ITM Parent Newsletter

SO, YOU’RE THE PARENT OF A TEENAGER, HUH?

Congratulations! You have one of the most important (and sometimes the most difficult) jobs on the planet.

We know your job isn’t always easy, but here’s what we want you to know– we’re here to help in any way that we can. Sure, we’re a “youth” ministry, but teenagers aren’t the only people we care about. We care about you too.

No matter how connected you are with our church, this Parent Newsletter will show you some of the ways that we care for and serve you and your child. Thanks for letting us be another voice in the life of your teenager. Your trust and partnership mean a lot to us.
ITM Parents,

October is here—pumpkin spice is everywhere, football is in full swing, and the weather might finally be cooling down (at least for a week or two in Florida). Fall always reminds me that change is in the air—not just in the seasons, but in the rhythms of family life and faith.

This month in ITM we’re diving into a series called “Wrestling with God.” If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, doubts, or just the busyness of raising teens, you’re in good company. The good news? God doesn’t run from our struggles—He meets us right in the middle of them. My prayer for you and your family is that this October will be a time of leaning into Him, even in the wrestle.

So grab that cup of hot cider or sweet tea, and let’s step into this month together, trusting that God is at work in ways we can’t always see.

Cheering you on,

— Pastor Joel

Student Spotlight

"One verse that has meant a lot to me this month: Psalm 5:3. I found this verse in my reading and have been challenging myself. I want God to be the first thing I go to when I wake up and the last thing I go to before bed." - MK [Senior] 

God has been strengthening my faith recently through my d-group. I have grown a lot closer to the group of guys in my d-group and they have helped me stay consistent in my devotions and grow closer to God. - Gabe [Senior]

Upcoming Sermon Information

WRESTLING WITH GOD
Genesis 19–36 | Matthew 8–14

Big Idea: God meets us right in the middle of our mess. He doesn’t wait for us to “get it all together.” Instead, He calls us to trust Him in the wrestle of life and faith.

Each week we’ll walk through the history of God’s people in Genesis alongside the life of Jesus in Matthew. Parents, this is a great month to talk with your teens about what it really means to struggle with faith — and discover God’s mercy in the middle of it.

Week 1 – Judgment and Mercy
  • Genesis 19–21: Sodom & Gomorrah; Hagar & Ishmael
  • Matthew 8–9: Jesus heals and shows mercy to the outcast
    Parent Connection: Ask your teen, “Have you ever felt like an outsider? How does it help to know Jesus shows mercy to those who are pushed aside?”

Week 2 – Promises and Testing
  • Genesis 22–24: Abraham tested with Isaac
  • Matthew 10: Jesus prepares His disciples for hardship
    Parent Connection: Talk about a time when trusting God felt difficult. Ask, “What’s one way we can encourage each other to stay faithful when life gets hard?”

Week 3 – Family Struggles, Sovereign Plan
  • Genesis 25–28: Jacob & Esau, deception, blessing
  • Matthew 11–12: Jesus invites the weary to find true rest (11:28–30)
    Parent Connection: Families can be messy. Ask, “How can we show forgiveness and patience at home, even when we don’t feel like it?”

Week 4 – Wrestling with God
  • Genesis 29–36: Jacob’s transformation after wrestling with God
  • Matthew 13–14: Jesus multiplies loaves and walks on water — strength in the struggle
    Parent Connection: Share a time when you “wrestled” with God in prayer or faith. Ask, “Why do you think God sometimes lets us wrestle instead of giving easy answers?”

Upcoming Events & Announcements


ITM Fall Family Fellowship | October 24, 2025 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Navy Federal Credit Union’s Recreation Center (9045 Security Pl, Pensacola, FL)

Join us for a relaxed evening of fun, laughter, and community! Whether you’re playing in the Adult Vs. Student Flag Football game —or just cheering from the sidelines—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We’ll keep it simple: bring a main entrée, side dish, and dessert to share. Drinks and dinnerware will be provided. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with new friends and make great memories with old ones.


Atlanta Missions Trip – Sign Up Now! | July 18–24, 2026

Atlanta is one of the most diverse communities in the U.S.—known as the “Ellis Island of the South.” This trip is an incredible opportunity for students and families to serve refugees and internationals through outreach, ministry, and compassion projects.

Only 30 spots available! Don’t wait to reserve your place on this life-changing mission experience.

ITM Calendar