Senior Youth Retreat Info and Waiver.

For information, waiver form, packing list, etc. for the Senior High retreat December 11-13, click here: BMC Senior Youth Retreat 2015

If you have any questions, feel free to call: 204-327-5208, or email: bmcyouthpastor@gmail.com

Have a great day!

Thoughts on transitions and memory making.

Senior Youth kicked off last night, and it was super encouraging to be able to meet with the fantastic young people that make up the group called BMC Senior Youth. We had a lot of fun together. Fun is part of what we do together, because we know that having fun together is an important part of creating a safe environment for people to be themselves. As fun as the fun parts were, I was more excited to hear about how our young people are doing.

What were the things that caused them to celebrate throughout the summer? Most of the celebrations seemed to center around family vacations, or camping getaways. The students reflected on the importance of stepping out of the normal every day stuff and doing things that were extra-ordinary. My encouragement to you parents out there who are doing the best you can, is that you're doing a great job. Even if extra-ordinary for you isn't an extravagant vacation, I would encourage you to do special things with your teenagers. Go out of your way to do something just for them. They will probably brush it off, and you may think it was unimportant or another blip on their radar. Those are the things we hear about at youth. The special moments. Invest in your family by planning special things. They don't have to cost a bunch of money or be super far away. It may be enough just to break the routine and spend some "no technology" time together as a family.

Blessings as fall transitions are happening!

Gerry G,

Running in the wrong direction?

It's a good morning for Good news!

Second Corinthians 5:21 NLT reads, "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

Too often we believe that the circumstances or sins that we've entangled ourselves in are firmly outside the redemptive grace of Christ. Redemptive being a big word rooted in redeem. If we believe that anything in our life is "unredeemable," (whether that's a real word or not) we are displaying a lack of confidence in the power and majesty of Christ and his sacrifice for us.

God wants a relationship with us, not just you or I personally, but humankind. He is described often in the old testament as "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Psalm 103:8 ESV. God is good, merciful, and gracious.

The good news that Christ proclaimed while here on earth, was that the Kingdom of God is near. He didn't urge people to throw more money at problems that they see in the world, he didn't say give more money to the churches, or mission organizations. He wanted people to turn back to God, show mercy, and kindness to the people around you. If you give $50,000 to charity per year, but you treat the people who work for you unfairly, or exploit people to make profits in your business, God is not pleased with you. He is gracious though, and merciful, and he wants us to make decisions everyday that honor him first.He wants us to do what Christ taught us to, love God, and love others. If we have no regard for others, how can the love of God be in us?

Stop running from God to hide your messes. He's already proven that he wants to forgive us, by sending Jesus to make us right with him and take our penalty. Accept the truth, and start living right!

I'm so thankful that when I make mistakes as a youth pastor, dad, and husband, that Christ offers grace, mercy, forgiveness, and a fresh start. I'm so thankful that he's constantly at work in my life and heart, nudging me to turn toward him in every situation.

My Christian brothers and sisters, I want to challenge you to review your day every night before you go to sleep and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any sins you may have committed in your heart, mind, or body and ask him to enable you to stand up to those temptations when they come again. Christ is stronger.

May God's peace be with you.

What's on your mind?

Facebook often asks me, "What's on your mind?" The things that are most often on my mind lately I find, are things like lists and lists of things that I need to do, or all the things that I would like to do if I had the money or the time. It's so easy for us to become distracted and unfocused on the things that matter in light of all the tiny things that pile up. I'm learning that I'm the sort of person that likes to have everything lined up and thought out before I make a decision or do a project. I am often afraid that I will forget a detail (or ten), in the many things that seem to be bouncing around in my head. 

How often do thoughts of God dominate my day? Am I often in prayer about the stresses and situations that come up? How often do I take time in my day to focus on the needs of others rather than my own? Does concern for the needs of others (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental) show up in my life in the ways I spend my time, my money, or my energy? These are all important questions to ask ourselves regularly since life in North America can be hectic, stressful, and busy.

I've come to find that when I'm stressed I tend to become more self-focused. It is of utmost importance to keep reminding ourselves of the truth that God has declared through Jesus. It is also important that we continue to think of others before ourselves, if we continue to do this especially in the hard times we will develop endurance.

