Second update from the Magical Mystery Tour 2013...
It was such an amazing day - we're still in St. Jo, I kind of feel like maybe this is where we're supposed to stay through the remainder of the trip - but I guess time & God will tell.
We've kind of claimed this little area near the pool as our gathering point and it's where I started my day and oddly enough where I'm ending my day. I came down this morning around 7am to get a jump on things and see what might be out there in St. Jo for our team to go and serve. As I walked into the pool area I met Sharon, a woman who works here at the hotel. As she was leaving to continue her work I told her what we are up to on our trip and asked if she knew of anyone, or anyplace we might be of service today. She went to talk to a co-worker and said she'd be back.
I went about my search online to find some service agencies we could call. I came up with quite a list and was really hopeful and then Sharon came back in. She gave me two numbers to call - one an organization and the other of a lady who used to work here that she thought might need some help. The team had breakfast and we split up the lists to start making calls - the goal, gather in 15 minutes and see what we'd found. The first list (the one I found online) came back a big zero...at least for the morning. The organization Sharon gave us - closed on Monday's. Last shot - calling the woman Sharon thought would need help.
One of the guys picked up the phone and within minutes the lady had invited us to her home...confirmation we needed to stay put another day. We found the place and immediately our guys were all over it...half stayed there to begin work while the other half headed to buy supplies. Several hours and multiple trips to Menards later we'd done all that we could do today. ALthough they had hoped to completely finish the work the woman needed done the rain prevented us for doing so (who knows - maybe tomorrow).
So we packed up and headed back to the hotel. After spending the afternoon back and forth in the cold rain the guys warmed up at the pool, sauna and hot tub. We had a fantastic dinner (thanks Pizza Hut) and spent about two hours just sitting around talking about God, and more.
Such an amazing day of ministry and witnessing the hand of God on this trip and this team. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Magical Mystery Tour
Last January I sat in a cabin at a Winter Retreat with several of the Young Adults in my ministry. We talked about a mission trip - which eventually led to the idea of a 'mystery trip.' They all said YES, let's do it. Fast forward about six months and we're on the road on this mystery trip of sorts. The idea was No Schedule, No Destination, & No Plan B!
Here is what we've done so far:
Saturday Morning we gathered as a team loaded the trailer and had some breakfast together. We then had a time of prayer, so discussion on what was ahead and then we spun a Twister spinner (each section representing a direction N, S, E, W.) Three out of four spins it landed on South - so we headed South. We pulled into Beatrice and stopped in a parking lot to look around for some idea of what we could do. We ended up driving past a church and two of our team went in to see if there was anything we could do. There was...amazingly enough they were setting up for VBS and really needed some extra hands. It was so cool to just happen upon this situation. The team had a great time serving this church and meeting some great people.
Next the spinner said South & East so we headed out of town and landed in St. Joseph, MO. We stopped several places looking for ways to help and had several leads on things to do tomorrow (Sun). We stopped for some dinner and to regroup a bit. We planned on camping overnight but ended up staying at a motel right off I-29.
Sunday we all met for breakfast and talked about a game plan - based on the leads we had from yesterday. We headed to the Salvation Army to help with breakfast and found they didn't really need much help - but the coordinator there had something for us. He sent us across downtown to a small church that he knew could use some help. We arrived just before worship and joined their congregation for worship and fellowship. After worship we did a few projects before lunch. Half our group then went to a shelter to help prepare for dinner while the rest returned to the church.
Both projects kind of wrapped up and we started talking about what was next. We loaded the van and drove around a bit before pulling over to chat as a group. The consensus was it wasn't time to leave St. Jo. Someone in the group said that on past trips there was built in time to reflect and grow spiritually as a team - something that on a trip like this wasn't "written in to the schedule." The team all felt this was something we needed to stop and do. So, we found another motel to call home for at least a day. After getting unloaded we circled up and had some GREAT discussions about the trip so far, what's to come and even better some more in depth discussions about us as individuals and as a group. It became clear that even if we stopped right now - the trip has been a success. We realized a few 'tweaks' we needed to make to how we go about things and that we didn't need to 'force' the work or mission aspect - sometimes God just wants you to wait on him.
