Last month we shared together in the series 'Distinct' in which we explored how Jesus is distinct, we are distinct, and we're called to use our distinct gifts to serve others. Students were given a booklet to help them explore their gifts and their own uniqueness and encouraged to work through it and talk through it with someone they trust to help continue the journey of self-discovery. Additionally, students were encouraged to consider what might be some of their passions and dream about how those may be able to be used to serve others.
The first Wednesday of each month we provide dinner for the youth. Some other Wednesdays we occasionally have someone volunteer to provide food as well, I will do my best to keep you all posted on the plans for each week if they change so you can plan accordingly.
Have you ever been hurt so badly by someone that you desperately wanted revenge? When we’re treated cruelly or unfairly, it’s natural to want justice. But what does “justice” really mean? Is it only about handing out consequences and punishment to the people who have wronged us? Or could it be about something more? How do we balance forgiveness and grace with truth and consequences? There’s someone in the Old Testament of the Bible whose life has a lot to teach us about justice. In this 4-week series, the story of Joseph will help us see that justice is love in action and that, when we’re wronged by others, we can hold on to hope, trust that integrity can withstand injustice, and learn to practice justice that restores what’s broken. Below is our schedule for the month and the Big Idea for each YAA gathering.
February 2: Justice is love in action. (Chick-fil-a dinner @ YAA)
February 9: When there is injustice, hold on to hope.
February 16: Integrity can withstand injustice.
February 23: God's justice restores what is broken.
Looking ahead, Ash Wednesday is 3/2 and we will be having an Ash Wednesday service at church at 7pm. I would encourage you to attend this service with your students as a great way to start the period of Lent; a time in which we remember Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and reflect what Jesus' life means for us today and how we can live into our faith more intentionally. I will be providing more communication soon about the plans for YAA that evening.
Lastly, as a reminder - if Beavercreek schools close due to weather on a day when YAA is scheduled to meet then YAA will be cancelled (we follow Beavercreek school schedule as much as possible). If the weather worsens throughout the day and school is in session, a decision will be made by 4:30 on Wednesdays and communicated via email and our all call system. If you're not in the church all call system, please let me know what phone number you'd like added and I'll make sure you get in.