LOGOS

“The Word”

Parent Handbook

CONTACT INFORMATION:First Presbyterian Church . . . . 402-277-0165

Rev. Kathleen Splitt, Pastor . . . . 402-277-0165Collene Vanek, Co-Director . . . . 402-416-0352Mikayla Smart, Co-Director . . . . 402-480-2710

LOGOS ONE RULEEVERYONE IS A CHILD OF GOD

AND NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TREAT ANYONE ELSEAS IF THEY DON’T MATTER.

Celebrating 54 Years ofReaching Youth and Children

Through the Church2017 will mark the 54th year churches have been nurturing Christian relationships via LOGOS. It is my 31st year. Since moving to Fremont in 1987 and enrolling my three sons in the LOGOS program at The Presbyterian Church, I have remained involved with LOGOS. I have attended six Leadership Training Schools and participated in the start up of LOGOS in five other churches (Wahoo is the sixth). Fourteen years ago I joined the National Leadership Training Team as a LOGOS presenter and have served on four LOGOS Experience (now called Encounters) leadership teams. Needless to say, I am convinced that LOGOS is a priceless gift from God to the youth, children AND adults in our churches!!!Wherever the LOGOS Ministry is established, churches grow spiritually, and often numerically, too. The LOGOS System of Nurture is the environment in which the LOGOS ministry is sustainable. It is an environment where everyone treats everyone else (of all ages) as children of God. And it requires the entire congregation getting on board with the one rule: EVERYONE IS A CHILD OF GOD, AND NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TREAT ANYONE ELSE AS IF THEY DON'T MATTER.Though churches that practice the LOGOS ministry often grow numerically, we don’t do LOGOS for that reason. We do LOGOS because . . . .

It will help us grow closer to God, and to each other. LOGOS helps build a sense of community about which onlookers say, “See how much they love each other!”

It is tough to grow up in today’s culture. Young people in our community are craving a place where they feel safe and cherished. We believe “everyone is a child of God and should be treated that way.” We believe “no one has the right to treat

anyone else as if they don’t matter.” We believe nurturing people, especially young people and children, into right relationships of faith with God through

Jesus Christ is the most important thing the church ever does. We believe everything we do is theological, and we want what we do (and what we teach our youth and children to

do) to be consistent with a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Finally, we do LOGOS because we believe God has called us to do LOGOS. Call has been defined as the place

“where the world’s greatest need and our greatest passion meet.” Many have experienced this reality in LOGOS.The Presbyterian Church where my three sons experienced LOGOS was known in Fremont as “the church that keeps its kids.” It is the church that helped me raise young men who now say, “Mom, we can’t understand how anyone can NOT believe in God.”My prayer is that our church will be a place that nurtures young people to just such a groundedness in the God who has loved them through the hands and feet of every member here.

Pastor Kathleen

Let the CelebrationLet the Celebration ContinueContinue

Staffing Our LOGOS MinistryThere are two kinds of staffing. We have positions to which persons are called into ministry, and positions for which persons volunteer. Family members of youth and children enrolled in the LOGOS ministry fill some of these positions, and persons from the congregation without children or youth in the ministry fill others. If you have not been called to be a member of the staff of the LOGOS ministry, you are expected to volunteer to participate in some way.

Called PositionsLOGOS Ministry Co-Directors................................................................................Mikayla Smart & Collene VanekDinner Dean.................................................................................................................................. Pastor Jim SplittBible Study Teachers.....................................................................Rachel Stone, Linda Bordovsky, & Lynae CallanKitchen Coordinator..........................................................................................................................Adele JacksonRecreation Coordinators........................................................................................Marcia Otte & Linda BordovskyRegistrar/Treasurer...............................................................................................Mikayla Smart & Collene VanekWorship Skills .............................................................................................Pastor Kathleen Splitt & Joan Hanson Table Parents...................................Don & Dottie Bern, Doug & Linda Bordovsky, Arlinda Snelling, Grace KetnerDecorations Coordinator.............................................................................................................. Janice JorgensenComforter.......................................................................................................................................... Karen HoufekHigh School Leadership Coordinator................................................................................................... Lynae Callan

Volunteer PositionsBible Study Ministry

Bible Study Teacher Assistant

Kitchen MinistryClean-up Team

Dining Room MinistrySet-up TeamWashing laundry, etc.

RecreationAssistant to coordinatorCraftsGames

Worship SkillsParent AssistantsInstrumentalistsDrama AssistantLiturgy Leaders

Other Support PositionsPhotographer..................................................................when needed

Pray-ers...................................................................without ceasing

KEY PRACTICES

LOGOS is an intentional, congregation-wide focus on three KEY PRACTICES.

