December 2008 New Town UMC Youth Ministry Volunteer Newsletter
Interrupted Conversations By B. Deckner (Source http://dbeckner.wordpress.com/) Frequently when having a private chat with a student, our conversation will be interrupted by others passing by. It’s a love/hate thing. I love students so I don’t want to snub anybody, but I would hate to devalue the student I’m talking to by ending the conversation prematurely. If the situation permits it, I’ll have a quick conversation with the person interrupting and then get back to the one-on-one conversation. During the interruption I always put my hand on the shoulder of the student I was having the one-on-one conversation with. By doing this I communicate I haven’t forgotten about him and I don’t want him to sneak away before we’re done… especially if he initiated our talk or is pouring out his heart. This little action has been very helpful to me. I believe it also drops a pretty good hint to the “intruder” that I want to get back to the conversation I was having. Although I always do this intentionally, I never gave much thought to what the student thought about it until the other day. A conversation got interrupted; I reached back and put my hand on the kid’s shoulder until we could continue. When we got back to our chat he commented that he appreciated knowing that I hadn’t forgotten him. At that moment I thought to myself that I should write this down in hopes that this little action may help others. His comment also warmed me up on the inside a little. I was kind of stoked he picked up on the way I was showing he was important. Valuing students at times is as easy as letting them know they’re not forgotten or cast aside to elevate others. (I realize there are conversations that need to be moved to an environment suited for counseling, but this is typically involving conversations a step below that.
Great Questions to Ask Youth You might know WHAT youth want for Christmas, but do you know WHY? These questions might give you some insight. Have youth make a list of the top 5 presents they want to receive this Christmas. Then ask… 1. What influenced you to rank your presents in this order (advertising, friends, preference, etc.)? 2. Do you think this present will be this important to you next year at this time? Why or why not? 3. Do these presents have any eternal significance to your life or to another's life? Do you think that should matter? Why or why not? 4. If you had the option to give your family’s Christmas budget for presents to a needy family, would you agree to give: a. all of it? b. half of it? c. some of it? d. none of it?
When asked about their approach to materialism, youth responded in the following ways: 71% - I would be happier if I had more money to buy more things for myself. 68% - I really enjoy going shopping. 61% - I would love to buy things that cost lots of money. 50% - I like to buy things my friends have. When asked about their approach to sharing, youth responded in the following ways: 82% - I like to help raise money for needy people. 78% - I like to share my things with other people. 67% - I would give one of my favorite birthday presents to a person who has less than I do. 40% - Sometimes I get upset when someone wants to share my stuff. (harrisinteractive.com)
Verse of the month "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wondered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." I Timothy 6:6-7, 10 (NIV)
PRAY THAT: 1. God will give youth a heart "to give" this Christmas season instead of a heart "to get." 2. God will allow youth to find their identity in Christ and not in the "things of this world." 3. God will help youth spend some of their own money and time on things that have eternal significance.
4. God will be glorified and lifted up and not get lost in all the lights, reindeer, and Santa hats.
Cutting Up Your Lesson Plan By B. Deckner (Source http://dbeckner.wordpress.com/) I am very aware of the need for students to share in small group. I try my best to get them to talk more than I do. I have so many stories and pieces of helpful advice for almost anything my students can say. It’s a fight to keep myself from dominating the small group time. One Solution I’ve Found I don’t do this very often, but it is a good way to get the students talking more than me and help them have ownership of the lesson. o
I cut the lesson into segments. I number each segment so the curriculum stays in the right order. During small group time I hand each person a segment and have them teach their part of the lesson. Each student may only get a paragraph or a question, but it’s theirs to own and lead that part of the discussion.
How They Benefit o o o o
It helps us get through the material because each student typically wants to lead the section he’s given Students feel more inclined to share when being led by a peer because they want to help their friend succeed They feel a sense of leadership and healthy pride for getting to lead a segment The lesson has a better chance of sinking in because they typically interact with the material on a deeper level when I use this method
Why I Don’t Always Do This If this works so well, why wouldn’t I do it every week? I believe it works so well specifically because I DON’T do it every week. One of the reasons this works so well is that it’s an unexpected surprise when students get to small group. If I did it every week, the novelty would wear off and it wouldn’t be as effective. Bonus Material
o This is related, but not specific to this article. Each year I offer my seniors a chance to teach a week of small group during the second semester. Not all of them take me up on it, but it’s a small way to honor them and give them a chance to step up. I love when they accept the challenge.
