Youth Sunday 2010

Senior High Mission Team - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Junior High Mission Team - Edna, Texas

Genesis Youth hosted Youth Sunday at First UMC Joshua on August 15. They performed at both worship services (8:30 and 11:00 am) and did an incredible job. The songs were great, the children's time was fun, and the speakers provided a spiritual experience like none other. Many congregation members complimented Genesis Youth Group on their work - - GREAT JOB, Genesis Youth!!!!!!!

The "young" children of First Joshua learned the "Llama Song" during children's time. It was a big hit and even the adults joined the fun. Five youth spoke during the worship services and did an AMAZING job.

K.F. spoke on her experience with Miss Patsy, her client with MS, that left an imprint on her heart that will forever impact her spiritual walk and faith.

C.P. invited more youth to participate in the group's activities and encouraged everyone to step outside their comfort zones to experience new opportunities.

C.W. said this mission trip was his favorite because he really felt the Holy Spirit living and working through Him to accomplish unbelievable things on mission trip, as well as other church activities.

A.M. spoke about his trust and faith in God (everything is possible through Jesus Christ) and goals can be accomplished when everyone works together.

C.F. spoke about her love and appreciation to First UMC Joshua and members of Genesis Youth Group. She most enjoys the time of fellowship with her friends and growing in relationship with God. C.F. also reminded everyone that Genesis Youth will begin a study on "The Organic God," a book by Margaret Feinberg, next week.

Genesis Youth responded to God's call to serve and love others in the name of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter if we attend mission trip or volunteer at Vacation Bible School, we are all in mission and ministry together for the transformation of the world. We are all important to God's kingdom; and, we are each a thread in His tapestry.

Whatever kind of action we do in God's name, it is action filled with love and His spirit. Those actions are all verbs and we are all challenged to incorporate more action (verbs) into our daily lives. As a reminder, Genesis Youth will display verbs associated with God in their meeting room........inspired by Margaret Feinberg and "The Organic God."

Transitions.............a change of pace, a chance of scenery, but mostly an adjustment of what we thought was "normal" in our lives

Rev. Lara preached this morning on TRANSITIONS....it's not the beginning or the end, but it's the middle that seems to disrupt our lives and cause chaos. Transition is not necessarily a change, but rather an evolution - progress - growing towards the new opportunity before us.

How do you handle transitions in your life?

Genesis 18: 1-15 is about Abraham and Sarah and their response to the guests of honor in their home (it was actually a tent!) To understand the scripture, you have to remember that Abraham and Sarah were both late in age, about 90 years old, when one guest of honor (Jesus) said they would be the parents of great nations - Sarah would be pregnant soon. I don't know about you, but a 90-year-old pregnant lady is pretty weird.

Do you offer to God your best or least quality?

The best part of the story, though, is Abraham's incredible reaction to the visitors: he was ready to receive the guests' message by offering himself to the experience and he provided the best hospitality through his quality gifts and service.

I challenge all of you to consider your priorities when it comes to serving God and to consider the quality of 'product' that you offer to Him. Do you serve your "guest of honor" filet mignon or a hamburger?

I also challenge you to pray that God will use your talents and gifts to serve others and that you will seize that opportunity. It's important that when you hear or feel that 'knocking' in your heart, open yourself up to God for his blessing.