Ministry Directory

The purpose of our Adult Sunday School Ministry is to teach the word of God in a small group atmosphere, to encourage the fellowship of believers, and to build disciples by equipping Christians to make an impact for Jesus Christ beginning in the home and church and moving into the community and beyond.

There are several classes currently offered in our Adult Education program. Classes meet every Sunday morning, either in person, on Zoom, or both. Bible studies range in a variety of Christian topics and change every six to eight weeks. Participants are encouraged to attend the class of their choice. The classes offered are listed in the bulletin each week.

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The North Spencer County Community Action Center in Dale heads up a Christmas drive for needy families in the North Spencer County area. Santa Claus UMC teams up with the Center to provide Christmas presents of clothing items to children from low-income families. Each paper “Angel” provides pertinent information such as the sex, age, child’s size and are available to be chosen the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This ministry allows us the opportunity to provide a brighter Christmas for needy children in our community.

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Bags of Blessings provides bags of shelf-stable food to children each week that are in need of food. Our ministry serves children K-12 with the distribution of the food implemented through schools (except Chrisney Elementary) in the North Spencer School District. We need volunteers to help with monthly food pick-up. A truck or trailer is required for this job. We also need volunteers to help pack the bags of food every 2 weeks. We share this ministry with the Catholic Diocese. Therefore our church serves every other month throughout the year. If you are interested in serving or have questions please speak with DeNae.

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In times of sorrow, a kind heart and simple gestures are what this ministry offers. We provide and serve a meal following the funeral of a member of the church family. You may choose to help prepare or serve the food. Food and monetary donations are also welcome.

Contact 
Debbie Kroeger: (812) 686-0686 jdkroeg@psci.net

Judy Heilman: (812) 544-2314 heilman@psci.net 

Several Bible Studies are offered throughout the year. Adult Bible Studies are offered on Wednesday evenings following the TGIW meal.

Please check the "conNEXTion" for upcoming classes. If you are interested in leading a Bible Study, please contact the Adult Education Leader, Rosie, or Tonja in the Church Office. 

To celebrate the season, we offer this wonderful opportunity for fellowship. In conjunction with the first weekend of the annual Festival of Lights, we offer pancakes & the trimmings, a picture with Santa, and a Bake Sale. The breakfast is located in the dining room of the Historic Santa Claus Campground and is attended by the entire community. This is a great event to attend and to participate in by serving. All of the proceeds are donated to a local charity.

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It is our goal to stay in touch with our nursing home residents and our homebound brothers and sisters. This ministry sends greeting cards each month to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. This team also delivers small treats during the Christmas season. If you would like to get involved or add a loved one’s name to the list please speak with Lois.

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The Cherub Choir is combined with the Next Generation Choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 6:45 during the school year. This choir joins the Next Generation in many of their Church performances. 

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All women are invited to join us in support of missions for women, children, and youth through the love of Jesus Christ. CCS meets on the 4th Monday in January through October, with the November/December meeting occurring on the 1st Monday in December. All women of the Church are invited to join our circle of fellowship and service!

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Many people enjoy a cup of coffee at they enter for worship or head into a Sunday School class. Individuals are always needed for preparing coffee for Sunday morning worship. Coffeemakers are scheduled on a monthly basis and are responsible for brewing the coffee, as well as set up and teardown of the coffee bar. If you feel you can contribute to this vital role of offering hospitality, please be in touch.

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Being a young adult in the church can be awkward. No longer in high school youth group but not quite the target audience for most Bible study groups or retreats, it’s easy to fade into the background. It’s the goal of our College and Career Ministry to keep the 18-25-year-olds connected to the Church and strengthen their relationship with Jesus. They keep in touch with our young adults and those on their college journey by making visits throughout the school year to as many college towns as possible. This ministry strives to send encouraging “thinking of you” cards, candy, snacks, gift cards, etc, to let them know they are in the Church’s thoughts and prayers. Care packages are sent to the college students during finals week or other times throughout the year as well. Ministry leaders gather during breaks with our young adults for fun bowling outings, lunches, always offering words of wisdom and encouragement, an ear to listen - which helps keep our young adults connected as well. Bible studies are offered in-person and virtually throughout the year.

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In the United Methodist Church, the Holy Communion table is open to all. At Santa Claus UMC, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. We have two opportunities for service in this area:

Stewards - The communion stewards are responsible for procuring the elements for Pastor Tim to bless. Speak with Mary Helen if you are interested in being a steward.

