G.L.O.W. Geneva Middle School Ministries

Kudos!

2012-01-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

Just a little message here to say how proud I am of you middle schoolers! You are always amazing me with your insights, your attitudes and your eagerness. I can always count on this group to volunteer, do anything that is asked of them, and to lead by example!

During Breakfast Club, I've heard there have been some awesome conversations with questions and answers and opinions and faith! That is so exciting for me to hear. This is an amazing time of learning in your lives, and I'm happy that you are understanding the importance of learning about God and growing closer to him as well.

This middle school group has stepped up numerous times to help serve and lead. With each act of service and each time you help lead kids' worship, you are showing what it means to be a true Christian. Your love for Christ is evident!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-11-21T08:43:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year again when we get up really early ona Sunday and spread God’s love and compassion to the guests at the First UnitedMethodist Church in Plymouth. FUMC hosts a rotating homeless shelter throughthe Cass Community Social Services. This will be our 4^th year of serving in this valuable ministry. Our middle schoolyouth group is scheduled to prepare and serve breakfast on Sunday, November 13to about 50 homeless people who stay at this rotating shelter. This would meangetting up pretty darn early in themorning, but it is a great opportunity for service. Let me know ASAP if you’dbe 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 andserve breakfast at 6:00. We also eat with them and fellowship with them,showing them Christ’s love over breakfast and conversation. Sometimes we playgames like chess, or cards before they leave about 7:00 AM. Once breakfast isover, we clean up and head back to our homes (usually by 8:00.) We willstill have Breakfast Club that morning at 9:45. There is no middle schoolfellowship activity for that afternoon, so you can go home and catch up on yoursleep after church!

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

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

Looking forward to serving alongside of you,

Nancy

MIssion Trip!

2011-10-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

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 othersIt 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!

2011-08-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-01-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

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!

How Thankfulness Changes Our Hearts

2010-11-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

I got an email this week from Youth Leaders Doug Fields and Matt McGill about thankfulness. I really liked the article and wanted to share it with you.

For those of us in America, this is the week where we will devour massive amounts of food in the name of thankfulness. It’s easy to get caught up and distracted by planning, house cleaning, stressful travel, football games, overeating, avoiding certain family members, and shopping--all while pretending to enjoy Aunt Gurdy’s plumb-custard-quiche-ala-nasty. We’re going to explore EIGHT WAYS thankfulness and gratitude can transform our heart from the inside out.

THANKFULNESS RE-FOCUSES MY PERSPECTIVE 
It’s easy to complain and point out problems, no one ever grumbles their way into a better attitude. Fortunately thankfulness can shift our focus to the blessings we’ve received from God. No matter how bad things get, in Jesus there is always reason to be thankful. It’s our responsibility to receive God’s gift and thank him.

THANKFULNESS INCREASES MY HUMILITY 
Every blessing in our lives is a gift from God and not something we could have created or earned on our own. Everything belongs to God, and the only way we “have” something is because of his generosity. Because of the numerous blessings received, it’s easy for a feeling of entitlement to slowly creep into our lives and darken our hearts. Thankfulness turns on the light and recognizes God as the provider for our needs.

THANKFULNESS BUILDS MY FAITH 
Gratitude recognizes the past work of God in our lives. When we remember God’s faithfulness, we position our hearts to trust him to provide for our future. God has given us everything we’ve needed, and he will continue to give us what we need. Developing the habit of being thankful also creates the capacity to trust God during the lean times.

THANKFULNESS CHANGES DISPAIR INTO JOY 
There’s a lot of pain in this world and sometimes the ugliness is overwhelming and overpowering. Thankfulness doesn’t deny the evil, but it does open the door for joy to enter the scene. Lasting joy is a promise the world makes but can’t deliver, but when we remain in Christ, his joy is a gift for every believer.

THANKFULNESS RE-ORDERS MY PRIORITIES  
It doesn’t take a busy holiday season for our priorities to get out of whack. As youth workers, most us have so much going on that it becomes really easy to major on the minors (issues) and slip into a selfish mode of living. A grateful heart is more open and aware of God’s work in our lives. Being thankful helps us understand what’s REALLY important in the grand scheme of things and moves us beyond the busyness of the moment.

THANKFULNESS CHALLENGES OUR WANTS 
For both of us, the closer we grow to Jesus, the more we realize many of our “needs” are really about our “wants.” No, we’re not too excited to admit this, but this is a reality that we’ve become aware of in our spiritual journey. Thankfulness can turn our hearts into a fertile soil for contentment to grow into full bloom. Learning to be content in every situation is a measure of spiritual maturity. The power of “I WANT” is weakened in the light of “I’M THANKFUL.”

THANKFULNESS BREAKS THE SHACKLE OF ENVY 
When our desires run wild and unchecked (and aren’t satisfied), the result is envy. Few things can rob one of peace like envy. When it gets really bad, envy also destroys community by morphing into jealousy. This happens when we lose our capacity to be excited for others. This is a particularly deep and dark pit of selfishness. When we’re trapped by envy and jealousy, the only way out is thankfulness for what we do have, and for what others have, too.

THANKFULNESS ENHANCES OUR COMPASSION 
We have a lot, not just materially, but also spiritually. When we are thankful for the spiritual gifts we have in Christ, we can’t help but to have greater compassion for those who aren’t in God’s family.

For us, it’s abundantly clear that thankfulness is an essential habit for becoming more like Jesus. What about you? What does thankfulness create in your own heart?

Wow! Look at all this stuff to look forward to!

2010-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

Tell your friends, clear your schedules, mark your calendars! Our Geneva Middle School youth group is getting busy!

Have you checked out the list of upcoming events? Here's the rundown of opportunities to sign up for and look forward to.

Sunday, November 21 - Wallyball! we'll stop for lunch then head over to Body Rocks in Livonia to play wallyball (Indoor volleyball) You don't have to be good at this- believe me- you can have a good laugh watching me play! Wear comfy clothes and gym shoes. Cost is $5 per person, plus the cost of your lunch.

Tuesday, November 23 - We're going to the Presbytery of Detroit meeting to talk about our last summer's mission trip and to help lead worship with the other participants. Even if you didn't go on the mission trip last summer, you're welcome to come to this and support us. We're leaving church around 3:15 and we'll be back by 8:30.

Friday or Saturday, November 6/27 we'll ring bells for the Salvation Army. I haven't yet signed up for a time. If there's a specific day or time that DOES NOT work for you, please let me know.

Sunday, November 28, we'll be singing "Thankful" as the gathering song at the 11:00 service.

Saturday, December 4 - Cookie baking! We'll bake cookies at church, you bring dough (or already baked cookies for us to decorate) and we'll bake them up and/or decorate them to sell on Sunday for a youth group fundraiser.

Sunday, December 5 - Bake sale fundraiser at church after and between services. We will see the cookies we made on Saturday (and more if you want to bring some in) to raise funds for our summer 2011 mission trip. Even if you can't go on the mission trip, please support our group!

Sunday, December 12 - Mission Trip meeting after the 11:00 Service. If you are planning on joining us for the mission trip to Sault Ste Marie July 31-Aug 5 you must attend this meeting with your parents (or let me know before if you can't make it.)

Sunday, December 12 - (After the mission trip meeting) Parents go home, kids stay for lunch and Christmas TV show watching. Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Olive the Other Reindeer... We'll vote and watch a bunch of old Christmas TV show classics!

Wednesday, December 15 - Instead of LifeStream we'll be participating in a special Christmas celebration at church with dinner and crafts and entertainment by the youth! We'll talk more about this soon.

Sunday, December 19 - Our middle school Christmas party! Fun fun fun! What more can I say? (after church)

Friday, December 24 - Christmas Eve! Traditionally, the middle school youth present the Christmas Drama during the 4:00 service. Rehearsal times TBD.

Wednesday, December 29 - Lock in at High Velocity Sports. We'll be joining middle schoolers from First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth and Calvary Baptist Church in canton to stay up all night! Starting around 9:00 PM and lasting until 7:00 AM. There will be games like soccer and dodgeball, and activities and movies and just plain fun. Bring a friend or two to this! We have a minimum number of people to secure this event so I need to know ASAP whether you are thinking about coming, whether you might bring a friend, or whether you know for sure you won't be attending. More information will be forthcoming. At this time the cost per person will be $15.

Whew! That's a lot of stuff to look forward to, sign up for and let me know about! I didn't even mention Sunday morning Breakfast Club or Wednesday night LifeStream!

Blessings to you and feeling blessed by you,

Nancy

Summer MIssion Trip 2011

2010-11-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mission work can bring life change to youth, a community and the Church. Within a relatively short period of time, your own life and a stranger’s life can be powerfully changed through the desire to give to a community. Your presence during a mission trip speaks more than a thousand words through your simple love and willingness to serve.

While there are countless physical and spiritual needs in communities everywhere from across the country, from big cities to small towns and even close to home, we’ve chose to go to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan for our middle school mission trip this year. Week-long mission trips are a means to visualize needs in other communities and bring that recognition back to serve in your own home. After a week spent in service, you will leave transformed from the love, strength and resilience you find in those you meet. Mission trips are often more life changing and impacting for participants than those you came to serve!

Life-changing experiences happen on a short term mission trip. The week can give you new eyes with which to view your home, working as a vehicle for further change. Please consider joining me this summer, from July 31- August 5 as we work together to show Christ’s love in this Upper Peninsula community.

Mission trips change lives!

Mission Trip 2011

2010-10-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Mission trip information is coming your way! The destination will be announced at LifeStream tonight. Here's a hint....

look up..... way up......

Parents will be getting a letter by the end of the week with more details.

Smart Stuff Week 4

2010-10-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

Week four of our video series at Breakfast Club based on the Book of Proverbs, was titled “Eeew… Puke.” We talked about how we are foolish when we repeat activities over and over again, even though we know they are wrong.

Proverbs 26:11 (NLT)
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.

We need to try to change our bad habits, using God’s help.

Your challenge this week is to take a moment to think about your daily habits. Ready to add a new one to the list? Select one good, healthy habit you’d like to develop. Make it your goal to fully develop this habit over the next 30 days. Put notes in your bathroom, around your bedroom, on your cell phone, and anywhere else that will help you remember to do this new habit—whether it’s reading the Bible or doing your homework right away or exercising daily or whatever else you choose. And after you’ve developed this habit, pick the next good habit to add to your life!

In Christ,

Nancy

Smart Stuff Week 3

2010-09-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

We continued our video series at Breakfast Club based on the Book of Proverbs, called Smart Stuff. Today we talked about who we tend to hang around, who do we call our friends? Are they typically people who build us up and make us more like Jesus or less like Jesus?

Proverbs 22:24-25
Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to lie them and endanger your soul.

Since our friends influence the way we speak and act, choose wisely.

Your challenge this week is to take a moment and think about your closest friends. Create a list of how these friendships have helped you become a better person and a more dedicated follower of Jesus. Pick some ways you can "return the favor" this week to two or three friends. Look for real-world ideas that can help your friends grow closer to Jesus - or discover what it means to follow Jesus. And if your friendships seem to be pulling you away from Jesus, pray that God would help you develop healthy friendships with other followers of Christ.

In Christ,

Nancy

Crop Walk

2010-09-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Together we reach out to neighbors in need near and far--not with a hand out, but a hand up. So, if you’re looking to help build a better world—a world where there’s enough for all—you can do it!

Around the world, Church World Service supports sustainable grassroots development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance, and we educate and advocate on hunger-related issues. In the U.S., they help communities respond to disasters, resettle refugees, promote fair national and international policies, and provide educational resources.

