It has been awhile since my last post and I realize it is way past the end of summer for the other practicum students. For myself, this practicum continues since I am the youth pastor. I apologize for not blogging for the past two weeks. Here is an update on what I have been doing:
Hours:
8/11: Planned youth group events for the year/coordinate fundraisers
8/12-8/13: Popcorn Festival Float
8/15: Spending time with youth at Popcorn Festival
8/16: Led morning worship service (music & announcements)
8/16: Youth Group
8/16-8/20: Spending time with family
8/23: Led morning worship music
8/23: youth group
8/25: office work
8/26: Visited Eastbrook High School for lunch
8/27: Visited Van Buren Elementary for lunch and recess
8/27: Meeting to over community teen center
8/28: Preparing for youth group/events
8/30: Youth Group (I co-preached)
Reflections:
Relationships with the Youth
I cannot believe how fast this summer flew by! After all the preparing and planning, it is right back to school time. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had this summer. Summer has allowed me so much free time to just hang out with the youth. Building bonds and trust with youth is the greatest way to impact your youth ministry. Your youth want to know you and have a lasting friendship with you. I have learned how much impact a youth pastor has in the lives of the youths. The youth listen to us more than their parents yet respect us more than their peers. It is truly a unique relationship. It is truly a high calling and great responsibility.
Growing as a Youth Minister
Personal Growth
A great deal of my insecurities have lessened if not disappeared from this experience. We all have a bit of fear in us, the fear to fail, the fear that we do not have what it takes. Going into this experience I was not sure of my ability to be a youth pastor. I have learned from youth pastors and have been in training to be a minister for the past four years, but I still doubted some of my abilities to lead. One of my biggest struggles this summer was control. I would plan and prepare for events such as fundraisers. At one fundraiser in particular I caught myself getting overly excited as I wanted everything to be perfect and very concerned with how the youth were acting/helping/etc. Perfectionism has no room in fundraising events or youth ministry as long as my need to control. God has shown me that I need to let go of the reigns a bit and have more fun with these experiences.
Professional Growth
I have learned that I cannot do ministry alone. From the very beginning of the summer I realized how much I need youth volunteers, the church, and my husband/ministry partner to do ministry. There is no way I can be a successful youth minister without help. Also, I learned that building relationships with other churches and youth groups is not only beneficial for networking, but the youth benefit from it as well! Lastly, my role as a minister is to encourage my youth workers and youth by giving them a vision and affirming their role in the Body of Christ.
There are so many other stories I could share from this summer that have pruned me into the minister that I am. Through the blessings and the burdens that came about from the ministries this summer, I am thankful for them all. I have gained knowledge that cannot be taught in the classroom but only through the experience of being in the ministry.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Report #9
Week of Aug. 3rd to Aug. 9th
Hours:
8/2- VBS: 3 hours
8/3-VBS: 4 hours
8/3-Office Work/ Praise & Worship Prep: 2 hours
8/4: VBS Day Away: 3 Hours
8/4: Girls Sleepover @ house/Mentoring: all night
8/5: Community Lunch Program: 3 hours
8/5-: VBS Water Day: 3 Hours
8/6: Family Emergency
8/7: Youth Crisis/Family Counseling: 3 hours
8/9: Sunday Service/YG Pool Party/Counseling: 8 hours
Ministry
Vacation Bible School sums up our ministry work for this week. All the churches in Van Buren pool their resources together and do one VBS for the whole community. I absolutely love this. One thing that I am still getting used to us involving a teen curriculum for VBS. Heath and I were in charge of the teens. The curriculum we were given is for teens who have been in the church their whole life. We realized this last summer and saw how it flopped when using it with the teens in this community. We also realized that the teens loved coming last year but they dreaded the teaching portion of it all. It was if we roped them in and then trapped them once Bible Time came. No one wants to feel that way or put in that position. We also realized that they benefited more from the relationships we built with them than from the teaching. So this week we focused on activities and building trust with them before we taught anything. We taught by relationship and example. Thursday evening was the planned night that we would share why we do what we do and about Christ. Every night went well, but our week got cut short from a family crisis. Heath’s dad was rushed to the hospital Wednesday evening because of a stroke. Thursday and Friday we were not able to attend VBS. All is well with Heath’s dad now, it turns out that the stroke like effects were actually caused from the Wes Nile Virus believe it or not.
This past weekend we had two of our youth end up in the D home for theft. These were two separate situations. Friday night was when we got the call and we ended up meeting with all the parents involved. It was a complete shock to us. The second youth we found out about Monday after the fact. Both of these youth attended the mission’s trip as well. When we met with each of the youth we first let them know how much we love them and then how disappointed we were. We let them both know that we are there for them through this ordeal and we want nothing more from then to learn and grow from their mistakes. Both are now on house arrest.
Personal
These past three weeks have been non-stop! Somehow, I am surviving! Actually, it is all God. We have gone through so much this week with our ministry and family, but I am so full of peace, hope, and faith. Even though we have gone through great trials this week, I am not defeated. Christ’s presence is so strongly living in me. I am so thankful that our God is ever present in our lives and in our hearts. My prayer is that I stay strong in clinging to the cross. I realize that Satan is not happy with what God is doing in my life and the lives of my youth. Satan is attacking my youth hard but I will not allow him to win them over. I know that God is moving even stronger in their lives now. Sometimes we need to be brought down to our lowest point in order to see God.
