From Our Director of Student Ministries
As of January 15, 2006, I will have been on staff for six months. Wow! Now to some of you that may seem like a snap of the finger, but for me it's been an amazing era in my life! I feel as though I've had a lifetime of experiences in half a year. Lucky for me, I'm able to write articles that you have an opportunity to read, which means I can share what I've learned and how I envision you being a part of the next step!
For one, I've learned that we have an absolutely awesome group of young people here at Saint Matthew's! As a leader, it's been so cool to get to know them, laugh, talk about real issues in their lives, pray for each other, monthly reach out to the community in service, grow together in our faith, and laugh some more. Second, I've discovered that we have a church full of adults with endless talents, gifts, and bottomless hearts for helping one another. So far this school year, I've been witness to 20 or so families joining the Youth Group's Dinner Team and about 30 families offering gifts to December's Youth Ministry Opportunity of adopting a family. It seems as though the Youth Group and congregation pair quite well together.
Now don't get me wrong, I've learned more than two things in my time here, but these are the two I'm going to take to the bank. There is no greater impact in the life of a young person than a caring adult who models a healthy, active relationship with God. Even though I'm the one with the title, "Director of Student Ministries" - to be exact, I'm not all this Youth Group needs. We have a team of 5 leaders who join in the fun every Sunday, but when you divide a group of 70+ kids who come in and out of our doors for any given youth event, well, you do the math.
It's called relational ministry. Yep, it's a ministry of building relationships. It's about as simple as it gets. Kids need adults to love them and show them how awesome living for God can be. This year I ask you to dig deep in your heart as you consider your New Year's resolutions. Commit to your diet, try to be nicer to that co_worker that just gets on your last nerve, but also ask yourself how you can chip in a little more to the ministry of this church. Specifically, please consider becoming a youth leader. Adding the two things I've learned together, I know this congregation has future youth leaders waiting in the wings. it has proven to have every other gift!
- Mandy Hodges
Annual Meeting
Saint Matthew's Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. You are invited to join us for an update on the state of the church. We will elect new Vestry members and Diocesan Convention delegates. During this meeting CCBG Architects will present a preliminary site development plan and models of the master plan development. We expect this meeting to last about two hours. Nursery care will be provided.