Christian Relationships

Developing Christian relationships is the heart of LOGOS. Through scripture, we have come to know that to God, relationships are everything. This is true for our personal relationship with God and for

the relationships we have with one another. Our relationships with one another are made new because of our relationship with God. In LOGOS, we celebrate our relationship with God with our ONE rule of LOGOS: You are a child of God and we will treat you that way. Everything we do in LOGOS is relational and helps to practice being in right relationship with others.

Process of Call

LOGOS has developed a process that is effective in helping the church invite people into ministry that has the best chance of matching a church’s needs with the spiritual gifts and interests of the people. In the process of calling people to share their gifts in ministry, the person and their gifts need to be prayerfully matched to the tasks. It is a biblical process. God never recruited anyone.

LOGOS believes that all persons are created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) They are endowed with the gifts and talents needed to accomplish the purposes for which they were created.

The Process of Call utilizes three basic steps of a Call Team. This team focuses on identifying the needs, identifying the names of people to issue a call and helping them to discern that call. This process is deeply undergirded with prayer and patience in the work of the Holy Spirit.

Balanced Ministry

The LOGOS weekly experience has been successful in doing balanced ministry, providing enough time, every week for young people to put into practice what they have studied in Bible study. This

experience will carry over into Sunday school, youth groups, and other education ministries because relationships have been built and a pattern of living has been established.

In LOGOS, everyone participates in the four parts: Bible study, recreation, worship skills and family time. These four parts characterize the activities in which the early Christians participated as they formed the first Christian communities (Acts 2:42). In LOGOS, we experience all of them every time we meet so that the full impact of the combined elements can provide an arena for the development of genuine Christian relationships.

SummaryWhen these three KEY PRACTICES are emphasized, there is an increased possibility of congregation-wide transformation. Christian Relationships, Balanced Ministry and The Process of Call, together, can have an impact on all areas of ministry in our church when introduced and practiced throughout our ministry.

DEFINING LOGOSDeveloping and nurturing Christian relationships is at the heart of the LOGOS weekly experience. The theology on which LOGOS is founded is solid, basic and biblical: We must set our will to love one another as Christ loved us, giving each other unconditional, unearned, undeserved grace and love. Learning to do this takes time and practice. LOGOS provides both, in a safe environment every week.

The definition of LOGOS:LOGOS is the theology and practice

of intergenerational Christian relationshipsin a disciplined, weekly, four-part context.

As we look at each of the important words in the definition we begin to uncover the various components and how they form the arena in which LOGOS takes place. The three pivotal words of this definition are: Theology which is practiced through Relationships which are Christian in a Context that is disciplined, weekly and in four parts.

Theology - "Theo" is "God" in Greek. "ology" means "study of." Theology is the study of what God is like and what God wants of each of us and of the church. Everything is theological! Everything in our experience and common life has to do with God and our relationships.

When we say that LOGOS is theology, we are asserting that young people, children and adults, interacting with one another in all four parts of the ministry every week are involved in experiencing, not just hearing about: Who God is . . . What God is like . . . What God wants . . . What difference it makes . . . Who we are . . . What is the meaning and purpose of everything.

Practice -In LOGOS we recognize the reality that “the Christian faith is more caught than taught.” Christian experience precedes Christian thought and theology. Consequently we know that “Spiritual nurture always requires a relational context to be effective.”

LOGOS is designed to be theology in action. In Biblical times and with Biblical people, to believe was to act. Without action, a belief is simply speculation.

Intergenerational Christian Relationships - Through scripture, we come to know that to God, relationships are everything. This is true for our personal relationship with God and for the relationships we have with one another. Our relationships with one another are made new because of our relationship with God. Relationships with persons of all ages are essential to Christian formation and the development of mature faith. For intergenerational Christian formation to happen, the generations must be together, they must know each other, and they must experience life in the body of Christ together. Context

Disciplined - In this context discipline/discipling means structure, striving for excellence, commitment, expectations, using time - energy - and gifts to produce excellence.

Weekly – LOGOS provides a lift and renewal that bridges the time gap between regularly-scheduled congregational worship services. For young people living in an alien culture, this weekly experience can provide stability and encouragement to stand up to and face the pressures and temptations our culture provides them. Because in most church situations worship is scheduled on Sundays, midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) is the best time for LOGOS.

Four Parts - The arena for Christian nurture found in LOGOS is made up of four equally important experiences in which every young person participates. These four parts characterize the activities in which the early Christians participated when they formed the first Christian communities. Every church includes these activities to some extent in their life together. In LOGOS, we experience all of them every time we meet so the full impact of the combined elements can provide an arena for development of genuine Christian relationships.

