Wow...how time flies. I was thinking about deleting this blog, but going back and rereading some of the fun things we've done in Youth Group, makes me want to continue!

So I should catch everyone up on what's happening within Middle School Youth Ministries first.

We're still averaging @ 60 kids, and I have some FANTASTIC High School and adult leaders. Thanks Terah for dressing up like a Yeti and playing Sardines! Sorry Travis and Keegan that we had to abandon looking for you because we ran out of time! I think the next time we do this, it would be more fun for the youth if we let them hide by grade and then go find them.

Our topic was: "If people spend so much time and money trying to prove that things like the Yeti and the Loch Ness Monster....why is it so hard for people to admit they're looking for God?

I posed the question of what if someone says to you they don't believe in God...a couple of them responded back..."then you ask them a question back--like "How do you know He's not real?"

I then read a couple of passages:

God’s word: Deuteronomy 4:29: Talking about worshipping other things than God and finding no comfort in those “things”….

“From there you will search for Him with all your heart and soul, and you will find Him.”

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.”

Matthew 7:7 (Jesus speaking): Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.

One of our MS girls--Jenny said to me, "I get it. I see how the Yeti and God are kind of alike. He's kind of mysterious and hidden and we need to search for Him to find Him in our lives."

God know we all have questions. He knows we're all seeking. The great thing about the Bible is that throughout the whole book--old testament and new testament--it's cohesive...even though there's mystery--there are guiding answers as well. I think God needs to have some mysteriousness to keep us wondering, keep us searching, and keep us interested. If He gave us all of the answers and everything we wanted, we just might not need Him. And I'm pretty sure I need him--a lot.

Peace!!

Wed. Oct 7, 2009

Well, we served 210 hamburgers last night + a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches as well! It was a great turn out for our the beginning of our F4 night. F4 stands for Food, Fellowship, Family, and Fun! There are many different classes being offered after the dinner. For our Middle Schoolers, after we feasted on hamburgers, tator tots, and ice cream, we went into the gym to play a game. They were divided into two teams of @ 35 kids each. (We were a little short, so there were probably only @ 65 kids there) They had to take a slip of paper out of the basket and then work together sentence by sentence to tell the story. It was Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It took a looonnnggg time, but eventually, they did get the idea. After that, we went into the Youth Center and split into girls on one side, boys on the other. I wanted to give all of the Youth Leaders a chance to see everyone and start to put a name with the face!! So, we played the story game, where you write down: a who, what they did, where they did it, when they did it, and why they did it. Passing the paper to the person next to you after each entry. We came up with some crazy stories in the girls area! Then, we just took time to share random stories with the group. It was a fun night to begin to get to know the kids a little better.
Next week if the weather is decent, we're going to have another bon fire outside, sing some songs around the campfire, roast hotdogs and s'mores, and then go inside to help stuff the College Care Packages. We are still accepting donations for those packages. Flat soups, drink mixes, candy, etc...are good ideas that can be donated.

Thanks!

Welcome Back!!

Well, it was a busy summer of Bible Studies, swimming, basketball tournaments, beach days, and out of town vacations. It finally feels like a routine may be coming--now that we're two weeks into school for some and a month into it for others!!

Middle School Youth Group starts up this coming Wednesday. We'll have a bonfire, play some football and a couple of mixer type games, too.

Beginning in October, we encourage all parents of Middle Schoolers to join us for dinner ($2) and some social time from 5:45 to 6:30. From 6:30 to 7:30, there will be a variety of activities to choose from. Our goal is to get to know all of you better, and provide opportunity to fellowship with each other!!

Last Youth Group Night!

Our last Youth Group consisted of a wiffle ball game and just some fun hanging out time! I hope everyone has a great summer! Here's what's coming up for May, June, July, and August.

Sunday, May 31 9:15 am to 10:30 am. Help serve coffee, tea, and bus dishes for the senior members of our congregation at church in celebration of older adults month. Please contact Leslie if you want to help!

Monday, June 29--Middle School Pool Party at the Russell's house! 13992 Fox Trail Dr. 3-8 pm Please bring a swimsuit, towel, clothes to change into for a bonfire, and snack to share!

Wednesdays on the Water 1-3 pm Every Wednesday--beginning July 1, ladies ages 11 to adult are invited to come to the Russell's for a Bible Study by the pool. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, and your Bible!

Wednesday, July 15--MS Boys Lock In!! 8 pm Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, snack to share, and a nerf gun if you have one!!

Friday, July 24--Beach Day! Meet at Tunnel Park from 1pm to 5 pm. Please bring a towel, swim suit, and a copy of an emergency phone number with your name on it, also!

Wednesday, July 29--MS Girls Lock In!! 8 pm Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, snack to share, and a flash light!

Wednesday, August 5--9--Wyld Life Camp at Timberwolf Lake Lodge!

Wednesday, August 19 MS Last Hoorah Dance Party! 6 pm to 10 pm in the Gym!

Last Wednesday, we talked about identity. Who do others say you are? What words would describe you? Who does God say you are? We all had great discussions around this topic. We also played balloon volleyball, with many balloons!


We are getting ready for Youth Sunday coming up on April 26! Youth will do everything from leading the message to playing in the praise band. We also have a string ensemble playing Amazing Grace. Our Youth Are Awesome!

Happy Spring Break!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are having a wonderful spring break! I'm praying for you!

Next Wednesday, April 15, we will be talking about identity. In Middle School we seem to try on all sorts of different "outfits" if you will....I remember dressing "punk" for a week, and really freaking my parents out! Then, the next week, I was preppy with my collar turned up, and only wore pink and green, and desperately wanted Izod shirts only. Oh, my wonderful parents! How they rode those waves! With my own daughters, we've ridden the waves, too. As they turn 18, they are still stretching, growing, changing, defining....Even at 44, I know God still isn't done with me! He continues to show me new blessings, new ideas, and new mercies every day. What a thing to celebrate! Peace, Friends!