Dear Youth Parents, Are you ready? For some of your youth, school has already started or will be starting in the coming weeks. Here we go, another exciting new school year in school and also here at HOPE church. God did some amazing work last year and we were so privileged to witness it. We are even more excited to see what He is about to do this year. We thank you for all your support for HOPE youth ministry. Already God has done amazing things by calling Pastor Isaac into our team. We are looking forward in partnering up with such a gifted and Godly leader. The majority of the teaching will be transferred to him as he transitions into our family. If you haven't spent much time talking to him, please take the opportunity to know him. In the future, he will be sending many of our communications. The youth team have already begun planning for this year in hopes of making it more engaging and fun. We want to build your youth to have a solid relationship with Jesus and with one another. In the past years we have themes such as 'Making Jesus Your Own' and ' Identity In Christ'. This year our theme is 'Face to Face' or F2F, where we will explore what it means to come face to face with ourselves, with God and with others. We will explore this deeper in the year. We have already discussed where to go with this. This is beyond exciting. All the youth Counselors are anticipating to see the youth grow closer and deeper with Jesus. We are also excited to see any new opportunities God may give us to minister to the 6-12 grade newcomers either believers or not. Our team this year is composed of Andy, Joe, Joel, Grace, Pastor Isaac and myself. Each one of our team members is committed to you and your youth. We want to see youth ministry reach beyond youth - to youth families and youth graduates all growing together. We also not only want to equip the youth but we want them to become leaders. The team is praying for this and I know this has Christ written all over it. It is God's will to see His children seek intimacy with Him in the family (at home and at church) and as the individual person. So with that in mind, we have some plans coming for your youth. Pleasenote the following dates: Youth Kick Off: This is our annual kickoff but it is also an outreach event so you can ask your youth to invite their friends! Please look for announcements on this event in the coming weeks. September 8th At the English sanctuary 6:30 dinner - if you can reply to this email so I'll know how much to prep Grade 6-12 graders only- new friends are welcome We are welcoming new 6th graders and there will be an induction meeting for new comers- please dress comfortably Youth Winter Retreat December 29-30th More information will be available as information is confirmed. Reminder: As you go shopping for your youthfor school supplies- this is also a good time to pick up some extra supplies for our annual Operation Christmas Child gift boxes. In Christ, Patrick