September 2017
Girls (not so much a guy thing) in the junior high youth group at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Freeport, Illinois, have been using their shoes this summer to start conversations.
Leader Cathie Geske asked the youth in grades 5-8 to bring a pair of their white canvas sneakers to church. She cautioned that it be an inexpensive pair (Walmart had them for $6 at the time) in case it didn’t quite work out as planned.
She pulled patterns off Pinterest for Scripture phrases and faith images. The children were given fine-tip sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol with a dropper to do the tie-dye effect, and fabric paints to apply words and patterns.
The teens were to create a design that expressed their faith and that might be a conversation starter with peers. The ultimate goal was to turn it into a faith conversation that could lead to extending an invitation to come to youth group. It was a inspiring experience for the kids, and it brought at least a few visitors to church.