It’s nearing the end of August which means two things, summer is almost over and school is in session. This is a complicated time, a shift in many people’s families because routines are different, expectations are different, even the alarm is set for a different time. So during this time of switching things up, becoming more scheduled and responsible, have we put any thought into going ‘back to church’? Ahhh back to school time… the smell of fresh Expo markers and pencil shavings, ripping off the tags of your brand new jeans and back pack, and as soon as the year starts, you're already missing the smells, sounds and sights of the pool. I don’t know about you, but for me when I was in high school Back to School was sort of exciting, but I always experienced some anxiety along with it. The summer’s lazy days with nothing ‘due’ melted away into research papers, homework, time consuming practices, and hectic schedules. My mind had to make a leap from passive to active, from lazy to productive, from loose to structured. But something I needed to realize was… was my spiritual life ready for Back to School? I ask you… What are you doing to ‘schedule’ time for church, time for prayer, time for reflection, or even just time to just sit and process the craziness that is the school year? Among all the school supplies, planners and new clothes, are you making yourself available for God? Look, I know how important calculators, backpacks and sharpened pencils are for the school year-I mean we cant really do our work without them. But I’d challenge you and say that one of THE MOST IMPORTANT factors to a happy and successful school year is prayer. And not just saying an Our Father on your way to and from school (although that is a FANTASTIC START!). But I challenge you to carve out a few minutes each day so that God can love on you. So he can fill you with the strength and peace that are necessary to be a good student, friend, and Christian. This year for Youth Group, we are NOT meeting the last Wed of the month because INSTEAD, we will spend one hour with Jesus in Adoration (when we go to a chapel and play some quiet praise and worship music, and let God speak to us and fill us with peace) every Thursday following the last Wed of the month from 6-7pm. I’d also like to grab ice cream or a late dinner and just hang out and talk with you all about your week/month/life/etc. The first night of Youth Group is the Kickoff on Wednesday Sept 27th. Our first opportunity for Adoration will be the next night, Sept 28th from 6-8pm. The next opportunity as a youth group will be Oct 26th and so on. So join me, pray with me, and let Jesus help you be the best version of yourself and help this year to kick some major hiney! Praying so hard for you guys! ~Stacy
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWord up. I am Stacy, the youth minister of this amazing group of teens. I have 4 kids of my own, 2 heaven babies and like 60 teens I consider very large children of my own. Archives
March 2018
Categories |