| YOUTH NEWS
Click this link for more information on Youth Activities
http://bcumcyouth.publishpath.com/
SCHEDULE FOR YOUTH UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:
Junior High 7-8 meets 1st and 3rd Sunday 6-8
Senior High 9-12 meets 2nd and 4th Sunday 6-8
**Click on Permission Slips link to download permission slips to attend youth activities.
May 20th DYC Canoeing Outing
May 27th No Youth Group
June 3rd – Graduate Sunday Jr./Sr. Hi Youth Picnic with Rev. Russ and Diane
June 10th – No Youth Group WR Graduation/Commencement
June 17th – Jr./ High Youth
June 24th- Jr./Sr. Go kart Racing
July 1st – No Youth Leaving for Mission Trip June 30th – July 3rd
July 8th- Sr. Hi Youth Fun Nite
July 15th – Jr. Hi Youth Fun Nite
July 22nd- Sr. High (Surprise Nite)
July 29th – Jr./Sr. High BBQ and Swim Meet Time with Mark and Cristol
August 5th, 12th, 19th – No Youth Get ready for Fair, Funfest and Football
August 26th – BBQ and Planning for Youth Group Events, Election of officers, for the 2012-2013 Year. Come help plan for your Youth Group
A short note to our Graduating Seniors,
Have you ever had one of those weeks or maybe days where it seems like everything you do or touch turns out for naught? Think of how the scientist felt when after years of work on his new rocket propulsion system, the rocket crashed on takeoff, talk about nowhere to hide. If you wondering what the purpose is to this, well let me explain. Working with youth or within the church can sometimes be the most exciting work or the most disappointing. The minister prepares a great lesson/sermon only to hear the silence when finished or folks continually checking their watches as he hits the High Points. That Youth Group experience where you feel maybe the fire has finally been lit only to discover it was a dud. The reason I guess I shared this with you is that during all the ups and downs of Ministry, there is joy. The Joy that I get when slowing down to realize that I am serving my Lord and Savior and the lesson being taught is for me and no one else. Yes there is conflict, disputes and hurt feelings within the church and in life some caused by my own lack of foresight or judgment, but never as a matter of purpose. Whenever there are any of these I honestly try to step back and gain perspective from them, and understand "What can I learn from this or do better next time?" There is always something to be learned even if it does not seem so at the time. Our Lord is so patient, loving and understanding with us and I pray each day to try and do, as Jesus would have me do and live and learn accordingly.
Life has many lessons to teach, and I Share because you will be tested not only as to your beliefs but as to your values, remember to always keep an open heart and an open mind, but also that you can weather the storms of life if you keep your Confidence and Trust in the Lord.
Again with all my love and respect to the Graduating Seniors remember you always have a home to come too here at Berlin Center UMC, your shelter from the storms.
In His Service
As we start a New Year filled with hope and anticipation, let us not forget about the many great things that happened in 2010. The Church had many activities that reached out to the community. The Fun-Fest, Turkey Dinner, and the Community Awareness Program all programs to get folks acqainted with the Church in a non threatening way. This year with the Lord's help I believe we as a Church can reach out more thanever in many new and exciting ways. The hope is to start a mentoring program where young and old can meet to understand and teach one another. Plan for a bigger and better Fun Fest. A "Share Night " where parents can share their faith with the ones they love the most. A new Confirmation Class, under the Direction of Debbie Benyo, will begin in January what a great time for these young adults. Also let us continue to remember those youth in the Church who will be preparing for graduation and the many decisions they must make as they continue to grow.
I heard this great story the other day about a GYM TEACHER the Parent came to the teacher during parent teacher conferences and told the teacher her son still was overweight and out of shape. The teacher respond by telling her he only had her son once a week in gym for 45 minutes and that her son needed to do more exercise on his own while watching his diet. The parent responded in a very negative way instructing the teacher that was his job. The analogy I guess you can draw by now is that I also spend a limited time with your children but yet unlike the the GYM TEACHER I do feel responsible for their religious instruction and with your help we can reach this goal together both of us making it a priority.The many things that youth are bombarded with today need all of us working as a team to make sure each child is spiritually fit. This is a responsibility and priority I take very seriously. Remember we only have a limited amount of time with our youth some will be graduating this year and let us pray their religious education made a priority by all invovled, will sustain them throughout their young lives. I leave you with this thought
in a Study Conducted by UNC - Chapel Hill 80% of youth between ages 18-23 have difficulty explaining or reasoning out their moral stance.
In His Service
Ron
Well it is April at least that is what the Calendar tells even if the weather is not cooperating. It also the time during the religious calendar that many activities take place reminding us all of the signifigance of Jesus Christ. This year the church will be taking in approximately 12 New Members in the 7th 8th and 9th Grade. What a great time to become members of the Church. My hope for them and their families is that they truly become "Active" Members in the Church. Sure for selfish reasons I would like to see more youth participate in the programming the church offers, but also to learn to journal, spend time in prayer and devotions. We all know the only way to grow as a Christian is with faithful practice and service. There are many reasons whether good or bad why one can not come to Sunday School, Church, Youth Group or other church events. When was the last time you Volunteered to teach or helped with VBS or other Church activities. As you contemplate such a decision, whatever it may be in the life of the Church, remember the Great Sacrafice your Lord and Saviour made for you. Please remember that younger children and family members learn by example and follow your lead in all aspects of your life. May this Easter allow you time to reflect and pray on your walk and service with the Lord.
Have a Blessed Easter
Ron Friend
Youth Director
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