Now that we are well into the new year, I wanted to let everyone know about the direction of the  youth here at Westwood Christian Church.  We had a great 2009 where we experienced a growth in numbers of youth and numbers in decisions for Christ, and numbers in workers.  Spiritual growth and preparedness for a living life in service of the Lord is always our main goal; educating, sharing, fellowshipping and supporting each youth in their journey to discovering God.

This new year excites me.  There has been a change coming to Westwood Christian Church for some time.  I feel this year; the youth will be able to take advantage of the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us.  Attendance has risen, and maintained; and with that, so has the amount of youth group classes.  We've already added a separate class for the tiniest of the tots, introduced our teens to the Sunday evening worship service, and look forward to expanding our teen ministry in 2010.  We've been blessed with numerous help from within the ranks of the church and I would like to applaud all those involved, for their service to the Lord.  That doesn't mean we should stop there, though, so anyone interested in helping support and lead the youth, please feel free to let me know.  We are always looking for more help.......especially as we move into 2010.

All Youth can look forward to Bible enriched classes, learning about the nature of God, discovering His will for each of them, building a loving relationship with our Creator.  Also expected are fun things such a  games, crafts, movies and gym time.  The pre-teens will be involved in all sorts of ministries such as a Food Drive, Trash Collecting, Nursing Home Ministry and Gift/Supply boxes for our Soldiers.  They will be taking exciting trips throughout the year; King's Island, Swimming Party, Pumpkin Farm, Sleepovers and of course the Christmas Parade, as well as a few un-named events in the works.

The teens will also have game, movie and gym nights, along with a few known and unknown destinations to look forward to, but the most exciting thing is the expansion of the teen classes.  For the first time since the summer of 2000, we will have a Junior High Youth Group, the God Squad.  We had already installed a Junior High Sunday School class and it has been doing well.  Mike Hawkins will be our new Junior High Youth Leader, in charge of the 7th and 8th grade teens.  Mike and I will have the opportunity to give more time and effort making sure we meet the teens' spiritual needs.  Lisa Jackson will step in as the leader of the 4th-6th grades.  This gives Westwood Christian Church a grand total of six (6) Youth Group classes, truly something for all age groups.

The teens, however, need not worry about the bonds they've made across the Junior and Senior High age split; there will still be plenty of classes and special events that they will share to go along with their own spaces and identities.  The Junior High will still have open gym time with the Senior High from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and then they (along with the 7th-6th) will meet in the church basement classrooms.  Something the Junior and Senior High's will share movie and game nights, as well as other events throughout the year, including many service projects.  Mike and I plan to make this a memorable year for the teens.  We've already hosted an awesome lock-in that was way too much fun.

Talking about events and service projects...whew...there is a plenty.  From helping the younger youth with a couple of their service projects, such as the Food Drive, they have a plate full as well including: donating a basket to Hope's Place Easter Basket Auction, City of Ashland's Repair Affair, ACS's Relay for Life, Silent Sunday for Cystic Fibrosis, Alzheimer's walk and Community Kitchen.  We want to establish a habit of service to those in need, especially when we have thee opportunity to work with our local community.  But it's not all service; there is a plethora of fellowship activities offered throughout the year; Ice Skating, Roller Skating, Snow Tubing, Movies, Miniature Golf, Picnic, Bike Ride, Swimming, Softball, Scavenger Hunt, Lock-Ins, Carter Caves, Pizza Party, Laser Tag, Flag Football, Video Games, King's Island and Paintball.

One thing that is on the agenda, tentatively scheduled for May, is a trip to the CREATION MUSEUM, combining the youth, teens and the rest of the Church as well.  You all are invited to share in the experience with us, as one in the body of Christ.  Details will be coming soon so stay tuned.

So you see, there are plenty of things to get geared up for, not to mention Vacation Bible School (High Seas Expedition) now in July instead of June, and the Youth Sunday Service now in August instead of September or October.  So join us in this new year of celebrating Christ, and living for Him.

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year,

Jeff McFarlin