YOUTH MINISTER UPDATE

This past week, we looked at Romans 10:9 and the powerful truth that salvation is not just about belief—it is about surrender. To confess Jesus as Lord means more than acknowledging who He is; it means yielding our lives to His authority. Faith is not simply something we hold internally—it transforms the way we live, speak, and engage with the world around us. If Jesus is truly Lord of our lives, then His mission becomes our mission.

That is what makes the upcoming “Sunday in the Park” such an exciting opportunity. It’s more than just an event—it’s a chance for us to step outside the walls of the church and live out what we say we believe. Whether it’s through conversations, acts of service, or simply being present and intentional, we have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel with our community in real, tangible ways. I want to encourage each of you to prayerfully consider how God might use you next week. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be willing and available.

As we look ahead, don’t forget that summer camp is quickly approaching! Camp will take place June 22–26, and it is always one of the most impactful weeks of the year for our students. God consistently uses that time to change lives, deepen faith, and build lasting relationships. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time to make plans. We’ll also have fundraising opportunities available to help make camp accessible for everyone.

Let’s continue to pursue Christ as Lord—not just in what we say, but in how we live—and take every opportunity He gives us to make Him known.

In Christ,

Cody Dowden