NO. 24
A Note From Pastor Eric
Happy New Year, Violet Family!
As we turn the page on 2025 and step into a new year, I just want to pause and say, thank You, Lord. Looking back over this past year, it’s been incredible to see how God has been at work in and through Violet. We’ve seen lives changed, faith strengthened, and people take meaningful steps in their relationship with Jesus. Whether through worship, VioletGroups, serving on Sunday mornings, or walking alongside one another, God has been faithful every step of the way. One of the most encouraging parts of 2025 has been watching God raise up people within our church. We’ve seen new leaders step forward, volunteers say “yes” to serving outside of their comfort zones, and groups grow deeper in connection and purpose. New faces found a church home here, and some long-time members discovered fresh ways to use their gifts. It’s been a powerful reminder that the church isn’t a building—it’s His people, being shaped and sent by God. As we look ahead to 2026, we are filled with excitement and expectation for what God has planned. As Pastor Rick shared a few weeks ago, our vision for the coming year is centered on new life, new leaders, new VioletGroups, and ultimately new locations. We’re praying for new life as people come to know Jesus and others grow deeper in their faith. We’re excited to invest in new leaders who will disciple, guide, and care for others through the leadership pipeline. We’re looking forward to launching new VioletGroups that create space for real relationships, spiritual growth, and doing life together. When these three things come together, they open the door to the potential for new locations. We truly believe the best is still ahead. As we move into 2026, my prayer is that each of us would remain open to what God is calling us into—whether that’s joining a group, stepping into leadership, or simply taking one faithful next step. I can’t wait to see how God continues to write His story at Violet in 2026.
In Christ alone, Pastor Eric
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One-to-One Women’s Mentoring at Violet
As women, we each walk through different seasons of life—times when encouragement, prayer, or simply a listening ear can make all the difference. Sometimes, we may also be longing to form a new friendship rooted in faith. To support women in these seasons, Violet offers the One-to-One Mentoring Program, a ministry designed to connect women for encouragement, growth, and Christ-centered relationship. This ministry was re-launched in Fall 2025 with a dedicated group of mentors and mentees.
Participants shared meaningful feedback about their experience, including: “I met a new Christian woman to do life with and get to know.” “I felt a calling to be involved.” “It helped me verbalize hurts and feelings.” “It felt safe—I could trust and confide in someone.”
Each mentor/mentee pair was also supported by a Prayer Warrior, providing vital spiritual covering and prayer throughout the mentoring relationship.
Interested in being a mentee? Great news—registration for a new session will open in early January!
Be sure to watch the Church Center app and Sunday bulletins for more details. We would love for you to be part of this meaningful ministry.
Click here to register
Community Impact
Thank you, Violet, for an amazing year of fun events, serving together, and community outreach. As I look back on the year, I am so thankful for all the events we have hosted and the many opportunities we’ve had to serve together.
In December, we celebrated the season in the VioletCafé with donuts and a hot chocolate bar.
Violet’s Breakfast with Santa was such a fun event! With over 40 volunteers helping to make the morning run smoothly, it was a joy to watch families enjoy breakfast, take pictures with Santa, create crafts, and experience a live Nativity story, with many of Violet’s youth serving.
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to the many events and serving opportunities we have in the New Year!
Thank you, Jamie McCleese
Community Impact Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
Community Impact
“The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear!” -Elf
In my nearly 19 years working with Overflow students, I have noticed that there are some definitive traditions that make up the culture of our youth ministry. One of those traditions is our annual Christmas Caroling and Christmas Parties that we have for both the Jr. High and High School groups at this time of year. Our groups meet at the church, and everyone receives a packet of Christmas Carols. We then drive to several houses of church members (or strangers if I read the address incorrectly!) and sing them a few Christmas Carols. It is wonderful to see the joy that this simple act brings to the faces of our church members. Some of those church members have since gone home to be with Jesus, but caroling at their houses is a memory that I will always treasure. After Caroling, we go to the house of a church member for a Christmas party. In the age of social media, it is so refreshing to see students talking face-to-face or gathering around a game and enjoying being together. I love the fact that the host families get a chance to experience the quality of godly students and leaders that we are blessed to have in our youth ministry. I hope that this will serve as a reminder to all of us that we have the opportunity to bring joy to those around us (some people by singing, some of us by not singing!). You never know what burdens that someone carries. Your intentional investment in them can make all the difference for them in that moment. Let us be joy distributors, not just at Christmas, but all year long!
Pastor Keith Next Gen Pastor keithh@violetchurch.com
There are so many wonderful things happening in VioletKids that it’s hard to choose what to share!
On December 7th, the VioletKids sang in both services. The time leading up to the singing was almost as sweet as the performance itself. Throughout the entire month leading up to that morning, the VioletKids space was filled with music. It was such a blessing to hear each group practice. Some classes were led by faithful teachers who gently encouraged little voices, while others were joyfully filled with a “joyful noise.” Each week, I heard stories of kids practicing in the car, inviting family members to church, and even a few who were a little nervous about being on stage.
As the morning unfolded, there were several groups that made the day truly special.
Volunteers: The number of volunteers who arrived early with smiles, ready to sing along, encourage, and guide the kids, was such a blessing. These volunteers truly love Jesus and love children. Watching them serve our church made my heart so happy. Security: Most of you don’t even know they’re there—but they are! Their diligence in keeping our kids safe is a blessing to me both as a mom and as the Children’s Director. They were the quiet support that ensured everyone got where they needed to be and back again without any issues. Family and Friends: You didn’t hear the whispers or see the smiles that I saw. The kids walked into the sanctuary looking for you. They turned to their friends to announce when they spotted you, waved, smiled, and understood that you were there to support them. It was such a beautiful moment to see their faces light up and then look out to a sanctuary filled with love. Last, but certainly not least—the VioletKids: You did an amazing job! You were brave, you stood in front of the church (twice!!!), and you sang with joy. You shared the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus! Your friends and family are so proud of you, and so am I. I am so thankful that God allows me to spend my Sunday mornings with you, because you are truly wonderful. Jesus loves you, and so do I!!!!
With much love and thanks, Ms. Jen Children’s Director 📧 jenh@violetchurch.com 📱 614-260-2670
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