This page is designed to inform and educate adults and isn’t meant to endorse any music or movies.
MUSICSPOTLIGHT
Background: Before Jack Johnson was writing and performing his relaxed, acoustic-based songs, the Hawaii native was a champion surfer. But a serious accident convinced him to focus on music instead. Johnson, 33, initially wrote songs to go with a surfing documentary while in film school. But then he got noticed for his mix of blues, folk, hip-hop, and modern rock. The passionate environmentalist has sold more than 15 million albums.
Background: Singer-songwriter Mat Kearney left his Oregon hometown to play soccer at Chico State University, dubbed America’s #1 party school. Kearney, who admitted selling marijuana in high school, fit in well at college at first. But then he hit rock bottom and discovered the “bleakness” of that lifestyle. He began pouring himself into his music. Kearney, 29, has toured with John Mayer and Sheryl Crow, and he headlined a VH1 tour last spring.
Albums: Sleep Through the Static (2008), Sing-alongs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George (2006), In Between Dreams (2005)
Albums: Nothing Left to Lose (2006), Bullet (2004)
What Adults Should Know: Johnson’s songs deal with topics ranging from personal relationships to the war in Iraq and the environment. His lyrics are considered poetic but can be very metaphorical and confusing. What Jack Johnson Says: “It's easy to look at the world and get upset about the state of affairs. Instead, what you have to do is just accept things the way they are and try to always make them better and work toward a better place.” Discussion Questions: How do you feel when you watch the news or hear about what’s happening in the world? Do you think things will get better or worse, and why? How can you make the world a better, more hopeful place?
What Adults Should Know: Don’t think that Kearney has compromised his Christian faith because his songs are played on mainstream shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Hills,” and “One Tree Hill.” Kearney’s lyrics will challenge teenagers spiritually. What Mat Kearney Says: “God found me when I was at my lowest point. That was the first time in my life when I really felt like I understood who Jesus was. It was more than just knowing about him; I felt like he met me in that time and place.” Discussion Questions: Do you think people are more receptive to the Gospel when they’re struggling? Why or why not? Why do you suppose some people see their need for Jesus only when they hit “rock bottom”? How would you describe your relationship with God? Have you ever encountered God? Explain.
Movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still (releases December 12th) Rating: PG-13 for some sci-fi disaster images and violence. Starring: Keanu Reeves Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy Synopsis: A representative of an alien race that went through drastic evolution to
survive its own climate change, comes to Earth to assess whether humanity can prevent the environmental damage they have inflicted on their own planet. He decides they shall be exterminated so the planet – with its rare ability to sustain complex life – can survive. It is up to Dr. Helen Benson and her stepson Jacob to convince him that humans are worth saving: but it may already be too late Discussion Questions: How do you see God in creation? What have humans done to mare the image of God in creation? Should Christians spend time worrying about the environment?
DECEMBER2008 1
1
2
3
4
* 5-6th Bible Study * 7-8th Youth Group * 9-12th Youth Group
7
8
9
* 5-6th Youth Group * 7-8th Bible Study * 9-12th Adventure Team
14
15
16
12
17
6 * Adventure Team Babysitting Fundraiser
13 Elf’s Corner
18
19
20
25
26
27
28
29
Christmas Party
22
23
* 5-6th Youth Group * 7-8th Bible Study * 9-12th Adventure Team
28
11
* Elf Costume fitting @ 6:30 pm
* 5-6th Youth Group * 7-8th Bible Study * 9-12th Adventure Team
21
10
5 * Grapple Group Trip
24 * No Youth Programming
29
30
* No Sunday School
Christmas Eve
Christmas
31
27
* No Youth Programming New Years Eve
Grapple Group Trip – Pizza at Ms. Jennie’s house & Ice Skating in Newport News Adventure Team Babysitting Fundraiser – This is for anyone going on the Adventure Team Trip. Elf’s Corner – This is a great opportunity to serve the community. See Gretchen if you’d like to help out. J.H. Mission Trip Deposits Due – Turn in mission surveys, commitment forms, and $100.00 non-refundable deposits by Jan. 4th if you’d like to go on the trip. Christmas Party – All youth will meet together and have a great time!!!
