I am amazed at how quickly time has flown by, and now, two months since my last post, I am looking into an unknown but promising New Year, thankful for what God has done and full of anticipation for more good things to come. As of now, I have been a leader in this church for a full year. I can not even begin to describe the wonderful things God has done, how he has shaped and changed me through this challenging and rewarding experience. I have cried, I have rejoiced, I have seen kids walk away from faith and the church, and I have seen kids come to God in repentance and yearn for the marvelous life He has for them. I am a stronger person today because of these wonderful people God has put in my life. I am simply astounded by His Faithfulness in every detail. One more semester left....
Re-cap since November: The Retreat was phenomenal. We had a large group of students, some new and some old. It was a blessed time of learning about defending the Gospel out in God's creation. In retrospect, I realized there was so much more I could have done to make the weekend even more of a success. The retreat showed me how desperately our youth leaders need to band together as a team, how I need to be a more intentional communicator, and how I need to adapt my teaching style and be more consciously aware of the needs of my students. I am prayerfully seeking how I can implement these aspects of ministry in the coming year. A parent/staff meeting scheduled for the 20th should be instrumental refining our direction.
Best Praise Report: God has provided a leader to take over from me in May!! I am still overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness. I am so excited that Nick is on board with us. He will be shadowing me through the semester so we have lots of time to multiply the ministry before my departure. He's already spent some time hanging out with the youth group and establishing relationship with the boys; I am confident that God will use him in marvelous ways to expand this ministry.
Our group has swelled and shrunk in size in the past two months. Sadly, we've lost some members due to rough family situations, but others have been coming as well. But God is reminding me to be faithful to what he has called me to do; no more, no less. I have seen growth and passion in the group, I am so proud of my students! As long as God is praised in their hearts, I know I am doing my job. I look forward to beginning a new chapter in May, but in the mean time, I am so happy to be serving in this small community where God has called me to serve.
Prayer requests: Parent meeting on the 20th! May be it be a time where adults come together and are unified in prayer and passion. May we clearly communicate our needs and be met with encouragement as the congregation steps up to claim and disciple their youth. May God set our course for the next semester and glorify His name.
Showing posts with label general updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general updates. Show all posts
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunday, November 4, 2012
It's november!!
Its been an incredibly busy month, but by God's grace, we're here. We made it to November!
In the past month, we've had about 10 students come every Sunday evening. We've sadly lost touch with some students, but we've gained others as well. The biggest upcoming event is our youth retreat, "The ESCAPE," which is this coming Friday!! (gasp!) This is the first retreat I have ever fully organized, and tacking down the details has been truly blessed by God. Everything is miraculously falling into place. We will be taking about 10 students to camp in tents and studying what it means to be a solider of God while coving 2nd Timothy in one weekend! :) I am so excited.
Earlier today I was reflecting on the process of "sowing," sinking deeper in the understanding that my work is a process, often very enjoyable, sometimes painfully difficult, occasionally mundaine and very slow. It's deeply satisfying even as the blisters form. The fields are ripe for harvest.
Prayer requests for this month:
In the past month, we've had about 10 students come every Sunday evening. We've sadly lost touch with some students, but we've gained others as well. The biggest upcoming event is our youth retreat, "The ESCAPE," which is this coming Friday!! (gasp!) This is the first retreat I have ever fully organized, and tacking down the details has been truly blessed by God. Everything is miraculously falling into place. We will be taking about 10 students to camp in tents and studying what it means to be a solider of God while coving 2nd Timothy in one weekend! :) I am so excited.
Earlier today I was reflecting on the process of "sowing," sinking deeper in the understanding that my work is a process, often very enjoyable, sometimes painfully difficult, occasionally mundaine and very slow. It's deeply satisfying even as the blisters form. The fields are ripe for harvest.
Prayer requests for this month:
- The Retreat!!! Pray that we have good weather, a safe time, and that God works miraculously in the hearts of the students and adults alike.
- Pray for unity for our youth team! Pray that I learn how to bring them togther as a cohesive unit and learn to delegate sensitively.
- Pray for a youth leader to come take my place in May; someone who can hopefully join our team this winter to make the transition smoother.
