A Note from our New Youth and Young Adults Director
I am honored to accept the position as Youth and Young Adults Director. This position has been structured differently than the previous Family Ministry position. Over the past several years, we've had the pleasure of some very devoted youth leadership, however, the consequence of our previous structure left our youth interacting intensely with only a few adults. The hope is that the new structure will bring the youth of our congregation into contact with more adults. The new structure treats youth as though they are a mini-congregation, with needs for involvement in worship/religious experiences; fellowship; music; service/social justice issues; and miscellaneous special projects. We are seeing these five areas as separate branches of ministry. Each branch can be developed by interested adults. For example, Bruce Jones has been lending leadership through arranging a field trip to a mosque. Joe Meyer will be supervising upcoming trips to movies, bowling, snowboarding, etc. Barbe Mitchell has agreed to teach a group guitar lesson Wednesday nights. Several adults have stepped forward to assist with obtaining and dedicating the peace pole. A number of exciting possibilities are budding.
We hope to explore issues that directly hinder the pursuit of peace, such as hunger, poverty, and environmental injustice. In this process we will choose experiences that help us to learn. You may already be someone who is active with related issues: The Bethany Homeless Shelter; Habitat for Humanity; Heifer Project; the One campaign; Save Darfur; various environmental groups, etc. You may see ways you, too, could mentor and share your passions with our youth. A long term commitment is not required.
Specifically, we are currently seeking to find someone who would be willing to teach us to make homemade bread and also someone who loves to bake apple wares. We would gladly accept donated baking apples &/or accompaniment on an apple picking adventure. We further welcome any people with "Pirattitude" to help build our Halloween ghost ship. We hope someone creative with a projector could display treasure that disappears. These are all short-term, one-time commitments that will likely enrich the adults as well as the youth involved.
We question our previous structure that assumed 2-3 adults should be able to tend to our youth, fairly apart from the larger congregation. This assumption leads to over-worked leaders and discourages youth, sending the wrong message. I, alone, can do very little to develop our youth program, but many hands make light work. If you wish to share, we have a place for you. Trust God's nudge and join us.
Peace,
Nancy
5 Real Road (corner of Stockdale & Real)
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone: 661-327-1609
FAX: 661-327-4443
Sunday Services & Church School: 10 AM
(Services last about an hour, dress is casual)
Nursery care available
E-mail: firstcong(at)postoffice.igalaxy.net
Webpage editor: dinah.campbell(at)gmail.com)
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