A New Season

Boy...summer flew in. I cannot believe that summer is over and people are getting back to school, uni, work. For once, I was part of a Church community that didn't shut up shop for the two months of summer! Don't get me wrong, it is good to have a break, and I certainly enjoyed mine, and it was sorely needed. However, it is also good (at least as a youth worker) to realise that there is a very real need for our young people. That for them, summer can be a long time, and if we do not engage with them, if we do not connect with them, it can be a negative time for them. I was so blessed to have certain things come together which meant that this summer, we had around 50 hours of engagement with young people in Crumlin, as well as Summer Madness, Impact (street reach) and a kids bible club. I think that is just amazing, and already I have seen so much benefit from just opening our doors for a couple of hours a week over the summer. Young people are asking questions, they are showing interest in being more involved, and the opportunity for some of our younger leaders to actually just get a chance to lead was great.

That being said, the challenge now is how we bring this into the new school term. Obviously (and rightly so) priorities shift; people focus on work, study etc. How do we continue to meaningfully engage with young people without facing burn out. This is the question I must answer in the next few months!

One other thing summer is good for is weddings! I have been at three this summer, and they have been fun times-opportunities to meet with old friends, and wish the happy couple well. I had a crazy weekend last week, with two weddings in two days. I would not want to do that too often, but by the end of the second wedding, I was just deliriously happy, to the extent I hated myself (those who know my cynical side will empathise!). I have also enjoyed spending time with a new arrival; Bag and Emma's son, Jude. It's been great getting to know him, and I really look forward to being a part of his life (Lord help the kid with me as his 'uncle'!).

So, a new season indeed. Looking forward and seeking God, trying to grow and move in the right way. It will be exciting, fun, scary and challenging. Times like these are what I live for (and hopefully Arsenal will win this season!).

Adieu