Food for Thought
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. At least that’s my wish for you. But while we’re apart, I offer you some thoughts to ponder.
Our youth program is going through a time of transition. Some of this is due to the very natural rhythms of experienced youth “aging out”, while others are transitioning in from the children’s program, and shifting numbers within age groups. We’re also working towards offering all elements of a balanced youth program: Learning, Youth-Adult Relations, Social Action, Community Building, Worship and Leadership.
To do so, we need a team of people over 25 years old, who connect well with teens. We already have a group of dedicated parents working in the background, but parents are usually not the ideal group of advisors for their youth. This makes it even more important for the rest of the congregation to be involved.
Being a Youth Advisor isn’t for everyone. But for some of you, this will be just the right fit. You will learn a lot from youth: perhaps a different style of leadership or worship, new issues and perspectives, and new levels of fun, meaning, and belonging. And you will have much to offer in return – you’ll listen, empower, model, mentor, and be an ally. You don’t need to be confident in every element listed above. You, your teammates, and the youth will each bring your own areas of interest and strengths, and you’ll share leadership.
To support you, there will be a start-up workshop in September, a weekend training program later in the year, and communication with me throughout the year.
I invite you to mull over whether this is a good fit for you. If it is, or if you’d like to learn more, please contact me early in August at 474-1261 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There’s more information under the Programming tab.
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I also want to encourage you to attend the Western Region Fall Gathering, here at home, October 15 – 17. You’ll have a chance to connect with folks from Thunder Bay to Edmonton, from small fellowships to large churches. There will be programming for adults, a youth conference, a program for school-age children, and fun times. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be fed on many levels, and connect with our neighbours.
Wishing you a summer of wonder,
Andrea James
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