Confirmation takes on new form–made of modules

First things first – if you haven’t read the first blog in this series – stop reading this…seriously. Go here and read the first blog. Really…right now. If you’ve already read the overview, then keep going.

936: the estimated number of weeks from your child’s birth to their high school graduation.

Now, my guess is when you look at that number you feel pretty confident in it’s largeness.  In a book called “Playing for Keeps,” Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy have you imagine placing 936 marbles into a jar…with one assignment.  Take a marble out each Sunday evening.  Over time, you’d watch that number of marbles get smaller and smaller.  Over time, you’d recognize your period of influence is coming to a close.  Watching those marbles disappear would let you know that time is precious.  

And friends, that time really is precious.  Here’s what we know – you get about 3,000 hours a year to actively influence your child.  We get about 50 hours a year.  You are the person who has the greatest influence in the life of your child.  And we want to help you maximize your influence by partnering with you.  In my experience, most parents want to do right by their kids, even in matters of faith.  But most parents don’t feel equipped [sound familiar?].  

If/when you brought your child to the waters of baptism, you made a promise.  Do you remember what it was?  You promised to shepherd your child’s heart in matters of faith – to teach them of Jesus and to lead them into his arms.  We want to help you live up to your promise.

Confirmation is a process whereby students confirm their baptismal faith.  You see the connection, right?  No?  Your child confirms the faith you promised to shepherd them into.  It’s pretty powerful when you think about it.

These days…families are really busy.  It seems like every time we turn around, there is something else to do, somewhere else to be, someone else to meet.  It’s just busy.  And with more two-income households than ever before – calendars and their management is a constant battle and nothing short of a miracle when it all aligns.

Knowing the above is true, we are changing the strategy for confirmation.  The strategy mimics something Trinity has been doing with families for years – modules.  In second grade, students and parents are invited to a three-week module called First Bible – where, together, they learn about God’s Word and practical ways to being interacting with it.  Again, in fifth grade, students and parents are invited into a four-week module to prepare those students for Holy Communion.

The change in confirmation strategy is to reflect Trinity’s way of doing spiritual formation.  Beginning in September of this year – confirmation will be modular.  What does this mean [an incredibly Lutheran question]?

• The confirming of faith will follow the completion of nine modules.
• Each module is for BOTH student and parent.
• Each module is no longer than four sessions in length
• All nine modules will be offered in the fall and in the spring – creating flexibility for families and the ever crazy calendar 
• Modules will allow families to go through the process of confirmation at their own speed
• Students and parents can begin modules at the start of the students’ 6th grade year

These modules accomplish two things:

1. Creates conversation between parent and student about baptismal faith
2. Create flexibility for families and their calendars

These modules will be taught by a crazy, awesome group of individuals who value partnership between church and family and who want to see the number of spiritual conversations within a house rise.  I can say confidently that these module leaders desperately want to see another generation of disciple-makers infected and affected by the love of God in Christ Jesus.  

By the beginning of August, you’ll be able to see the entire module calendar for 2015-16 so that you can plan the when and what for the year to come.  

A couple of important notes for you:

• Please mark down Saturday, Sept. 12 9 a.m.-noon for Confirmation Kick-Off.  This is for BOTH parent and student.
• Incoming seventh-graders: 
  • Please reserve the weekend of Sept. 18-20 – We’d like to send as many seventh graders as possible to Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan [More Details in a blog to follow]
  • You WON’T be asked to take all nine modules – only six since you’ve already covered content for three of them during your sixth grade year.
• Incoming eighth-graders:
  • Please reserve the weekend of Oct. 16-18 – We’d like to send as many eighth graders as possible to Camp Arcadia [More details in a blog to follow]
  • You WON’T be asked to take all nine modules – only three since you’ve already covered the content for six of the others.

Yup – there’s lots here.  And sometimes with so much info it’s easy to get lost. So – if you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.  I always love talking about this kind of stuff.  

Confirmation Modules, Middle School Events and Sunday Morning Scripture – our three environments for middle schoolers.  We believe that by engaging in all three – your student [and you too] will be investing for the long haul of life.

Exciting stuff…

pb | pastor brian

New middle school program supports being silly and serving the Lord

First things first – if you haven’t read the first blog in this series – stop reading this…seriously. Go here and read the first blog. Really…right now. If you’ve already read the overview, then keep going.

I’m sure you know this…but holy moly middle school students have energy.  Like crazy energy.  Their ability to switch activity mid-action is uncanny.  Their ability to multi-task all while Snap Chatting their latest selfie is nothing short of miraculous.  And the ability to use that energy for the things of God’s kingdom is a beauty rarely surpassed.

