To those who call Cedar Grove home,
I’ve just returned from an incredible week on Anvil Island in Howe Sound, where I had the privilege of spending time with 104 teenagers and 85 staff. A video has been created to highlight the week—which I’ll share next week! Many people don’t realize the profound impact a week at camp can have on a young person’s life. Research consistently shows that camp is often a pivotal turning point in a teenager’s spiritual journey. The $600 investment to give a youth the opportunity to spend a week encountering God is truly priceless.
Some memorable highlights included a pod of orcas swimming by our bay (which meant no swimming until they cleared—teenagers might look like a tasty snack! ?), the highest single-day rainfall in 50 years, and twice-daily chapel services filled with worship, testimonies, and messages from God’s Word. Trust me—you don’t want to miss out next year! Camps are available for kids ages 9–18, and some even welcome the whole family (just ask Sam!).
Now, allow me to put on my pastoral hat for you parents. It’s not too late to help your child or teenager step away from smartphones and gaming. I’ve attached an incredible interview with Clare Morell, who has studied this issue for years and authored a book titled The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones. I double dog dare you to listen (yes, that’s a reference from A Christmas Story), and if needed, I triple dog dare you to take to heart the message about how technology continues to have profound negative effects on our children and teens. Have a listen:
The Tech Exit
Author Clare Morell recommends breaking kids free from smartphones to restore family peace, presence, and connection.
www4.wng.org/TWE-Claire-Morell-Interview.mp3
Finally, I hope you’ve been praying for the three people you plan to invite to Alpha in September. We can’t impact our community unless we each take steps to reach out to those who need to hear about Jesus. I’m excited to see how God will move this fall, and I hope you’re praying for an incredible outreach.
Your fellow servant,
Pastor Steve
I’ve just returned from an incredible week on Anvil Island in Howe Sound, where I had the privilege of spending time with 104 teenagers and 85 staff. A video has been created to highlight the week—which I’ll share next week! Many people don’t realize the profound impact a week at camp can have on a young person’s life. Research consistently shows that camp is often a pivotal turning point in a teenager’s spiritual journey. The $600 investment to give a youth the opportunity to spend a week encountering God is truly priceless.
Some memorable highlights included a pod of orcas swimming by our bay (which meant no swimming until they cleared—teenagers might look like a tasty snack! ?), the highest single-day rainfall in 50 years, and twice-daily chapel services filled with worship, testimonies, and messages from God’s Word. Trust me—you don’t want to miss out next year! Camps are available for kids ages 9–18, and some even welcome the whole family (just ask Sam!).
Now, allow me to put on my pastoral hat for you parents. It’s not too late to help your child or teenager step away from smartphones and gaming. I’ve attached an incredible interview with Clare Morell, who has studied this issue for years and authored a book titled The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones. I double dog dare you to listen (yes, that’s a reference from A Christmas Story), and if needed, I triple dog dare you to take to heart the message about how technology continues to have profound negative effects on our children and teens. Have a listen:
The Tech Exit
Author Clare Morell recommends breaking kids free from smartphones to restore family peace, presence, and connection.
www4.wng.org/TWE-Claire-Morell-Interview.mp3
Finally, I hope you’ve been praying for the three people you plan to invite to Alpha in September. We can’t impact our community unless we each take steps to reach out to those who need to hear about Jesus. I’m excited to see how God will move this fall, and I hope you’re praying for an incredible outreach.
Your fellow servant,
Pastor Steve
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