Comments on: Church as a Priority http://erinsatterlee.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/church-as-a-priority/ Like a tree planted by the streams of living water Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:28:17 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Erin http://erinsatterlee.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/church-as-a-priority/#comment-75 Erin Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:26:37 +0000 http://erinsatterlee.wordpress.com/?p=206#comment-75 Laurie - thanks for the comment on this. I know for sure that the reason why I am still involved in the church today is because of meaningful relationships with adults who invested in my life when I was a youth. My church growing up didn't even have a youth group (well, my sister and I along with a pair of brothers and our moms), so I can't attribute my continued involvement to any sort of traditional "programming". It all comes down to the relationships, and the more time I spend in churches the more I see that. In turn, that is deeply affecting the ways in which I approach youth ministry. It's a shift of thought that's tough for many in the church to grasp and understand, but I'm eternally grateful for those who do. Laurie – thanks for the comment on this. I know for sure that the reason why I am still involved in the church today is because of meaningful relationships with adults who invested in my life when I was a youth. My church growing up didn’t even have a youth group (well, my sister and I along with a pair of brothers and our moms), so I can’t attribute my continued involvement to any sort of traditional “programming”. It all comes down to the relationships, and the more time I spend in churches the more I see that. In turn, that is deeply affecting the ways in which I approach youth ministry. It’s a shift of thought that’s tough for many in the church to grasp and understand, but I’m eternally grateful for those who do.

]]> By: Laurie http://erinsatterlee.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/church-as-a-priority/#comment-74 Laurie Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:33:49 +0000 http://erinsatterlee.wordpress.com/?p=206#comment-74 Wow! I am blessed. Without even trying, everything you mentioned in your "what ifs" is happening for my children. We have never told our children they HAD to do anything at church, but instead have tried to lead through example. It's just part of our lives that on Sunday mornings we go to worship. It's just part of our lives that if there is an event for someone in our family, we try to attend. It's just part of our lives to find where we "fit" at church and do whatever we are feeling called to do. Now, that all being said, sometimes I am not the best example as I take on too much or get involved in something that is not really my passion or gift. But it is still a teachable moment in that my children observe how I handle being overextended, serving in a place that is not necessarily a good fit for me, etc. Some of the times I feel closest to God are when I am observing my children at church and in church activities -- listening to Meagan sing in the Senior choir, watching Kendra sing and play bass with the Praise team, playing handbells with Meagan by my side, packing either or both of them for a week at Camp Mowana, hearing that clear, sweet sound of Meagan playing her flute, hearing Kendra's laughter and the whirring sound of her heelies in the Sunday School hallway, seeing them take another child or person "under their wing" and sharing with them the love and happiness Christ has for them. Thank you God for these two beautiful children!!! I love your "what ifs." Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am. I challenge all who read to take part in at least one of the "what ifs." Be the hands, the feet, the voice, the love of Christ for a youth. If you are a young person, find people who love you and support you at church -- they're there! They are just being quiet and hanging back because they don't know if you want them to acknowledge you, talk to you, be a part of your life. I know if you join a group, seek your passion, share a talent -- there are people who will share your interest, your love, your life. Blessings! Wow! I am blessed. Without even trying, everything you mentioned in your “what ifs” is happening for my children. We have never told our children they HAD to do anything at church, but instead have tried to lead through example. It’s just part of our lives that on Sunday mornings we go to worship. It’s just part of our lives that if there is an event for someone in our family, we try to attend. It’s just part of our lives to find where we “fit” at church and do whatever we are feeling called to do.

Now, that all being said, sometimes I am not the best example as I take on too much or get involved in something that is not really my passion or gift. But it is still a teachable moment in that my children observe how I handle being overextended, serving in a place that is not necessarily a good fit for me, etc.

Some of the times I feel closest to God are when I am observing my children at church and in church activities — listening to Meagan sing in the Senior choir, watching Kendra sing and play bass with the Praise team, playing handbells with Meagan by my side, packing either or both of them for a week at Camp Mowana, hearing that clear, sweet sound of Meagan playing her flute, hearing Kendra’s laughter and the whirring sound of her heelies in the Sunday School hallway, seeing them take another child or person “under their wing” and sharing with them the love and happiness Christ has for them. Thank you God for these two beautiful children!!!

I love your “what ifs.” Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am. I challenge all who read to take part in at least one of the “what ifs.” Be the hands, the feet, the voice, the love of Christ for a youth. If you are a young person, find people who love you and support you at church — they’re there! They are just being quiet and hanging back because they don’t know if you want them to acknowledge you, talk to you, be a part of your life. I know if you join a group, seek your passion, share a talent — there are people who will share your interest, your love, your life.

Blessings!

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