Matthew 11:28 reads, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

If your life seems crazy, busy, and spinning out of control and you are not sure how to handle it, my advice would be to be intentional about taking time to retreat with the Lord. Spend time in his word, and let him know the things that are going on in your head and heart. He cares for you and wants to listen and speak to you.

Why playing is important.

Today, I want to encourage everyone who is a parent to keep playing with your kids. It can be easy in the busyness of life to forget to nurture the playful spirits that children have. We may feel tired, or discouraged by the stresses that unexpected bills, problems, or the never-ending list of things that we "need" to get done.

Children develop identity in close relation to the emotions that they feel. They chemically link emotions and memories. Their memory works sort of like a series of snapshots. At around 12, they start to develop the ability to string these snapshots together, and develop their identity from these things. If the majority of the snapshots that they find are linked with negative emotions, they can easily develop a negative view of themselves. Perhaps they think, "I'm just a sad person, because most of my memories are sad." Or they may think, "I'm just an angry person, because I'm always angry."

You might be asking, how does this relate to playing? We need to cultivate joy in the lives of our children, and ourselves. As a young parent myself, I love to watch my son Judah enjoy life. I love it when he is captivated by the wonder of the world that God has made. When we play, we realize that the world is not just dark, depressing, and gloomy. There is joy, and wonder to be found. Encourage positive memory-making with your kids. Take time and invest it into your kids, expressing your joy in them. Play with them,and let them work alongside you. Make positive memories together.

It's important to note that Jesus can change these negative self-images in a heartbeat, although, often he addresses them little by little as we grow in relationship with him.

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

Jesus took time for children, let's follow his example!

Be Blessed!

Everyday Miracles

What if we always recognized all the everyday miracles in our lives?

So often people ask God to do the impossible, and fail to recognize his hand in the ordinary. What if it's a miracle that you woke up this morning? What if it's a miracle that you took that breath you just did? What if your genetic code is a miracle? What if it's a miracle that you are even alive? What if it's a miracle if you didn't get into a vehicle accident today? Or that you have food to eat, a place to live, a place to sleep, friends, family? All these good things that we can take for granted

Take a minute to take stock of the everyday miracles in your life.

James 1:17 NIV Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,who does not change like shifting shadows.

Miracles of the day:

Jesus has saved me, set me free, made me whole, and given me a right relationship with God! And he continues to teach and mould me to reflect his character everyday.

My beautiful wife

My son Judah

My brother Eric showing up at just the right time to help me get my brakepads replaced and wheel back on before it started to rain.

Food to eat

A job/calling that I love

And many more.

My prayer for you is that as you reflect on the everyday miracles in your life, that you would grow in faith, and seek to be a miracle to someone you meet today, or tomorrow, or everyday.

May you enjoy the peace of Christ today.

Gerry.

Wrapping up another youth year?

I'm amazed at how much can happen in a year of working with teenagers. I want to applaud you junior and senior highs. There have been so many times I've thought about posting about how much fun I had spending evenings learning about who God is through his word with you. There have been equally as many times I've appreciated being invited to hear about the triumphs and defeats you've experienced throughout the year.

Thank you for the grace you've extended to me as I try to figure out what a youth pastor does, and how I fit into this role. I love the energy our junior youth bring all the time! I am caught off guard sometimes by the depth of insight both junior and senior highs show.

Our youth leaders are amazing people who have sacrificed many evenings to spend time and energy showing the love of Christ and serving our young people.

My prayer for you reading, is that of Paul. "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT.

Thanks for a great year! Seek God and stop sinning. His way is better!

The Senior and Junior Youth Calendars. Google style.

Hey, guys. I randomly figured out how to add the google calendars that I use to the blog. Let me know if you can't see what's on here.

SOAR 2015 - Sunday March 29

Today was a day spent in attitudes of prayer and learning.

We spent the morning at CMU, and our teams were served by intercessors listening to God for verses to encourage us as a team and as individuals.

Tonight is the Comissioning service, and tomorrow we will be heading out to meet our ministry hosts, learn more about the core area (central). We will be doing some home visiting to meet and personally invite some people to the drop-ins and VBS this week. There are a lot of tired people, so please pray for energy and endurance to continue to serve each other and the community we'll be in with humility.

Thank you!

SOAR Heartland 2015 - 'Twas the night before...

I should already be sleeping. Seeing as SOAR starts tomorrow. It would have been a good idea to get more sleep tonight than normal. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan.

