Faith Formation from Birth - Graduation
New Faith Formation programs bridge the gaps
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Over the last seven years, Holy Trinity completed two Strategic Plan initiatives, both which had a focus on children & youth ministry. In 2016, Sonja Nelson was hired as Interim Youth Director, and helped implement programming needs such as online registration and basic Faith Milestones. She encouraged families to worship together, and initiated the Noisy Offering to encourage the practice of giving at a young age. Today, thanks to a strong Youth Ministry Team, and a full-time Director of Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Ministry, Faith Formation programs are getting another face lift.
What's New!
Faith Milestone events have focused around four events: 3-year-old Bibles, 3rd grade bibles, First Communion and Confirmation. But what about the years in-between? "We are introducing Faith Milestones for every age level", states Lauren Petersen, Director of CYF Ministry. Lauren, along with Pastors Alicia and Ben Hilding, and the Youth Ministry Team developed the following schedule:
- Welcome to Worship - Baby, Wobbler & Toddler (Birth - age 3)
- Beginner Bibles - 3 year olds
- Lord's Prayer - Kindergarten
- 10 Commandments - 1st grade
- Apostle's Creed - 2nd grade
- Student Bibles - 3rd grade
- First Communion - 4th grade
- Luther's Small Catechism - 5th grade
- Confirmation Bibles - 6th grade
- Confirmation - 9th grade
- Senior-led Worship - 12th grade
Each Faith Milestone event is spread throughout the traditional school year, and families will attend a Faith Milestone class. Youth Ministry Team Leader, Kate Kienow says that she loves being able to support Lauren. "Our main priority has been to ensure that we are providing opportunities for ALL that are welcoming and support our youth so they can grow in their faith," Kate reports.
Crew Time was introduced in 2017 as a Wednesday evening alternative to Sunday School for elementary-aged students. Over the years, Sunday School attendance decreased as Crew Time's increased. While navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Sunday School was put on hold. This year, families have the option of attending Crew Time on either Sunday Mornings or Wednesday Evenings. Lauren reports, "Crew Time programming will be identical during both worship services." This allows families to choose a worship service that works for them, and they don't miss out on Faith Formation for their children.
Communication is important in any situation, but for busy families, it's crucial. Lauren's introducing new communication methods to make life a little easier for hectic lives:
- Monthly CYF Newsletter - This replaces the weekly email. All registered families will receive a digital copy as well as a link to print a PDF copy. There will also be a link on the website. Newsletter includes Faith Milestones info, links to Google Calendar, Remind App info, and a calendar with all of the months events!
- CYF Google Calendar - Subscribe to Lauren's CYF Google Calendar to never miss an event!
- Remind App - Confirmation and Agape families can subscribe to receive texts about upcoming events. Get the app information at the Ministry Open House the week of September 11.
- CYF Office Hours - Lauren's door is open every Tuesday from 3-6 pm for students and families. No appointment necessary. Pop in to say hi, ask her a question about programs, or express a compliment or concern about CYF. Lauren wants to hear from you!
Kate wraps it up by stating, "We are most excited to pour support into our volunteers, so that we can build our capacity to do even more. We want to create a strong foundation in our youth!"
Register for CYF Programs
REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY! Please register all children from birth to high school to insure appropriate program needs are met (volunteer to student radio, program materials, etc.)
All current CYF information can be found on our website. For specific questions, please contact Lauren or call 952-758-3513.
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HUMBLY WE PRAY
Dear Lord, you are our Rock, our hope. Bless with good health Jaclyn, Luke N., Deb, Ann, those struggling with addiction. Surround in love those who are grieving and who live in fear. Give us the faith and courage to be good neighbors to those in need as directed by your Word.
In Jesus' name. Amen
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RADIO SPONSOR
This week, our Radio Ministry is sponsored by Jim & Linnea Hautmann, in honor of their 45th wedding anniversary. Thank you for your gift of ministry to our KCHK radio listeners!
If you'd like to help support this ministry, please contact Jamie or call 952-758-3513. Cost is $60 per week. Thank you for considering this important gift!
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
HTLC Sanctuary
Sunday @ 9 am
Lakeside Worship - Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
Wednesday @ 6 pm (Dinner served @ 5 pm)
Livestream - Website, YouTube
Sunday @ 9am
Cable TV - Bevcomm Ch. 991
Sunday @ 10 am, Wednesday @ 6 pm
Radio - KCHK 95.5 FM & 1350 AM
Sunday @ 9 am
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Lakeside Worship
Our next Lakeside Worship Service is THIS WEDNESDAY with a special Blessing of the Pets at Cedar Lake Farms Regional Park! (Click the link for directions)
To keep all of our fur-babies safe, please abide by the following Three Rivers Parks rules:
- Pets must be under owner control at all times.
