Merry Christmas!

One week left until we celebrate the birth of our Savior! I know I still have shopping and wrapping to do, dinner to plan and of course rehearse for the Nativity Play on Christmas Eve. This year, without any of my 'biological' kids around (Ian and Hannah) has felt different at our house. It was more difficult for me to 'get into the Christmas Spirit' with just my husband and I at home.

It just didn't feel "Christmas-y" until my whole family was together. Sure, I'd put up decorations and started listening to Christmas songs, but it just didn't feel right. Yesterday, I was reflecting on this. I realized how important it is for me to be able to share the joy of the Christmas holiday and the love of Christ with my family.

Then I got to thinking about all the people who DON't have family to share Christmas with. There are a lot of people who are alone for any number of reasons this holiday season. Maybe their loved ones are far away, maybe they've passed away or maybe they are just alienated from them. I feel very blessed to have my family here to give love to and receive love from this year.

You might know someone who might be hurting or sad or lonely this Christmas. I hope you can  remember those people who might be struggling through loneliness, poverty, illness or grief. Show them the love of Christ with a smile, a warm touch, a telephone call or a visit. Ask God to give you eyes so you can see these people whom you can love.

Blessings for a joyous Christmas,

Nancy

This is that time of the year...

Here it is not even Thanksgiving and we're already thinking about Christmas. Christmas music has been on the radio since Halloween, I've seen Christmas decorations up at the stores for weeks, and the Salvation Army Bell Ringers are already out in full swing! It seems like everyone is starting earlier and earlier to think about and plan for December 25. 

As the director of youth ministries, I have to start thinking about preparing for Christmas kind of early as well. I've got to set dates for service activities, decorating the church, Christmas parties and planning the Christmas Eve drama for the 4:00 service.  There's a hustle and bustle in the air already!

Throughout all this planning though, I am constantly reminding myself what it's really all about. Celebrating the birth of Christ! I try hard to keep focused on that thought as I sing songs, buy and wrap gifts, and do that usual "Christmas stuff."

There are a lot of youth activities coming up in these weeks to help us prepare for the "big day." 

We begin by helping to 'deck the halls' and the sanctuary and gathering space at church on Saturday, November 20 at 11:00 AM. The more people we have help, the faster and easier it will be. I'll bring some Christmas music to help us get in the mood. Bring your friends! Bring your Families! 

For three weeks on Wednesday nights beginning November 30 we will have a special Advent program for youth from 6:30 to 7:30 following dinner served at 6:00. 

We will have a middle school Christmas party on Sunday, December 11 from 12:30-2:30. Lots of food, fun and laughter is in store as we celebrate and enjoy each other's fellowship. 

All youth are encouraged to participate in the Christmas Eve drama for the 4:00 kid-friendly service. Let me know if you'd like to be a part of that program. 

Blessings to you during this Christmas season,

Nancy

Serving Breakfast to the Hungry

It’s that time of year again when we get up really early on a Sunday and spread God’s love and compassion to the guests at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth. FUMC hosts a rotating homeless shelter through the Cass Community Social Services.  This will be our 4^th  year of serving in this valuable ministry. Our middle school youth group is scheduled to prepare and serve breakfast on Sunday, November 13 to about 50 homeless people who stay at this rotating shelter. This would mean getting up pretty darn early in the morning, but it is a great opportunity for service. Let me know ASAP if you’d be willing to do this. Please let me know in person, text or email me.

We meet at the church in Plymouth at 5:30 AM and prepare and serve breakfast at 6:00. We also eat with them and fellowship with them, showing them Christ’s love over breakfast and conversation. Sometimes we play games like chess, or cards before they leave about 7:00 AM. Once breakfast is over, we clean up and head back to our homes (usually by 8:00.) We will still have Breakfast Club that morning at 9:45. There is no middle school fellowship activity for that afternoon, so you can go home and catch up on your sleep after church!

Instead of our traditional egg casseroles, this year I thought we’d try to cook pancakes and scrambled eggs. I need some extra electric griddles to cook the pancakes that morning. Let me know if you have a griddle we can use. We will pre-make as many pancakes as we can and keep them warm.  We will also be preparing fruit, juice and sausage to go with our meal that morning.

