Staying Connected

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 A couple of weeks ago we recognized the young adults in our congregation that graduated from high school. These young people shared their many gifts with their church family as children and youth, and now they have reached a mile stone in their lives. Many will be going away from home to study. We pray that they will find a way to stay connected to the body of Christ in their new environment, and we will look forward to seeing them when they come home to visit. Congratulations to our 2007 high school graduates: Michael Brown, Kari Fordice, William Gibson, Ann Homan, Andy Klein, Frederick Liaboe, Bethany Lichti, Lauren Mattison, Nora Metz, Jessie Nessan, Scott O’Dell, Anna Schattauer, Emily Schmitt, Samantha Smith, Tyler Stumpf, Jill Walters, Louise Warren, and Keri West. This summer 30 youth in middle school and high school will travel from home to experience new connections as they serve in mission. Mission trips are a wonderful way for members of a congregation to connect with God’s people in a new location. Every time that I have gone on a mission trip I come back feeling renewed because I have received as many gifts of ministry as I have given. The youth and I thank you for all of your support, both financially and prayerfully as we embark on our summer adventures. Our rummage sale raised $1892, and with Thrivent matching funds, we took in $2742!! We are able to provide scholarships for some of our youth and pay for our adult chaperones going on the trip. Thank you for your amazing generosity. I am thankful everyday that God connected me to HTLC. In Christ, Sara