Hours:
8/2- VBS: 3 hours
8/3-VBS: 4 hours
8/3-Office Work/ Praise & Worship Prep: 2 hours
8/4: VBS Day Away: 3 Hours
8/4: Girls Sleepover @ house/Mentoring: all night
8/5: Community Lunch Program: 3 hours
8/5-: VBS Water Day: 3 Hours
8/6: Family Emergency
8/7: Youth Crisis/Family Counseling: 3 hours
8/9: Sunday Service/YG Pool Party/Counseling: 8 hours
Ministry
Vacation Bible School sums up our ministry work for this week. All the churches in Van Buren pool their resources together and do one VBS for the whole community. I absolutely love this. One thing that I am still getting used to us involving a teen curriculum for VBS. Heath and I were in charge of the teens. The curriculum we were given is for teens who have been in the church their whole life. We realized this last summer and saw how it flopped when using it with the teens in this community. We also realized that the teens loved coming last year but they dreaded the teaching portion of it all. It was if we roped them in and then trapped them once Bible Time came. No one wants to feel that way or put in that position. We also realized that they benefited more from the relationships we built with them than from the teaching. So this week we focused on activities and building trust with them before we taught anything. We taught by relationship and example. Thursday evening was the planned night that we would share why we do what we do and about Christ. Every night went well, but our week got cut short from a family crisis. Heath’s dad was rushed to the hospital Wednesday evening because of a stroke. Thursday and Friday we were not able to attend VBS. All is well with Heath’s dad now, it turns out that the stroke like effects were actually caused from the Wes Nile Virus believe it or not.
This past weekend we had two of our youth end up in the D home for theft. These were two separate situations. Friday night was when we got the call and we ended up meeting with all the parents involved. It was a complete shock to us. The second youth we found out about Monday after the fact. Both of these youth attended the mission’s trip as well. When we met with each of the youth we first let them know how much we love them and then how disappointed we were. We let them both know that we are there for them through this ordeal and we want nothing more from then to learn and grow from their mistakes. Both are now on house arrest.
Personal
These past three weeks have been non-stop! Somehow, I am surviving! Actually, it is all God. We have gone through so much this week with our ministry and family, but I am so full of peace, hope, and faith. Even though we have gone through great trials this week, I am not defeated. Christ’s presence is so strongly living in me. I am so thankful that our God is ever present in our lives and in our hearts. My prayer is that I stay strong in clinging to the cross. I realize that Satan is not happy with what God is doing in my life and the lives of my youth. Satan is attacking my youth hard but I will not allow him to win them over. I know that God is moving even stronger in their lives now. Sometimes we need to be brought down to our lowest point in order to see God.
Report #8
Week of July 27th to Aug 2nd
Hours:
24/7 Missions Trip from July 26th to July 31st
8/02 Sunday Morning/Sunday School/ VBS: 8 hours
Ministry
Missions trip!!! This whole week was all about serving! I am praising God for the great work He has done in the YouthWorks Ministries Cincinnati and the lives of all the youth that attended. Honestly, one could not ask for a better week of change in a youth group. All of my youth did a beautiful job of serving where they were placed. We met up with four other groups—two Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina. In just one week all of the youth bonded together in friendship and teamwork. Every site that my kids were placed at was just what they needed. During the days we would be split off into different ministry sites. I was the leader for the Boys and Girls Club site in Over the Rhine (the worst city in the U.S. right now for crime rate). Others were placed at YMCA’s, Nursing Homes, and other children’s outreach ministries. I wish I could tell of every single story but it would just be so much writing. I’ll break it down to these two categories: What I learned as a Youth Pastor Leading a Missions Trip& What I saw God do through my youth.
What I learned as a Youth Pastor Leading a Missions Trip
I have been on five mission’s trips. Not one of them have I led. This was my first one. My mindset in going on my previous trips was this, “God has to teach me something from this experience, so prepare for it.” I’d also remind myself that, “Although God wants to use me to minister to others, that He uses those I minister to, to minister to me right back.” This trip is completely different. I went into this trip knowing that I was an enabler to make sure my youth group experienced what it means to serve and how God wants to use them. What I learned from this experience is this:
1. Make the most out of every experience. Being a leader means that you have see each situation for what it is and make the most out of it. Being the leader of the Boys & Girls Club I had to teach my youth how to minister to others by making the most of each experience. If the kids at the club wanted them to go swimming, then go swimming! This is where I taught them to…
2. Break comfort zones. Janet White (main trip leader) and I prayed over where we would place our youth. Each site they were placed at was to use their gifts but to also put them out of their comfort zones a bit. As a minister, it is our job to give our flock a good push and a stretch. That is how they make their muscles!
3. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage! Our youth need positive reinforcement and so much encouragement. I made sure that they knew how proud of them I was. I made sure that their works did not go unnoticed. I made sure that they knew they had a support system with all that they did.
