Ministering at Workcamp

Jaime has always thought it would be a good idea to get shirts made that say something like the above made and wear them on one of our trips.  Now, we can do one better. 
I’m going to print up ID Cards for all our kids and bring some of the bright yellow lanyards [...]

Carwash Results

When we made the switch to our new system for the carwash this year, there was lots of talk about how much money we’ll raise.  In the past, we’ve called the congregation for donations, then supplemented those donations with “free-will” offerings at the “free” carwash.  We also sold drinks/hot dogs.  It all seemed somehow … [...]

We Are Not The World

Warning: Long post ahead! We’re considering a dress code policy for youth ministry. It could become emotionally charged. It’s difficult, but it’s important. Read on for a lengthy, back and forth look at the problem.
I’m struggling with what to do with regards to a clothing policy for student ministry. The issue [...]

Praying for Youth

My 3 month goal from the National Youth Ministry Conference was to develop a plan for praying for our youth on a regular basis. This would not replace the 3rd Thursday Prayer group (which, btw, actually meets this Thursday because of Maundy Thursday last week), but rather would be a supplement to it. [...]

Rooted, Relevant, Real and Ready

We had an awesome meeting with Erik Ticen, a consultant we’re working with to improve our communications at First Trinity. There were numerous gems we found from the discussion, but the best was his comment that we do an excellent job of celebrating our heritage (tradition) while innovating and being modern. I quipped [...]

A Heart For Youth

I got to spend the better part of two hours sharing with our OPUS (Older Persons Up to Something) group about our student ministry today. I loved my time with them. I love talking about our youth and what we’re doing in ministry with them, and the OPUS gang loved to hear about [...]

Developing Leaders

One of the blessings here at First Trinity is the abundance of people willing to participate in leadership.  Another blessing is that we get to take them to conferences and workshops as a team from time to time.  Some of the Cornerstone small group leaders (Heide, Paul and Phil) are heading to the National Youth [...]

Hopening The Heavens

The weather people were predicting it and it turns out they were right. The heavens did indeed open up Saturday night, dropping snow on the city throughout the evening and most of Sunday. Because of the snow, we had to make a decision about church. Thankfully, just like we tell our youth, [...]

The Joy of Giving

I’m a firm believer that God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.  He calls us to give a portion of our income back to Him.  While we have been freed from the hard “10%” number, I still consider 10% to be a good goal.  The point is not the number, but to [...]

The Big Picture

I happened across this cool photo of the earth today.  When I step back and look at our planet, I realize how small we really are compared to the sheer immensity of it.  I’m struck by the beauty of it, even from a distance into space.  It helps me to understand how all the small [...]