- Pray for peace among our students. As is typical of middle school, some students decided that they just don't like other students. Our group is too small for this to happen without consequences.
- Thank God for the new members in our group and the spiritual understanding of some of our students. I can definitely see some spiritual leadership developing and it is so wonderful!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
joy
he came to church today; the man I met Friday afternoon. He came and I got to preach about life in the Spirit renewing us from the inside out, about the Living God who longs to have relationship with us, about the Consuming Fire whom we draw near in worship. He stayed for a while afterwards, talking to others, talking to our pastor. My heart is full.
The early worship service is growing, 5th Quarter was excellent, and Sunday school, though hit-and-miss with attendance, is deepening in discussion and intensity as we talk about tough themes like redemption, sin, and reconciliation. I am honored to be the farmer who is daily sowing seeds.
My heart is full.
The early worship service is growing, 5th Quarter was excellent, and Sunday school, though hit-and-miss with attendance, is deepening in discussion and intensity as we talk about tough themes like redemption, sin, and reconciliation. I am honored to be the farmer who is daily sowing seeds.
My heart is full.
Friday, September 21, 2012
September prayers and praises
Forgot the most important part of the update:
Praise God for a slowly growing group! Three weeks ago we had a record: 13 students! Lately the average has been between 8 and 10, higher than last semester. Pray that we can continue to welcome students who need to hear about God.
Pray for peace in our group. As is expected with this age group, some kids just don't get along. At first I saw this as a major problem and worked to separate the quarrenling parties, but I've since come to see it as a developmental hurdle that I know these kids can overcome. We are a loving community built on mutual faith in One God: pray that we can overcome our differences and love each other.
Confirmand groups are not working out yet as I had hoped. Please pray for the Spirit to bless those discipleship groups.
We already have two, possibly three college freshmen on board to help us with extra events! Pray that God brings in the the right peole to serve, and that their presence will encourage our group. I thank God for them!
Upcoming events: possibly paint-ball, Fall festival, more 5th Quarters. I want to plan a retreat in November. Pray that those things would happen and I wouldn't let myself get stressed out about what is outside of my control.
Above all, pray for God's Presence with us, to work in kid's hearts and draw the hurting to himself. Praise God for what He's about to do!
Praise God for a slowly growing group! Three weeks ago we had a record: 13 students! Lately the average has been between 8 and 10, higher than last semester. Pray that we can continue to welcome students who need to hear about God.
Pray for peace in our group. As is expected with this age group, some kids just don't get along. At first I saw this as a major problem and worked to separate the quarrenling parties, but I've since come to see it as a developmental hurdle that I know these kids can overcome. We are a loving community built on mutual faith in One God: pray that we can overcome our differences and love each other.
Confirmand groups are not working out yet as I had hoped. Please pray for the Spirit to bless those discipleship groups.
We already have two, possibly three college freshmen on board to help us with extra events! Pray that God brings in the the right peole to serve, and that their presence will encourage our group. I thank God for them!
Upcoming events: possibly paint-ball, Fall festival, more 5th Quarters. I want to plan a retreat in November. Pray that those things would happen and I wouldn't let myself get stressed out about what is outside of my control.
Above all, pray for God's Presence with us, to work in kid's hearts and draw the hurting to himself. Praise God for what He's about to do!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Set-up for a new semester
August has been a huge month for us in our little small-town church. I have much to catch up on. Let me preface with Praise, as God is doing awesome things in the lives of these youth and the hearts of the church. This month, I am humbled and eternally grateful to be a part of the change going on here in rural Missouri.
And major changes are taking place this new semester. We are starting Confirmation material during Sunday School that will go all school year long. We have nine in the class and six who have committed to come regularly and dive deep into the material. We have mentors in line, daily devotionals, service projects and retreats to be scheduled. This is disciple-making, straight-forward and sweet, and I am thrilled to be teaching the essentail, foundational doctrines to an eager and committed class. Please pray for these six students who are considering joining the church.
I am bursting with pride to see my little group growing in boldness and maturity as they discover who they are in Christ. During our Youth Sunday, some of our 7th grades helped lead worship in fron of the entire congregation! Two others had the guts to read aloud ways God has demonstrated His power in their lives recently. They were so awesome!