If you have volunteered for this ministry in the past you know how much joy you can bring to others less fortunate and you know how much joy you also receive from serving. I encourage you to sign up, you won’t regret it! Adults are more than welcome to stay, help prepare, and fellowship with the guests.

Looking forward to serving alongside of you,

Nancy

MIssion Trip!

We've scheduled our summer 2012 mission trip! This year we'll be heading south to Cincinnati, Ohio on July 29 through August 3. I encourage all middle schoolers finishing 6th grade- 8th grade to consider joining me on this trip. The cost of the trip is $350. There will be 2 fundraising opportunities: a bake sale in December and our dinner/auction in March. A $50 deposit is due Sunday, December 4, along with a signed mission trip covenant. (Ask me for one!)

You might be asking yourself, "Why should I go on a mission trip?" Here are several reasons:
It builds compassion
It can change your perspective
It helps you grow closer to God as well as your friends in the youth group
It blesses others It build's God's Kingdom
It's fun!

If you have more questions about our summer trip, let me know!

Let's keep it going!

I don't know about you, but I had an amazing time on our mission trip to Sault Ste Marie. I thought the staff was excellent, the church time and devotions were insightful and the ministry sites were perfect. I loved meeting new people that i could talk about God with. I loved getting that chance to give of myself and not think about 'what's in it for me' for a while. I appreciated that everyone I was hanging around with were all on that same schedule of morning devotions and prayers in the morning, service during the day and praise and worship each evening. It sure made it easy to devote myself to God that week.

It's difficult though to keep that kind of devotion going once I come home. I get out of that routine; I start thinking about other things; my priorities change as other things take over my life. TV, movies, bills, the Internet, family responsibilities, other jobs all start weaseling their way back into my day. I want to try to keep that feeling, that service, that routine that I had on my mission trip but it's hard!

I am guessing that you are feeling the same way. I know I grew closer to God that week, and I think many of you did as well. Let's not step back. Let's work together and hold each other accountable for the promises we made to God to continue to get to know Him better, to rely on Him and to try to be more like His Son.

One way to do this would be to continue to make time for devotions during the day. If you don't have time for a half hour like we did on the trip, just devote some time each day to learn more about God's word and what it means to YOU. Reflecting on Scripture helps internalize God's purpose for you.

Don't forget to praise God for the wonderful way He's working in your life. When you are praying, don't just ask for things to happen, but take the time to see what God has done for you and thank Him for that.

Also, remember to continue to talk about your experience with others. Share the way God moved you and used you during your mission trip.

And finally, when you find yourself forgetting to do these things, or needing help to remember, use each other for support! Call a friend, or me or another adult who can encourage you to keep it up even when it's hard. If you find yourself discouraged, talk to other people about it! Don't give up.

Thursday Night

Thursday

Last Ministry Day!

We all woke up a little tired this morning but we were excited about being able to serve again in the community of Sault Ste Marie. Last night in our group time we talked a little bit about what we’ll be talking about on Sunday, picking songs and scriptures. I think you’ll be pleased to hear about how God was working here in and through our Geneva missionaries. After an awesome meal of breakfast burritos (made by the Losers crew who had to get up extra early!) we were ready to start our day.

The Haters spent their last day at War Memorial Hospital long term care facility. Madelyn, Lauren and I spent about an hour picking up trash (mostly cigarette butts) from outside around the building. Caitlin, Jessica and TJ greeted the residents who came down to the activity center and helped them do some chair exercises. We also helped finish the signs for the fundraising walk on Saturday. We came back to the church for lunch, and since this is the last week of Youthworks for the summer, we helped another crew and the staff start taking down the Youthworks’ signs, cleaned up the church and helped organize and prepare for Youthworks’ departure. After lunch we gathered up some residents and helped wheel them outside and into town for some ice cream. Our girls did a great job keeping the residents happy. Once we brought them back to the hospital we had to say goodbye. It was sad, and I gave lots of hugs.


