August 19, 2011

Hi there Parents! [and all people of Joy!]

I hope everyone is settling into their new schedules for fall with all the sharpened pencils and calculators and waking up much earlier :)  If I didn't get a chance to say hi on Sunday at JoyFest, I'm Colin Cranmer, the new Youth Director for Joy!.  As you get to know me, my wife Shay (& our daughter Ena and the little sprout-to-be), you'll see that we're goofballs with a giant heart for youth to be in connection with each other, with loving adult mentors and most of all, with their Creator.  We're over the moon excited to be here and hope you'll join us in making this a fantastic ministry year.

Here's what's coming up for fall:

-- You can register your student for Crossroads or AtF on Sundays in room 1/2. We are asking for a fee of $35 per student. Please do not let this fee prevent your child from joining, see Colin if this is a problem.

--Crossroads for Middle School kicks off on Sept 14th, Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30.  Crossroads is a cool hybrid of middle school youth group AND confirmation, we play games, make friends, run around, have a blast, and learn the key foundational things to living a life with God.  We use the Faith Inkubators curriculum which helps parents maintain open doors to spiritual conversations and keep them connected to how their kid is doing in their day-to-day life.

--There is an informational parent meeting for Crossroads/Confirmation on Sept. 11 in the worship center at 11:45.  Come check it out!

--Against the Flow (or AtF as it's called around here) is our High School Youth Group.  Launching on Sept. 18th, AtF runs on Sundays from 7 - 9.  Against the Flow strives to be a warm, inviting environment for students to bring their friends, shake off the week and reconnect with each other and God.  Going deeper into our faith, we tackle the big questions and doubts as students are making their faith and identities their own.  Come for chill fun nights and bonfires as long as the weather holds up!

--Also for High Schoolers, we'll be attending the Gurnee ONE Prayer and Worship Rally held at Lakeland Church from 6:30 - 8:30pm on September 11. Permission slips are available in room 1/2 on Sunday morning!  A great way to connect with your peers and meet others with a heart for God, this will be a powerful night of prayer for the upcoming year with some great worship music.  Email Colin if you want to attend!

Last, but not least, we are on the look out for more leaders and volunteers for each of these ministries.  This doesn't necessarily mean small-group leading, but could also mean helping us out in the administrative department, opening up your house for house parties, or helping drive kids to events.  We'll have more details about exactly what we're needing as the year progresses, so stay tuned for "job descriptions" or just let us know that you're willing to help out.  Thanks so much!  We can't wait to partner with you this year!

In Him,
Colin 

Colin Cranmer, Director of Youth Ministry colin.cranmer@joylutheran.org

 

Resources of Interest to Parents

www.cpyu.org
CPYU - The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding - media related insights into youth culture
www.homeword.com
Homeword - Seeks to educate, equip and encourage parents to build God-honoring families