Manna Family,
Summer is upon us, and I’m really looking forward to what God has in store for us in the month of June! We’ll kickoff the Summer Small Group Cycle on June 8th with Connect Sunday, so if you’re not yet connected to a SERVE Team, Small Group or Outreach Opportunity, this is the perfect time to jump in. We’re also starting a new sermon series called “Parables,” where we’ll unpack the stories Jesus told to help us understand how life in His Kingdom works. AND – if you haven’t signed up for our Annual SERVE Team Float (July 5th), don’t miss out – space is limited and we’d love to see you there!
As you read these last few sentences, would you join me in a special prayer for our Manna Students as they head to camp this month (9th-13th)?
Agree with me in this prayer: “Father God, thank you for preparing the way for these teens to attend summer camp. I ask that they would encounter Your Presence in a life-changing manner, marking their lives with Your grace and truth in unmistakable ways. Do what only You can do Lord, stirring up a deeper hunger for You and Your Word in this next generation. I ask for supernatural energy and discernment for our adult leaders, and a hedge of protection around the entire camp experience (including travel to and from). May this summer camp not only be a catalyst in our Student Ministry, but in our entire Manna Church family. Have Your Way Holy Spirit… I pray these things in the Name of Jesus, Amen.”
Honored to be your pastor,
We’ve created a Manna Church Worship playlist on Spotify to help you continue growing in your walk with God throughout the week. This tool will help you keep your heart and mind focused on Him every day—not just on Sundays. This playlist is a simple way to keep worship at the center as you love God, love each other, and love the world. Tap the link, press play, and let these songs help you create space for God wherever you are.
I would say that serving in children’s ministry is a more fun and unique opportunity than you may realize. You don’t need to be a professional… just bring a willingness to serve. It was definitely tough for me to walk into such a foreign environment, but the leadership team at Manna Kids provided all the training and support I needed. It’s awesome how quickly you realize that your presence matters, especially as an adult male, and kids will be excited to learn from you.
Any misconceptions you may have had before serving?
I initially worried that, due to my lack of experience, kids wouldn’t listen to me or behave around me at all. The leaders at Manna Kids told me not to worry and that the kids would thrive so long as they were around role models who showed up and cared. They were right!
I was also worried that serving in the children’s ministry would require a huge time commitment, but the scheduling team has been accommodating to my changing schedule. In total I’m asked to serve an average of one service every other week.
Unexpected blessings?
It’s very enjoyable to watch kids learn and grow. Also, it’s empowering to see that showing up and caring is often more important than having all the answers.
How have you seen God working?
How is it already time to talk about the annual SERVE Team Float? The SERVE team float is one of the two annual events where the entire SERVE team comes together for a time of fun and fellowship. If you are on the SERVE team we invite you to join on July 5th. We’ll be floating down the Blackwater River for fun and fellowship, and Manna Church will cover the cost for the first 60 people who register!
RSVP by June 12th to confirm your attendance, and we’ll send out more details closer to the event. See you there!
Ready to Lead? Join LeaderStep!
LeaderStep is your next opportunity to grow in leadership and be equipped to make a difference at Manna Church and the world around you. This 8-week experience will help you lead like Jesus.
WHEN: Wednesday evenings, 6:00–8:00 PM (for 8 consecutive weeks)
WHERE: MJ’s Place
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at rebecca.dykes@manna.church
— Your Manna Church West Florida Growth Track Team
Are You Ready for Connect Sunday?!
God designed us to grow in the context of relationships, and what better way to build life-giving relationships with others than in a Small Group! If you’re looking for a way to get more out of your faith, find community and build friendships, and get the opportunity to live out your God-given purpose, there’s no better way than to join a Small Group.
On Sunday, June 8 we’ll have our next Connect Sunday. The Dippin’ Dots truck will be on-site passing out free ice cream following each service. So it’ll be great time to grab a treat, browse the summer groups, and get your questions answered. So, come check it out and experience a little extra connection this summer!
Calling All Small Group Leaders!
If you’re a LeaderStep grad and you enjoy riding motorcycles, playing pickleball, encouraging better marriages, helping others grow through Bible studies, or anything else – consider leading a Manna Church Small Group! There’s still time to register a group for the summer cycle. Or rest up this summer as you pray and prepare to lead for the upcoming fall cycle. Either way, step into your purpose and be part of changing the world!
Support the Airman’s Attic
We’re excited to partner with the Airman’s Attic to bless military personnel and their families right here in our community! On the second Sunday of every month, you’ll find a donation drop-off spot in the courtyard during both the 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. We’re collecting items like nonperishable food, diapers, hygiene items, gently used clothes, and more (see the full list in the graphic). Your generosity helps meet practical needs and shows the love of Jesus in a tangible way. Let’s make a difference together!
In May, we sent six people to Albania and Greece on a Vision Trip to work alongside our Albanian partners, Bani and Zamira Vercani, of New Heights Elbasan. Our team was joined by Dr. Doug and Debbie Hume of Charis Med Associates and two people from Manna Colorado Springs. The team held medical clinics in church buildings, cafes, and local homes in remote and hard to reach places throughout Albania and Greece. They were able to serve 125 people, six of whom made decisions to follow Christ.
The team learned a lot about flexibility in other cultures, trusting God with the unkown, and pivoting plans at the last second. The time spent building relationships and connecting with our partners, and those they serve, was well spent. Continue to pray that all the seeds that were planted, in new and old relationships, will bear fruit and glorify the name of God!
Keep your eyes out for an upcoming podcast about their experiences!
We will be sending a team of five to the Manna D.R.E.A.M. Center in Fayetteville, NC in July. Please keep the young adults in your prayers as they begin raising support and preparing for the trip.
If you’re still interested in joining a Vision Trip, the next opportunity will be the first week of October. We will send a team to the D.R.E.A.M. Center in Los Angeles for some urban street ministry. If you are interested in joining that team, contact Pete Heitz for more information, or fill out the application below.
