First thanks to all the parents that came out last night! I can't tell you what a meaningful time I had last night getting to share in the goodness of community together as families. I am grateful for each of you! And so blessed that God has done good work in our midst this past year! And looking forward to this year!
Our mission at PGUMC youth is to be a place where Jesus abides. We want to cultivate an environment where youth are loved, encouraged, and inspired!
This isn't a new idea but should be the reality. It is the precedent Jesus set and it is the one we try to fall in line with everything we do from youth group to Great Wolf Lodge to serving others. I realize that when we recognize that we are loved and valued our potential is at it's greatest. No circumstance or difficulty can get us down. And at the end of the day when youth are apart of the UMYF community I hope in some sense they feel loved and encouraged.
Our theme verse this year is from 1 Timothy 4:12 here is how it reads in the message, "And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity... Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them."
The temptation for youth is simply to buy into the idea that they are not worth much to the world since they are a kid or their lack of achievement. But the bible says despite these realities that we are to stand up and set the example. To be a leader. And we do this even when people look down on us.
I am always reminded when facing difficulty that it is the depth of our character that defines our outcome in whatever situation. And I believe this about our youth that they can be great leaders at their school, on their sports teams, with their friends and at the end of the day continuing to cultivate an environment where Jesus abides.
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