Upper Canada Youth For Christ, serving churches in Upper Canada by building relationships, sharing resources, and following the pulse of God where it is already beating.
"...But to all who believed Him and accepted Him,
He gave the right to become children of God..."
Youth Christmas Party
On December 13 at youth, we had our Christmas party. We decorated one another, had Christmas dinner complete with birthday cake, a gift exchange, and read the Christmas story strait from the Word of God. Each youth was given their own teen Bible. It was a sacred time of honouring Jesus for coming from his throne in heaven, being wrapped in flesh and blood to endure humanity. For love. For the the Father, For us.
On December 10 the youth from Prescott kids Choir and Youth Answer showcased their talents at our annual Christmas Talent show. They did an amazing job!
If you were not able to make it, video was made of some of the performances below in the red boxes.
As adults, we know how difficult the world can be to navigate. Add an insane amount of hormones, modern technology, peer pressure, very little teaching about absolutes, and you have the make up of a modern day teen. Life had its challenges for every generation before, but I believe the youth growing up today, even when given more than enough opportunity to succeed, have not been given the knowledge or tools to live life to its fullest; the way our loving heavenly Father intended for us to live.
The Word gave life to everything that was created...
One advantage youth have today is the hunger for authenticity. They want the real deal... to invest, to experience first hand, to have purpose and meaning, and not to settle for less than the best... which we know is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In Him we find all we need. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus by investing in others eternally, the indwelling and adventure of life in the Holy Spirit, and an authentic relationship with the creator of it all.
...and His life brought light to everyone...
There are a million doors of opportunity to join God in the work he has already begun. He is always at work, always beckoning our hearts eye, and always inviting us as he has since the beginning, to join him in the work He has begun. He is making all things new.
...the light shines in the darkness...
This Christmas join Him in the work He has begun. Jesus came for that neighbour that you cant stand, for that kid that picks on your kid, the coworker that curses His name, the young mom that stands at the bus stop more interested in her phone than her kids that desperately need a hug before they go off to school. God is at work in their lives just as he is in yours. Today He asks you to see with His eyes, and join Him in the work he has set before you.
Upper Canada Youth For Christ, serving churches in Upper Canada by building relationships, sharing resources, and following the pulse of God where it is already beating.
This week at youth we will be having our Christmas party. We will be doing a gift exchange, having a Christmas meal together, singing carols, and Celebrating Jesus' birthday. Most importantly, the Christmas story will be read.
I ask that would pray for a newness to fall upon those that know the Christmas story well. For God to reveal something alive and fresh, that the youth would be able to cherish and keep close to their heart.
For those that do not know the Christmas story well, pray that it might be a new beginning. That the fairy tale of what they think to be Christmas might be seen for what it is, truth understood, and believed.
I will include video and pictures of how the talent show went in a Christmas email. Thank you for your prayer, as this is always a time of beautiful fun and fellowship with many families from the community. The kids were great, and we had three youth not part of the youth group come and ask if they could join us next year! That is another huge answer to prayer!
The National staff conference in Nanimo BC was a beautiful time of uninhibited sharing, God anointed planning, and personal revelation. When surrounded by beauty as breathtaking as the mountains and lakes in Nanimo, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the voice of God. It is humbling to be at the table with some of the best strategic thinkers in youth ministry not just in Canada, but internationally. To learn, to hear, to have a say, and input into shaping strategy for future generations is such a joy, and honour.
Please continue to pray for these strategies at the national level. Growth is happening at such a quick rate with YFC Canada that the National team needs to grow with it. Please pray for the right fits, for discernment in the process, grace for one another, and for Gods continued guided favour.
Upper Canada Youth For Christ, serving churches in Upper Canada by building relationships, sharing resources, and following the pulse of God where it is already beating.
Testimony week...
This week at youth on Tuesday night we will hear testimony from Rev. Tracey Smith, the Anglican pastor at St. John's in Prescott, St Paul's in Cardinal and, St James in Maitland. The churches in Tracey's care have been generous, caring and loving to Youth for Christ since our start 3 years ago. It will be an honour to have her share her story with us.
December 10, 2016 from 6-8 pm at St Andrews Presbyterian church in Prescott we will be holding our Annual Youth Dessert Night Talent show. This is an opportunity for you to support this group of amazing youth, see them in action and show them that you care about what they are doing. Please call me if you would like to purchase tickets! (613) 802-4222 or email me at johanna.freer@yfccanada.org.
Cost of tickets are $20 a couple, $12 a single, and $5 for kids under 12.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
If you are not able to make it to the talent show, but would like to give to this youth group, please follow the link below.
Please Pray for the National Staff retreat this week from Monday to Thursday. We will be planning for the year to come, looking at ways to improve, and seeking God out for the forward movement if YFC across Canada.
Please Pray for Shaun and the girls as well. It will be difficult to be away from one another for that length of time.
