Once a month, our congregation moves our midweek service to a Friday night and we all get together for something special and different.
On Friday, September 6 – parents, kids, college students and all gathered to hear about our youth’s response to their camps and welcome in our new campus staff couple, Steve and Alexis Schnell.
After some rousing singing and a prayer – the announcements were made. Most notably . . . Admir and Carine Monteiro shared that they are expecting a baby! Carine also quoted her memory verse from Jonah.
The first part of the evening was spent hearing from our campers and counselors. The pre-teens, Jordan Martins and Julia Matias, told exciting tales from pre-teen camp. However, Helena Matias may have stolen the show, as she dressed up as one of camp’s theme – “the armor of God” – as a visual aid (see pix included).
Camp counselors Linda Brown and Madison Mirabile talked about the high impact of teen camp from their perspectives. Finally, those teenagers attending camp shared. Included were Sarah Sherman, Will Brown, Eli Mejia, Jasper Jafferian, and Ben Martins. They spoke of overcoming worry, building deep friendships and having fun.
The evening concluded with a welcome for the Schnells. An original poem was read to them (also see this included below). We played a back-to-back guessing game with the entire church. With a little special grace, the Schnells were able to win a Starbuck’s gift card. They shared of their gratitude to all. We then all laid our hands on them, and Greg Chery prayed for their fruitful ministry and the food to come.
Downstairs at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, all had brought finger foods, desserts and drinks. Refreshments were enjoyed and the fellowship went deep into the night.
God is amazing in many ways. He is moving in Rhode Island in our youth. May we all prepare for an autumn season of life that gives Him glory!