Another exciting change is the youth room. In early February, myself, another leader, and three students stood in an empty, dim, grey, concrete room and prayed for the Spirit to fill it, that it would become a place of Strength and Peace not only for the youth of this church but for the whole community. Months went by, and periodically we would meet in that room but most of the time it remained empty. This summer, after our Mission Week team added some paint and paid for some lighting, things look a whole lot better.
My friends, I have seen this prayer answered! Last week we held our first 5th Quarter in the youth room, complete with music, snack bar, air hockey, fooseball, pool, and Uno. The kids had a blast! we had a few new faces and everyone told me we should do it after every home game, which we plan to to. Our first Youth Group for the semester, which was this last Sunday, also met in the improved youth room. We had a total of 13 students and a fantastic discussion about how our group mirrors the New Testament church in Acts 2. I can hear their answers reflecting a greater understanding than when we discussed the same topic six months ago.
Everything is set up and ready to go for this semester. Events are scheduled, youth leaders are committed, we're looking for a college student to come along side me this year so they can take over in May. We've got the Youth Room, Bus system, food and games. Oh heavenly Father, please let us not forget your Spirit!
Prayer requests as we head into September: That God would provide the right people to join our team, and would prepare the person who is supposed to take over after me; for our confirmand group to remain involved and committed and serious in their study; that the kids who need God's Word most would come to youth group and be fed. Pray that God helps me discern the balance between the need for fun events and serious discussion, so that everything we do is for a purpose. Pray that the Spirit takes over my speech (I'll be teaching sunday school, youth group, and an occasional Sunday Morning sermon this semester). Mostly, continue to pray for the Spirutal rain to revive thirsty hearts in this community. I've been told that conversations and attitudes are beginning to shift among the older members from "how can you (church leadership) serve me (paying member)" to "how can I get involved in what the church is doing in the community." Our Father is faithful and is up to Awesome things. I praise God for helping me through such a dry season so that I get to hear these first thunderclaps before the downpour.
And major changes are taking place this new semester. We are starting Confirmation material during Sunday School that will go all school year long. We have nine in the class and six who have committed to come regularly and dive deep into the material. We have mentors in line, daily devotionals, service projects and retreats to be scheduled. This is disciple-making, straight-forward and sweet, and I am thrilled to be teaching the essentail, foundational doctrines to an eager and committed class. Please pray for these six students who are considering joining the church.
I am bursting with pride to see my little group growing in boldness and maturity as they discover who they are in Christ. During our Youth Sunday, some of our 7th grades helped lead worship in fron of the entire congregation! Two others had the guts to read aloud ways God has demonstrated His power in their lives recently. They were so awesome!
Another exciting change is the youth room. In early February, myself, another leader, and three students stood in an empty, dim, grey, concrete room and prayed for the Spirit to fill it, that it would become a place of Strength and Peace not only for the youth of this church but for the whole community. Months went by, and periodically we would meet in that room but most of the time it remained empty. This summer, after our Mission Week team added some paint and paid for some lighting, things look a whole lot better.
Everything is set up and ready to go for this semester. Events are scheduled, youth leaders are committed, we're looking for a college student to come along side me this year so they can take over in May. We've got the Youth Room, Bus system, food and games. Oh heavenly Father, please let us not forget your Spirit!
Prayer requests as we head into September: That God would provide the right people to join our team, and would prepare the person who is supposed to take over after me; for our confirmand group to remain involved and committed and serious in their study; that the kids who need God's Word most would come to youth group and be fed. Pray that God helps me discern the balance between the need for fun events and serious discussion, so that everything we do is for a purpose. Pray that the Spirit takes over my speech (I'll be teaching sunday school, youth group, and an occasional Sunday Morning sermon this semester). Mostly, continue to pray for the Spirutal rain to revive thirsty hearts in this community. I've been told that conversations and attitudes are beginning to shift among the older members from "how can you (church leadership) serve me (paying member)" to "how can I get involved in what the church is doing in the community." Our Father is faithful and is up to Awesome things. I praise God for helping me through such a dry season so that I get to hear these first thunderclaps before the downpour.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Long days
The summer is beginning to wind down as school is only a week and a half away; time to transition to a more regular schedule, where my focus will be more on teaching and less on organizing crazy events (praise God!) but the transition also requires long hours of preparation for the school year. Yesterday was one of those 12- hour days, and I surprise myself with the range of emotions I experience in one day at work:
A knot of dread in the pit of my stomache during my morning drive reminds me that I'm just not looking forward to facing all the unanswered questions today. My quiet, introverted self struggles to be authentic past the friendly Sunday-morning greetings during the early service.
