Youth Group Kickoff

Hey everyone,

Our youth group season started off last Sunday with a wonderful hike on the Bruce Trail. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful blue sky and the gorgeous sunshine as we reconnected for another great season of discussion and fun. After the hike we returned to the church where we enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner.

Hiking out by Kerncliffe Park

Following the dinner we broke off into different groups and played some exciting and enthralling games! The evening was closed off with the famous ‘couch game’ along with some group songs.

A few of the new Youth Groupers

Thanks to everyone who provided us with excellent food and games. We can’t wait to see you all again at our first official devotion session on Sunday, October 4^th.

On behalf of the Youth Group,

Rosalyn Kieft

Roots Leadership Symposium

This past week, a few of the Youth Group leaders had the privilege to attend the Roots Leadership Symposium; the guest speaker was Dr. Steve Foster.

We learned a lot from him and other Youth Group leaders. We learned how different Youth Group’s function, how many leaders they have, if they used a book and what their age range was. We could see what was working for Youth Group’s and what was not.

A few key points that Dr. Steve Foster addressed were:

• If the youth are enthusiastic and vibrant, then your church is healthy!
• The youth are the future leaders of the church
• If Youth Group is not going well, it is up to the youth, parents and consistory to make some changes
• We all need to talk to those who don’t attend, do not leave it up to the leaders. Invite them, talk to them and pay attention to them
• Youth Group is not only a bible study, but also a place of fellowship. Fellowship helps youth rely and trust each other. When they do, discussion are fruitful.
• Money is always a huge issue. Social activities are not well attended because of money. Find ways to fundraise or ask the church for a budget.
• Create a Youth Group bulletin board!
• Ask for prayers from family, friends and the church.

Although we discussed a lot more, it is impossible to write it all down. Our 2 ½ hours was not near long enough! Thanks again Roots, for a great leadership symposium. We hope that there are many more.

Thanks for taking the time to read this L O N G post, we hope you take the time to pray for our upcoming season of bible study and fellowship.

On behalf of Youth Group,

Janelle Kasper

New Season

Hey everyone,

The leaders have been busy over the past few weeks gearing up for the new Youth Group season, deciding on a book to study and planning events already! Just like last year we're in charge of the games at the church picnic - so if you're looking to help out with any activities let one of the leaders know!

Our first major event will be our kickoff potluck dinner at the church on the 13th of September. This won't be a 'formal' meeting, we'll just be getting together, going for a hike at Kerncliffe park, playing some games and eating some stellar food items.

As always, we're open for suggestions on anything and everything throughout the year. You can contact us via e-mail, word of mouth or on our Facebook group, listed below:

E-Mail: bwyouthgroup@gmail.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/nsha2r

Stay tuned for more updates!

On behalf of the leaders,

Mike Krikke

Year End BBQ

Hey everyone!

The year has come to a close for Youth Group, and what an awesome one it has been. The LORD has provided us with both an increased membership and enlightening discussions over the past year, something truly to be thankful for.

We ended off the year with a BBQ at the Kasper's house, with lots of socializing and the largest couch game ever played by our Youth Group! Click the pic below for some more pictures from the final BBQ (thanks to Mr. Kasper for taking them).


Thanks to everyone who helped out throughout the past year, whether it was letting us swarm your house for a meeting one Sunday evening, helping out with events or just being there to pass on some wisdom to us - it was all awesome!

Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming events throughout the summer, be sure to check back here or our Facebook group.

As usual, if you have any suggestions or requests we'd be more than willing to hear them, send us an e-mail at bwyouthgroup@gmail.com

On behalf of the leaders,

Mike Krikke

Friends, Food, Fellowship Dinner

Hey Everyone,

For those of you needing information on the Adult Dinner, or looking to sign up, check out this link below!

Invitation and Information

On behalf of the Leaders,

Thanks,

Mike Krikke

Recent Happenings

Well, sadly the blog has been post-less for quite some time now, and I'll take full responsibility for that one. This doesn't mean the Youth Group hasn't been up to anything lately though! We've had quite the whirlwind of activities over the past month or so both in the form of Youth Group outings and some awesome meetings.

Bulldogs Game (February 6th)

From what I've been told this game was a blast, with just over 40 people showing up to the game under the Youth Group's organization. We saw a fair amount of Youth Group members, along with the friends and families from outside the group which was awesome. For the more sports-oriented people, the game was a 3-2 victory for the Bulldogs over the Senators, with Weber scoring the winner in overtime.

Guest Speaker: Jodi Bezymer (February 8th)

The following Sunday we had a meeting at the church with goodies provided by the Schwantz's (thanks!), where Jodi Bezymer held a speech/discussion session just highlighting some of the issues we as youth face today. She gave us a background of what she does for a living, and gave us handfuls of interesting facts and some great material to discuss amogst ourselves. We also touched on the fact that as a group we're much stronger than we are individually, and if anyone within our Youth Group has issues to reach out to one another for support or assistance!

Goodness: "The LORD is good" (February 22nd)

On the 22nd we went back to our study guide, but this week the meeting was hosted by the DeBoer's (thanks for the awesome hospitality!). Not only was there a change in location though, we had a change in leaders too with Sara and Rachel leading one of the groups - doing an awesome job and provoking much conversation. Lawren and Matt once again led us in worship via the guitar, with Dave harmonizing on his Mandolin (nice touch Dave!). The discussion was great, and we definitely had a lot of time to put our learnings of goodness into practice with others.

Laser Tag (February 27th)

The Youth Group went laser-tagging on the 27th, organized by Carissa and Rosalyn. There was just over 20 people who showed up, and much fun was had by all.

Upcoming events:

Faithfulness (March 8th)

This meeting will be held at the church, as we'll be having a potluck dinner before the meeting (organized by Danielle), a with a plethora of games to be played after the meeting is done! Please e-mail us at bwyouthgroup@gmail.com or check out the facebook group if you are able to bring some food for the dinner.

Adult Dinner (March 28th)

The first annual adult dinner will be hosted in the fellowship hall at Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church. We'll need all the volunteers we can get, so be sure to send an e-mail to the Youth Group with your ability to attend.

Looking forward to seeing you around!

Thanks,

Mike Krikke

Bulldogs Reminder

Hey Everyone

Just a reminder we have a meeting this sunday at the Ludwig's house in Waterdown! We will be studying the Chapter on Kindness. We are meeting at 7:30, come prepared for exciting discussion!

Can't wait to see you all there!!

Also, a reminder about the Bulldogs game! the deadline is fast approaching so get your tickets ordered! if you have any questions feel free to email us at bwyouthgroup@gmail.com . So again, the tickets are priced at:
Students: $16
Kids: $13
Adults: $20
Anyone is welcome to join us! Get your money in to Mike Krikke. . its a game you won't want to miss!!!