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Servers - The communion servers are physically present on the first Sunday of each month to both prepare and clean up the elements for both worship services. Speak with Pastor Tim if you are interested in being a server.

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Every Thursday at the Micah Center in Dale, from 5:30 to 6:30, this outreach program serves a free meal to anyone who may need it. Volunteers prepare the meal, serve the meal and clean up after the meal. If you’re interested in more information or would like to help please reach out to Rosie. 

Contact:
 Rosie Porambo - 812.797.6549 - Rosie@santaclausumc.org

This spirited church camp features all of the beloved traditions of Santa Claus camping. Faith-based lessons make up the structure of a typical day, punctuated with crafts, swimming, archery, and canoeing. Raising the roof of the Tabernacle in song and worship begins each day. Most importantly, camp rekindles and grows our connections to our Great God! The elementary camp is geared for boys and girls entering the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. The camp is open and invites children from all faith communities. This camp is held at the Historic Santa Claus Campground for a week always beginning the first Sunday after the Fourth of July. Camp counselors, junior 

counselors, cooks, nurses, and music leaders are always needed in the leadership of the camp.

Directors of Elementary Camp:

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is responsible here at Santa Claus UMC for our response and safety in all emergency situations. From the response in the midst of the Covid Pandemic to our weekly safety in areas of Fire Safety and Health Ministries, we have members that are actively working to keep us safe. If you have a passion for maintaining safe and healthy spaces that we share together, we would love to have you on this team.

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Feed My Starving Children is a hands-on local ministry that touches people all over the globe. Through most of the year, they raise money to buy over nine tons of food that will be packed into over 100,000 individual, nutritionally-balanced meals on a blitz weekend in October. It takes hundreds of volunteers, so it’s a great way to invite neighbors or friends to join in for a fun packing weekend, after which the FMSC team ships the food to one or more of 70 countries, where in-country missionaries help ensure the food actually gets to hungry people.

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This ministry offers to prepare and deliver a meal to an individual or family in a time of need. For health reasons or the trying time of new parenthood, the simple offering of a lovingly cooked meal eases burdens and shows Christ’s love. If you can pair up with other individuals to help prepare a meal on a rotating basis, contact Traci.

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Our handbell ministry invites both the young and more mature to ring together! Currently, they rehearse on Tuesday evenings at the church and play in worship several times a year. If you are interested in joining handbells, please speak with Claire.

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This ministry offers the availability of home health care equipment to those in need due to illness, injury, or surgery. Equipment such as walkers, canes, crutches, bathroom safety items, wheelchairs, and blood pressure monitors are available. Equipment may be borrowed by contacting Carol by text or calling the Church Office to arrange to pick up the needed equipment.

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This is an annual mission trip to Honduras which is coordinated under the larger umbrella of Whitefield Global Ministry. This trip occurs mid-summer. This mission trip is diverse. Each year, medical clinics are held in local schools or churches. Visits are made to orphanages, area retirement homes, and hospitals. In addition to community outreach, they also do construction projects on various properties and at the schools. Prior to the trip, they collect items to distribute during these visits as well as contribute cash to help offset the costs of medical teams who serve in Honduras. Anyone who is interested in joining this team is interviewed and supported by the mission leaders. Team members are encouraged to consider this mission trip regardless of their financial resources.

For more information on this trip, please speak with Julie or Jon.

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Just Older Youth!

This ministry is directed toward anyone in our church family who is fifty years old or over in age. They also host a Classic Movie Matinee every third Tuesday of the Month at 1:00 in the Fellowship Hall (popcorn and drinks are provided during the movie).
This Movie Matinee serves as good outreach for seniors who might enjoy an afternoon out. The Matinee is open to all seniors in the community. J.O.Y. also plans various social outings. These are primarily day outings but may on occasion be overnight trips. Anyone interested in leading or participating in the J.O.Y. group activities is encouraged to contact the group leader listed below. 

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This is an annual mission trip to Jamaica and is associated with Christian Service International (CSI). This trip usually occurs in the fall. The emphasis for this mission trip is construction although trip team members do not need previous construction skills. They usually build a home and /or make small repairs. They also visit orphanages, nursing homes, and have participated in vacation bible school programs.

