Tonight was the result of several weeks in the planning. After one of my volunteers and I met a couple weeks ago, we decided to have an evening of quiet time and reflection on the next Sunday she and her husband were scheduled to come. That was tonight. So, we met an hour before the group started so we could get ready. We lit candles, had music playing, had a table with scriptures, journals, and some other things to help them focus.
Earlier this week, I came across an article about lent and making it a season of change- focusing on prayer, fasting, generosity, and forgiveness. So, in order to help them stay focused, we spent the hour by reading some things from that article.
We also asked them to think about the question "Why are we here," both during the reflection time and afterwards. In our middle time, they were divided into 4 teams and they made posters with that theme. Each team really got in to their artwork. Some drew, some wrote words, some were the ideas behind the art. But, they all participated. We spent longer than planned because they were enjoying it and seemed to really be getting a lot out of it.
I observed several things I loved. First, I noticed how complimentary they were to each other, encouraging each other. Next, I noticed how well they seemed to be working together. When they finished their posters and shared them with the others, I saw how proud they were. And, I was struck by the fact that they all had the same question but their thoughts were so unique. I loved how they used their own perspectives and experiences to answer the question. Some of their thoughts were- Christ is watching us- are we watching Him? We are here to have a relationship with God. Why are we here- in a world that's free from persecution while so many others are persecuted? Love, peace, hope, happiness, community, etc.
So, where was God today? He was there listening as the youth spent time talking to Him. And, He was there watching as they shared about their journeys and relationships with Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Earlier this week, I came across an article about lent and making it a season of change- focusing on prayer, fasting, generosity, and forgiveness. So, in order to help them stay focused, we spent the hour by reading some things from that article.
We also asked them to think about the question "Why are we here," both during the reflection time and afterwards. In our middle time, they were divided into 4 teams and they made posters with that theme. Each team really got in to their artwork. Some drew, some wrote words, some were the ideas behind the art. But, they all participated. We spent longer than planned because they were enjoying it and seemed to really be getting a lot out of it.
I observed several things I loved. First, I noticed how complimentary they were to each other, encouraging each other. Next, I noticed how well they seemed to be working together. When they finished their posters and shared them with the others, I saw how proud they were. And, I was struck by the fact that they all had the same question but their thoughts were so unique. I loved how they used their own perspectives and experiences to answer the question. Some of their thoughts were- Christ is watching us- are we watching Him? We are here to have a relationship with God. Why are we here- in a world that's free from persecution while so many others are persecuted? Love, peace, hope, happiness, community, etc.
So, where was God today? He was there listening as the youth spent time talking to Him. And, He was there watching as they shared about their journeys and relationships with Him.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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