So with that we went to dinner (somewhere a little nicer than the Taco Bell the guys had lunch at) and relaxed a bit. They was a family celebrating two birthdays at the restaurant and the guys decided they wanted to pick up the tab for them. It was truly cool to watch the guys make this decision to do something nice and then carry it out within minutes. After dinner we came back to downtown and went to a concert in the park we were told about. The rest of the night they team has been fellowshiping and playing. Both things God wants us to do.
For a guy that usually likes the details and to know what's next this has been an amazing experience - to truly trust God will point us when/where we need to go/be and to watch this group of Young Adults, well to watch them Be (secretly) Awesome. Galatians 5:13 (our theme for the trip). So, there you have it a bit more details about the Magical Mystery Tour. We would appreciate your continued prayers for direction as the trip continues through Wed.
Here is what we've done so far:
Saturday Morning we gathered as a team loaded the trailer and had some breakfast together. We then had a time of prayer, so discussion on what was ahead and then we spun a Twister spinner (each section representing a direction N, S, E, W.) Three out of four spins it landed on South - so we headed South. We pulled into Beatrice and stopped in a parking lot to look around for some idea of what we could do. We ended up driving past a church and two of our team went in to see if there was anything we could do. There was...amazingly enough they were setting up for VBS and really needed some extra hands. It was so cool to just happen upon this situation. The team had a great time serving this church and meeting some great people.
Next the spinner said South & East so we headed out of town and landed in St. Joseph, MO. We stopped several places looking for ways to help and had several leads on things to do tomorrow (Sun). We stopped for some dinner and to regroup a bit. We planned on camping overnight but ended up staying at a motel right off I-29.
Sunday we all met for breakfast and talked about a game plan - based on the leads we had from yesterday. We headed to the Salvation Army to help with breakfast and found they didn't really need much help - but the coordinator there had something for us. He sent us across downtown to a small church that he knew could use some help. We arrived just before worship and joined their congregation for worship and fellowship. After worship we did a few projects before lunch. Half our group then went to a shelter to help prepare for dinner while the rest returned to the church.
Both projects kind of wrapped up and we started talking about what was next. We loaded the van and drove around a bit before pulling over to chat as a group. The consensus was it wasn't time to leave St. Jo. Someone in the group said that on past trips there was built in time to reflect and grow spiritually as a team - something that on a trip like this wasn't "written in to the schedule." The team all felt this was something we needed to stop and do. So, we found another motel to call home for at least a day. After getting unloaded we circled up and had some GREAT discussions about the trip so far, what's to come and even better some more in depth discussions about us as individuals and as a group. It became clear that even if we stopped right now - the trip has been a success. We realized a few 'tweaks' we needed to make to how we go about things and that we didn't need to 'force' the work or mission aspect - sometimes God just wants you to wait on him.
So with that we went to dinner (somewhere a little nicer than the Taco Bell the guys had lunch at) and relaxed a bit. They was a family celebrating two birthdays at the restaurant and the guys decided they wanted to pick up the tab for them. It was truly cool to watch the guys make this decision to do something nice and then carry it out within minutes. After dinner we came back to downtown and went to a concert in the park we were told about. The rest of the night they team has been fellowshiping and playing. Both things God wants us to do.
For a guy that usually likes the details and to know what's next this has been an amazing experience - to truly trust God will point us when/where we need to go/be and to watch this group of Young Adults, well to watch them Be (secretly) Awesome. Galatians 5:13 (our theme for the trip). So, there you have it a bit more details about the Magical Mystery Tour. We would appreciate your continued prayers for direction as the trip continues through Wed.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
What If...Pray!
"What if" can be a scary question to ask. Sometimes though, it's a good, or needed question - if we don't ask...will we become stuck in our ways, afraid to try something new, or worse?
