Well, it is the middle of August, some of the trees are beginning to change color, the katydids are singing, and it’s getting darker earlier; that means it’s almost time to go back to school.  With the start of classes, we also start another year of Youth Group.  As I am typing this I am reflecting back on the 2004-2005 Youth Group year, and what a year it was!  Over 90 different young adults attended regular youth group meetings on Sunday nights, and we averaged close to 40 students each week.  With the help of Sarah, Megan, and Carolyn, each week was filled with faith, fun, and friendship.  Who can forget wrapping all those pennies at our Advent Sleepover?  Or the wonderful Fashion Show?  The year culminated with our annual retreat, which even though it rained just about every day, was an unforgettable experience!

We (47 Youth and 7 Chaperones) ventured out on Monday morning, June27th, and headed south to the Ocean County, New Jersey region.  We set up our camps amidst raindrops, and then after lunch went swimming in the drizzle.  A few hours of bible study and get-to-know-you games followed, and then we had dinner.  After dinner we had our opening campfire service “Jesus of the Outdoors”, and then we hit the hay.

Tuesday morning was beautiful, and after breakfast we spent the day and most of the night at Six Flags Great Adventure.  Even though Kingda Ka was down, we all had a great time bonding at the park.

Wednesday morning was spent crabbin’ at Berkeley Park, then after lunch we found ourselves in Seaside Heights; after swimming in the foggy ocean, we cleaned up and spent the evening on the Boardwalk.

Thursday morning brought more rain, and a cancellation of the trip to Barnegat Lighthouse.  We had a lighthouse bible study, and then after Tom and Jody arrived, we departed for Point Pleasant, and a deep-sea fishing cruise.  After arriving back at the campsite, we had dinner, and then our Entertainment Extravaganza, followed by Camper Awards, Senior gifts, Thank You gifts, and our closing communion service.

Friday morning we packed up camp, and headed north to home.  I want to thank the Youth Group Members who behaved so well on the trip, and I want to especially thank Carolyn, Jody, Katie, Megan, Sarah, Sue, Taso and Tom for making the retreat run so smoothly.  I can’t wait for next year!

               So the 2005-2006 Youth Group year is only weeks away, and as I type this, I am typing with only my left hand.  I had arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder, and I will be in a sling for around six weeks.  It will make the first few weeks of school, and the first few months of Youth Group very interesting!  My wife Sue will be one of my helpers this year, and I am looking forward to Sarah, Megan and Carolyn returning as well!

            Thank you all (Congregationally) for all the support you give the Youth Group during the year, without you we would not be able to do many of the things we do.  God bless you all and have a wonderful remainder of the summer!

                         Learning                         

                        Teamwork    

                          Service