I invite you to join me and other Geneva Youth on Sunday, October 17 for the Plymouth-Canton Crop Walk. I have created a Geneva Youth Team at the Church World Services site. You can sign up to walk and ask people for donations. Sign up here: Crop Walk Search for Geneva Church Youth

I hope you can walk with me!

October Events and Activities

2010-09-21T06:40:00.001-07:00

In an effort to make my weekly emails to you a little shorter I am going to explain some of the upcoming activities and events here. I hope you can add these to your calendar.

Here are the ongoing opportunities for you to come to church and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ:

Sundays we meet for Breakfast Club (every week!) from 9:45 to 10:45. For the next 3 weeks I will continue to lead the group in learning about the SMART STUFF God has shown us in Proverbs. On October 24, Stephanie Edgerton will lead the group for a while. Yummy food and relevant discussion takes place during this time.

Wednesdays, beginning September 29, we will have LIfeStream. Our first topic will be 'tough choices.' We will look at the difficult decisions you, as middle school students, have to make in your lives right now. I hope you can join us on Wednesdays to search, question, and join the discussion. We will also be using time on Wednesdays to plan and prepare for our youth-led worship services.

Speaking of Youth-led worship... every 2nd Sunday (starting October 10) the youth will lead worship at 11:00 in the lighthouse area. You are invited to participate, or just come to this age-appropriate worship. Youth will be leading worship with song, prayer, dramas, puppets, messages, and scripture reading.

Fellowship activities are perfect opportunities to bring a friend:

Sunday, October 3 - right after the 11:00 service we'll have lunch in the youth room and watch a movie. Bring your own lunch and sign up on the bulletin board to suggest a movie.

Sunday, October 10 - CORN MAZE! We will head over there after the 11:00 service. They have hotdogs, and chili and stuff like that for lunch. If you don't want that you can bring your own. After we eat there, we'll have fun in the corn maze.

Sunday, October 24 - Bowling! We'll walk over to McDonalds for lunch after the 11:00 service then head over to the SuperBowl for bowling.

Help to be the hands and feet of Jesus at these mission activities:

Sunday, October 17 - Crop Walk in Plymouth. Sign up and get a few pledges to help Church World Services hunger programs. We can go out to lunch before the walk, then all walk together.

Saturday, October 23 - Wayne Family Center dinner. Remember when we helped at the Wayne Family Center this summer? This is a family homeless shelter. They don't have any food provided on the weekends, so we're going to bring dinner and fellowship with the residents.

Saturday October 30 (around 4:00?) - Trick or Trunk (Trunk or Treat?) - Technically, this is a mission activity but you're going to have fun! The children of Geneva are invited to come to church for "trick or treating" from the trunks of members cars who are parked in the parking lot. We (though youth groups) will plan and provide games and activities for the children to do before they go trick or treating. After the kids trick or treat, you can, too!

I hope that I see you at these events. Don't forget to bring a friend!

The complete October calendar is on the bulletin board at church. Let me know if you want a copy in calendar form.

Blessings,

Nancy

Smart Stuff Week 2

2010-09-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

We continued our video series at Breakfast Club based on the Book of Proverbs, called Smart Stuff. Today we talked about how our words can hurt other people whether we are talking to them specifically or even about them (like gossip.)

Proverbs 25:18 (NLT)
Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

One of the best strategies for stopping negative talk in our lives is to intentionally use positive, encouraging words.

Your challenge this week:
Choose three people—family members, friends, or classmates—and find a way to communicate something positive to them this week. Send a text, write a letter, post a comment online, or express your thoughts verbally. See how your words impact those people’s lives, and consider making it a habit to say or write something encouraging to at least one person each day.

God's Way is the Best Way

2010-09-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started our 5-week video series at Breakfast Club based on the Book of Proverbs, the series is called Smart Stuff. We talked about how God wants the best for us, and that we should listen to him. We learned that the book of Proverbs are wonderful tidbits of wisdom from God.

Proverbs 1:1-3 (NLT)
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

We need to read and understand, but we also have to use what we know to live!

Your challenge this week:

Think about one area of your life where you sense God would like to see some changes. It might be something big, or it could simply be an area where you need to take some small acts of obedience. Write down two or three steps you can take this week to grow in this area. Share those steps with a friend who can help you remain accountable.

I'll check in with you next Sunday to see how you did...

Gearing up for a new year

2010-08-16T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

I use this blog to write about events, information, thoughts and ideas about the middle school ministry at geneva Church. I encourage you to share your ideas and thoughts and questions with me here in the comments section or in person. Check back often!

I'm making plans for middle school ministry. I'm excited about journeying together as we get to know more about Jesus Christ and each other and the church. I've got a few events listed (on the right) and I'll be adding more. Some events will just be the middle school and some events will be with the high schoolers *they aren't scary!). I'll have a sign up for Breakfast Club on the middle school bulletin board at church, or you can email me and tell me when you want to bring food.

See you at church,

Nancy

Detroit Day Five and Final Reflections

2010-06-26T03:08:00.001-07:00

We're back!

Our final day in Detroit was filled with laughter and tears, joy and sadness. We are tired, and yet also feel revived. We woke up this morning, packed up our stuff and cleaned up the areas of the church we were using. I was happy that Keith McBain, our property elder had spent the night with us, so he could get the cleaning supplies ready for us. at was definitely good scheduling! After a brief stop at Starbucks for coffee (just for the adults) we were headed downtown to have breakfast served at Fort Street.

After breakfast, we set up for a special closing worship service. The service was lead by the Youth from the Presbytery of Detroit (POD), the church from Indiana and us. We praised God, sang, read scripture and listened to a message by one of the youth from Calvary Church. The kids from Geneva acted out the story of the Good Samaritan. It was a wonderful way to end our week together - worshipping and praising the Lord that opened our eyes this week and gave us this wonderful opportunity to serve Him through the people of Detroit.

After many group pictures and good byes we walked over to my favorite downtown Detroit restaurant, Lafayette Coney Island and ate lunch. It was a beautiful day to walk the streets of Detroit once again. On the way back we saw a few people in need, not too far from Fort Street. We were able to hand out our last two sack lunches! What a joy that was.

We spent a few hours after lunch at the Detroit Science Center. We were very happy to be able to see our friend, Rick Russell, who helps a lot with Geneva Middle School Ministry and also works at the Science Center. We had lots of fun together laughing at Marilyn's hair sticking up with electricity (though it was NOT much fun when she shocked me!!)

When we came back to Geneva we gathered together, read from scripture the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and we had a foot washing/prayer ceremony. This ceremony is very emotional for many of us. We have time to reflect about the love of Jesus Christ, the joy of being a servant and what it means to serve Jesus through serving others. This was a great way to end our week together.

I had a fantastic week. Watching the youth and adults working together, seeing the joy on everyone's face, being open to wherever God was leading them this week renewed my heart. Our kids, and the youth from Indiana and the POD brought a little bit of hope to Detroit this week. More importantly, Detroit brought hope to them. In this desolate, violent, poor, blighted city, we saw joy, and laughter, and love and giving spirits.

Our youth once again blew me away with their spirit and willingness to help (except some of the 'not-so-morning people had a little harder time....) They never backed away from a challenge. They never complained about the hard work, they never complained about who they were working alongside. They did everything with joy and compassion. It was such a pleasure to see the attitudes of these young people. They pushed themselves way past their comfort zones and did more than they possibly thought they could. Speaking and praying with strangers, 'farming' for hours on end in the hot sun, leading worship, and seeing God in EVERYONE they met.

I'm very happy we chose to do our mission trip to Detroit this year. I am especially excited because we've made connections and friends with people we can see and serve and be with again, not just for a week every few summers. We can see what impact we have made in the community garden when we go back to harvest it. We can catch up with the friends we met eating at the soup kitchen, and we can work alongside and fellowship with our new friends from the churches in Detroit. We can serve this city again and again and again.

We thought we we would find sadness and down-filled spirits. We thought we'd see a city falling apart, losing hope and with no future. Instead, we met people who were proud of their city, who were working to help make it a better place through shelters, community gardens, youth programs, domestic violence programs, educational programs and hunger programs. We understand that with enough hope, with the help of God, with the commitment of God's people working together, the city of Detroit can have a future. It's going to take some time, and I hope we can continue to be a part of Detroit's future.

Thanks for praying for us and blessing us with your support for this trip. We hope that next time you can join us!

Once again, good night.

Detroit Day Four

2010-06-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

It was another amazing day in "The D." Our kids had so many different experiences today showing God's love and being the hands and feet of Jesus. (Their words during our reflection/devotional time.)
As you remember, on Tuesday, we participated in the sandwich ministry through Riverside Church out of ETS. This morning, after ate our breakfasts and made lunch for the day, we used all the leftover bread, tortillas and bagels to make sandwiches and we packed lunch bags with sandwiches, chips, peanuts, cookies, fruit and any other food we had leftover. We ended up making about 28 more small sack lunches. We divided them up into cars so we could hand them out to hungry people that we met today. Even before we got to Fort Street this morning we got to hand a sack lunch to someone. They were very grateful. The kids were super excited that someone actually accepted their offering of food.

After our morning meeting at Fort Street we all went back to Gratiot Avenue Church. There we were given our assignments for the day. Don and Debbie and their team stayed at Gratiot Ave. Church and helped spruce the place up. They cleaned pews, did lots of yard work, helped clear out ancient hymnals and made the place look great. They were surprised that the church members that they met were so proud of their little church. This group worked hard helping to make the church shine. Once their work was finished at the church, they went to one of the members' homes and helped spruce that place up as well.

My group went to go work in another one of the Detroit Rescue Mission sites. This one was a facility for men on Woodward in HIghland Park. Drew and Breana, along with two Calvary Church youth helped to serve lunch to over 75 people. Travis, along with another Calvary youth work in the back of the kitchen preparing potatoes for dinner. Billy and Josh stayed out front greeting the people, helping to clear their dishes, offering more water and just fellowshipping with them. One of the staffers, James, who assigned the jobs, told me they would love to have us back at any of the DRM sites. He said this particular site serves 10,000 meals a year (breakfast lunch and dinner every day.) I think all the kids understood the reward of serving those less fortunate. I can't wait to go back.

After our lunch service, my group headed over to an organization called The Hub of Detroit on Cass Avenue. This is a place that restores bikes and either sells them or gives them away. Even with little or no experience with fixing bikes, we definitely got our hands very dirty and actually fixed a few donated bikes.

To and from all of our ministry sites today we saw people in need. We were so happy that we had made all those extra lunches that we could hand out. I know in my car the kids would yell out, "Stop, there's someone who could use a lunch!" and I'd pull over so they could run out and say hello and offer a sandwich and sometimes a prayer. We met many many kind individuals today that we are praying for tonight.

Around 3:30, our group met back up at Fort Street, where we were going to eat dinner. Since we had some time, we walked past Cobo Hall to Hart Plaza, then all the way down the riverwalk to the carousel at the end. We had a few sack lunches left and tried hard to hand them out. We met some very interesting people as we were handing out our lunches. You might just hear about them Sunday, if not, you'll have to ask some of the kids (especially Jessica, she has a great story!) Also along the way we stopped and played in the fountains behind the Renaissance Center. At first the kids said they didn't want to get wet, but they were hot and the water looked so inviting..... next thing I knew.... Madeline was soaked (and proud of it!) It really cooled them off and they had fun playing.

Dinner at Fort Street was a little different than we've been experiencing this week. This week in Detroit there is an event going on called the US Social Forum. A Youth group from Minnesota joined us for dinner as well as a group from the Presbyterian Hunger program that has been on a journey called Heaven on Earth. They have been on a road trip that has encompassed 8 states, starting in Louisville and ending at the US Social Forum here in Detroit. So we had lots of extra people at dinner, plus, we ate dinner where they serve people at the Open Door Ministries, so that was cool.