I think a good youth worker asks this question often...and on rare occasions decides it's time to take the "What If" public...so that's what I did. Over the past weeks I've been in conversations with our Pastor, friends and other youth workers, and folks connected to YAYA. I'm excited about this what if...I'm excited we're taking some steps to slightly realign our 'program' to be the best ministry it can for those we're serving.
There is a great song "What If His People Prayed?" by Casting Crowns (if you're not familiar with it you can find it on YouTube). The lyrics are so powerful, and almost a call to action..."what if we prayed?" What if in this question the "we" was us, First Pres, our youth, our young adults, our families & leaders? What if we said "I'll pray for you" and then actually did? Well, if you're in, we're going to do just that in the month of November.
This next month will be a focus of Worship (3 amazing nights of worship to participate in) & Prayer (daily, through November).
That's right there are three amazing groups of Christian worship leaders (aka bands) coming to the area and we want YOU to join us for some opportunities to worship our God. We've identified a topic/theme to pray for each day throughout the month. And, you'll get daily reminders (Facebook, Twitter @1PCYAYm, Text message) to help you remember to join your church family in asking God for some amazing things.
What happens when His Church truly prays? My hope and prayer is that we're about to find out. Come back here throughout November to join in some conversations and share your thoughts on how you're seeing God answer prayer.
What If? For Him,
~C
I think a good youth worker asks this question often...and on rare occasions decides it's time to take the "What If" public...so that's what I did. Over the past weeks I've been in conversations with our Pastor, friends and other youth workers, and folks connected to YAYA. I'm excited about this what if...I'm excited we're taking some steps to slightly realign our 'program' to be the best ministry it can for those we're serving.
There is a great song "What If His People Prayed?" by Casting Crowns (if you're not familiar with it you can find it on YouTube). The lyrics are so powerful, and almost a call to action..."what if we prayed?" What if in this question the "we" was us, First Pres, our youth, our young adults, our families & leaders? What if we said "I'll pray for you" and then actually did? Well, if you're in, we're going to do just that in the month of November.
This next month will be a focus of Worship (3 amazing nights of worship to participate in) & Prayer (daily, through November).
That's right there are three amazing groups of Christian worship leaders (aka bands) coming to the area and we want YOU to join us for some opportunities to worship our God. We've identified a topic/theme to pray for each day throughout the month. And, you'll get daily reminders (Facebook, Twitter @1PCYAYm, Text message) to help you remember to join your church family in asking God for some amazing things.
What happens when His Church truly prays? My hope and prayer is that we're about to find out. Come back here throughout November to join in some conversations and share your thoughts on how you're seeing God answer prayer.
What If? For Him,
~C
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Ministry Appreciation
Disclosure: This is not intended to be a pat on the back, or self-promoting post...just thought I'd bring some attention to those who serve us through ministry.
October is a month to show appreciation for Clergy and those in Ministry. Depending on who you ask it's often called "Pastors Appreciation Month" or "Clergy" and others "Ministry." Personally, I like the latter because I know several people in full time ministry that deserve a little appreciation.
Maybe more so the families of those in ministry deserve the appreciation. Speaking from experience I know sometimes it's my family that sacrifices for my work schedule. Regardless, there are many gifted and dedicated Pastors and Ministry workers out there that deserve a "thank you" during the month of October.
I know many who have impacted my life, and several who still do, to this day - I hope and plan to share my appreciation with them during the month.
It doesn't have to be (but it could) sending your Pastor & spouse on a cruise or long weekend vacation. Just a simple card, or note, or other simple way of expressing your appreciation for what they do for you, your family, your church or community. So while you're keeping busy during the month of October, make it your goal to reach out in some way to those you appreciate who have served or do serve you through ministry. Just do me a favor, don't send them a text - go old fashion and pick up the phone.
Blessings,
~C
October is a month to show appreciation for Clergy and those in Ministry. Depending on who you ask it's often called "Pastors Appreciation Month" or "Clergy" and others "Ministry." Personally, I like the latter because I know several people in full time ministry that deserve a little appreciation.
