I had fun tonight! Last week I mentioned chatting with one of my youth about the focus issues during youth group. He offered to plan something- a game- to help teach the lesson. Unfortunately, he didn't have access to his laptop this week and couldn't finish the game. But, I took his thoughts and ideas and tried to create something different this week. I wanted to continue with our theme of mission and doing things to help others by using scripture. So, tonight, we divided into groups and each group got a Bible story to look up. They had 20 minutes to find props, costumes, and decide how to portray the story to the rest of the group. When I announced what we were doing and handed out the scriptures, they ran off excitedly! They all came back with props, costumes, and were ready to share their version of the Bible lesson. There was no complaining about it or whining about being embarrassed. They all took their story and their part seriously. Of course, there were humourous aspects. But, that only added to helping them and the rest of the group remember the stories. It's definitely an activity we'll do again!
My group had the story of the Good Samaritan. As the youth started to read it, he suddenly stopped and exclaimed, "Hey! I know this story!" Seeing teens excited about the Bible about reading it, and about knowing it is an awesome sight!
High school youth was a little different tonight. With the recent overdose death of a classmate, there was an elephant in the room I wasn't going to ignore. So, I asked them if they wanted to do what we had done in middle school or if they wanted to talk- or if they were tired of talking. The consenses of opinion was that they were tired of talking about it. But, then we talked for another hour about how they felt, things they wanted to do to change things, ways they can help others dealing with issues. So, it seems they are tired of talking about what happened but they're only just starting to talk about what to do from here and what they can do to make this tragic death the last one that these teens have to deal with. I am filled with hope for our future when I hear these youth talk about their ideas and ways they can make a difference.
So, where was God today? He helped guide me tonight as I work through trying to reach my young group when they sometimes seem unreachable due to their "squirreliness". And, God helped me during my high school group time because without Him, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know what to say during the "tough stuff" like teens dying of an overdose.
Ephesians 3:20
Jennifer
My group had the story of the Good Samaritan. As the youth started to read it, he suddenly stopped and exclaimed, "Hey! I know this story!" Seeing teens excited about the Bible about reading it, and about knowing it is an awesome sight!
High school youth was a little different tonight. With the recent overdose death of a classmate, there was an elephant in the room I wasn't going to ignore. So, I asked them if they wanted to do what we had done in middle school or if they wanted to talk- or if they were tired of talking. The consenses of opinion was that they were tired of talking about it. But, then we talked for another hour about how they felt, things they wanted to do to change things, ways they can help others dealing with issues. So, it seems they are tired of talking about what happened but they're only just starting to talk about what to do from here and what they can do to make this tragic death the last one that these teens have to deal with. I am filled with hope for our future when I hear these youth talk about their ideas and ways they can make a difference.
So, where was God today? He helped guide me tonight as I work through trying to reach my young group when they sometimes seem unreachable due to their "squirreliness". And, God helped me during my high school group time because without Him, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know what to say during the "tough stuff" like teens dying of an overdose.
Ephesians 3:20
The Message (MSG)
20-21God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Blessings,Jennifer
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