Grace Lutheran’s youth programs keep kids learning, serving & having fun

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

Grace Lutheran Church’s popular Faith, Food & Family (FFF) program recently wrapped up another fun and faith-filled season with their spring program on Wednesday, March 26.

FFF, which stands for Faith, Food & Family Night, has been a Wednesday afternoon and evening tradition at Grace Lutheran since last October. This year’s spring program drew a crowd of about 130 parents, grandparents and congregation members. Students shared scripture readings from the Easter story and performed a music medley for family and friends.

Each week during the FFF season, students gathered for an afternoon packed with activity, learning and plenty of fun. Kids rotated through four 20-minute blocks that included a biblical lesson, arts & crafts, games and activities, and a quiet homework time. Afterward, everyone gathered together in the church to sing praise songs — a favorite part of the evening — before ending the night with supper and socializing.

The program was led by a dedicated team of teachers and helpers: Tausha Severts, Amy Holte, Gretchen Smeby, Wayne Thomas, Tiffany Anderson and Ruth Anderson. Supper was prepared each week by Hazel Thomas and Melinda Sax.

Teacher Ruth Anderson shared that the program continues to thrive since its start a few years ago. “Faith, Food & Family has been very successful since its beginning at Grace Lutheran Church,” she said. “Each week, we average about 30-40 students. What’s so wonderful about this program is that it’s an ecumenical group. It has taken the place of the Sunday School program at Grace, but it’s also opened the doors to kids from all faith backgrounds. It’s reaching our youth in ways that might not have happened just by attending church. Students are hearing good and positive things in a world that doesn’t always come across in that way.”

In addition to FFF, Grace Lutheran also has an active LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) group that’s been busy this spring. On Saturday, April 5, the LYO group took a field trip to Bemidji where they visited the Evergreen Youth & Family Service Center. During their visit, students delivered 11 quilts made by the Grace WELCA quilting ladies, along with a $650 donation from the LYO’s Souper Bowl Sunday collection. The funds were designated to help the center continue its services for youth and families in need.

While at Evergreen, the group toured the facility and learned about the valuable resources the center provides to young people and families who seek help there.

Of course, the field trip also included some good old-fashioned fun - the LYO group went bowling afterward and shared a pizza meal together.

To round out their busy weekend, the LYO kids were also on hand at the Firemen’s Supper on Sunday, April 6, where they served up delicious ice cream sundaes for event-goers.

As another season of Faith, Food & Family Night comes to a close, it’s clear that Grace Lutheran Church continues to live out its mission of faith, service and community connection…with plenty of food and fun along the way!