Bethesda Restructures Youth Programming

by Nancy Ewing, Tess Hanson on November 25, 2024

This past fall, Bethesda relaunched Living Water Wednesdays - weekly programming that focuses on bringing people of all ages together for a meal, worship service, SPLASH children's church, OASIS Confirmation, and FLOOD High School Youth Group. With a community meal starting at 5:15 PM in the Commons, attendees can enjoy a tasty meal (prepared by our wonderful volunteers) and fellowship time before transitioning into the sanctuary at 6:00 PM for a message suited for all generations.

Following the worship service, children ages three through 5th grade (along with their SPLASH Children's Church volunteers) break into their respective age groups and discover Bible stories through different activities each week until 7:30 PM. Meanwhile, the 6, 7th, and 8th grade students meet in the Commons. Here, the confirmation youth, along with their adult guides, delve into their faith through Learning Events led by Pastor Bryan, service projects, games, and much more until 7:45 PM.

When the clock strikes 8 PM, high schoolers are welcomed to Bethesda's Youth Room to hang out with their peers and discuss their faith in a safe and welcoming environment led by Pastor Bryan Simmons until 9 PM. It's not all serious discussions-high schoolers often play pool or games that get everyone involved during this time. It's a fun and engaging way for our Bethesda youth to connect with each other and with their faith, and they're encouraged to bring their friends to join in the excitement.

We are overjoyed as we continue to re-energize our Wednesday night programming and restructure what our youth programming looks like at Bethesda. We appreciate the positive feedback and are thankful for the addition of our Children's Church Coordinator, Elsa Page. She works closely with the Christian Education and Youth Ministries Board to develop new ways to share Jesus' Word with our SPLASH children.

About the Author

Nancy Ewing

I grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and was surrounded by music my entire life. My grandmother was a long-time piano teacher and organist in our community. My parents, siblings and I followed suit by being involved in choir, band, symphony, community theatre productions, and church music from a very young age. (Fun fact: there are four generations of all-state musicians in my family totaling 38 years of participation in the festival.)

I attended Iowa State University receiving my Bachelor of Music in 1989 and began teaching vocal music that fall in Manly, Iowa. After my husband (Randy) and I were married, we moved to Audubon and then to Le Mars as we continued our careers in music education. During that time, I was actively involved in the American Choral Director’s Association both at the district and state levels and attended the University of South Dakota to receive my master’s degree in Voice and Music Education in 2003. After 33 years in public education, I retired from teaching in 2022.

We moved to Ames after retirement to be closer to our beloved alma mater AND (more importantly) our wonderful children, Katelyn (Layton) Elscott and Karter (Brooke). We brought with us our miniature golden doodle Koko. Grateful to continue sharing my musical gifts, I’m currently working with the Ames Children’s Choir, I have opened a private voice studio out of our home, I continue to be involved in ACDA as a clinician, director, and mentor to new music educators in the state of Iowa.

I feel blessed that God has called us to our new church family and look forward to joining with Bethesda’s many gifted members as we “Make A Joyful Sound”.