On September 15^th, Diana Miller, Chris Oyer, and Tracy Davenport will be traveling to Gainesville, Florida to attend a three day leadership training school for the LOGOS program. LOGOS is an all encompassing youth ministry that requires the commitment of the entire church. In a fundamental way, LOGOS offers the church the avenue by which we live out our pledge at the baptism of our children to love, teach, and nurture them into discipleship.

LOGOS provides an organizational and theological umbrella for youth ministry. There are four primary areas of focus: Bible study, Worship/Choir skills, Recreation/Play, and Family Time Dinner. Each of these areas will utilize the diverse gifts of adult volunteers and staff to promote an holistic approach to the nurture of our youth. This ministry will create an arena of support for our youth and children and foster a place where relationships are grown across generational lines.

We see often enough in the events of our individual lives the disconnection that busyness and expansion brings. That same disconnect is certainly possible in the church, especially in a church the size of ours. We should attempt to come up with programming that allows the greatest possible opportunity to overcome some of that distance that can naturally occur. The LOGOS program of ministry, while specifically developed and implemented for children and youth, offers the adults of the congregation opportunity to make and grow sustained, meaningful relationships with children and youth as the adults use their gifts and talents in ministry.

There is still room for one other person to take part in this leadership school. Schedules have prevented a couple of people from being able to participate and our church has reserved four places in the school. Should you feel a call to service in this ministry contact the church office. Meanwhile, please be in continual prayer for Diana, Chris, and Tracy as they travel on our behalf to be prepared to enable us to serve the children and youth of our congregation and community.

May God continue to guide the course of our discipleship with grace and mercy so that we may bless God's name and increase the work of God's kingdom.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mark