Hey parents! 

Thanks again for taking time out of your day to check in on what were doing at youth group. Yesterday in Sunday school, we talked about some apparent contradictions in the Gospels. After reading the different accounts of Jesus' resurrection, we all came to the same conclusion that variations in viewpoint don't need to worry us. In fact, having different viewpoints actually may add credibility to the Gospels. Next week, we are going to finish that discussion, and dive into whether or not Christians can believe in evolution. All the students seemed really excited for that! 

At IMPACT we spend some time hanging out, eating snacks and getting to know some new faces. We spent the majority of the time talking about the current state of youth ministry in Zeeland and the different things that I can and can not do. We brainstormed some great ideas  about things we can do besides our regular Sunday programming. My hope is that I can offer your children multiple opportunities to interact with the faith community they have in youth group throughout the school week. We decided that every Wednesday and Thursday after school I will be available to hang out and buy coffee for them at Mainstreet beanery from 2:45 till 4:00.

I'm super blessed by your kids, and I have great hopes for the things God is doing in and through them!

If you can make it, please join us after IMPACT next week for a Super bowl party!! RSVP here!  

Yesterday in Sunday school, we wrapped up our conversation on whether or not we could trust the Bible. Unsurprisingly, we all agreed that we CAN. If you have the opportunity, ask your students about the article that I sent home with them on the historical reliability of the OT. There is some really cool info out there. Next week, we ask the question "does the Bible contradict itself?" 

As far as IMPACT goes, we had some good fellowship, played some dodgeball, and I shared how God used some not so great events to bring me into a deeper relationship with Him in my testimony. Next week, we're going to be discussing the best way to reach unchurched youth in the Zeeland area, and potentially forming a student leadership group. The following Sunday (Feb. 5) we will be having a superbowl party directly following IMPACT.  More info on that will be on the trips and events tab within the day. Any and everybody is invited! 

From my point of view, yesterday was amazing. Sunday School went very well, and we started the first chapter in "Can I Ask That." We only got halfway through, but the discussion was lively. We're talking about whether or not we can trust the Bible. (Spoiler: we can.) Next week we are planning to go more in depth on both how we know that Scripture is both accurate and inspired. If you would like to see a copy of some of the material were using, feel free to shoot me an E-mail! 

IMPACT was lots of fun too. We broke out the wii again and spent some time playing mario cart and some pictionary. Pastor Tom was there and shared a little bit about his life and the way that God worked in strange ways to land a man with a chemistry degree on a career path in ministry. 

I also got a little overzealous with questions afterward, and held onto your kids for an extra 15 minutes. Sorry :( 

Again, next weeks IMPACT is going to consist of some more fellowship time, a game or activity, and then I'm going to be sharing my testimony. I promise to get your kids back to you on time! I hope you all have a blessed week, and never hesitate to contact me! 

Hey friends! 

This week in Sunday School we are going to be starting our journey with the book Can I Ask That. We're going to begin by covering the "lens" through which we are going to approach these questions. If you're interested in seeing the presentation we are going to look at you can see it here.

Our goal is to establish a foundation and an environment where interacting with both the questions and each other is comfortable and easy. If you're interested in having a copy of the material for next week, just shoot me an email. The question we are going to tackle is "Can I trust the Bible?"

This week at IMPACT Pastor Tom is going to be sharing his personal testimony. We have been having leaders in the Church come in and share the way that God not only brought them to faith but has also continued working in their lives. If you'd like to hear a little bit more about me and my story, you are more than welcome to join next week!

​I hope you all have a wonderful week!