tweens

Today was a new adventure for me! Tween Tuesday! 19 tweens showed up for a cookout and games. It was a little crazy, but an organized chaos.
I had met most of the kids at some point, but most were not regulars at our church. So, I had met them in other circles or because they attended once in awhile. There were about 4 I had never met. We divided into 3 groups to make the afternoon more manageable.
We ate and played games that would help them get to know their group members. Soon, I saw them connecting.
Although originally the day was going to be just food and games, I decided to start out the summer event by including some Bible stories. So, each group did a skit based on a parable. They created it, found their own costumes and props, and heard their parable several times. Then, they performed them for each other. Several told me this was their favorite part of the day! So, I am now thinking about ways to include more Bible stories. I love this age and how eager they are to learn!
At the end of our afternoon, I decided we should do candle time, just as the youth does. Their prayers of joy at being there, meeting new friends, and spending the afternoon together were so sweet and sincere! They really took their prayer time seriously, which is an accomplishment for squirrely tweens!
So, where was God today? He directed my plans for this afternoon.
Blessings
Jennifer

food

At youth group, we did a scavenger hunt for our local food pantry. We had 2 groups during middle school and 2 groups during high school. When all was done, we had about 10 bags of food! In my groups,  everyone who answered the door was more than happy to donate food, and usually several items, sometimes a bag of food! Only once did someone tell us no, but the house was being remodeled and I'm not even sure he lived there.  It was a fun way for the youth to help others, and a great way to get out into the community.
So, where was God today? He was in the youth who were being the hands and feet of Jesus, and in the neighbors who willingly gave.
blessings,
Jennifer

camp

So much catching up to do! A week without internet was a wonderful thing- except for the fact I couldn't share it on here! So many amazing things happened at camp last week that I think it would be impossible to share them all. But, I will try to post the highlights.
10 youth and 2 adults joined me on Sunday.  And, the first awesome thing was that my 2 adults were former youth. Watching them grow and mature in their faith to the point of sharing it with the next generation is a great thing for me. They were able to play the role of adult with an added bonus of relating well to the youth because it wasn't long ago that they were in their shoes.  One of the volunteers brought our original inspiration for daily scriptures that relate to our day. This has helped us to continue to stay focused on the Bible and get much more comfortable with it throughout this past year. Usually,  on Sundaynights, when the yyouth looked up their scriptures,  they used Google to find them. Not having internet, this past week gave them a chance to work on their Bible skills. And, they seemed more comfortable with it than I expected.  Each evening when it was time to share scriptures, they already had found them. I feel like making this practice for the past year and daily during trips has really changed something within our group.  Most of the times in the past, even though Bibles were on the list, they didn't have them. This year, they had them, took them to worship,  and used them throughout the week!
10 youth of varying personalities can tend to be a recipe for drama. This year we actually had a drama free week! That's huge! Everyone got along and relationships were strengthened throughout the time together.  There were some that were obviously trying extremely hard to avoid drama-something I hadn't seen from them in the past. This gave us the opportunity to get deeper and closer as a group.  It gave us time to talk about other things instead.  One night,  a 3 hour conversation which started withthe theme of fears brought us all to a level I didn't know could happen. From that conversation of sharing,  tears, and a few laughs, we became a different group.  It was evident from that night forward.
When asked if youth wanted to come forward during worship to pray,  several did, some for prayer and others to support their friends. But, coming forward to open up to God became a healing some needed to have.
One of the activities was a giant swing. This was something they either loved or hated, depending on how they feel about heights. And, although several were nervous,   in the end,with the eencouragement of their group and their faith that they would be ok, all 10 of our youth got on that swing. It took some time and it took some patience,  but, the ways that they encouraged and kept positive for each other was a beautiful thing. Never before had we been able to accomplish that.
On the last night,  worship is a big deal.  Usually, there are tears and even sobbing as they don't want to leave this place. But, on the last night, I predicted something different was about to happen. And, it did. Several in our group weren't able to be up front for the music,  health issues and the flashing lights didn't mix well. So, during the last set, all of our group rushed to the back so they could worship and sing together.  Arms around each other, swaying and praising God as one, this group wasn't crying because they had to leave in themmorning,  they were rejoicing with their friends who would be leaving with them. All of them, even thise who typically don't,  were hugging and just worshipping. It was beautiful!
I can't forget the workshop most of them went to that had them so excited they  kept talking about it, quoting it, and telling how their perspectives were changed. It was about sex, a topic 2s that they need to hear about from a Godly perspective rather than the media, their  friends,  and people around tyem. Hearing them talk about thinking differently after that was awesome!
 So many more things could be said,  so many moments could be shared. But, you get the idea.
So, where was God last week? He was in every moment we were there!!

