This summer of youth ministry was such an encouraging time! We welcomed some students brand new to our area, we witnessed students grow in their understanding of the bible, and we had the opportunity to invite students into moments of slowing down to rest and notice God in their everyday lives during our Renew Retreat.
One of the most encouraging parts of the summer was the reception of our Friday Fanfares events. Every Friday we set up a welcome table with free refreshments and a prize wheel for the returning Qwanoes campers. We also had an amazing team of people from our church family who volunteered to connect with the families while they visited our table and waited for their luggage. It was so cool to witness the reactions from both parents and students, who said things like, "this is so cool!" and "wait, this is all free?!" The directors of Camp Qwanoes told us they were so grateful for this event, which carried on the joy of camp even after students were back home. We are so thankful that such a simple act of hospitality could have such an incredible impact for the camp and for parents and students across the Lower Mainland. Our ongoing prayer as we prepare to wrap up Friday Fanfares for the summer is that the joy these people experienced through this event would lead them to connect with a church and youth group beginning in the fall so that they might continue to experience the joy Jesus gives.
Speaking of which, the launch of our youth programs is just around the corner. Gap Jr. (Grades 5-7) will kick-off Tuesday, September 9th and Gap (Grades 8-12) on Thursday, September 11th. As we prepare to kick-off the year, I want to invite you to prayerfully consider whether God may be calling you to serve in this amazing ministry. I read a book this summer which reminded me that serving in youth ministry is not just an opportunity to help students grow in their relationship with God. It's an opportunity for God to grow your relationship with him. And that's because youth ministry isn't just about playing crazy games with a bunch of teenagers and trying to get them to care about the bible. It's about being present to God and to what he is doing in the lives of his children. That's what a youth leader is called to. If you're discerning that God might be calling you to attend to and participate in what he is doing in the lives of young people, then please come find me at the Spotlight Table this Sunday (you can also email me by clicking the button below). I would love to hear your story and discern together what your involvement in youth ministry might look like. Maybe it's not as a leader, but as an advocate who prays for students, or a mentor for our young adult leaders. Whatever the case, let's explore what God might be inviting you into during this upcoming season!
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