The school year is off at full swing, and that means youth group is up and running too. To kick-off the year we had a Redneck Rodeo Extravaganza. The event brought a large turn out; over thirty volunteers helped at some level and nearly forty kids attended. The kids enjoyed an evening of rodeo themed games, learning how to line dance, eating treats from the Roadkill Café, and seeing how long they could last on the barrel mechanical bull. What was amazing to see was the different types of backgrounds all these kids came from. Public schooled, Christian schooled, Homeschooled; churched and unchurched; they all came together to have fun and worship God. Lynn Stoneking and her band led the worship with Art Elingson providing the sound and lights. It was a beautiful picture of what God’s kingdom should look like - likeminded ministries working together to reach kids with God’s love.

The typical Wednesday night sees about 30–35 kids. The backgrounds of those who attend continue to be wide ranged, with the majority on the younger 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grader side. Yes, Cornerstone Student Ministries is now reaching sixth graders. For a sixth grader, staying connected through the middle school transition can be difficult. We made this decision to help ease this transition by giving the kids a choice between Awana and youth group. The evening usually starts out with group games, followed by worship and a message. At the end the kids enjoy a treat while playing nine square and hanging out. The atmosphere of this year’s group is marked with eagerness and joy. Joy in worshiping our Lord in a spirit of freedom, and eagerness in listening and participating with the message. This year, Centerpoint church is sending their kids over to our youth group, officially merging the two together.

Afterburner is a much anticipated event that happens about five times a year. This is a time where all the youth groups in the area come together at The Studio for pizza and a night of worship. We will bring in a band from outside sometimes, but often the students prefer to put together their own group, making the evening a powerful student led time of worshiping God together. The next Afterburner is coming up October 12, and will feature a student band put together by Danica Dick.

The next big event on the youth calendar is going to take place during MEA weekend. The Sr. Highers will be going on a Fall Summit. This is a time to isolate the older kids of our youth group to train them in being leaders within Christ’s body. Jesus’ command is to make disciples, so we’ll be using this weekend to train these kids to follow Jesus’ example and become disciple makers of their own. We’ll also be going to the Wow Zone, on top of doing outreach community projects. We want to show the kids that following after Jesus is about being aware of God’s presence in all areas of life as we learn to enjoy and obey Him in service and in fun.

To find out more about this and grant your child needed permission (and medical release), click on the links below

Parent info and permission slip for Fall Summit

Emergency Medical Release Form

We are grateful for the work God is doing in our midst, calling us to new levels of faith and obedience as we grow in His grace! I recently had a parent approach me and inform me that she couldn’t believe that her daughter was so interested in attending youth group - an unthinkable possibility in years past. I believe God is calling to himself a new generation of teens who love Jesus and live for him. I am just excited to be a part of it! Please, contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or interest in helping (hosting events, helping prepare the snack, etc.). I will try to post new, helpful parent information every 4-6 weeks. Thanks for your prayerful support! 

In Christ,

Micah Siebert

507-822-3741

micahsiebert@gmail.com