Faith and Sexuality

Why is it that the most important topics are the ones we are the least comfortable talking about? I think it is because they are so close to our values and our self-image, and this is exactly why we need to talk about them in Christian community. We need to have each other’s support and God’s guidance in making the important choices in our lives – like how will I live out my gift of sexuality in a way that honors God, myself, and others?

This February our high school youth group will take us this question and more, using the curriculum “Good Sex 2.0” published by Zondervan. Youth will need to pre-register by January. The 7 week study will last from February 3 until March 17 and will meet from 6:30 until 7:30. Parents will also have a chance to study the same material at the same time in a separate meeting. If you have questions or would like to look over the curriculum please contact Pastor Sean.

Up With Puppets Performances

On December 6th and 13th, Up With Puppets will have two performances in addition to the annual Christmas program here at First UMC. On the 6th they will share their program with Friendship Ark at St. John Episcopal Church at 7:00. Then on the 13th they will head over to Beloit Residential Treatment Center for a noon performance before the 6:00 program here at First UMC. It is wonderful to see our youth sharing their talent and faith with others in their community. Thanks and congratulations to the youth, and to the parent and hard working adult volunteers who make our programming possible.

Up With Puppets is open to all youth in 7-12th grades, and practices at 11:00 in room 101 in the education wing.

Youth Worship Weekend (Jan. 30-31)

When have you connected deeply with God in worship? Where were you? What were the sounds, the sights, the images and words? Were you in an intimate setting sharing in quiet prayer? Were you standing with arms raised in a stadium with hundreds of others? Were you singing a hymn that you have known so long it resonates in your bones?

At the end of January the youth at First UMC will lead the congregation in worship. My hope is that this will be an expression of those times when we have connected deeply with God and an invitation for others to pray and praise with us in our worship language. But to do this we have to start planning now. So please share your vision of worship - what would you do if there were no limitations? What sights, sounds, prayers, scriptures, and music would frame our time with God?

Commitment Weekend Is This Week!

Commitment Weekend for our church's capital campaign is this week, November 21st and 22nd. We have already recieved over $850,000 in advance pledges, and now it is everybody's chance to commit our support to following God's vision for our church and its ministry! There will be no Sunday School or Confirmation classes for youth or adults, because we want everybody to be able to come together around this historic effort. Parent's, please talk with your children about the commitment you are making as a family. This is a great opportunity to share how our faith impacts our finances, and what it means to follow the scriptural model of sacrificial giving. Then after you have made your pledge, please join in the Thanksgiving dinner, which will start serving at 11:30am on Sunday the 22nd. See you there!

YAC Shack Cleanup - Nov. 29

I need your help! We still have materials and furniture in the YAC Shack that we need to move. Some items (like the pool table and whiteboard) need to be moved into our current youth spaces. Other items (like some couches and tables) need to be moved into storage until we build our new youth space. A few items (like some board games and older books) need to be thrown out or given away. Please plan to stay after church on Sunday, November 29th to lend a hand in this needed work. The more people we have, the faster it will go. If you let me know that you’ll be there I’ll provide food for you.

Youth Program Leadership Teams

I continue to reflect on how best to structure our leadership for youth programing. Here is an outline for a model I am considering. Starting In January we would use a two-team approach, one team of adult volunteers and one team of youth, each with its own responsibilities and functions.

Phoebe Council (Romans 16:1-2):

1. Composed of adult leaders of each youth activity
2. Meets Monthly
3. Ministry areas primarily funded through operating budget
4. Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate ongoing youth activities
• Report on successes and obstacles
• Develop/implement vision for discipling youth

Timothy Council (1 Timothy 4:12):

1. Composed of six youth (including at least one middle school youth) and three adults (including Pastor)
2. Meets quarterly (more frequently as needed)
3. Ministry areas primarily funded through restricted funds
4. Responsibilities:

• Explore the needs of youth in the congregation and community
• Develop/implement vision for deploying youth in ministry
• Lead in planning annual youth events (e.g. Youth Worship Weekend, Lock-in) together with adult volunteers
• Invite and involve other youth to plan and participate in youth ministries and events
• Assist in finding and encouraging adult volunteers for youth ministries

Clayride!

Destination Unknown

Last night I joined the middle school and high school youth groups on their "Destination Unknown" trip. After a short van ride we found ourselves in the middle of a dark cemetery, with candles and cell phones as our only light. After exploring the shadowy graves and imagining the lives of those who have gone before us, we gathered in small groups for discussion. We shared our fears with each other, from snakes and spiders to failing tests and losing loved ones. Then we shared scripture togheter and were reminded of the good news that Paul declared in Romans, that nothing, nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.

If you haven't been to a Wednesday evening gathering in a while, stop on by. We share a meal each week at 6:00 in the fellowship hall and from 6:30-7:30 have activities for people of all ages. Its a great chance to have some fun, meet up with friends, and connect our faith with our daily lives.

Youth Strike for Christ

7th through 12th grade youth: Mark your calendars and save the date - February 5-7 is Youth Strike for Christ. Youth Strike is an annual youth retreat hosted by the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church packed with Praise and Worship, Spiritual Growth, and Fun with youth from all over the state.

This year the theme for Youth Strike is Portable Faith, as we emphasize that our faith is just for church or home but that just as God is with us in all times and places, so we as Christians live for God wherever we go and whatever we do. The speakers this year will include author and artist Kelly Croy and comedian Bob Stromberg, and our worship will be led by the Christian rock band Harlend.

Registration for Youth Strike is normally $159, but our youth group will contribute $100 toward each person's registration. That means you can join in the excitement (including two nights at the Des Moines Marriott and all meals during the event) for only $59! When you're ready to sign up, please pick up registration forms from the church office, or print them off at www.youthstrike.com/forms/YSFC2010Forms.pdf and return them with payment to the church office.

For more information stop by www.youthstrike.com