Hey everyone! Happy August! Can you believe a new school year is almost here? You're probably busy trying to enjoy the last few moments of summer, so we'll keep this brief so you can get back to the beach.

Here’s a few things coming up in our ministry . . . 

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: OPEN HOUSE
 If you know a family that's new to our ministry, invite them to our Open House so we can introduce them and their teenager to our youth ministry! Get the details on our website.

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: VOLUNTEER KICK-OFF
Our big volunteer Kick-Off is coming up quickly and we need you there! We'll be hanging out, eating good food, and casting vision for the new school year. Don't miss it! RSVP by the end of this week.

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: ALL-NIGHTER
We're kicking off this school year with an all-night event designed to help students connect with their small group, invite friends, have some fun, and hear a little bit about Jesus. Get the details on our website!

THROUGH THE FIRE: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON FRIENDSHIP
WEEK 1 BIG IDEA: IN THE FIRE, TRUE FRIENDSHIPS CAN BE FORGED 

SERIES OVERVIEW:
If you tried to define “friendship” based only on what you see on Instagram, you might think #friendship was all about group hugs, selfies with your bestie, or tagging each other in your favorite memes. But real friendship isn’t so picture perfect. In this 4-week series, you’ll challenge students to build the kind of friendships that go beyond the surface – the kinds of friendships you’ll need when times get tough. You’ll look at three key friendships as Scripture, as well as the friendship God offers us through Jesus, as you help teenagers see that Godly friendships can shape us, heal us, and purify us – especially during difficult times.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S SMALL GROUP GUIDE

We know you're excited to dive into some amazing, deep, spiritual conversations with your students, but hang on. Before you do a deep dive into conversations about their darkest sins, maybe start with something lighter. Like getting to know them. It's okay to take it slow. Not every conversation needs to be super spiritual.

If you're subscribed to Grow Your Ministry, now would be a good time to attach Volunteer Tip Video #1 from your Volunteer section.
At least once this month, choose a volunteer to celebrate. Add their picture and a few sentences about what makes them awesome!

What are you going to miss most about the summertime? Reply to this email and let us know! [Look for fun ways to share the answers to this question on social media or at your next program.]