Archive

From Ferguson, MO to SAE at University of Oklahoma, from #blacklivesmatter to #SAEhatesus we need to talk about racism in our youth groups. In the youth ministries I’ve been a part of I’ve witnessed blatant racism by students. I’ve overheard “jokes” that students tell. I’ve also seen it be unconscious, not understanding that what they […]

The Pinch is a new segment on the blog that will feature simple lessons you can use in a pinch. From One Second To The Next is an haunting documentary by Werner Herzog about the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving is at the top or possibly the leading cause of deaths among teenagers. We […]

Focus Be still and rest in the Lord. Read Daniel 2:24-49 (NRSV) Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will give the king the interpretation.” […]

Focus Breathe in clear thoughts of peace and reflection as you prepare to hear God speak to you through the scripture and the writer. Put aside all the things the world says you have to accomplish today and use this time to rest in God’s presence. Read Daniel 2:1-19 (NRSV) In the second year of […]

Focus Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God. Read Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV) In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has […]

Written by Madison Rush (member of YAMC) They have been through the children program and the youth group, but now they are in the awkward time before they leave to go to their first year of college, and they are not sure where they belong in the church. They are ending up their summer vacation […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read John 1:1-18 (NRSV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things […]

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” —1 John 4:18 (NIV) The Charleston Emanuel A.M.E. Church shooting, the Paris attacks, the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood and San Bernardino shootings, the recent anniversary of the Newtown Sandy Hook school shooting—we’ve had ample reminders of the specter of terrorist activity throughout the […]