Dear 6^th-8^th graders and families,

God is intentional about our spiritual growth— especially in giving us direction for how to stay on a path leading toward holiness and Christ-like living. And one of His clearest directives for us can be found in John 15.

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

God wants us to grow.  He wants us to do great things, and he tells us exactly how to accomplish His will; stay connected.  We need to be connected to Christ, and then we will produce wonderful things.  God is clear in His word that without being connected to Him, we can do nothing.  Nothing; that seems a bit final, doesn’t it?  I can picture the middle school youth saying something like, “So if I’m not connected to Christ, I can’t even walk?”

I don’t think that is what Jesus meant in these words.  But, a living relationship with Christ is absolutely necessary; without it there is nothing.  Christ is what fills us, Christ gives us hope.  NOTHING in the world will complete us the way Christ can and does.

So how do we “remain” in Him?  Reading God’s word and being in conversation with him (prayer) are essential ways to grow spiritual, but so is being active in a Faith Community.  Bethany offers many ways for youth to be involved and connect with Christ and one another.  I hope your child will join us this summer for some fun, fellowship, and growth in Christ.

DCE Kim Lauer
Minister of Children and Middle School Youth

Middle School Sunday School

Join Kim and the other youth on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30AM in room 131.  The topics will vary from Sunday to Sunday. Time for discussion is always provided. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday Night Bible Study for 7^th and 8^th Grade

Join the youth on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00PM in Commons Area for fun and fellowship. The topic will change throughout the year and will usually coincide with the new Sunday morning curriculum…but youth who only come Wednesday nights will still “know what’s going on.”  Please see Kim Lauer for more information. 

Austin City Wide Lock –In

Planning has begun for the Austin City Wide Lock-in.  The dates are August 23 and 24 (Friday to Saturday morning.)  The event will take place at Redeemer Lutheran and then move to Austin Park.  All youth entering 6^th-9^th grades are invited. It is a great way for incoming 6^th graders to get connected! Forms will be needed.  See Kim Lauer for more info. 

Calendar Events
(All events are from 4:30-6:30PM unless otherwise stated)

May Schedule

May 5 – God in the media.  We will watch some movie clips and hear the messages God gives us through cinematic themes. 

May 12 – We will walk and get ice cream and have a bible study.

May 19 –  Join us for a game involving water guns and tagging people!  Please wear gym shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. 

May 26 – No KREED.  Memorial Day weekend.  

Don’t forget to register in spring for Vacation Bible School ’13!  Our theme is Kingdom Rock! Join us June 24-28 from 9:00-12:00 for games, crafts, Bible stories, snacks, music and much more.  Parents are always invited to the picnic on the Thursday night of VBS!  Hope to see you there.  Volunteers are always needed to make this ministry a success.  Check the VBS bulletin board for the donations needed!

Registration for children and volunteers is open.  The children must be 3 years old by
June 1 and fully potty-trained. Our VBS is free of charge.

Compassion In Action Service Camp is for kids entering the 5th and 6th Grades in Fall 2013. It is a fun-filled, service-oriented, week-long adventure helping others. CIA Campers will be sharing God's love and wonderful message of salvation with all those they come in contact with. Youth are challenged in their faith to develop servant hearts for Christ. Past projects have included meals-on-wheels delivery, working at the Food Bank, organizing school kits for orphan children overseas, conducting a car wash to raise funds for the new children's hospital, building a prayer garden on campus, and other unique and challenging service projects.

Youth take a hands-on approach to serving the Lord and they work hard! We are always amazed at how hard these youth work and it is evident that they grow in their faith. This age group desires to have a purpose in the Church and in the community.