After dinner, we had worship lead by some youth from Fort Street Church. I was sitting at the table with them at dinner and discovered one of the youth was from Plymouth and goes to Salem High School! We've been having lots of experiences like that this week. We keep running into people we know, or who have one or two degrees of separation. We are finding that we really are all connected, no mater where we are. After worship we heard form the Louisville group who spoke to us about their road trip, and their passion for using local food whenever possible and food justice projects. It was very interesting and we were invited to think about where our food comes from and who might be involved in that process.

The rest of the evening was showers, and longer sharing and reflecting during our devotional time since we are finished with the service portion of our week. We also prepared for our part of the worship service tomorrow morning at Fort Street and by the time that ended it was just about time for lights out!

Tomorrow we all meet at Fort Street for breakfast and then we will have a worship and closing service together. Our plan is to eat lunch downtown and go to the Detroit Science Center before we come back to Geneva for our own wrap up and closing ceremony.

I'll write one last blog tomorrow night (hopefully not at midnight, like it is now.) Until then, good night.

Detroit Day Three

2010-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

OK, now I'm beginning to wonder why I promised to blog every night! It's almost 11:30 again, and we just had lights out. I'd love to sleep, but I really do want to tell you about our day today.

These kids are amazing. We worked really hard today. Instead of working with our "car" teams, we were asked to stay with our churches again today. We were sent over to work with an organization called the Greening of Detroit. We helped clear debris and rocks from several plots on Mt. Olivet Street near Van Dyke and McNichols. The kids found some very interesting things, rusted cans, old tennis balls, random pieces of metal, and even a rusted old bicycle frame. They worked really hard until lunch. After lunch, we created rows with stakes and string, hoed out trenches for planting seeds, planted seeds and watered. It was amazing to see this lot transformed from full of junk in the morning to planted and ready to begin growing by 3:00. The plots are owned and used by a very interesting woman named Edith Floyd. You'll hear more about her on Sunday when we share our mission trip experience.

It was humid and hot. The sky was threatening a storm right before lunch. At noon, I said it was lunch time and almost as soon as we gathered for lunch on the porch of Ms. Floyd, it started raining. Not too hard, and it stopped before we were ready to go back to work. Great timing... God is Good (All the time) (Something else you'll hear about Sunday.)

I was once again so impressed with the work ethic of the kids that joined me on this trip. They were hot, sweaty , and tired, but they kept pressing on. They were as anxious to see this lot transformed as much as I was. The time for watering the seeds came just at the right moment, we were almost as hot as we thought we could stand, but a few sprays of the cool refreshing hose revived us.

After we finished on M.t Olivet Street we headed over to Belle Isle for a bit (oh, after we stopped for ice cream of course....) We had a beautiful view of the Detroit skyline and the kids joined the kids from Calvary Church at the playscape for a while until we had to go to dinner.

Dinner was at the Second MIle Center. Driving there from Belle Isle was an eye opening experience. We took Jefferson Avenue northeast, through Detroit, then through Gross Pointe, then back to Detroit. The kids were amazed that there was such a drastic and noticeable difference when you left Detroit and came into Gross Pointe.

After dinner some youth from the second mile center performed a liturgical dance for us. It was very moving. Apparantly they perform this song a lot, at many different places. You cold see their love for Jesus as they performed. Then it was our turn to lead worship. We sang Awesome God (even with the verses, not just the lyrics.) Performed an interpretation of a scripture passage (which is going to be our children's time on Sunday!), read a readers' theater version of the Lord's Prayer, prayed and ended with the song Lord of the Dance. I think they kids did a wonderful job leading worship; praising our wonderful God.

We hurried up during our shower time at the Summit tonight as we heard of tornado and storm watches and warnings. Just to be on the safe side, we had our devotional time in the hallway of the lighthouse area. Diana Noble dropped off ice cream treats earlier for us, and we ended our day with those yummy treats (thanks Diana!)

Speaking of our devotional time... we end each evening reading a scripture passage and asking ourselves some relevant questions. Then we reflect on our day; talk about our experiences, share what we learned or discovered, speak about where we saw God, comment about what we might be concerned about and write down what we will be praying for. Listening to what these kids say they've learned, how they've grown, what they've experienced has been such a joy. They are so full of the spirit. They are so insightful. They are so full of joy and wonder and amazement and hope and willingness to serve and share the love of Jesus Christ that they've received. It's been such a blessing every night for me and listening them share has made all this worthwhile.

We are continually blessed by your prayers for us. Thanks praying for us and for reading this and sharing your comments. I'd like to ask that you also pray for the people of Detroit who have been touching our lives. That we may also have the hope we're seeing in them.

Good night.

Nancy

Detroit Day Two

2010-06-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

OK, it's 11:30 when I finally have some free time to write this. We just had lights out. I'm going to make this short today since it's so late.... We had a busy, fun, challenging, god-filled, awesome, amazing Detroit day. I could jus stop there but I'm sure you want some details.

This morning we met at Fort Street Presbyterian Church. We were welcomed by the pastor, Rev. Sharon Mook. She told us a little bit about the history of Fort Street and and the church today and it's missions. We then all left to go to Gratiot Avenue Church> We learned about it's history and we had a little bit of time to clean up debris and trash on the property and start digging for a flower garden before we needed to leave.

From Gratiot Avenue, Our group from Geneva and the youth from the Presbytery of Detroit went to the First Congregational Church where they have an Underground Railroad living museum. At this museum experience we were taken on a journey to freedom from slavery. It was very eye opening to all of us.

We travelled back to ETS (where we started our scavenger hunt yesterday) and ate lunch, then we got a tour of that building. I told the kids from Geneva that we've had at least 3 people I know from our church attend the seminary there, and we have someone (Meg!) starting there in the fall. ETS houses a new church development called Riverside church that has a sandwich ministry. Here's where our challenge came. We were asked to bring sack lunch out in to the streets, introduce ourselves to people and offer them a lunch! Complete strangers! We left in small groups of three or four. It was an amazing experience. Once of our youth commented that it was way out of her comfort zone to go up to strangers like that, but it was extremely rewarding. We also asked people if we could pray for them, and asked if there was anything specific we could pray about. That, too was amazing. Several of the people we met actually asked if they could pray for us! ONce again I was so impressed that our youth walked right up to people, introduced themselves and offered food and prayer. They explained to people that they wanted to share the love of Jesus Christ with them, and they sure did!

We had some time before dinner after we finished passing out all the sandwiches, so I tool our group to Heidelberg Street near Mt. Elliot. That's where there is an outdoor art exhibit by artist Tyree GUyton. It's very difficut to explain what this is.... here's a link, but I also encourage you to ask the youth when you see them what they thought.

Dinner was at Calvary Presbyterian Church which was special to us in two ways: It is the church where Billy's dad attended when he was growing up (It was known as Montieth then) and it is also the church where Beth Delaney did her internship. Beth even came and joined us for dinner!

After dinner worship was led by the group from Indiana. We were asked to lead worship tomorrow night. After our showers, and a stop at Carvel Ice Cream for some extremely yummy treats we came back to church. We had a short devotional and then began preparing for our worship service tomorrow. Whew! We went so late rehearsing they had no free time tonight. I didn't hear too many complaints though.....

Good night all. Keep us in your prayers.

Official Day One

2010-06-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific day today. God is good and I see him in every one of the kids I worked with today. I saw him in the people I served and the adults and advisors, too. Our first day in Detroit was great. This morning we started out at Westminster Church for a little orientation about Detroit. Our Geneva group was split into two teams. Josh, Travis, Billy, Breana, Drew and I were called Team Corvette (not our choice....) Marilyn, Amanda, Jessica, Lauren, Madelyn, Don and Debbie were in Team 300 (again, not their choice, each team was given a car name.) (Amanda O was recovering from Pneumonia and didn't join us until tonight.) Team Corvette also consisted of 5 youth and 2 adults from Columbus Indiana. Team 300 was joined by 5 youths from Calvary Presbyterian in Detroit.

Team Corvette went to work at one of the Detroit Rescue MIssion Sites. We sorted food, helped prepare lunch, cleaned the beds and served lunch to about 35 men. I was so impressed with my group. After serving lunch they were right in and sat down with the individuals and started up conversations. I loved seeing our Geneva group set the example of not being afraid to talk to people who are different from us. They commented later that they were surprised at the joy they saw in these people, even though they were in such tough situations. They felt like these people welcomed them into their lives. They were surprised at that and they learned a lot today. Tonight during our "where did you see God today?" discussion many of the kids saw God in the people they served at the shelter.

Team 300 visited Calvary church and helped prepare hygiene kits and baby kits for the people of Haiti. This group had very joyful heats as they did this task. While they had a specific rule to follow for the hygiene kits, they were excited to be able to personalize the baby kits. Tonight during our devotional we talked about the parable of the mustard seed, and how those small acts (seeds) turn into "huge trees."

After lunch we all met up and went on a little scavenger hunt through Detroit. We stopped at several key places and ended up at St John's Presbyterian Church on Lafayette where we were going to have dinner. We had a lot of time to kill before dinner, but this gave our kids the opportunity to fellowship with the kids from Indiana and Detroit who joined us. I love seeing these kids form friendships so fast.

After dinner we had a worship service led by the youth of the Detroit Presbytery, but our Team 300 joined in with a special dance they learned! It was wonderful seeing them up there with the other kids having fun and showing their love of God. We'll be leading the worship service on Thursday I think. The kids are excited to share some of their favorite songs and scripture.

While we didn't stay in Detroit for the fireworks, we came back to Canton and had our own fireworks show in the parking lot. (Thanks, Jeff Doering for keeping us safe and lighting the fireworks so I didn't have to!!)

Hopefully I'll have some time to upload some pictures tomorrow.

Keep praying for us!

It's off to bed now, some of the kids are still excited from the day and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Canton/Detroit Mission Trip Day One (sort of)

2010-06-20T20:28:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday night, everyone's nestled in they sleeping bags. I'm not sure if anyone's asleep yet, they all seemed so excited. We met at the church around 5, get settled in, went over the rules and reviewed the convenant that they all signed. Joining me this week is Don Glass and Debbie Krone and each night a dad is volunteering to come sleep on the floor of the church with the boys and Don.

Around 6:00 we left to head on over to Farmington Hills to eat dinner with some folks there and with the visiting church from Columbus, Indiana. They had just arrived but we ate right away. Pizza and salads and yummy desserts provided by First Farmington.

At first the kids from Geneva all sat at one table together. All I had to do was ask them to go introduce themselves to the people from the other church and they were off. The boys ended up sitting at a table of boys, some girls sat with a table of girls, and some other girls introduced themselves to a full table. I was so proud of our kids setting the example of welcoming, friendliness and hospitality.

After dinner the youth all played a game (led by our kids!) while the adults had a meeting to find out how the week was going to work. I loved looking over and seeing our kids interacting so well with the group from Indiana.

After we came back to church we had a visit by Beth Delaney, who told some history of Detroit and Calvary Church (where we will be eating dinner on Tuesday.) The kids seemed very interested to hear some of Detroit's history, are saddened by racism and can't wait to start doing stuff in the city.

Another game, and reflection/devotion time was followed by some "business." Not much free time at all before lights out (which was late), but we should get enough sleep for a full day tomorrow.

Whew... seems like we've done a lot and we haven't even started "working" yet. I"m looking forward to seeing how God works through these young servants this week.

Keep praying for us this week.

Your sister in Christ,

Nancy

Youth Sunday!

2010-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are participating in lots of ways for Youth Sunday, May 16. We will be leading both services along with the senior highs that day. We spent time at the retreat planning and practicing. If you were not at the retreat, we still want you involved!