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to me. I can be reached at matt@newtownumc.org or (757) 258-1072
New Town United Methodist Church 5209 Monticello Ave. Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757) 258-1072 newtownyouth.blogspot.com
Matt’s Top Ten Things All Adults Should Know in December 1. A Look Back at the November: If you missed the evening services with Craig Marsh – YOU MISSED OUT!!!! Craig Marsh is a man truly anointed and used by God! If you haven’t heard the story of Craig Marsh please visit http://www.turningpointministries.info/ . The worship was amazing, the teaching was powerful, and the prayer ministry was extraordinary. I saw people accept Christ for the first time, I saw people rededicate their lives to Him, and I saw people healed in the Name of Jesus! It was an experience that will not be soon forgotten in the life of New Town UMC. 2. Youth Ministry Blog: Our new Youth Ministry blog is located at newtownyouth.blogspot.com Please check it out – there are sections for youth, parents, and volunteers. It contains up to date youth ministry information as well as spiritual resources, parent/youth newsletters, waiver forms, related websites/blogs, and more! Please keep checking back as I will regularly be updating the blog and adding new resources. 3. Elf’s Corner: Saturday, Decmeber 13th 10:00 am-1:30 pm. We need youth to help out as elf’s and other important areas. If interested, please sign up on the children’s table in the narthex of the church. 4. Jeremiah Project Mission Trip Deposits: To confirm your attendance for the 2009 JP summer mission trip you need to turn in your mission survey, mission commitment form, and $100.00 non-refundable deposit by Sunday, January 4th in the church office – please hand it to Matt or place it in his mailbox (in the office area) by then. 5. Adventure Team Fundraiser and Trip Information: We will have an Adventure Team fundraiser – Dec. 6th. All youth going on the trip should participate if they are able. It will go from 5-8 pm (please come 15 minutes early and plan on staying 15 minutes afterwards). Also, the trip will take place January 9-11, 2009. Please confirm if your child is able to go asap, so we can nail down firm numbers for lodging. 6. Christmas Schedule: No Sunday School December 28th and no Wednesday Youth programming December 24th or 31st. We will resume our normal weekly programming January 4th. 7. Christmas Party: This will be an extraordinary party for all youth (5th-12th Grade). Please bring a wrapped white elephant gift costing less than $5.00 – if you’re unsure what to bring ask others that have been to our Christmas Party’s before. This will be a great time of fellowship, food, and plenty of laughter! Also, please help by bringing cookies, brownies, drinks, and
other Christmas related food items for our Christmas Party on Dec. 17th! 8. 9-12th Grade Female Youth Group Leader Needed: We need a female to help on Wednesday evenings for 9-12th Grade Youth Group that takes place in room 143. We are currently using Rob Bell’s Nooma video series – it’s a great set of DVD’s that are very easy for adults to prepare for and facilitate. If you are able to help, please send an email to matt@newtownumc.org or call 757 258-1072 and talk to Matt asap. 9. Fall 2008 Weekly Schedule • Sundays (9:15-10:30 am) o 5-6th Youth Group (Room 139) o 7-8th Bible Study (Room 136) o 9-12th Adventure Team Bible Study (Room 143) • Tuesdays (6:00-6:30 pm) o Youth Choir (Sanctuary) • Wednesdays (5:45-7:30 pm) o Dinner (5:45 pm) o Worship (6:20 pm) o Split Up (6:35 pm) 5-6th Bible Study (Room 134) 7-8th Youth Group (Room 139) 9-12th Youth Group (Room 143) 10. Decmeber Lesson Series: Just so you know what we’re teaching your kids… • 5-6th Grade Youth Group – Pre-Teen Grapple • 5-6th Grade Bible Study – Chronological Look at the Old Testament (Faithweavers Curriculum) • 7-8th Grade Bible Study – Bible Stuff by Kurt Johnston • 7-8th Grade Youth Group – The Ten Commandments • 9-12th Grade Adventure Team Bible Study – The Gospel of John • 9-12th Grade Youth Group – Nooma by Rob Bell