BACK TO SCHOOL!
Can you believe the summer is over? Last night 16 students from Grace joined other students at Lampeter UMC to kick off the school year with a time of worship and prayer. We participated in a unique prayer walk: the 50+ students paired up and got in line with everyone else and began walking around the LS high school. During the walk, partners would talk and pray for requests for the upcoming year. After each shared three requests and prayed for the other, we switched partners. It was neat to see the fellowship that developed and how much prayer was lifted up for the school year.
I challenge and encourage you to pray for your children EACH AND EVERYDAY. Find some creative way to do it or simply a creative reminder to keep you on track: Write their names on your mirror with a dry erase marker and pray for them in the morning; Instead of just posting a grocery list on the fridge, post a prayer list for your family; Pray for your children's friends and teachers by name; Send small encouragement notes and prayers with your kids as they head off to school* I highly recommend this one! I promise most of your kids will think it's lame, but inside they will feel loved and come to really enjoy those notes, I know I did!
This Week:
There is no youth happenings going on this week as the school year begins and the holiday weekend approaches. We kick into gear on September 10th with Bible study!
Deeper Bible Study: Thursday Sept. 10th, 6:30-9pm
We'll have dinner ($2 suggested donation) and worship up in the gym before heading to the Youth Room for our Bible study around 7:15. We're going through the 50 Essential New Testament passages and it's easy to get involved: Read the 5 passages below for the 10th, take notes, and come to dig into those passages together.
For Sep 10th: John 1:1-18; Luke 1:1-80; Luke 2:1-40; Luke 3:1-20, Matt.3:13-4:17
Service Day: Saturday Sept 12, 8am-Noon
Put your faith into action and get dirty! We'll be meeting the needs of our community so wear clothes that you don't mind getting muddied with service! Parents you are encouraged and invited to serve with us. This is not simply a teen event! We'll meet at the church at 8am.
Encounter Kick Off: Sunday Sept 13th, 10-11am
What does it mean to follow Christ in school? How does the Bible intersect with your life today? Encounter Christ through video clips, reflection on Scripture, discussion and activity. This fall we are looking to split our teaching time for Jr and Sr Highers up (Still meeting in the Youth Room together). Light breakfast snacks provided.
Parent Gathering: Sunday Sept 13th, 6:30-8:30pm
Every quarter we invite parents out to hear about the upcoming calendar and vision of the ministry. Bring your questions and thoughts as we look at what God is doing and how you and your teenagers can be more involved. Drop your son/daughter in the gym for Sunday Night Live and grab a seat in the Youth Room!
Sunday Night Live: Starting Sept 13th, 6:30-8:30pm
Wrap up the weekend and kick start your school week with a time of fun and fellowship that connects God's truth to your lives. Come relax and understand God more through a time of activity, food and relationships. Don't miss our Back 2 School Special on the 20th!