Maybe more so the families of those in ministry deserve the appreciation. Speaking from experience I know sometimes it's my family that sacrifices for my work schedule. Regardless, there are many gifted and dedicated Pastors and Ministry workers out there that deserve a "thank you" during the month of October.
I know many who have impacted my life, and several who still do, to this day - I hope and plan to share my appreciation with them during the month.
It doesn't have to be (but it could) sending your Pastor & spouse on a cruise or long weekend vacation. Just a simple card, or note, or other simple way of expressing your appreciation for what they do for you, your family, your church or community. So while you're keeping busy during the month of October, make it your goal to reach out in some way to those you appreciate who have served or do serve you through ministry. Just do me a favor, don't send them a text - go old fashion and pick up the phone.
Blessings,
~C
Monday, September 24, 2012
You Can't Make Me...
Sometimes in youth ministry we (youth workers) get frustrated...
* Frustrated that you put all this effort into an event and no one shows...
* Frustrated that the one kid you pour into and try to help, just hasn't had the "light" come on yet...
* Frustrated at the way we do church vs. the way we should do church
* Frustrated that schedules - for kids, families, schools, extra-curriculars, etc...are so busy that choices have to be made.
The last one is what's got me lately...youth are faced with so many schedule choices these days that sometimes it feels like in ministry we're just fighting for attention, or that chance to be noticed "pick me, pick me". Then I realized two things:
1. at some point everyone has to realize "I can't do everything I want, and I need to make a choice."
2. at some point parents have to be parents and make a choice (knowing what is best) for their child.
For example, I know many parents who have said; "as long as you're living under my roof, you will...." (go to church/youth group, do chores, have dinner with the family...)
Then I saw this video - and it got me thinking...
...thinking about when should a parent "make a kid go to a youth ministry event?" As a Youth Leader do I even want kids in my ministry who are not there by their own choosing? If a parent knows an event/ministry will impact & change their child's lives should they sign them up and make them go?
As a Youth Leader I can program an event to death, I can plan for everything that might happen to make it the best possible event for a kid - but at some point - when a kid is there - you just have to let go and realize you've done your part and now it's up to The Spirit to work.
So, parents - what about you? Do you think you should make your kid go on retreats or mission trips, or to youth group each week? Curious to hear your thoughts...
Youth - what do you think?
~C
* Frustrated that you put all this effort into an event and no one shows...
* Frustrated that the one kid you pour into and try to help, just hasn't had the "light" come on yet...
* Frustrated at the way we do church vs. the way we should do church
* Frustrated that schedules - for kids, families, schools, extra-curriculars, etc...are so busy that choices have to be made.
The last one is what's got me lately...youth are faced with so many schedule choices these days that sometimes it feels like in ministry we're just fighting for attention, or that chance to be noticed "pick me, pick me". Then I realized two things:
1. at some point everyone has to realize "I can't do everything I want, and I need to make a choice."
2. at some point parents have to be parents and make a choice (knowing what is best) for their child.
For example, I know many parents who have said; "as long as you're living under my roof, you will...." (go to church/youth group, do chores, have dinner with the family...)
Then I saw this video - and it got me thinking...
...thinking about when should a parent "make a kid go to a youth ministry event?" As a Youth Leader do I even want kids in my ministry who are not there by their own choosing? If a parent knows an event/ministry will impact & change their child's lives should they sign them up and make them go?
As a Youth Leader I can program an event to death, I can plan for everything that might happen to make it the best possible event for a kid - but at some point - when a kid is there - you just have to let go and realize you've done your part and now it's up to The Spirit to work.
So, parents - what about you? Do you think you should make your kid go on retreats or mission trips, or to youth group each week? Curious to hear your thoughts...
Youth - what do you think?
~C
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Heaven, for real?
