THE VIOLET CONNECTION 3 August, 2026 / Vol. 031
MEGA Sports & Arts Camp
What an incredible week we had at MEGA Sports & Arts Camp!
Throughout the week, we welcomed 160 kids with the help of approximately 85 adult and Violet Youth volunteers. I am so thankful for everyone who served—whether you spent months preparing behind the scenes or directly in the lives of our campers during the week. Mega Sports Camp is one of our largest community outreach events, and it simply would not be possible without so many people faithfully serving together. Each evening began with an exciting Opening Rally in the Worship Center, where kids sang, danced, and were introduced to the night’s Mega Point and Bible lesson. From there, they rotated through soccer, basketball, arts & crafts, or cheerleading. During Huddle Group time our Huddle Coaches helped kids grow in their understanding of Jesus through Bible discussion and prayer. Each night concluded back in the Worship Center with an engaging Bible story, worship, and a clear presentation of the Gospel. Thank you to everyone who prayed, served, donated, encouraged, and helped make this week such a success. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with so many children and families in our community. MEGA Sports & Arts Camp- MEGA VERSE DON'T LET ANYONE THINK LESS OF YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUNG. BE AN EXAMPLE TO ALL BELIEVERS IN WHAT YOU SAY, IN THE WAY YOU LIVE, IN YOUR LOVE, YOUR FAITH, AND YOUR PURITY. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12 NLT
Jamie McCleese Community Impact Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
The Power of Community
I know what you’re thinking: Here he goes again, talking about community! Why is community such a passion of mine? Why do I speak about it so often?
The reason is simple: I have seen, over and over again, the power of community.
I have seen it in the person who is struggling with life and is picked back up by their small group. I have seen it in the joy that is shared when a group celebrates a win in the life of one of its members. And I have seen it in the grief and burdens that are carried together when someone walks through a valley—a valley they don't have to walk through alone because others are walking alongside them. The power of community is especially fresh on my mind because of what my family and I have experienced over the past couple of months. I knew the time would come, and I dreaded the call that I knew would someday come. For me, that call came on the night of June 19. At first, I thought my sister may have pocket-dialed me, but I quickly realized it was something much more serious. My dad had suffered a major brain aneurysm that would ultimately take his life.
What followed was an amazing example of the power of community.
Texts. Phone calls. Notes of encouragement. Meals. Prayers. And so much more.
Our community came around our family and showed us the love of Jesus in such practical and meaningful ways. You ministered to us in our time of need, and you continue to minister to us as we move forward. Many of you were a part of this, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
So, what does all of this have to do with this month's Violet Connection ?
I think it is a reminder to all of us that the church is a family. We need one another. We need to be there for each other. We need to be there for our neighbors, our families, and our church family. We need people who will celebrate with us on the mountaintops and walk beside us through the valleys.
There is power in community—a power that reflects the love of Jesus and has an eternal impact.
So, let me leave you with one simple question:
Are you in community?
Brian Naess Associate Pastor briann@violetchurch.com
Interested in Joining or Hosting a VioletGroup? Click Here
There is so much that is going on in VioletKids that it is hard to pick just one area to talk about…but since that is the instruction…let’s talk about BAPTISM!!!! VioletKids just wrapped up another baptism class where we got the chance to talk about God’s perfect creation, sin entering the world, our need for a savior, and Jesus as that Perfect Savior! Then we talked about the joy that it is to know you are forever on “Team Jesus”! These kids are amazing and God has huge plans for them. I am so excited that we get to watch them grow!!!!! The excitement of getting to talk to these kids is something that you can be a part of. We need people who are willing to serve the Lord in VioletKids! These kids are ready to hear the gospel, they want to grow in their faith, and we NEED the church to step in and be ready. God has prepared a place for you to fulfill the Great Commission right in your church.
What you need:
1.A heart for Jesus! 2.Be a member of Violet 3.Be background checked and participate in safety training. (We will help you with this!)
Please pray and ask the Lord if He is calling you to the mission field in VioletKids.
