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Dear Parents & Students,

Isn’t it wild that 2020 will be over by the time the sun rises tomorrow? This year has presented challenges for all of us and I know many of your are excited to put this year behind you.

As we look at what’s ahead for our student ministry in 2021 we are excited. We look forward to continuing to partner with you as we pursue a deeper relationship with God and learn together how to live for Him. Despite all the challenges from COVID-19 that persist, even into the new year, I believe and expect God to do amazing things in our ministry in 2021.

We are coming out of holiday break soon. On January 3rd we’ll have Sunday school and then kick-off for the Winter on January 10th.

As we kick off I want to share two significant updates to our student ministry as we continue to adjust due to COVID-19.

1. Sunday Night Gatherings Moving to Sunday Mornings
As a pastor there are two key beliefs that I am trying to balance during this season. First, I believe that COVID-19 is a real and significant threat to the well-being of students and our community. Second, I believe that church and the community, teaching, and support it provides are essential to the life of Christians.

We are continuing to pray and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we seek to find new, creative, and wise ways to both protect the health and safety of our students while caring for their spiritual well-being. To that end, as our student ministry moves forward we are choosing to focus on the aspects of our ministry that are most important and pausing the other things in order to limit opportunities for potential COVID-19 exposure.

This means that for at least the month of January we will not have any Sunday Night Gatherings or special events. Instead we will limit our in-person events to Sunday mornings and Community Groups. However, as we make this change we are also going to shirt many of elements of our Sunday Night Gatherings to our Sunday morning time that happens during the 9:15am church service.

We hope to return hosting Sunday Night Gatherings and special events soon. We’ll re-evaluate in February and at the start of every month. During the winter months we plan to return to our full schedule of programs once Summit County falls to a level 2 on the Ohio advisory system and stays there for 7 days straight.

2. We’re Committed to Online Access to Community Groups
I have always found that involvement in a small group Bible study to be one of the most beneficial practices for spiritual growth. I know that as COVID-19 spiked in Ohio more and more people became uncomfortable meeting with others in-person. At the same time many students are completely exhausted of Zoom calls and refuse to engage in digital gatherings.

In order to meet all of our students where they are at we will be offering in-person, hybrid, and fully online student Community Groups. So that students can stick with the groups they are already a part of we are equipping all of groups to be hybrid. This allows students to Zoom into their group even if others in group are gathered in-person.

Next weeks update will include information about each group and how to join each group via Zoom.

I’d also like to issue a challenge: If you are unable to be a part of a Community Group in person due to COVID-19, commit to being involved digitally. Church is so vital to our relationship with God! As Christians, we need each other! I’ve said it before, I doubt I would be a pastor today if it were not for the volunteer small group leaders who discipled me during my high school years. I know that doing a Bible study over Zoom is not ideal but it is far better than not being a part of one at all. I believe whole heartedly that it is worth the effort and inconvenience to commit to attending a Community Group online via Zoom. I have no doubt that if you regularly study God’s Word with your Community Group over the course of this semester you will look back and see major spiritual growth as a result.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. I’m praying for you and your family as you celebrate New Years and enter into 2021. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me. I’d love to connect with you.

Joseph Furno
Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Portage Lakes
330-904-8073
josephfurno@ccpl.life

Students@Community Instagram

Students@Community Facebook

Happening This Week

Every Sunday Morning // 9:15-10:30am
This Sunday morning study is for all students 6th-12th grade. We’ll be learning the about what it means to actually obey God’s command and practice the sabbath. We will learn from the Bible in this series but we’ll also be applying the principals of Sabbath and giving students space to rest during our time together.

We’ll be meeting in the gym in order to provide plenty of room to social distance.

Coming Soon

Community Groups are a great way to grow in your relationship with God and other people learning how to live out their faith. We believe they are incredibly valuable and would love for you to be a part of one. We have lots of options of groups you can join. Pick one by clicking the button below.

We have fully virtual options for Community Groups. If you are uncomfortable meeting with a group but want to stay involved this is a great way to do so. For details and links to virtual groups please contact Joseph Furno

Community Groups

Sunday Gathering: Celebration — January 10th, 9:15-10:30am
Sunday Gathering: Celebration is a time of fun and joy. At each celebration we will share a great meal together, play lots of games, spend time worshiping God together through music and hear a message from the Word of God.

We’ll be meeting in the gym in order to provide plenty of room to social distance.

Sunday Gathering: Stories — January 17th, 9:15-10:30am
At Sunday Gathering: Stories we’ll be hearing about what God has been doing in the lives of people within our church. The theme for this month is, “God is Working”. We’ll be hearing from students about how God has speaking to them and using them to reach others. As we do we’ll enjoy a cafe experience complete with coffee and pastries. Our hope is that the stories will encourage students and bring glory to God.

We’ll be meeting in the gym in order to provide plenty of room to social distance.

Sunday Gathering: Vigil— January 24th, 9:15-10:30am
Sunday Gathering: Vigil is a time for students to reflect, pray, and connect with God through traditional church practices. We want to provide students with a space in community to learn how to grow deeper in their relationship with God when they are on their own.

We’ll be meeting in the gym in order to provide plenty of room to social distance.