The Losers stayed back at the church in the morning and helped clean up at the church where we are sleeping. The goal is to make this church better than when we arrived. As a thank you to the church this crew cleaned out some big closets (arts and crafts closet, and a supply closet. Then in the afternoon spent the afternoon at Kids’ Club. Since it was the last day of the Kids’ Club summer program they had a summer carnival. The carnival had a bunch of games: penny drop, duck game, ring toss, ball in the bucket, ping pong toss, wheel of fortune (Josh ran that) ladder golf (Drew ran that), and knock the cups down. A firetruck arrived and sprayed all the kids (it was a hot day so that was very popular!) They also had a petting zoo and a magic reading horse who plays basketball! It was really a fun day for the crews that were at kids’ club. Jesse did some face painting and helped out at various games. Billy made sure all the stations were running smoothly. Everyone had a big mess to pick up at the end but they pitched in and got it done.

The Singles spent the morning at Freighter View assisted living center. They cleaned the patio and seating areas. They also helped the residents sign birthday cards for other residents while they also spent some time talking and visiting residents. Josh and Jeff talked with a man who told them he was the State of Michigan boxing champion at some point. In the afternoon, they also ministered to the kids at Kids’ Club in the afternoon. (See description of the Losers for Kids’ Club activities)

After we returned back from the church we got some very sad news. A young 13 year old girl who attends one of the church groups with us, but who was not on the trip was involved in a drowning accident. At this time she was in a coma and not expected to live. This was a tragic event that, of course, no one was expecting. Our groups here rallied together in prayer and comfort and poured out our love for the girls here from that church who knew her. As sad as this occasion was, it was a blessing that these girls had so many kids and adults praying with them and showing them love as they began their grieving. It made our evening a little more somber but it’s also made our bond with these new friends stronger.

Our dinner tonight was a community cookout at Sherman Park. All of the ministry partners the groups have worked at this summer were invited. It was nice to be able to sit and chat with some of the people we’ve worked alongside this week. The kids had a terrific time playing with their new friends.

During our club time tonight we will hear the story of Jesus humbling himself and washing the disciples’ feet. Afterwards, as usual for a Youthworks’ mission trip, there will be a foot washing ceremony. The Youthworks’ staff washes the adult leaders’ feet, and then we wash the feet of our youth. This is usually a very moving and emotional time. I’m sure with the events that happened today it will be even more emotional for our youth. I always feel so honored to be able to wash the youths’ feet and pray with them. It’s usually one of the highlights of the trip. It’s a perfect way to end a week of service.


In the morning we'll pack up, and clean up and start to head south. We'll stop off along the Rifle River for some tubing and be home by nighttime.

Thanks again for your prayers of support for us this week. We have been truly blessed.

Wednesday!

Another great day here in Sault Ste Marie! We are working hard serving the Lord. Our Geneva kids continue to set great examples for the rest of the youth here. Someone from our group is always volunteering to read scripture, or to do extra jobs or is one of the first to jump in and help take down or set up tables. They aren’t even fighting about the front seat in the car! I’m really pleased with everyone’s attitude.

The Haters were back at the War Memorial Long-term care today. Some of us spent about 45 minutes picking up trash (mostly cigarette butts) from around the hospital grounds while the others played catch with balloons with the residents in the activity center. Later in the morning, we gave hand massages and painted fingernails. The girls really enjoyed painting fingernails and Nancy’s favorite thing to do is give hand massages to seniors. We stayed there for lunch, eating with the residents, because they were having a cookout. The afternoon was rather quiet, we played games and did puzzles with some residents and helped to color signs for an upcoming walk to end Alzheimer’s.

The Losers, as usual, spent the day at Kids’ Club. In the morning they planned for the afternoon’s activities. They filled almost 200 water balloons, and set up other games. They also planned for tomorrow, which is going to be a carnival day. Billy and Drew enjoyed interacting with the kids today. Billy did another skit and hung out with his buddy, Cheyenne. Drew mostly stayed inside doing arts and crafts with the kids but also played kickball. Kids club continues to be a busy place. Over 50 kids come in and out each day! The Youthworks youth sure have a lot of love to share with these kids who need it.

After spending two days at work projects, the Singles changed ministry sites today, and spent the day at Kids’ Club as well. Jeff helped supervise the gym area organizing games for the kids. Josh found a buddy to hang with named Jordan. Jessy buddied up with an older girl who attends the Kids’ Club who is close to her own age. They enjoyed spending the afternoon together. Josh helped set up some outdoor games like jump rope and sidewalk chalk. Jesse continues to ask for things to do. She loves to stay busy.

