Hello Youth Families!

We have lots planned for this month. Whether your student is into sports or volunteering or socializing or learning, we've got a variety of activities to connect with. RSVP (Pretty Please): Use this link to let us know you're coming.

Beyond activities though, what's really important is building relationships with you and your family. Let me know if your student has games, concerts, plays, events, etc. coming up that I can attend. I would love to come and support them.

I also want to support you - both as a parent/guardian and also as a person. Can we connect for coffee or lunch or happy hour or a walk (if the weather ever gets cooler)? Let me know what works for you! Schedule a Time

OCTOBER EVENTS

October 4th is our next First Sunday - take a step together in building your family's faith habit!

Youth: We'll have a 6th & 7th grade class and an 8th-12th grade class for youth starting at 10AM. Meet in the Youth Lounge.

Parents: Our special class for parents called De-escalation with Dignity led by Jo Mascorro continues on 10/4. The session in September got high praise from the parents who attended. October will be new material and a great opportunity to join in.

First Sundays are the first step.

• Sunday 10/11 - Youth, meet in the Kitchen for a special activity and service project.
• Sunday 10/18 - Youth, meet in the youth lounge for a combined 6th-12th grade class.
• Sunday 10/25 - Bring the whole family to the gym for breakfast, manna bag assembly, and a ministry fair.
• Check out the October Parent Connection materials for Youth Sunday School.

I'll be hanging out at HTeaO (1638 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78209) on October 14th from 6-7:30PM. Your students can stop by during that time for a free beverage and a chance to chat and catch up. They are free to stay the whole time or just drop by when they can. Bring a friend!

Need Volunteer Service Hours? Each month folks from Laurel Heights go to Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) to help out with sandwich making, warehouse sorting, yard work, cleaning, etc. Our next CAM Saturday volunteer opportunity is October 17th. We'll meet at CAM at 9AM. Youth can be dropped off or the whole family can come volunteer together. I will sign forms, etc. for service hours as needed. Friends are always welcome!

We'll have Open Gym on Sunday, October 18th from 5PM-7PM. This is open play for students 6th-12th grade. We've got basketball, soccer, pickleball, kickball, dodgeball, etc. We'll also serve a light dinner at 6PM. It's all free. Feel free to arrive/depart as dictated by your schedule. Invite a friend or two!

Serve & Play in August was so much fun, let's try it again! The Laurel Heights Weekday School (preschool) hosts their Fall Festival every October and they need volunteers to help with the various activities. Come volunteer at the festival from 5-7PM (and earn some service hours) and then stick around to play with us until 9PM. The inflatable obstacle course will be there, plus food, and some Halloween fun.

So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. (Colossians 2:6-7 CEB)

Happy are those who trust in the Lord, who rely on the Lord. They will be like trees planted by the streams, whose roots reach down to the water. They won’t fear drought when it comes; their leaves will remain green. They won’t be stressed in the time of drought or fail to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 CEB)

In October we'll be starting Rooted, our yearlong series for Youth Group for 2026-27. Life can be nearly impossible when we don't have something to hold onto. Our faith can be one of the things that keeps us rooted and healthy. Each month we'll explore how we become more deeply rooted in our life with God.

This month Youth Group is Sunday, October 25th 12PM-2PM. Lunch is provided. There will also be plenty of time for fun and games and time with friends. Students are always welcome to bring a friend or two.

It's a match made in heaven - Soulful Supper + Open Gym each month. Gym opens at 5PM for play. We'll start serving dinner at 5:30PM. Come when you can, stay as long as you like.

Regards,

Katie Myers

Laurel Heights UMC, Director of Youth Family Ministries

katie@mylhumc.org

210-587-5498

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