August 2025 IGNiTE Parent Newsletter
I. Devotional:
August is more than a month—some in the African American community call it Black August, because it’s a time when we honor liberation, freedom, and faith. From Emancipation celebrations to the March on Washington, we honor the paths laid by ancestors who continued to praise God and relied on faith to reimagine a life beyond trauma.
In the July sermon, Laugh to Keep From Crying, Pastor Jay reminded us, we can praise and protest simultaneously. That’s how we demonstrate our faith – acknowledging the periods in our life that are out of order, while at the same time leaning into hope because God promises restoration and renewal. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...” (Psalm 23:4). We worship not because it’s easy, but because God is still good—all the time.
In this season of restoration, we draw strength from the written Word – the Bible, and the spoken Word - the sermon, as our ancestors did before us. Our hope is firmly rooted in scripture. Psalm 78:4 reminds us, “…not to hide God’s praiseworthy deeds from our children, but to speak them—boldly…” Our faith is where we turn when we need God’s guidance, comfort, and reassurance. So, this August, we thank God for the ability to not only demonstrate our faith but also the freedom of families to pass down a legacy of praise and worship. Let the ancestors rejoice!
II. Lesson Recap
Children’s Ministry Lesson Highlights
In July, the unit of lessons focused on how prayer teaches us that God wants us to pray. The students learned that prayer gives them a deeper, more personal relationship with God, and they were challenged to make prayer a priority in their lives. God gives us what we need when we’re troubled — prayer, His Word, and His Spirit.
The children learned about the Lord’s Prayer, Paul’s teachings on prayer, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the healing of the 10 men with leprosy. As the children hear these stories, they learned that the Lord listens and cares for them. “Ask, and it will be given to you” Matthew 7a.
Teen Ministry Lesson Highlights
In July, we will continue with the “Summer Psalms” theme and read through the lyrics of each Song/Psalm. We focused on “God's Movement in the Stillness” and hearing the voice of God amidst a generation of noise and chaos. We are helping our teens learn how to slow down, take a pause, embrace quiet time, and recognize the voice of God (Psalm 46:10).
III. Event Recap
Kidz Konnection Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Fishers Campus was a blast; we had good fellowship, fun, and food as we celebrated Freedom. The kids enjoyed learning more about Juneteenth, making arts and crafts, and some great storytelling; they also enjoyed the Black Art that was on display featuring two of IGNiTE’s ministry very own, Greg Edmonds and Joshua Benedict. This was a great event for the entire family, and we look forward to the next one.
Joshua Benedict and Executive Pastor Murdock.
Greg Edmonds is pictured with this Juneteenth artwork.
Joshua Benedict’s Juneteenth Artwork.
IV. Community Service Recap
The IGNiTE ministry teens served at the Midwest Food Bank on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The day was filled with fun, sorting, and packing food for those in need! Everyone is looking forward to the next community service project!
V. Next Month Events
There will be no IGNiTE Ministry Events in August due to the church hiatus. We will resume Children's and Teen Church on Sunday, September 7, 2025; Bible study on Wednesday, September 10, 2025; and Kid Konnection on Sunday, September 28, 2025. We look forward to seeing you then!
The Center for Leadership Development’s College Prep Conference & College Fair (CPC) is more than just a one-day event—it’s the start for you to design YOUR PATHWAY TO PURPOSE. Through inspiring sessions and real conversations, CPC gives high school students the knowledge, tools, and confidence to build character and powerful path toward college and your career.
Center for Leadership Development College Prep Conference (CLD/CPC) will be held on Saturday, Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check In begins at 8:00am at Indiana Convention Center; 2nd Floor. The cost is $25.00 per registrant and the registration closes on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
9th–12th grade students, 9th–12th grade student athletes, parents and supportive adults.
Here is the link to register:
https://www.classy.org/event/18th-annual-college-prep-conference-and-college-fair/e680396/register/new/select-tickets