Here's what we're doing as a group:

~Gathering song - Here I am to Worship - I have the words for this, please find me at church on Sunday and I'll give them to you. Molly will be signing along side our singing.

Here's a link to Here I Am to Worship on Youtube. Check it out. It's got the words and everything!

~Signing the Lord's Prayer - Like we did previously in church, we will be signing the Lord's Prayer after the pastoral prayer.

Here's a link to Julia signing the Lord's Prayer. Please practice!!

Individually,
~Some people are participating in a skit (Josh and Billy) - please memorize your lines.
~Some people have learned the Lord's Prayer song. If you would also like to sing this, please let me know and I"ll get you the music to practice.
~We need worship leaders - that is people to read scripture and be leaders for responsive readings. There will be several opportunities available but we expect you to practice. Let me know ASAP if you want to help out with this.

Practice times for Youth Sunday -
You must be able to attend practice to participate in Youth Sunday (at least one, but both is preferred)
Sunday, May 9 after the 11 service (Yes, I know this is Mother's Day, I expect practice to take about 45 minutes)
Saturday, May 15 at 4:00. We will conclude practice with pizza!

Easter!

2010-04-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Easter is ...

resurrection... renewal... redemption.... rebirth....

What does it mean to you?
(It doesn't have to start with "re")

This is it!

2010-03-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

All this hard work.... I think this evening's dinner/entertainment/silent auction is going to be the best one yet. So many people to thank...... I'll do that tomorrow. For now. I just pray that nothing seriously goes wrong. It's in God's hands now.

More gushing about my middle school kids....

2010-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

It seems I use this blog to either tell you about stuff that's coming up with the middle school G.L.O.W. group, or to gush about them. Today I'm going to gush about them. And the great thing is, they probably don't even know what they did particularly today to make me gush about them.

Here's why....

First, I walked in to Breakfast Club this morning and I see 14 fabulous faces, smiling and talking and enjoying each other's company. Then, I look around the room and see two people occupying one chair that they usually fight over. That was very cool! (Since it's such a big chair with plenty of room for two.) So that made me very happy.

Next, when I started talking about who is going to volunteer to entertain our guests at our fundraising dinner, I got soooo many responses. People I didn't expect volunteered to use their talents to make our evening special. That was EXTRA cool. Other people had said they had actually been PRACTICING their performance ON THEIR OWN, without me having to schedule it!! Super cool!

And finally, Elise and Rick came up to me after leading Breakfast Club this morning and told me what a great group of kids they all were. Of course I already knew that, I keep telling people, but it's so nice to hear unsolicited.

I love my job.

When I was at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference a few weeks ago I had a lot of time to reflect on this Middle School Ministry and everything that makes it so great. Of course, the kids are awesome. They try to include people and not say hurtful things to each other. Yes, they slip sometimes, but I know they try and have loving hearts. I also have terrific adult volunteers; Brian, Diana, Elise and Rick (and ALL the other parents that volunteer to drive, chaperone, bake, bring breakfast, get their kids to church on time.....) are indispensable. I couldn't do any of this without the help and support I get from them. And of course, I have to thank God. He put me in this position (through a few small words from Hannah that said, "Mom, you should apply for that job." And I know He is working through EVERYONE involved in this ministry from the youngest to the oldest.

Blessings,

Nancy

Impressed!

2010-03-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

How wonderful it was to watch you signing the Lord's prayer at church today. You took it seriously, and did your best. What a wonderful blessing to watch you pray with your hands. Thanks for sharing with the congregation. Yay!

Lent!

2010-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine posted this as her status on Facebook. I really liked the sentiment and wanted to share it with you.

Happy Lent!

Fast from criticism, feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity, feast on optimism.
Fast from offense, feast on forgiveness.
Fast from pride, feast on humility.
Fast from selfishness, feast on service.
Fast from fear, feast on Faith.
Fast from judgement, feast on compassion.

Walk in Love, and may the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Pictures!

2010-02-01T07:05:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of things we've done.

Ringing Bells at the Salvation Army

and

Bowling

Enjoy! You can download pictures from this website if you like.

Lock - In

2010-01-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

Here's the information about the lock-in:

When is it:
Friday, February 5 at 9:00 PM to Saturday, February 6 at 8:00 AM

What to bring:
a snack to share and drinks for yourself (Energy drinks are NOT allowed)
a sleeping bag, pillow, your bible and a something to write with

We will be working on a mission project for Hope Clinic creating fun bags to give to the kids and bags with personal care items for adults. For the kids' bags, please bring crayons, coloring books, small toys, pencils, activity books - whatever you can think of that a child would like to play with that we can put in a lunch bag sized bag. For the adults' bags, please bring in shampoos, soaps and toiletries in small or sample sizes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other personal care items that will fit in lunch bag-sized bags.

What NOT to bring:
cell phones (you won't need them and texting while at a youth event is a no-no)
a bad attitude (we will have fun, but we'll be doing some lessons, too)

Bring a friend! (but make sure they have a permission form)

Our Growing Ministry

2010-01-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

15 People at Breakfast Club two weeks ago! 17 kids at Breakfast Club last week! I am in awe of the wonderful way God is bringing middle schoolers to church. I love when I see you interact, listen to each other, share your faith, ask questions, and participate. I truly see the power of God working in each of you.

We've been practicing signing the Lord's Prayer. I have a tentative date for signing the prayer in church. I am hoping to do it on Sunday, March 7. We will practice at Breakfast Club and at LifeStream. However- you can practice at home too! Here's a link to the video I took of Julia signing it. Watch it. Pause it. Practice it. Do it!

I love you guys,

Nancy

We have a new name! and more pictures!

2010-01-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

We have voted! The Geneva middle school youth group is now called G.L.O.W. This can stand for God LIghts Our World or God Lights Our Way or we can make it more active and have it stand for Generating Light in Our World! I guess we might have more voting to do. We'll take a vote on what we want it to say on our new t-shirts this Sunday. I heard lots of support for a firefly as our logo. Any other suggestions?

Let's try to keep referring to our group as G.L.O.W. now, OK? It's going to take a while I think before everyone catches on. The more we use it the easier it will be.

Great turnout everyone for helping the senior highs load up the truck with the donations to Fort Street. We got that entire 17 foot truck filled form top to bottom and front to back in 45 minutes! It would have taken a LOT longer without you. Thanks to everyone who helped, and a special thanks to Billy, who also helped unload the truck on Saturday morning.

Here are some pictures from Friday. Loading up the truck

Pictures!!

2010-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to the pictures from Christmas Eve
The Christmas Story

Here's a link to the pictures from preparing and serving breakfast at First United Methodist Church in November
Serving those less fortunate

Thanks so much Diana Noble for remembering to bring your camera and especially for taking such awesome pictures!

I'm hoping to get a picture or two from Salvation Army Bell Ringing... stay tuned! Oh, and I'd love it if someone would remind me to bring my camera to our middle school events!

It's a New Year!

2010-01-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

I think when you're a student, all this talk about the new year around this time doesn't make sense. For me, the new year was September, when I was starting a new grade in a new classroom and possibly making new friends. So now that I'm an adult, I do start thinking about the new year on January 1, and thinking about the changes it might bring.

Check out this Taking a Minute by Jason Anderson and hear about what he has to say.

2009-12-24T04:23:00.001-08:00

Have a Blessed Christmas everyone!

Our new name

2009-12-07T11:45:00.001-08:00

OK- I've got some names for us to vote on. You can vote here - by commenting to the blog; you can email me; or just tell me what you think. Here are the top 4 names voted on by the Youth Ministry Team.

– Jesus' Army (We had a discussion about how you actually pronounce this!)
– GeMS (Geneva Middle School)
– His Kids
– G.L.O.W. (God Lighting Our World)

What do you think? Parents, kids, or anyone else reading this blog, can vote!

AACK!

2009-12-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

OK- They changed the place at the very last minute of where we are supposed to ring the bells for the Salvation Army. please meet me at Walmart today between 4 and 6:00. I called everyone who told me they were coming, but in case there are some of you who didn't sign up .... this message is for you!

Mission Trip 2010

2009-11-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

When is it?
From Sunday afternoon, June 20 through Friday afternoon, June 25

Who can go?
Anyone who has completed 6th grade through 8th grade (and their parents!)

Where are we going?
We are spending the week in Detroit as part of the Presbytery of Detroit Youth Mission Blast

What kinds of things will we be doing?
We will participate in a variety of opportunities. Some examples are:
Habitat for Humanity/Barnabas Youth Center/Second Mile Mission /Riverside Church Sandwich Ministry/ COTS/ Gleaners Food Bank/ Presbyterian Villages/helping seniors in our Detroit churches that need help around their homes.

Where will we be staying?
This part I don’t know yet. We will stay overnight at a church or at the Second Mile Center.

How much will it cost?
Again, this hasn’t been established yet. I estimate the final cost to be about $150. I will be requiring a $50 deposit by December 6. (Refundable if cancelling before March 1)

Are you getting excited for it? I am!!

What's in a name?

2009-11-01T17:29:00.001-08:00

What should the Geneva Middle School Ministries be called? At this point, it is identified as the Mid-Highs. That's sort of a confusing name to some people, and doesn't really identify who we are. I’m thinking we should come up with a name that lets people know who we are and what we’re all about. Let's figure out a new youth group name.

I’m opening up the floor for suggestions. I want YOU to suggest as many names as you like for our group. I want one that is reflective of our group's mission and one that is interesting and engaging. I want one that identifies who we are and what we do.

You might be wondering what kind of name to suggest. I found this site that has lists of youth group names. I mentioned this site at Breakfast Club and I said there were over 500 names. I was wrong. There are over 500 names on this site that begin with the letter ‘A’ alone! There are over 12,000 youth group names submitted there! If you want to take a look there for some ideas to get you started thinking, go ahead. Another good resource is the Bible. You could use favorite words, phrases, or images from scripture; use combinations of letters and numbers; or use words as acronyms to come up with a unique name.

So go ahead, start suggesting names. Anyone can submit a name – whether you are in middle school, a parent, a friend, or even a 'regular' member of Geneva. I’ll take submissions from now until Thanksgiving. You can submit names by commenting on this blog, emailing me, or writing your suggestion(s) down and giving it(them) to me. I’m going to bring all the suggestions to the Youth Team where we will pick three that we like the best. Then, I’ll let the middle school students vote from those three. Once they've made a choice, we can create a logo and get T-shirts made.

I’m excited about the possibilities to identify our group. Put your thinking caps on and get me those ideas!

Picture Links!!

2009-10-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Here are the links to some pictures from our recent events. Thanks to the Noble family!

For laser tag pictures click here

For corn maze pictures click here

For clothes closet pictures click here

Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet...

2009-10-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

... and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Are you reading The Word? Are you letting God's word guide you?

It seems that this fall I've been so busy -- School has started; I've been going to Physical Therapy; I got a new part time job; I've been trying to buy a car for Hannah -- it just seems like one thing after another, not to mention all the work I do for the Mid-High program. I came to realize I had less and less time for each thing I wanted to do. (Unless I didn't want to sleep anymore....)

During the summer, when I wasn't as busy it was easy to read my bible and take time to reflect on what I read and really listen for God's word to me. Now that I have so much to do, I really have to be deliberate in my reading. I can't just think I'll have time for it during the day. I have to make time.

I'm sure you all have school, homework, sports, music, dance, helping around the house and/or other things that take your time. Don't forget about your 'God Time' though. Remember to make time to read your bible and reflect on God's word for you. You won't regret it. I know I don't.

No Car Road Rally - coming very soon

2009-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a taste of what you'll find when you come to the No Car Road Rally event. You'll work in small teams to solve puzzles and find clues to win prizes!!