In Christ alone, Jen Hunt jenh@violetchurch.com 614-260-2670
H.O.P.E. Ministry at Violet: August Collection
As another school year begins, our H.O.P.E. Ministry is preparing to provide weekend food bags for local students in need. Each bag helps ensure that children have something to eat when school meals aren't available. During the month of August, we're collecting granola bars to help stock our H.O.P.E. bags. Granola bars are an easy, nutritious snack that is always appreciated and makes a great addition to each bag. If you'd like to help, simply bring your donations to the Resource Hub at the church throughout August. Every box makes a difference and helps us continue sharing the love of Christ in a practical way with families in our community.
Thank you for partnering with H.O.P.E. Ministry as we serve our neighbors with compassion and care!
Don’t Miss a Moment at Violet! Tap the icons to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Like. Follow. Subscribe. Stay in the loop!
Overflow @ Summer Camp! In July, 49 students and leaders from Overflow Youth Ministry attended Crossings Camp in central Kentucky. Crossings Ministries partners with the Kentucky Baptist Convention to offer a gospel-centered camp experience to more than 25,000 students and adult leaders each summer. Our group makes the 3.5-hour trip to Crossings each year because of the gospel focus woven into every part of camp, as well as their commitment to providing an excellent experience for everyone. In addition to the lake, the ziplines, and all of the fun activities, our students engaged with God's Word several times each day. They participated in small-group Bible studies with students from churches across several states. These groups were led by more than 50 college students serving on mission as camp leaders for the summer. We also gathered for morning and evening worship services each day, where we heard biblical teaching from our camp pastor, Caleb Davis, and were led in worship by Heartsong, a student worship team from Cedarville University. Our Overflow group also gathered together each evening to dig deeper into God's Word. We heard a message from Brady Pennington, our summer Youth Intern, on "The Power of Sharing Your Story." Shaun Hunt, who is entering his second year at Cedarville University pursuing a ministry degree, shared a message from Daniel 3 on "Standing Firm When Your Faith Is Tested." Emily Hendershot, our Overflow Discipleship Director, spoke from the book of Job on "Trusting God When Everything Falls Apart." On the final night of camp, we invited two Columbus-area youth groups to join us for a time of worship. Students and leaders from Covenant Church and Highland Baptist Church, both in Grove City, joined us for a meaningful time of worship and prayer in small groups. We were also led in worship by Hannah Hunt. Hannah recently graduated from Overflow Youth Ministry and will be attending Cedarville University this fall to pursue a degree in Biblical Counseling. Many of our students took important next steps in their faith and built meaningful relationships while at Crossings. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we continue to help each student grow closer to Jesus and discover their unique Kingdom contribution.
God is moving in and through our students. Thank you for your continued prayer support!
Pastor Keith Next Gen Pastor keithh@violetchurch.com
Men’s Retreat
Attention Men! Grab a friend and join us at Round Lake from August 7th through 9th.
This year our guest speaker will be Aaron Taylor (Link to Aaron's Messages). Aaron Taylor is the Teaching Pastor of Living Hope Church in Powell, Ohio. In 2018, Aaron, his family and a team of faithful followers of Jesus planted the church in NW Columbus. In addition to that, he serves as the City Missionary for Send Network in Columbus where he works with churches to see new churches planted all across the city. He and his wife Elizabeth have been married since 2011 and have two daughters. The schedule for the weekend will include some group events as well as Round Lake’s traditional activities such as axe throwing, basketball, volleyball, fishing, swimming and more!
The cost of this year's retreat is both nights for $110 or one night for $55!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Aaron Taylor is the Teaching Pastor of Living Hope Church in Powell, Ohio. In 2018, Aaron, his family and a team of faithful followers of Jesus planted the church in NW Columbus. In addition to that, he serves as the City Missionary for Send Network in Columbus where he works with churches to see new churches planted all across the city. He and his wife Elizabeth have been married since 2011 and have two daughters.
Click Here >>
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator