Good morning parents! 

This past week I got back into my groove and rejoined the students in the "Can I Ask That?" material. We have just started to ask the question "Does the Bible contradict itself?" and will likely stay here for another week or two. This book is designed to facilitate discussion and help students ask themselves hard questions in a safe environment. As we continue this discussion, this would be an excellent opportunity to connect with your students about what they believe and why! You may find that your student is passionate in ways you weren't aware of before! 

In youth group we are continuing to talk about faith in the midst of an anxious world. This past week Nick led us through the call of Simon Peter and we spent some time in small groups asking ourselves how we might be able to handle conflict better in our homes. I am of the opinion that 90% of student/parent communication breaks down because of a lack of "shared meaning." When a parent says "No, you can't go on a cross country road trip," its not because they enjoy making their child suffer. They are likely trying to protect their child from possible dangers or are aware that a cross country trip isn't financially viable. Unfortunately, the student may hear "My parents don't trust me," or "They don't want me to go because they hate me." This might seem a little contrived, but neither side is adding to the shared meaning. The parents are communicating love in the form of protection or concern, but the student sees it as restrictive and responds in a rebellious way. 

We asked students to talk to you about the things that they have noticed help in the midst of disagreement and the things that make it worse. I would encourage you to dive into that conversation as deeply as you are willing. I'm very passionate about parent/student relationships and I think that taking the time to have hard or even potentially awkward conversations about strengths and weaknesses in times of tension can really help both parties understand one another better. 

Thanks for checking in as usual! 

Good morning parents! 

For those of you who may not have heard, I am officially a dad now! Dynelle gave birth to our son Ezra on 2/4/20 and we are figuring out what parenting is like :) 

This past week my volunteers covered Sunday school and youth group, and from what I hear it all went very well! We are still going through Can I Ask That in the morning and we will start week two of "Faith in an Anxious World" at youth group! 

Ill be sure to leave a more comprehensive update next week! 

​Have a wonderful rest of your week! 

Good morning! 

I'm updating the website from a hospital room at 4am! So obviously, I wont be at programming this week, but programming is still going on! 

This upcoming week in Sunday school we are continuing the question "Can I trust the Bible?" and in youth group we will be beginning our "Faith in an Anxious World" curriculum! 

Our wonderful volunteers are going to be taking over for me for the next two weeks while I am on paternity leave, but I will try to throw a few pictures up here and update as necessary! 

​Have a great week!