A few years ago, one of our church’s youth ministry volunteers told me that serving with youth was a lot like being Alan Shepard. He explained: Shepard was “the first American in space. His job was at times exhausting, overwhelming, and loud. But he saw the stars, as they say. And more specifically, he saw the light of the stars before they reached us, the stars of our future.”
I thought then, and still think today, that’s one of the best articulations of why we all should care about, and pray for, our church’s youth ministry. Those middle and high-school-aged students who gather on Friday nights are New York’s next generation, the stars of our future.
This upcoming weekend (September 27 to 29) is our youth ministry’s fall retreat. Would you please join me in prayer as this weekend approaches? Let’s pray:
- For smooth travel and logistics.
- For Shirley, our Youth Ministry Director, and all our youth staff and volunteers to have energy and joy as they serve our youth.
- For deep friendship and community building, especially in this time of so much loneliness and anxiety.
- For life-changing encounters with the living God.
- For so much fun! Jesus is the bringer of cosmic joy, and we want our youth to know him as the fountain of delight.
With hope,
Pastor Bijan
Only 23 days to go until Kids’ Community Group (KCG) begins! KCG starts with a time of worship as a family. Kids will learn about God and the Bible through skits, crafts, and small group time. KCG is a fantastic way for children to have fun and develop new friendships. Parent volunteers are always welcome and very much encouraged!
Upcoming Events
- Sep 26 | Grief & Loss Support Group
- Sep 27 to 29 | West Side Youth Lake Champion Retreat
- Sep 29 | RWS Membership Class
- Oct 5 | Tunes for ‘Toons: Music from Cartoons and Anime (FREE)
- Oct 6 | RWS & LSQ Congregational & Corporate Meeting
- Oct 18 | Live @ W83 – A Jazz Lens on Anime with Victor Lin and Friends
- Oct 19 | Premarital Seminar
- Oct 19 | Pilates & Friends
- Oct 24 | Living with Purpose in a Polarizing World
- Oct 31 | Candy Handout
- Nov 4 | Managing Leadership Anxiety Workshop with Steve Cuss
- Nov 13 | Arts Industry Night
Get Involved
RWS job opening: Club 56 Elementary Sunday School Teacher
Serve with WS Youth on Friday nights or Youth Retreat (Sep 27 to 29)
Sing in the Volunteer Choir on October 20
Register for Redeemer Counseling’s Renewal Groups on “Emotional Strength & Peace” or “Your Asian American Journey”
Be a mentor or tutor this school year
Teach ESL to Immigrant Neighbors on the UWS