retreat part 2

This morning when I got up, I went to church to spend some time with my new young friends. When I arrived, they were cleaning up their breakfast mess.
We hung the mural they created throughout their retreat- a blend of drawings, writing,  and origami- I love their creativity! They excitedly shared with me what they had learned after I left. And, we closed with a beautiful expression of encouragement and love being shared by each of them to each other.
These are the moments that 20 years from now they will remember and look back on as a time of impact on their lives. I love watching the lightbulbs go on as they realize things and make connections with God and their lives!
I talked to a parent this evening and she said her son has not stopped talking about his experiences.  That's what we want-young people to get so excited about God that they want to live it out and share it with everyone around them!
So, where was God today? He was in those young people who were so excited to have Him in their lives!
Blessings,
Jennifer

retreat

Tonight I am so excited! I got to spend the evening with some amazing people who shared and expressed God's love in great ways! Their eagerness to learn, to act on, and share God's lovee was truly inspiring to me. It just so happens that they are in 4th and 5th grade.
I got to attend a retreat for 4th and 5th graders with a theme of "fruit of the spirit". This was a great thing for several reasons.  I can see the potential of the young kids as they near my youth group,  I get to connect with them as we start to focus on a tween ministry,  and I get to be a participant instead of being in charge of things. But, besides those obvious joys, there were the moments. One boy was there who I hadn't seen for quite awhile and he was so excited to help in any way he could. Another boy was new to me and also jumped at the chance to be helpful.  One girl gave me hugs whenever she was near me. When we made pizza's,  I came in late since I was getting something else ready. She quickly invited me to join her in making her pizza. As they started writing in their journals, they were frantically writing, drawing,  or thinking about what they had learned. And, when asked,  it was obvious that they had learned. Later, 9 kids were intent on creating their mural to share with the congregation what they were learning.
As I left for the night, they asked if I would be back in the morning.  Definitely! I can not think of a better way to start my morning than hearing about their retreat experiences!
I am blessed as a youth leader to have a strong foundation of kids younger that are coming into youth group soon. I am grateful for the woman who is so experienced and dedicated to the children of the church and sharing God's love with them! Seeing her focused on the retreats throughout this week has just reassured me even more that I am where I am supposed to be and she is where she is supposed to be. And for that, I am grateful to God.
So, where was God today? He was in the hearts and minds of those 4th and 5th graders, and in their leaders.
blessings,
Jennifer

positivity

I can hardly believe it's already Thursday. This week has flown by. And, when I look back, I wonder where it went. It has been a week of planning and analyzing where my group is so I can figure out what to do next.
Today I had a conversation with someone about choosing to be positive. But, I am realizing I haven't been very positive myself this week. So, that needs to change starting right now!
Some pretty great things happened this week. I took 5 youth to dinner, along with the pastor and my intern, to celebrate their faithfulness to the church and the group. For 6 youth to come every Sunday to youth group for a whole school year seems pretty amazing in this time! I have at least 8 tweens signed up for our new summer program and they are all ones who have not come to things in the past, which means this program will potentially bring more youth to the church, and to God! I am consistently seeing my college youth grow and serve in ways I didn't expect to happen. I am connecting with other women who want to serve God by helping teen moms with me. I am connecting with youth who I haven't seen at church for awhile.  And, last but not least, I am preparing to leave for camp in a few days! How can life be any better?
Sometimes, I want the big things, the miraculous events, the obvious answers. But, that's not the way life works- the way God works. And sometimes I get so busy that I forget to stop and be thankful for the abundant blessings He gives every day.
So, where was God today? He was in everything and I am grateful.
Blessings,
Jennifer

outward

Outwardly focused church. What does that even mean? I got several days to discover just that at the conference I attended. Going outside the church to where the people are, finding ways to connect to those who don't normally go to church, and being welcoming and accepting when they do walk in the church doors are all thoughts I had throughout the conference. Hearing from speakers about ways to achieve these things were enlightening. Watching a documentary about dying churches was scary, although it had glimmers of hope.
But, bringing it home was the piece of the puzzle I didn't want to miss out on. What good is a conference if I don't share and use that information. So, it was only natural to use the topic as a springboard for discussion at youth group. I had already begun developing new programs that support this idea. So, the conference reinforced that I was on the right path. That's always helpful. Spending the summer providing opportunities for group building, relationship building, and creating opportunities for inviting others to not seem so scary are all part of my summer plan. Events focused on inviting the community are planned.
But, now what? That was one of the questions I asked my youth. And, after some great video clips challenging them to "do and be church" and to "make church a verb", discussions, and lots of thought, here were their answers.

