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Daddy-Daughter Sock Hop—Carrie Christianson-Frueh

June is a bittersweet month for me every year. The bitter part is accepting the reality that the senior class is finishing

their high school career and our relationship will never be the same after graduation. This group of students who have

been poured into, loved, discipled, developed and shepherded will not be here every week! A new season begins for

them and the rhythms of relationships will just be different than they used to be.

The sweet part is celebrating their accomplishments, celebrating the life change God has brought over the years in

high school, and celebrating a fresh start to a new season for each one of them. By the time you read this, the senior

class of 2010 will have graduated and embarked on the transition to life after high school. One of the traditions in

Student Ministries is to give the seniors an opportunity to speak wisdom back to those who are following in their

footsteps. The first Sunday in June is affectionately known as Senior Sunday and the whole class is welcomed up front

for a time of sharing about life in high school. The seniors receive a list of questions a week or two in advance and

come prepared to share the insight they have gained in the previous four years.

Below is a sampling of the questions. Take a few moments to reflect on these questions in your own life and consider

how you might answer them looking back on the last year of your life. Who could you share your insights with today or

this week? As a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, don’t wait for Student Ministries to ask these questions.

Talk to a student you know and engage them in conversation and you might be surprised at how God will bless you

both because of the time and conversation together.

• What was your most significant spiritual experience or event in the last four years?

• Was there a key verse for your life in high school, or a verse God used to guide you significantly? Do you have

a life verse?

• If you served in ministry (children’s, JH, or somewhere else), share how that involvement impacted your life.

• Describe your life in five years. How do you think your involvement here at Highlands has helped you become

more of who you want to be?

• How have you stayed accountable spiritually?

• From your experience, what advice do you give to your friends and classmates coming behind you?

Senior Transitions—Weston Foucher

Awana—Laurie Post

The weekend of May 15-16 was a busy one for the Agape Kids Choir. This group of 3rd

– 6th

graders sang in all four

services at the Renton Campus and presented their musical of Livin’ Inside Out in an Upside Down World! The kids did

an amazing job of showing Christ’s love through their music, drama, and faces. As an elementary school teacher and

one of the leaders in Agape, I work with kids all week long. This group blew me away with how they showed their faith

through their music. Their faces showed an attitude of worship that was infectious. I am proud of them for all of their

hard work this last year. Kristy Tally has done a great job of directing Agape. We have a lot to look forward to in

the future!

One of my favorite things from this year was the opportunity to see the students take leadership roles and stretch

themselves in new ways. We formed small groups that paired kids from each grade together. It was fun to see the

friendships that were formed among them. We also challenged

students to step out of their comfort zones. It was exciting and

challenging to hold tryouts as so many tried out for just a few

roles. These kids love to use music and drama as their ministry.

They wear their Agape shirts to school and some invite their

entire classes to church on the day of their presentation!

These kids are proud to share that they are a part of Agape!

I was encouraged so many times by the Agape kids this last

year. They have found a way to share their talents and love for

Him in a powerful way!

Agape Spring Outreach—Angela Gillen

A pack of poodle skirts took over the HCC gym on Friday evening May 21! The annual

Daddy Daughter Sock Hop for girls in first through fifth grades and their dads was a time

for dancing, visiting with friends, and father-daughter fellowship. Over 120 dads and

daughters took part in the fun, which was organized by the HCC elementary KidsQuest

ministry team. Upon arrival, dads and daughters had an opportunity to swing their legs

over a vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle for a priceless photo opportunity!

Following a pizza dinner, the girls took their turns at the cake walk and hula hoop

contests, then cheered as the dads tried their luck with the hula hoops. Other events

included a bubble gum blowing contest and guessing games. The dancing included old

favorites such as the hokey-pokey, the chicken dance, and a loooong limbo line.

Although none of the dads or daughters grew up in the fifties, everyone enjoyed the

many classic tunes!

An inspirational message from Bruce Kelly focused on the importance of dads devoting

a precious resource to their daughters – time. The evening was designed to help busy dads connect with their

daughters, and consider things to do together that will ensure the all-important father-daughter bond remains strong.

Thanks to all the dads and daughters who attended, and to everyone who worked hard to make the evening memora-

ble including many moms, dads, older daughters, and even some who didn't have a family member involved. The sock

hop was a blast from the past even if you were born 50 years later!

“Think of life as a camping trip and the brain as a backpack. You never know what your kids will face in life. You

want them to be prepared with a mind and heart filled with the right things. God knows exactly what we need

to handle life. He’s given us that information in His Word.” (www.awana.org)

Over 200 energetic kids from age three through sixth grade were involved in Awana at Highlands this year. A dedicated

staff of 80 comprised of junior helpers and adults with a combined 425 years of experience served in this ministry.

Leaders worked with the kids on sportsmanship during game time, attentive listening during the teaching time, and

most important of all, reciting Bible verses during handbook time. The commander, directors, and secretaries

supported the leaders in making this program a success.

Awana stresses the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts and provides uniforms and awards to motivate the

kids to progress in their Scripture memory. In addition, creative theme nights and extra incentives keep Wednesday

nights fun and exciting. Crazy hair night is always a favorite. Several incentive events were planned during the year,

including reciting verses to earn toppings for banana splits and competing for the chance to silly string a leader.

On May 19, the Worship Center was filled with kids and their families for this

year’s Awana Awards Celebration. The kids were recognized for their

Scripture memory work. Congratulations to Timothy Trophy recipients

Hannah Ekness, Ashley Halfhill, Lizzie Johnson, Rebecca Joss, Ashlee

Stanghelle, and Matthew Malueg. These sixth graders learned over 400 verses

since third grade. Keith Ferrin of That You May Know Ministries gave a

dramatic recitation of the book of Jonah and spoke on the value of making

the Bible come alive by internalizing Scripture.

Awana provides an active, rewarding environment where God’s Word is the

focus. Nothing is more important than knowing what the Bible says and living

accordingly. We would love the privilege of your kids joining us in September.