While several people have encouraged me to begin writing down some of the happenings with our Youth at CUMC, I have been hesitant to do so for a couple of reasons. First, and yes, it's a confidence thing - I am not the best writer. While I can write music / songs, I don't feel confident in writing stories. I'm going to get over myself for the greater good. Secondly, and most importantly, I don't want the Youth to be embarrassed or feel that I am revealing anything that they would not want revealed about our time together. Similar to the old Vegas motto, we say "what happens at youth, stays at youth." I'm walking a fine line, but I feel certain that I can share without violating that trust.
It boiled down to this - despite the fears and concerns, others need to be a part of those things that amaze and remind us of how incredible our Youth truly are. There are times when the only word that can describe how I feel in witnessing the growth of these kids is 'overwhelmed'. That needs to be shared. So, today is the day for a new beginning.
This past Sunday, we had seven in Sunday School. The lesson that I had planned was a simple one - to discuss how Jesus changed up His message based on who he was talking to. For example, for some, He might speak in parables while to others, Jesus was very direct with His teaching. I used this lesson to set up the opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year, as well as how we needed to change our message moving forward to meet their needs as well as help them to grow.
I will admit that I wasn't sure how it would be received. There were probably twenty well-spaced pieces of paper on the wall allowing each youth to mill around, read the questions, and determine their answers. Some of the responses were funny while others were very intuitive. To give a small sample, I asked them to share what the most memorable part about the year was. Every single response dealt with the ministries we undertook this year such as visiting Safe Harbor Children's Home, Our Daily Bread and Laundry Love. Not one mention of the trips taken or games played - it was all about ministering to others.
When asked what they would like to do more of this year, again, it was about taking more active roles in ministry. Don't get me wrong, there were other things, such as 'more games', but overall, the responses were ministry-minded. I did ask for their perspective on the positive things from the year, and one response that resonated with me was that "the Youth group grew in numbers." I, too, am grateful for that. There were also questions about opportunities to improve and someone might have written "less ADDness"... But I digress.
Through this discussion, we began to talk about the anticipated Summer trip to Peru, and I broke the news that we would not be going, as the fundraisers to raise money had not been as effective as anticipated. I was asked more pointed questions about the cost, and I estimated that with all of the Youth and chaperones, the trip would probably cost in the neighborhood of $20 thousand dollars. In that moment, one of the Youth looked at me and exclaimed "do you know how many people we could help HERE with twenty thousand dollars?!?!?!"
They get it.
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