Tonight after dinner we walked down to the Soo locks area. The kids split off into their own groups (of three or more!) A few of us saw a ship come through, so to me that was pretty cool. We looked around at some souvenir shops and, of course, had ice cream!

It’s hard to believe we only have one more day! We’ll end our ministry week continuing to develop relationships and shining God’s light through our interaction with people. Anne’s crew and Jeff’s crew will be at Kids’ Club showing what love is. My crew will spend our last day with the seniors at the Hospital. For me, I know it’s going to be difficult saying good-bye. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to their stories and I feel I’ve really gotten to know a few of them. My hope is that I’ve brought some love into their lives, even for just a short while.

Tuesday!

Last night, during the Club (worship) time, the theme was Believing Differently. We read from Matthew about the centurion with the strong belief about Jesus. Later, in our church group time, we talked about what we believe about Jesus, and how sometimes people and other factors challenge that belief.

This morning, the Haters were back to the War Memorial Hospital Long–term care unit. We started out the morning doing chair exercises with some of the residents. The girls led them in raising their arms, and extending their legs and other things to get them moving. Then we helped them participate in a little Wii Bowling, and balloon ‘volleyball’ before we brought them to the dining room for lunch. In the afternoon we were supposed to be able to take them to an outside art fair, but it was raining so instead we stayed indoors and played bingo all afternoon before we left for our showers. Our Hater girls are really getting comfortable talking to these residents and brightening their days.

The Losers spent the morning at the Habitat for Humanity resale shop. The spent many hours organizing sinks and toilets for resale. They helped to organize shelves inside as well. In the afternoon they went back to Kinross to the Youthwork’s Kids’ Club. More games and activities were in store for the Losers. Drew spent some of the afternoon in the arts and crafts room again, with most of the afternoon painting faces. Billy spent his afternoon playing games with the kids. Kids’ Club, while it sounds like fun, is a very challenging job this week. The kids that they are serving really need their attention and love.

Today the Singles spent the day at the Ojibway cultural center and did various jobs helping to clean up the place. They cleaned up their powwow grounds for the fall powwows. They cleaned the inside of the center from top to bottom -- sweeping, mopping, washing walls and windows, washing screens, cleaning bathrooms and showers and shower curtains. They moved and stacked logs that had been dumped there a year ago when some land was cleared. These logs will now be able to be cut for firewood. They weeded around their Veterans’ Memorial. Jesse and Josh worked super hard today getting dirty and grimy. Jeff commented about Jesse and Josh, “Anything that needs to be done, before you’re even done explaining it, Jesse and Josh have volunteered.” He said they moved with purpose the entire day.

This evening after dinner we travelled to the Ojibway Cultural Center to listen to a Native American Speaker of the Ojibway tribe. We listened to Cecil, one of the tribal leaders and Les, the caretaker of the Cultural Center. We learned a lot about the Ojibway and Native American Culture. I’m hoping it prompts a good discussion about the similarities and differences of our cultures/religions during our church group time tonight.

It’s hard to believe we’re already half way done with our week! You can be assured that each member of our Geneva crew is working hard, having fun and serving God in ways they’ve never served before. I’m so enjoying hearing their stories about challenges and accomplishments. I can’t wait for them to be able to share their week with you on Sunday.

Monday evening

I forgot to mention that this morning Lauren, Jessica and TJ got up super early to go running with a youth leader from another church. They ran about 3 miles I think. I am really appreciative that another leader is willing to take them running in the morning. I really don’t run!

This morning the Haters went to War Memorial Hospital to spend time in the long-term care wing. We will stay here all week. Some of our group began the day cleaning up trash around the grounds while the others got a tour. We visited with the residents entering the activity center for the Monday morning sing. At 10:30 a group from a local church came in and we all sang along to many old hymns with the residents. Luckily there were songbooks, as many of the songs were unfamiliar to the kids. Most of the residents didn’t even need the books; they knew all the words. Since the hospital is directly across the street from the church where we are staying, we came back for a long lunch. After we ate, we had time to play some games and get to know the other members of our crew a little better. After lunch, back at the hospital, we helped the residents make pudding treats and chatted with them until it was time to go shower.

