May 2001

Dear Parent of a 4th, 5th or 6th Grader,

It is that time of the year again for a group-tramp through the woods in search of adventure.  Actually, for the junior age group, adventure is everywhere, but the things of the wild have a special appeal and a tradition of hikes has now been going on for many years.

All  Junior age children (those currently in 4th, 5th and 6th grades) from First Free Church's Sunday School, Junior Church, Adventure Clubs and Stockade Clubs are invited.  We usually pick a location near the Minnesota or Mississippi Rivers.  This year we may have trouble getting AWAY from the rivers.

Bring  your child to the church parking lot at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 2 and we will take vans to the location we have chosen, probably

The hikers will be returned to their homes (or other designated destinations within the Metro area)between about 5:00 and 6:30 pm.  A donation of $5.00 will help pay for lunch, snacks and photos  to be distributed to each participant.

Please have your child dress for the weather and be prepared for the forecast.  We may encounter any of the elements (and some of the milder plagues).  Long pants protect from weeds.  Old shoes are best. Those endorsed by multi-millionaire sports stars  that are not old and mud stained at the beginning of the day, will be by the end.  Hats are wise.  A rain jacket can be carried if not being used.

Personal backpacks will help us to distribute the load.  Insect repellent and sunscreen would be a good idea, although we will bring some for those who need.

If you are ideologically opposed to having small slimy creatures or various creeping things brought back by your young naturalists, be sure that they know the conditions for re-entry into their house of origin.

Pray for safety and a good time.  God has been very gracious over the years and we do not want to take that for granted.  We will call to confirm who is going and to answer more questions.  We are unable, however, to answer the questions of why we keep doing this and how long we intend to live.

The year in Junior Church has been a good one, with active participation (deliberate choice of words hints at the energy level of the group) and good insights.  We are even more motivated to prepare these eager learners for the challenges to their future well-being as we see several young people who have gone through this church in the past now making shipwreck of their lives.  Of course, we still claim them for the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and they can surely turn around after going astray, but what suffering can be avoided by following the Lord every moment of every day.

The kids who make it through the mine field of modern American society are those who know they are in a spiritual battle and are on the offensive for the Lord, not only keeping themselves from evil but reaching out to their peers with spiritual power from the One Who defeated evil on the cross.

Your Perennial Junior Church Teachers,

Mary Anderson Ross Olson
612-824-5573 612-824-7691

Call us if your child wants to come.