THE VIOLET CONNECTION 1 May, 2026 / Vol. 028
Young Adults at Violet
Young Adults Ministry Launching at Violet We’re excited to see a new Young Adult Ministry taking shape at Violet! Designed for ages 18–26, this group is already building meaningful connections and creating space for young adults to grow in their faith together. The group meets every Thursday at 7:00 PM and has already enjoyed some great times of connection—including a fun night of bowling. It’s been encouraging to see relationships forming and a strong sense of community developing. Coming up next is a Bonfire Night on May 9 at 6:00 PM, which will be a great opportunity to hang out, enjoy some food, and connect with others in a relaxed setting. If you’re a young adult looking for community, this is a great place to jump in. We’re excited to see how God continues to grow this ministry! Please reach out to Emily Hendershot at emilyh@violetchurch.com if you have any questions.
Chicken Noodle Soup Needed
H.O.P.E. (Hands Out Providing Encouragement) supports local students through the Weekend Food Program, providing ready-to-eat, non- perishable food bags each week for Pickerington families who have signed up for assistance. To help meet this need, we are currently collecting canned chicken noodle soup (any brand). You can also serve by helping pack bags on Friday mornings or delivering to local schools. Thank you for partnering with H.O.P.E. to care for students in our community.
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 Jesus took children coming to Him very seriously—and so do we! In the past few weeks, I’ve had multiple kids approach me about wanting to be baptized, which meant it was time for a VioletKids Baptism Class. For three weeks, we met to prepare for baptism. We started at the beginning—in the garden, before sin had entered the world through Adam and Eve. We discussed our need for a Savior and the gift Jesus gave us on the cross. I wish each of you could have joined us to hear from these amazing seven kids! One concept that can be difficult to understand is that all sin is equal in God’s eyes, and that even the smallest sins lead to death (Romans 6:23). For example, not picking up your toys is, in God’s eyes, just as much sin as hurting someone. Sin is sin, and the penalty of sin is death. I set up a number line activity where we would place sins according to how “bad” we think they are. My plan was to talk about how sin has different consequences on earth, but ultimately introduce how God sees all sin the same. I was fully prepared for some confusion—but about 30 seconds in, one sweet little friend slowly raised his hand and bravely spoke up to correct my biblical “untruth.” “Ms. Jen, all sin is the same in God’s eyes… they aren’t different.” While my activity was quickly over, I was so encouraged that he felt confident enough to speak truth—not just to me, but to the whole class! What a privilege it has been to spend three weeks with these incredible kids. I’m so excited to see how God will use them to share the Gospel. There are amazing things happening in VioletKids, and you can be a part of it! There are opportunities to serve, and we would love to help you get connected so you can share Jesus with the next generation.
In Christ alone, Jen Hunt Children’s Director jenh@violetchurch.com
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SNAPSHOTS!
Youth Leader Training
Teaching
Don McNutt on “Masks”
Michael Hunt on “Humility Over Pride”
Zion Llewellyn on “Biblical Decision Making”
SNAPSHOTS!
Super Summer Testimonies
Small Group Bible Study
Senior Huddle Next Steps
Youth Worship
SNAPSHOTS!
Junior High Bible Study
Hula Hoop Relay
Kick It In The Can!
Dinner at The Little Grand Market
9 Square
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Serve With Us: Make a Difference on May 8th There are many ways to live out our faith, but one of the most meaningful is through serving others. When we step in to meet practical needs, we reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways—and often, the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. On May 8 , we have a serving opportunity at Stowe Mission in Columbus, and we would love for you to be part of it. Volunteer Opportunities: 8:00–10:00 AM Help warm and prepare food at Violet
9:30 AM–1:00 PM Transport food and serve meals at Stowe Mission of Central Ohio
Whether you prefer to serve behind the scenes or connect directly with those we’re serving, your time and heart will make a difference. This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, or small groups to serve together.
If you’re available, please sign up for May 8. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.
Here at Violet, we have several faithful servants who consistently serve at Stowe:
“I have been serving meals at Stowe Center for 10 years, four with Violet. It has always been a joyful experience, working alongside others in our church in a sweet and loving atmosphere. I consider it a very small but meaningful investment in the lives of those who are so needy. I am always grateful to see the smiling and satisfied faces of those we serve.” — Nancy Graham “The simple act of serving at Stowe Mission has made me feel part of something larger than myself. The work fulfilled more than any expectation I had. Each hot meal prepared and served reminded me that meeting people where they are can change a day—and sometimes a life. I leave each shift grateful, knowing I’ve had the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in small but meaningful ways.” — James Barber “Stowe Mission began in 1981 as the Darty Stowe Memorial Baptist Center when the needs of the community became too great for one church to meet alone. Located on Parsons Avenue in Columbus, it became the Stowe Mission of Central Ohio in 2011, expanding its resources, staff, and volunteers to better serve the community. Today, Stowe offers several ministries, including a dental clinic, vision clinic, community kitchen, food pantry, and weekly Christian services. Violet has regularly supported Stowe through food pantry donations, winter care bags, and serving hot meals every other month through the community kitchen. Our church helps fund these efforts through the annual Christmas Missions Offering. Volunteers shop, cook, transport, and serve around 250 meals six times a year. We typically need 6–8 people to serve at each opportunity. As part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8), consider Stowe Mission—just outside of Pickerington—as part of our Judea. Please consider giving a few hours to serve, especially as some of our regular team members are unable to serve in May and July.” — Karen Wiles As always, if you’re looking to get involved and serve, I would love to connect with you. If you have any questions or need help finding a place to serve at Violet, please reach out.
Thank you, Jamie McCleese
Community Impact Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
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