January 2000 Mission Partners

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January 2000

Trinity, Lakewood
Lakewood Teen Center

Pastor Paula Maeder Connor, Trinity, Lakewood, is spearheading an effort to organize a teen center just north of the church with an operational target date of February 18, 2000. So far her congregation along with Faith Lutheran, Lakewood, Lakewood Presbyterian, Lakewood United Methodist, Lakewood Congregational and St. James Catholic are the participating churches. When the churches made their go-ahead decision on December 13, 1999, there was a closing prayer which said, "Good God, look what you have done with us!"

The teen center has a mission statement: "Through the collaboration of Lakewood Interfaith Youth Initiative, we provide our diverse middle and high school population with a space for socialization, relaxation and personal growth and development. We will create a safe, welcoming, accepting environment and provide activities which include:

Faith-building opportunities

Recreational and social activities

Relationship-building

Educational assistance

Artistic and creative expression

while offering peer and intergenerational guidance, support and mentoring."

Pastor Paula Maeder Connor extends an invitation to your congregation to be part of an exciting partnership in ministry and community involvement.

How can your congregation aid in this youth ministry?

Here are some ways to help:

Monthly operating expense is estimated at $1800

Volunteers are needed including a volunteer coordinator, adult staff members, maintenance staff, mentors, social director, etc.

Professional expertise is needed - attorney, carpenters, artists, etc.

Donations of cleaning supplies, paint, paper products, furniture, recreational equipment, etc. are needed.

The teen center is a unique opportunity to participate in an interchurch effort to provide ministry to the youth of the Lakewood area. Are you challenged? Please give Pastor Paula Maeder Connor a call at (216) 2268087.

Please give us the opportunity to spread the good news by sending your Mission Partner stories to: Bob Ogden, Mission Partner Coordinator, 1057 Mifflin Ave, Ashland, OH 44805, rjoleo@msn.com.

January 2000

Trinity, Lakewood Lakewood Teen Center

How can your congregation aid in this youth ministry?

Trinity, Lakewood
Lakewood Teen Center