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Thursday, April 05, 2007

Remember last year?

Do you guys remember last year? Last year was the year that J.D and myself started going to Calvary. Last year was one of the greatest years of my life and I met some of the greatest people I think that I will ever meet. For instance, I got friends that will not judge you for the problems you have or ''stereotype.'' Stereotyping is like judging a book by its cover. If one person hangs out with people that smoke pot, then they will think you do too. Anyways....Our Youth Group is not like that...It is starting to change into that though....I don't hardly see ne one talking to Shelby on Wednesdays...and she goes on Sunday too. Are we casting them out or somthing?

Last year seemed like it was perfect...so what happened this year? We are not the youth group that we once were and I want our old one back and I know that you do too..

10 comments:

Jason said...

I don't know if I'd say our youth group was "perfect" last year, but I see what you're saying. It seems like we've lost something, but then again, it feels like we're heading back now. It's a roller coaster.

If I could be completely honest, the biggest problems with our youth group comes from the youth themselves. Many want more, but most don't do much for it. What happened to last year? Well, Ben, I could ask that of you, don't ya think? This time last year, I couldn't see you debating about whether you wanted to do something with us or if you wanted to just skate. Maybe our youth group seems a little less excited than before, but maybe part of that is because we're a little short on some Ben.

The key to getting the most out of our youth group is personal commitment, and that's YOU GUYS' responsibility.

Apathy is our biggest enemy right now. Mine too. But I believe that's about to change. Some of you might have noticed that we leaders are disappearing into Aaron's office for five minutes or so before each Wednesday night service. What are we doing in there? We're praying. And ever since we started that, things have been going noticeably better. Maybe you've noticed that too.

And another thing is to get in sync with each other. What was better about last year? What part did you guys like? Where do you want to go? We've had this discussion many times before, but since one of you have brought it up this time, it's worth having again.

But before we do, I have one quick thought that's been on my mind lately...

I like that members are concerned about where they want to see the youth group go, but I'm concerned that some might not be sure as to where we NEED to be going. Many have expressed opinions, but there's still something missing.

We've got to LOVE GOD, people. That's the number one most important thing. Unity, friendship, caring for each other - all this mushy crap (which is awesome mushy crap) means nothing if we don't LOVE GOD.

I think that somewhere in all the opinion-expressing, something has been misunderstood. That something is this: there IS a right and wrong answer to the question of what our youth group needs. For example, maybe you don't think we need much outreach. Quite frankly, I don't care. We do. Period. Just keep that in mind as we consider what we want to see our youth group become.

Ryan said...

Hmm...Ben...Just....hmm

Okay, I don't mean to shoot yah down here, but I have never seen you acknowledgte Shelby...let alone talk to her. May be we, including me of course can work on that.....

But there are alos some more problems. Like coming on Suday consistently...I dont mean to point any elbows...but..*elbow is awkwardly pointed at Ben*...there is some room for improvement...

Lauren said...

Try sitting next to someone new Wednesday night. I have and have been getting to know people I otherwise would have never met. TRY IT!!!

Jason said...

Good idea.

Melody said...

I've noticed the change too. I don't know if it's me that's changing or others.. But it is different.

I have to admit, last year probably had the most impact on my life. It wasn't just one thing but pieces of everything, friendships were building and I was listening to God more. It seems more like now friendships are fading and I had forgotten to listen to God as much. I realize that these are my own faults. If I put as much effort into life as I had last year I would be just as happy. It's just hard to get there when you're down.

Jason said...

I definitely feel it myself. Lately, I find myself getting lazier and lazier and more and more apathetic.

This time last year, we'd just gotten back from our canoe trip (can you believe that we were swimming then?). There was a different attitude then. I can't describe it. For me, there was a sense of hope as I felt myself growing closer to finding my purpose.

Later, there was Cross Connection, then church camp. All great. All amazing opportunities getting to know you guys better.

I went to Brazil with a sense of pride. I enjoyed the time I had with my friends there, but I liked the idea of being able to come back to you guys.

I came back, continued my journey...then things started to fizzle out. A lot of it was personal - my personal relationships with certain people started drifting apart.

Things just aren't the same...and what's worse is that I don't care as much as I used to. I think that's what we're all experiencing. So what are we going to do about it?

Ben said...

Thank you all. lol. and I have this to say to ryan.....BAM! I just shot you with my imaginary gun and you are knocked out now so just go lay in a corner holmes.lol.

Ryan said...

I think our youth group could be right back to where we were a year ago if we went on trips....We havent gone anywhere since paintball at the beginning of January...I know everyone may be tired of hearing me say this but...WE NEED A MISSION TRIP!!!!!

Jason said...

Cross Connection! Somebody bring it up.

Jason said...

btw, you kids are cute with your little "remember the way things used to be" discussion. A year! Ha!

Anybody remember how it was TEN years ago?












just kidding.