Tonight we did some new things at youth group. After the last 2 weeks of evaluating the youth group format and activities with the youth and having discussions with both middle school and high school groups, tonight was the night to put some of those things into action. We changed some things, had some rules put into place, and had our first official question night- which was something we decided on last month. On the 4th Sunday, they can ask anything and discuss things they feel they need to. We did this last month with just the high school group and decided to try it with everyone. It was a success. I am surprised at the depth of some of their questions and that they feel comfortable enough to ask them. I am even more pleasantly surprised to hear their answers and discussions. I let them answer or talk first and then I shared my thoughts. But, I love listening to them share their faith with each other. One youth answered a question by sharing what he had heard at confirmation the other day! I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience these times.
One of the new things was our weekly game time- which was the time opposite our discussion time. I used to try and do a game every week, but had been discouraged lately and had not been doing them a whole lot. It was frustrating to me that they were never happy with the game- whether it was a game we'd had fun playing before, a new game, a game I'd learned because a lot of other groups I know loved it, etc. So, last week during our discussion of the surveys, I shared that with them and told them I would love to start playing games again if they could be more positive and open-minded. I suggested we do games according to the alphabet so last week was "a" and this week was "b" and we'll continue each week by doing brand new games w/ titles starting with that letter. They were up for it. This week, we played 3 or 4 games and had a great time! We laughed, had fun, and I watched them work together, which is a great part of playing games. I look forward to putting this back into our routine and am excited that there was no complaining about the games and I think we'll be ready to broaden our game choices now!
I love that when it comes down to it, I can open up and explain things and they can understand and respect what I say. There are special things about each age. But, I definitely love this age group for that reason. The conversations, the mutual respect, and the ways we can and do learn from each other bless me every day.
So, where was God today? He was watching as several weeks of discussions and planning was being put into action. He was in on it every step of the way.
Blessings,
Jennifer
One of the new things was our weekly game time- which was the time opposite our discussion time. I used to try and do a game every week, but had been discouraged lately and had not been doing them a whole lot. It was frustrating to me that they were never happy with the game- whether it was a game we'd had fun playing before, a new game, a game I'd learned because a lot of other groups I know loved it, etc. So, last week during our discussion of the surveys, I shared that with them and told them I would love to start playing games again if they could be more positive and open-minded. I suggested we do games according to the alphabet so last week was "a" and this week was "b" and we'll continue each week by doing brand new games w/ titles starting with that letter. They were up for it. This week, we played 3 or 4 games and had a great time! We laughed, had fun, and I watched them work together, which is a great part of playing games. I look forward to putting this back into our routine and am excited that there was no complaining about the games and I think we'll be ready to broaden our game choices now!
I love that when it comes down to it, I can open up and explain things and they can understand and respect what I say. There are special things about each age. But, I definitely love this age group for that reason. The conversations, the mutual respect, and the ways we can and do learn from each other bless me every day.
So, where was God today? He was watching as several weeks of discussions and planning was being put into action. He was in on it every step of the way.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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