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 this week!

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

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: THE CHRISTMAS OPEN
This month, we're getting students together for a fun night of games, food, and miniature golf — but with a Christmas twist. Mark your calendars!

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: GO BID OR GO HOME YOUTH AUCTION
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: VOLUNTEER CHRISTMAS PARTY
Let's celebrate the holidays with a little fun, food, and friends! Come hang with us. There will be games, presents, and zero meetings.

CANCELED: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON LOVING OTHERS
WEEK 1 BIG IDEA: LOVE PEOPLE WHO AREN'T LIKE YOU.

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.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S SMALL GROUP GUIDE

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 Volunteer Tip Video #4 from your Volunteer section.

We're always trying to better understand what it's like to parent a teenager. So whether you're a parent of not, here's what we're wondering: what do you think is the BEST thing about parenting teenagers right now? Reply to this email and let us know!