Youth and Family Ministries, Dec 2011

GOD HQ is an exciting place to be right now as we head into    the Advent season. This year the children will be creating their own Advent wreath, complete with garland and candles to take home and light weekly. They will also be making chocolates to share with the congregation! Their biggest request this year was to make their own Nativity scene out of Fimo (a clay that can be baked). The growth we are seeing in the children in GOD HQ is exciting…they are always asking questions about scripture, and really diving deep into their own faith. A highlight for all of the children was to come to the table for Communion and receive it by intinction. We prepared our hearts before Communion by looking at the story of the sheep and goats—sheep being those who sit at the right hand of God. I continue to be amazed at the depth of each of these amazing kids!  

Some of our youth group took part in the worship service that was held on November 13, 2011…a big thank you to those who came out to support the youth! It was a night that renewed many of us (especially those who weren’t in the ‘youth’ age bracket). Through music, video, dance, sharing, and prayers, the Spirit moved!  We are blessed to have such amazing teens at St. John’s. We are looking forward to heading off together as a group to see ‘The Muppet Movie’ next week!

You’re Designed to Shine! Girls Group has continued to be a real source of strength for the 10 girls who are a part of it.  These girls are shining for Christ and learning how to be positive examples in the world. Together we’ve been discovering ways to thank people who have had an influence in their faith development already. Each week there is a new ocean symbol that ties into their faith journey. It’s an amazing opportunity to grow along side these girls. A special thank you to Beth Wilson and Cindy Mc Cuaig who have joined me in leadership with this group, and to Deb Bradley who spends a significant amount of time with us weekly! Our last day together is Saturday December 10, 2011 and we will be celebrating with a ‘beach party’. Thank you to Shirley Krug, Linda Somerville, Joyce and Gerry Stephenson, and Haylee and Jeremy Belanger for providing and serving lunches for us!

White Gift is quickly approaching and we look forward to reaching out to our neighbours who are in need. This year we have adopted 3 families from the community and we will provide them with gifts, groceries, and most importantly, Christ’s love.  Please sign up to purchase gifts for these families in the coming weeks (each family has their own wish list located in the foyer of the church) and then bring your gifts to church on Sunday December 11, 2011—unwrapped please! If you are unable to shop but would like to make a monetary donation, we will find someone to shop for you! Please join with us in making a difference this Christmas season! Imagine the joy on the faces of the children as they open gifts they never expected to receive.

In this season of busyness, I hope and pray that you might take a moment to seek hope, peace, joy, and love. Most of all, I wish you God’s richest blessings…may the birth of Christ be real to you this Christmas and always.

In His Love,

Kim