Do any of us realize fully how much Christian’s done for us? Seriously, he’s been our youth group pastor for a really really long time; longer than most of us have even been coming to this church. I don’t think any of us fully appreciates all the work he’s put into making the youth group what it is now. After he told us how much he loved us all this past YG, I think it’s time to give him a big round of applause and tell him how much he means to us. I know that Christian has made a huge impact in my life.  One of the biggest ways he’s influenced me, I think, is the way that he leads by example. His particular brand of leadership has inspired me to do the same thing in whatever small ways I can.

How about you? Let’s make Christian feel loved by posting about how much we love him and how he’s changed our lives.

So I just got back from youth group…man, that was intense! Right after most people got there, it started POURING rain. Some crazy people went out and ran around; they got completely soaked. Fortunately, we had some towels left over from the Training School, so we passed those around so people didn’t drip on the carpets.

Then the power went out. We needed light to see by, so we got some candles and lit them. We had an entire acoustic worship session (and teaching) by CANDLELIGHT! How awesome is that? Lemme tell you, it was wicked cool. Something about acoustic worship brings everyone closer…I think it adds a sense of intimacy with God that we don’t usually get. What do you guys think? Did you get anything out of tonight’s worship and teaching that you don’t normally?

Engage Training School

Hey guys – We’re calling this year’s training school ENGAGE.  We only do training schools once every TWO years – and they really are a unique opportunity for you to engage with God on a new level, engage with yourself by getting training and prayer, and engage with the world by doing outreach and service.

It’s going to be tons of fun this year – so save these dates and start saving money too!

DATES:  July 10-17, 2009

COST: $125

WHO CAN COME?
We will be running two “tracks” – one for first timers, and one for second timers.  You must be 13 or older to attend.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT:

By emailing Christian!

So we are all giving up something in our lives for one week that could potentially have too much power over us.  At youth group I heard some pretty impressive goals, so I’m excited to see how this goes. For me, I have chosen to abstain from candy and chocolates, because we have a ton of Easter candy in my pantry and I literally cannot walk past it without eating something.  So, that’s what I’m giving up.  

What’s funny is about 2 minutes after deciding that at youth group, I walked over the cafe and Melissa was eating Jelly Beans.  I said, “Yum! Where’d you get those?!?!?” She pointed me over to the cafe, and I grabbed one and shoved it in my mouth.  As I happily ate my newfound treat, I slowly realized that it took me all of two minutes to break my fast!!! 

So I spit it out.  :)  What’s your fast??