Celebrating the JCM Program with a Summer Picnic
While waiting in line for their picnic dinner, each JCM participant from St. John’s Lutheran Church took time in their own way to greet Pastor Dennis Reichow.
One gave the Pastor a hug and another asked simply, “What’s up, Pastor?” while yet another gave him a high five and said, “Nice to see you!”
It was clear that every JCM participant was comfortable, relaxed, and ready for a fun night.
These JCM participants, their families, caregivers, and St. John’s congregation members had gathered for the annual “Picnic in the Park” held at Oscar Olson Park in Glencoe.
Following dinner, Michael Klatt, The Lutheran Home Association President and Chief Executive Officer, shared the impact of the JCM program on a national level.
“We are thrilled to partner with St. John’s to do this ministry in this community. This is a great opportunity to engage people who have children with special needs and individuals living in group homes and other settings. This ministry has more than 1,200 volunteers and 160 churches throughout the U.S. It’s rather profound to be able to see that.”
Each year, the St. John’s JCM program selects a new theme and this year’s theme was the Ten Commandments. To review this topic, Pastor Reichow and two student volunteers performed a quick skit.
Pastor Reichow said, “We learned the Ten Commandments and know they are what God wants us to do. But the most important thing beyond that is we know Jesus already did them perfectly and he did them for us. With Jesus, we are forgiven for any of those times we broke those Commandments.”
The event continued with two group favorites: craft time and a sing along. Each JCM participant made a necklace with a cross in the middle and then everyone joined in to sing their favorite songs.
The summer picnic is a fun event for everyone in the JCM program to celebrate another successful year. The program will meet on the third Thursday from September to May at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Get involved with a JCM program near you by visiting www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries.