Bradenton CRC Youth Group

Our team got here safe and sound Saturday night after their 4 hour trek from Bradenton, Florida. We are blessed enough to be partnering with Parkway Baptist Church while serving alongside another PPM team from White Bluff Methodist Church. Yesterday we attended a wonderful service were are group got to lead in some worship, scripture reading, and PREACHING! The sermon was great and the fellowship that followed, even greater as we split up and enjoyed lunch in the homes of members of the congregation. Right after we began prepping for VBS. What a busy day!

Megan reading from the book of Ephesians with a member of the church's youth.

Today we kick off the beginning of VBS here at Parkway Baptist Church! Although the beginning started with some nervousness, the team did an AMAZING job bringing EVERYTHING and EVERYONE together! Go Team and Yay God! Today's lesson - God is the Creator Day 1: Light "WHOOOSSSH" Day 2: Sky Day 3: Land "SMACK" Day 4: Sun, Moon and Sky Day 5: Birds and Fish "Glub, Glub" Day 6: Animals and Humas (That's US!)

These girls are working hard in the heat to spend time in sports ministry with the kids of Parkway Baptist!

Tonight we finished off our day with fellowship and dinner with one another, joining the PPM teams and sharing our experiences of God. The weather was perfect and set the tone for worship outside under the CRAZY BEAUTIFUL sky. God is so good and we are looking forward to witnessing more of his masterpiece at the beach tomorrow!

Our members started another day off strong with VBS songs, dances, scripture and skits. Here we have Carina and A.J. aka Cooper, getting the youth pumped and already curious about what tomorrow will bring. We are excited about today and what "God Hugs" we will get, and "Bonehead" moments we will see. Later today...TO DA BEACH MON!

What a beautiful day to enjoy the beach, good food, and each other. We got to stroll on the boardwalk, eat great food, swim, play football, and even have a beach service! It was so great watching the youth groups get to know one another and discuss challenges they've overcome and share experiences. What a precious day of fellowship and growing in Christ as one, united under our God.

The title says it all. Really. Amazing.

Remember that time we said God created the Sun, Moon, and Stars? Here is proof of all his glory.

We had a wonderful service sharing our stories and experiences with one another. Our group joined the youth and got to show the congregation some of what they have learned throughout the week, including drills! We are very thankful for the efforts and gifts of each member as it was clear the youth of Parkway felt blessed by our presence and time together.It was also shared that the group feels equally as blessed for being warmly welcomed into Parkway Baptist and by the openness and love of the youth group. We are very thankful for this week and are excited about the last day of VBS tomorrow!

What a brave thing to do to volunteer to share your story with the congregation - to be vulnerable and open in Jesus Christ! Thanks be to Megan for stepping up and out on faith! Check it out here | https://goo.gl/photos/jQ4cv7NnZpQr4a7d8

We all know how uncomfortable it is to be put on the spot, especially around new friends. Big shout of to Duncan for stepping out of his comfort zone and sharing with the congregation on the fly, how God has been working throughout this week. Check it out here | https://goo.gl/photos/5rJdB5Qa85hEg3m48

Today the group went out with a BANG! We completed the last day of VBS and then broke into two ministry groups. One group worked hard in the sun, pouring concrete to fix a driveway at the church. The other group headed to a local nursing home and spent time with the residence. Although it was hard to say goodbye at the end, it seems the group and the Parkway congregation enjoyed their week.

Her eyes say it all - Ms. Rose was wise, kind, and clearly a woman of God. How blessed we feel to have met her and spend time with her!

It is always hard to say goodbye - so we do it big, sending others home with affirmations, love, and encouragement. Our groups came together for one last meeting and shared about their week. It has been awesome watching everyone serve and grow in God. We hope to all keep in touch and continue our individual journeys in God.