Impatience and embarassment as I remember a student who needs a ride (we can't see to get a good bus system going) and I need to find a second adult to go with me to pick him up. I hate asking other adults to do things, even though they are willing servants and they're not doing it for me, but for the students.
Disapointment in my students, whom I and another dear woman labor to teach week after week, and during review, can't recal one thing we discussed all summer long. Do these hours of work even count for anything?
Peace and comfort flood through me during the worship service. For an hour I can drop my "have it all together" role and petition a good King to bless this community. I am joined at the kneeling rail by older saints whose passion and perserverance last far longer than my own. This church struggles, but they have a good heart.
I'm tired by 11:30, but it's potluck day. I'm genuinely happy about getting a free meal and sharing it with some friends at church, but feeling increasingly tired and impatient as I gather up two students and another adult to give them a ride home. Back at the chruch, I have one hour to make phone calls, e-mails, and a to-do list before I go pick up kids again for worship rehearsal.
Because the pastor's away and next week is youth Sunday, guess who gets to be in charge of the service next week? It was my bright idea to get the youth band to lead worship, so by 2:00 we're all together with a handful of middle school students (the rest are unresponsive to my persistent phone calls) in an attempt to make something resembling music. This is where I almost start crying because I realize I've been put in charge of something I know nothing about.
My some miracle, we get through with a degree of improvement. Then there's a meeting with the pastor. Then a quick meeting with the music director. Details for next week begin falling into place. Finally it's off to the lake because Youth Group is meeting on a sail boat!
Two and a half hours later, I file 5 hungry students off the boat to impatient parents waiting on the shore. We promised to provide dinner that some students didn't have because we ran so late. One student was brand new and I hope he comes back next week, but his aunt seemed pretty unhappy about the late return. But I'm in a good mood because it was a fun and peaceful ride. Maybe we solidified some friendships. Maybe my short devotional about Jesus calming the waves was an encouragement to one. Maybe they'll make a point to come back.
That's always the question that stirrs the most anxiety in me. Who will be there? Who can I count on? Why aren't they comming? What can I do to make them come? But it's one question that keeps me coming back week after week. Is it worth it? Yes, it always is.
Here are some pictures of our crew on the sail boat. I certainly had a blast. Next week we'll go bowling, then to an ice-cream place, then our Kick-Off will be at the end of August. Fall 2012, here we come! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stockton-United-Methodist-Church/149622788442667?ref=stream#!/media/set/?set=a.372117042859906.85125.149622788442667&type=1
A knot of dread in the pit of my stomache during my morning drive reminds me that I'm just not looking forward to facing all the unanswered questions today. My quiet, introverted self struggles to be authentic past the friendly Sunday-morning greetings during the early service.
Impatience and embarassment as I remember a student who needs a ride (we can't see to get a good bus system going) and I need to find a second adult to go with me to pick him up. I hate asking other adults to do things, even though they are willing servants and they're not doing it for me, but for the students.
Disapointment in my students, whom I and another dear woman labor to teach week after week, and during review, can't recal one thing we discussed all summer long. Do these hours of work even count for anything?
Peace and comfort flood through me during the worship service. For an hour I can drop my "have it all together" role and petition a good King to bless this community. I am joined at the kneeling rail by older saints whose passion and perserverance last far longer than my own. This church struggles, but they have a good heart.
I'm tired by 11:30, but it's potluck day. I'm genuinely happy about getting a free meal and sharing it with some friends at church, but feeling increasingly tired and impatient as I gather up two students and another adult to give them a ride home. Back at the chruch, I have one hour to make phone calls, e-mails, and a to-do list before I go pick up kids again for worship rehearsal.