What I saw God do through My Youth
God is so good. God is so incredible. I was a bit worried for some of my youth that were going on this trip because their experiences and home lives were not that far off from that of those we were ministering to. I was a bit apprehensive that putting them in these situations may just pour salt on wounds. Well, there is a reason why Christ says not worry or be anxious! These youth found meaning in their brokenness. Our Great Redeemer began to restore my youth because they could relate to the broken. Every night we would have church group time and each one was incredible. My youth grew closer as they cried and shared about what God was doing in their life each day. They would share stories from the missions sites and how deep their love was for those they worked with. God moved in such a real way. I prayed specifically for each youth on the trip and God answered every one of those prayers.
Personal
Spiritually, I am energized but physically I am tired. I know the weeks ahead of me are going to be long because we have VBS this week (Aug. 2nd to the 7th) and then the town Popcorn Festival is the week afterwards. I am allowing God to be my energy and my push. I just feel so blessed to be a youth pastor. As hard as it is at times, I get to see lives changed. God lets me be part of His GREAT Work. What an honor and a joy but also a blessing and a burden. As I warned my youth the last night of the trip that Satan is not too happy with where we are all at—pointing towards God and growing in Him. Satan is going to do all he can to pull us away and trip us up. I also told them that the mission trip starts when they get home—that they need to apply what they have learned and live out the life change that God has done in their lives.
Hours:
24/7 Missions Trip from July 26th to July 31st
8/02 Sunday Morning/Sunday School/ VBS: 8 hours
Ministry
Missions trip!!! This whole week was all about serving! I am praising God for the great work He has done in the YouthWorks Ministries Cincinnati and the lives of all the youth that attended. Honestly, one could not ask for a better week of change in a youth group. All of my youth did a beautiful job of serving where they were placed. We met up with four other groups—two Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina. In just one week all of the youth bonded together in friendship and teamwork. Every site that my kids were placed at was just what they needed. During the days we would be split off into different ministry sites. I was the leader for the Boys and Girls Club site in Over the Rhine (the worst city in the U.S. right now for crime rate). Others were placed at YMCA’s, Nursing Homes, and other children’s outreach ministries. I wish I could tell of every single story but it would just be so much writing. I’ll break it down to these two categories: What I learned as a Youth Pastor Leading a Missions Trip& What I saw God do through my youth.
What I learned as a Youth Pastor Leading a Missions Trip
I have been on five mission’s trips. Not one of them have I led. This was my first one. My mindset in going on my previous trips was this, “God has to teach me something from this experience, so prepare for it.” I’d also remind myself that, “Although God wants to use me to minister to others, that He uses those I minister to, to minister to me right back.” This trip is completely different. I went into this trip knowing that I was an enabler to make sure my youth group experienced what it means to serve and how God wants to use them. What I learned from this experience is this:
1. Make the most out of every experience. Being a leader means that you have see each situation for what it is and make the most out of it. Being the leader of the Boys & Girls Club I had to teach my youth how to minister to others by making the most of each experience. If the kids at the club wanted them to go swimming, then go swimming! This is where I taught them to…
2. Break comfort zones. Janet White (main trip leader) and I prayed over where we would place our youth. Each site they were placed at was to use their gifts but to also put them out of their comfort zones a bit. As a minister, it is our job to give our flock a good push and a stretch. That is how they make their muscles!
3. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage! Our youth need positive reinforcement and so much encouragement. I made sure that they knew how proud of them I was. I made sure that their works did not go unnoticed. I made sure that they knew they had a support system with all that they did.
What I saw God do through My Youth
God is so good. God is so incredible. I was a bit worried for some of my youth that were going on this trip because their experiences and home lives were not that far off from that of those we were ministering to. I was a bit apprehensive that putting them in these situations may just pour salt on wounds. Well, there is a reason why Christ says not worry or be anxious! These youth found meaning in their brokenness. Our Great Redeemer began to restore my youth because they could relate to the broken. Every night we would have church group time and each one was incredible. My youth grew closer as they cried and shared about what God was doing in their life each day. They would share stories from the missions sites and how deep their love was for those they worked with. God moved in such a real way. I prayed specifically for each youth on the trip and God answered every one of those prayers.
Personal
Spiritually, I am energized but physically I am tired. I know the weeks ahead of me are going to be long because we have VBS this week (Aug. 2nd to the 7th) and then the town Popcorn Festival is the week afterwards. I am allowing God to be my energy and my push. I just feel so blessed to be a youth pastor. As hard as it is at times, I get to see lives changed. God lets me be part of His GREAT Work. What an honor and a joy but also a blessing and a burden. As I warned my youth the last night of the trip that Satan is not too happy with where we are all at—pointing towards God and growing in Him. Satan is going to do all he can to pull us away and trip us up. I also told them that the mission trip starts when they get home—that they need to apply what they have learned and live out the life change that God has done in their lives.