 

You see friends, a part of Middle School Ministry here at Trinity is to let middle schoolers be middle schoolers: to burn that raw energy being silly or serving.  Either one is a win for the kingdom.  Sometimes I have to remind parents that their 7th grader isn’t an adult yet and we shouldn’t burden them with adult worries.  At the same time, they’re not kids.  They’re caught in the middle…and that’s exactly where they should be.  

 

In the second post of this blog series I mentioned that middle schoolers are in a crazy phase of life.  It’s one in which they are desperately trying to discover who they are.  They need opportunities to just be them.  To just play.  To have no agenda other than to be them: middle schoolers.

 

This is why we believe it’s imperative that students are a part of our second environment – Events.  You see, the design of this environment is to honor this crazy phase – to just be them.  To just play.  To have no agenda other than to be middle schoolers hanging with other middle schoolers and a couple of crazy adults [if you’ve not met them – just believe me…they’re crazy].  

 

So – every 2nd and 4th Sunday night of the month [beginning in September] there is a middle school event.  It typically meets in the Youth Lounge – but sometimes wanders to Sonic, Airtime, CJ Barrymore’s,  or the gaga ball pit.  But it’s not all just play…

 

As we said at the beginning – leveraging energy for the things of God’s kingdom is a beautiful thing!  Sometimes our events are opportunities to serve our neighbors, our neighborhoods, or those who are at the edges of culture.  In fact, one student remarked that the best event all year was serving MCREST – a ministry to those struggling with homelessness.  

 

A beautiful thing.

 

This is the kind of thing you hear when a student is infected and affected by the the good news of Jesus.  

 

Middle School Events are led by the fearless, funny and energetic Jim and Dawn Chauvin.  Truly, they have blessed countless students over the past year and have more energy the the Energizer Bunny.  

 

If you get a chance to thank them…you really should! 

 

So –  the first two environments: Sunday Morning Scripture and Events.  All that’s left is Confirmation Modules.  Stay tuned.

 

pb | pastor brian

Middle School Ministry–Sunday Morning Scripture

First things first – if you haven’t read the first blog in this series – stop reading this…seriously. Go here and read the first blog. Really…right now. If you’ve already read the overview, then keep going.

You’ll remember that we talked about 3 Key environments for Middle School Students: Sunday Morning Scripture, Events and Confirmation Modules; each environment having a specific purpose and goal in mind. You see, we want to see Middle Schoolers infected and affected by the love of God in Christ Jesus. For the greatest chance of seeing another generation of disciple makers – it’s imperative to participate in each environment. What are those environments?

• Sunday Morning Scripture
• Middle School Events
• Confirmation Modules

In this blog, we’re going to talk about the first environment – Sunday Morning Scripture.

When I first came to Trinity, I was amazed by all the programming that was happening. There was always something going on. It took a long time to figure it all out [well, I’m about 70% of the way there]. Somewhere in that amazement I was bewildered by a shocking absence: a Sunday Morning experience for Middle and High School Students [yes, there was confirmation every other week…but what about the off weeks] where they could dig into the truths of scripture that would speak to their phase of life.

You see, we believe the Word of God is powerful. We believe it’s true. We believe what it tells us about who God is and who we are. We believe the Word of God is to be trusted. We believe that when the Word of God goes out – it accomplishes what God wills. We believe that God’s Word is the authority in our lives. And we want desperately to have Middle Schoolers DEEP in God’s word. But here’s what we know: it’s not possible to teach Middle Schoolers the whole of God’s scripture nor is it fruitful.

Middle Schoolers are in a crazy phase of life…I mean like weird crazy. Most of them are trying desperately to discover who they are. And in so doing, seem to be a different person from one day to the next [parents – you know what I’m talking about…right]. In this discovery phase, we want to point them to, have them wrestle, and take to heart those parts of God’s word that will aid their discovery. Reggie Joiner says it this way:

“All of Scripture is equally inspired by God, but all of Scripture is not equally important.”

So – starting on Sunday, September 13 – we will have a time for our middle schoolers to gather for worship, a teaching and small group processing. This will happen at 930AM in the Youth Lounge [which, by the way, is going through a small makeover this summer…stay tuned for picture updates]. A couple of things are vitally important in this environment:

1. Students will be getting a teaching from the Scripture which is designed and delivered in age appropriate ways.
2. Each week – parents will be directed to a parent blog that will help you understand what it is your students are learning. It will also provide great questions that you can use during your week to engage your middle schooler.
3. Students will be processing and discovering around a group of their peers. This is vitally important – it reinforces that others their age are asking and wrestling the same questions.
4. Students will be mentored by passionate adults. Ask yourself – Don’t I want my kids to have other adults in their life who can speak truth to them when they won’t speak to me [there are plenty of times when your student won’t want to speak to you…just start believing it now….that’ll help].

This environment, unlike the other two, is the place where scripture is applied in relevant, phase appropriate ways…specifically connected to a group of their peers and other caring adults.