1) meet somewhere else-go to the ppl -luhr park or other parks
2) apartment clubhouse events-vbs type activities-
3) flyers on apartment doors-
4) monthly community day youth party-
5) backyard get together
6)more community service-mission Monday
7) ask random ppl to go to church
8) distribute Bibles-
9) have spanish church
10) have outdoor service-
11) distribute things door to door-apartment

There are some big ideas here! Some might take awhile and some more thought. Others are pretty simple and can be quickly put into action. But, all of them are ways that we can be an outwardly focused church. So, I am looking forward to what comes next.
So, where was God today? He was helping them come up with ideas to bring His love to others.
blessings,
Jennifer

conference part 2

During the conference I recently attended, I had the opportunity to hear quite a few young people preach. It was an inspiring time for several reasons.  When I was in high school, I had neither the confidence or the motivation to get up in front of a room full of strangers and friends and preach. But, these young people not only had great things to share, they also did it with poise and confidence.
Spending an entire morning listening to sermons is not always the way to have a good time. But, when listening to such a variety of styles and ways to share God's message, it was a great way to spend a morning. Although there was a theme of "stories" that doesn't give a whole lot of direction.  So, it was clearly God at work in their hearts and in their words when the stories they shared seemed to progress as the mornings went on.Back to back messages talked of healing, then came a challenge of sharing God's love followed by a narration of pentacost.
Another great part of the event was hearing introductions by the mentors. They encouraged, shared of experiences, and expressed joy in being a mentor. It's a great part of the young preacher program. It was obvious there was a mutual admiration and support.
In the evening, I attended a dinner where more young people preached. Their excitement was contagious. I was surprised at how quickly the dinner ended. Again, being engaged by their words and confidence in sharing God's message, I enjoyed the evening.
So, where was God today?  He was giving those young preachers the words to say and the confidence to say them.
blessings,
Jennifer

conference part 1

Last week, I was at a conference.  I enjoyed a week of very little internet. Unplugging was an added bonus to an already great week.
I was there as part of the youth ministry team- a group of teens representing youth from churches all over the state. They chose to spend the beginning of their summer vacation talking about church business, God, and what the church should be doing. So, that should give you an idea of how awesome they are.
The theme of the conference was an outwardly focused church. So, that gave us a lot to think about and talk about. But, even more to do! A worship time designed to be open to the community, both business people, families,  and homeless, as well as conference attendees, both from our conference and others at the convention center, was an exciting event! Music, food, activities for all, and balloons showered the street! When I looked at all the pictures I took, I noticed balloons everwhere and it made me smile. Some of the youth were at times a little squirrelly. But, when it came time to hand out postcards and balloons to welcome and invite people, they were so excited! They loved being able to share God with others. Sometimes,  we share God by talking about Him, sometimes by service, and then, by being welcoming, accepting, and loving to all. So, those red balloons represented God's love to all.
One girl was experiencing her first conference, maybe even her first youth event. When it was time for her to eat, tears welled in her eyes. Yes, she was hungry. But, she saw others who were probably so much hungrier. She couldn't help but be pulled to help. She gave up her lunch to give to someone who would have otherwise been hungry. I think that was a lesson God had planned for both of them. She needed that experience to help her understand the compassion and love for another, and the other person probably didn't expect someone so young to be the one to help him that day. I think we all can learn some things from both perspectives of this story.
One of the youth volunteered to be a prayer person. I think that's pretty awesome considering there are even a lot of adults who would not be very comfortable having random people come up to you for prayers.
Another group went around passing out postcard invitations to the community. While walking,  they had conversations with some homeless people and ended up taking them for lunch. The youth had an experience I doubt they will ever forget.  One of the youth shared with me that she now realized that the homeless have stories to tell, they have lives and reasons why they are there. And, homelessness became real to her, the people became real to her. This valuable lessen will shape the way these girls treat people from now on.
The people along the street had a chance to engage in conversations with friends and strangers, listen to Christian music, and have a great time in a positive Christian environment. The weather was beautiful. There was an abundance of food options. And, most importantly,  God was there!
So, where was God today? Without a doubt, He was loving worship on Georgia Street.
blessings,
Jennifer

tweens

Yesterday, I made my first announcement in church about Tween Tuesday. Today,  I posted it on Facebook.  Nobody ever rsvp's! But, by the end of the day, 3 tweens are signed up to be a part of it. Every Tuesday this summer, we will be having activities and field trips to build relationships with tweens in the community.  The 3 that are signed up are somewhat connected to the church but not overly active, never set foot in the church, or have been gone for awhile.  I am so excited to see these 3 groups of people represented in only the first day to sign up!
I also got a check in the mail from a grant I applied for to help with costs! We plan to take field trips which means transportation expenses.
To me, these are all signs that we are following God's plan for where He wants our ministry to go. Expanding or doing different things can always be a time of wondering. But, I feel God in this! So, I am now even more excited to see where it leads.
Our hopes are many, but mainly, to reach the youth of the community around us that seems to not have much direction, and to connect with younger tweens while they still are open to hearing what a life with God in it has to offer them. Hopefully,  they will then want to continue and be a part of youth group and the church.
So, where was God today? He helped to affirm that this is where we should be and what we should be doing.
blessings,
Jennifer