I’ll have to say it has been one of the weirdest summers for me, yet it has also been fruitful.
Weird but fruitful. As I’ve thought about it, that could easily be a way to describe youth ministry!
But before I get lost in talking about the weirdness and fruitfulness of youth ministry let me say a bit more about the summer. It has been a summer filled with sweet and bittersweet memories.
We have spent the summer learning about the Holy Spirit with the Igniter students.
Last night, as we wrapped up our final night on the Holy Spirit, we did a spiritual gift inventory. A sweet and meaningful moment happened when each student and leader was invited to write down their top spiritual gift. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit has gifted the youth group. They were challenged to talk to their parents, leaders, and friends about how to use them, to see what areas they might be able to serve within Igniter, in our church, their schools, and the community.
I was reminded just how amazing it is that God uniquely gifted each one of us so that we could belong to one another and serve and strengthen one another.
Over the years there have been so many sweet and meaningful moments as we’ve seen God move in and through the lives of students.
The bittersweet part is knowing that a transition is upon us.
I’m resonating with Paul’s words, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4). Over and over I’ve been reminded that God is with us all, walking and guiding us through this transition.
As I write my last staff journal to you, I just want to say thank you!
I have enjoyed all the weirdness yet fruitfulness in youth ministry here at Grace. God has been so good.
Thank you to those who entrusted your students to me and the other adult leaders, thank you to the many faithful coaches who sought to faithfully walk with students through the teenage years, thank you for loving our family, and thank you for praying for us.
There are a lot of memories that happen in 10 years, ones that we will carry with us our whole lives.
In His grace,
Pastor Loren