Honestly, I’m so excited to see what God is going to do!!! And I’m beyond excited that some parents have already stepped up to help lead. Ministry to your kids would not be possible without them. SO – if you get a chance, please thank Katie Erkkinen, Glen Auten, Leslie Wheeler, and Devin and Onalee Kliebert.

As I said in the first post in this series, if you have questions…email me or call. I’m chatty that way.

pb | pastor brian

Check out the sneak peak of our first series…

Groundwork Guatemala crew starts mission work

Trinity members with Only A Child Ministry.

After months of preparing mentally and physically for the work in Guatemala, Trinity’s team of 17 arrived on Saturday, July 4 and immediately set to work.

Sally Buss, Trinity 8th grade teacher and leader of the Guatemala trip, has been blogging from the front lines as the team works on lessons, delivers goods, meets with those in need and learns more about each other, those they are helping and even themselves.

From the group’s blog:

It has been an extraordinary day.  The day began with devotions on the roof with the entire ministry…  Ginny and Kevin, the eight Guatemalans and 17 of us under a warm Guatemalan sky. Picture it: 27 plastic molded chairs and stools in circle with active volcanoes in the blue background. Jim U. volunteered to be the subject of an object lesson on God’s love for us despite our sins and failings.  The young Guatemalan missionaries always lead potent devotions in English, Spanish and Spanglish.  It is a joy to renew friendships with these brothers and sisters, and  we are equally thrilled to expose our newest team members to these Guatemalan role models.  We can serve because of their call to serve and ability to keep us safe each day.  Ginny, Kevin and the eighth Guatemalans are a privilege to work with and role models for all of us.

To read more about the journey of the Trinity members in Guatemala, visit the Sally Buss’ blog.

Pastor Brian presents goals for Middle School Ministry

Middle School Ministry is taking shape and Pastor Brian introduces the concept in this blog.

Over the course of the last year and a half, I’ve had the joy and privilege of watching, learning and seeking clarity for how Trinity does ministry for and with the “Next Generation.”  In so many ways, I’ve been blessed to see the wonderful heritage though which so many families have journeyed.  And I count myself lucky to help lead and navigate the years ahead.

And that is what is ahead….navigating a rapidly changing culture.  Navigating the realities of life.  Navigating this journey with Jesus.  In order to navigate well – we must fix our eyes on Christ Jesus, who is the author and perfector of our faith [Hebrews 12:1], and we must constantly ask if we are doing our best to raise another generation of disciple makers.

It’s this task, that the Ministries of Next Generation have endeavored to do well.  In fact, as we think and plan, our vision is to: infect and affect the hearts of another generation of disciple makers with the LOVE of God is Christ. We know that when the Gospel gets into the heart, by it’s very nature it affects life: how’s it’s understood, how’s it’s lived and how it’s passed on.  With this in mind, we have two immediate goals:

• Raise the number of spiritual conversations happening within households and
• Create and foster a partnership between family and church

With all of this in the forefront of our minds – there are a lot of exciting changes coming for Middle School Ministry.  If you engage in these 3 environments, we believe students [and their families] have the greatest opportunity to experience infection and affection with the LOVE of God in Christ.  Those 3 Environments are:

• Sunday Scripture [Community & Word]
• Community Events [Community & Service]
• Confirmation Modules [Spiritual Formation]

Yes, I already know…you want more detail.  However, in an exerted effort to keep the blog from being dictionary length, let me give you a brief summary…knowing that we’ll produce a specific blog post for each environment.

Sunday Scripture will be an every week opportunity for students to gather in the Youth Lounge for a large group teaching and small group processing, worship and prayer.  Community Events will happen on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings of the month – where fellowship and service are the main goals.  Finally, Confirmation Modules are the place of spiritual formation for both students and parents.

As I said – we’ll be publishing specific blogs for each of these environment over the next several weeks.  In the mean time, you’re welcome to look at the Prezi which was created for the Parents’ Meeting on June 28. Should you want more info, you are more than welcome to email me at pastorbrian@trinityct.org.

–Pastor Brian

Help Wanted: Fleece Cutters

Desired Qualifications: Sharp scissors and a few hours on Monday, June 22
Compensation: The fulfilling feeling of a job well done, and maybe a few laughs.

The students in this year’s Vacation Bible School will be making 250 lap robes for people in nursing homes. In order to prepare for the students’ work, we need help cutting the fleece pieces. We are also looking for those willing to do some straight stitching, which can be done at Trinity or at home.

For more information or to serve, contact Sharon Meseke at smeseke@trinityct.org.

Trinity now offers Great Start Readiness Program preschool

Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood Center launches its first Great Start Readiness Program class in the fall. The nationally-recognized, free pre-kindergarten program helps the youngest students lay a strong foundation for a lasting education.

