Energy

I am the youth director at my local church. At the age of 19 (2 weeks from 20) this is a pretty big deal. The city here is at least 50,000. And with 3 United Methodist Churches in town i was amazed that none had a youth program. So i started one. I've been involved with youth leadership for years, since i've been about 12 or 13. Mainly in the annual confrence, but also at my local church I lead our youth, yes as a youth. Some of the biggest challenges for us was finding adults to take us places because you can't stay overnight without one.

Anyhow, the kids here are amazing! Sure it's alot of work to focus their energy, but you can see pure innocence come out of their smiles. They love being at church! We play games, we talk, we have fun. They inspire me as well as try me sometimes. But in general they are awesome and the church staff is so supportive.

I had asked when i returned this fall (being a student, i am a seasonal resident and an avid camp counselor) I told the church staff i wanted to have a lock in for the kids and i wanted to pain the youth room. With months of planning I assured the adults that yes i wanted to do this and it would be okay. The lock in was this past weekend. Recruiting some college friends we spent the night at church. I have 3 groups split by grade levels. One is 3-6, one 7-8, and one 9-12. So everything from about 9 years old through 18. 6th grade on up stayed the night. We had a total of about 30 ppl (w/chaperones). We painted ( i still have it on my hands), we played games, we worshiped, we stayed up late, and we went to church the next day in our pajamas.

The adults i brought with me were amazed in particular with my kids energy. The last ones finally fell over at about 5 am, so we all got at least a little sleep. But all night without sugar or soda they were bouncing off the walls. They had brought friends and were so excited about not having a bedtime, and just being there. The kids from my youth groups made a design and painted on the wall. Their design included their name and a favorite bible verse, otherwise whatever they wanted. And friends helped paint the three other walls a solid color. It was going great, a few minor things, but great. It only took about 2 and a half hours to finish up the room and the kids were painted out. But still full of energy!

Then we played team games! Over the years I have learned it is crucial to get kids to split up. After they are comfortable, challenge their bounderies! So i made 4 groups each of about 5 with a chaperone. I split up my kids and their friends, and everyone was alittle uneasy. But they all made new friends, built a community, and got alittle of that energy focused. Then due to popular request was sardines. The famous lock in game, but can easily be overdone. i only let them play 3 rounds and kept lights on in the basement where i was so when they got scared they could come tell me about it then run and play again (kinda like venting, if they tell you about it they aren't scared anymore!).

Then midnight worship. After a night of super fun activites, painting, games, and sardines when better to remind them why we are here. I love worship. I love doing it, i love planning it. I have learned many types of worship and i've gotten pretty good at reading a group and helping them to worship in a way that they are able to encounter God. Kids after running around all night, need some time to reflect. Direct simply questions to focus on and time. 2 or 3 minutes is pleanty with most jr high kids. So i asked my kids, who are you? We played get to know you games earlier, but who are you? what makes you different? and how does God have anything to do with that? I wanted to show them a clip from Anger Managment, where Dave (Adam Sandler) goes to his first session of anger management and is challenged with that very question. You are not simply your profession, your hobbies, or your personality. Some of the kids shared, and i began to talk. I read a verse from galatians and told them you are god's children. You are his chosen one, he loves you. And no matter what no one can take that identity away from you. He has made you different. Special. embrace that. he will tell you who you are.

Then we sang, and prayed, and i had a tea light for each kid to light one as a prayer.

Then more fun! Late night options inculded sleeping, creation station, movies, or the chat room (also for games). Everyone did eventually sleep, but we were up late! In the morning they spoke in church and it was overall an amazing experience. I'll write more later as i have to get to class but there are two verses that kept me going this weekend.

1 Timothy
Don't let them look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in love, in purity, and in faith. (something like that)

and i'm not sure where this is at the moment:
Even youths grow tired and weary, even young men stumble and fall

your sister in Christ~Erin