In most of my GP session conversations, the challenges and opportunities concerning our youth takes center stage. The increasing median age of our congregations is one part of that challenge. A more important, and more effective response to the youth challenge and opportunity is to focus and pay attention to our kids. Not just within our circles of congregation families and friends, but those who are our neighbors and residents in our communities. If we are to evidence that focus on kids, and we agree we are ready to love young people in the name of Jesus Christ, we would benefit from relevant resources.

If your congregation has been effective in reaching youth in your community, I would like to know more about your experience. If your session has particular youth-directed mission objectives directed toward kids, please let me know. Resources abound and together we can demonstrate God's love to young people in more sustainable and creative ways.

One resource for sessions and leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of kids is The Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. The annual annual Forum on Youth Ministry will be April 26-29 in Princeton, NJ. The Forum is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in Youth Ministry to spend a week exploring how our theology interacts with our ministry with young people. Youth Pastors, Youth Ministry Volunteers, Senior Pastors, and Parents will all find this event to be a valuable and enriching time.

I have attached a pdf of the flyer for the forum and ask that you please share it with those in your church and community who may be interested in attending. Registration for the event can be done at www.ptsem.edu/iym. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Todd Tracy, IYM Student Worker. Contact info is on the flyer.

Let me know how the presbytery can assist you in getting the resources you may need to love kids in your community.

Jesus understood kids. Paying attention to kids is something all of us can do better.

Sincerely,
Kevin