Report #7
Week of July 20th to July 26th
Hours:
7/20- Office Work/Planning: 4 hours
7/21- Mission's Team Meeting/Bible Study: 2 hours
7/22-Counseling: 1 hour
7/22- Community Lunch Program: 2 hours
7/22-Goodwill Run/Mentoring/Hang Out Time: 5 hours
7/26-Sunday Morning/Worship/Missions Trip: 12 hours+ (First Day of Missions Trip)
Ministry
Ministering this week involved a lot of planning and coordinating. I was still able to keep my counseling relationships amidst the busy schedule. Counseling is truly the highlight of my week. I could go into much detail about all the planning, but I think you’d all get the point. It involved making calls to parents, organizing all the documents for the trip, putting together songs & scripture for Sunday morning service, and meeting with the mission’s team. We met twice this week, once for a meeting and once for a supply/packing run to Goodwill. I am so glad that I have met once a week with the team before we went to the mission’s trip. Preparing their hearts is so crucial to a good experience on the trip.
Personal
My life this week has been extremely busy with preparing for the missions trip. Every night is packed full of getting supplies for the missions trip, meeting with the team and other regular ministry activities. I know that in these times that Satan likes to come in and pounce on my weak busy condition but I will not allow that to happen. All I have been doing is coating this trip in prayer. I know that this is nothing I can do on my own strength but God’s. It is He is doing the work through me to lead and guide others. It is He is moves hearts and melts the stone around them. What a joy it is suffer for that. As a crazy as it sounds, it’s a joy. God worked in such an incredible way on Sunday morning as it was our sending off service for the missions team. It was one of those service’s that you could not help but feel the Holy Spirit. What a blessing it is to have such a giving body of believers; Not only giving of their wealth but giving of their souls. It was a great sending off for our team. My prayer for the missions trip is that God moves in such a real way for all the youth who will be serving. It is through serving that we truly see Christ and understand that it means to be like him.
Hours:
7/20- Office Work/Planning: 4 hours
7/21- Mission's Team Meeting/Bible Study: 2 hours
7/22-Counseling: 1 hour
7/22- Community Lunch Program: 2 hours
7/22-Goodwill Run/Mentoring/Hang Out Time: 5 hours
7/26-Sunday Morning/Worship/Missions Trip: 12 hours+ (First Day of Missions Trip)
Ministry
Ministering this week involved a lot of planning and coordinating. I was still able to keep my counseling relationships amidst the busy schedule. Counseling is truly the highlight of my week. I could go into much detail about all the planning, but I think you’d all get the point. It involved making calls to parents, organizing all the documents for the trip, putting together songs & scripture for Sunday morning service, and meeting with the mission’s team. We met twice this week, once for a meeting and once for a supply/packing run to Goodwill. I am so glad that I have met once a week with the team before we went to the mission’s trip. Preparing their hearts is so crucial to a good experience on the trip.
Personal
My life this week has been extremely busy with preparing for the missions trip. Every night is packed full of getting supplies for the missions trip, meeting with the team and other regular ministry activities. I know that in these times that Satan likes to come in and pounce on my weak busy condition but I will not allow that to happen. All I have been doing is coating this trip in prayer. I know that this is nothing I can do on my own strength but God’s. It is He is doing the work through me to lead and guide others. It is He is moves hearts and melts the stone around them. What a joy it is suffer for that. As a crazy as it sounds, it’s a joy. God worked in such an incredible way on Sunday morning as it was our sending off service for the missions team. It was one of those service’s that you could not help but feel the Holy Spirit. What a blessing it is to have such a giving body of believers; Not only giving of their wealth but giving of their souls. It was a great sending off for our team. My prayer for the missions trip is that God moves in such a real way for all the youth who will be serving. It is through serving that we truly see Christ and understand that it means to be like him.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Report #6
Week of July 13th to 19th
7/13- E. Chicago Fundraiser: 7 hours
7/15-Worship Band Bible Study: 2 hours
7/15-Counseling: 1 hour
7/15-Lunch Program/Office Work: 5 hours
7/16-Mentoring/Hang Out Time: 5 hours
7/16- Mission's Team Meeting/Bible Study: 2 hours
7/19-Sunday Morning/Worship/Youth Group: 8 hours
Ministry
Missions Trip
God is so good. He is the Great Provider. We have raised ALL of the money for the missions trip! Praise God! Not one of the youth have to put down their own money towards the trip! We raised $3300! ($300 per student). I am just so thankful. Also, the meeting this week went so well. I got them all journals to start writing in. We went through the book of Ephesians focusing on chapters 2 and 5. I talked about how God has taken us from death to life. We were once dead spiritually, but when Christ came into our lives we were made alive. If we saw someone arise from the dead, would we not share that with others? Of course! One of the main reasons for going on a missions trip is to share how God wants to bring us all to life. I also taught from chapter 5 on how we are to rid ourselves of all sin...we must be a fragrant offering. We are to be a light in the darkness, a sweet smell amongst that stink! Living in sin is like keeping on our stinky grave clothes. This week I want them to prayer journal about this. They are to answer the question, "What sin is keeping me in darkness?" Also, "What sin does God want to rid me of?" Then they were to read all of Ephesians and write down what God was speaking to them through it.
