I feel like we have had a lot of heavy conversations the past couple weeks. I also don't think that's a bad thing. 

But i am really proud of the way you guys have taken it. Talking about things like gay marriage and women in the church have the potential to cause some serious disagreement. You all handle it so freaking well. So thank you for that, and I'm gonna ask that you bear with me through one more of those conversations. 

It just seems like the stage is set for a conversation about what Biblical marriage and relationships DO look like. We've heard a lot about what things shouldn't look like and it seems really depressing. I don't want to leave you feeling like marriage is this super hard complicated thing that isn't even worth the effort. That's just not true. 

But that does mean that this Sunday during IMPACT things might seem awkward. My promise to you is that I will be as conscious of that as possible, and make it as chill as I can. Sex is never easy to talk about, but we're not looking at this like its 9th grade health class. The Bible has some pretty important (and relevant) things to say about how you are supposed to look at sexuality and marriage. 

So don't shy away because it could be weird. It might be, but it will also hopefully help you see your male or female-ness in a new and beautiful light. 

Thanks for being ok with these deeper talks :) 

A couple weeks ago we talked about ways that you can reconnect with church humans throughout the week. I'm still at mainstreet beanery from  2:45 till 4:00 every Wednesday and Thursday. I'll even buy your coffee. We have also accidentally started a weekly thing on Friday nights. I have a projector and 7.1 surround in my basement, so movie/video game night has been a thing. This (much like IMPACT) is a great opportunity to invite your friends who may not be too keen on going to a "Youth Group" event. We also have board games galore, and as soon as the weather is good we can have fires consistently. Just text me if you wanna come and how many people you're bringing. We'll have fun. 

Have a great week guys, don't forget to affirm some people who might need it! 

First off, thanks for being talkative last night. I reaaallly value that feedback. It's kinda my nightmare that I'll start doing all these things and they aren't even that interesting to you guys. I'm gonna start trying to plan an event that's really casual probably every other week (Game night, movie night, ridiculous teambuilding stuff, etc.). I'll also start looking into things like a night at crazy bounce or skyzone every once in a while. 

Not-so-shameful plug incoming. A super bowl party directly following IMPACT is a great way to get your friends to come and be in a loving community! If you know anyone who needs a little love (especially of the Jesus variety), take them to both things!! IMPACT is going to feature a large dose of sardines and a short devo. 

I'll also bring double dash. So...come. :D 

Also, come represent our boys Kam and Noah at the Zeeland rec dance concert. I'm going on Friday!

When we were talking about the OT article, some of you wanted some articles that are similar for the New Testament. These are some of those that I really liked.

This one is a little easier to understand.

But this one has all those nitty gritty details that I love.

If this is really interesting, but you don't feel like you want to read a bazillion facts, let me know and ill take some time this week and pull out highlights for you. I'm a nerd and I love that stuff. 

So, I may just be overly optimistic, but I felt really good about yesterday. Aside from the whole keeping you for an extra 15 minutes at IMPACT. Whoops. 

I like the group we have a lot. I love that we had people talking and engaged during sunday school. IMPACT was a blast (dumbo octopus and carburetor still kill me). And I hope you guys are liking what we're doing. 

Just so you kind of have a feel for where I am, I'm just now getting into a rhythm where I can start to do fun things like post up at a coffee shop or start planning movie nights. The only issue I'm running into is I have no idea what your schedules look like. Is there a day or something that works best for everyone? 

Also if there was anything you really liked or really hated, TELL ME PLEASE. Despite what you think, I am neither a mind reader nor a prophet. I want this to be fun and informative. 

​Thanks! ​