Because the pastor's away and next week is youth Sunday, guess who gets to be in charge of the service next week? It was my bright idea to get the youth band to lead worship, so by 2:00 we're all together with a handful of middle school students (the rest are unresponsive to my persistent phone calls) in an attempt to make something resembling music. This is where I almost start crying because I realize I've been put in charge of something I know nothing about.
My some miracle, we get through with a degree of improvement. Then there's a meeting with the pastor. Then a quick meeting with the music director. Details for next week begin falling into place. Finally it's off to the lake because Youth Group is meeting on a sail boat!
Two and a half hours later, I file 5 hungry students off the boat to impatient parents waiting on the shore. We promised to provide dinner that some students didn't have because we ran so late. One student was brand new and I hope he comes back next week, but his aunt seemed pretty unhappy about the late return. But I'm in a good mood because it was a fun and peaceful ride. Maybe we solidified some friendships. Maybe my short devotional about Jesus calming the waves was an encouragement to one. Maybe they'll make a point to come back.
That's always the question that stirrs the most anxiety in me. Who will be there? Who can I count on? Why aren't they comming? What can I do to make them come? But it's one question that keeps me coming back week after week. Is it worth it? Yes, it always is.
Here are some pictures of our crew on the sail boat. I certainly had a blast. Next week we'll go bowling, then to an ice-cream place, then our Kick-Off will be at the end of August. Fall 2012, here we come! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stockton-United-Methodist-Church/149622788442667?ref=stream#!/media/set/?set=a.372117042859906.85125.149622788442667&type=1
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Missions Week re-cap
done.
It's been a long, full two weeks, but the hard part is finally done!
I have a day of office work tomorrow, Sunday school, then I'm free for a week. Huzzah!
Our missions week was surely blessed by God! This week I learned that God does not count success like we count sucess. My version of success would have been 10 kids involed in missions week, complete with games and amazing projects, topped off with a weekend retreat.
God's version was very different and so much better! Simple, intense discipleship with three boys. We didn't have the numbers to play a bunch of exciting games, but we did get in some really awesome discussion about the Greatest Commandment, The Great Commission, sharing the Gospel and sharing our testimonies. We served a neighboring church, a man who doesn't often leave his home, we re-did our youth room so that it looks AWESOME!!! and hosted a block-party for a neighboring apartment complex. The small group afforded more opportunities for daily teachable moments and I believe made a lasting impact on these boys and even the future of this church. I am amazed at how God worked and changed my attitude to align with His own vision. Through seasons of deep frustrations and discouragement, He has led me to a river of rejoicing. I am certain that He is with me in this ministry, and I know beyond a doubt that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!!!
It's been a long, full two weeks, but the hard part is finally done!
I have a day of office work tomorrow, Sunday school, then I'm free for a week. Huzzah!
Our missions week was surely blessed by God! This week I learned that God does not count success like we count sucess. My version of success would have been 10 kids involed in missions week, complete with games and amazing projects, topped off with a weekend retreat.
God's version was very different and so much better! Simple, intense discipleship with three boys. We didn't have the numbers to play a bunch of exciting games, but we did get in some really awesome discussion about the Greatest Commandment, The Great Commission, sharing the Gospel and sharing our testimonies. We served a neighboring church, a man who doesn't often leave his home, we re-did our youth room so that it looks AWESOME!!! and hosted a block-party for a neighboring apartment complex. The small group afforded more opportunities for daily teachable moments and I believe made a lasting impact on these boys and even the future of this church. I am amazed at how God worked and changed my attitude to align with His own vision. Through seasons of deep frustrations and discouragement, He has led me to a river of rejoicing. I am certain that He is with me in this ministry, and I know beyond a doubt that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Hurdles in Discipleship
It's a full season for this youth group. And I am in the process of convincing myself that every moment of it is worth it.