Counseling/Mentoring/Hanging Out
This week I had a good time in my counseling relationships. She is making great progress. On Thursday, I took on of the girls from my youth group shopping with me in Ft. Wayne (I was looking for a dress for my One year wedding anniversary!). The Sunday before, she had a break down with me during youth group over the death of her grandmother this past spring. She was extremely close with her grandmother. Before she came to youth group, she stopped at her grave for the first time. The idea of her grandmother being under dirt mortified her and broke her down. When I asked her what was wrong she began sobbing uncontrollably and kept saying over and over again. "Her body is in the dirt, in dirt!"
What could I do? I let her cry. I hugged her. I would try and say something but realized that I was to say nothing...she needed someone to listen to her. Dealing with loss is never easy and there is no set way on how to cope. As a minister, I realized that I must be so in tune with God in how to be the comforter in that situation. I am not to take away their grief, but guide them in the grieving process. In this situation...she needed someone to care and listen. So on our shopping trip....we had a great time of bonding and she was able to talk about what was going on in her life...like she did with her grandmother.
Personal
We had such a busy week. Heath preached this Sunday and we led worship (our pianists are both in the hospital). We ran all of the worship service in the morning and then had youth group at night. It took a lot out of us.
What was difficult for me was that it was our one year anniversary on Sunday. We celebrated Friday and Saturday...but I am sentimental...I would have liked to celebrate on the actual day. I realized that being a minister...I do not always get the luxury of having the days off that I would like to. I have to let go of sentiments in a way. God is working on me with that.
But, I am just so thankful for the work God is doing in the ministry of our church. He is giving me such a passion for Van Buren...especially their youth. I want to start a youth center in the middle of town...not sure of how that is going to work out but I know He will make a way.
7/13- E. Chicago Fundraiser: 7 hours
7/15-Worship Band Bible Study: 2 hours
7/15-Counseling: 1 hour
7/15-Lunch Program/Office Work: 5 hours
7/16-Mentoring/Hang Out Time: 5 hours
7/16- Mission's Team Meeting/Bible Study: 2 hours
7/19-Sunday Morning/Worship/Youth Group: 8 hours
Ministry
Missions Trip
God is so good. He is the Great Provider. We have raised ALL of the money for the missions trip! Praise God! Not one of the youth have to put down their own money towards the trip! We raised $3300! ($300 per student). I am just so thankful. Also, the meeting this week went so well. I got them all journals to start writing in. We went through the book of Ephesians focusing on chapters 2 and 5. I talked about how God has taken us from death to life. We were once dead spiritually, but when Christ came into our lives we were made alive. If we saw someone arise from the dead, would we not share that with others? Of course! One of the main reasons for going on a missions trip is to share how God wants to bring us all to life. I also taught from chapter 5 on how we are to rid ourselves of all sin...we must be a fragrant offering. We are to be a light in the darkness, a sweet smell amongst that stink! Living in sin is like keeping on our stinky grave clothes. This week I want them to prayer journal about this. They are to answer the question, "What sin is keeping me in darkness?" Also, "What sin does God want to rid me of?" Then they were to read all of Ephesians and write down what God was speaking to them through it.
Counseling/Mentoring/Hanging Out
This week I had a good time in my counseling relationships. She is making great progress. On Thursday, I took on of the girls from my youth group shopping with me in Ft. Wayne (I was looking for a dress for my One year wedding anniversary!). The Sunday before, she had a break down with me during youth group over the death of her grandmother this past spring. She was extremely close with her grandmother. Before she came to youth group, she stopped at her grave for the first time. The idea of her grandmother being under dirt mortified her and broke her down. When I asked her what was wrong she began sobbing uncontrollably and kept saying over and over again. "Her body is in the dirt, in dirt!"
What could I do? I let her cry. I hugged her. I would try and say something but realized that I was to say nothing...she needed someone to listen to her. Dealing with loss is never easy and there is no set way on how to cope. As a minister, I realized that I must be so in tune with God in how to be the comforter in that situation. I am not to take away their grief, but guide them in the grieving process. In this situation...she needed someone to care and listen. So on our shopping trip....we had a great time of bonding and she was able to talk about what was going on in her life...like she did with her grandmother.
Personal
We had such a busy week. Heath preached this Sunday and we led worship (our pianists are both in the hospital). We ran all of the worship service in the morning and then had youth group at night. It took a lot out of us.
What was difficult for me was that it was our one year anniversary on Sunday. We celebrated Friday and Saturday...but I am sentimental...I would have liked to celebrate on the actual day. I realized that being a minister...I do not always get the luxury of having the days off that I would like to. I have to let go of sentiments in a way. God is working on me with that.
But, I am just so thankful for the work God is doing in the ministry of our church. He is giving me such a passion for Van Buren...especially their youth. I want to start a youth center in the middle of town...not sure of how that is going to work out but I know He will make a way.