!62rebmetpeSnotnevepihswollefehtotemocnacuoyepohI

Crop Walk

2009-09-17T08:19:00.001-07:00

Wow- I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted something to the blog. I guess I wasn't feeling inspired, and took a little hiatus. (There's a big work for you.) I think once we get started with our new fall programming I'll be writing more. If any of you want to write something for me to post- feel free!! Just send me an email and I'll post it for you.

So, I'm signing up to participate in the CROP Walk on Sunday, October 4 in downtown Plymouth. I'd love to have a group of mid-highs walk with me. In case you don't know what the Crop Walk is, here is a little information: CROP Hunger walks are neighborhoods walking together to take a stand against world hunger. They raise awareness and money for international relief and development as well as local hunger needs. CROP walks are sponsored by Church World Services.

You can sign up to walk at church at the table in the gathering space, then collect pledges, or, even easier sign up online at cropwalkonline.org. Make sure you get permission from your parents first!

Looking ahead, getting excited

2009-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

This week I finished working on the plans for the Mid High Ministries for the fall . What does this mean you ask? Well, I figured out what we're going to do on Wednesday nights at LifeStream (it's all about Jesus for the first session); what we'll talk about and do during Breakfast Club on Sunday mornings (Truth and Dare..... hmmm); how we'll participate in corporate worship (I'm thinking skit in October); what mission opportunities we'll take (something every month!); and, of course, what fellowship events (fun! fun! fun!)

I've really been working at this much of the summer. I like to find opportunities that will be not just fun but will help you grow in your faith. I've been reading books, and blogs, and articles, and comments about different youth programs. Next week I'll talk about my ideas with the Youth Ministry Team, and then I'll firm some things up. I think you'll like what I have planned. But you know, I'm always open to suggestion.....

Got a Minute?

2009-07-22T13:30:00.001-07:00

It's been a little while since I posted a link to Jason Alexander's "Taking a Minute" site.

As a parent, I liked this message. As a daughter, I also liked this message.

Listen to it here.

Even though I'm a grown woman, I still listen to my dad's advice. He's older, wiser, and he loves me and cares for me and wants the best for me. I'm sure your parents feel the same way...

Pool Party Photos

2009-07-22T13:23:00.001-07:00

Here they are!

This is the link to the pictures that Diana Noble took click here

This is the link to the pictures that I took click here

Thank God for the great weather and the extra excitement of the Blue Angels flying in formation overhead.

Pictures!!

2009-07-06T06:06:00.001-07:00

Here are links to the pictures from the mission trip.

Youthworks fun and fellowship

Village Gardens

Goodwill

CP Center and field trip to Lambeau Field

Chicago Museum of Science and Industry on the way home

Enjoy!!

Last Day

2009-07-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last Day….

We woke up tired and sad that it was our last day. The week had gone by so fast. We were still making new friends both at our ministry sites and with the kids from other churches who are here.. At our devotional time (devo) in the morning we talked about how we could make our last day here the best.

The Green Monkeys were excited about visiting a new ministry site today. No more sorting, sorting, sorting (did I mention they did a lot of sorting) at the Goodwill. Today they were going to the CP (cerebral palsy) center to work. They were a little nervous, as most of them had no experience with people with CP. They weren’t sure how uncomfortable they might feel around people with this sort of disability. Their fears were short though. As soon as they got to the center, they got a tour and orientation. They found out that all of the people they’d be working with would be teenagers and they would be going on a field trip with them. They met up with the group at Lambeau Field for lunch and a private tour of the facility. Keith and Dave (the other adult in the Green Monkeys group) were excited about that. They had a terrific tour with the clients of the CP center, then went back to the center for some fun and games with them. They became comfortable fairly quickly, and were sad they only had one day there. They will tell you more about that when they share in worship this Sunday and Next Sunday.

The Silver Snakes spent their last day at Village Gardens in a variety of ways. Breaking into groups playing Scattergories at the beginning of the day led to an outing at a local park for lunch and a band concert with some residents. We came back and weeded and did some paperwork until it was time for the afternoon social (popsicles!) and our goodbyes. That was the hardest part. We felt like we really got to know many of the residents and staff there and we’d really miss them. We took pictures to remember them, and we gave them a gift for their garden so they’d remember us. That place really touched our hearts this week, and we hope we were able to show God’s love while we were there.

Thursday evening we had a community cookout. Many people from the Youthworks ministry sites were there enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs. People came from the Salvation Army, Paul’s Pantry (food pantry) Boys and Girls club, Village Gardens (3 of the recreation therapy staff we’d been working with) and other ministry sites. It was a nice way to end the week, chatting with our new friends and seeing how many people Youthworks groups impact during the week. God's love sure was being spread around.

Thursday night’s Club included a foot washing experience. The Youthworks staff wash the feet of and pray over the adult leaders, who, in turn, wash the feet of and pray over each of our kids. It was an incredibly moving and meaningful experience. We were also pleased and honored to be invited to join another of the visiting groups from Minnesota for communion after the foot washing. It was a beautifully spiritual evening.

Friday morning, we were up early after very little rest to pack up clean up and head out. Lots of hugs and email address exchanges went on before we loaded up and took off for home with a stop in Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry along the way. (No time for me to drive to Starbucks before breakfast to post a blog entry.)

All in all, it was an amazing week. I was impressed, surprised, uplifted, encouraged, moved, and pleased with the Geneva Mid-Highs. They are a terrific group of kids with very loving hearts filled with God’s spirit. His love poured out of them this week. If you see Lauren, Amanda, Madelyn, Billy, Marilyn, Beth, or Steven, or Keith I’m sure they would love to tell you their story and where they saw God working in Green Bay.

We’ll be sharing a little bit in church on July 5 and July 12 and I’ll be posting more pictures soon, so keep posted.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

Wednesday - This one is long!

2009-07-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

I’m writing this during free time, before I have to go to dinner duty, but I won’t be posting it till I run out to the Starbucks Thursday Morning. Keep this in mind as you read this.

This morning after devotionals the Green Monkeys went back to Goodwill for their last day there. I know they weren’t necessarily looking forward to another day of sorting shoes and tagging items, but again, I didn’t hear any complaints. When we met back up at the showers, they looked a little more tired than usual. I think they were amazed that there would ever be that much sorting and tagging and it seemed never ending. They are definitely looking forward to doing something new tomorrow.

The Silver Snakes washed windows all morning at Village Gardens. Some of us were outside and some of us stayed inside. This was a little tricky as we had to maneuver around beds, dressers, chairs and other furniture. Each room had 4 panes of glass to wash on the inside and 4 on the outside. Steven and Billy worked together as a team, with Billy spraying and Steven using the squeegee. I wiped the bottoms of the windows. Madelyn and Lauren washed the outsides with Allison, one of the Youthworks staff who came to join us for the day. They did a swift job of it.

After lunch, Billy and I put up the big calendar for July in the hallway while Steven, Lauren and Madelyn did some paperwork for the recreation staff. Then it was Karaoke time! The kids helped the residents sing along to old standards they had never heard of. The tried very hard to sing songs like “In the Good Old Summertime,” Bicycle Built For Two,” and “Toot Toot Tootsie Goodbye.” They They even learned “Yes, We Have No Bananas.” Steven did an awesome job on the microphone singing Johnny Cash songs which made one resident really smile. The kids also all got together and sang “Awesome God.” We finished the day at the nursing home enjoying Root Beer floats during their social hour.

On Monday when we came the kids all held back and were afraid to talk to the residents. Now they are going right up to some of them and smiling and saying hello, calling them by name. As much as I tried to tell them they’d get used to it, they weren’t sure. I think they’ve come so far in these three short days.

Both groups of 2 kids are working so well together, jumping right in where needed and supporting each other all the time. Each free time they are playing with kids from other churches and hanging out and making new friends. One of their favorite things to do is play ball tag on the play structure at the church. I think this trip is going to be one they remember always. They are thinking about their other Geneva Mid-High friends back home who weren’t able to come on the trip and wishing they were here too.

Tonight, we go to an amusement park after dinner. The kids are really looking forward to hanging out and just having fun.

The kids want to help me blog this week. They’ve taken some of their free time to write.

Here are some thoughts from Madelyn…
Hello everyone, Madelyn here!
I just wanted you all to know, A DEER ATE OUT OF MY HAND!!!! Which is my favorite animal EVER! Also today at the seniors center, we did karaoke and as much as I was looking forward to it, Lauren was not at all! But I got her to sing about 4 songs with me, and Steven sang “Ring of fire”!
Chortle-Chortle!!!!!
So that’s really all I wanted to say, See you Friday!!!!!!

This is Beth…
Hey guys! I’m like really tired right now, but whatever. On Monday my crew and I went to Goodwill. I was really looking forward to it because the last time I came to Green Bay on mission trip, I got to work in a thrift store sorting donations. Goodwill was nothing like I had expected it to be! Everyone was really nice and helped us understand what we were doing, to make sure that it would turn out the way that they wanted it to, in size then color order. On Monday, they asked us where we wanted to work, Marilyn and I got stuck with shoes, because it was the last job open for us. It was truly the most fun of all the jobs!!! It was probably unwise of them to stick us in aisles of shoes, that by the way were very cute, for almost three hours straight. We enjoyed showing each other the really cute and the odd/ugly shoes!
On Tuesday we went through rack after rack after rack after rack of shirts and pants in both men and women’s clothes…. Soooo tedious, and we were on our feet all day except our hour and a half total break. After a while we almost collapsed on the floor out of exhaustion, joking that if we had gotten ten more minutes of sleep, we would have the energy to finish the rack we were on… :D
Today we spent the vast majority of our time putting clothes on hangers, then sizing the clothes. Soooo obnoxious!!!!! We had to figure out whether they were women’s, men’s, or children’s clothes, then hang them, then size them correctly for pants/shirts, on the correctly priced hanger… when we finally got a break I literally collapsed onto the floor, and almost fell asleep, but Marilyn and Amanda were playing with my head and screaming discoveries of freckles on my scalp… :D Tonight we’re going to an amusement park since it doesn’t look like it’ll rain in the coming hours… see you all Friday!!!

And…
Peace out, everyone! Bet you can already guess who this is…hahahaha….IT’S AMANDAAAAA!!! =^.^= Today is day tres!!! Unfortunately, Beth pretty much said everything I wanted to say, but I will do my best!!
ANYWAYYYY, this is MY view of the past half-week…
First, we rode 7 and one half hours in a CAR!! And passed a time zone!! Gaining a whole HOUR!!! OH MY GOSHHHHH!! We ate at Subway…and…stuff…And listened to the best band ever, They Might Be Giants in Nancy’s car, where Beth, Steven, and Marilyn were amazed that I had memorized pretty much the whole of most of the songs.
On the first night, we…ate…crud. I can’t remember what we ate…(Beth! What did we eat the first night?!! (food? It wasn’t spaghetti….sloppy joes. Untidy Josephs.))
WE HAVE HAD SANDWICHS EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR LUNCH!!! GRAHHHHHH!!! THIS ANGERS ME DEEPLY, THOUGH, SINCE I’M A CARNIVORE WHO ONLY EATS FRUITS THAT FELL NATURALLY!! MWUAHAHAHHAHAA!!
Beth, Marilyn, Mr. Marilyn’s dad, and 3 people from a different church in Minnesota; Haylee, Sam, and Dave/George/Alfred/Aaron and I were assigned to the Goodwill store. Goodwill has 2 O’s tied together.
On the first day, we got a tour from Andy, the lovely manager who had gone to Goodwill in search of a steadier market than selling Subaru’s. After that, Marilyn and Beth were in charge of shoes (an unwise decision, if I may say so…) (along with Dave), I don’t really remember where Sam was…and Mr. McBain, Haylee, and I were working together, going through the racks and racks and racks and racks of women’s clothes, sorting them by size, and then color and pulling out all the ones with pink tags on them. We would then take the pink-tagged apparel and put clearance stickers on them, replacing the original clearances (which would be brought to the ‘back room’ and recycled) with them.
We ate spaghetti! ☺ On the second day, we continued with our Good Willy duties, though Sam and I were in charge of shoes. (Muwahahaha… I wonder why???) It took about 1 hour for me to sort the lovely “special” shoes on the “special” rack. I had to sort them by size and then rainbow color. I then had to sort through the CHILD’S special rack. (OooooH!!) And I have learned from the last three days at Goodwill that there are some really strange things you will see. We saw small children crawling through clothes racks and disappearing, never to be seen again, children attacking us with squirt guns, and Bob the Builder bowls randomly left in the dresses section.
We developed a wonderful bond with the various workers there.
Today was our last day there, and though I’m glad I won’t have to sort more clothes,
All in all, it was a great week! ;)

Keep praying for us.