Anyone interested in participating in the Jamaican mission trip is interviewed and supported by the team leaders. CSI provides an “expectation” booklet that offers good introductory information. Individuals who have the desire to be a part of the team are not curtailed by a lack of financial means. The Jamaica Mission team takes supplies for distribution to the places they visit. They also take money to contribute to the purchase of supplies needed for construction.

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The kitchen ministry is a great place for anyone who would like to remain behind the scenes while serving others. The church kitchen is used frequently, especially during the school months. Those using the kitchen appreciate a clean and organized kitchen. Participants in the Kitchen Ministry are scheduled on a monthly rotation to clean the kitchen and report any maintenance issues. Debbie Kroeger, leader of this ministry is responsible for the purchase of all paper products which are normally used in the kitchen.
 
Contact:
Debbie Kroeger: (812) 686-0686 jdkroeg@psci.net 

The Men’s Ministry at Santa Claus UMC is dedicated to learning, service, and fellowship. We have a Sunday Morning Study, a Tuesday Morning Men’s Breakfast at Denny’s and join together to work on behalf of the church and community in areas of service and ministry. We invite you to join us in any and all of these activities.

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This committee has the responsibility of helping our congregation remain aware of, plan, and leadership opportunities to reach/serve people beyond the boundaries of our church congregation. There are several opportunities to serve both in our local community, as well as in international missions. This committee oversees all areas of mission and outreach. The mission work of the church is delegated to leaders of various mission teams. Leaders of the mission teams independently plan and execute their own mission teams and trips. If you have compassion for missions/outreach work and want to know of all mission and outreach opportunities, contact the mission chairperson for more information. If you seek information on a specific mission trip or outreach program, you may contact the individual leader of the specific mission trip/outreach directly. You do not need to physically go on a mission trip to be a part of the mission trip or outreach experience.

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The Next Generation is a choir that gives children the opportunity to use their ministry gifts of leading worship through music and fine arts. Singers and chime musicians are encouraged to sing/play for the Lord in this choir. Fall through Christmas, NGC focuses on vocal practices and performances. January through Easter NGC transitions from a vocal choir to a chimes choir. NGC meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 6:45. 

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This is an important follow-up ministry that takes our desire to welcome newcomers to the next step. We want to acknowledge their presence in our worship service and extend the hand of fellowship to them in the future through a simple personal note. This ministry serves on a rotation basis and e-mail is necessary.

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Our church has the opportunity to offer worship services to the residents of Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand. Worship time includes devotion, time of prayer, and singing hymns. This worship service occurs on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm on a rotating basis. Individuals are invited to join Pastor Tim in this ministry.

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The Nurture Committee oversees and coordinates special events, receptions, fellowship opportunities, hospitality, and welcoming ministries. Events hosted on a regular basis include Tabernacle Sunday, an Ecumenical Lenten Service, and TGIW. Nurture hosts Welcome Lunches for newcomers to the Church family.

This committee meets on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 pm. If you enjoy planning fun activities, join Nurture!

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Office Angels help to support the work of the Church by helping with extra tasks when they arise in the Church office and covering Tonja’s time off, such as vacations or illness. Office Angels are needed for answering the phones and “manning” the office when warranted. Special mailings and labeling jobs are other times when the Angels may be used. If you’d like to become an Office Angel, please speak with Tonja.

Church Office: 

Staying connected is a goal of Santa Claus UMC. We offer an Online Directory. The directory offers both a picture of families and individuals as well as contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses. It is a convenient way to identify Church family members and have the ability to easily communicate. We strive to have everyone in our Church family appear in this directory. You may submit your own photo or a team member of the directory will gladly arrange a time to take your picture.

Submit your photo:
tonja@santaclausumc.org

This ministry has inspired many in our congregation to offer themselves in service for children throughout the world. Our congregation partners with Samaritan’s Purse to deliver shoebox gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. The OCC 

kick-off happens in mid-October and the actual collection of the shoeboxes occurs in late November. If interested in volunteering in the collection of the shoeboxes or assisting in coordinating this ministry, feel free to speak with Kara.

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This ministry uses the power of prayer to lift the requests and concerns of others to the Lord. At the request of an individual, family member, or friend, we pray for the needs of others (both from within or outside of our congregation). Prayer requests are listed in the Weekly Word email newsletter and also printed in our Sunday worship "conNEXTion". In an urgent concern, a mass email may go out immediately. We know God answers prayers according to His time and His will. If you would like to submit a prayer concern, contact the Church Office.

