Dear New McKendree Church Family,

Church Family,

It is hard to believe that three years have passed since I wrote my first newsletter as Family Ministries Director. As I reflect on that time, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you. These past three years have been a season of growth, learning, and discovery. I have learned so much from the children, youth, families, volunteers, and other staff of our church, and I continue to learn something new every day.

One of the most exciting developments in our ministry is that, for the first time in five years, we are closing in on the first full year of having two full-time employees dedicated to serving children and youth. Tylor Barnes, our Youth Ministry Coordinator, started part-time in 2024 and took on a full-time role in the summer of 2025. Since then, we’ve seen our youth programs thrive, with more kids in our weekly youth group, additional service opportunities throughout the year, and meaningful ministry relationships being built.

We now have greater capacity to dream, intentionally plan, and invest in the spiritual lives of our young people. We are also developing new opportunities focused on spiritual formation and faith milestone markers—meaningful moments that help children, youth, and families recognize and celebrate growth in their faith journey. 

Tylor and I also recently completed a six-month program through the Missouri Annual Conference: Next Generation Leadership Academy.  We have learned alongside other children and youth leaders from across the state through cohorts and online trainings. We are grateful to have received a grant through this program that will help strengthen and expand our ministries during the important transitions from children to youth and from youth to adulthood.

Of course, one of the big highlights of the summer has been Vacation Bible School. We welcomed 55 registered participants and were supported by an incredible team of 40 volunteers, including 8 dedicated teenagers, who served throughout the week. VBS was invigorating and energizing for everyone involved. The excitement was palpable—from the laughter and music to the conversations and connections that took place each day. It was a beautiful reminder of what happens when a congregation comes together to share God's love with children, and a wonderful way to bring back an old tradition to our yearly calendar. 

As wonderful as VBS was, our summer is not over yet. We are already looking forward to overnight camp in July at Eagle Sky in Piedmont, where many of our children and youth will have the opportunity to deepen friendships, experience God's creation, and grow in their faith. We are excited to see how God continues to work in their lives through these experiences.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and support. The ministry we share is possible because of a congregation that believes in investing in children and youth. I am grateful to be part of this journey with you and look forward to all that God has in store for us in the months ahead.

In Christian love,

Paige Turner

Director of Family Ministries