On May 23, Janet Renick began her work as the Youth and family minister at Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church. Although many people see youth ministry as a stepping stone to other positions in the church, Renick has devoted her whole career to this vocation.
Born and raised near Daytona Beach, Fla., as a teenager she participated in a mission program called Lutheran Youth Alive. After 10 days of training, she was part of a team which spent the summer serving churches in San Jose, Los Gatos and Burlingame. When she returned home, Renick knew she was meant to engage in youth ministry.
Entering Azusa Pacific University in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, she graduated with a double major in Bible and Communications and also completed a two-year credential program in Youth Ministry. An internship at a Lutheran church in nearby West Covina grew into a 13- year stay.
Then she answered a call to Hope Lutheran Church in San Mateo, a congregation of 750 members. Among her accomplishments there were the creation of a contemporary worship team to lead Sunday services and several mission trips to Mexico, Arizona, Georgia and Florida during 14 years of service at that church.
Renick believes “Youth ministry is the best-kept secret in the church. Youth are the lifeblood – not only are they our future, but they are very much our present and have gifts that are very needed by a world that is falling apart.”
In her new position, she wants to become a “resource and friend to families, to help them point their children toward God.” She says, “Kids like to make a difference in this world, but they need strong relationships with Jesus, parents and other supportive adults.”
She is impressed with Advent. “I love the staff, and the Gather Worship blows me away.” She particularly likes the blending of traditional liturgy with contemporary music, the involvement of youth, and the inspiring artwork displayed above the altar each week.
The Morgan Hill community has also impressed her because it has a “family feeling” and seems to be such a safe place which has been so gracious to her.
Especially meaningful for her is Gizmo, Advent’s resident church cat. “I feel that if Advent is so welcoming to a stray like Gizmo, they must be welcoming to other strays in society, like people who need a place to belong.”
Renick’s summer promises to be a busy one full of special events:
n This month she is traveling with other adult chaperones to Seattle where Advent’s youth will meet with 2,000 others for a Western States Youth Gathering, a time of singing, prayer, worship, and workshops.
n Later there is another trip in which youth from both Advent and a Los Altos church serve a mission in Mexico.
n She is also developing a midweek children’s program, a time for family involvement in choir practice, dinner, games, Bible study and crafts which will start in the fall.
Janet Renick is sure this is the right place for her to be. “God worked to bring me here to serve Him and the families of Advent.” For more information call the church office at (408) 779-3551.
