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Print magazine

Image Credit: Nathan Byers

Sequim Says “All Aboard” to Community Families

By Michael Smith, February 11, 2022

The Sequim Church in Sequim, Washington, recently launched a combo ministry night to better engage with young families in the community. The events feature a kids’ night out and parent date night.

Once a month, 14 teens with adult mentors lead an action-packed, hands-on Vacation Bible School-like program for community children. The Rocky Railway program features a kid-friendly meal, songs, stories, active games, crafts and model railroading. Parents aren’t left out either in this Saturday night package. They receive a free $10 restaurant voucher to use during their three-hour date night.

In keeping with the railway theme, the teens help community kids operate a HO scale model railway. Children younger than six operate a wooden Brio train and watch the older children operate the electric railway. Each teen is assigned an adult mentor to be in the room and available for feedback and direction as they gain skills in leading younger children.

Family Nights began in November 2021 and will continue through April 2022. The events resonating with the community and participation continues to grow.

Image

Teen volunteers paint train scenery for the Rocky Railway kids night at the Sequim Church.

Credit
Nathan Byers
Image

Teens set up the base sections for a HO scale model railway in a classroom at the Sequim Church.

Credit
Nathan Byers
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Featured in: March/April 2022

Author

Michael Smith

Sequim Church communication chair
Section
Washington Conference
Tags
Youth, Mission and Outreach

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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