We are leaving Monday for 2.5 weeks and we'd appreciate your prayers as we travel.
Sept 22-24th we'll be in regional staff meetings in Lansing, IA
Sept 25-30th we'll be in Lansing, MI and the Detroit area visiting some of the urban ministry projects going on
Sept 30-Oct 2nd we will be at Mackinac Island in northern Michigan
Oct 3-7th we will be visiting the urban ministries in Chicago
Oct 7th we'll be back in Minnesota
Oct 10-12 we have the regional collegiate fall conference in Lansing, IA
We look forward to telling you about our visits when we get back and get caught up on sleep!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Northern Surprise Southern Style by Christin
I'm not going to lie I was a little nervous about my upcoming birthday, one with it being a milestone and two being so far from home. But the weekend could not have gone better or been more special. Our dear friend and old roommate from Colorado, who now lives in South Carolina, Caryn, flew in completely SURPRISING me! She and Aimee cooked the whole thing up without my knowledge! When she walked through the door I was speechless. I was so shocked all I could do was cry, laugh and squeal. Caryn said my face was priceless. This is us trying our best to recreate the moment.
We, all along with our new Minneapolis, friend, Marilyn, headed up to Duluth for the weekend.
From sweet gifts and fun meals to an overnight stay, they spoiled me rotten! It was a nonstop celebration. We had such a good time.
From sweet gifts and fun meals to an overnight stay, they spoiled me rotten! It was a nonstop celebration. We had such a good time.
Thanks SO much Aimee, Marilyn and CARYN for making my birthday weekend more memorable than I could have imagined!
Duluth is about 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities. It's right on Lake Superior, which would fit all the other Great Lakes in it. If Lake Superior was frozen over, everyone in the world could each have a 12x12 blanket and sit on the lake! It's huge!
In the harbor in Duluth, there is an aerial lift bridge that lifts up when the ships go under it. You can stand under the bridge while it is lifting up and coming back down.
Before (ship #1)
Before (ship #1)
During (Ship #2) and After
What does it mean to be in your 20s?
Christin and I are helping with a workshop at the fall conference in October about preparing for the work world. We wanted to get some feedback from some of our friends who have made this transtion. I thought I would share some of their thoughts to help paint a picture of why a 20-something ministry is so important.
What were some overall feelings or emotions you experienced?
-Disappointment that my social life basically came to a screeching halt after having been involved in tons of activities at college
-Being unsure, frustration, excitement, nostalgia, impatient, discouraged, disappointed
-Like I didn't fit in because of where I was at in my life
-Stressed out and inadequate
--Well, fear obviously. Being in the "real world" apart from the safety bubble that is college, having to pay rent and bills, possibly moving to another city or state even...all of this can definitely create out some fear. But at the same time for me there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation, especially of moving to a different place. The newness of it all, and in some ways a chance to "start over" with a new job, new friends, new city, new surroundings
number 1 emotion: loneliness
How did God reveal Himself in a new way to you after college?
-When I was especially lonely, his companionship meant more than at any other time in my life--When I felt I couldn't do my job adequately, I relied on him to "send me help from the sanctuary"
-The most evident for me has been that God is always guiding me.
-God has a plan and you are a part of it. Let Him work through you.
-God continued to show me his faithfulness in providing jobs, friends, and a church.
-God said "I have blessed you with many strong Christian influences and leaders that have helped mold you into the person you are in order that you can now lead others.
-I've let God use me in surprising and neat ways.
What is one piece of advice you'd offer to people getting ready to transition out of college?
-Ask the Lord for guidance in all decisions
-Keep expectations at a minimum, and realistic
-Go out into the real world is to get involved in a church/small group/etc.
-Every experience and each step will lend skills that will inevitably be used down the road
-Work diligently and in a God-honoring way where ever you are. Don't be afraid to take a less than perfect job while you are ironing out the details of the long-term. But, also, don't feel like you need to take the first thing that comes along if God is not giving you peace about it. This is a great time to take a couple months to serve overseas before you get settled into a regular job.
-Take time to really invest in those friendships that you know are going to last.
-Put forth effort. Get out and get involved. Don't look back. Try to establish roots. As I've transitioned and I've seen my friends transition, I think the ones who've had the hardest time or the people that are discouraged or depressed about their situation are the ones who've said, "I don't have time for anything but school right now." or "Let me get established in my job before I decide to get involved in anything else." Visit different churches, even if you have to go by yourself. If you need to, have someone you know keep you accountable to going and not skipping out because you don't want to go by yourself. Find fellow Christians in your workplace or school and ask them for recommendations for churches or ask them if you can join their small group. Other simple things - Meet your neighbors. Take time to explore your new city and see what interesting things it has to offer.
-Make community a priority!
-Live in the moment. Although new things and transitions can be exciting, enjoy the end of your college career. Don't be too excited for the future that you don't focus on the present.
-Your first job will almost definitely not be your dream job, and you may even feel insecure or disappointed during the transition when things don't go as you plan. Don't make a decision solely based on money/salary!!
-Even though our society tells you to stay young forever, there is great value in “growing up.”
What were some overall feelings or emotions you experienced?
