2020 Fusion Highlights
Here are a few highlights from Fusion Ministry in 2020.
In 2020 we created a new confirmation program called Element. Element is a joining of Confirmation and Fusion Youth: the best of both worlds. Learning the elements of your faith in a fun and engaging space! This has been a collaboration between the pastors of Faith Lutheran, First Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, Federated and St. Johns/Kongsvinger of Donnelly, Heather Black (Fusion Youth Ministry Director) and with the blessing of the various church councils! Our goal is to teach the 6th-8th graders to learn and experience the elements of a Christian life. To believe, know and experience God, connect with others, serve others in love and live out our faith daily! It has been a fresh and new way to engage the youth of the 5 churches involved. Here are a few testimonials from parents, youth and church leaders:
“Heather, To be leading this exciting adventure during Covid is such an undertaking. I was so impressed when I was a small part of the 8th grade class of girls only two weeks into the program. The class was excited to be with their teacher. Excited to be with their peers. Excited to learn about God and how He fit in their sometimes confusing teenage world. Blessings for you, your amazing teachers, Pastors and the Element students. If you ever need anything please let me know. Heather, God knows your purpose your commitment and your Passion for Gods Word.” - Pat Smith
“Grant likes activity style learning and has enjoyed this part of Element. Thank you for thinking outside the box to help engage these students!” – Summer Anderson
“I like Element because I get to learn about God with my peers. Doing fun activities and meeting new people always adds to the experience of learning about God. I also really enjoy reading new bible verses every week. It is interesting to learn about bible people I didn’t even know existed. Finally, I really love doing community service projects. I love helping people that need it. Element is an amazing place to be.” – Jennie Odello
Another highlight of 2020 has been the involvement of new adults volunteering in both Element and the Sr. High ministry. God has brought us some amazing and very committed adults who have been serving the youth weekly! It has been a joy of mine to see those leaders grow in how they minister to the youth and also in their own faith lives!
“This year is my first year volunteering with Fusion Youth. Although I knew the year ahead would have many ups and downs and change of plans, my reason for volunteering has remained the same - to help senior high students grow in faith. Helping to create an environment that high schoolers feel welcomed and grow in their faith is very important to me, especially during their high school season of life. Knowing the impact of youth group or other church based activities in my life made me wanted to pass it along to them. Starting to find a community of like minded people is important for the present and future so I am glad that I can be involved. I also love getting to know the senior high students and supporting them each week. Fusion Youth is becoming something amazing for these high schoolers.” – Kendra Jergenson
Sr. High youth is a breath of fresh air on Sunday nights. Open and honest conversations are happening between the youth and adult leaders that attend.