A few weeks ago (in fall 2023), First Baptist Church Ingersoll (FBCI) Youth hosted Harvest Friends Outreach event on the lawn in front of our church building on the evening of October 31st. We handed out 50 treat bags and many more cups of hot apple cider to those who stopped by - both kids and parents! The bags included candy treats, Adventures in Odyssey CDs, bookmarks and information about
Most years, the Christmas season feels busy and sometimes rushed—even in the church. Many of us juggle different celebrations, gatherings and other obligations. This year, however, it’s changed and a lot of us are feeling a different anxiety or longing for missed traditions. In Luke 2, we read these words: “Mary treasured up all these things” (v19, 51). In fact, we see those words twice! The first time after the
Snow is falling (and staying depending on what area of Quebec or Ontario you’re living in). Retailers have already set up their Christmas decorations. How is your youth group preparing for advent? Some considerations: What transitions are worth keeping? Contrarily, what traditions should be adapted into something different? What expressions of Advent would speak to your neighbourhood? How would the message of Jesus resonate with your community? What media would
Can you believe Christmas is only 27 days away? The advent season has begun. What will make it unique for you and/or your youth ministry this year? Here are some thoughts: What “out of the routine” adaptation can you make? Sometimes we get so used to tradition/routine that we miss the essence of Christmas. Try varying what you do, for example if you always serve at a soup kitchen, try
As Advent approaches, I usually hear from our youth leaders this is one of the busiest times of year. (For us at CBOQ Youth, it's actually a slower time because no one really needs us.) While celebrations and other activities take time and energy to plan, I wonder if it becomes over-programmed. For instance, ask yourself some of these questions: As you enter December, do you feel more strained or