I thought I'd post a quick update on here. We're leading MCI's SOAR Heartland team this year, and it's a new experience. I hope to relay some of what's happening on here. Perhaps we'll even have some students update here as well with their perspectives.

Please pray for us. We need strength, energy, and things we don't know we need yet. I am thankful that God graciously supplies all of our needs. My prayer today is that you would recognize the ways in which God has and is pouring out his love on you! 

Psalm 139:17-18 talks about how his thoughts about us are as the grains of sand, no one can count them. It also mentions that they are precious. God thinks about you, everyday. He sent Jesus because he loves you, and the people around you.

Peace and grace to you all! May you overflow with God's love.

-Gerry

YOU ARE VALUED BY GOD

Jesus was talking to his disciples one day. He said this:

"26Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:26-34.

Jesus posed the question, "Aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?" Implying that YES, we are more valuable than the birds, or the flowers to God. He cares about you, believe him!

Next week:

WEDNESDAY: February 18: NO REGULAR YOUTH - Leader Training night starts at 6:30pm

FRIDAY : February 20: CHURCH WORSHIP NIGHT - Senior and Junior Youth are invited to participate in this event in the Church Sanctuary. (We will be setting up tables for the fundraiser after the worship night.)

SUNDAY : February 22: Youth Fundraising Lunch after the Church Service! (All Youth available are expected to help with setup and cleanup. Meet in the Church basement at 10:15 to go over jobs!)

Valuable?

A couple of weeks ago Jordan Dyck led the Junior Youth in a Bible study comparing things and exploring the idea of "equal in value, difference in role." He talked about how when we describe something as better we need to understand what our pre-existing assumptions are. In the next few weeks at Senior Youth, I want to explore some questions that may be tough to answer.

January 28 - Bible Study - Valuable? - What am I worth to God?

February 4 - Bible Study - Valuable? - What is God worth to me?

I'd like to invite you to ponder these questions as we lead up to these two bible studies, and ask God to reveal to you through his word what you're worth to him!

In Junior Youth for the next couple weeks, this is what's happening:

January 30 - Skating and Sledding at Altona Park

February 6 - No Youth (due to Church Retreat)

Thanks for stopping by! My prayer is that God will continue to reveal to you how much he values and loves you! May you experience his peace, love, and presence this week!

Jan 21 & 23

The next couple weeks at BMC Youth!

Senior Youth

Jan 21 - Skating and Sledding at Altona Park - Meet at the Church at 7, or the Park at 7:30!

Jan 28 - Bible Study with Gerry

Junior Youth

Jan 23 - Pizza Bake-off! Come at 6:30, bring your best pizza making skills and creative ideas. This will be fun!

Jan 30 - Skating and Sledding at Altona Park!

*Note: THERE WILL NOT BE A WORSHIP NIGHT ON JANUARY 23. Due to the MCI, W. C. Miller, and CMU concert happening the same night.

It's a New Year!

Sorry that I haven't been more consistent with updating this blog between September and Now. It's been a busy couple of months, and the next few look to be about the same, although I am going to attempt to keep more on top of this for you guys!

Updates for the next week will go out on Fridays on Facebook. The Senior Youth Facebook group is called 'BMC Youth' and the Junior Youth Facebook group is called 'BMC Jr Youth'. I'll try to post the Calendar up to March as soon as I have that typed up. For now though, here's what's happening this month!

Senior Youth:

January

7 - Mexico Sharing

14 - Small Group Night (Each small group leader is in charge of planning this night and will contact you if you are in their group about what's happening.)

21 - Skating/Sledding at Altona Park
23 - Junior and Senior Youth Worship Night in the Church Sanctuary

28 - Bible Study - Gerry

Junior Youth:

January

9 - Bible Study - Jo

16-18 - Junior Youth Retreat (contact myself (204-362-7262) or Kristen (204-304-0971) for more details

23 - Junior and Senior Youth Worship Night in the Church Sanctuary

30 - Sledding at Altona Park

*note: This schedule may change. I will update Facebook on Youth Nights before 6 pm if a change is necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns, or just want to hear some encouraging things about your kids, please contact me. I'd love to talk to you!

Office: 204-327-5208 | Cell: 204-362-7262 | Email: bmcyouthpastor@gmail.com

Happy New Year! See you soon!