First Friends Church Youth Ministry Grades 6-8 | Lucas Shroades, Middle School Youth Director
Welcome From Lucas Shroades
August 1, 2023
Hello middle school students and families,
My name is Lucas Shroades. I am the Middle School Youth Director here at Canton First Friends Church. I have been a part of this church for nearly all my life and have served with the Middle School Ministry since the fall of 2020. I have been on the church staff since 2022.
I know you will get to know me better over this next year and into the future as I get to know each student and family but for now, here is just a little bit about me. I am married to my wonderful wife, Courteney. We have been married for a little over a year now! She is a middle school history teacher at Heritage Christian School here in Canton. She is also a high school youth leader at the church and has been serving in youth ministry for more than nine years. We have two cats named Socks and Patches. And we just bought our first house in May! It is an exciting time. I love canoeing, hiking, a good book, and a good podcast. I am passionate about the outdoors and camp and retreat ministry as an avenue to experience God. And I really believe that middle school students have a huge role to play in the life of the church as we pursue Christ together!
Our Middle School ministry here at First Friends is called Greenhouse 242. Greenhouse represents an environment for you and your family to grow into more mature followers of Jesus. 242 represents Acts 2:42 which helps guide how we grow disciples: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
Our Mission: Greenhouse242 exists to partner with families to help students grow as disciples of Jesus who help others grow in Jesus.
Our Vision: Planted in God’s Word. Growing in God’s Grace. Bearing Fruit in God’s Kingdom.
Our Core Values: Jesus is Our King. God’s Word is Vital. Better Together. Sincere Service. On Mission Now. Deep Joy.
We believe that God cares deeply about middle school students and families. These statements and values guide us as we seek to love and serve Jesus and love and serve the middle school students and families. He brings to us. We invite you into what we are doing here at First Friends. We are one small part of God’s family in the world and we are so excited about what the Lord will do this school year!
Check out our website (Greenhouse242.com) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (greenhouse242) for more information about this upcoming school year!
I’m looking forward to meeting each middle school student and family throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Grace and Peace,
Lucas Shroades
Middle School Youth Director
330-966-2800 ext. 202