Youth Conference

We had a great time at the national youth conference earlier this month. It was held in Monopoli, just south of Bari in a really nice resort complex. The meals were all amazing.

I did two teaching sessions each morning and a Pastor from Naples spoke in the evening. The theme was 'faith can move the mountains' and I ministered on the idea of an authentic, active faith where we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in an adventure of faith!

Here are some photos.

Christmas

Christmas was a little different for us this year, but we had a great time with friends.

Christmas Party

We had a great pre-christmas party with some friends.

Here are some photos.

Babies

I saw this on my brothers blog. looks like a grewat documentary with amazing imagery. It made me smile.

Church Math

Some great thoughts from Tony Morgan

more staff = fewer volunteers

lack of planning = financial challenges

more meetings = less ministry

unclear vision = packed ministry calendar

packed ministry calendar = volunteer burnout

more announcements = less ministry engagement

more ministries = more announcements

fewer people inviting friends = smaller crowds

lack of added value = fewer people inviting friends

fewer constraints = less creativity

same methods = same results

For some good feedback and comments on these topics chek out his blog.