Our Schedule

LOGOS Dates with ThemesWe encourage everyone who participates in LOGOS to dress the part. If there is a theme that captures your imagination and you want to dress for the theme, please do!

September 6th...............................................................We're Baaack!!September 13th..................................................................Polite NightSeptember 20th.....................................Big Red Night (Invite a Friend)September 27th…….........................................Apples, Apples, ApplesOctober 4th...........................................................................Camp-OutOctober 11th..................................................................Columbus DayOctober 18th.....................................................................World SeriesOctober 27th..........................................................The Ghouls Are OutNovember 1st.................Goulash, Jello Salad, Breadsticks, CupcakesNovember 8th .........................................................Honoring Our VetsNovember 15th...............................................................Giving Thanks

TIME 3rd – 5th grades 6th - 8th grades High School5:45-6:00 Gathering Time

6:00-6:45 Family Time

6:45-7:00 Recreation/Playtime

7:00-7:30 Worship Skills Bible Study High School Time

7:30-8:00 Bible Study Worship Skills

1. Bible Study

The bible study portion of LOGOS provides the foundation upon which the rest of the ministry is designed. To build Christian relationships, and to create an arena in which Christian community can be experienced, everyone must come to know and understand the Bible. Along with regular attendance in Church School and other church programs, the LOGOS ministry strives to create biblically literate youth and children who apply what they have learned in the Bible study to all aspects of their life.

2. Worship Skills

The experience of corporate worship is at the center of our life together as a Christian community. To prepare youth and children to participate regularly in worship with the congregation each Sunday, the Worship Skills portion of LOGOS not only teaches about worship, but provides ways for our young people to lead the congregation in worship . . . . because worship is for the congregation what breathing is for the human body.

3. Recreation/Play Time

Part of what it means to be created in the image of God is having the capacity to give and receive personal revelation. We cannot play without revealing ourselves. The challenge in Recreation is learning how to treat each other as children of God even at difficult moments. We play for theological reasons in LOGOS as well as for fun. Revelation happens for both young people and adults. Recreation also provides the opportunity for many adults of the congregation to come and share their hobbies, talents and special

interests with the young people. In doing so, revelation takes place and relationships are formed.

4. Family Time

Christ is uniquely known and experienced in the breaking of bread. LOGOS Family Time is not just a time to eat. It is a time when families of unrelated young people and adults are formed around tables. These table families care for and about each other as they share food, fun, and conversation around the table each week. There is a sacramental dimension to eating together. As Jesus is known to his disciples in the breaking of bread, so are we known to each other when we eat together.

Discipling in LOGOSThere is only one rule in LOGOS:

All relationships in LOGOS are guided by this rule. In LOGOS we believe nothing is more important to God than our relationships with others and with God. Every aspect of theology has to do with relationships, and everything we do reflects our theology.

The word discipline comes from the word disciple. Christian discipline/discipling is the teaching of self-control and how to respond as Jesus would respond to unacceptable behavior. This requires risking and making ourselves vulnerable, but it is only in this approach that we can teach what Christian love is all about.

We learn from our conflicts. Discipling situations are opportunities for teaching and for students to take responsibility for their actions. Adults model resolutions that build self-esteem and help young people understand what it means to live together and treat each other as Children of God. We give them tools to build healthy Christian relationships.

Unacceptable behavior will be dealt with as quickly, creatively, lovingly and firmly as possible. Courtesy is expected at all times regardless of the part of LOGOS in which the student is engaged. Each and every participant, child or adult, will learn to treat everyone else as a child of God. We ask that the family support our approach to discipling, and that cooperation with others in LOGOS and the staff be stressed.

Everyone is a Child of God.No one has the right to treat anyone as if they do not matter.

REGISTRATIONRegistration is accomplished by completing the LOGOS registration form and making payment or arranging to make multiple payments. At least one parent or other loving adult is expected to attend the Parent Registration Meeting. If the date of the meeting doesn't work, a parent may meet with Kathleen or one of the co-directors to register their child/youth. For the Fall 2017 semester attendance at the August 20th Parent Meeting satisfies this requirement. Payment can be made in installments. We suggest half at the beginning of the semester and the balance on or near October 11th.

REGISTRATION FEESThe LOGOS year will ordinarily run parallel to the academic school year and be divided into two semesters. If finances are a concern, scholarships and alternate payment plans are available. Talk with Lisa Hastings (treasurer) or Pastor Kathleen if this is your situation. Tuition for this first month of LOGOS is:

1st child $50

2nd child $40

family maximum $125

VISITORSVisitors are welcome at LOGOS and your children are encouraged to invite their friends. After visiting two times, parents will be invited to formally register their child for LOGOS and set up a parent meeting with Kathleen and/or one of our directors. Please consider the outreach ministry that can happen through LOGOS and thoughtfully encourage your children to invite their friends who do not attend church elsewhere.