First, Camp was last week. Definitely a fantastic experience. Five of my students were going, so I went as a counselor and I think I had more fun then the campers! It was a relief to still be doing ministry while not in charge of making decisions. I was able to connect with several campers and counselors while I was there, and my own students got to see me in a different environment. I know that camp made a difference in my students because there is a seriousness about the gospel now that wasn't there three weeks ago.
So Monday started off Missions Week. This has been the strangest combination of excitement and discouragement. I have been planing this week-long event since the middle of last semester, have been talking about it all year and really pressing sign-up for the past month and a half. The grand total of attendence?...3. Some have legitimate reasons why they can't be here this week, others have just decided that they're not interested, and some I can call and call and just never get a hold of. What is most discouraging is when you see service and talking about Jesus as a treasure, but some just don't care. I never claim to be the most fun person to hang around but I know that people are missing out.
Organizing the details of this week has also been a challenge. Last night I waded through an hour or two of phone calls in an attempt to sort out the details for tomorrow, which completely changed on me last minute. Some other phone calls tonight should add some more closure but I'm learning that there are some questions I just have to wait patiently for. I feel scatter-brained as I haphazardly pull things together and totally elated when, beyond belief, they actually work!
Every time I question, I am always reassured that the work here is worth it! So far we have talked about the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission; tomorrow we'll try to articulate our testimonies and thursday we'll be talking about "the least of these." Some may say that these themes are too advanced for middle school kids but I have seen them repeatedly rise to the occassion and eagerly participate in the discussion. These boys actually want to learn about God, the dynamic here is perfect for close discipleship. Even though it's not nearly what I wanted it to look like, perhaps its good that it's just the three of them. My God is in control.
So far, we ripped out a carpet in a small church in a neighboring town, prayer-walked through our town as we passed out invites to a free car wash we had today. (We were able to use the car wash as a springboard into the gospel: getting something for free or doing something without payment.) Tomorrow we will do some yard work for a gentleman in our neighborhood and paint our own youth room. Thursday is an outreach project; we will be hosting a block party in a neighborhood just for the sake of building connections and relationships there.
Perhaps some good will come of our projects and people will be interested in joining our church. Perhaps the only good I'm doing here is planting seeds. I pray that one day these boys will become young men of passion and godliness. Perhaps my small influence can point them in that directions. All are aching for love and for answers. So what if there's only three? They are three precious sons yearning to know the Father, and I am blessed to be a small part of it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJ0gzqzg_c
First, Camp was last week. Definitely a fantastic experience. Five of my students were going, so I went as a counselor and I think I had more fun then the campers! It was a relief to still be doing ministry while not in charge of making decisions. I was able to connect with several campers and counselors while I was there, and my own students got to see me in a different environment. I know that camp made a difference in my students because there is a seriousness about the gospel now that wasn't there three weeks ago.
So Monday started off Missions Week. This has been the strangest combination of excitement and discouragement. I have been planing this week-long event since the middle of last semester, have been talking about it all year and really pressing sign-up for the past month and a half. The grand total of attendence?...3. Some have legitimate reasons why they can't be here this week, others have just decided that they're not interested, and some I can call and call and just never get a hold of. What is most discouraging is when you see service and talking about Jesus as a treasure, but some just don't care. I never claim to be the most fun person to hang around but I know that people are missing out.
Organizing the details of this week has also been a challenge. Last night I waded through an hour or two of phone calls in an attempt to sort out the details for tomorrow, which completely changed on me last minute. Some other phone calls tonight should add some more closure but I'm learning that there are some questions I just have to wait patiently for. I feel scatter-brained as I haphazardly pull things together and totally elated when, beyond belief, they actually work!
Every time I question, I am always reassured that the work here is worth it! So far we have talked about the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission; tomorrow we'll try to articulate our testimonies and thursday we'll be talking about "the least of these." Some may say that these themes are too advanced for middle school kids but I have seen them repeatedly rise to the occassion and eagerly participate in the discussion. These boys actually want to learn about God, the dynamic here is perfect for close discipleship. Even though it's not nearly what I wanted it to look like, perhaps its good that it's just the three of them. My God is in control.
