July 2013 Article in "The Call" --- Cedar Creek COG Newsletter

          

          I can only remember one better June in all of my days. This has probably been the busiest June in all of my days, but it was right up there with the best June ever! I think I’ll choose to be careful here; the best June in the life of E.J. was the one back in 2008 when my lovely wife and I were married. She is the one God chose for me and definitely is a blessing straight from heaven. Nevertheless, June 2013 is going to be one to remember as well. It started with church camp. Camp Greene is an event that I am not directly responsible for, and for that I am thankful. I could not begin to fill the shoes of those who direct such events. It is a bird of a different color. I did take great joy in participating in what I hope was a helpful manner. Roles and strategies aside, here is the point: God works through church camp. I saw souls saved, lives changed, friendships made, friendships repaired, etc… Souls were saved!! Heaven is rejoicing because of the fruits of the labor of those who manned Camp Greene. I almost feel guilty, though. I was amazed at God’s awesome participation during church camp, and I should have been expecting it. Then came vacation bible school at Cedar Creek. This too was an amazing event. I am not sure about quantity, as the numbers might have been a little bit off, but the quality was (as it always is) amazing. There were knights adorning the halls of faux rock, there were dukes, earls, kings, queens, and every mid-evil creature imaginable. “Kingdom Rock” was the theme. Most importantly, there was an atmosphere focused on educating children about the ways and love of God. I was extremely excited to be a part of this event, too. A huge “thanks” goes out to those who helped with and helped orchestrate such an amazing event. Also, thanks go to God for His guidance and blessing. If you read this newsletter locally, and you have children, please put Cedar Creek’s VBS on your 2014 to-do list. You and your children will not be disappointed.   

            There are some exciting venues on the horizon for the Cedar Creek Church of God Youth Group. I cannot divulge all of them in this month’s letter, as some of them are still in the processing stage. However, I will give you a little taste of the excitement that lies ahead. We are now one year away from IYC 2014. Next year’s international youth convention will be h eld in Nashville. Since it will be so close, we are going to do all that we can to take full advantage of this ministry opportunity. We are now entering the heavy planning stage for this event, so your prayers are much appreciated. Also, the youth group is excited about a couple of mission-minded opportunities that lie ahead. These, again, are still in the processing stage. We are excited to divulge our decisions, but it may take a couple of weeks to finalize them. A few fundraising opportunities are developing as well. The potato crop will be coming in within the next month or so. You do not understand how excited I am to see these young men and women dig an acre of potatoes! If you are interested in supporting the youth group by purchasing some potatoes, please be in contact with me pretty soon so I can put you on the order list. The Thunderbird project is making headway as well. It has been in the shop for the past month or so, but I expect the students to be polishing her out in no time flat.

           

So far, it has been a busy summer. Some people who study youth ministry patterns say that ministry stops during the summer. Some go as far as to cancel services in June and July. With all due respect, these people have missed the mark. Well, at least for our neck of the woods they have. Sure ministry patterns change during the summer. A youth pastor must minister to those who show up. A minister might even have to change methods a little. Families are gone on vacation and (as frustrating as it may be at times) trips to the lake and golf course slip in on occasion. We as ministers must not waiver. Those who negate summer ministry should have been at Cedar Creek this past June; The Holy Spirit sure was there, and for that I am thankful. This June was no off-season, nor do I think any June should be.

 When you get the next newsletter, our summer will be winding down. Students will be gearing up for school, and the youth ministry will be planning accordingly. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your July. I pray that God protects and blesses you during this season of fun. We serve an amazing God that will “never leave nor forsake you,” but “life more abundant” is there for the taking should you choose to draw nearer to God. Choose well my friends, as the choice if yours!

 Blessings, prayer, and love in your direction,

Pastor E.J.