  If a person isn't familiar with the Kaufman Resource Center (or KRC for short), it is a special part of the synod that operates like a library, offering a treasure trove of books and resources to all who enter. It is a place for learning, growing, and even reflection. It is not only a place for rostered ministers to acquire curriculum, or lay congregation members to pick up Bible study materials, it is also a welcoming space for children to grow in their faith.
The KRC, like any well-rounded library, offers a continuously expanding children's section that includes a plethora of books and other resources designed to not only instruct children on their own faith, but also the faiths and beliefs of others, as it is important for children to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. In addition to faith-based resources, and resources that celebrate others, the KRC also offers resources that help children accept and learn to celebrate themselves. Books that teach children the importance of self-acceptance and self-esteem building are also included in the KRC. As both the synod Resource Specialist and mom of two toddlers (both born during the COVID-19 Pandemic), Rebekah Wissler has been trying to make more children and teen resources available. She has also been working to include many other resources for parents like her, that want to share the Word of God with their kids or family as the world still adjusts to a post-pandemic life. The resources from the KRC have not only helped her teach and share the teachings of the Bible with her children, but they've also helped bring about a "return to normal" these past two years. The resources from the KRC have empowered her to create a nurturing environment where her kids can thrive, learn, and develop a love of God. She encourages parents, pastors, and everyone to explore the KRC, take advantage of the resources available, and advocate for continued mission support funding, as the KRC relies on mission support dollars to maintain and enhance its services. She thanks everyone for the generosity that has helped this wonderful synod asset grow and thrive.
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 For Kevin Gilroy, as an 11-year-old, attending church was a social engagement. St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was a place to see his friends and participate in activities with other youth.
Kevin, along with his fellow confirmation age students, were looking forward to having more time to hang out during confirmation when their pastor had a stroke. This came as a shock for Kevin and the other youth. Over the course of the next year as they waited for their pastor to return, this group of first-year confirmation students and one second-year student were left with little to no instruction. Kevin was given the option of leaving St. Luke’s and attending a different church to ensure he received more comprehensive confirmation instructions before being confirmed. What Kevin didn’t know, nor did anyone else, was that all the parents had given their children the same option, and they all said, "no." St. Luke’s was their home. Their commitment to each other and St. Luke’s moved the youth leader’s husband so much, that he was willing to restart the confirmation classes as their instructor. Quickly, the group became known as the "Hot Mess Express." For Kevin, this was the first time he took ownership of his faith journey. As a group, the HME decided to all be confirmed at the same time. This commitment to each other helped Kevin to thrive, learn about his faith, and what that meant for his relationship with God. After 18 months of hard work, Kevin was confirmed the year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, on Reformation Sunday, along with the rest of the HME by their new pastor. After being confirmed, Kevin remained an active member of St. Luke’s and the Northeastern Ohio Synod. He was able to participate in the worship services when Bishop Allende visited St. Luke’s during the installation of his new pastor. He helped operate the video equipment to stream weekly services, then proceeded to use that gift to run the projection camera at last year’s synod assembly. As a young adult, Kevin will begin his third year at Thiel College this coming autumn. He believes being able to take ownership of his own faith journey has given him the stable foundation he will use to continue building on his faith for the rest of his life. He has continued to grow in his faith, and has seen firsthand how being part of the whole church is needed. Without the whole church’s help, Kevin would not have been able to develop a closer relationship with God, be confirmed into this faith, welcome a new pastor, and attend a Lutheran college. Your generous Mission Support makes it possible for the whole church to nurture the faith of young people like Kevin. Thank you for your generous support. P.S. Out of the 5 confirmation students in Kevin’s class, three of them are attending Lutheran Colleges. |
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