Last Night at Center Grove UMC

I attended Mass this morning at the United Methodist Church, and the youth put together the service, which was really upbeat, enlightening, and full of great insight to what the youth group has to offer. The service was full of smiles and music and praying, and it was a really uplifting ceremony.

I later attended the youth group session tonight, and we were joined by two other churches, Sherill and Key West. It was really nice to get to meet some of the new youth that came to our youth group to visit, and we all worked together in getting to know one another better. The youth session was focused on self-esteem, how each of us views ourselves, and how we can make things better if we do not have good self -confidence. We talked about certain factors and feelings that make us feel the way we do about ourselves, and how we see ourselves in relation to strength. We discussed every day events that may bring us down and keep us in the shadows of others, and it was interesing to her individual stories from the youth about times when they were looked down upon by others, or treated badly when they shouldn't have been.

After the discussion we all shared in pointing out positive things about one another, and it was clear to see that it lifted some of the youth up, with smiles and laughter. We all adapted really well to being open and honest with one another, and it was a very positive action that the leader took in addressing self-esteem issues in young teens today. We took time to pray for those who feel inferior to others, and for those who feel that they will always be below others no matter what. It was a touchy discussion because it was clear that it made some of the youth uncomfortable at first, but once people started sharing, it was as if the youth realized that most everyone falls victim to self-esteem issues.

After our discussion we got together to pray, and to offer up ourselves and others to the lord. We asked that the lord watch over every individual in spite of the Thanksgiving holiday, and that traveling goes safe, the weather is fair, and that those who cannot be with their families on this holiday know that they are in our prayers. We then discussed the Thanksgiving dinner we will be serving down at the Hope House in Dubuque on Tuesday night. The youth seemed very enthused by our actions to help the less fortunate during the holiday, and many of them volunteered to go down to the Hope House and serve the Thanksgiving dinner with me and the leaders.

It was sad that this was our last night together as a group. I really learned a lot from the youth group, and the leaders as well. I can honestly say that gathering each week, talking, and sharing things about our lives really helped me to become more open, less shy, and a more positive person. I know that I will keep in contact with the youth group at UMC because I became great friends with some of the members, and they have been there for me in times of need as well. This service learning project was a great experience, and if I could do it over again, there would be no doubt that I would choose to go back to the Center Grove UMC.