11/13/22 - We're not really strangers Vol. 2!

Last night we ate some pancakes, made some unorthodox mac n’ cheese (I’m sensing a theme here…), played some mario kart, worshiped, and took some time to pray for one another.

Last week in youth group we discovered some giant bags of pancake mix in the youth snack closet, and this week we put those to good use! Unsurprisingly, chocolate chip pancakes were a hit. Some students also decided to put their culinary skills to the test and make some boxed mac n’ cheese. It’s been fantastic to see the students start to come out of their shells and get more comfortable as a large group, and the packed kitchen was evidence of that last night.

When food was done Eli led us in some worship, and I am continually inspired by how loudly our high schoolers sing praise :) We took prayer requests, prayed for one another, and then jumped back into our game of “We’re not really strangers!”

Many of the questions that we asked each other last night could be answered at varying levels of vulnerability. At first, questions like “have you changed your mind about anything recently,” got some surface-level answers like “I snoozed my alarm and changed my mind about waking up.” Eventually though, some really honest answers came through with questions like “how are you, really” getting some beautiful answers.

As we continue to try and build a sense of Christ-centered community I am hopeful that these students will keep trying to love one another like Jesus loves them. I feel so strongly that a strong and authentic community will foster more helpful conversations, a desire to serve together, and a beautiful place to invite those that may not know Jesus to come and experience what faith in practice looks like.

Next week we are returning to some of the deeper questions students have had about other faiths, relationships, and how to talk about Jesus with their friends!

I’m still feeling like I’m learning on the fly and trying to play a bit of “catch-up,” but I am looking forward to meeting you all on the 27th!

Thanks for checking in, and have a wonderful week