Flying home here in just a few hours and the summer will be over. Reflecting over the last few months I feel very good about the ministry we planned, executed, and are now evaluating.
Here are my initial thoughts as I look back....
Summer camp week 1-Great week with a powerful theme this year, "God's Story"-rising 8th-12th graders. I felt the students involved (around 200) were connected well with their cabin leaders. No major injuries this year, which may be a record. All in all a powerful week with our new worship leader's debut (Cory did a great job), and great volunteer participation. Already booked this week for next year's camp 1 at youth front south!
Summer camp week 2-Also a great week-rising 6th/7th graders. This week was not a buy out for us, which meant about 30% of the students there with other churches or on their own. Had around 130 students with Resurrection. I was the speaker throughout the week, and Taylor was present 24 hours a day to connect and communicate any needs from our cabin leader volunteers and students. Same theme, which was still great, and an impressive praise band. All in all an awesome week. Debating now for a buy out or a percentage buy again. Advantages are that it's all our own people including band, speaking, cabin groups, etc. Disadvantages-we would be taking a risk on filling all the spots, but this year we turned away some 35 students. Still in prayer over this one for next summer.
Summer Missions-AWESOME!!! Over 180 students in mission this summer. Students are fired up back from KC, St. Louis, Gulf Coast, and Honduras. Love the hallway chatter from students about the impact on these communities and their own hearts. Discussions of living simpler, doing more local missions with their families, and really understanding the need to love others has been coming through!
Weekly Wednesday events-Attendance was way up this summer for the weekly events. I think they hit really well, especially with the middle school students. These were awesome times for fellowship and connection with numbers ranging from 25 to 125, old school youth group style-Love It!
PLUS-the hype is really building to move back to large-scale weekly worship on Wednesday nights!
Weekly Bible studies at Starbucks-Great time of study and discussion. Attendance greatly varied, but the students who participated had an opportunity to connect personally with Dave, Taylor, and Julie
Tournament nights in the student center-We didn't expect these to be greatly attended. They averaged anywhere from 40 up to 80 and were a great time of summer fun. Dave ran these and the smiles were flowing!
Sunday mornings-Great time for our summer interns to grow in confidence and leading. Student loved the curriculum. Prayer video series for four weeks from here at Resurrection, and Skit Guys video series. Very well received and created great biblical discussions. Interns got to teach and lead music, this was a great time!
Office move and paint project-Had about a dozen students help paint the hallway and interior of our new rez offices. Moved in, got organized, and now are much easier to find for parents and students. Look forward to the big wall pics Jenn is working on!
Re-write of the Confirmation Curriculum-Teri has been hard at work with her team stepping up the curriculum for the 10-week confirmation journey. Excited to see the final piece!
Two speaking engagements, one in Alabama, another in Florida-Sharpened my skills to speak in front of strange student crowds. Enjoyed the evangelistic style ministry, but missed my family. Taking them with in the future, can't see myself traveling as much as Adam right now!
Worship Team retreat to Colorado-Really enjoyed the prayer hikes, late-night fellowship, and long-term planning of our overall worship experiences here at Resurrection. I work with really committed and passionate people!
Flying home time-gotta get through security
Let's get ready for fall!!
