In the morning the counselors were decorated with cupcakes and in the afternoon…a shaving cream fight!! Welcome to MESSY DAY at LSC’s RECESS!! After the kids were totally messy with all the shaving cream, we let them climb into the borrowed church vans and roll around! 
On September 11 (this date is forever tainted in the collective memory – just saying it feels weird – but what are ya gonna do?) we bring back THREE identical services. BUT, instead of a Sunday evening time, we are going to have THREE Sunday morning worship services – 9:00, 10:30, and 11:55!
Yes…I said 11:55. Not NOON! 11:55 a.m. Noon would be WAY TOO late to have a worship service!
At the Living Stones Church we serve Little Caesar’s Pizza. Why? Because it is Jesus‘ favorite. You may be wondering why. It has to do with a theology of Jesus’ identification with the “least of these” and it would take a theological treatise to fully explain the connection, but – We say it is Jesus’ favorite, out loud, and often.
And Jesus opened a door for us. Today is a pizza party at RECESS!! And what are we serving? Little Caesar’s. Meredith Waltman told the management at our local Little Caesars that we refer to it as “Jesus’ favorite.” So, they gave it to us half-off and tax-exempt! Thank you Jesus. Thank you Little Caesar’s!!
Last week I was at church camp with 5th & 6th graders. Here is what I learned: I love 5th & 6th graders!! I know. It surprises me too. But I love them. They are at that perfect age for being old enough to have a meaningful conversation but not old enough to be “too kool for skool” *eye roll from a 5th or 6th grader.* AND I am never more hyper than I am with 5th & 6th graders. I have no idea why, but this age group (and Junior High too) energize me. I’m not saying by the end of the week it isn’t exhausting, but I literally soak up energy when I’m with them and I’m nuts. To my fellow adults at camp, sorry for being so obnoxious.
I know every Pastor has different personalities and gift sets, etc. But I think it would do well for any Pastor to commit some time each year to hang out with the youth ministry. It gives a new, and very necessary, perspective into a part of the flock in which God has called you to lead. And if you are in the same situation as LSC – it is quite possible that they are so separated in regards to the life of the church (back in Kids Kanyon or in their own 4th & 5th grade class) that they don’t know you, and you don’t know them. I had several awkward moments where I was introducing myself to a kid from Living Stones! I LOVE THEM ALL!!