Tuesday

2009-07-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention our clean up duties yesterday. The Green Monkeys had to wake up extra early to prepare breakfast and set out the lunch stuff for us. The Silver Snakes had bathroom cleanup after breakfast. Luckily, since we had boys in our group they could clean the boys bathrooms and the girls could clean the less messy girls’ bathrooms. Lauren says, “mention I even cleaned bathrooms!”

The nursing center that the Silver Snakes are working at has beautiful gardens in the back. Ten years ago it was all grass a small amount of cement patio. Now, there are different sections with raised vegetable gardens, a strawberry patch, pumpkins and tomatoes. There is an area with a small train running through and miniature houses. There are flowers everywhere. The seniors love going out there as much as possible and they are extremely proud of it.

Here are some thoughts from Marilyn on Tuesday morning before we left for our workday:

“Like Nancy probably already said, I am in the group the Green Monkeys, and we work at Goodwill. At Goodwill, there are racks and racks of clothes all sorted by size and color. Beth and I worked in the shoe department yesterday, and the shoes are also sorted by size and color. It was fun working with the shoes and the clothes because there are some strange garments there. What I did was sort big shopping carts full of shoes into the right shelf. I’m tired, but it was fun.”

As I’m writing this it’s late Tuesday afternoon. We just got back from visiting the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. I’m not sure how much the kids enjoyed it but Keith and I sure did. The history of the Packers is actually quite interesting. Dinner is being prepared now, we’ll do “Club” (worship, singing, lesson, group activities) then our church group time.

The Green Monkeys went back to Goodwill today and worked hard; sorting more shoes, and tagging more clothes. In the afternoon they were given some big boxes to put price tags on and were finished in record time. The people at Goodwill thought it would take them all afternoon. Amanda, Marilyn and Beth are actually having fun working so hard… who’da thought?

The Silver Snakes played Outburst this morning with the seniors at the nursing center. We also weeded for an hour before lunch. After lunch we went on a field trip! We accompanied 6 residents of the center and one of the recreation directors to Bay Beach Wildlife preserve. We pushed and pulled residents in wheelchairs up hills and down hills. We saw some animals and walked some nature trails. Madelyn actually had a deer eating from some corn in her hand. She was super excited. We were sad when we had to leave to go shower.

I’m enjoying seeing the kids make friends with kids form other churches. They aren’t too shy this year and are venturing out a bit. Tonight I am telling them not more than 2 kids from Geneva at a table… we’ll see how that goes. I’m also impressed with their insights and thoughtfulness during our church group time. They aren’t afraid to reflect and share about themselves at the end of the day.

Our kids have such serving spirits. They don’t complain when given a task, or asked to pitch in. They are willing to help and are full of God’s love. I haven’t heard any whining. Of course, maybe they are doing that when I’m not around, but I really don’t think so, I haven’t heard any grumbling underneath their breaths. I hope their willing attitudes continue for the next two days of our service here.

Continue to pray for us.

Monday

2009-06-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

This morning, after devotionals, we broke off into our work groups. Keith took Marilyn, Amanda and Beth along with Dave, Sam and Hayley from Minnesota to Goodwill for the day. Dave from Youthworks joined them in the morning. Their group is called the Green Monkeys (I will call them this from now on.)They sorted shoes, books, and organized the clothes racks and marked clothes for clearance. The girls also were able to shop on their breaks. Amanda and Beth picked up some shoes, Marilyn shopped wasn’t able to find anything. They work hard but felt they were productive. When ZI met them at the shower area they were all excited and eager to tell me about their day and said it was fun.

My team, the Silver Snakes (we didn’t name our teams by the way) will be visiting Village Gardens nursing facility all week. This morning we jumped right in and played “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” with some of the residents. That was pretty fun. Steven’s team won. After, we got an orientation of the facility, watered some of the gardens and ate lunch. After lunch we helped the residents with the project of filling up pots with geraniums. The kids did a great job of interacting with the residents. This is outside all the kids’ comfort zones. I think by the end of the week, though it will be a lot easier. I was very proud of them.

The evening activity was a prayer drive through some of the community, ending up in a park to play. Our snack that night was birthday cake for Amanda!

We were exhausted in the evening. I think the kids were looking forward to going to bed.

I’m seeing God working here, I can’t wait for you to hear the kids share when they get home.

Sorry no pictures yet, yesterday was so busy I didn’t have time to upload them. I will try harder for tomorrow.

Keep praying for us.

Green Bay - Day 1

2009-06-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

We arrived!

A long car ride. Good weather and traffic was great until we hit Chicago. I swear I don’t understand traffic. You’re stopped and slow and stopped and slow for miles and miles and all of a sudden you start driving at a normal speed again, with no explanation.. No accident or construction or anything. I can’t figure it out. I find it very frustrating. I think the part where you don’t know what’s going on is the worse. When is it going to start speeding up again? How long is this going to last? We ran into more traffic just before the Wisconsin border. This time, we were travelling along OK when I noticed traffic in the express lane, which was walled by guard rails had completely stopped. People had even gotten out of their vehicles to see what was going on. I had a bad feeling since I figured this lane had to merge with ours eventually. I was right. Our traffic started slowing down, too, but at least we didn’t stop. I started thinking about how we could try to take an alternate route when we saw the flashing lights ahead of us. We realized there had been an accident in the express lane. Our lanes were slowly crawling because of gawkers! As soon as we passed the accident site… no more traffic. Egads that was frustrating. Once we hit Wisconsin, it was smooth sailing. In my car, we were listening to the first Harry Potter book on tape and reading (not me, I was driving.) while Keith’s car had good conversation and good books.

We were the last church to arrive, so we had slim pickins on sleeping space. Note to self…. get here earlier next time. We hung out awhile, settling in and then ate dinner. They made us sit with people we didn’t know. Billy and Steven sat apart at tables with all new people. The girls were more shy, and all sat together, but with new people in it. I was afraid they wouldn’t socialize.

But…

By the end of the night , the girls were already becoming friends with some kids from the other churches. During our church group time, when we recap the day, the kids were saying they were surprised that the other kids were so much like them. They had already found common interests and even though they were from different areas, they were excited to be making new friends.

Our group is divided into two work groups for the week. Steven, Billy, Lauren and Madeline will be with me working at a place called Village Gardens, a senior citizen home. Amanda, Beth and Marilyn will join Keith and a few kids from another church working at Goodwill for 3 days, then spending time at a cerebral palsy center on Thursday.

I’ll try to keep you as updated as possible. Hopefully next time I can post some pictures. Pray for us….

Scrap paper prayers

2009-06-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was at one of my favorite websites recently and there was a challenge to find a piece of scrap paper, write a prayer on it, take a picture of it and upload it to the site. I found it really interesting and moving to see how people responded to this. Many people asked for prayers for people they knew who were sick or in need of healing, many people asked for wisdom, many people seemed to be hurting themselves and asking for God's presence and many more people said prayers of thanks. Some were very short, and some were very long. Some had pictures, others just words. They all expressed the writer's feelings, though.

I thought it was an interesting challenge. I'm going to challenge you to do the same thing. Find a piece of scrap paper and write a prayer on it. Send it to me. If you want to you can take a picture and email it to me or send it through the mail. I will post them here in a few weeks.

In the mean time.... here are a bunch of the ones that were posted to that site. scrap paper prayers

I love you guys!

2009-06-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

5 wonderful volunteers got up this morning to help Cheryl and the Fellowship Team fix a pancake breakfast for Father's Day. They even got there before me, and I hadn't even reminded them on Friday night when I saw them. Thanks so much to Beth, Billy, Steven, Madelyn, and one of our new Mid- Highers - Drew. Seriously, you are awesome and so inspiring to me in your commitment to service.

Speaking of service, I'm starting to think about what I'm going to pack for our mission trip. This year I can't forget my camera (I don't know how I forgot it last year...) What do you think I'll forget to bring this year?

I hope to be blogging everyday from now until we return from our trip. Keep checking back! Feel free to post comments for others to see.

Summer Fellowship!

2009-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great time playing mini-golf and go-karting today at Sportway. Balls were lost, some people took a lot of strokes on some holes, but that didn't seem to stop our enjoyment. The best part was, no one was really caring too much about the final outcome of scores. I love non-competition!

I especially had fun watching everyone drive the go-karts. It looked like all the girls were excellent drivers. Unfortunately it went by so quickly I didn't get a chance to get too many pictures.

So here's the link to the pictures I was able to take. I was proud of myself for actually remembering the camera today and taking pictures. Usually I'm so busy doing the activity I forget, then regret it when I get home.

I can't wait for more summer fun with the mid-highs!

Today, Sunday, June 7

2009-06-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

You guys were awesome today! I heard so many great things after each service from people who loved how you enhanced our worship today with your singing. I am glad so many of you could attend. I can't wait till we participate in corporate worship again. Are we ready for another drama? Or another song? Or maybe a combination of the two (Amazing Grace skit..... ask Beth or Marilyn)?? Let me know your thoughts.

Working at the car wash.....

2009-06-06T12:35:00.001-07:00

Wow- You guys did such a terrific job at the car wash today. Thanks so much for coming out and working so hard. I didn't hear any complaints from you when I asked you to hold signs, or dry the cars or anything. I loved your giving and helpful spirits. I also want to thank your parents who stayed and helped. Many hands make light work. We raised a good amount for our mission trip. You guys are awesome!

This song was running through my head all day while we were out there. It's from a movie called Car Wash (made in 1976, check out the styles!) and this youtube video has the title song plus some scenes from it. Car Wash

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Marilyn! Hey, I'm going to start announcing birthdays on here.... Let me know when you're birthday is. Email me!

Got Two Minutes?

2009-05-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Minute #1 - Check this out... Brendan and Breana competed again at Robofest and their team won the people's choice award. Read about it here: robofest

Minute #2 - Check this out too... Jason Alexander's Taking a Minute. Are you battling something? Are you ready for it?

A Year Under My Belt

2009-05-27T04:04:00.001-07:00

I've reached the anniversary of being hired as the Geneva Mid-High Ministries Coordinator (now that's a mouthful!). What a year it's been. I didn't necessarily understand everything I was getting into when I started, but I'm sure glad I did. I had been leading Breakfast Club, and had gotten to know the kids from that, but being able to do retreats, LifeStream, overnights, service work and fellowship activities really helped me find out what wonderful mid-highs we have at church. I know I've said this before (a lot) but I am constantly amazed at their insightful questions, thoughtful answers and their thirst for understanding God. I knew my job was to help these young Christians grow in their faith, but I didn't know that I, too, would grow in the process.

