Dear Friends,
This July marked the beginning of my fourth year as the pastor of Royal Oak First. Hoping to hear your deepest hopes and dreams, Bridget and I attended several backyard and in-home gatherings with church members that first summer. The one dream that was atop of almost everyone’s list was to build a vital Children and Youth program. Nothing could have warmed my heart more!
Growing churches love to make room for young people and their families.
I have been so proud of our staff team and lay leaders who have worked hard to create more opportunities for children, youth, and families to grow in their love and knowledge of Christ. We hope that through these opportunities, children, youth, and families will make lifelong friends and put their faith into action through meaningful mission and service. It is an exciting time here at Royal Oak First.
This past week was one of the culminating experiences of the year in children and youth programming. For over 60 years Royal Oak First young people have been gathering for a week singing, praying, eating and playing together in the beautiful setting of the Michigan woods. This year we had 94 kids attend our annual Camp Choir Camp. By all accounts, it was a great, great week where friendships were made and roots to the faith community were deepened.
None of this would have been possible without the labor and support of you. We want to thank all the staff and volunteers that helped make this week possible. We want to thank all those who helped prior to camp. We want to thank each of you who wrote a letter to a camper. And we want to thank all of you who donated financial support to help make this experience possible.
Your love and support of children, youth, and families it amazing, and it is making a difference.
Grace and Peace,
