ITM Parent Newsletter

ITM Parents,

Happy New Year! If your house is anything like mine, January means new calendars, big goals… and already wondering how it’s only the second week of the year. Somehow the holidays flew by, the routines are back, and suddenly we’re staring down a calendar full of opportunities (and sign-up deadlines).

As we head into 2026, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for our students. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be grounding them deeply in the gospel—walking through the Five Solas in January and then diving into Romans in February alongside the Student Bible Reading Plan in the church app. Our prayer is that students don’t just know about Jesus, but grow in confidence in what they believe and how it shapes their everyday lives.

Along with our teaching, there’s a lot happening on the calendar—mission trips, retreats, camps, special nights, and events designed to help students grow spiritually while building strong, Christ-centered friendships. I know it can feel like a lot, but these moments are some of the most formative in a student’s walk with Christ. I want to encourage you to take a few minutes to look through the upcoming events and get registered early—especially for summer opportunities. Spots fill quickly, and we don’t want any student missing out simply because we waited too long.

Thank you for trusting us with your students and for partnering with us as we point them to Jesus. We’re excited for what God is going to do in and through this ministry in the months ahead, and we’re grateful to walk alongside your family in the process.

Let’s make 2026 a year of gospel growth—together.

— Pastor Joel

Upcoming Sermon Focus: January & February

As we begin the new year, our teaching calendar is intentionally aligned with what students are learning together on Wednesdays and personally through the Student Bible Reading Plan in the church app.

January: The Five Solas

Throughout the month of January, students will be walking through the Five Solas of the Reformation. These foundational truths help clarify what the gospel is and why it matters:

• Scripture Alone – God’s Word is our final authority
• Grace Alone – Salvation is a gift, not something we earn
• Faith Alone – We are saved by trusting Christ
• Christ Alone – Jesus is the only way of salvation
• Glory Alone – All of life is lived for God’s glory

This series will give students a clear framework for understanding the gospel and grounding their faith in biblical truth.

February: Romans — The Gospel in Full Color

In February, our teaching will move into the book of Romans, aligning directly with the Student Bible Reading Plan found in the church app. Romans takes the truths of the Five Solas and shows how they play out in real life.

Students will walk through major sections of Romans, including:

• Humanity’s need for grace (Romans 1–3)
• Justification by faith (Romans 3–5)
• New life and transformation in Christ (Romans 6–8)
• Living out the gospel in everyday life (Romans 12–15)

By pairing January’s theological foundations with February’s in-depth study of Romans, students will see how doctrine shapes daily discipleship — not just what we believe, but how we live.

How Parents Can Engage

We encourage parents to:

• Ask your student which Sola they’re learning that week
• Read along in Romans using the church app’s student plan
• Talk through how the gospel impacts decisions, identity, and purpose

Our prayer is that this two-month focus helps students grow in both biblical understanding and gospel-centered living, supported by conversations at home.

ITM GLOW NIGHT | January 18 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Invite your teen to a high‑energy glow night that mixes games, worship and outreach.  Activities begin with glow‑themed team relays—dodgeball, neon volleyball and more—followed by worship and a short devotion based on Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light shine before men”).  

Afterward students can enjoy snacks and compete in an epic glow‑in‑the‑dark Nerf battle.  The evening ends with a group prayer and photo, sending everyone out encouraged to shine their light for Christ

DNOW 2026 – DiscipleNow Weekend | February 13 – 14 | Cost: $10

ITM will join other local youth ministries for DNow 2026, a disciple‑making weekend hosted by the Baptist Association.  Large worship gatherings will be held at First Baptist Church of Milton, while smaller group sessions and debriefs happen at our church.  

Students will meet at West Florida Baptist Church and travel together to Milton for each session; the weekend schedule includes Friday evening worship, Saturday morning worship, lunchtime debrief, and a final Saturday evening worship.  

The $10 fee helps cover event expenses.  Even students participating in other weekend events (such as school basketball tournaments) are encouraged to attend whatever portions they can.

Atlanta Missions Sign‑Up | February 1

Registration window ends January 31 2026 (30 spots available)

Your student can be part of a week‑long youth mission initiative in Atlanta serving alongside local ministries.  The trip (July 18–24) will include evangelism training, service projects in under‑resourced communities and opportunities to share the gospel through hands‑on outreach.  

Registrants should be committed to attend pre‑trip training sessions, participate in daily devotionals and be ready for long service days.  Because spaces are limited to around 30 students, encourage your teen to reserve a spot early.  

Parent Workshop | February 27 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Location: The Loft

The fourth annual ITM Parent Workshop returns with the theme “Raising Teens Without Losing Your Sanity.”  Parents will receive practical tools for navigating the teen years, encouragement from ministry leaders and plenty of coffee.  There is a small fee ($5) for optional childcare.

Summer Camp – Registration | November 19 | 6:00pm

Register before February 7, 2026

This year ITM heads to Manderley Christian Camp in Pikeville, Tennessee.  Manderley is a ministry of Renewanation committed to helping students develop a strong biblical worldview.  

Throughout the week there will be daily worship services, solid biblical teaching and small‑group discussions, giving teens a chance to step away from distractions and focus on their faith.  Registration is now open.