Youth Ministry

It was official last night- youth ministry on Sunday nights has arrived. We had eight (maybe 9?) students with us and four adult leaders. We had some great burritos that Dotty made along with a lot of chips, drinks and salsa that other church members brought. I led students in an exciting game of "smack another pool ball with another pool ball". I need a cooler name because it doesn't quite capture the intensity of the activity:) Our video series was pretty good and opened up unapologetically on all kinds of issues related to teens and peer pressure: drugs, sex, drinking, popularity. Nothing like starting out full throttle:) Eric did a good job transitioning students from the video and into discussion by sharing some of his own personal experiences. Overall, it was a great night and I look forward to seeing more students this Sunday night at 6:30pm! Count on dinner and fun:)

Book Review- Three Cups of Tea

So it has been a pathetically long time since I've read a novel. For the last eight years I've read an immense amount of books- primarily for seminary or ministry. Someone recommended the book "Three Cups of Tea" to me so I took her advice and read it. It's a fantastic book about a man with a great deal of passion and drive (true story). He demonstrates a rare ability- caring nothing for the superfluous things of life, but focusing solely on making lives better for others. He sacrifices personal comfort and personal gain in order to provide education to children (especially girls) who would not normally receive it in the Middle East. There is also an interesting under current in the book concerning the Muslim faith. It gives a refreshing view of the Muslim faith as a people that desire peace and love, which is a view we rarely see here in the US. However, there is at times conflict with the more radical sect of Muslims who promote violence and control. What was especially attractive to me about the book was the "outdoor" emphasis added since the individual was a mountain man! Overall, it is a very good book that I would recommend. It is inspirational and presents a challenge to those of us who are quite content living out Comfy Christianity.

What's Your Lenten Commitment?

This is my second opportunity to sink or swim with my Lenten Commitment. This year I chose to fast through Tuesday lunch and commit that time for prayer and meditation. Tuesdays are sermon preparation days, so it seems like a good day to stop after my study time for prayer and reflection. So we are in week number two, how are you doing with your Lenten Commitment?