Report #5
Week of July 6th to 12th:
Schedule:
7/7-Missions Trip Meeting: 1.5hours
7/7-Varsity Grill Karaoke: 3.5hours
7/8-Free Lunch Program: 3 hours
7/8-Office Time:2 hours
7/8-Worship Team Bible Study: 2 hours
7/9-Mentoring/Counseling: 2 hours
7/9-12-prepare sermon: 2 hours
7/12-Sunday Service/Sunday School/Youth Group: 6 hours
Personal & Spiritual
This week was a bit difficult for me being that I was fighting off sickness. Due to my irregular sleep patterns, my body has taken a toll. Despite my physical weakness, I still must allow God minister through me.
I found strength and solace in my time of solitude and silence with God. Jesus told us that we do not live on bread alone, but on the Word of God. That is where I got my energy and empowerment to do what He has called me to do.
Ministry
Counseling Relationship
As I have said before God has given me such a passion for counseling! This week I had a difficult time of scheduling our time to meet. I know she is enjoying this time of counseling, but I sense the enemy trying to keep her as far away from this experience and time of growth as possible. That is why prayer is so crucial (as it is in all aspects of our ministry....prayer is the foundation). While I am driving to pick her up, I pray. While we are talking, I pray.
Missions Trip
As the mission trip approaches, the busier I get. The church wants us to raise as much money as possible. It seems like they want us to raise all of it. I understand as many attending the trip come from tight financial situations. I trust that God is going to provide and make a way for us all. We have one last fundraiser Monday, the 13th at East of Chicago pizza. I am hoping that will bring in the rest of our money!
Along with fund raising, I have been working on all the forms, sending them in, and preparing Bible studies for the group. This weeks meeting focused on information about the trip. Next week, we will begin our Bible study.
Janet White, missions trip leader from the other church we are teaming up with, let me know that I can pick one other student to go on the trip for free. After I gave me sermon, I felt God leading me to one student in particular. He said he had been wanting to go but did not know he would pay for it. Praise God...he is going on the trip.
Preaching
I will be leading the preaching the next couple weeks since Heath will be preaching Sunday mornings. This week I used a Nooma video to jump start my sermon. The sermon was about being a sold-out Christian...not one that just shows up every week on Sundays, but one who is pursuing God and allowing God to change them. This means, that our hearts begin to beat with God's, our passions become His passions. They all were attentive and seemed effected by what God was speaking through me.
Schedule:
7/7-Missions Trip Meeting: 1.5hours
7/7-Varsity Grill Karaoke: 3.5hours
7/8-Free Lunch Program: 3 hours
7/8-Office Time:2 hours
7/8-Worship Team Bible Study: 2 hours
7/9-Mentoring/Counseling: 2 hours
7/9-12-prepare sermon: 2 hours
7/12-Sunday Service/Sunday School/Youth Group: 6 hours
Personal & Spiritual
This week was a bit difficult for me being that I was fighting off sickness. Due to my irregular sleep patterns, my body has taken a toll. Despite my physical weakness, I still must allow God minister through me.
I found strength and solace in my time of solitude and silence with God. Jesus told us that we do not live on bread alone, but on the Word of God. That is where I got my energy and empowerment to do what He has called me to do.
Ministry
Counseling Relationship
As I have said before God has given me such a passion for counseling! This week I had a difficult time of scheduling our time to meet. I know she is enjoying this time of counseling, but I sense the enemy trying to keep her as far away from this experience and time of growth as possible. That is why prayer is so crucial (as it is in all aspects of our ministry....prayer is the foundation). While I am driving to pick her up, I pray. While we are talking, I pray.
Missions Trip
As the mission trip approaches, the busier I get. The church wants us to raise as much money as possible. It seems like they want us to raise all of it. I understand as many attending the trip come from tight financial situations. I trust that God is going to provide and make a way for us all. We have one last fundraiser Monday, the 13th at East of Chicago pizza. I am hoping that will bring in the rest of our money!
Along with fund raising, I have been working on all the forms, sending them in, and preparing Bible studies for the group. This weeks meeting focused on information about the trip. Next week, we will begin our Bible study.
Janet White, missions trip leader from the other church we are teaming up with, let me know that I can pick one other student to go on the trip for free. After I gave me sermon, I felt God leading me to one student in particular. He said he had been wanting to go but did not know he would pay for it. Praise God...he is going on the trip.
Preaching
I will be leading the preaching the next couple weeks since Heath will be preaching Sunday mornings. This week I used a Nooma video to jump start my sermon. The sermon was about being a sold-out Christian...not one that just shows up every week on Sundays, but one who is pursuing God and allowing God to change them. This means, that our hearts begin to beat with God's, our passions become His passions. They all were attentive and seemed effected by what God was speaking through me.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Report 4
Timing is Off
Since Heath started third shift, I have been unable to sleep during the night. It started out as me being a scaredy cat not used to being alone, especially in Marion. Now, I am on Heath's schedule: staying up all early morning, going to bed at 7am and waking up around 3pm. Yet, some days I have to wake up earlier than that because of counseling appointments with youth, church activities, and time spent in the office. Right now, it is 5:30 in the morning, and I am WIDE awake. So, I am trying to make the best of this new sleeping schedule, but it is taking a toll on my physical health as well as how I used to go about my summer days.
Despite the awkward schedule...
Sports Ministry?
