GSM Middle School Challenge: Meditation and Solitude

from Radio Free Babylon

I saw this comic strip today and it reminded me of our conversation on Sunday about the spiritual disciplines or practices of meditation and solitude. I thought I would share it with you and encourage you to keep practicing all of the spiritual disciplines we've talked about this semester.

If you aren't sure of what a next step might be, I thought I would share with you a couple passages you might spend some time wrestling with this week.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." John 14:6

 He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Grab your Bible and journal. Turn off the tv, video games, and music and find some space to be with God. Find some GSM friends to share your experience with before next week. Dig in an be ready to hear what God wants to share with you.

Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed is the one 
who does not walk in the step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, 
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord
and who meditates (hagah) on his law day and night.

Summer Fun

My summer technically starts in May when the college students return home, but it feels like it is just getting started due to all the traveling I've done for work. No complaints though! I love traveling, going to new places and meeting new people. Mixed in with all of the work trips have been a few trips just for fun as well. I thought I would share some of my adventures with you through picture.

 

Memorial Day Weekend - Everything needed for a great weekend with my sister Anna.

Campus Ministers Retreat - One of our student leaders, Allison, and I crashed the CMR one afternoon to spend some time with Impact's Development Team and UI/WSU Lead Campus Minister, Eric.

 Don't you think Impact's president, Bill, and vice-president, Jeff, look a lot like Lewis and Clark?

 

Meet my new very smart nephew, Jude! He was born the same day I went to Michigan for VBS.

 

While I was in Michigan for VBS, I got to introduce Gianna to several of my friends, supporters, and role models. I got lost in this conversation as Judy shared her stories of competitive gymnastics with Gianna who competes for Notre Dame's club team. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

 My friend, Marianne, and her children are on home assignment this summer from their work in the Philippines. I took a few days off to go visit friends in Kentucky. Yes, I did teach her kids how to climb inside trees at Cumberland Falls.

Over the Fourth of July, I traveled back to Anna's house to spend a few days with her.

I can't believe it is already July. Where has the summer gone?

VBS 2012

Gianna helps with decorations for the week.

Once again this summer, I returned to my hometown of Vestaburg, MI to represent Impact's work at a week of Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Vestaburg Church of Christ and Ferris Church of Christ. I brought one of our St. Mary's students, Gianna, with me to meet current and potential supporters. She did an incredible job sharing how Impact has influenced her life and I loved watching God stretch her as He continued to reveal to her His plan for her life. Here are some of her reflections on the week.

"They have this light in them that adults don't have. They don't have worries about jobs, money or life in general. They are precious children who trust God loves them and has a plan for them. The future can be scary, but I guess I need to look at life more like a child."

Read more of Gianna's reflections HERE.

Learning about Jesus feeding the crowds

A memory verse activity

Gianna was brave enough to wear her ND gear in the middle of Michigan.

 

Impact St. Mary's

Some of our St. Mary's students

 Have you ever wondered what happens in campus ministry during the summer while students are back home and campus is, for the most part, as empty as a deserted island? Well I can tell you that the ministry and conversations don't stop. Our students at St. Mary's decided the best way to encourage and stay connected to each other over the summer was to start a blog to share stories from their summers and things they are learning along the way.

Stop by their blog and send them a quick note of encouragement.
www.smicpact.wordpress.com

Summer After Freshman Year - Youth Minister Edition

Dear Youth Minister,

I’m well aware your role is to disciple middle school and high school students and build programming in your church that serves them. So I’m sure you are probably thinking, “Why is this campus minister writing me about college freshmen coming home for the summer?” I know it seems a little strange but please just try to keep an open mind.

·      You have influence – One of the first things a campus minister hears about from an incoming freshman is their youth group and their youth minister. I know there are many days you ministered to your students and thought you weren’t making a difference, but you have had an influence. When students think of spiritual mentors “back home”, they think of you. Just because a student has been away at college for a year doesn’t mean that suddenly changes.

·      Follow up – Not every church has ministry specifically focused on college students. Life at home always involved your student ministry and now they may be returning to little or no community life. Imagine communal dorm living to nothing. I’m not asking you to spend your entire summer with the college students who came through your student ministry. Since you have influence in that student’s life, a simple e-mail, a phone call, text message or greeting at church can mean the world to a student who is unsure of the transition of being home.

·      Follow through – I have had way too many students tell me they were blown off, ignored, or stood up by a youth minister. These students love you and still need your mentoring and guidance. If you tell a former student you are going to meet them for coffee or want to hang out with them, DO IT! If you don’t really mean it, don’t say it. Good intentions only hurt students who want a relationship with you!

·      Be a bridge – I know summer can be a very busy season in youth ministry and it can be a struggle to find time to hang out with your current students. The reality is, these returning freshmen do not need to be hanging out with the youth group. They need to build community with a group of peers or people who are closer to their stage of life. Help them find others in your church or community who are in the same place. It is a teaching opportunity for you and a healthy step for them.

·      Encourage them – I’m guessing you may remember what your summer after freshman year was like. It isn’t always easy. Be an encouraging voice.

As a campus minister, we are jealous you get to spend the summer with these students. Sure, everyone likes a break, but campus sure does get boring in the summer. Enjoy the summer with our students. We miss them already.