So far, we ripped out a carpet in a small church in a neighboring town, prayer-walked through our town as we passed out invites to a free car wash we had today. (We were able to use the car wash as a springboard into the gospel: getting something for free or doing something without payment.) Tomorrow we will do some yard work for a gentleman in our neighborhood and paint our own youth room. Thursday is an outreach project; we will be hosting a block party in a neighborhood just for the sake of building connections and relationships there.
Perhaps some good will come of our projects and people will be interested in joining our church. Perhaps the only good I'm doing here is planting seeds. I pray that one day these boys will become young men of passion and godliness. Perhaps my small influence can point them in that directions. All are aching for love and for answers. So what if there's only three? They are three precious sons yearning to know the Father, and I am blessed to be a small part of it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJ0gzqzg_c
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Learning to take it all in stride...
The grand total for church today: 2 in Sunday School, and the same 2 at youth group!
Even though I announce repeatedly that mission week permission forms were due today, even though I made phone calls on Tuesday, Friday, and today attempting to remind students to come...that's just how summer's are in this community, I've been told.
What was cool was the two who came. The game I chose was meant to be a fun object lesson about how we need Scripture to combat Satan's lies, but my instructions were confusing and without enough people the game fell flat completely. They were really good sports and enagaged in discussion dispite the lack of running around. I got an honest comment from a third-grade boy who tagged along with his older brother, "I'm bored to death." okay, thanks. I'll remember not to recycle that one. But the older two, though obviously bored, stuck with me. I forgot that the two wonderful women who make dinner for us were going to be gone this week, so we took an improvised trip to Sonic, which took up most of the remainder of our time and precluded any running-around activities. They're such good sports and I'm so glad I get to play a hand in teaching them.
We need to re-vamp our strategy. what we're doing works, but it's only scraping by.
A year ago in May this church had almost 30 students. Then they called a break for the whole summer and we never got them back. I know this church is capable of doing so much more, but something just isn't working right.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
like turning a ship
Last night was a very encouraging evening! A meeting with the pastor set me on the right track for finalizing projects for our missions week on the 23rd. A number of phone calls proved that we may expect a good number of students that week, and (bless the Lord!) enough helpers to go around.
What was most encouraging was a meeting I had with the pastor and another congregant leader later that night. We discussed our vision for the youth group and how we can start working toward a more structured program. While venting about our frustrations with some pockets of the congregation, I mentioned the shocking reality that a large part of the church says they want more youth for the sake of the church, not for the sake of saving souls, and in fact they aren't willing to change to see their numbers grow. The older church leaders laughed at my comment: it was no surprise to them that the church didn't want to change. That's the attitude of many churches across this country, especially those composed of primarily older members. We shouldn't expect a total upheaval, but that doesn't mean that change won't come gradually. My pastor even mentioned a few minor changes he's seen in some members in the past 7 or 8 months, which was encouraging to hear.
This church may not change much during my short time serving here, but change is on it's way. I'm getting involved in something bigger than myself, planting seed for someone else to harvest years down the road. I am to be faithful to the task God gave me today. And today, my task is to make more phone calls about missions week.
Thank you for the prayers--He hears you!
What was most encouraging was a meeting I had with the pastor and another congregant leader later that night. We discussed our vision for the youth group and how we can start working toward a more structured program. While venting about our frustrations with some pockets of the congregation, I mentioned the shocking reality that a large part of the church says they want more youth for the sake of the church, not for the sake of saving souls, and in fact they aren't willing to change to see their numbers grow. The older church leaders laughed at my comment: it was no surprise to them that the church didn't want to change. That's the attitude of many churches across this country, especially those composed of primarily older members. We shouldn't expect a total upheaval, but that doesn't mean that change won't come gradually. My pastor even mentioned a few minor changes he's seen in some members in the past 7 or 8 months, which was encouraging to hear.
This church may not change much during my short time serving here, but change is on it's way. I'm getting involved in something bigger than myself, planting seed for someone else to harvest years down the road. I am to be faithful to the task God gave me today. And today, my task is to make more phone calls about missions week.