- Pets must be crated or leashed at all times.
- Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet and non-retractable.
- Pets are NOT allowed on beaches or playgrounds
- Please pick up after your pet (with waste bags thrown away in garbage cans)
- Dogs are allowed on regional trails and picnic areas (on leashes)
Thank you for your cooperation! We look forward to many more Blessing of the Pet worship services at Cedar Lake Farms Regional Park in the future.
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THANK YOU!
Our vision at Holy Trinity is to share God’s love with all people from one generation to the next. We can’t do it without you! Over the next 2+ weeks, we have a significant need for volunteers. VBS, School Supplies Giveaway and RibFest are great ways to make a positive impact on our community and future generations. Sign up opportunities are listed below.
Thank you for checking your schedule and assisting where you can!
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Sharing God's Love
Thanks to your kindness, we're hosting our 4th annual School Supplies Giveaway to support local families in a drive-thru event.
Tuesday, August 9
6-8 pm
Volunteers are needed to pass out the School Kits on August 9. Sign up here!
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Donations Requested:
Deadline July 24
Please bring donations to worship on Sundays or the church office during business hours.
Scissors - metal (Fiskars)
Watercolors (Prang or Crayola)
4-pack Elmers glue sticks
8 pk. Crayola Markers
Twistables colored pencils
Black dry erase markers (Expo)
Crayola crayons - 24 count
#2 pencils - Ticonderoga, 24 ct - sharpened
Plastic folders with pockets
Wide-rule spiral notebooks
Wide-rule Loose leaf paper
Erasers
Black Flair pen
1 highlighter
Zippered pencil pouch
One 1” 3-ring binder
***Per school request, please purchase the exact items on this list. Thank you!
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Thank you for Thank you's!
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Don't Miss Out!
It's been THREE YEARS since our last RibFest. Do not miss this great community event!
Friday, August 5
5-8 pm
Team work makes this dream work.
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Online meal ticket sales will close on Friday, July 29. Get your tickets today!
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PFLAG Support Group
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. Join us
Tuesday, July 26
6:30 pm
Fireside Room
Questions? Contact Pat Remfert or call/text 952-393-6143.
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Competitive Shopping!
We're adding a fun, new element to our RibFest event this year - a Silent Auction! While we have some donations, it's always more fun when there are plenty of goodies on which to bid.
Donation ideas:
Pet treats
Family Games
Wine
Chocolate
Movie snacks
Tailgating items
Coffee/Caffeine
Spices/Cooking
Hometown Gift cards
Gym Rat (workout bag, towels, water bottle)
Gift basket assembly got you worried? Don't worry...we'll take care of that for you if necessary!
Silent Auction donations or financial donations can be dropped off before or after worship or in the main office during normal business hours. Thank you!
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Suicide Grief Support Group
Family, friends and anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide are invited to attend.
Tuesday, July 26
7 - 8:30 pm
Meeting location has moved to the Duck Cup Memorial Fund building, 105 Central Avenue South in New Prague (immediately behind The Consignment Lodge). Please contact Tom Handrich at (952)445-0107 with any questions.
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Experience God Outdoors!
We’ve been talking about it for months, and it has paid off. Almost 200 children will be participating in VBS on the Farm this year! Volunteers are needed to make this event safe & successful. Please consider making a difference in the spiritual life of a child.
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Manna Bags
If you'd like to support Donna's efforts of battling the "hungriest summer on record", she suggests the following items:
- Applesauce Cups
- 100% juice boxes
- Breakfast Bars
- Pop-top canned Spaghetti O's (with or without meatballs)
Please drop donations in the HTLC kitchen before/after worship, or in the main office during business hours.
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Sunday, July 24
- 9 am - Worship, Sanctuary & Livestream
- 10 am - Coffee & Donuts, Fellowship Hall
Monday, July 25
- 7 pm - Al-Anon, Room 304
- 8 pm - AA
Tuesday, July 26
- 6:30 pm - Embracing Diversity Book Study - Paul's Place
- 6:30 pm - PFLAG Parent Support Group, Fireside Room
Wednesday, July 27
- 9 am - Amazing Grays Coffee Hour, Room 306B
- 5 pm - Dinner, Cedar Lake Pavilion
- 6 pm - Worship at Cedar Lake with Blessing of the Pets
Friday, July 29
Questions? Contact Jamie in the church office or call 952-758-3513.
To view the entire HTLC calendar, click here. For support group information, click here.
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