Is it really already May? It feels like we’ve been waiting for spring FOREVER (especially after all the snow we had this winter!), but I can’t believe that it’s already May. Usually the month of May brings to mind proms, graduations and graduation parties, Mother’s Day, and the end of the school year, among other things. This May is a little different for me, since I’m not in school and not thinking about finals and the end of the school year. However, I am thinking about a lot of other exciting things that coming up in the next month or two. Trinity is going to be full of life!

First up is Mother’s Day, which also happens to be Youth Sunday. I love the idea of combining a day of service to the congregation with a day honoring mothers. Both are incredibly important for youth to take part in, and together they will make for a very special day! Not long after that, we will celebrate Confirmation Sunday by confirming two eighth graders into the community of adults at Trinity. Griffin Goodrich and Tim Poropat will affirm their baptism in the presence of family, friends, and the members of Trinity Lutheran Church. They will confirm their belief in Christ Jesus and their commitment to their faith. It is also a great reminder to the church of our duties to continue to nurture and guide them as they continue to grow. What an exciting time in their lives! Also in May is the annual Family Camp Out, which promises to be an exciting event.

May will also be a month of major preparations, as we prepare for a busy month in June! During June there are three full weeks of camps offered for different age groups, and all look to be extremely exciting and fulfilling. First is Vacation Bible School, June 9-13. This year’s campout theme takes the kids on a trail of friendship. They will explore their forever friendship with Jesus and then learn how to take those friendly qualities into their everyday relationships. We are still looking for a number of friendly volunteers, so if you are interested in helping, let me know!

Following VBS week, two of our confirmation students will attend ConfirCamp. During this week of traditional camp activities, the youth will discover the presence of Jesus in their lives through daily devotions, worship, and church group time. Groups have been going to Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, IL, for years, returning with a strengthened faith and lots of new friends!

Finally in June is Trinity’s week at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center. The donation of a generous member has enabled some of our youth to attend this church camp this summer. Students will enjoy a variety of camp activities in a Christ centered environment. This camp is located on 640 scenic acres in northwestern Illinois.

As we journey together through the month of May, please keep the Youth and Family Ministry at Trinity in your prayers. It is my hope that the many activities that we have planned throughout the month will help to encourage and strengthen the faith of the youth and adults here at Trinity. Happy May!