The Losers spent the day at the Youthworks Kids Club in Kinross. Kinross is a town filled with prisons. Most of the children attending were children whose parents are either in prison or work at the prison. Kids club had about 45 kids today. In the morning the groups planned for when the kids came later, prepping the rooms. When the kids arrived after lunch, the Losers spent some time getting to know them. They had a little free time then matched a few youths to each child attending. Kids club offered skits, and arts and crafts and gym games, (dodegeball!!) outside activities. Billy was part of a group that put on a skit about Jesus being the Light. Drew mostly worked at the arts and crafts area helping kids create fun projects with foam and feathers and popsicle sticks. She also did some face painting with the kids. Many of the kids were very challenging. This ministry is very much needed in this community where the kids aren’t getting as much love and attention that they need.

The Singles spent the day at an adult day car facility called the Community Action Center for the Take 5 program. They visited with the seniors who come and spend the day. They played games, put together puzzles and did some art projects. They even participated with the seniors in chair bowling. Another group of seniors came in just for a lunch program. The Singles helped prepare lunch (upper peninsula specialties—pasties.) They also packed lunches for meals on wheels. They also got to eat the pasty lunch at the facility with the seniors.

This evening, afer a pizza dinner, we went back to the re center where we are showering. A local Wesleyan church hosts a youth program there. We joined their youth group playing games in the gym together, then singing some songs and listening to a message by the youth pastor on the theme being followers of Jesus.

Since I"m posting this earlier than normal, I can't tell you how Club and our church group went tonight. I should be able to post more on that tomorrow.

Thanks again for praying for us!

Monday Morning

Good Morning,

As I"m writing this, Jeff, Joshua and Jesse and helping to prepare breakfast for us. The are part of the "singles" crew. Each crew was given a name. Each name is a single word that corresponds to a T-Shirt being sold later in the week by an organization called "youth enterprise." The t-shirts have one word on the front and a coordinating Bible passage on the back. My group is called the "Haters" and consists of Madelyn, Lauren, TJ, Jessica and Caitlin. We will join with 4 other girls and another adult from a church from Haslett. Jeff's group is called the "singles" and includes Josh and Jesse. They will join 2 other churches, one from Minnesota and one from somewhere else in Michigan (I can't think of where...) Anne's group is called the "Losers" and includes Billy and Drew. They will also be joined with two other churches. We are all excited to begin our day today. Later this afternoon I"ll post about our ministry projects.

The theme this week in Sault Ste Marie is talking about being different -- not conforming to the ways of the world, loving your enemies and emulating Jesus. Last night in our church group time we talked about how we try to be like other people and fit in and how hard it is to be different sometimes.

Time to go...

Thanks again for your prayers,

Nancy

Day One!

We made it! We had a nice easy drive to the UP. We arrived too early though, so we "had to" get ice cream at the local Dairy Queen.

There are about 55 kids and 14 adults here this week. As usual, our kids mingled right away and weren't afraid to step out and talk to people other than those from our church. I'm always so proud of them.

The girls are sleeping in a very crowded room, the boys seem to have a little more room. Tonight all the adults met and were told our ministry site assignments. Jeff, Anne and I will be split up. Jeff will have 2 youth with him, Anne will have two youth with her and I'll have the rest (that's 5). We also get to work in crews with other church kids so I"m excited about that.

We have lights out in about 5 minutes. There is one sink and two toilets for the girls... I need to go get ready for bed.

I should have more time in the morning to write.

Thanks for praying for us and supporting us. I already see God working here and I"m excited to be a part of it!

Good night and God bless you,

Nancy

Mission Trip!

Well, here I am preparing for my second mission trip of the summer. I almost don't even have to use the packing list anymore. It's Saturday night, and I"m all packed. I just have to pack the car in the morning and grab my water bottle and I'll be ready to go. All the forms are signed and copied, my iPod is prepared with appropriate playlists for the car ride and my suitcase is crammed full.

I always have such a mixture of feelings the night before a trip. I'm excited about being able to serve a community in some way or another, yet I'm anxious about how and where exactly that might be -- we don't find out until we get there tomorrow evening. I'm excited about traveling to a new place and seeing new sights, yet I'm anxious about the sleeping arrangements -- is it going to be hot? are the people in my room going to be too loud? I'm excited about spending 6 hours in the car with a bunch of middle schoolers (really, it's fun!) yet I'm anxious about spending 6 hours in the car with a bunch of middle schoolers -- will there be some crazy driver out on the road with us?

