Exciting Changes to our Children and Youth Programs
Good afternoon friends!
As we prepare for the coming year (I know it's only May but planning is starting to happen for the Fall) I wanted to get you all up to speed on things that are changing or that are slightly different than previously!
We will really be aiming to teach the children and youth how to love God, love others, and teach others to love like Jesus. Much of that starts with the bonds that are created here at our church between youth, youth and adults, and youth and God. Please take a moment to read what's up below (and there is an awesome event for you all to sign up for at the bottom of the page!)

Keep Shining
-Ben Pulaski

COMMUNICATION CHANGES
How many of us get a thousand emails a day and can never find that one email that we need to sign our kids up for something? Most of us probably. Officially starting in the Fall, but unofficially starting now, most of the communication for our Children and Youth programs will be done through Slack. Slack is both web based and an app so you can access it from your phone or computer and it will allow you to join any of the channels that you want information about.

For example, let's say you have a 4th grader and a an 8th grader. You would want to join the specific chats for those ages as well as our general chat. Teachers will be able to send out messages about upcoming classes, youth leaders will be able to send out sign ups for the different events etc. The great thing is you will easily be able to find something that would have previously gotten lost in your inbox.
To join the Slack Group go to www.fccym.slack.com or download the app and search for the workgroup First Congo Youth Ministry.
Don't worry though if you aren't hip on the new technology. I will still be sending out an email once a month with everything that is happening.
NEW REGISTRATION FORM
In the Fall so many registration forms go out and you probably get sick of filling them out. Well, I am trying to get ahead of the curve. I have created a new registration form for all children and youth who will be in our programs next Fall. Please take a moment to fill it out for all your mini-me's.


We want to make sure that we have the most accurate information and that we are not missing anyone or anything. It is much shorter than the ones in the past.
NEW YOUTH GROUP DATABASE
After you fill out a registration for a middle school or high school student, you and they will receive an email from me via Leadetreks. This is a great web based program that will allow students to submit prayer requests, see all the events that are coming up and even allow them to take a leadership assessment. In the Fall, we will be placing an emphasis on building Christian leaders.

It will also be a great tool for the youth leaders to be able to confidentially communicate with each other about the needs and desires of the students so that we can minister to them effectively.
Have you signed up for Vacation Bible School yet? June 24th-28th 9am-1230pm
Please keep in mind that the fee is only a suggested donation. We want you and your child to participate at Vacation Bible School