-Disappointment that my social life basically came to a screeching halt after having been involved in tons of activities at college
-Being unsure, frustration, excitement, nostalgia, impatient, discouraged, disappointed
-Like I didn't fit in because of where I was at in my life
-Stressed out and inadequate
--Well, fear obviously. Being in the "real world" apart from the safety bubble that is college, having to pay rent and bills, possibly moving to another city or state even...all of this can definitely create out some fear. But at the same time for me there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation, especially of moving to a different place. The newness of it all, and in some ways a chance to "start over" with a new job, new friends, new city, new surroundings
number 1 emotion: loneliness
How did God reveal Himself in a new way to you after college?
-When I was especially lonely, his companionship meant more than at any other time in my life--When I felt I couldn't do my job adequately, I relied on him to "send me help from the sanctuary"
-The most evident for me has been that God is always guiding me.
-God has a plan and you are a part of it. Let Him work through you.
-God continued to show me his faithfulness in providing jobs, friends, and a church.
-God said "I have blessed you with many strong Christian influences and leaders that have helped mold you into the person you are in order that you can now lead others.
-I've let God use me in surprising and neat ways.
What is one piece of advice you'd offer to people getting ready to transition out of college?
-Ask the Lord for guidance in all decisions
-Keep expectations at a minimum, and realistic
-Go out into the real world is to get involved in a church/small group/etc.
-Every experience and each step will lend skills that will inevitably be used down the road
-Work diligently and in a God-honoring way where ever you are. Don't be afraid to take a less than perfect job while you are ironing out the details of the long-term. But, also, don't feel like you need to take the first thing that comes along if God is not giving you peace about it. This is a great time to take a couple months to serve overseas before you get settled into a regular job.
-Take time to really invest in those friendships that you know are going to last.
-Put forth effort. Get out and get involved. Don't look back. Try to establish roots. As I've transitioned and I've seen my friends transition, I think the ones who've had the hardest time or the people that are discouraged or depressed about their situation are the ones who've said, "I don't have time for anything but school right now." or "Let me get established in my job before I decide to get involved in anything else." Visit different churches, even if you have to go by yourself. If you need to, have someone you know keep you accountable to going and not skipping out because you don't want to go by yourself. Find fellow Christians in your workplace or school and ask them for recommendations for churches or ask them if you can join their small group. Other simple things - Meet your neighbors. Take time to explore your new city and see what interesting things it has to offer.
-Make community a priority!
-Live in the moment. Although new things and transitions can be exciting, enjoy the end of your college career. Don't be too excited for the future that you don't focus on the present.
-Your first job will almost definitely not be your dream job, and you may even feel insecure or disappointed during the transition when things don't go as you plan. Don't make a decision solely based on money/salary!!
-Even though our society tells you to stay young forever, there is great value in “growing up.”
Monday, September 15, 2008
Training and Jesse James Days
We had some training with a couple who is just beginning the b2g ministry in Kansas City. We learned the history of the b2g ministry here in Minneapolis. On Saturday, we went to "The Defeat of Jesse James Days" in Northfield, MN. In Sept of 1876, Jesse James and his gang rode into Northfield intending to rob the bank. The townspeople and the bank employees successfully stopped the robbery and this eventually helped lead to the defeat of the James-Younger gang.
Every year, the town does a reenactment. (in order: The Bank, the Innocent Bystanders, The Robbers, The Plan, The Shootout, The End)
Every year, the town does a reenactment. (in order: The Bank, the Innocent Bystanders, The Robbers, The Plan, The Shootout, The End)
B2G Notes
We are learning a lot about the ministry the Navigators has to the 20s generation (b2g). I thought I'd share a few of the things we've learned about.
One of the programs b2g has is called City Life. This is an opportunity for people in their 20s out of college to move to a new city, find a job and be trained and plugged in with various ministries in that city. The vision behind this is to come alongside people in their 20s for a year of knowing and being known, living and discipling with friends who love our Lord and among those yet to experience Jesus. City Life is designed to help people in three key areas: Christ, Community and Career. This is the first year for this ministry. There are six cities across the country set up right now-Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle and Washington DC.
Last night, we had the kickoff BBQ for the Bible study we will be doing this next year. Christin and I will be a part of it as we're able for the time we're here. The curriculum we are studying covers topics like community, transformation, worship, kingdom of God, Christ in culture and missional living. There will also be retreats and seminars scattered throughout the year. We will keep you posted on how this is going. There were about 15 people at the BBQ last night. It's exciting to be a part of something that is just beginning!
If you'd like to read more about this you can visit the website: www.navigators.org/citylife
One of the programs b2g has is called City Life. This is an opportunity for people in their 20s out of college to move to a new city, find a job and be trained and plugged in with various ministries in that city. The vision behind this is to come alongside people in their 20s for a year of knowing and being known, living and discipling with friends who love our Lord and among those yet to experience Jesus. City Life is designed to help people in three key areas: Christ, Community and Career. This is the first year for this ministry. There are six cities across the country set up right now-Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle and Washington DC.
Last night, we had the kickoff BBQ for the Bible study we will be doing this next year. Christin and I will be a part of it as we're able for the time we're here. The curriculum we are studying covers topics like community, transformation, worship, kingdom of God, Christ in culture and missional living. There will also be retreats and seminars scattered throughout the year. We will keep you posted on how this is going. There were about 15 people at the BBQ last night. It's exciting to be a part of something that is just beginning!
If you'd like to read more about this you can visit the website: www.navigators.org/citylife
Monday, September 1, 2008
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