December reminds me of God. God is the Alpha and Omega and in December the calendar year comes to an end and the church year begins anew. Similarly, our youth group journey has a beginning and an end: In August we say goodbye to our senior youth and make room for our new middle schoolers, whose journey has just begun. In December we welcome home our grown youth in their return visits from college, their youth group journey having ended, and their young adult lives underway. It is a wonderful cycle for parents and youth alike. With every end there comes a new and fresh beginning to our youth group, mirroring the milestones of life we all experience.
Each January the youth always seem to go through a huge transformation. Our senior high youth return from a powerful week long conference at Kanuga, and our junior high youth begin to change in maturity and in their spiritual growth. January is the fundraising season for the annual summer mission trip. Youth group becomes more of a place for dialogue on life and where we fit into God’s plan. The group begins to engage in discernment and self-examination — less play and more small group discussions take place. This past year still brought about some of our favorite things such as the urban retreat, mission dinner auction and dance, summer mission trip, Rock the Universe, movie night, game night, late night bowling, overnights and retreats. Why break from our great traditions?
As we continue to grow and transform, we’re always grateful to our Good Shepherd family. Even when we get too noisy in church, you show us unconditional love and we thank you for that. And a special thanks to those fresh young sixth graders who keep transforming our youth program! Thank you everyone!
Mark you Calendars Now!
Sun. Jan. 11 - Bake Sale - all are encouraged to bake
Fri. Jan 16 - 17 - Senior High Retreat
Sun. Jan 25 - Breakfast - 7:00 - 11:30 AM
Meet in the kitchen
Sat. Jan. 30 - Annual Meeting
Wed. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 - Rite 13 Junior High Youth Group
All junior high youth invited 6:00 - 8:00 PM dinner is always served
Wed. Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 - J2A/YAC Senior High Youth Group
All senior high youth invited - 6:00—8:00 PM dinner is always served
Interested in Acolyting, Youth Group or Confirmation - Contact Julie @ 561-746-4674 ext. 107