It's really been a great year. Last summer's mission trip to Niagara Falls was a real eye opener. It was a great challenge for me and learned a lot about myself, about service to the Lord and about God's children here on earth. I'm very excited and really looking forward to what God has in store for me and the group going to Green Bay in about a month. I just have to remember to pack my camera for this trip...

I've really enjoyed Breakfast Club this year. I have watched it turn into a more worshipful environment (getting into the "worship zone") and I enjoyed the songs, the prayers and the deep discussions we shared. I also loved the laughter, the activities and, of course, the delicious food that people brought in. Breakfast Club is a unique time of learning, prayer, worship and fellowship. I was happy to see so many kids attending and all the spots on the couches being taken. I loved to watch how welcoming everyone was when new people would join.

Fellowship has been amazing. I've had so much fun planning and attending these events. I think it's important for Christians to have fun relaxing, laughing and getting to know each other with no other purpose in mind but enjoying each other's company. I've tried to plan events that most people would like, and I'm open to suggestions for next year. I think making fellowship times right after church has made it easier for people to come. What do you think? what kind of fellowship activities would you like me to schedule?

I have learned a lot at LifeStream. I wish more people would have been able to come to our Wednesday night learning opportunity, but I was happy that some of you were able to make it and learn a lot more about the Bible and God's Word for us. Maybe next year Wednesday's will work better for the mid-highs.

I was especially happy that we could participate in the corporate worship at Geneva. The mid highs (as are all the young people) are an important part of Geneva. The worship service in the sanctuary isn't just for adults. It's for everyone. When we sang at advent, performed skits at Christmas and Palm Sunday, and when we sing on June 7, we are helping everyone praise and worship together.

OK, this blog is getting as long as my emails..... Tell me what you thought about this past year in our youth group. What activities diid you especially like? Where did you see God working? What did you learn? How did your faith grow? What would you like to see happening next year? Comment to the blog so everyone can see, tell me in person or email me your thoughts.

Your sister in Christ,

Nancy

Got Another Minute?

2009-05-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here's another Taking a Minute from Jason Anderson. This one is a really good message.
Check it out here.

More Pictures

2009-05-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

More pictures from the retreat!

This time, I will thank Rick Russell for taking these photos.

Check them out here: More Retreat Photos

Got a Minute?

2009-05-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

This guy, Jason Anderson, has one minute Christian messages for youth your age. From his website (www.livingwordonline.org/takingaminute) "Taking a Minute is a one minute teaching on subjects designed to challenge, motivate and inspire young people in their walk with Christ."

I encourage you to check it out here. I'm going to try to remember to post a new link for a new message every week. Let me know what you think....

Reflections from the Youth Retreat

2009-05-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'm still reveling in the awesome retreat we had. I enjoyed spending so much time with the kids and getting to know them a little bit better. I am constantly impressed by their spirit, enthusiasm, energy and love for each other. I really wish the weekend could have been longer.

Here are some observations I made about the mid-high kids:

~ They are really welcoming. They try very hard to include everyone. That makes me really happy. I don't know if it's because it was kind of a small group (7 kids) or not, but I was pleased to see they tried not to leave anyone out. It wasn't always easy, but I could see they were trying.

~ They aren't afraid to speak their mind. They were open and honest, shared their thoughts and feelings and weren't afraid to ask difficult questions. This is difficult for anyone to do. It's even more impressive when young people do it.

~ They have a love for God and are really becoming grounded in their faith. They have fabulous insight into understanding God's word and are enthusiastic learners. They took the lessons and activities seriously.

~ They are awesome encouragers! (Is that even a word? I don't know). They encouraged everyone on the climbing wall and the high ropes course. They were also encouraging each other during discussions.

~ They tell some really really long campfire stories!

~ They say some very memorable things (quotes to come as soon as I get them from Beth.)

~ They take a while to wake up in the mornings!

~ They are tons of fun!

~ They make me super excited for the mission trip, and make me look forward to our next retreat.

Pictures!!

2009-05-04T07:25:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to some of the pictures taken at the retreat. I'll be getting more later.

retreat pics

Enjoy!

New Service Opportunity

2009-04-27T08:26:00.001-07:00

I know we have a few service projects coming up (Memorial Garden this Saturday, sprucing up the outside of the church on May 17, helping with the Father's Day pancake breakfast on June 20) but if you can't make one of those days, or if you just want to do more (yeah!!) then check this out.

Geneva's Second Saturday Service on May 9 is a great opportunity to help our servicewomen and servicemen overseas. Check it out here: Second Saturday Service.

Preparing for a Retreat

2009-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've been on a few retreats in my life, but I haven't ever had to lead one before. There sure is a lot of planning and preparation involved. First, you have to find a weekend when people can go and think about where you want to go (I wasn't really in on that part of the planning process...) Then you have to figure out what the theme or goal should be (choices, choices, choices....) Next, you have to figure out what the schedule will be (enough time for prayer, reflection, learning, eating, playing games and free time...) And finally, you have to figure out how everyone is going to get there (how many kids can we squeeze in my Toyota?...)

Now that all that planning is finished, I can really start to prepare for the retreat this weekend. I can prepare my heart and mind. I am praying that each one of you who is able to come on the retreat can get a meaningful experience from it. I am praying that our hearts can be open to hearing God this weekend and experiencing the love He has for us. I am praying that we can feel God's Spirit working through us. I am praying that things will run fairly smoothly, and that when they don't everyone will have patience.

If you aren't able to come on the retreat with us this weekend, you can still pray for us. You are an important part of our Mid High Ministries community.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend (even though I don't like not sleeping in my own bed...)

Thanks!

Easter!

2009-04-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

Ok, So I'm really tired right now. I've been up since about 5:00 (darn cats! didn't they know my alarm was going to go off at 5:30 this morning?) spent a little over 6 hours at church today, had my family over for the rest of the day, and can barely move a muscle. However, I had a great day!

First, I love the Easter morning sunrise service. I know it means getting up extra early on a day I could normally sleep in. But watching the sun rise (and it did beautifully this morning, not a cloud in the sky), singing praises to God and hearing about that day when they found the empty tomb somehow touches me very deeply. It reminds me that it's not just the start to a new day, but a start to my new life in Christ. I'm reminded that Christ not only died but rose from the dead for ME. What an awesome feeling. (And thanks to The Grays who sat in front of us and shielded us from the intense morning sunlight!)

Second, I love doing service with the youth at church. It keeps me humble when I see so many kids getting up early, pitching in to help, doing whatever is asked of them and more often than not doing things without even being asked! Helping at the pancake breakfast on Easter Sunday is loads of fun even though it can be hard work. Trying to do the dishes as quietly as I possibly can during the 11:00 service is always a challenge...

Third, I love when my family can get together. Both my sisters and their families were at my house today. Ian was home, my dad stopped by for a visit and my father-in-law was also over for dinner. The only person missing was my nephew, who is at school in Chicago. We had a great time sharing laughs, food, and games. (I got to play my favorite game - Liebrary - with my brilliant children and then watching my sister hula hooping with the Wii Fit was hilarious!) We don't all get together often enough and it made the day really special.

I hope you all had a meaningful Easter. Remember that although we celebrate Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday, we should remember that the meaning of the celebration of Easter should be an ongoing thing. I'm reminded of a song we've sung at Geneva:

Every morning is Easter morning from now on

Every day is resurrection day, the past is over and gone.

Goodbye guilt, goodbye fear, good riddance, hello Lord, hello sun

I am one of the Easter people, my new life has begun

Every morning is Easter morning from now on

Every day is resurrection day, the past is over and gone.

Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom get heard

Get it straight from the Easter people, God's in charge! spread the word

Every morning is Easter morning from now on

Every day is resurrection day, the past is over and gone

Yesterday I was bored and lonely, but today look and see

I belong to the Easter people, life's exciting to me!

Every morning is Easter morning from now on

Everyday is resurrection day, the past is over and gone

I hope you can be one of the Easter People. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Trivia Videos

2009-03-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the fundraising dinner, you can look at the trivia videos made by the mid-highs and senior highs here.

Wisconsin Trivia

Pennsylvania Trivia

Pictures!

2009-03-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

I was way too busy to think about taking pictures on Friday night. (I think I need to assign someone to be our official photographer at Mid-High events). As usual, Breana and Brendan's mom was on top of things and took some awesome pics. You can see them here.

Thanks, Diana!

A Group Effort

2009-03-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm still on a high from last night's fundraising event. What a terrific night it was. I heard so many compliments in the short time I had to talk with people before I started scrubbing pots in the kitchen. I was getting anxious during the week for everything to go smoothly. I had to remind myself and internalize Phillipians 4:6 (look it up.....). However, on Friday morning I woke up and started to get super-excited about the night and knew everything was going to turn out just fine. I think it was more than fine. It was outstanding.

What I was most impressed about, though, was not the food or the entertainment (both of which were awesome!) but by how much everyone worked together to produce the event. None of it could have been done alone. I was reminded of 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 where it speaks of spiritual gifts and also parts of the body. Each one of you who helped yesterday was essential: if we didn't have people who ironed, the tables would have looked bad; if we didn't have people who put out the table settings, people would have had to eat with their fingers; if we didn't have people working in the kitchen, people would have been hungry; if we did't have people serving the food, people would have had to get their own; if we didn't have people working the sound booth, people wouldn't have been able to hear what was going on on the stage; if we didn't have people singing, and dancing, and acting, I would have had to perform for an hour and people would have run away screaming!!; if we didn't have people helping to clean up, I would have been there all night...... You get my meaning, right? EVERYONE was useful. EVERY part of what you did was valuable. EVERY bit of service was needed. We ALL worked together to form one outstanding body last night. I appreciate each and every one of you....

Our Daily Bread

2009-03-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

In the Lord's Prayer, we say, "give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) Personally, I love bread. Bagels and cream cheese, toast with peanut butter and english muffins are often what I eat for breakfast. However, while Jesus may have been referring to the physical act of eating, I believe He was really saying we should understand that God provides what we need for our daily living. But what is that? I don't believe it's just food, water and shelter. I believe we need the Word of God, the Spirit of God and the Grace of God in our daily lives.

I mentioned in my post at the beginning of Lent that I am working on spending more time with God each day. One of the ways I'm doing this is by reading "Our Daily Bread." "Our Daily Bread" is a monthly booklet of devotionals. For each day there is a scripture passage and a short thoughtful story. While a lot of the stories are geared toward adult readers, you might want to give it a try.

You don't even have to pick up a book. They have all the devotionals on their website here. You can go back and look at previous dates or look ahead to future dates (find the one for your birthday!) Try this resource to help you grow closer to God and strengthen your faith. Let me know what you think.

Psalms 46:10

2009-03-09T06:15:00.001-07:00

"Be still and know that I am God."

So goes the verse from Psalms. I have to keep reminding myself this as I have been extremely busy these days. It seems like I've had so much to do these past few weeks, and looking into the weeks ahead. It was Hannah's 16th birthday, Ian is home for spring break (doctor's appts, looking at summer classes, updating his resume, etc), setting up the entertainment line-up for the fundraising dinner and scheduling play rehearsal, working on the Palm Sunday skit, thinking about stuff for my worship team, watching American Idol. Sometimes I feel like I am just going from one activity to another without time to stop and think and listen. Do you ever get that way?

It seems that everyone is busy these days. School, sports, dance classes, clubs, meetings, church, groups, and other extra-curricular activities – there's just so much to do! Do you ever stop and be still and listen? I am trying hard to make time to listen to God these days. I find that in these busy times I have to really make an effort to set aside quiet time to be with God. I need to relax and unwind and be still. Are you able to do that? Try to set aside time each day for prayer or meditation. Don't forget to listen during your quiet time. Don't fill it with your words, but listen for God's.

