Sara: Aaron and I received the best compliment ever last night. You can tell us how awesome we are, you can tell us that we are changing you life, you can tell us that we are THE best looking youth ministers ever (sorry C-dub)....but, there is really only one compliment that lets us know that we are doing our job well.
Context: Last night after Project Genesis and Aaron and I's 45 minute presentation to 7th and 8th graders about dating and chastity.
Jonathan (little 7th grade boy): You guys were ok. That first guy was boring, but you guys were ok.
Aaron and Sara: Jump and high five while yelling "He doesn't think we're awful!!!" (we actually did)
OK? OK! We'll take it! That's like gold from a 7th grade boy. The fact that they didn't fall asleep was good enough affirmation to us, but "ok" from a 7th grader....man, we're on top of the world!!!
Yes!!! We're not awful at our jobs!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
For your awkward viewing pleasure. February 15th, Entry #59
Sara: In the last few weeks I have been sorting through all sorts of CDs with pictures and videos from the last 7 years (yikes, I've been in this job for 7 YEARS!) trying to organize them all. In the process I was suffering from just a little bit of nostalgia from all of the great events we've had, great people I've met and and the just darn awkward experiences.
So, speaking of awkward experiences, I came across this video from a retreat 3 years ago. It was the "Called to Love" retreat....a weekend about Theology of the Body. And, during breakfast on the 2nd day, we were all treated to this delightful rendition of "What is love?" by C-dub and Aaron. It might be awkward, but it proves that we have the best job ever.
So, speaking of awkward experiences, I came across this video from a retreat 3 years ago. It was the "Called to Love" retreat....a weekend about Theology of the Body. And, during breakfast on the 2nd day, we were all treated to this delightful rendition of "What is love?" by C-dub and Aaron. It might be awkward, but it proves that we have the best job ever.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Budget meetings worth sitting through. February 15th, Entry #58.
Sara: I had a really long meeting this afternoon. I had a really long meeting this afternoon to make a budget. A budget? I don't even keep a personal budget, why in the world am I the person for this job?? Because someone volunteered me for it and I said "sure, ok". Real smart on my part. So, we made cool spread sheets, pulled out the calculator a lot, debated over prices and tried to guess how much food for 165 people costs. We came up with some big numbers and quite a rough draft.
Now, while this is not my favorite thing, it's just fine with me. Why? Because I got to dedicate an hour to something I love, something I believe in, something that I have personally witnessed change lives. That's right, I'm talking about Prayer & Action....only the best mission trip ever!!
So, this summer, the ArchKCK is bringing Prayer & Action here to our own backyard. I'm really glad that they are b/c it was going to be a lot of work for me to do on my own. Ok, I couldn't have done it on my own, but I believe in this mission enough to have done it on my own if that is what it took! But, by the grace of God and the vision of some cool people, the Archbishop, the Youth staff, the Social Justice staff, the Vocations staff and other fellow YMs are all on board to bring this program here to KC.
When Aaron and I first stumbled upon Prayer & Action we were not expecting much, if anything really. Within the first 2 hours we were looking at each other in amazement. This random, small church in Hays with their staff of a few seminarians and a few college girls....they know what's up, they've got it figured out, they nailed it. And from that moment Aaron and I were hooked. So, we kept coming back. But we also kept telling other YMs how great this program was. And then they signed up. And then more of them signed up.
And then Andrew, the current head honcho of this operation told us that we had to get out...seriously. We had to start our own Prayer & Action b/c there were too many of us KCers hogging all the spots from their kiddos. That's fair. So, when we proposed to the Youth Office that we start our own program I waited for the denial. But thank God for Rick Cheek and his vision. He trusted us, trusted that this was a worthwhile program to start up amid all the other awesome summer events that the ArchKCK puts together.
So, here we are, 7 months later, weeks away from sending out registration packets. Fr. Mitchel almost has a full staff lined up. Sacred Heart in Emporia is excited to have us this summer and they are already working on possible work sites for us. We have a working budget set up. We're working on t-shirts. I mean, look at us, we are in business!!
So, really, this is a thank you to Rick Cheek, Fr. Mitchel Zimmerman, Bill School, and Archbishop Naumann for going along with our idea. For supporting us, for listening to us, for believing in an idea that they haven't even seen in action yet. Thank you for believing in our youth. For supporting them in their desire to serve those around them. Thank you for giving us the chance to share such an awesome experience with our kiddos.
