Children & Youth Ministries
We encourage children and youth to
“catch the faith” through experiences of Christian fellowship, learning,
and serving.
We offer classes and learning
events for all ages.
St. John's UNITED Church
Serving Christ in Chesterton, Indiana
225 W. Lincoln Ave.
Chesterton, IN 46304
219-926-1476
office@sjuchurch.org
Sunday School: 9:15 -10:15
September - May
Council update……
Over the past 9 months, the council has been discussing and praying about the best ways to improve our Children and Youth ministries. Our saving grace this past year was Michele Beck’s generosity -- though her term as elder had expired, she continued to served as de facto head of the Christian education committee. Christian education is important to this congregation – that fact is verified every time we do a study or take a poll. We value Christian education; we love supporting mission trips and summer camp experiences. We encourage children to grow in their faith and don’t we love it when they stand in front of us and testify to Jesus Christ working in their lives.
In March of this year, Pastor Katie approached the personnel committee with a recommendation. Katie offered to reduce her work schedule from 5 days to 4 days and to use the money saved to create a part time position focused on children and youth ministry, as well as helping develop and implement a second weekly worship experience geared toward young adults – what is referred to as an “emergent worship service”.
At first, the council was concerned about having a “part time” pastor. Through discussion and prayer, we came to see the benefits for the congregation, for our young members, and for Katie herself. Katie does not work a 40 hour week, she works a 60-70 hour week, sometimes more. It is demanding, both physically and mentally. That is why pastors are afforded sabbaticals. The council came to realize that Katie’s request would allow her to have a healthier balance of work and home life, and that the savings in salary could fund a 20 hour/week position dedicated to CYM and the emergent worship service. This is a resource that Katie could work with and provide direction for, and it would double the number of hours dedicated to CYM. There would be no impact on the budget.
The blessing for SJUC is that we knew of a young man who fit the job description -- Brandon Long. Some of you know him as that nice young man who works in the church office, and others remember him from the vocal group, Sweetwine, who have worshiped with us often. Brandon is a recent graduate of Valparaiso University, and member of our community. He is an accomplished musician and has been involved in music ministry for over 4 years. He has planned and led youth oriented worship, and as a volunteer, he has led mission activities including this year’s senior high school mission trip. For the past 10 month’s, he has served as a volunteer adult leader for our sr high youth group. Once his wife completes her master’s degree, he hopes to attend Seminary School in preparation for a life in the ministry.
Brandon has basically been interviewing for this job for the past 6 months. He is currently and will remain our Church Office Administrator. On July 1, however, Brandon will become a full-time member of the SJUC staff with the addition of responsibilities as a coordinator of Youth ministries and the emergent worship. He will not be in charge of Christian Education – that is the responsibility of the council, but he will be a wonderful resource to both the pastor and to the chair of the Children and Youth Ministry committee. Brandon has ideas and energy and a profound sense of serving others, and the council believes that he will provide a positive and lasting influence on our children and youth.
When you get a chance, please personally welcome Brandon. If you have questions about any of these things, please connect with Alan Sommers or Tim Pell.
