We are days away from Valentine’s Day. We didn’t get you any chocolates or stuffed animals, but don’t let that fool you. We love you!

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

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: RETREAT
Next month, we're planning a weekend retreat designed to help students connect with God and with their small group. Get the details on our website!

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: VOLUNTEER MEETING(S)
As we get back into the rhythm after the holidays, it's almost time to learn and grow together at our next meeting of the year! We hope to see you there as we learn about [add your own topic(s)] together.

ADD YOUR OWN DATES: MISSION EXPERIENCE
This summer, we're taking teenagers on a mission experience! If you'd like to join us, make sure you're registered before the deadline.

FREE PEOPLE: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON AUTHORITY
WEEK 1 BIG IDEA: THE RIGHT RULES CAN SET YOU FREE.

SERIES OVERVIEW:

Have you ever had to follow a rule that made absolutely no sense to you? Maybe it was a rule about what you could or couldn’t wear, where you could or couldn’t go, or who you could or couldn’t spend time with. When some people think about God, that is what they think about — a list of rules miles long that don’t seem important or relevant to their lives. But said there are only two rules that matter most: love God and love others as you love yourself. In this 4-week series in the book of James, we'll discover that the right rules can set you free — and that free people don't dance with danger, make decisions that benefit others, and give up their freedoms for others.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S SMALL GROUP GUIDE

When a teenager shares information with you, always trust, but verify. Assume they're being truthful to the best of their ability, but put checkpoints in place to help you verify what they tell you. But there's one exception to this: if a student shares that they or someone they know is being harmed, harming themselves, or harming others, that's not up to you to verify. Report that immediately, and we'll make sure the professionals verify it.

If you're subscribed to Grow Your Ministry, now would be a good time to attach Volunteer Tip Video #7 from your Volunteer section.

What's your favorite way to spend time with God? Reply to this email and let us know! We'd love to hear from you.