My Closing Thoughts on Children’s and Youth Ministries at ZUMC
As I think back over the last 18 months of ministry there are many wonderful memories that flood my mind. It has been a joy to serve as your Children’s and Youth Director! I invite you to remember & “count the blessings” with me…
It's been a FULL 18 months and I’m so thankful for the shared life experiences! As I leave I want to encourage you, by way of reminder, that you have all the volunteers, faith and potential you need to continue great works for the Lord under new leadership. Don’t let this season of leadership-change keep you from moving forward. God is faithful to continue what He has begun as you abide in Him and His Word.
Finally, I’d like to conclude as we do at UMYF each week with our Benedictions (2021: Psalm 34:8-9 & 2022: Philippians 4:8-9): “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing… And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Shalom, my friends!
♥️ Allison
- Kicking off the Children’s Ministry with the “God’s Deep Love” Kidventure event with waterslide & mural
- A revitalized Kids’, Preteens’ & Youth Sunday School with a wonderful team of 25 volunteers
- Fun Holidays: Trunk-or-Treats, Christmas Parade Parties, Youth Christmas Parties & the Easter Egg Hunt
- A great Confirmation class & Youth Professions of Faith, Membership Vows and Baptisms
- Local Missions: The Lane Medical Mission with the Youth, Outing to the Zachary Food Bank after our “Can-struction” event, Outing to the LA Methodist Children’s Home with our Backpack Bonanza event, Outing to Hope Ministries, and Operation Christmas Child boxes.
- Church work days cleaning attics & storage rooms, Hurricane clean-up, and remodeling the Youth office
- Fellowship Events: Snowball Scavenger Hunts, Roller-skating, Gotham Archery, Putt Putt & Cracker Barrel, Pool Parties, Open Mic Night, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Paint Nights, Bonfire Night, Waterslides, Corn Maze & the Lion King Outing
- The INCREDIBLE support of the church in the Shareholders Fundraiser raising over 16K in funds to help 28 participants go on our Branson Mission
- The WHOLE “Rooted in Truth” Branson Mission, but specifically the Sight & Sound Theater & the worship & prayer times together
- The hopeful but challenged beginnings of a Youth Praise team - we have one beautiful video together!
- The following Bible studies & discussions: the “Shema”, Fearing God, God’s Awesomeness, Worship 101, Spiritual Gifts, God’s Truth, Healthy Thoughts, Initiating Friendships, Finishing Strong, A Season for Everything, Parental Authority, Pleasing God, Angels & Demons, Social Media Use, & more!
- Daily YouVersion Bible App Plans - we have completed 53 bible plans together over 18 months!
- Youth going through the whole bible in Sunday School using the Bible Project book overview videos
- Children going through the whole bible in Sunday School using the What’s in the Bible curriculum
- Preteens learning about Courage, Character, & Facing Fears in Sunday School using Loop curriculum
- A fantastic “Food Truck Party” VBS with 80 children, 27 youth and 50 adults growing in faith & service!
- Great times of discipleship & training with the Youth SALT Team (Student Adult Leadership Team) learning about our spiritual gifts, preparing to take students on mission, & worshiping together
- Great times of food, prayer and fellowship in the Ladies Prayer Group at the Engels’ home
- A wonderful, supportive office staff environment (Thanks Celeste, Betty, Don, Phil, Mason, Myrna, Chris, Eddie, Kathy, & Kathy!), and amazing Little School staff (Thanks Brooke, Michelle & all the teachers!)
- Getting to support children, youth and adults through family losses, health issues, social issues, identity issues, faith issues and the joys of seeing God’s promises being fulfilled through answered prayer.
- And finally, I remember the wonderful care shown to us in Josh’s health struggles, my spinal surgery, & my mother’s death
It's been a FULL 18 months and I’m so thankful for the shared life experiences! As I leave I want to encourage you, by way of reminder, that you have all the volunteers, faith and potential you need to continue great works for the Lord under new leadership. Don’t let this season of leadership-change keep you from moving forward. God is faithful to continue what He has begun as you abide in Him and His Word.
Finally, I’d like to conclude as we do at UMYF each week with our Benedictions (2021: Psalm 34:8-9 & 2022: Philippians 4:8-9): “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing… And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Shalom, my friends!
♥️ Allison