We had another successful week with the youth group. Sunday, June 28th was our Softball Sunday but due to occupied fields we ended up playing kickball. Whenever we walk town to the softball diamonds or the elementary school fields to play a game, we bring in so many more kids and teens from the community. These areas are central spots. We realized this last summer. It is such a great way for the un-churched or non-churchgoers to realize that we are not all that different from them. We'll get kids that are rough around the edges (cussing, bad attitudes, etc.) but they quickly learn there is no need for that. Heath and I as well as the youth group always enjoy these times (we have such a competitive and athletic group!)
This past Sunday, July 5th, we played Ultimate Frisbee as our last activity for the youth evening. Our group has come a LONG way with this game. Heath and I realized that this is more of college age played game than it is for teenagers. Yet, they have grown to like/ove it very much! This week, due to lack of sleep on Heath and I's part, we did the game after worship time and the message. We know this is generally not a good idea since they need to get their energy out before sitting and listening to a sermon, but they did pretty good!
Worship Band
Last week we had our second meeting with the worship band at Ivanhoes (yes, it was glorious...). In this meeting we discussed our experience with our time of fasting. Everyone was successful in this discipline. They realized how much our bodies depend on food whether we need it or just feel like eating it. This was all of theirs first time fasting. What we hoped they will gain from this experience again is to use that time to focus on God. Many of them did not set aside designated time during the fast to be with God.
Being that it is summer, it is so hard to get everyone together. There were only two members (out of the four) that showed up for practice and youth group this past Sunday. These two are the ones that really started the worship team and their own band. They are improving, but they have a LONG way to go. Heath and I try to let them do it all on their own, but when they ask for advice, we give it to them. I advised the worship singer/leader to not fill time between songs with meaningless chit-chat and drawn attention to himself (I did not word it like that, though!) Instead, I advised him to fill that time with silence, prayer, explanation of the next song, or scripture. It seems more like a concert than a time of worship when they are up rambling. Also, they like to play one of their band songs (not worship songs) at the beginning to show off their newest and latest song. I suggested that they consider holding off band songs for special youth groups and not every single one. A lot of the teens told me they were confused if it was worship time or not. I think by not having them have personal band time will lessen the confusion and ease the whole worship time transition in general.
Counseling Time
God, I praise you for what you are doing through this counseling relationship. Thank You for speaking through me to speak to your beloved daughter.
Last week, I had a wonderful time with the girl I have been counseling/mentoring. She as come such a LONG way this past month. I do not want to give the details in respect of her privacy and our counseling relationship, but I will say that she has grown SO MUCH. She is hungering after God. She is realizing the footholds that Satan has in her life. She is asking questions that not even our consistent, long-time devoted youth are even asking. God is revealing Himself to her and showing her what reality is. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of this process. Through this God has confirmed my passion for counseling and mentoring. I look forward to the time counseling her more than anything in the week. God and I are so in tune that I can literally feel His presence with me.
Hang Out Time
As usual, we spent time at softball games. They are wonderful times to just be with our teens. However, we are not sad to see the season winding down. They involve a lot of driving around and coordinating schedules.
Another good time of hanging out was at the Varsity Grill in Marion. Every Tuesday from 5 to 9 they have karaoke. Our youth have really enjoyed this time!
Board Meeting Sunday
Sunday morning we attended the monthly board meeting. I realize that I have blogged a great deal! I could get into all the details of this meeting, but for the sake of whoever reads this, I will put it in a nutshell. Like all other board meetings/elder meetings, this is a time where we play catch up with what is going on in the church (health concerns, ministries, missions trips, fundraisers, personal lives...). I prepared information on where we are at with the missions trip to Cincy at the end of the month (funds, meetings, students, etc.). After that the rest of the meeting got into a discussion about setting up another outreach event--there was a debate between how to collect money for it and how to give this time to prayer and consideration. What I gained from this experience was how little our church leaders pray. Their focus was on the financial aspect than on God's prompting and leading. Heath and I even spoke up on this matter and it seemed to go completely through one ear and out the other. These next four weeks Heath and I will be preaching and leading services since our senior pastor will be away on his honeymoon. We have made a vow to cover these services in prayer as well as ourselves.
Hours for June 29th to July 5th
Hang Out/Extracurricular Activities-6 hours
Pastoral Counseling- 2 hours
Preparation Sunday- 4 hours
Board Meeting- 1.5hours
Sunday Services/Youth Group-4 hours
Personal/Spiritual Reflection
This schedule is really throwing me off. I am not sure how to discipline myself on this schedule spiritually. I feel weak and tired quite often. Right now if not a good time for me to reflect because that is now what I am feeling! I know that the time of fasting was truly good for me in realizing how much more I need God. As I guide, counsel, and direct others, I am constantly reminding of how much more I need to spend time with Him. My prayer for this week as I spend time in silence is truly listening to how God wants me to spend more time with Him.
Since Heath started third shift, I have been unable to sleep during the night. It started out as me being a scaredy cat not used to being alone, especially in Marion. Now, I am on Heath's schedule: staying up all early morning, going to bed at 7am and waking up around 3pm. Yet, some days I have to wake up earlier than that because of counseling appointments with youth, church activities, and time spent in the office. Right now, it is 5:30 in the morning, and I am WIDE awake. So, I am trying to make the best of this new sleeping schedule, but it is taking a toll on my physical health as well as how I used to go about my summer days.
