October Youth Update

Dear Friends,

I know how important timely communication is for youth, their parents and our youth leaders. So, this mea culpa: sincerest apologies for a very late October youth update. I've been without a computer these past few weeks, but thankfully, today I am re-connected with a reconstructed address book to boot!

As you are no doubt aware I am in the midst of my diaconal work, so while I will be less present on Sundays I will be more present on Wednesday Youtnites and at our special events. Speaking of Wednesday nights, we had one of our most profound and spiritually impactful themes this past month. We learned from our annual youth evaluation two areas in which we need to pay more attention: spiritual renewal and spiritual gifts. This past month we focused on spiritual renewal, using Alpha's curriculum on the Holy Spirit (Who is the Holy Spirit?, What Does the Holy Spirit Do?, and How Can I be Filled With the Holy Spirit?) Last week was the last night in the series. As we had informed the kids over the past month they would have an opportunity to receive prayer for more of Jesus in their lives, for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, or for whatever they might need. Both Dick Guiton and Terry Frazerhurst from Messiah's Healing Team were present, and our leaders were available to pray with students who needed prayer.

There are two things that I want to report back: first, after a time of Praise & Worship and teaching students were eager to receive prayer. This was the first time in my eight years here that we have offered this opportunity to students; at one point during the evening there was line of young people six deep waiting for prayer. Second, there was a palpable sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Loft. Students worshipped, prayed or were unusually still and quiet. I discerned that for these very busy students a night to rest in God was much needed. (Perhaps this is something this generation needs to hear!) In any case, many students and leaders lingered in prayer long after our official ending time. My hope is that we can incorporate such opportunities for prayer into our monthly Wednesday Catacomb worship.

Finally, because I’m not as present on Sundays as usual please feel free to contact me with any concerns/questions during the week. I find e-mail, now that I have a working computer, the best way to communicate.

With every blessing,
Dave