“Faith”

​“Keep faith. The most amazing things in life tend to happen at the moment you’re about to give up on hope.” – Anonymous

Providing Hope

Faith and spirituality can generate optimism, create support networks, and provide a sense of purpose.  It ultimately can enable people to connect to something greater than themselves, helping to provide hope.

Fostering trust

This Stomper was given the name “Faith” to remind us to hold onto the trust and confidence in the things around us.  Faith also reminds us to consider what is in our control and to try to let go of what is not.

Making it Mine

As part of the Mental Health Ministry Grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Jana Marie Foundation facilitated a Stompers Project® session at the Allegheny Synod Youth Event on Saturday, November 23, 2019.

Over 115 students and 40 adult leaders discussed the theme of Making it Mine through hands on activities. First, students participated in the marshmallow challenge, where they were instructed to craft a tower out of 25 spaghetti noodles, a yard of tape, a yard of string, and a marshmallow that had to be at the top of the structure. They then debriefed the activity focusing on what they had control over and what they didn’t. This moved into learning about the circles of control and how they can help lessen stress and anxiety.

The participants then discussed what it means to create a balanced lifestyle. Through a series of discussions, they took an in-depth look at four specific areas; school, community, relationships, and faith and spirituality by using the four most powerful questions: 1. What am I interested in? 2. What am I doing to experience or learn more about it? 3. How is it working? 4. What is my next step?

Thinking about the theme of Making it Mine, participants decorated a piece of deconstructed sneakers with words, symbols, and/or vibrant colors to share part of their story.

Faith will travel the Alleghany Synod region bringing education and awareness about mental health everywhere it goes!

“Faith” was created with the generous support of the Mental Health Ministry Grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Making it mine – by creating a balanced life.

The Allegheny Synod Youth Event focused on “Making it Mine,” giving kids an opportunity to explore how to take control of their faith and their lives. Through our time together, we discussed creating a balanced life by focusing on four main areas: School/work, Community, Relationships, and Health/Spirituality.

• •  School/work: This quadrant refers to the desire to learn and acquire knowledge. It considers self-expression and creativity-a place to explore interests and hobbies.  Whether it be photography, dancing, playing an instrument or cooking, it is important to balance your life with learning and work goals.
  • Community: This quadrant refers to contributing to the environment around you. Community connections, whether it be with the town, school, church, team, etc., help create support systems around you. Being involved with the community also provides you with opportunities to give back and can help provide meaning in your life.
  • Relationships: This quadrant refers to how we connect, communicate, and relate to others. Relationships take time and energy; however healthy relationships can help you grow and can provide inspiration. In times of hardships, they can help you heal.
  • Health/Spirituality: This quadrant refers to creating peace and harmony in your life. It also refers to your overall health. Connecting to something beyond yourself, whatever that may be, can help you find your sense of purpose in life.

Each person is unique. The way you create a balanced life will look different from those around you. It is important though, to consider exploring interests in each of these areas so you can continue to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

“Faith” Stomper was made possible through the generous support of “the Mental Health Ministry Grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Our Artists: Marisa Vicere, Chris Bittner, Nancy Vicere

Curriculum Development: Marisa Vicere, Ali Turley, Kayla King

Videographer: Brian Reed

Our Partners: Cindy Fritz, Peter Horn, Grace Lutheran Church, Jennifer Pencek, Pastor Schul