We are soooooo excited for this summer!!!
The name for this program, Prayer and Action, comes from a speech that was given by the late Pope John Paul II. In speaking to a group of high school students in the Philippines in 1995 he said:
Now, while this is not my favorite thing, it's just fine with me. Why? Because I got to dedicate an hour to something I love, something I believe in, something that I have personally witnessed change lives. That's right, I'm talking about Prayer & Action....only the best mission trip ever!!
So, this summer, the ArchKCK is bringing Prayer & Action here to our own backyard. I'm really glad that they are b/c it was going to be a lot of work for me to do on my own. Ok, I couldn't have done it on my own, but I believe in this mission enough to have done it on my own if that is what it took! But, by the grace of God and the vision of some cool people, the Archbishop, the Youth staff, the Social Justice staff, the Vocations staff and other fellow YMs are all on board to bring this program here to KC.
When Aaron and I first stumbled upon Prayer & Action we were not expecting much, if anything really. Within the first 2 hours we were looking at each other in amazement. This random, small church in Hays with their staff of a few seminarians and a few college girls....they know what's up, they've got it figured out, they nailed it. And from that moment Aaron and I were hooked. So, we kept coming back. But we also kept telling other YMs how great this program was. And then they signed up. And then more of them signed up.
And then Andrew, the current head honcho of this operation told us that we had to get out...seriously. We had to start our own Prayer & Action b/c there were too many of us KCers hogging all the spots from their kiddos. That's fair. So, when we proposed to the Youth Office that we start our own program I waited for the denial. But thank God for Rick Cheek and his vision. He trusted us, trusted that this was a worthwhile program to start up amid all the other awesome summer events that the ArchKCK puts together.
So, here we are, 7 months later, weeks away from sending out registration packets. Fr. Mitchel almost has a full staff lined up. Sacred Heart in Emporia is excited to have us this summer and they are already working on possible work sites for us. We have a working budget set up. We're working on t-shirts. I mean, look at us, we are in business!!
So, really, this is a thank you to Rick Cheek, Fr. Mitchel Zimmerman, Bill School, and Archbishop Naumann for going along with our idea. For supporting us, for listening to us, for believing in an idea that they haven't even seen in action yet. Thank you for believing in our youth. For supporting them in their desire to serve those around them. Thank you for giving us the chance to share such an awesome experience with our kiddos.
We are soooooo excited for this summer!!!
The name for this program, Prayer and Action, comes from a speech that was given by the late Pope John Paul II. In speaking to a group of high school students in the Philippines in 1995 he said:
Look to Mary to see how to respond to Jesus' call. First she kept all things, pondering them, in her heart. She also went in haste to serve her cousin Elizabeth. Both attitudes are essential parts of our response to the Lord: Prayer and Action. That is what the church expects of her young people.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Theology of the Potty. January 24th, Entry #57
Sara: So, blogs are fun. Blogs are fun because you get to come across some weird stuff you might never find out about otherwise. Take today, for example. I clicked on the "Catholic Youth Ministry" blog because the author had a new entry entitled "Theology of the Potty". Well duh, of course I have to check out what that's all about. And to my delight I discover a few awesome things.
First, this blog entry was referencing a new mini-book for guys entitiled "Choosing the Right Urinal". And, to make it even better, you can download the mini-book for free and check it out. It's funny, it's relevant, it makes you think....all my favorite things in this job. So, check it out....you know you're dying too.
Second, the guy who wrote this mini-book is part of an acoustic humor rock band made up of 2 Catholic guys, Dan and Kyle. Kyle wrote this book. Their band is named Popple and they are AWESOME!! They are hilarious and cool and I want to sit around with them, listen to their stories and be their friend. You know you want to check them out too.
And thirdly, to make this even better, I have met Popple before. I had heard of them, but I got to see their awesomeness first hand in New Orleans at our Youth Minister Conference. They sang a few songs, told some stories and made us laugh A LOT. And just so you can see why, check out this video of a song they sang for us called "Youth Ministry in the 80's". Absolutely classic.
