On Monday, April 28th, our teens met for their final session of the Spring session of Salt & Light. What really stood out is that the teens have grown more comfortable sharing with one another and our mentors with each gathering.   Connections are continually growing and new friendships have been formed over the last few months.
  After a blessing and enjoying our meal, Der Hayr led the students in a discussion based on questions that they had submitted from our prior session. The first question “Does not going to church every week make you less of a Christian “? After a few thoughtful minutes, each teen expressed that they felt that as long as they pray at home, it was okay if they did not attend church on a regular basis. Der Hayr listened to their thoughtful replies and reasoning and gently educated the teens on the importance of attending church services.
  Der Hayr reminded us that God created the world in 6 days and on the seventh day He rested. That day was Saturday.  But for us as Christians, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus is the most important event to ever take place.  Therefore, we gather on Sunday’s, the Lord’s day, to remember His resurrection and to always be ready for His second coming.  So while praying alone at home is important and everyone should continue to pray throughout the day, it is also very important for us to  be together on Sundays as a community.  Through being in church on Sunday, we can refocus, feel our spirit being renewed, and be refreshed for the coming week as we receive Holy Communion.. 
  The second question “When I read the Bible on my own, how can I fully understand it”?
Der Hayr stated there are many study Bibles, some for students, which have notes that are helpful. Der Hayr also spoke of the benefit of the programs in our church, such as Sunday school, Salt & Light, and adult Bible Study as ways to continue to grow in our faith which is a lifelong commitment.  (Afterwards in our group discussion, the teens expressed appreciation for the Salt & Light program as they feel they have strengthened their relationship with God, have a better understanding of the Bible and how to relate God’s teachings to their everyday life).
During their time with the facilitators, the teens expressed their appreciation for Salt & Light and how much they have enjoyed learning about their faith, being with and making new friends and looking forward to a summer social activity.
  The teens enjoyed an activity designed by the facilitators to determine how well the students know them. A lot of laughter and good-natured kidding and competition was shared and the top four teens with the most correct answers won a gift card.
The teens look forward to our summer outing and all said that they plan on returning in the Fall.
  Also, several of our teens have expressed interest in volunteering this summer at our Bible Camp.
If you know of a teen between the ages of 13-18 who may be interested in joining Salt & Light please contact Jayne Zobian at jayneech@aol.com or 401-323-5163. We welcome your teens at any time.
  We are all so grateful to Der Hayr for his ongoing support and dedication to our youth and to the Board and our church community for their unwavering support. We are especially thankful for the Christian Education Committee for its support of the Salt & Light Youth Ministry Program.