Here I go again!

I'm back on this teenager kick one more time!

But somehow I just can't help myself! I mean, its just a big deal and that's all there is to it.

Teenagers. They're just so...uhhh... so wonderful! That's right. Wonderful.

I know the ear rings and the gel and the bleached hair and the platform shoes, etc. look a little funny to some. But, come on, many of us went through bell bottoms, tie-dyes, hippie beads, long-long hair, and Jesus sandals ourselves. So there aren't many innocent ones who can righteously throw the first stone.

Anyway, back to the kids today.

Our community is so full of good kids who make this a pretty nice place to live. Again I say if you want to be blessed just go to a school play or concert, or to a youth sports event (again — ignore the occasional “childish behavior” of some of the adults). This Friday go to your closest high school football game and band performances. You'll see talent and skills and the results of dedication and hard work that will astound you. The football games are pretty good, too. (That's a little joke from us “band parents.”)

There are so many great kids! But these kids (teens) still need some things from us. They still need our support and our encouragement. They need our attention and our listening. They need — and they will even admit it — they need our guidance and direction on the important matters of life.

This is where our area churches are of such value to our local teens. I'm bold enough to declare that every church in this vicinity has a heart for youth and their needs. Each church around here hopes to serve youth and connect with youth in such a way as to help these fine young people grow and mature into the adults and leaders of tomorrow.

If you are a teen, please know that we're here for you. We care about you. About who you are. About what you feel. About what you think. About what you need and want.

If you are a teen and part of one of our local churches, stay close to the worship life and learning opportunities of your church. (Yes, it is YOUR church) Don't let your busy schedule crowd out your pipeline to and from God.

If you are a teen without a connection to a church, check it out with your friends about their churches. See if you could go with them to something their church does for youth. If none of your friends goes to a church, check it out on your own to find out what a nearby church is offering for youth. Then ask a friend or friends to go with you when you find something that's “cool.” OK?

And those of us in church leadership, let's rededicate ourselves to forming and keeping relationships with youth — helping them to grow in faith on this key leg of their life's journey.

Which brings me again to the thankful celebration of the commitment the members and friends of my church have made to youth ministry. As one of the many churches in this community offering ministry with and for youth, we have been so blessed to have what we call the “God Squad” at Prince of Peace.

The “God Squad” is middle school and high school youth who meet late in the afternoon every Sunday of the school year to prepare a musical play (sometimes drama, sometimes nearly comedy) for a “show” to be given about the time school is out. What the youth learn about themselves and others and life and God is outstanding. Then they turn around and teach it to the rest of us. And not everyone is a singing and dancing star. But there's always something for everybody to contribute.

Mrs. Karen King is the “God Squad's” director. She's great! She loves the Lord and the kids. She knows each one and values each one as precious individuals. She did this job for eight years as a dedicated “volunteer” (we call these people “disciples” because they're not really volunteers). Finally, after all these years she now is on our church staff serving youth and directing “God Squad,” which is such a blessing. I tell her she “earns more than $100,000 a year... but we just can't pay her near what she earns!”

Mrs. King and the teens are always welcoming more and more kids into this fun and productive group. Last year 55 of the wonderful youth of this community (have you heard me say that before?) took their “show on the road” to Texas. They were a blessing everywhere they went. This year we hope to have even more “wonderful youth” as part of this blessing.

So, I lift up all the youth and youth leaders and all the churches' youth ministries once again. I have often said that we get our “highest highs and our lowest lows” from youth ministry. It takes extra special gifts from God to serve in this capacity. So keep up the good work. It is so important and such a necessary part of our community. You are a great blessing to us all. Thanks! And we thank God for you.

May God bless you all as you begin a “new year” of activities.

You're the bomb!

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