I am attaching an article that I came across today that I found insightful.  There may be things you agree with in here, while other parts of it may make you want to protest.  In any case, it will probably be a beneficial read.  Some of it for me puts into words things that I have seen and heard.

Why Teenagers Are Growing Up So Slowly Today – NurtureShock Blog – Newsweek.com.

We’re a few weeks into our fall theme, Footprints, and I thought it would be helpful for everyone to see the big picture.  Here is what we are covering each week:

1. Introduction (Sept. 9)
2. Jonathon – Footprint of Friendship/Loyalty (Sept. 16) 1 Sam. 20
3. Rahab – Footprint of Risk (Sept. 23) Josh. 2
4. Ruth – Footprint of Faithfulness (Sept. 30) Ruth 1-4
5. Jabez – Footprint of Hopefulness (Oct. 7) 1 Chron. 4:9-10
6. Ezra – Footprint of Zeal (Oct. 14) Ezra 7:10
7. Nehemiah – Footprint of Vision (Oct. 21) Neh. 1:1-2:20
8. the Bereans – Footprint of Diligence (Oct. 28) Acts 17:10-15
9. Ehud – Footprint of Courage (Nov. 4) Judges 3:12-30
10. Gideon – Footprint of Trust (Nov. 11) Judges 6:11-24
11. Esther – Footprint of Bravery (Nov. 18) Esther 4:10-17
12. Celebration Night (Dec. 2)

There is no meeting on November 25, since it is Thanksgiving week.

Waves of Grace will begin with their first rehearsals on Sunday, August 30.  Choir will be from 4:30-5:30.  Bells will be from 5:30 to 6:30.  Sign-up sheets will be passed around during Sunday School during August if you’re interested.  Even if you’ve been in WoG in the past, you will still need to sign up.  You may choose just choir, just bells, or both.  If you don’t have a chance to sign up in Sunday School or have questions, you may email or call Kenn & Judi.

We are always welcoming new faces regardless of musical experience!  We can’t wait to see you!

Kenn and Judi

Directors, Waves of Grace

Our online hub here has a new, fully functioning counterpart:  The Youth Info Board.

I recently sent out an update that this board was on the wall in the church lobby and would be taking shape in the near future.  This week has seen some significant progress, as the board has been moved to what I like to call the “Hex o’ fun,” that 6-sided column on wheels in the church lobby.  The hex has been moved behind the welcome desk, where people can view it from all sides.  You’ll find a panel dedicated to the youth ministry there.

In addition to that, we have installed some plastic paper holders onto the youth panel of the hex for you to grab some of the latest youth ministry items, including permission slips, and our monthly Parent Page.  That Parent Page is something that we cannot include online, due to licensing restrictions, so be sure to stop there and pick up a hard copy as a resource and insight into youth culture.

We will certainly be making some more tweaks in the future, but consider our info board up and fully functioning.  It is exciting that the youth ministry can pioneer the use of the hex as a ministry resource for people who enter Redland’s doors.

-Kevin Freeman

Our Central Union Mission workday has been cancelled for tomorrow, Friday the 30th, since we only had 2 students signed up to go.  This can be a fairly heavy vacation time, so this is understandable.

There are 2 great events to help with next week.  The first is a workday at the church this Monday, August 3 (check the calendar page for details).  The second is on Tuesday evening from 5-8pm.  Redland has a table at the Olney National Night out (in the parking lot where the old theaters are).  We are looking for people of all ages, including students, to come out and help draw a crowd, which will make our table more attractive to others.

Hope to see you there!

You may have noticed it this past Sunday, but there is a new Youth Info Board in the church lobby.  As you enter the church, you’ll find it to your left on the door just before the Elementary Wing.  Right now it’s looking fairly basic, but we are slowly adding to it.  In addition to a monthly calendar, letters, and permission slips, there is one thing the info board will have that you won’t find online – a monthly Parent Page.  The Parent Page is a resource to give parents a glimpse into the world of students, showing current trends and Biblical responses to them.

Eventually our info board will move to a more permanent location in the lobby.  Feel free to check on it and see the progress as it continues to take shape.  We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback and suggestions so that we can make it as beneficial as possible.

-Kevin

Welcome to Redland’s youth ministry hub!

Since this is a project that is recently underway, it is safe to say that you are new to this area.  Here is what you can expect to find here:

• Updates for parents.  I will occasionally post here to give a youth ministry update, add some news, or provide a resource that will help parents.
• Updates for students.  This will be a great place for youth to get info as well.  There will be some fun stuff, resources, and even devotionals that go with a recent lesson.
• Permission slips.  Just click the ‘forms and files’ tab at the top for the latest permission slips, flyers, and letters.
• Calendar.  This is yet another place where you can find youth ministry calendar items.  You can, of course, look to the left for the column down the side, but you can also click on the ‘monthly calendar’ tab at the top for a more interactive calendar to help you.

That’s about it.  I’m looking forward to this blog being a resource to parents and students alike.

Kevin