DINNER GUESTSThe suggested donation for dinner is $5.00 per meal for all visitors and volunteers.

TRANSPORTATIONIf you need us to help with transportation after LOGOS, that can be arranged at the Parent Connection. This is the ultimate responsibility of parents to transport your children to and from LOGOS, but we will do what we can to help. No child is to leave LOGOS before checking out at the end of the evening. If your child is going to miss a LOGOS night please call the church to let us know ahead of time.

SCHOOL CLOSINGAnytime school is closed, for bad weather, holiday or whatever, there will be no LOGOS that night.

PARENT PARTICIPATIONLOGOS enables parents to fulfill a portion of the basic responsibilities set by God for them in raising their children. Parents are to take an active role in their children’s lives: help with assignments, encourage regular attendance, be approachable and give counsel, and rear them in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Active participation by at least one parent (or other loving adult, if a parent is unavailable) is required. Since the staff is voluntary (excluding church staff), additional volunteer service by a large number of people is essential to sustain the ministry. This is a vital element in the successful operation of LOGOS.

At the time of registration, one or both parents should sign up to volunteer where they are willing to participate. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available – talk with Kathleen, Collene, Mikayla, Adele, or any of the other leaders at the Parent meeting to see how you might help.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN/YOUTH IN LOGOSInsist on regular attendance in LOGOS and in worship, particularly those services in which your child will be leading a part of the worship service. That will be the 4th Sunday of each month: September 24th, October, 29th, and November 26th.

Encourage your child brings his/her Bible to class each week.

Fulfill your volunteer commitment of LOGOS service. Volunteer staff members are working for their Lord in committing this time for the development of young people, and you, by giving of your time, can render a vital service to your children.

Arrange for prompt payment of fees. If the suggested payment schedule puts you in a bind, please do not hesitate to speak with Pastor Kathleen or Lisa Hastings to make other arrangements and/or to receive a scholarship for your family.

When your child is scheduled to lead in worship, it is important that you help your child fulfill this commitment by getting him/her to church and rehearsals, if scheduled, on time. If your child can’t be there, please call the Worship Skills leader or Coordinator.

Participate in and encourage daily Bible reading and family devotions at home.

Stress the importance of courtesy and good behavior at LOGOS.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LOGOS

My child has too much homework. What should we do? We usually make time for those things we count as important – priorities need to be established. If you consider that you will be eating dinner, whether at church or at home, LOGOS demands are not extravagant. However, as members of the family of God, we want to help your child in any way possible. Your child may study before or after LOGOS in the classroom next to the Sunday School Superintendant's office when you inform us of the need to do so.

Does every child need to go to worship skills? Yes. This is a way for each child or young person to learn various ways to give personal service to God and the church.

Can’t we do away with dinner and save time, trouble and money? To have only part of the LOGOS ministry destroys the essence of its success. To eliminate any part of LOGOS diminishes its importance and success by over one-half. The value of LOGOS is not the activities offered, but a total ministry of growing relationships.

Can’t this be on a Sunday? There is a real value in mid-week education. It tends to teach that religion is not separate from daily activities. It is relevant to young people – much of their major activity occurs during the weekday school year. Attendance on weekdays is almost guaranteed whereas Sunday, for many, has become a day of recreation and absenteeism.

What about Church School and Worship on weekends? This is actually the 5th part of LOGOS. Worship is the heartbeat of the church. Attendance is expected at church school and worship as often as possible and especially when Worship Skills groups participate in worship leadership.

I work late and cannot easily help. What should I do? There are many areas where help is needed at different times. We can help you work out a volunteer assignment that fits your schedule and interests.

Can my neighbor, who belongs to another church, join LOGOS? The program is open to all children and youth in the community. However, they will need to attend our Sunday worship service when their worship skills class is leading a part of the worship service.

Doesn’t this compete with Sunday School? NO! In every situation where the LOGOS ministry is used, the tendency has been to enhance other Christian Education ministries. The children and youth come to church as closer friends and with a better biblical background to add to class discussions.

How important is it for my child to be in worship service? Very! We believe the Sunday worship experience is central to your child’s spiritual growth, just as it is to the spiritual growth of all God's children. The worshipping family is not complete without the youth and children. We will expect them to be present.

Does my child or young person have to attend all four parts of LOGOS? Yes. All four parts are interdependent and make an essential contribution to the success of the whole.