Despite the awkward schedule...
Sports Ministry?
We had another successful week with the youth group. Sunday, June 28th was our Softball Sunday but due to occupied fields we ended up playing kickball. Whenever we walk town to the softball diamonds or the elementary school fields to play a game, we bring in so many more kids and teens from the community. These areas are central spots. We realized this last summer. It is such a great way for the un-churched or non-churchgoers to realize that we are not all that different from them. We'll get kids that are rough around the edges (cussing, bad attitudes, etc.) but they quickly learn there is no need for that. Heath and I as well as the youth group always enjoy these times (we have such a competitive and athletic group!)
This past Sunday, July 5th, we played Ultimate Frisbee as our last activity for the youth evening. Our group has come a LONG way with this game. Heath and I realized that this is more of college age played game than it is for teenagers. Yet, they have grown to like/ove it very much! This week, due to lack of sleep on Heath and I's part, we did the game after worship time and the message. We know this is generally not a good idea since they need to get their energy out before sitting and listening to a sermon, but they did pretty good!
Worship Band
Last week we had our second meeting with the worship band at Ivanhoes (yes, it was glorious...). In this meeting we discussed our experience with our time of fasting. Everyone was successful in this discipline. They realized how much our bodies depend on food whether we need it or just feel like eating it. This was all of theirs first time fasting. What we hoped they will gain from this experience again is to use that time to focus on God. Many of them did not set aside designated time during the fast to be with God.
Being that it is summer, it is so hard to get everyone together. There were only two members (out of the four) that showed up for practice and youth group this past Sunday. These two are the ones that really started the worship team and their own band. They are improving, but they have a LONG way to go. Heath and I try to let them do it all on their own, but when they ask for advice, we give it to them. I advised the worship singer/leader to not fill time between songs with meaningless chit-chat and drawn attention to himself (I did not word it like that, though!) Instead, I advised him to fill that time with silence, prayer, explanation of the next song, or scripture. It seems more like a concert than a time of worship when they are up rambling. Also, they like to play one of their band songs (not worship songs) at the beginning to show off their newest and latest song. I suggested that they consider holding off band songs for special youth groups and not every single one. A lot of the teens told me they were confused if it was worship time or not. I think by not having them have personal band time will lessen the confusion and ease the whole worship time transition in general.
Counseling Time
God, I praise you for what you are doing through this counseling relationship. Thank You for speaking through me to speak to your beloved daughter.
Last week, I had a wonderful time with the girl I have been counseling/mentoring. She as come such a LONG way this past month. I do not want to give the details in respect of her privacy and our counseling relationship, but I will say that she has grown SO MUCH. She is hungering after God. She is realizing the footholds that Satan has in her life. She is asking questions that not even our consistent, long-time devoted youth are even asking. God is revealing Himself to her and showing her what reality is. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of this process. Through this God has confirmed my passion for counseling and mentoring. I look forward to the time counseling her more than anything in the week. God and I are so in tune that I can literally feel His presence with me.
Hang Out Time
As usual, we spent time at softball games. They are wonderful times to just be with our teens. However, we are not sad to see the season winding down. They involve a lot of driving around and coordinating schedules.
Another good time of hanging out was at the Varsity Grill in Marion. Every Tuesday from 5 to 9 they have karaoke. Our youth have really enjoyed this time!
Board Meeting Sunday
Sunday morning we attended the monthly board meeting. I realize that I have blogged a great deal! I could get into all the details of this meeting, but for the sake of whoever reads this, I will put it in a nutshell. Like all other board meetings/elder meetings, this is a time where we play catch up with what is going on in the church (health concerns, ministries, missions trips, fundraisers, personal lives...). I prepared information on where we are at with the missions trip to Cincy at the end of the month (funds, meetings, students, etc.). After that the rest of the meeting got into a discussion about setting up another outreach event--there was a debate between how to collect money for it and how to give this time to prayer and consideration. What I gained from this experience was how little our church leaders pray. Their focus was on the financial aspect than on God's prompting and leading. Heath and I even spoke up on this matter and it seemed to go completely through one ear and out the other. These next four weeks Heath and I will be preaching and leading services since our senior pastor will be away on his honeymoon. We have made a vow to cover these services in prayer as well as ourselves.
Hours for June 29th to July 5th
Hang Out/Extracurricular Activities-6 hours
Pastoral Counseling- 2 hours
Preparation Sunday- 4 hours
Board Meeting- 1.5hours
Sunday Services/Youth Group-4 hours
Personal/Spiritual Reflection
This schedule is really throwing me off. I am not sure how to discipline myself on this schedule spiritually. I feel weak and tired quite often. Right now if not a good time for me to reflect because that is now what I am feeling! I know that the time of fasting was truly good for me in realizing how much more I need God. As I guide, counsel, and direct others, I am constantly reminding of how much more I need to spend time with Him. My prayer for this week as I spend time in silence is truly listening to how God wants me to spend more time with Him.
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