Students & Parents,
Summer is officially here!! We love the summer rhythm in student ministry because it gives students a chance to continue growing in their faith while also having more time to build friendships and create memories together. We have a lot planned for our 5th–12th grade students this summer! We look forward to hanging out with our students tomorrow night at MDWK!
Encounter Camp Parent Meeting, June 3rd, 5 pm
If you have a student attending Encounter Camp next week, there is a mandatory parent meeting this Wednesday, June 3 at 5:00 PM in the Youth Room. At least one parent is required to attend as we go over expectations, schedules, packing information, and everything you need to know before we leave for camp. One of our primary goals is to get payment complete and medical release forms completed. Please bring a copy of your student’s insurance card with you to the meeting. We are so excited for camp and cannot wait for an incredible week together!
If for some reason you have not signed up yet and need to be a last-minute addition, please let me know ASAP by filling out the link below.
Tomorrow is our first MDWK of the summer! We are so excited to spend intentional time with your students, teaching them God's word, and having so much fun!
Here's our memory verse for the month of June: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4, ESV)
We don't think we are ready to move to the New Testament books since we only had two MDWK's last month to work on the Old Testament books. So, Here is the catechism for the month of June: What are the books of the Old Testament? This month, our students will be working to memorize all of the Old Testament books, so help them practice at home!
Summer Nights
We have made it to Summer Nights! Each year, we create extra opportunities during the summer for students to spend intentional time together and build stronger friendships. This year, we will continue MDWK as usual with teaching and small groups, but we will finish our group time around 7:00 PM and give students the rest of the evening to head outside, play games, and simply enjoy time together.
Just to be clear...this is not our way of ending early! In fact, we encourage students to stay a little later if they would like. It’s summer! We want to take advantage of the extra time students have without school the next morning to help them create memories and deepen relationships. We will typically start wrapping things up around 8:00 PM, so if you would like to wait until then to pick up your student, that works great!
Here's our memory verse for the month of June: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4, ESV)
Parents,
Church Camp holds a wonderful place in my heart! I grew up going to church camp and have wonderful memories of my time on the grounds of Camp Beaverfork in Conway, Arkansas. I bet you have great memories of summer camp too! It turns out that summer camp is actually a signfiicant contributor to your child's formation...especially in the midst of the technological age.
In the book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt discusses how one of the greatest needs for this generation is time away from the constant noise of the digital world and more opportunities for real-world connection. One example he highlights is the value of summer camp. It is an environment where students step away from screens, build friendships face-to-face, try new things, and grow through shared experiences.
As followers of Jesus, we believe camp provides something even greater: space for students to remove distractions and focus on their relationship with Christ. For one week, students are surrounded by worship, Scripture, prayer, meaningful conversations, and a community of believers encouraging them to take their next step with Jesus.
This is also one of the reasons we ask students to step away from their phones during camp. We know this can be difficult (for students and parents!), but our goal is not simply to remove technology; it is to create space for something much better. For one week, students have the opportunity to be fully present with the people around them, build deeper friendships, engage in meaningful conversations, and listen for what God is teaching them without the constant distractions and interruptions of everyday life.
Can you be praying for our students over the next several days as we prepare to go to camp? Pray specifically for our leaders as they sacrifice their time to serve at camp. Pray for our students to prepare their hearts for what God will be teaching them next week!
I look forward to seeing you at the Parent Meeting tomorrow night!
Blessings,
Trevor Holden
501-593-7227
trevor@myconnectchurch.cc
