Chilling and hopeful. Thank you for sharing this message. The beautiful opportunity is that the kids and youth are still around, just not where we expected them to be.

Thanks for your insights. I think your observation about people just not being comfortable in groups now was spot on. I have been hesitant to return to in-person worship, because if I get a breakthrough infection, I can pass it on to my four grandkids who are too young to be vaccinated. But also, honestly, I would like to see some patterns change in terms of how we approach people, physical distancing, and how we interact. Kids--and adults--are not the same as they were before Covid. My church certainly has needed to look at new and innovative ways to "do church" for some time, and now is the perfect time to do it.

Thanks for sharing. This is one of the first ministers I have heard addressing this head-on. Churches typically do not want to focus on children, and families with younger children, so this is very refreshing to hear. Thanks for sharing.

Very helpful information - Thanks so much!!!

Just listened to your message. You are spot on that patience will be needed and new ways to meet the kids will have to be considered. Getting the parents back is certainly part of the issue. Meeting the kids outside their homes this fall might be one approach. Have the kids share something from their own space might be fun for the youth director to see. It is sad that some kids will miss out on the close youth group friendships gained on mission trips.

I enjoyed your message. I am retired now and was asked to help with the youth group. But, I am not even sure where to begin since youth ministry is all about relationship building and I am new to the community.