I've come to realize that for both of these feelings that I have, I can give them to God. I can praise Him and thank Him for the opportunity I have to be excited and I can also give Him my anxiety, knowing he'll take care of me.

Here we go again God! Let's see what You have in store for me (for the whole group) this week... I can't wait!

Ouch

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I had a humbling experience yesterday. While walking a dog I slipped on the ice and fell, face first, into some crunchy-icy-snowy-hard-sharp stuff.

My first thought was, “Is anything broken?” After all, I’d fallen pretty hard and I’m getting kind of old. Although parts of me hurt a lot (knees, wrist, nose, face) I didn’t think there were any major damages. I was also concerned that my glasses might have broken – they were covered with snow and ice.

My next thought was, “Did anyone see me do that?” I mean, come-on. I must have looked absolutely ridiculous falling on my face like that. How do you fall on your FACE anyway? Weren’t my arms strong enough to hold my head up? I really have no idea. It all happened so fast. But I was hoping that no one was around to have laughed at me.

So I pulled myself together and started slowly walking back home, my knees and face throbbing the whole way. When I got to the door, it was locked and I had to ring the doorbell for Hannah to answer. She took one look at me and thought I needed to go to the hospital! My nose, unbeknownst to me, was all bloody (on the top); I’d smashed it up a bit and scraped it pretty badly. I hadn’t cleaned off my glasses yet. They were a bit askew with ice and snow still sticking to them.

Well, after a few minutes of cleaning up and rechecking injured areas, I knew I was OK. I put some ointment on my nose to help stop the bleeding and took some aspirin for the aches I was sure to get from the fall.

I was bruised. Not just physically, but my ego as well. No one likes to fall. After all, I’ve been walking for a long time - probably 46+ years. (I’m not really sure exactly when I started walking as a child.) I felt stupid for losing my footing. I thought I should have known better.

With some time to think about the whole experience, of course, I remembered that accidents happen. Things aren’t always our fault. Sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we want it to. We stumble and fall then we get back up and learn from our experiences. I will look to the ground now when I’m walking in the winter.

But you know I’m not just talking about walking. I’m talking about my day-to-day life. I make mistakes; I falter. I ask my God for forgiveness, I think about what I could have done differently, I thank Him for his presence in me and I start a new day knowing that I am forgiven and renewed in Christ.

I also noticed through my icy experience yesterday that humility and thankfulness seem to go together. While I was humbled by my fall, I was also quite thankful that nothing was broken – my glasses remained intact, no bones were fractured. I was truly grateful at that moment.

In the scripture above, the apostles are not telling us to, ‘be humbl’ or to ’be thankful.’ They are telling us ‘to do’ not ‘to be.’ We can’t just ‘be.’ First we have to ‘do.’ In doing, you will eventually be. Every day, there are opportunities to humble ourselves. You don’t have to fall to be humbled. It's a choice we can make whenever we feel that we may not be getting our way. Humbling ourselves is as simple as making the decision to not be prideful. The more we do this, the easier and more natural it will become until, at long last, we will be humble.

Giving thanks is also a conscious decision we need to make daily. We need to thank God for the abundant and rich blessings in our life. Think about all the blessings you have received from Christ and take a moment to truly appreciate each of them. In time, we will evolve from someone who gives thanks to someone who is truly thankful.

My hope for you is not that you slip on the ice and fall on your face. My hope is that when you do fall, you can learn from it, be humbled and give thanks. My hope is that you make a decision each day, whether you fall or not, to humble yourself and thank God.

A New Years Goal

Many people think there are two types of people in this world – proactive and reactive – those who take responsibility for their lives and those who blame. I learned this summer that there are really three types - those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who say, “What happened?”

As you start this new year, I’d love for you to try to be one of the people who makes things happen. We learn about what it means to be a Christian. We read what the bible tells us we should do. We hear about people who have made a difference and listened to God. Strive to be one of those people. Put your words and your thoughts into action. Do something! Make things happen!