Sidenote: Sorry ladies, this blog entry is more for the dudes. I mean, I don't really want to read a book about urninals and being manly....although I'm sure we would get a good laugh out of it. So, give me some time, but I'll come up with something just for us. :)
First, this blog entry was referencing a new mini-book for guys entitiled "Choosing the Right Urinal". And, to make it even better, you can download the mini-book for free and check it out. It's funny, it's relevant, it makes you think....all my favorite things in this job. So, check it out....you know you're dying too.
 |
| I could not make this up. |
Second, the guy who wrote this mini-book is part of an acoustic humor rock band made up of 2 Catholic guys, Dan and Kyle. Kyle wrote this book. Their band is named Popple and they are AWESOME!! They are hilarious and cool and I want to sit around with them, listen to their stories and be their friend. You know you want to check them out too.
 |
| See, don't you want to be their friend? |
And thirdly, to make this even better, I have met Popple before. I had heard of them, but I got to see their awesomeness first hand in New Orleans at our Youth Minister Conference. They sang a few songs, told some stories and made us laugh A LOT. And just so you can see why, check out this video of a song they sang for us called "Youth Ministry in the 80's". Absolutely classic.
Sidenote: Sorry ladies, this blog entry is more for the dudes. I mean, I don't really want to read a book about urninals and being manly....although I'm sure we would get a good laugh out of it. So, give me some time, but I'll come up with something just for us. :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Deep Thoughts by Joe and Brian. January 13th, Entry # 56.
Sara: I really should know better than to give Joe and Brian pens and paper and tell them to be creative. But then again, they are pretty stinking funny, albeit sometimes inappropriate. But, to show you what I mean I give you their deep thoughts from the Post-it game last Sunday at FLOCK.
Brian: Aaron steps on stage....quiet over the crowd...then he belts out: "Some people call me the Space Cowboy, some call me the Gangster of Love".
Joe: Evil Dr. Porkchop started throwing glowing apples of doom at the tiny midgets in the freezer of tranquility.
Brian: As their gazes locked from across the ballroom, the passion seeping from their bosoms spilled forth and all knew they were to be intertwined in the maze that is love.
Joe: The rapper Jumbo-Shrimp could not find his normal boxers so he went to Nancy Pellosi's but she wasn't home so he proceeded to ask Johnny Depp and he agreed but offered him a shoe first and then he ate him.
Brian: Skippy and Jackwagon go frolicking through a field of flowers...until an evil monster arrives.
Now, Joe and Brian aren't the only clever ones. Please enjoy some more quotes from some more fab FLOCKers.
One day tacos will rule the world.
Joe and Brian skipped merrily through a field of flowers.
My personal favorite: A boy see a girl. (deep, I know)
And then I ravenously devoured a deliciously caramelized Fuji apple from the outdoor market on Tuesday.
The Chiefs actually took the lead for 1 time.
The solid dot is attracted to the empty dot by a mysterious arrow.
After the car came out of the abyss, it ran into the other car and the 2 drivers - one with 3 legs and the other normal - went out for coffee.
The mutant soccer ball decided to go on a Taco Bell binge.
Brian: Aaron steps on stage....quiet over the crowd...then he belts out: "Some people call me the Space Cowboy, some call me the Gangster of Love".
Joe: Evil Dr. Porkchop started throwing glowing apples of doom at the tiny midgets in the freezer of tranquility.
Brian: As their gazes locked from across the ballroom, the passion seeping from their bosoms spilled forth and all knew they were to be intertwined in the maze that is love.
Joe: The rapper Jumbo-Shrimp could not find his normal boxers so he went to Nancy Pellosi's but she wasn't home so he proceeded to ask Johnny Depp and he agreed but offered him a shoe first and then he ate him.
Brian: Skippy and Jackwagon go frolicking through a field of flowers...until an evil monster arrives.
Now, Joe and Brian aren't the only clever ones. Please enjoy some more quotes from some more fab FLOCKers.
One day tacos will rule the world.
Joe and Brian skipped merrily through a field of flowers.
My personal favorite: A boy see a girl. (deep, I know)
And then I ravenously devoured a deliciously caramelized Fuji apple from the outdoor market on Tuesday.
The Chiefs actually took the lead for 1 time.
The solid dot is attracted to the empty dot by a mysterious arrow.
After the car came out of the abyss, it ran into the other car and the 2 drivers - one with 3 legs and the other normal - went out for coffee.
