Fall Highlights: Sept-Nov 2023

Hello everyone!

We hope this update finds you well and filled with the joy of community and connection. Jeff and Chrissy here, excited to share some highlights and happenings from the past few months of life and ministry here in Rocklin/Roseville.

Chrissy's Fall Highlights:

• Although shifting to part-time was a difficult transition at first, I have found so much joy in this season and getting to slow down and soak up this time with Junia. We are also so grateful for our friend who nannies Junia two-days a week which allows me to get some designated hours to focus on ministry.

• This fall I've had the opportunity to start a new Missional Serving Community and it's been a joy getting to know this new small group and to walk alongside them on this journey.

• In November I got to help lead our church in our annual Thanksgive Basket event. It's been so cool to see how this event has weaved together several different partnerships and provided multiple opportunities for people of all ages in our church to get involved - from a local High School collecting and donating a bounty of canned goods, to our youth and elderberries groups helping to sort and box up the canned goods, to donating bulk items to Loaves and Fishes, and ultimately having the whole church participate in packing up a Thanksgiving meal, plus extra canned goods, for several families in our community (many who have kids at the elementary school across the street from our church).

Jeff's Fall Highlights:

• This school year is my 16th year in youth ministry. I started as a Middle School volunteer my senior year of High School and never looked back. I am incredibly grateful for all of the mentors, volunteers and students that I've gotten to know over these last 16 years, and I am looking forward to what God continues to do in youth ministry.
  

• In November, I had the incredible opportunity to take 13 students on a retreat. Just for some perspective, 13 students accounts for about 80% of the youth group. The retreats were a time of growth, reflection, and building lasting connections. Witnessing the transformative experiences of these young hearts is a constant reminder of the impact youth ministry can have. I was able to witness first hand how important retreats are, and my hope is that the impact that was made goes beyond the November to really impact student's lives.
  

• One of the greatest honors in youth ministry is to have a student ask you to baptize them. At the end of November, (the same sunday as thanksgiving baskets) I was able to baptize one of our Middle School girls. It has been so amazing to see how the Holy Spirit has been moving in and through her. To be asked to baptize her was the cherry on a very meaningful few months of youth ministry.

Other Fun Stuff:

• We are so grateful for the opportunities we had to book end this season with a couple of family trips! In September we took a little vacation up to Tahoe for some lovely R&R. And in Novemeber, just after Thanksgiving, we went on a big family trip to Southern California! Highlights included Junia gonig to Mickey's house and meeting Mickey as well as Jeff and Chrissy's favorite holiday event, the Cambria Christmas Market.

We are continually inspired by the warmth and support of the church community, both here in Rocklin and around the world. Thank you for being an integral part of our lives and ministry. As we look ahead, we are excited for the opportunities and adventures that await us.

Blessings,

Jeff and Chrissy