The Reformed Church Youth Ministry

Dear Parents and Youth,

Apologies for the neglect of the Youth Blog. It's been a really fabulous fall and winter season thus far. So many things are going on with the Reformed Church Youth Ministry it's really hard to say it all. We had a wonderful White Gift Service Christmas Pageant in December where over 30+ of the church's youth put on a spectacular nativity scene with beautiful singing. The high schoolers have also been meeting regularly on Sunday nights. I can honestly say, I've never seen them a) bonded this well across different grades and b) listening so well to the Word of God. The Word of God is powerful - it is alive the Bible says - and it really works on our hearts. I feel that this is happening with our high school youth. Not only are Sundays going well, but we have a burgeoning Soccer ministry on Wednesday nights as well. We have nearly 20 regular teens coming to play soccer together – from diverse backgrounds as well. They come to play soccer but they end up making many new friends, across town lines, as well as coming together to pray at the end, thanking God for our time together.

The JV Youth are doing great as well. Last year at this time we were averaging about 10 kids per Wednesday night youth group. Now thanks be to God there are about 23 coming on average. Why do they come? I’m not sure! I think it’s just turned out to be a fun, safe, and surprisingly cool place to be. We play some games. Have pizza and hear a quick message about how God loves them. Then we have recess time and some more games. It’s been a hit. We are praying that God works in their hearts to develop in them a love for Him. One of the highlights of the last few months has definitely been our Winter Weekend to Lake Champion. 14 kids from our church came along and it was a total blast – tons of bonding and just a chance to take a break in a busy busy school year.

Guys’ Friday is also going very well. We are seeing lots of new kids but also many regulars as well as the gym has been filling up. We are now starting up Guys Friday SOCCER NIGHT – as I’ve seen that there are a number of soccer players now coming out to play. The first one will be Friday coming up. (And there is a dodgeball tourney afterwards!)

Anyway, It’ been such a pleasure and privilege to work with the church’s youth. I really do feel that God is at work in their lives. Yes we focus on having fun. But ultimately the goal is to a) get these kids connected and bonded to one another and b) more importantly help them to see how beautiful Jesus Christ is. He is the one after all who can give us true life – and true life to the full.

God bless,

Addison