Well than, apparently I have been here at Kaléo almost exactly a month. And that is crazy.
So, as I stated in my last journal entry, I have been going to The Meeting Place for the past few weeks, and things are going quite swimmingly!
Me Janelle and Jim have all had some excellent opportunities to build some ground level relationships with many people who attend and work at TMP. In regards to intentional connections with youth and children, I would have to say I haven't really had any opportunities to talk or interact with many past the surface level. I think part of this is because we are just starting out, but also because we are involved in only the friday fun night youth group, and not the Wednesday Bible study. Although I do enjoy playing games on Friday nights, and I understand that in Kaléo we have a fairly time restrictive schedule, I feel like I am missing out on a lot of spiritual growth that is happening in the kids that I see on Fridays.
The Sunday morning service goes a little differently though. I typically work with kids who are in grades 2-6, and the time I have with them is quite short. One thing i really like is the way TMP leaders organize our Sunday school plan; each week I receive an email that contains the entire lesson, along with anything I need to be prepared for and everything. I have found this incredibly helpful, because it allows me to be in the right mindset as I am walking into the Kids Place, preparing to help with a lesson.
With regards to pastors and other leaders in our church, I have been mostly connecting with the youth pastor. Jordan and his wife Jen are fairly new to the pastoral role at TMP, but so far they have done awesome! Each Friday that I have seen them organize has ended up providing a safe environment where kids can come to have fun and be active. I feel quite confident in my connections at our church, but I am still looking forwards to building stronger and deeper relationships with many others with whom I haven't yet talked to.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more ad you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-26
Jordan, thank you for your honesty in sharing the struggles in building deeper more meaningful relationships with the youth at TMP, especially on the Friday night. It was nice to hear how, even though the time is short with the kids on Sunday morning, you are making the most of it and making an effort. Can't wait to hear more!
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