Thank you for the prayers--He hears you!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
joys and frustrations
It feels like the times when I feel most discouraged is right after a relative success in ministry. I do not understand it. Maybe it's Satan trying to rob my joy, maybe it's just me learning to adjust my expectations as I maneuver the ups and downs of church ministry. I guess ultimately, its the reality that not even this work, which I once and still believe is my greatest joy, can be completely fulfilling. Yes, I know that God is using me and my teaching in ways I can't see (and I've even been blessed to be allowed to see some fruit) but sometimes, at the end of the day, it's a paycheck. All the "shiny" has worn off.
Last Thursday we had a girl's night that went really well! Movie, snacks, "Just Dance," and toe nails. I was glad to provide the opportunity for the girls to come together and have some fun and make connections with some female youth leaders. So I guess it was disappointing when Sunday rolled around, and none of the girls showed up for youth group. We've had increasingly high attendance the past few weeks, but this last sunday there were only three boys, and I got the impression that they weren't too interested in the lesson, though I pulled out everything I could think of to make it engaging. I often talk about the steady drip of truth that carved out my faith as it is today, and I know the same concept applies to these boys I teach. Sometimes, though, I catch myself wondering if I just tell myself that to make me feel better. I know that a few hours once a week is not nearly enough, and it's even more aggravating when parent's aren't committed enough to bring their children to church.
This week I have the daunting task of compiling projects and helpers for our missions week. Please pray that it all comes together smoothly. Pray also that I don't give up, but that I finish strong the race marked out for me.
Last Thursday we had a girl's night that went really well! Movie, snacks, "Just Dance," and toe nails. I was glad to provide the opportunity for the girls to come together and have some fun and make connections with some female youth leaders. So I guess it was disappointing when Sunday rolled around, and none of the girls showed up for youth group. We've had increasingly high attendance the past few weeks, but this last sunday there were only three boys, and I got the impression that they weren't too interested in the lesson, though I pulled out everything I could think of to make it engaging. I often talk about the steady drip of truth that carved out my faith as it is today, and I know the same concept applies to these boys I teach. Sometimes, though, I catch myself wondering if I just tell myself that to make me feel better. I know that a few hours once a week is not nearly enough, and it's even more aggravating when parent's aren't committed enough to bring their children to church.
This week I have the daunting task of compiling projects and helpers for our missions week. Please pray that it all comes together smoothly. Pray also that I don't give up, but that I finish strong the race marked out for me.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Some Praises and Prayer requests:
- I and some other adults have seen some undeniable spiritual growth and maturity in some of our youth over the past few months. God is with us!
- Our little group is growing! We have a "core group" of 8 students, and as many as 12 have come on a single youth night. Numbers aren't everything, but they are encouraging.
- Pray for God to move in the hearts of the church and bring revival to this area!! This is the biggest thing on my heart right now. We need people who will volunteer to drive the bus to pick kids up, to meet with and mentor youth on their own time, to be a regualr help on sunday evenings and special events.
- Pray for our missions week, which is less than a month away! Finding help for this week is my #1 stressor right now. I'm afriad we won't have enough adults. Pray pray pray for this to be a success! I believe (because I have experienced it) that mission trips can and do change lives. This week has tremendous potential but it will all flop if we don't have workers who want to spend their time with the youth.
- For myself personally, please pray against discouragement. I can easily let myself start to feel overwhelmed, when the truth is I just need to be patient and rest.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Current projects I am working on:
- "Bridge," an informal panel discussion among members of different generations about Christianity and culture. We finally got some volunteers to participate! Hopefully it will be an enjoyable and enlightening experience for all.
- Girl's Night next week. We have 8 girls who come intermittently. After making phone calls today, we might have to cancel this one due to lack of interest.
- Tuesday's at the Park (yes, I totally stole this from Kevin) starts in July. Hopefully we can get enough adults to come play with us.
- The big event this summer: Missions Week will be in late July and will consist of four days of service projects, devotionals, and team games, concluding with a weekend at New Tribes in Camdenton.
Oh, and please pray for communication. Next to finding willing volunteers, that is my number one challenge. Some people don't have internet, some have it and don't check e-mail, most don't come to church regularly and many don't return phone calls. In the frenzy I sometimes forget to contact those who need info. This requires organization and attention to details: qualities of which I've never had an abundance.
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