A big and common need in this season has been connectedness. We, as humans, have an innate desire to connect in any season, but it has been unique and challenging in this specific time. From being limited in social activity to having schools be shut down, students deeply desire to be known and seen right now. Being a part of a ministry that desires to creatively connect with students has been so sweet! In the past few months, our youth ministry team has had a lot of one-on-ones with students, whether that be over Facetime or walking around a neighborhood. It has been so rewarding to connect with students one-on-one in this time and to hear from them how they are doing, what they are doing and what they are hopeful about.

Also, our youth ministries have been meeting every Sunday night before service for smores, snacks, and fellowship. We have then all sat together to engage in the week’s service. It has been so sweet to see students show up and connect with each other and their leaders. We’ve also been sharing the area with High School, Junior High and Fifth/Sixth ministries. Seeing so many students of all ages sit on the parking structure and worship God together has been so amazing. One of the best parts of Sunday nights for me has been being integrated with the entire church body. Seeing our student ministries worshiping alongside families, individuals, married couples, college students, young kids, and friends of all ages has reminded me of the importance in being united as a church. We love our church and we are so excited that we get to worship alongside the larger body outside of a specific age ministry. We are also excited that we are able to meet in person safely and enjoy each other’s company.

Amy Delmore