Church Office: 

This small women’s group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays each month at 9:00 am in the "conNEXTion" center, Room L1. Lifting up the needs of others in prayer is the focus of this group. If you have a prayer concern and would like to request intentional prayer, please speak with Beth.

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Dedicated to praying for our church family, family, friends, community, state, country, and the world! Please contact Denise to share prayer requests and how we can pray for you. You may also contact Denise if you would like to join as a Prayer Warrior. The group appreciates updates on prayer requests/answered prayers.

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Pastor Tim’s Rangers meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. They are taught life skills in the areas of survival and dig into the Bible with great studies. On occasion, they go on field trips, campouts, etc off Church grounds. Pastor Tim has an adult team that joins him in the endeavors. If you’re interested in serving as an adult assistant in this ministry, contact Ashley Bradley. 

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Special events of the church often require tables and chairs to be set up. This team sets chairs and tables up for receptions, large dinners, and events that may require setup in the large sanctuary room. They also tear down the tables and chairs, returning the rooms to their normal function. Set up/tear down teams serve on a rotating basis. The team leader coordinates this rotation. Additional teams are always needed and appreciated. If you can serve in this much-needed ministry, please contact the team leader. You will be placed on a team!

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The Sewing Circle provides lap quilts and baby blankets to those who are sick, hospitalized, or have a new baby. These gifts give compassion, comfort, and love to those who are affected. Anyone that is interested in joining us is invited. Sewing is not a requirement but would be helpful. We meet every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in Room L6. If you are aware of someone who has been sick, hospitalized, has a new baby, or simply for more information about this ministry please speak with Joe Ann.

Contact:
Joe Ann Rinehart: (812) 544-2253

The shepherding Ministry here at Santa Claus UMC is actively involved in making sure nobody is forgotten. They currently have an active shepherd ministry in place for adults who are retired and those who are older, in nursing homes, or homebound. They are expanding into the younger groups of adults to allow each family in the Church to feel they’ve been Seen-Heard-Celebrated-Connected with. If you are passionate about the area of caring and hospitality, this would be an ideal ministry for you.

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Once a year, our church family hosts "Tabernacle Sunday" at the Historic Santa Claus Campground. This Sunday afternoon and evening event brings most of our church ministries together to celebrate our heritage! Activities include a Youth vs. Non-Youth softball game, hymn sing in the tabernacle, Youth worship in the chapel, weenie roast, s’mores, board games, and hayride. You will not want to miss this important event each year! Information on this event will be shared as it is planned. 

Keeping our church up to date in the areas of technology and information security is what this team is all about. We communicate regularly via e-mail, a Facebook group, and if necessary, an in-person meeting. If you have a passion for technology, this may be the team for you!

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This is a light meal for those who are attending Wednesday night events and activities. The meal is offered from 5:00 to 6:00 in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $3 per meal with no family ever having to pay more than $15. “Punch cards” are available for $25 (bringing the cost down to $2.50 per meal). The leader coordinates weekly groups who prepare and serve the meal. Volunteers are needed on most Wednesdays for meal preparation, serving, and clean-up. TGIW operates with the school calendar.

Contact 
Traci Porter: tporter966@gmail.com 

Mat and Kayle are currently serving at SATS, South African Theological Seminary, which is completely an online learning program. Students from all over the continent, and the world, can study from right where they are, making higher education accessible and less expensive. 

Mat teaches Hebrew, helps to write curriculum and courses, and does much of the "behind the scenes" IT needed to continually innovate, improve and support the ever-changing technological needs. Kayle is a full-time mother but will teach several courses at SATS as well. 

The Pelletiers are currently living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and are financially supported in part by the SCUMC Church family. 

The Emergent Layer takes place during the 9:00 service on Sunday mornings in Room U6. Through the worship and lesson experience, the children are led by adult volunteers and are given the foundation to build a relationship with Christ.

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Roots is available during the 10:30 worship service. They meet upstairs and are divided into two classrooms based on age and grade level. During Roots, there are different activities and age-appropriate lessons.
 
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Infant and toddler nursery rooms are available on Sunday mornings for both Church services for children up to three years of age. Children are cared for by hired staff as well as church volunteers. Children in the nursery are introduced to Bible basics while giving their parents the opportunity to participate in worship services. It is located in Rooms L3 and L4. It is staffed by Maria Snider and Kayla Richard.

