Kathy Brinker has found a new time of 2:30 Sunday afternoons is a great time to gather both young STARS and their parents. She teaches a Bible lesson, followed by a sweet time of prayer. Kathy shared that this time is as sweet for the parents as it is for the STARS. STARS music has had to adapt as well. Last year we held music camp virtually through Zoom, and Ministry Associate for Music Kristin Visconti continues to lead the STARS beautifully each week through song and percussion. Over 40 STARS join in each week, and it’s a lively time of joyful worship. In December, we created Advent booklets for the STARS. These books helped them walk through the season of Advent. Dawn Clark wrote out devotionals that connected with the Advent readings at College Church each week. Recently we also collaborated with Dawn Clark for an Easter packet filled with devotions, coloring pages and activities. We distributed over 80 of these to STARS. Respite care is normally a part of our ministry. Parents need a break when they are 24/7 caregivers for their kids living with disabilities. But our STARS Ministry staff all agreed that respite online isn’t really giving parents a break. In place of that, we had parking lot events. Most people probably thought we were a little crazy to say, “We’re going to gather in the parking lot, stay in our cars and have a blast!” but that’s what it really was! In September, Beth Gunther enthusiastically welcomed STARS families and led them through an evening of fun. Each STAR received a shoestring bag and a shirt with the STARS logo. We united through our identity in Christ, even though we couldn’t be together physically. Those parking lot events start again later this month, and everyone is excited. Run for the STARS went virtual last year for the first time ever, and we’ve decided to go virtual again this year. When we make this decision, we not only consider the public, but also our STARS. Taking these factors into account, 16
we’ve decided to err on the side of extreme caution to protect the STARS who participate in this event. We would appreciate your support by walking or running with a friend to support the STARS. Registration forms are in the Commons lobby or can be found at runfortheSTARS. com.
Mindy Rynbrandt Director of Women’s Ministries Coming Together Around God’s Word For many of us, the word together has been more broadly defined over the past year. Before the pandemic hit, it was hard to conceive of corporate worship, Bible study, discipleship or prayer meetings occurring unless physically gathered in one space. During lockdown last spring, our definition of together needed to expand to adapt to the circumstances which were forcing us into physical and social isolation. In women’s ministry we quickly pivoted, recognizing women needed to be nourished by God’s Word and the support of community–even if from a safe distance. After this long pandemic year, we give thanks for Zoom, YouTube, outdoor patios, community parks and other provisions of the Lord that have allowed us to persevere through a pandemic year together. On Wednesdays in Women’s Bible Study, despite many barriers this year, over 300 women have studied the Book of Genesis together, marveling at God’s patience with humans and his incredible salvation plan revealed in this narrative. Both online and in-person, women have come together around the Word, encouraging, challenging, supporting and praying alongside one another through the pandemic.
