Summer is a great time for catching rays or catching a wave at the beach or a nearby water park. It can also be a great time for catching a vision for ministry to children and youth that will give energy to the ongoing life of your local church. If you are reading this newsletter, you probably already have a role in working with the youth and children of your congregation. Are you the person to suggest some ideas for revitalizing your summer programs so that others might "catch a new vision?"
Summer is ideal because it only lasts about eight weeks and many times, people will commit more willingly to something short term. One day or night for five weeks of summer, one week of a day camp program, every Sunday evening of the summer ... commitments like these are easier made, perhaps, than a year-long teaching obligation. And, once new people in your congregation get to know the youth and children, they many be hooked for life.
Summer is a great time to highlight your youth ministry with one of GCP's elective study programs. Some churches have used this as a time to integrate adults with youth. Announce the youth summer study as an option for anyone in the congregation. Your teens may build relationships with some new people this summer. It is also a great place to plug in the college kids who come home for summer if you do not have an on-going college and career class. Be creative in how you promote it and this class could become the most exciting of all your summer ministries.
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