JDub Newsletter

This past weekend, I attended two events that included rain delays. To my surprise, those pauses became some of the most meaningful moments of the night. They gave me unhurried time with friends to talk, catch up, and share both struggles and celebrations. In some ways, youth group has felt like it has been in a rain delay since the school year began. Yet even in this waiting season, God has been at work through meaningful conversations with youth, parents, and volunteers about the joys and challenges we are carrying together. My prayer is that throughout this school year, every youth and family will experience a deep sense of belonging at JDub. Our guiding verse is Romans 12:5: “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Together, we will spend this year reflecting on what it means to belong—to a group, to the church, and to God—and how we can extend that same welcome to others. Although technology connects us to the world in more ways than ever, many people still feel deeply alone. As a ministry, we want every middle and high school student in our community to know they are seen, known, and loved by God. That is why we encourage our youth to invite friends and neighbors, and why we challenge them to show up not only for themselves, but also for those who may be longing for someone to welcome them in.

I am grateful that we have a wonderful team of 10 adult volunteers from John Wesley and St. Andrew UMC who will help lead small groups each Sunday night. We are also inviting families to sign up to provide a Sunday evening meal for the group. Families are welcome to partner with one or two others. The sign-up link is https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E4CA9A82CA64-65379789-jdub#/. Meals can be simple—pizza, salad, and Rice Krispies Treats, or nuggets, chips, and ice cream sandwiches. They do not need to be complicated. We ask that you stay to help serve the meal and clean up the kitchen afterward. Lemonade and tea can be made on site, so drinks do not need to be provided. Each meal saves the youth ministry about $130, and more importantly, it gives parents another meaningful way to be present in this ministry we share together.