2024 Theme

 “For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” 

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Being rooted in Christ allows us to show others the boundless riches of God’s love and experience it for ourselves. As our roots grow deeper, we have a greater understanding of how wide and long and high and deep God’s love is for us and the world. When we are rooted and established in love, we can’t be shaken, and Jesus uses us to love and serve others.  

Picture a healthy plant – maybe it’s a tree, your favorite flower or a big tomato plant. You’re probably picturing what is growing above ground. But the roots are just as important! Roots take up the nutrients and water that the plant needs to thrive, and they keep it secure in the ground. 

Just like a thriving forest or meadow full of individual plants, we can grow deeper in our faith together, producing good fruit as we serve and love communities. This summer we will dive into one of Paul’s letters to the early Church, learning practical ways to be spiritually healthy – to be filled with the fullness of God both on the trip and back home. 

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“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” 
Ephesians 3:14-19, 20-21