Youth Group For Real

Yes, it was still a million degrees. But the kids were soooooo excited to be back in person after three months of online youth group. In honor of the event, we rented a sno-cone truck :) That helped with the heat. Lots of outside games, and our best attempts at social distancing . . . but these kids really missed each other, so it didn't always work out. Also, it was really hot outside, so for the message part of youth group, we did move inside of the church. This was probably good, because it went laaaaaaate. The leaders did an impromptu Q & A, allowing the kids to ask questions and express fears about all the tension and unrest lately--from racism to protests to a little bit of the virus. Very unique night, but there were some good questions. I'm glad I wasn't on the stage, on the spot, whew! Answering Biblically without knowing ahead of time exactly what direction the teen questions would go was tricky, but made the youth feel heard.



Muriel made her first public apperance and got all the oohs and ahhs that were expected. She is also the first dog we've brought to church who hasn't thrown up on the floor--and she had just finished eating part of Brennen's rejected Pina Colada sno-cone outside! Good girl, Muriel.



Oh and Gabby was invited up to help with game time, because she suggested a twist on "Would You Rather." When you chose which you'd rather--you had to do it! So, would you rather sing "Let it Go" or "Into the Unknown?" The boys who were selected actually outsang the girls on those songs, ha! Brennen and his buddy Kyle were selected for the would you rather do 15 push-ups or 3 cartwheels. They turned the push-up thing into a contest with clap push ups, speed push ups, extra push ups . . . so many push ups :) Caelan opted for the cartwheels . . . she did a pretty good job for not having practiced in about a third of her life ;)





One other cool thing, Caelan's friend Nick (from karate) tuned into youth group online a couple of times during Covid. Caelan invited him to come to youth group in person, and he accepted. Unexpectedly, he stood up and spoke to the group of students, introducing himself (hilariously, IMO) as "Nick from Karate." :) He encouraged everyone that they are the future of all the things happening now, and the ultimate prize is heaven with Jesus (or something along those lines). It was pretty cool, and he totally surprised himself!