Happy New Year everyone! I am eager to move on to 2010, but before I do I want to give some props to God for the things He accomplished in my life, my family, and our ministry in 2009:
January
Welcomed in the new year with our students at our winter camp Unbound (our final year at the Double K). Students were set free to live the life that God was calling them to live.
February
Punk’d our students by taking them to “Dinner & a Cruise” on Valentine’s Day. This consisted of McDonald’s and a Ferry boat ride. (Only two hate emails received)
March
Started a blog, no awards received as of yet, but I’ll keep writing.
Our church hosted the worship band Planetshakers, from Melbourne, Australia.
As a church we also added a third service option to our Sunday morning schedule.
April
Over 1,000 people in attendance at our Easter weekend services. Wow, God is faithful.
May
Started a fitness challenge with friends that eventually led to me losing 20+ lbs of unwanted flesh… and I’ve kept it off. Feel great and my wife thinks I look better than ever!
June
Stacey capped off our youth message series, “Dating Delilah” and preached with me for the first time. I’m glad she doesn’t do it more often or I may be out of a job… she’s really good.
July
Year two of Live Summer Interns (July & August).
Music Month (a new band every week at Live)
Two week mission trip to Swaziland, what I thought was a once in a lifetime trip I am now hoping will be repeated in 2011.
August
Incredible, life altering time at our summer camp Lift ‘09, with special guest speaker Micahn Carter. Many lives changed for good, including mine.
September
Hosted our first ever youth conference with good friend Tyler Sollie and Eastridge Church.
Launched our Live Full Time Interns Program for ministry students, five full timers enrolled.
Added “layers” to our youth ministry team. JH Director – Amy, HS Directors – Shawn & Erica, College Director – Logan, Worship Director – Shaun.
October
Turned 29.
Annual Kid’s Karnival, came dressed as a good looking youth pastor of a sub-urban church in unincorporated South King County. Won best costume.
November
Mission trip with Interns to LA Dream Center.
December
More content than ever in ministry. I’m learning how to give my job away and watch others succeed. Our team is strong and is continuing to develop. Watching our leaders step up and lead is pure joy.
Launched our website… wanna see? www.fwchurch.com/live_youth
Hmm. I realize after completing this post that it looks awfully similar to something I don’t enjoy reading… family Christmas letters. For that I apologize, I am simply thankful for all that God has done this year. I am also inspired to think that next year will be even greater than this one. Happy New Year everyone.
