It's Back to School Time -Again.

Parents, It's school time again! With your help the Edge Student Ministry had a very successful summer. I believe that by all of us working together we can also make this a very fruitful school year. As a note of encouragement I want you to know that I consider it of prime importance that together we be an active part of your students faith during this season.

This summer we had students from all over the Quad Cities attend summer camps, participate in Missions projects and share their faith with their friends. In early June a group of students went to Worldview Academy in Deerfield, IL to further their faith by learning to think and to live in accord with a biblical worldview so that they will serve Christ and lead the culture.  I encourage you and your student to take some time to explore Worldview Academy and what it might look like for your student to attend a Worldview camp next summer. You can find out more at www.worldview.org. 

In addition a large group of students went to Wheaton College to attend Student Life Mission Camp.  There our students served at the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and at Family Service Shelter of Glen Ellyn.  The students did multiple service projects from spending time playing with kids to pulling weeds and painting.  The experience was truly eye opening and we have since been invited back to help with further projects by both organizations! I am so proud of our students and what they are accomplishing for the Kingdom.  You can find out more about Student Life by visiting www.studentlife.com.

This summer we met every other Sunday night at multiple locations throughout the Quad Cities. We had cookouts, volleyball, a trip to IHOP and so much more. One of our most impactful events was a prayer walk our students participated in.  We set up seven prayer stations and gave the students an opportunity to pray for their school year.  They had opportunities to prayer for their administrators, teachers, friends, those they are yet to befriend and for their own walk with our Lord.  Every event was well attended with visitors coming to each and every one.   Thank you for being so supportive in this attempt to get our students off campus and be the church outside of the walls of the building.

With school back in full swing for almost all of our students we will get back to our usual meeting times throughout the week and we encourage not only your student to attend but you parents as well. It is so important that you and your student be in the Word and experience the fullness of Christ together.  I have always found students to take their faith more seriously when they see their parents involved and participating in the body of Christ; so please be encouraged to see all that Edgewood has to offer both you and your student(s) as we strive to Equip People to Become Fully Devoted Followers of Christ.

On Sundays we meet at 9:30am for a time of Bible Fellowship. Terry and Holly Hartley lead students in 7-8 grades and students 9-12 grades are led by Chris Rogers and myself.  Elevate is a student worship service for students 6-12 grades that meets Sunday mornings at 10:45am.  Sunday nights, beginning September 8^th, at 6pm we meet for a time of community and discuss areas of faith related to discipleship, holiness, selflessness and missions. And last but not least we also meet Wednesday nights, beginning September 4^th, for The Journey (HS) and Trek (JHS) for an AWANA based Bible study and small group.

Should you or your student(s) ever need my assistance in any way please know that both my wife and I are available for you. You can reach us by email at Jeff@edgewoodbaptist.net and Alisha@edgewoodbaptist.net or by phone at 309-786-7913.

I consider it a great privilege and awesome responsibility to lead your student and I look forward to partnering with you this school year.