June Youth News

Here we are, beginning our 4th month of this global pandemic. Can you even believe that?! Time is going so fast, yet some days and weeks are so painfully slow. I hope that you and your families are healthy and happy and well. I sure do miss seeing you all, and can't wait for the day that we can be together again!

Breathe With Me

If you've been reading any of my newsletter articles, or know me at all - you know that deep breathing and yoga are getting me through the anxiety of this pandemic. Join me for a quick breath prayer. 

Find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. Think of your deep, full breaths as the Holy Spirit moving through you with each inhale and exhale. For 10 breath cycles, pray the following:

Inhale: Holy Spirit fill me.
Exhale: Holy Spirit send me. 

Where do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in these trying days? What is the Holy Spirit sending you forth to do?

Confirmation

As you know, our Confirmation service was supposed to take place last month. We are currently working with 8th grade parents to reschedule the date. Stay tuned!

Youth Game Night

Pastor Jim & I want to get as many of you as possible together for a Zoom game night! We are hoping to set something up within the first couple weeks of June. Parents, keep an eye on your emails and youth, keep an eye on your text messages! This would be for Junior and Senior High Youth together. We would love to have you join us for a night of fun! AND, we miss seeing your faces! 

Graduating Seniors

Congratulations to our Class of 2020! I am so proud of all of your accomplishments and am praying for you as step into the future! Our Graduating Senior Recognition is still TBD, but we are hopeful that we can make something happen before you head off to college! 

Let's celebrate our Holy Cross Class of 2020:

Mallory Behr, Elkhorn High School

Mallory is a recent graduate of Elkhorn High School where she was part of the Art Club and Pep Club. During her high school years, she was also a volunteer at Camp Kitaki. Mallory is taking a gap year to work and travel, as she discerns whether she would like to attend the Rocky Mountain Art Institute or the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the fall of 2021. Wherever she lands, she would like to major in Art Education. Mallory is the daugher of Rusty Behr.

Zachary Breese, Elkhorn High School

Zach is a recent graduate of Elkhorn High School, where he was involved in intramural basketball. He plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha this fall, and is currently undecided in a major. Zach is the son of Paula & Bill Breese. 

Gunnar Duke, Omaha Central High School

Gunnar is a recent graduate of Omaha Central High School where he was a member of the Varsity Wrestling, Varsity Football, and Varsity Lacrosse teams. Gunnar was a member of National Honors Society, Tri M Music Society, and the Central High School Road Show. He was also honored at CHS's Purple Feather Day for having a 3.5 GPA or higher all four years of high school. Gunnar is a member of our praise team at the 11:00 service, where he plays guitar. Gunnar plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO where he is undecided on a major. He plans to play Lacrosse and join a fraternity. Gunnar is the son of Tracey & Chad Duke.

Sydney Hancock, Lewis Central High School 

Sydney is a recent graduate of Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, where she was involved in Theatre, Skills USA, and a member of the Show Choir. She was an active leader at our Music, Art, and VBS Camp for the last 4 years. Sydney plans to attend Iowa Western in Council Bluffs this fall, where she will major in Nursing. Sydney is the daughter of Kimberly Hancock & Chris Hancock. 

Molly Rashleigh, Millard North High School

Molly is the daughter of Kathy Rashleigh.

Aubrianna Schmidt, Omaha Burke High School

Aubri is a recent graduate of Omaha Burke High School where she was involved in Theatre and Choir. She will be attending Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, MO this fall, where she plans to major in Mass Media: Broadcasting and Production. She would like to be involved in the Theatre program, and really hopes they have a cooking club she can be a part of. Aubri is the daughter of Anne & Andrew Schmidt. 

Lauryn Shaw, Blair High School

Lauryn is a recent graduate of Blair High School where she was a member of the Concert Choir, performed in musicals, and was the manager of the Varsity Boys Basketball team. Lauryn will be attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln this fall, where she plans to major in Psychology. Lauryn is the daughter of Rhonda Shaw & Garrett Shaw. 

Lucas Sinnett, Omaha Central High School

Lucas is a recent graduate of Omaha Central High School, where he was involved in broadcasting. Lucas received the Susan B. Buffett scholarship and will be attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln this fall. He plans to major in Sports Broadcasting, and would like to be involved in Husker Vision, Rugby, and Ultimate Frisbee while at UNL. Lucas is the son of Paula & Kyle Sinnett. 

Andrew Wajda, Omaha Burke High School 

Andrew is a recent graduate of Omaha Burke High School. During his high school years, he achieved his Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do. Andrew plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha this fall, and is undecided on a major. Andrew is the son of Trish & Jerry Wajda. 

If you missed it, the Nebraska Synod put on a wonderful Baccalaureate Service for the Class of 2020. Click here to watch the service, and see if you can spot the names of the Holy Cross Seniors!

Summer Youth Trip

Over the last few weeks, Pastor Jim and I have talked a lot about our trip to Lake of the Ozarks this summer. We ran through all kinds of scenarios to try to make the trip work, but ultimately, we made the tough decision to cancel the summer youth trip. Our number one priority is the health and safety of the youth and families in our care, and we need to be safe. I hope that sometime later this summer or early fall, we can all gather together for some fun in the sun!

Take care of yourselves, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to!

Alongside,
Kelsey Ellis