This week, we continue our Pastoral Letter series that explores our church formula--4 + 3 = 1. We minister to people in 4 life stages, namely children, youth, adult, and senior adult. We emphasize three directions for growth in each life stage: upward toward God, outward toward the world, and inward toward each other. As we do so intentionally and successfully, we look to be 1 growing church to the glory of God--4 + 3 = 1! Our focus for this week is on Life Stage 2, our Youth Ministry, which covers people ages eleven to twenty-three years old. Please read on, as our Director of Youth Ministry, Andy Hromoko, tells us of the vision for this life stage. - Pastor Tim

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ,

In my prior career with the IRS, mission

statements and objectives were a very important part of my life. As an investigative agent, these statements or objectives were taken very seriously as it kept me always on task, and totally focused on the goal. These statements and objectives were also used to hold me and others accountable should we start to wander or lose focus on what the true mission was in front of us. Evolving or changing situations can cause us to doubt or question our mission, but having a solid foundation in what you stand for, what you believe in and how you will strive to live your life makes all the difference on this side of Eternity.

As the Youth Ministry Director I am constantly reminded how important it is for our youth up through our Notchers (18-23 year olds) to have a mission, purpose or identity in life. There are so many distractions and temptations that can take them and us from the mission and objectives God has planned, and it is all our duty to be mindful and hold each other accountable should we wander from the mission.

It is my hope and prayer that when someone looks at the ministry of our church as it relates to youth and young adult ministry, they will conclude we are truly focused on the mission objective of: Reaching Upward in Worship and Prayer, Reaching Outward in Witness and Service and Reaching Inward in Fellowship and Discipleship.

We don't take God for granted when it comes to Reaching Upward. Our Sunday school classes and Youth Group gatherings are totally Scripture based as we hold the Bible as the Infallible Word of God and is the supreme authority on all matters of which it speaks. We use curriculum and Bible study books that guide us to become stronger in our relationship with God and as importantly gives us the strength to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ. Through an active prayer life we also know how important communicating with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us will keep us on the path God has set out for us.

Reaching Outward in witness and service is where you will see our youth very visible. Our objective in all mission and service-related projects has one main goal and that is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Whether we are on an out-of-state mission trip or working with folks locally, God's Word and a solid time in prayer will always be a key part of that project. It continues to amaze me to see our youth reading scripture and praying at all our mission and service projects, and we do a lot of them. This past November, our youth went to the Veterans Day parade and held up a sign that displayed: "God Bless our Vets!" I was in awe as veterans came out of the parade to shake the hands of our youth and to thank them for being there and for holding up that sign.

Lastly, it is my prayer that our 2015 theme of "We Should Pray" will be great evidence of how serious we are about Reaching Inward in Fellowship and Discipleship. Soon you will see our youth wearing t-shirts that display the words "We Should Pray" with a focus on Praying about everything and worrying about nothing. Our youth are already becoming mighty prayer warriors as they are not afraid to pray for others no matter where they may be or how it is perceived. The "We Should Pray" initiative though will remind us a regular prayer life with God will help to keep us on mission and to not stray off His path.

Although I would love to share more with you how God is working through our youth and young adults, I would encourage you to check us out at www.mlepc.org/youth. There you will see our monthly newsletter, pictures and our ministry activities and opportunities. It's updated often and is indeed further evidence we take our mission statements seriously and live them out the best we can. May it be said of us that we did indeed Reach Upward, Inward and Outward to glorify God and to make a significant impact in His Kingdom.

Your brother in Christ,

Andy