When I asked a friend what she enjoyed about the Jr. High Ministry she immediately replied, “Everything!” From worship to the friendly environment, there doesn’t seem to be anything missing from this youth fellowship. Nathan French (Uncle Nathan) and his wife, Shawna, do everything they can to make this once-a-week experience enjoyable. We have a bunch of cool youth that attend, and after chatting a bit with newcomers, they soon make them feel right at home.
Turn up the music - we’re going to worship the Lord! The speakers boom with lively praise songs. Currently our Jr. High Worship Band is in progress, and anyone who wishes to sign up is more than welcome! All you need is some musical talent or a desire to learn and a heart to worship the Lord. Talk to Uncle Nathan and he will help you get involved.
“Dumb” doesn’t decrease the fun in our “dumb games”! When Uncle Nathan first introduced “Dumb Games” we gave him a blank look. Now whenever he mentions it we cheer and jump up to play. This is the time when we all emerge from our turtle shells to interact and compete with one another.
The messages are very valuable. They concentrate on the lives of the Jr. High generation and teach us to acknowledge the Holy Spirit when we end up in questionable situations. A student told me that one of the lessons she enjoyed was on how to tell what’s counterfeit and will lead to sin - Satan - and what’s authentic and pure - xGod. The lessons prepare us for High School and beyond, and focuses on our hopes and dreams and how we can use them to honor God.
“It is a joy to serve God and to do it with some of the greatest, coolest, ‘funnest’ Jr. High students,” said Uncle Nathan, our Jr. High Leader. “‘Funnest’?” Aunty Shawna interrupts, raising an eyebrow. Uncle Nathan rolls his eyes playfully and continues. “I enjoy serving with my wife and other youth leaders… I feel privileged that God can use us to work in this ministry… Sundays are a lot of fun.” The leaders are great - they interact with the students and make us laugh. Even if they do something as small as handing out the pens, altogether they’re doing a great thing.
Any Jr. High student is definitely welcome to join us!
Special thanks to Nathan and Shawna French, the students, and the whole Jr. High Ministry.
