An old African proverb says, "It takes a whole village to raise a child". Recently, I discovered just how true this proverb really is. I have come to realize that it is part of my calling to help Gloria Dei recognize and embrace the importance of the spiritual formation of it's children. As a community of faith, we are encouraged to love and care for each other much as a loving family would and thus, I understand that my role as a Youth Minister is to help us all live into that reality. I would like to thank the congregation and the church council for "stepping up" and providing for the Youth Ministry Program here at Gloria Dei. I also would like to thank everyone for voicing their opinions and for taking ownership of passing on the faith to our children. This summer I have begun to see the sprouting of these "seeds of faith" in our youth, seeds that were planted by the members of this congregation long ago. On our two summer youth trips, I saw many of our youth challenge themselves, take a risk, struggle with their faith, and grow closer to God. Our San Diego Mission Trip and Rock-N-Water Adventure were awesome experiences for our youth to discover Christ's presence in their lives and in the world around them. I would personally like to thank you on their behalf for making these experiences possible by your support, your prayers and the tiny seeds of faith you planted in them long ago. My hope for Gloria Dei is that we come to grasp the significance of our role and presence in these youth's lives.

Grace and Peace,
Jessica Wernau