We know the holidays are a busy time for you and your family, so let's get straight to the point. Here's everything you need to know about our ministry this month!

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: GO BID OR GO HOME YOUTH AUCTION
This month, we're getting students together to raise funds that will support and meet needs for others! We hope you can join us!

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: THE CHRISTMAS OPEN
Next month, we're getting students together for a fun night of games, food, and miniature golf — but it's mini golf like you've never seen it before. Mark your calendars!

CANCELED: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON LOVING OTHERS

SERIES OVERVIEW:

You hear a lot about “cancel culture” these days. It's what happens when swarms of people on the internet band together to call out, shame, or even "cancel" someone. And while there are definitely times when people or systems need to be called out and held accountable, we can all be a little too quick to be cruel to each other — online and offline too. In this 4-week series, we'll get introduced to a few people from Scripture whose stories show us that humans have always struggled to choose love instead of hate. This problem isn't a new one, but through the stories of Jesus, a few outcasts, a king, and a shepherd, we'll see that God is challenging us to love people who aren't like us, love people who are in need, love the people we envy, and love the people we want to hate.

Teenagers can be pretty mean. Whether it's fake friends, gossip, bullying, rumors, or even more serious concerns like racial or sexual harrassment, teenagers deal with a lot — sometimes as victims and sometimes as perpetrators. So what can we do? Here are a few ideas: 1. Call it out. 2. Provide support. 3. Help them manage their emotions. 4. Build their confidence. 5. Intervene when necessary.

If you're subscribed to Grow Your Ministry, now would be a good time to attach Parent Tip Video #4 from your Parents section.

"Together we can heal, grow, and change the world." — Latasha Morrison

When we talk with teenagers about loving others (including our enemies), we have to talk about empathy. Take a few minutes this week to learn from LATASHA MORRISON about how to cultivate empathy for people who aren't like us or who we don't like. Because empathy is often the first step toward love, forgiveness, and changing the world.

We're always trying to better understand what it's like to parent a teenager. So here's what we're wondering: What's the BEST thing about parenting your teenager right now? Hit Reply on this email and let us know!