How Can We Be Better?

Hey guys, you did an awesome job last night and have been doing a great job all year with your Table Ministry Groups! I am excited to see the relationships continue to develope between you and your teens. Not only do I love having you all there to help out with the teens I truly enjoy the friendships that Karolyn and I have with you. There is nothing better than doing ministry with friends.

There is one thing that I noticed last night that maybe we can get a little better at even though it may be uncomforatable at first. I think a good idea for us as Sponsors is to intermingle with the teens as we worship and play games and during announcements. Go ahead and have a seat somewhere in the room (maybe by your small groups, or usually where they sit) and just be with them. I know it is more comfortable for all of the adutls to sit in the back of the room or stand so that the teens can have the awesome couches, but it would probably be sweet if you all just spread out all over the room. This may help with keeping them quiet as well as give us opportunities to talk with them and have fun. Again, I know this is going to be uncomforable at first, but will help a lot in the long run. I know some of you are doing this already and so keep up the good work.

You are all really doing a SWEET job and have been encouraging for me. If you have any questions just let me know or recommendations.

-Joel

The Beach party

OK, well I forgot to remind you all about helping out for the Beach Party and signing up last Wednesday Night. I had the paper on the window as you came into the youth room, but I just forgot on the craziness of the night. I will leave it there for the next couple of weeks and then put it at the connection center so others can sign up! I know pretty much all of you have said you can help out "wherever" but it would be great if you just picked what would best suit you and sign up so that I don't put you somewhere you don't want to be! I really enjoyed out YWT meeting the other night (thanks Allen and Stephanie for opening up your home). I was pleasantly surprised that we had 61 teens last week and it also scares me a little because we continue to be earily close to the 70 number! I heard that some groups had good conversations and I think it definitely helped to get in different areas where it was quiet and we actually go to talk. Do you think the 15-20 minutes of time we give to our Small Groups is not enough, too little or just right? I want to make sure everyone is OK with the time. I think that is it for now and I look forward to seeing you all in a little bit. Have a great weekend.

-Joel