This event, called Gladiator Night, was a fun filled night of activities and we saw about 250 teens there. A short gospel presentation was also given and I have to say it was a very fun night from start to finish.

I always encourage our youth to invite their friends to events and we have an Invite event each month. So I wanted to share with you the power of the invite.

Three of the four teens that were invited by our youth group accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior tonight! Sometimes all it takes is a personal invitation for someone to come to church and we never know if that might be the time that the Holy Spirit calls them to accept Christ.

So a big shout out to the youth group for inviting their friends to share in not only the fun and friendship, but also in the eternity! May you have an opportunity this week to invite an unchurched or lost friend and watch the amazing things God gas in store!

Gary

What an incredible time everyone had and the big hit was broom ball. If you don’t know, it’s just like ice hockey but without the skates, and brooms instead of hockey sticks and a ball instead of a puck, so I guess it’s not much like ice hockey, is it?

Anyway, after shakes at steak n shake, 2 hours of skating and broomballing, a short devo on Jesus, we headed back to the church and got home at 3am.

I only do one late night event a year, but the kids loved it, and although they were sore afterwards, they asked when we were going back!

So yes, the youth had a great time and I know we will be broomballing it again next year!

Gary

In addition to that, we have 7 brave young pre-teens so far attending the kids camp in June. Many of them are camp veterans, but some are brand new and have no idea the incredible opportunity that awaits them at church camp!

The best part of this is that I get to go to both camps and I get to see how God moves in their life and speaks to them. That may be selfish, but it’s definately one of the perks of being the family pastor.

Although our registration deadline has come and gone, if there are any more that want to go to camp, I’m happy to call Lifeway and see if they have any spots left. How incredible would it be to take 50 kids or more to camp!?!

Gary

We celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ during the holiday season and what we are celebrating is a family being created. Maybe that’s such a big part of what Christmas really is. Maybe when the Father sent His Son to become man, he puposfully created a family so that we could be reminded of how important that is.

May you find happiness this holiday season through your family. Maybe that’s parents, maybe that’s children or a brother or aunt, but regardless of your earthly family, know that God wants you as part of His heavenly family and wants to start building memories with you this holiday season.

So put down the chex mix and stop struggling with the lights on the tree, stop worrying about the mall and the gifts you have or haven’t bought. Remember that our Savior was born to Mary and Joseph as a baby to save us all and that we are all part of an incredible family!

Merry Christmas!
Gary