I spent last Sunday evening hanging out with our middle and high school youth and their wonderful counselors. The evening had all the elements of a great event: WhirlyBall (think electric bumper cars + lacrosse), laser tag and pizza that was more grease than pepperoni and therefore delicious. I challenged the youth choir that morning at the 9:00 service to be on my team because we would win, which we did, but of course that was not the priority for the evening. The priority was being the body of Christ together and on that count, we ALL won. Two things especially stood out for me:
38 youth were there – 38 – and 6 of those were guests invited by our youth to the event. I talked to several of them and they were glad to be there.
When I took five minutes during pizza time to ask them what they loved about our church's youth ministry and the characteristics they want to see in their next Youth Minister, they were quick to respond with 10-11 thoughtful, positive and helpful descriptives. The Search Committee will use these as that work begins next week.
Our youth impressed upon me again that the church of Jesus Christ has always been way larger than any one person or leader. It is all of us, and all of us inviting others to the joy, fun and faith that we experience when we physically commune together over the bread and the cup (or in this case over pizza and Dr. Pepper). Thanks be to God!
Speaking of communion, this Sunday we will again offer a drive-through option under the canopy out front from 12:15-1 p.m. Then invite neighbors, kids and pets back at 4 p.m. for our Blessing of the Animals. Every pet receives a special gift, and don’t forget to bring a donation for Shiloh’s Road to Hope. Learn more here. Blessings galore!
See you at the communion place this Sunday.
