Category Archives: communion

weekly wrapup 4.20.11

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This week was focused on the meaning of the Cross.  Drawing on the good work of MICHAEL NOVELLI we developed a evening of thinking and experiencing the reality of the Cross.

We intentionally stayed out of the youthspace until it was time for our big group gathering.

Upon entering the space, students were encouraged to find a comfortable spot to spend some time reflecting on the journey that Jesus took between his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the events of Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

As an act of corporate worship we shared in communion.  As the time for communion approached we took the t-shirts that the students had brought, ones that were representative of their persons and tore them into 2 pieces.  each student was given a  piece and then together they  tied those pieces together.  the resulting ribbon of shirts was then nailed to the cross as a symbol of our being a community of broken individuals who share in Christ’s death as a part of our own spiritual journey.  We used this video from the Passion of the Christ to remind all of us of the brutality of the Cross.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  ~Isaiah 53:5


We were reminded as the events of Good Friday were read, that for many it was the first time they had truly considered the weight of what Jesus Christ bore for those that call on His name. As a reminder of our time and of the love of Christ, each small group leader presented their students with a small handcut nail.

weekly wrapup 11.30.08

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Lesson Topic: waiting
Attendance: happening in the middle of a six day school break, with one day to go the numbers were excellent. had several new faces.
‘Fun’ Factor: tonite was all about fun in a whole new way. the comments heard as folks left was “tonite was amazing!” – “i really connected”
Volunteer Involvement: excellent thoug
Music: tonite was an all acoustic night. the veneration band was on its game. excellent sound and may have set a new bench mark.
Lesson Quality: excellent.
Length of Lesson: 25 minutes.
the night began by not allowing the students to head up to the youth room until most were there. then we dismissed them with the instructions and understanding that tonite was going to be different. i asked for a show of hands while outside the room of those that knew what advent was? two went up. which only confirmed the need to do what we were going to set off on. the students were instructed to enter the space in silence. find a pillow or carpet square and find a space to sit. we tried as best to leave technology behind with the games off and only some colored lights on. there were plenty of candles around the room. as they entered the entered the room the only sound was from gregorian advent chants from the monks of santos damigo. additionally the plan was to end the evening with communion so mrs. stanton had brought her bread maker in. the aroma of the bread baking was another tease on the senses. after 5 minutes we dimissed the students to head off and talk about the expereince and this time of year in small groups. this is our second week of breaking out this way and seems to be a good addition to the program. the students returned after the small groups again to sit in silence. they were given an envelope with 5 cards that asked them to do several different things. think about the word “silence”, simply rest where they were, go and write on a poster words of hope, offer their thots about God’s peace, as well as to move to another spot and rest some more. the students were engaged and we wrapped up our time talking about what the idea of advent is and how for those that follow Jesus it is the beginning of our new year. we offered a chance to make a commitment or recommit their faith and finished the evening with a time of communion (with the freshly baked bread. the evening was a stretch for all of us, but offered a reflection time that in most of our ministry we don’t take the time to make happen.