Hey Youth Group Families, Happy Fall! I hope you had a great summer and are ready to return a structured schedule punctuated by bells and whistles and very little sleep. No? Me neither!

As we begin this spectacular season of orange leaves, brown footballs, pink cheeks and blue skies, let’s take a moment and think back to where we came from. No, not that far back. Just eight years. We started this little gamble called “youth group”. It was a funny assortment of kids and adults. Did you know that we’ve now graduated out the last of that first generation of AARDVARKS? (The Class of 2006 were once the “babies” of youth group!) We are onto our third generation of students (the mighty Class of 2014) coming into the youth ministry programs at NPC. That’s incredible! Look at how God has used you and me to increase the harvest of His Kingdom!

SO, now we move into a weird season for youth ministry. We have an amazing QUALITY of students—you love Jesus, you are increasing in knowledge and Spirit daily—but not great QUANTITY of students. Therefore, we are going to play to our strengths and hopefully build some numbers. That means until further notice both youth groups will meet at 6:08 p.m. and will conclude at 7:32 p.m. Yes, we will be doing activities together. Yes, your parents might show up to help. Yes, sixth grade boys and high school girls will have to coincide for a few moments. GET OVER IT! Games and worship will be bigger and better than ever. We can have all sorts of small groups and break-out sessions. Everyone can get to know and (dare I pray it) care for one another. Bethany and Scott Harmon are back to help volunteer and Pastor Brad is re-joining the leadership to keep up on his pop culture 4-1-1, yo. Each group will retain its unique character and style and vibe, we’ll just all be in the building at once. It’s going to be fabtastic!

Einstein. Edison. Ben & Jerry. The great experimenters of all time. And now, the youth groups of Northwood Presbyterian Church. Put on the white lab jacket, dust off the beakers. Let’s dive in!  Love, JAMIE