@THEROCK724
JULY/AUGUST 2016
The Rock Love God. Love Others. Make Disciples.
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WHAT IS MINISTRY? By: Heather Russell I've felt a calling into ministry for as long as I can remember, but in the past few years I've found a love and passion for youth ministry. It is because of this calling that Justin allowed me to take on a summer internship at the church. In the first week I got to sit at the lead pastor's desk (as it was vacant), but I was more than happy to give it up when PJ arrived. I now a have a small, yet perfect, desk in the main office area (thanks Emily Davis). But it's not the desk that makes ministry real, it's the people. From the outside ministry looks simple and fun. Who doesn't want to play games with students, sit in an air conditioned office all day, and write a sermon once a week? I thought that's what it would be like. Don't get me wrong, these are all parts of it, but in the mere 3 weeks I've been here I've discovered that it's so much more than that. Justin usually gives me small tasks, ones he could start and finish in an hour tops. However, as I stare at the blank calendar waiting for it to fill itself out, I realized ministry is hard. Making a 1
Adult Leadership: Our adult leaders work hard to connect with students in their small groups and make sure each student feels loved.
Summer Change We meet in host locations from 7-10pm
@THEROCK724
JULY/AUGUST 2016
calendar isn't hard, but when you have a constant flow of small tasks and a few big ones you can easily become overwhelmed. It's in God that we find our strength. I finished the calendar, but it took me some time. PJ, Justin, and Karen all invest time in us. Every PowerPoint they make, every sermon they write, or bulletin they type up is to ensure that we might be able to hear and understand the gospel. This servant leadership is hard to find. I've learned a lot about this side of ministry, but I've also had the privilege of seeing what I think is the best part of ministry. One on one meetings. Right about now you're probably confused as to what is fun about meetings. The fun part is getting to know people. I've met with local pastors to ask questions, talk about ministry, and get different views on what to expect. I love this! I get to meet with people so that they can tell me about their lives and how God has worked though them. The beginnings of the meetings are usually slow, but they quickly become more relaxed as we tell stories about Justin [insert Justin though: “Wait. What!?] . They usually involve him being crazy (as shown in the image above), but this connects me with them and them with me. It's in this moment that I feel okay talking to them, because while we may not have a relationship, we are connected by our individual relationships with Justin. It’s times like this that I know I'm called into ministry, not when I'm playing capture the flag at youth group or even when I'm teaching, but when I truly get to experience the friendship and love that comes with our connection to God and the people involved. Ministry is about relationships. One of the youth pastors I met gave me the best advice I've ever heard, and it's simple! “Know God, know yourself, know others." He told me to just know people. Whether you're involved in ministry or not, this is important.
Know God, know yourself, know others. How can you help? Please pray for us as we go to Kingdom Bound. We aren't going just to ride roller coasters; we’re going so that each member of our group will have the chance to see God in a new way. Pray that God will provide all of us with the energy and patience this week will require. We are also finalizing our meal plans, so any final food donations are welcome! If you want more info, feel free to contact me at (716) 969-6814 or email me at theyouthoftrinity@gmail.com 2
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Guy’s Night 7 - 10p @ Lyon’s (930 Oak Hill) 10
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Rock: 7 - 10p @ Pullan’s (12 E. Meadow Lane)
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Kiddie Pool Kickball: 5:30 - 9p @ Busti Church of God
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27 Rock: 7 - 10p @ Rod Weidner’s (255 Dodge Rd.)
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Rock: 7 - 10p @ Lyon’s (930 Oak Hill) 7
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Rock: 7 - 10p @ Zion Lutheran (45 Falconer St.) 29
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31 Rock: 7 - 10p @ Fuller House (1505 Bunce Rd.)
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17 Rock: 7 - 10p @ Joyner Farm (285 S. Main St. Ext.)
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Rock: 7 - 10p @ Kiantone Congregational (646 Kiantone Rd.)
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