April 2026: ELC Youth Programming
It Takes a Church to Build a Summer of Impact
As we turn the corner into spring, we also begin looking ahead to
something special: a summer filled with faith, energy and connection for
the kids and youth in our congregation and community.
From Vacation Bible School for our youngest children, to Day Camp for
elementary students, to local service days and a summer trip to Kansas
City for our middle and high school youth, there is no shortage of
meaningful experiences on the horizon.
But none of it happens on its own.
Each of these moments — whether it’s a child singing at VBS, a first grader
stepping onto the grounds at Sugar Creek, or a high school student serving
others in our community — exists because people in this church step
forward to make it happen.
This summer, we’re grateful for strong leadership already in place.
Cheyenne Twiton and Lauren Albrecht will lead and plan Day Camp, while
our Youth Ministries Director, Brenda Martin, will guide our VBS
programming. They will create the kind of welcoming, high-energy
environment that makes these experiences so memorable.
And they won’t be doing it alone. We’re actively looking for additional
volunteers to help lead activities, support our Day Camp leaders and be
part of the VBS experience. Whether you can give a full week or just some
of your time, your presence makes a real difference. If you are interested
in contributing your time and talents for any of these events, please reach
out to Brenda at brenda.martin@elcmthoreb.org.
At the same time, our Benevolence Program plays a critical role in
ensuring these opportunities are accessible to everyone who wants to
participate. Each April, we invite contributions that help offset costs,
provide camperships and expand what we’re able to offer. For kids already
connected to ELC, these experiences deepen their faith in new ways. For
others, it may be their first meaningful introduction to a church
community.
You can contribute financially throughout the month of April by:
- Mail: Send a check to ELC and note “Benevolence” in the memo
- Online: Visit the ELC website and click “Give”
- Digitally: Download the “GivePlus Church” mobile app, or text “Benevolence” to 608-400-0183 with the amount you wish to give.
Thank you for helping build a summer that will matter. Not just for a week, but for years to come.
On behalf of Benevolence,
Adam Mertz
