Week # 2 found the group making use of the bigger space in the Youth Room. The good news is all of our families stuck with us, and the better news is that we had some newcomers! The beatitude that we talked about was "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4)
Kelly led the discussion about how 'to mourn' could mean to grieve, or to feel sorrow for sins. The table talks were about the book of Joel and the idea of group blame within a community and later about how they have seen God in a time when they needed comfort. The 'Wailing Wall' (which greatly resembles a giant letter 'B') was started with our own prayers of mourning - either for those in need of comfort, or in sorrow for our sins. It is hoped that the Wailing Wall will continue to be used throughout the duration of this class and beyond - it's going to stay in the hallway by the Youth Room, and extra paper is available on the bulletin board nearby.
As everyone selected their challenge(s) for the week, a reminder was given that the class will not meet over President's Day Weekend, but will pick up again the following week on Feb. 27th in the Youth Room. So feel free to extend the challenge for 2 weeks, or do two! If you are participating, please check in to let us know how it is going and to support the rest of the group. Photos are great! Hint: Remember to click on the highlighted 'comments' at the bottom of the page to get started...
If you have any questions, email Denise at Denise@yardleychurch.org
Have a blessed week, all!
Week #2 Challenges:
1. Going. Going. Gone. Consider yourself and those you know who mourn the loss of broken dreams or futures that will never happen. How does God redeem the dreams and futures of those he loves?
2. 99 balloons closer to the kingdom. Watch "99 Balloons" on youtube. Share the burden of mourning by getting a helium-filled balloon and letting it go for those who are in mourning, remembering God's promise of comfort.
3. A panoramic view. Go to tinyurl.com/cxljo8. Learn and pray about those mourning in situations of war, exile, genocide or poverty.
4. An internal war. Those who serve in our military are at a high risk of depression and suicide. Go to anysoldier.com to send a letter or package to a soldier needing comfort.
5.Wanna see someone's face light up? Attend a hospital visitation with your pastor.
6.Remember life before singing animation and e-cards? Handwrite a letter to someone in your life who is struggling with a hopeless or depressing situation. A text or phone call would be nice. A list of YUMC shut-ins is available. Remember God will be doing a lot of comforting through you; it's by Christ that you can do all things (Phil. 4:13).
7.Make a List. Ask 3 people what sins they feel are most prevalent in our nation's teen population. Spend quiet time allowing God to break your heart for those sins, and if applicable ask God to free you from a sin's hold on your life.
8. Create your own. Create a challenge for your family that reflects 'Blessed are those who mourn...'
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