The Great Start Readiness Program is provided free to those who qualify by income.

Trinity will offer the school-day program from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday with childcare and Biblical instruction available before and after school.

The Great Start Readiness Program uses a research-based curriculum and focuses on preparing students academically and socially for kindergarten and beyond. The rigorous standards of the program are certified as very high quality by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, which serves and advances the interests of young children.

In addition to the academic program, Trinity will also provide optional age-appropriate Biblical instruction to those who are interested. The Bible time will run from 7:55 -8:10 a.m. and 3:35-3:50 p.m. and is available at no cost. While Trinity can’t share the good news of Jesus during the Great Start Readiness Program class, the Early Childhood Center still wants to support Trinity’s mission of making fully devoted followers of Jesus through Christ-centered care and education of children.

Childcare is also made available to families at an additional cost before 7:55 a.m. and after 3:50 p.m.

For more information, visit the Early Childhood Center website or call 586-463-8803.

27 Trinity youth and adults attend Junior High Youth Gathering

Junior high students from around Michigan converged on Frankenmuth June 5-7 for the 2015 Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering, including 27 youth and adults from Trinity.

The annual event featured the theme, Cornerstone, and used activities to remind students that no matter what, the Cornerstone of life is Jesus. Pastor Bill Younger from Illinois and two worship leaders Swen and Dean returned to lead the students and the adults chaperones throughout the weekend.The event was held at the Bavarian Inn in downtown Frankenmuth.

The students and their chaperones participated in worship, mass gatherings, small group Bible studies, family time, wet and wild games and arts and crafts. They also had free time to explore Frankmuth and participate in other activities like a ropes course and playing at the hotel’s renowned water park. One activity was a scavenger hunt on the grounds of Bronner’s Christmas store.

They also helped at a servant event at St. Paul Millington. All of the students washed nearly 500 chairs, cleaned two cars and washed windows at the church. The project, which took the students about 40 minutes to complete, would have taken the custodians at the church more than 40 hours.

Both the parents, students and youth leaders from Trinity were moved and blessed by the event.

“It was amazing,” said parent attendee Catha Hoff. “To see the difference we made as part of the servant event was amazing. We felt like we really contributed and helped.”

The Junior High Youth Gathering is just one activity that is offered to Trinity students. Besides their regular confirmation class, the Trinity junior high youth also participate in service activities and get together regularly for social events.

The Early Childhood Center isn’t just for little kids

These four kids have 13 years of experience at Trinity’s SACC between them.

Trinity’s Early Childhood Center isn’t just for babies. During the summer months, many school-aged kids with working parents come to the center, too. Though, they aren’t playing with the little kitchens or resting on nap cots. They are going on field trips, playing games and hanging out with friends that they haven’t seen since last summer.

Four of those kids are Olivia, Joe, Elliot and Benji. They, along with several others, are some of the older kids in the School Age Child Care (SACC) program that the Center offers throughout the summer. And they have experience. Olivia has been attending SACC for four years, Joe for five and Elliot and Benji for two. They’ve moved through the different age-appropriate classrooms and are now at the top–SACC 3.

“We get more freedom in SACC 3. We get to decide what we want to do and the teachers are really cool,” said Olivia.

So what do they do?

Most days include devotions, snack, gym time, writing activities, board games, action games like Dodge Ball and even time in the computer lab. Plus, some days, the entire SACC program takes field trips.

“I can’t wait to go to SkyZone,” said Benji of an upcoming field trip to the indoor trampoline park. They also take trips to the zoo, parks and other local attractions.

The field trips and Dodge Ball aren’t the only things these kids love about SACC.

“I get to see some of my really, really old friends from when I went to preschool here,” said Joe. Many times, the summer SACC kids go to different schools during the school year.

Stay tuned as we follow these four SACC kids throughout the summer to see what they are up to. We will check in with them in the SACC 3 room every few weeks to give you a glimps into life as an older kid in the Early Childhood Center.

Trinity students medal in state track meet

Sean took 3rd place in the 1600 m with a personal best of 5:36.83.

. Trinity was represented by seven students in the Lutheran schools state track meet held on Saturday, May 30 at Saginaw Valley High School. Of those who competed, five of them medaled in their events.

Seventh-grader Tyler finished second in the state in shotput, missing first place by one-quarter of an inch.

Seventh-grader Sean finished third in the state in the mile run. Eighth-grader Lexi finished sixth in the girls shotput. Ethan, a sixth-grader, tied for seventh in the high jump. Finally, Frank, a fifth-grader, finished seventh in the mile.

The school was also represented by seventh-graders Jessica and Marisa

The team was coached by Trinity’s Athletic Director Brian Anders and Katie Errkinen.