tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post6975117230897762699..comments2023-09-02T03:27:16.053-07:00Comments on Faith|Hope|Love: Our Student Ministry Service TimesMicah Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430914255686010807noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-36904800647347412262008-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:002008-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00Michelle,thanks for the kind words. you're right, ...Michelle,<BR/><BR/>thanks for the kind words. you're right, i don't know who is standing beside me.<BR/><BR/>i'm hoping to improve communication to the point where every parent can feel they are in the loop.<BR/><BR/>have fun on vacation!Micah Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16430914255686010807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-65726410812379003482008-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:002008-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00Hey, Micah...I agree that having that extra time i...Hey, Micah...<BR/><BR/>I agree that having that extra time is great and necessary; I just wish there were a way to have it and still include the high schoolers in Sunday mornings. I have looked at the models that we are following both at the church you visited last weekend and the one back East, and I can see how what we're doing works within that model. I'm hoping that as we develop and mature as a church, all these little wrinkles will be ironed out. It is difficult to change and adjust and grow, but hopefully the model we are following will work well for the teens. It's just a matter of time and patience, I'm sure. <BR/><BR/>On another note, your blog gave me the impression that you don't feel supported by the parents, and I want to assure you that everyone I've spoken to about the high school group has been very positive and asked for ways to support and encourage you and build the group. The only need I have heard anyone speak of is more communication, but even that has been questions and wanting information, never anything negative about you or the program. I know you are working hard to improve communication for Catalyst, and it really seems to be working. As a parent, I feel SO MUCH MORE in the loop now than I did last year. You have some big cheerleaders both in the parents and on staff with you, and they all want you to be successful with Catalyst. They also pray for you and Erica and the group regularly and encourage other parents to get involved and get to know you as a leader. I hope knowing this will help you begin to feel more supported and encouraged in your efforts. You have a lot more people standing beside you than you may realize. :)MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-20779839967018681772008-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:002008-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:00Michelle,I believe that it would actually be makin...Michelle,<BR/><BR/>I believe that it would actually be making our students less important if we did not give them their own space and time. We would be shortening their time together and trying to make them fit into our mornings. They need more time than an hour. They need some hang time and some extended small group time. It's not a matter of the church not making them a priority. They wouldn't have hired me if they weren't making them a priority. <BR/><BR/>But thank you for your comments. I hope that makes you feel a little more at ease about the fact that we care very much about our students and that's why we do what we do.Micah Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16430914255686010807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-26329487082502662682008-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:002008-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:00I appreciate all of your hard work and your effort...I appreciate all of your hard work and your efforts to communicate with parents. I agree with most of what you said, but I do have some additional thoughts: 1) Doing all three (Jr, Sr, College) is a LOT, and I think we are big enough to warrant additional help so you don't have to do all three. (Even if you love doing it, your schedule appears unbelievably packed!) 2) I think we need a place for the high school kids during Sunday services. We've made all of our children a priority on Sunday mornings, except the high school kids. They are getting the "leftover time" at 4:30. Choosing a time by process of elimination doesn't seem to be making them a priority. 3) You have to go to church, so you can't do a 9:00 and a 10:45 service, so maybe someone else needs to take one of the groups so the high school group can be included in our priorities on Sunday mornings. <BR/><BR/>Okay, these are just my two-cent-comments. On a side note, I have heard a lot of discussion about the high school group times, and I want to clarify that none of it has been gossipy or caddy in any way. Everyone I have spoken with is looking for solutions and information, and everyone wants what is best for our kids. So, please don't feel like parents are "talking amongst themselves" in a negative way. Rather, they have been searching for information and help in understanding what is and is not available for their teens.<BR/><BR/>Hope these thoughts help!<BR/>:)Michelle BowdenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-65698688120155666342008-06-27T19:28:00.000-07:002008-06-27T19:28:00.000-07:00Micah, I love how you're using the blog to inform ...Micah, I love how you're using the blog to inform and include parents! Sounds like there are some great things happening at NHC!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-35839334253554660792008-06-25T13:42:00.000-07:002008-06-25T13:42:00.000-07:00I think that is exactly what parents need to have ...I think that is exactly what parents need to have in their hands quarterly. Maybe put that in the bulletin this week or send it home. We are on the same team and want to just see our child become a devoted, active, disciple of Christ.<BR/>~Juli ThorntonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-49592330139812309642008-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:002008-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00thanks Alicia...I got another comment, but I've de...thanks Alicia...<BR/><BR/>I got another comment, but I've decided not to publish them unless a name is attached...because it could be anyone from anywhere in the world chiming in on our family business here at NHC. <BR/><BR/>Plus I'd like to be able to follow up with that person...<BR/><BR/>always remember that you can email me personally or call the office.<BR/><BR/>Please put your names on your comment.Micah Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16430914255686010807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14148701.post-32492458544210144632008-06-25T10:35:00.000-07:002008-06-25T10:35:00.000-07:00Thanks for explaining all this. It helps as a par...Thanks for explaining all this. It helps as a parent to see were you will be leading our kids. <BR/>The 3 steps in supporting student ministry is important too!! <BR/><BR/>As a small group leader it helps me understand my role better!!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all your hard work!<BR/>I hope you enjoy your weekend with Erica & your friends.<BR/><BR/>Alicia NegriAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com