After a crazy fun, but aptly named, march break madness event on Friday night/Saturday morning. Life is trying to regain some semblance of normalcy.
It was an awesome way to spend the last couple days of March break together, and to hang out with some of our future youth kids as a bunch of Grade 8's joined us (and had way more energy than anyone else.)
Fun, games, pranks, laughing, a little sleeping for some. All in all, a good night.
On another note, I have been reading an amazing book; Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. I am only about a third of the way through, but it has hit me between the eyes on a few occasions.
I have the unique position of being a young dad, and working with teenagers. I get to see what I am getting myself into, as well as see how incredible the influence of parenting really is; for good and for bad.
The truth is there is not a perfect parent out there, but we all want to love our kids in ways that make them better. This book has been so helpful to me already, and I am just a rookie dad. I suggest picking up a copy (mine is borrowed, but I think I will be buying one soon) and reading along.
Hope it blesses you!
- Andrew
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pain & Suffering
With it being march break, we had a smaller crowd this week, but it was a good night. The relaxed atmosphere of a march break style youth night leads to some really cool hang outs and conversations.
We discussed the issue of suffering and how it can be an obstacle to people seeing God for who He is. There wasn't a lot of discussion per se, but I think some good thought processes got started. Talk with your teens about the issue of suffering. Don't shy away from the tough stuff, because that is where you really see growth. One of the things came up, was that the "impersonal" feel of watching something on the news. So if your family or others close to you are going through a season of suffering, ask and pray to see where God is at work, be honest with your kids and get them in on the discussion!!
We discussed the issue of suffering and how it can be an obstacle to people seeing God for who He is. There wasn't a lot of discussion per se, but I think some good thought processes got started. Talk with your teens about the issue of suffering. Don't shy away from the tough stuff, because that is where you really see growth. One of the things came up, was that the "impersonal" feel of watching something on the news. So if your family or others close to you are going through a season of suffering, ask and pray to see where God is at work, be honest with your kids and get them in on the discussion!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Rock Removal
This week we began a Lent series called "Removing the Rocks: Seeing Jesus Clearly." Over the next 6 weeks we will address some of the major stumbling blocks that can impede our teens from seeing Jesus for who He really is. This week we began the discusion on distractions. Those things, whether good or bad, that take our attention and affections away from Christ.
It was a good start, honest conversations and I think it really got some gears turning.
If you want to check it out, our creativity team has made some videos and we will be unveiling them each week at youth. We will post them after on the youth facebook page.
we also played a game that tied in to the lesson, but I think there was too much screaming for anyone to make the connection ... It was more of a headache inducer than anything :)
Please keep conversations going at home! Ask your teen(s) what are the major stumbling blocks that keep them from following Jesus.
- Andrew
It was a good start, honest conversations and I think it really got some gears turning.
If you want to check it out, our creativity team has made some videos and we will be unveiling them each week at youth. We will post them after on the youth facebook page.
we also played a game that tied in to the lesson, but I think there was too much screaming for anyone to make the connection ... It was more of a headache inducer than anything :)
Please keep conversations going at home! Ask your teen(s) what are the major stumbling blocks that keep them from following Jesus.
- Andrew
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Get blog posts via e-mail
Pastor Ray has informed me that you can get new blog posts delivered to your email!
This is easier than checking the blog every day, week, etc. Every time a new blog is posted, you will be sent an email with the blog in the email. You can read through it, and if you want to comment, go to the blog, otherwise there is no need.
Here's how to sign up for this:
This is easier than checking the blog every day, week, etc. Every time a new blog is posted, you will be sent an email with the blog in the email. You can read through it, and if you want to comment, go to the blog, otherwise there is no need.
Here's how to sign up for this:
- Scroll to the bottom of the blog page. Just below "Home" it says, "Subscribe to Posts (Atom)" Click on that.
- A new screen will pop up. On that, click "Subscribe to this feed."
- You can now choose where you want it sent (your Outlook, etc.)
- Now you should recieve all new posts in your inbox!
- If you want to comment, at the bottom it says "view article." Click on that and it takes you to the blog, where you can comment. (Please do comment - it's nice to know people are reading this!)
Hope this helps!
- Laura
Monday, March 7, 2011
Up Coming Events
So with a busy season on the horizon my lovely wife suggested we inform parents of all the events that are coming up in youth group.
March Break Madness All-Nighter
Date: Friday March 18th - Saturday March 19th
Location: Hershey Centre, Playdium & Bethel Church
Cost: $30
Information: This event is aptly named. We will meet at the church at 6 pm on Friday and head to the Hershey Centre for a Majors vs. Battalion game. Then we will truck on over Playdium for a couple hours of games and finally head back to Acton for an all night extravaganza of fun.