"Heaven is for Real"
To be honest, I'd seen this book on the shelf at the store several times and never picked it up. One might think the title alone would entice most Christian's to pick it up, let alone a youth worker. A few weeks ago a young man I was having lunch with asked if I'd read it. From his short review of the book I decided I should get a copy.
I read the book in the span of about two days. As I first got into it I thought it was a good read. I even texted this guy and thanked him for the recommendation. Then I read some more, Colton was the boy this story is about. As I learned more about the tragedy this little boy had been through I had many doubts running through my head. I had on my 'father hat' and kept thinking about my son, I didn't like the book anymore.
The next day I was determined to finish despite the roller coaster these parents were on and the one going on in my head. I'm happy to say as I finished the book I again loved it - truly an amazing story. "Heaven is for Real" is Colton's story, and it reminds us of a child like faith. It moves us to consider the reality of Heaven, no longer just the faith of "yeah, I believe in heaven".
So, if you haven't read this book I'd encourage you check it out. Then I ask, what do you think, is Heaven for Real?
His,
~C
To be honest, I'd seen this book on the shelf at the store several times and never picked it up. One might think the title alone would entice most Christian's to pick it up, let alone a youth worker. A few weeks ago a young man I was having lunch with asked if I'd read it. From his short review of the book I decided I should get a copy.
I read the book in the span of about two days. As I first got into it I thought it was a good read. I even texted this guy and thanked him for the recommendation. Then I read some more, Colton was the boy this story is about. As I learned more about the tragedy this little boy had been through I had many doubts running through my head. I had on my 'father hat' and kept thinking about my son, I didn't like the book anymore.
The next day I was determined to finish despite the roller coaster these parents were on and the one going on in my head. I'm happy to say as I finished the book I again loved it - truly an amazing story. "Heaven is for Real" is Colton's story, and it reminds us of a child like faith. It moves us to consider the reality of Heaven, no longer just the faith of "yeah, I believe in heaven".
So, if you haven't read this book I'd encourage you check it out. Then I ask, what do you think, is Heaven for Real?
His,
~C
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Remembering 9/11
Eleven years ago I was 19, sitting at home on the couch watching what would become known as the worst terrorist attacks on this Nation. I remember it vividly. I remember wanting to go, to do, something - help however I could help...I felt called to action, as I know so many others did too...many were first responders, many enlisted to fight for their nation, many sat - not knowing exactly what to do...and today, many are still answering that call.
I wonder what it looks like for Christian's to feel the same urgency and call to action in our Call as Christians as we American's did 11 years ago today. What would the world look like if as Christian's we were obedient to The Call God has placed in each of us?
I sit here now, 11 years later and now a father...I look at my son and wonder how this world has changed since the attacks. I wonder has the world become a better, a safer, a more loving place to live? What have we as Christian's done to share the Love of Christ with our neighbor? My prayer for my son, and his generation is that we have and will continue to do our part to leave this place in a "better than we found it" condition for them.
I pray for my son to be a leader in his generation, used by God for what He has planned for this child placed in my care. I know there are great things for him and his peers - but I wonder if we're really doing all we can...to answer that call to action we all feel deep inside?
I hope so!
I pray so!
Remembering all of those who on that day answered the call!
God Has Blessed The US,
~C
I wonder what it looks like for Christian's to feel the same urgency and call to action in our Call as Christians as we American's did 11 years ago today. What would the world look like if as Christian's we were obedient to The Call God has placed in each of us?
I sit here now, 11 years later and now a father...I look at my son and wonder how this world has changed since the attacks. I wonder has the world become a better, a safer, a more loving place to live? What have we as Christian's done to share the Love of Christ with our neighbor? My prayer for my son, and his generation is that we have and will continue to do our part to leave this place in a "better than we found it" condition for them.
I pray for my son to be a leader in his generation, used by God for what He has planned for this child placed in my care. I know there are great things for him and his peers - but I wonder if we're really doing all we can...to answer that call to action we all feel deep inside?
I hope so!
I pray so!
Remembering all of those who on that day answered the call!
God Has Blessed The US,
~C
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