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Sprouts provide age-appropriate lessons, worship, activities, and crafts. There are monthly themes to help change the environment, keeping it fun and fresh. It’s led by amazing volunteers of adults and Youth. Sprouts are available during the 9:00 am Worship service in Room L2.

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The Canopy is a fun, relevant children’s worship service designed to bring kids closer to Christ through large group teaching, worship, music, and small group connections. The Canopy meets in Room U5 on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am.

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We have the opportunity to serve those who are in need and sometimes homeless by preparing meals at the United Caring Services in Evansville, IN. As we prepare and serve the breakfast and lunch meals to the recipients, we are able to share God’s love with them in a special and meaningful way. We provide the food for lunch and breakfast. Teams from our church family serve on the third Sunday of the month throughout the year.

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Our ushers and greeters are responsible for hospitality in our worship experiences on Sunday mornings. They are always ready to aid the congregation with any needs that may arise during the service, but they also have other duties such as offering collection, passing out bulletins, taking attendance, etc. If you have a passion for hospitality in worship, please speak with Jim or Shannon

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This ministry provides visits to homebound, persons in the hospital or rehabilitation center. Recipients of this ministry are truly appreciative of the prayers, company, and fellowship. If you’re aware of someone in need of visitation, please contact the church office or speak with Joy.

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The Visual Arts Team strives to create and maintain a spiritual environment in the church worship center. Visual arts work with the pastor to coordinate special effects that may enhance the sermon series and thus present the “visual” to accompany the message. Visual Arts also maintains the church foyer, making it a welcoming and inviting area. Decorating for special events such as Christmas and Easter are also responsibilities of the team. The team also provides decorations for special events, such as those coordinated by the Nurture Committee.

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Keeping the church website up to date with the latest content, technology, security patches, and SEO strategies. Have content you would like added to the site? See an error that needs to be fixed? Or have a passion for developing web technology such as Laravel, Tailwind CSS, or Alpine.js?

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Mission Statement:
Our purpose is to bring women of all ages together for fellowship and growth and to reach out to our friends and family with the message of God’s love and demonstrated through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Women Reaching Women (WRW) is led by a group of ladies who plan and coordinate activities, events, education, and outreach opportunities as a way for women to connect to one another but most importantly, connect to Jesus. WRW has a monthly newsletter that is emailed to those who wish to receive it. 

Sign-up to receive the monthly Women Reaching Women Newsletter by simply emailing Lauren Hinkle at: womenreachingwomen@santaclausumc.org

We are excited to worship with you on Sunday mornings! Our 9:00 am and 10:30 am services are mirrored worship experiences that often blend modern and traditional worship elements together. "Grounded" is the adult and family counterpart to our Wednesday night "ROOTED" (Youth) worship experience; these names are based out on Ephesians 3:17 - “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and grounded in love."

The SCUMC Praise Team is a volunteer group of musicians that meet on Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm for rehearsal and Sunday mornings at 8:00 am for preservice warm-up. If you are a musician and are interested in playing or singing with our praise team, please speak with Clayton.

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We are excited to worship with you on Sunday mornings! Our 9:00 am and 10:30 am services are mirrored worship experiences that often blend modern and traditional worship elements together. "Grounded" is the adult and family counterpart to our Wednesday night "ROOTED" (Youth) worship experience; these names are based out on Ephesians 3:17 - “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and grounded in love."

The worship technicians are responsible for the audio and video for both worship services on Sunday mornings. If you have a passion for running worship technology and would like to serve on this team, please speak with Jay.

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Who We Are:
Above all, we want to bring glory to God, so we ... 

... and it’s always a great time!

What We Offer:
ROOTED - Youth-led Church service on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. ROOTED offers a worship service with high-energy music and predominantly youth speakers sharing messages that are relevant to today’s youth.

IGNITE - Youth Group following ROOTED at 6:30
on Wednesday evenings. IGNITE is a time for our Youth to praise God through:
 
Study. A weekly whole group lesson from scripture, complete with some pretty interesting illustrations. The small group discussion that follows the whole group allows the chance to go deeper into the message and share the week’s experiences.

Fellowship. This is a great chance to get together with friends. There’s a time to just hang out from 5:15 to 6:00. We grow closer to each other as we grow closer to Christ. 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP - Sundays at 9:15 in the Youth Room, Youth have a chance for study and fellowship. They might be writing sermons and digging in scripture. They might be doing a RightNow Media study. They might be praying and talking about needs they can meet in the community or they may just be hanging out with breakfast.

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