Celebrating the 2025-2026 Faith Formation Program Year

What a journey this year has been!

We welcomed Chef/Deacon Bridgette when we began a new Wednesday meal before worship, and it’s been a joy to eat in community and connect while kids play each week.

A few more highlights from the year beyond the weekly worship and programming:

· Mount Olivet called Pastor Desirée as lead pastor in October

· Youth Bible Studies on Sundays

· Thanksgiving Pie Bingo returned in November with a FULL community room.

· Welcoming Interim Pastor Michelle in December

· Senior High Lock-In in December

· A fun all ages nativity with carols and cocoa before Christmas

· Becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation at the annual meeting in February.

· Youth planned and led worship on a Sunday & Wednesday in early March

· Children and youth leading in worship on Sundays and Wednesdays all year

· Palm Sunday worship and the Rally for Love & Justice at the Capitol

· Looking for Jesus mini figures all over church a few weeks ago

· Youth Retreats in October, January and May.

We’ve experienced a lot together this program year!

I’m so grateful for the youth and adults who’ve led us through the course of the year – from volunteering in the kitchen, to leading in worship with communion, prayers, singing and more. Thank you to all the guides who’ve shown up week after week to invest their time in children and youth. It takes a community to make all of this happen, and so many of you showed up in really beautiful ways to share God’s love with young people!

Thank you for all the ways you’ve shown up this year!

As we wrapped up the program year on May 6, we wrote thank you notes to share gratitude with people who’ve positively impacted us over the year and spent time sharing with each other what has been meaningful at church – along with nine square and youth room games. And there were popsicles too! We look forward to what’s coming up next with Dinner Church, beginning Wednesday, June 3 at 5:45pm.

God’s peace,

Beth McGrew-King

Pictures form Faith Formation 2025-2026 Year

Holy Week Resources for Families

Talking with children about the stories of Holy Week — the triumphal entry, the last supper, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection — can be difficult due to the heaviness and violence of the stories. Here are a few resources for talking with children about these stories in an age appropriate way.

• Look-and-Find Easter Stories for Young Children: This children’s book tells simple stories for the triumphal entry through Jesus' ascension along with look-and-find pictures for each story. Read one story per sitting, and go at the pace of your child's curiosity.

• Mary and the Gardener: Brings to life the Easter story as experienced by Mary Magdalene, the first person to see the risen Jesus.

• Faithful Families for Lent, Easter & Resurrection: Offers theological notes for parents for talking about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in age appropriate ways along with at-home activities for Holy Week.

• Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From: This book provides simple and concrete tools for talking about God and the Bible in developmentally relevant ways and adaptable for your family's particular values, interests and schedule.

Take a peek through Mary and the Gardener, Look-and-Find Easter Stories for Young Children, or Woven the next time you're at church. All three books are on the featured books cart in the Kids' Sensory Space. While we ask that books remain in the building for all to enjoy, you’re welcome to take them into the worship center with you or curl up with one in the living room or alcove when you’re on site.

Montana Youth Trip Update

Monday - by hallie

Today we went on the high and low ropes courses which was super fun! I got to go down on a huge zip line.

On the downside, we did have to wear pants to go on the high ropes course, so it was really hot. To cool down we got some huckleberry ice cream from the camp canteen.

I am so grateful to be able to wake up in nature, as well as seeing a beautiful lake every day. I see God in the friends that I have made and in the sunshine shining on the lake here, and I am very grateful to have this opportunity.

Tuesday - by Carly

On Tuesday we started the morning with oatmeal and many delicious toppings. After getting ready for the day we walked over to launch our canoes and kayaks. It was windy, and after about an hour of paddling, the decision was made to turn around. Many struggled, and everyone was bummed about not having the picnic and swimming on the island. But to still somewhat stick with our plan, we went to a different beach to have our picnic. It was a beautiful turn around to a rough paddle. We then had devotion, bible study, and time at the camp store for ice cream. After that, we had a choice of disc golf, art, the basketball courts, and hammocking. The wind and water had calmed down then, and we were able to swim at the beach until we left to get dinner. The pasta dinner was wonderful with a side of great conversations and dessert. We ended the night with worship, highs, lows, and our God moments of the day all by the camp fire.

Wednesday - by adia

On day 4 of our trip we did different service projects throughout the camp. I painted picnic tables under the sun with some of my favorite people.

We kept our minds busy with music, riddles, games and jokes, and the whole mood was light and cheery.

I am so thankful for the fresh air, clean water, and the warm sun, but especially thankful for the incredible experiences and friendships made. I saw God in the smiles and laughter shared with this incredible group of people.

For more photos of the trip, check out their photo gallery HERE.