The mutant soccer ball decided to go on a Taco Bell binge.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Youth Room Furniture. January 12th, Entry #55
Sara: Today I received a very interesting catalog in my mailbox. It was entitled "The World needs Play"....that's all I needed to see to catch my attention. After perusing this catalog for a few minutes and wondering how it got placed in my box, it dawned on me that is was put there for a very, VERY particular reason. Some higher ups must be really excited about getting this future youth room under way, they must have some lofty ideals for this place of fellowship, they must be telling Aaron and I that's it's time to start picking out furniture....I mean, why else would there be a catalog of playground equipment in my mailbox?!?!
Aaron and I also understood this to mean find the most expensive, awesome-looking, hugest playground set for the youth room. I mean, that's what you would think too, right? Well, this is the one we picked out.
I mean, we'll have to knock down a few walls and spill into the cafeteria and maybe cut a hole in the roof to fit it all, but I think it's worth it.
And then we figured, since the other one only cost $138 Gs, we could totally afford another piece. We unanimously agreed that this should be the 'piece de resistance' to complete the set.
C'mon, with this set up...who wouldn't want to learn about Jesus? I know I would if I could climb across a spiderman net while zip-lining across the forest towards the tree fort. Duh.
Aaron and I also understood this to mean find the most expensive, awesome-looking, hugest playground set for the youth room. I mean, that's what you would think too, right? Well, this is the one we picked out.
I mean, we'll have to knock down a few walls and spill into the cafeteria and maybe cut a hole in the roof to fit it all, but I think it's worth it.
And then we figured, since the other one only cost $138 Gs, we could totally afford another piece. We unanimously agreed that this should be the 'piece de resistance' to complete the set.
C'mon, with this set up...who wouldn't want to learn about Jesus? I know I would if I could climb across a spiderman net while zip-lining across the forest towards the tree fort. Duh.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Things I did not like this week. December 7th. Entry #54.
Sara: You know as much as I love this job and as much as I am pretty positive person, I did not have a very good week here at the ol' SMTA. I think I have to chalk it up to biting off more than I can chew. I mean, we had some really good ideas, but that probably doesn't mean that we should have followed through on all of them. (think: Teen mass and lunch, Youth for Truth meeting and publicity, Food Kitchen service project next week, Camp T letters to all 4th grade parents and more and more and more.....) I mean, it was so bad that I had a meltdown in the cheese aisle at the grocery store on Monday night and I ended up just putting away everything in my cart and leaving the store. But, at the end of day, or the month really, some really awesome things will have gone down. And so long as Jesus works his magic on some hearts, it will all be worth it.
Things I did not like this week:
Working on Friday. boo.
Busting up my shin on a car door.
Mail Merging.
Microsoft Word kicking me out my letter at least 6 times.
Not sleeping enough.
Finalizing FLOCK plans on Friday.
My cart of donations rolling down the sidewalk in the wind.
Having to leave my bible study early for staff meeting.
Skipping my Adoration hour. Totally forgot about it.
That weird smell in Atchison.
Things I did like this week:
Driving the McEntee mini-van while listening to Jordan's "Party Songs" mix
Catching up with some fab college freshman guys...and Abby too.
3 7th grade girls making me laugh really hard at GIFT
Inappropriate-ness from Joe and Brian at AP FLOCK. As always. (See the newest entry to "What I learn FLOCK" to the right")
Anita Roudebush and chili lunches.
Cross Country uniforms from Brian Witt and Blue Valley high school.
The sandwhich I made for lunch today. Turkey AND roast beef.
Things I loved:
All of it.
At the end of the day, there's still no where else and nothing else I would rather be doing.
Things I did not like this week:
Working on Friday. boo.
Busting up my shin on a car door.
Mail Merging.
Microsoft Word kicking me out my letter at least 6 times.
Not sleeping enough.
Finalizing FLOCK plans on Friday.
My cart of donations rolling down the sidewalk in the wind.
Having to leave my bible study early for staff meeting.
Skipping my Adoration hour. Totally forgot about it.
That weird smell in Atchison.
Things I did like this week:
Driving the McEntee mini-van while listening to Jordan's "Party Songs" mix
Catching up with some fab college freshman guys...and Abby too.
3 7th grade girls making me laugh really hard at GIFT
Inappropriate-ness from Joe and Brian at AP FLOCK. As always. (See the newest entry to "What I learn FLOCK" to the right")
Anita Roudebush and chili lunches.
Cross Country uniforms from Brian Witt and Blue Valley high school.
The sandwhich I made for lunch today. Turkey AND roast beef.
Things I loved:
All of it.
At the end of the day, there's still no where else and nothing else I would rather be doing.
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