A Message from Steve Moody - DCOTN Youth Group Leader.
The Youth and I are thrilled to begin a brand new season together! After a refreshing summer break, we gathered on August 20th to kick things off. Our first night back saw just under 30 students in attendance, and we couldn't be more excited to dive into the year ahead. As the school year begins, our first few weeks will focus on facing any anxieties and fears with the strength and confidence that comes from our faith in Jesus. It's so important for us to remember, especially during challenging times, that we are never alone. As Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Currently, we’re still meeting on Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 PM in the Sanctuary. However, we’re just weeks away from moving into our brand-new teen center next door, and the kids are absolutely buzzing with excitement about it! If you have a child in grades 6-12, I encourage you to consider having them join us. Our evenings are split into two parts: we start with a lesson that deepens our understanding of God and our faith, and then we move into some fun games and activities in the gym. It's a time to grow together—learning about God, one another, and ourselves.
I'm also excited to share some wonderful changes happening behind the scenes with our Youth Group. While I’ll continue to lead on Wednesday evenings and organize special activities once a month, I’m grateful to have some incredible support. Melissa Bennett and Alison Lynch will be helping with the administrative tasks, as well as taking the lead on all things related to the Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) taking place next year in Salt Lake City. For those who may not know, there are ongoing meetings and activities that are crucial for keeping our Youth Group moving forward, and their willingness to step in and assist is truly a blessing.
Additionally, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Bill Schaffner for his invaluable help last season with our students who are further along in their faith journey. Mr. Bill has been such a blessing to these young people. Many of our kids are still learning the basics of salvation, the life of Jesus, and the core tenets of our faith, and his involvement has allowed me to focus on nurturing those just beginning their spiritual walk. His presence in their lives has made a significant difference.
As many of you know, I've been reaching out for additional help in recent years. We are always in need of adults to lend an extra set of eyes and ears, especially when we break into games and activities during the second part of the evening. If you're interested in volunteering, please know that there's no commitment to a weekly schedule. Even just stopping by once a month or every couple of months would be such a huge help and greatly appreciated.
Lastly, I ask for your continued prayers for our youth. They are an incredible group of young people who face challenges that many of us can’t even imagine at their age. Please also keep Melissa and Alison in your prayers as they continue in their roles behind the scenes, balancing meetings, organizing fundraisers, and coordinating with our larger Church of the Nazarene family on both a local and national level.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Your support and prayers mean the world to us as we embark on this exciting new season. Wishing you all countless blessings!
With gratitude,
Steve
