specifically for the purpose of exploring other faith traditions.  Also, we will be sharing some of our experiences in worship on May 15.

Our youth, as you already know, are strong, brave, insightful, and incredibly discerning young people!  It has been a joy for the five adults to be involved in this journey of faith with them.

 

 
 

 

April 2005
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