By Rev. Jerry Krueger*

Thursday, August 28 saw the ribbon cut at Trinity United Methodist Church (Mahoning Valley District) for The Lewis School for Gifted Learning Potential. Designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in grades 3-6, the school is a private, non-profit extension of Youngstown Christian School

As this new partnership in ministry with the Lewis School and Trinity UMC has come to fruition, the congregation is excited about this unique opportunity in our midst.

The school will be in the middle of the urban center of Youngstown.  This bold move by the Lewis School to locate its gifted student program inside our church, allows the community exposure to Trinity’s continued vibrant existence in the heart of the city.

Trinity UMC enjoys ample space; a significant portion which the Lewis School will occupy was being under-utilized. At the Lewis School’s own expense, it has painted, re-lamped, installed new flooring, reconditioned a handicap restroom, and upgraded vacant office space.

The energy of the more than 25 students and the 6 teachers will fill the Trinity UMC halls and classrooms with a sense of energy, growth and hope.

Our congregation understands part of its mission in downtown urban Youngstown is to Rethink Church. With this partnership in mission and ministry with the Lewis School, Trinity UMC is rethinking our place, mission and ministry in the community.

*Rev. Jerry Krueger is in his 3^rd year as pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church.