Your teen MUST register by Tuesday March 15th at noon
D Group Hang Out Night
Date: Wednesday March 30th
Location: Will Vary for each group
Cost: N/A
Information: Our groups will take off together and forego the regular routine of a youth night and bond together! Each group will be doing it's own thing, so be on the look out for permission forms that will explain what your teen is up to!
30 Hour Famine
Date: April 15th - 16th
Location: Bethel Church
Cost: N/A - But must raise pledges (see Andrew for a form)
Information: This is a fundraiser event for World Vision. The teens voluntarily fast (abstain from eating) for 30 hours to help them empathize with those suffering around the world. The event focuses on raising both funds and awareness. Many of the activities will help educate the teens participating in what is going on around the world and what they can do to help.
Pitch And Praise
Date May 20th -23rd (May Long Weekend)
Location: Braeside Camp in Paris, Ontario
Cost: $99 Before April 30th ($115 After)
Information: We are switching things up a little this year. We have never attended this event as a youth group, but I have heard from countless others in the Youth Ministry community that this event is a "can't miss." We are doing a trial run this year to see how the kids enjoy it, and I must say from what I see, it looks awesome. Great speakers and entertainment, small groups, dances, games, tournaments and camping together! I look forward to the bonding experience of breaking my back on rugged ground for the sake of our teens!
For more information check out www.pitchandpraise.com
That's all I have for now, but check back often!
Please feel free to email me (youth@actoncrc.com) if you have any questions or concerns.
- Andrew
March Break Madness All-Nighter
Date: Friday March 18th - Saturday March 19th
Location: Hershey Centre, Playdium & Bethel Church
Cost: $30
Information: This event is aptly named. We will meet at the church at 6 pm on Friday and head to the Hershey Centre for a Majors vs. Battalion game. Then we will truck on over Playdium for a couple hours of games and finally head back to Acton for an all night extravaganza of fun.
Your teen MUST register by Tuesday March 15th at noon
D Group Hang Out Night
Date: Wednesday March 30th
Location: Will Vary for each group
Cost: N/A
Information: Our groups will take off together and forego the regular routine of a youth night and bond together! Each group will be doing it's own thing, so be on the look out for permission forms that will explain what your teen is up to!
30 Hour Famine
Date: April 15th - 16th
Location: Bethel Church
Cost: N/A - But must raise pledges (see Andrew for a form)
Information: This is a fundraiser event for World Vision. The teens voluntarily fast (abstain from eating) for 30 hours to help them empathize with those suffering around the world. The event focuses on raising both funds and awareness. Many of the activities will help educate the teens participating in what is going on around the world and what they can do to help.
Pitch And Praise
Date May 20th -23rd (May Long Weekend)
Location: Braeside Camp in Paris, Ontario
Cost: $99 Before April 30th ($115 After)
Information: We are switching things up a little this year. We have never attended this event as a youth group, but I have heard from countless others in the Youth Ministry community that this event is a "can't miss." We are doing a trial run this year to see how the kids enjoy it, and I must say from what I see, it looks awesome. Great speakers and entertainment, small groups, dances, games, tournaments and camping together! I look forward to the bonding experience of breaking my back on rugged ground for the sake of our teens!
For more information check out www.pitchandpraise.com
That's all I have for now, but check back often!
Please feel free to email me (youth@actoncrc.com) if you have any questions or concerns.
- Andrew
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Questions, Questions
I think Question box nights are one of my favorite things to do with Youth Group. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Question Box nights, it's really as simple as it sounds. We put a shoebox in the middle of the room and give kids pen and paper. They put questions in, we pull them out and discuss. It is a great way to let kids ask intimidating questions with no fear of being judged, or condemned.
Last night, as per usual, we had a great discussion. Things like, do you really believe everything in the Bible?, What is with the "last judgement?," What's the big deal with swearing?, and how far do you have to go with obeying your parents?
Lots of really good discussion and some open ended discussions (not about honouring your parents... don't worry!!) but all in all an awesome night. We have a great group of kids who are hungry to know more about what it means to follow Jesus. It is a blessing to be a part of their journey!
- Andrew
Last night, as per usual, we had a great discussion. Things like, do you really believe everything in the Bible?, What is with the "last judgement?," What's the big deal with swearing?, and how far do you have to go with obeying your parents?
Lots of really good discussion and some open ended discussions (not about honouring your parents... don't worry!!) but all in all an awesome night. We have a great group of kids who are hungry to know more about what it means to follow Jesus. It is a blessing to be a part of their journey!
- Andrew
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