Reflections on Lent

2009-02-27T08:04:00.001-08:00

We have entered into the season of Lent. I grew up with Catholic friends who had to fast during Lent. I used to wonder why they weren't eating ice cream or watching television for 40 days before Easter. And no meat on Fridays, only fish. I remember seeing all the signs at area restaurants (even now!) with Friday fish specials and the local Elks club having a Friday fish fry. Growing up, my family never really concerned ourselves with fasting or any Lenten practices.

As an adult, I've come to learn more about Lent. In the ancient church, Lent was a time for new converts to be instructed for baptism and believers caught in sin to focus on repentance. In time, Christians came to see Lent as a season to be reminded of their need for penitence (look that word up!) and to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter.

Many Protestants, like myself, want to make this season special. I encourage you to do the same this year. You might might want to fast - by giving something up that takes you away from your focus on God, or you might want to add a spiritual exercise or discipline to your life (like me.) In either case, be intentional about your devotion to God. If you chose to fast or give something up, make it purposeful. ( I could say I'm giving up smoking, but I don't do that anyway.) If you chose to do something extra for God, make it purposeful, too. You might want to add a daily spiritual practice to your routine (this is what I'm doing.) You could set aside extra time for bible reading, or prayer or quiet time to be with God. You might want to participate in some special acts of kindness (to your brother or sister, for example.) Whatever you do during Lent, my hope for you is that it helps deepen your faith and prepares you for the Easter celebration to come.

Check this out!

2009-02-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

When I met with some other youth leaders last week from other Presbyterian churches in the Presbytery of Detroit, one of the youth leaders talked about this event he and his church were putting together. It's called Soulfire, and it's being held on Saturday, March 28. check it out that their website here:

Soulfire at Northbrook Church

Let me know what you think.... should we go?

New Blog Stuff

2009-02-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

I've updated the list of events on the right, but haven't included April activities, so remember to keep Palm Sunday available for our drama and April 24-26 available for our spring retreat at Michindoh.

Also, I've added a couple of new lists over on that side of this page. Breakfast Club dates and who has signed up to bring food is a new list. You can sign up the regular way at church on the bulletin board, or email me and let me know when you can bring food. Also, I've included a list of some websites I like to visit. If you have some sites you'd like me to include on this list - let me know!!

Forgiveness

2009-02-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

So people email me stuff all the time. Some stuff is silly, some stuff is cute, and some stuff really touches my heart. A while ago I got this emailed to me. (Thank, Beth!) I thought it was really useful to think about. Tell me what you think...

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one on the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand, "Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.

After he had recovered from drowning he wrote on a stone. "Today my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped him and then saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The friend replied, "When someone hurts us we should write it down in the sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone.

Have you been hurt lately? Are you holding on to those feelings of hurt? Let them go... forgive whoever it was that hurt you. Remember Matthew 6:14-15 "If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But id you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." It's not easy to forgive people when they've hurt you. When we do forgive, God sets our hearts free from anger, bitterness and resentment which can keep us from growing closer to Him.

After Christmas

2009-01-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Today I helped put away the Christmas decorations at church. I also put away all the decorations at my house. Then I changed the status on my Facebook page to "Nancy has put Christmas away...'til next year." I thought that since the Christmas season was over I needed to forget about Christmas and move on to looking ahead to the New Year.

It's always a sad time for me to put all the Christmas decorations away. But later, after I wrapped up fragile items to pack away, took down greenery, and put away my manger scenes, I told myself that even though the decorations are gone Christmas should still be living on in my heart. The joy and happiness, the sharing and giving attitude – the SPIRIT of Christmas – doesn't (and shouldn't) go away. The spirit of Christmas really is the love of Christ living inside me. That doesn't go away just because the season is over.

I am going to change the status on my Facebook page from what I'd written earlier to "Nancy is keeping the spirit of Christmas inside of her even though her decorations are put away."

I hope you can continue to keep the spirit of Christmas inside of you, as well.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

Once again I was overwhelmed at such a terrific job everyone did at the 4:00 service on Christmas Eve. I so appreciate your dedication. I suppose I should stop being amazed when you all try so hard and do such a wonderful job during worship. Anyway, here are some pictures taken by some fabulous photographers. Thanks to the Nobles, as always, for recording our activities; and thanks to Joe Stoecklein, who also took pictures that afternoon at church.

You can find the Noble's pictures here

And Joe Stoecklein's pictures here

Enjoy!

Awesomeness!!

2008-12-07T09:14:00.001-08:00

What a joy it was to see all of you enhancing our worship today. You rock!!

Advent Song

2008-11-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Like I promised, here's the link to the song Lighting Candles by Rev. Bill Ekhardt. We will be singing it with a little more upbeat tempo, but you can listen to this version.

Lighting Candles

Who can tell me what each of the candles represents?? Why do we have a pink one? What's the white one for?

What a Group

2008-11-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

November has been quite a month for us. It always seems as if people start getting busy around the "holidays" but for the Mid Highs, it seems, to me anyway, we've been packing stuff in. We've done 2 service projects and had 2 fellowship events. I think it's been great and I hope to keep up the momentum. The only thing I have scheduled in December is our Christmas party on December 14th and our participation in worship on december 7th and on Christmas Eve at the 4:00 service. If you can think of something else you'd like me to arrange, by all means, let me know.

January is going to get busy again I hope, tobogganing along with a lock-in and an afternoon of roller skating are planned. I'd like to find another service project for us as well. Have you let me know what weekends are good for you for a lock-in??

I have been having so much fun during our fellowship times. I am so glad that we've had such good participation. I think meeting right after church has been a good idea... what do you think?

Here are the links to the pictures from the Salvation Army bell ringing and from the movie day and pillow making. I love taking goofy pictures of you guys!

Bell Ringing

and

Pillows

God's Hands

2008-11-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

Christ has no body now on earth but yours;

no hands but yours, no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which He looks

with compassion on the world;

yours are the feet from which he walks to do good;

yours are the hands with which He blesses men.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

This is an adaptation from a poem by St. Teresa of Avila. I used this poem as the inspiration for my prayer yesterday at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth when we were preparing and serving breakfast to the homeless guests who are being sheltered there this week.

23 of us stepped out of our cozy homes at a VERY early hour to wash and cut up fruit, cook sausages bake egg casseroles, arrange pastries and homemade muffins and serve them to about 50 guests. I was in awe of the cheerfulness and attitudes of everyone who was there. I saw God working through the Mid-Highs, the Senior Highs, the parents, siblings and friends who came to help. We truly were God's hands yesterday. The Holy Spirit was right there guiding us all along - helping some of us step out of our comfort zones to speak with strangers, allowing us to see these people as His children and not people we should fear, and providing the opportunity for us to make a small step in bettering His world.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you were touched yesterday...

Once again, you can view the pictures on the web at

FUMC pictures/Noble

FUMC pictures/Nancy

So what's next for you? In what other ways can you be Christ's body on earth? How else can you see the compassion Christ has for people? How can YOU be Christ's hands and feet?

A Mouse Story

2008-11-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Jesus often used parables to teach lessons. I wonder if he would have sent emails to people, or forwarded stories that he received by email...

I received this story by email from my cousin (whose name is also Nancy, how cool is that?) It's about a mouse, AND it even tells the lesson at the end. I wish sometimes Jesus' parables were as easily understood.

So.....

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see a farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, "I am very sorry Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse then turned to the cow and exclaimed, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Well, Mr. Mouse, I am so sorry for you, but it's really no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was not a mouse, but a venomous snake, whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital, but she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors cam to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well, and sadly, she died.

So many people came to her funeral that the farmer had to slaughter the cow to provide enough food for all the mourners.

From a crack in the wall, throughout all of these events, the mouse looked upon it all with great sadness.

What do you think the lesson here is?

The next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and you don't think it concerns you, remember

when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this life journey. It's important to pray for people and it's important to look out for them whenever we can, helping whenever possible.

I'll be looking out for all of you...

Corn Maze

2008-10-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the corn maze. I really thought it was going to pour rain and we were going to get a bad storm, but we stayed dry. When we were driving out there I was praying that the rain would hold off. When we were on the wagon heading toward the maze and the sky was almost pitch black in that direction my prayers got a little harder. Our God is an awesome God and does answer prayers!

Last year when I was at that particular corn maze, the corn was higher and the maze was harder. It still took a little thought though for everyone to get out. I was happy that some teams went in to help other teams find the numbered trees and to help them find their way out.

I was happy that we finished our outing with warm donuts and cider. To me, that's the best part of fall......

If you want to see more pictures, Diana Noble took a whole bunch that she's sharing with us at this website. It's really cool, you can download the pictures and everything!

corn maze pictures

Oh, since she turned me on to that site, I did the same with the bowling pictures. You can check them out here:

bowling pictures

If you have any links to any fun sites, or your YouTube videos or anything like that, let me know and I'll put them on here.

Dance With Me...

2008-10-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who came on our mission trip this summer to Niagara Falls, you'll recognize these words. For those of you who didn't get to join us this summer, these are lyrics to a song we sang each night that I fell in love with. I am trying to get the chords for Hannah so she can accompany us on her guitar and we can sing it during worship sometime...

This is holy time,

We're gathered together to worship You

To love one another

And as we pray,

And as we sing

And as we dance,

And as we dream

Oh Lord, I beg of you, just this one thing

Won't you dance with me?

Throughout the Heavens and below the seas

Up on the mountaintops

Flow with the breeze,

Come, carry me

Lord, won't you dance with me?

Enjoy your dance with Christ!

Bowling!

2008-10-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

What a great turnout we had for our second fellowship event. We had 12 kids, which included 3 friends. (Thanks to Brendon, Breana and Marilyn for bringing their cool friends!)

Amazingly I wasn't as bad as I thought I'd be. I must have gotten better from all that Wii bowling I've been doing. At least I was consistent; every second ball I threw either went into the gutter or missed any remaining pins completely.

I was very impressed with what good bowlers the kids were. (Yeah Amanda!)

I was even more impressed at what good cheerers and encouragers they were, even more so for bad balls! (and we had a LOT of bad balls!)

I think we all had a great time and I can't wait for our net fellowship event.

Speaking of our next event..... On October 26, we'll be heading over to Northville and the Three Cedars Farm to make our way through the corn maze. Check out their website here: Three Cedars Farm

2008-10-10T08:03:00.001-07:00

So here's something I got in an email (thanks Breana!) that I thought you might enjoy.

A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What's it like to be a Christian?"

The woman replied, "It's like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top, scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. Then he carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Happy Fall!!

Don't forget about our fellowship after church this Sunday. We'll walk over to McDonalds for lunch, then go to the Superbowl for bowling. I hope you can come (you can at least laugh at how bad of a bowler I am!)

First Fellowship! 9/28

2008-09-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

We had our first fellowship afternoon on Sunday. Returning mid-highs - Emily, Marilyn, and Beth were there along with a friend we hadn't seen in a while - Amanda. We also had 4 new mid-highs join us - Billy, Travis, Lauren and Jessie. We chowed down on pizza and played some fun games outside. Jessie was our "non-smiling" winner in the 'Honey I Love You...' game. It was a battle between Billy and Beth to find our Bop-It Extreme champion, and everyone had fun playing Taboo. I thought the time went by too quickly.

I got some good suggestions for afternoon fellowship events. I'm always open to hear new ideas. Keep them coming!

Are you involved in something this fall? Get me the dates, give me a schedule, email me the information. Let me know when you're doing something 'cause I'd like to come watch you do your thing.

Next fellowship time is scheduled for October 12. I'm not exactly sure what we'll do yet, but lunch will be involved I'm sure.