The last few days around here have certainly be a whirl wind. A lot of what has happened is very unfortunate, but I believe God always has a plan. I'm starting to believe that some really good things may even come out of this. There are a lot of rumors going around, and many are simply that. The reality is that no final decescion has been made by us or the consistory at this point. For the moment we are all kinda in limbo.
I do want to thank everyone for all the love and support that has been poured out the last 48 hours. Between phone calls, emails, and knocks on our door (not to mention the display outside my office) well over 100 people have very vocally expressed their support for our ministry. We have felt so loved, and realize that God has used us to make a real difference here. We know there is a huge amount of support for the youth ministry at HRC, and that makes us excited for the future of this congregation. A lot of people have asked "what can we do?" One place to start is to leave comments here about how the youth ministry (not me, but our ministry) has positively impacted you and/or your family. I think that will help people to see that what we are doing here is really making a difference. Thanks again for the love and kindness you have and continue to show our family. It has meant so much.
10 comments:
The hingham youth ministry has had a huge affect on many kids lives, just look at the number of kids coming in from the area who haven't gone to any church before! I think it is amazing the work that is being done and the impact being made on our community through the Hingham youth ministry. Going on the mission trip to louisiana last year was one of the highlights of my faith and the trip made a huge impact on my life.
This youth ministry has taught me a lot. It helped me develope my faith in many ways. This year during the Silverbirch retreat it was a lot of fun. It wasnt just fun we also learned a lot. Many people, i believe, got closer to God. Including me. This is what i take out of the ministry. I learned that God loves you no matter what and that all your sins are forgiven. This is what i learned from youth group.
As an adult with young children in the church - unfortunately too young to attend youth ministry events. I wanted to say that when my husband and i were considering which church in the area to join (and there are many to pick from) it was the involvement of the youth in the church and the many opportunities for them to get involved in christ centered activities that made me choose to join HRC. It is obvious just by taking the time to talk to any of the youth what an impact Andy has made in their lives. It is important that the church reach the youth and make god and the bible relate to their lives - the youth are the future of the church. there are so many challenges facing young adults today and i am grateful the youth of HRC have Andy to help guide them. I feel that it would be a great loss not only to HRC but the entire community if Andy were to leave.
The youth ministry has taught compassion, service, and how to not be afraid to express your faith and to encourage others to get to know GOD.
The Hingham youth ministry has had an incredible impact on HRC in the Andy era...We have had a good program that reached our kids for several years, but the energy and enthusiasm that has been developing in the current program has been phenomenonal.
I have seen a side of, specifically one of my children, that I acredit totally to Andys encouragment and 'out of the box' example.
The current youth program has reached a larger audience than just HRC, community and other church kids now feel welcome, included and enthused to be a part of this and, I for one, hope it continues to gain momentum and forward progress under ANDYS direction! We Love you and are praying about this!
We continue to pray for Andy and Andrea. We hope their decision will be to stay in Hingham, because the youth program is doing so well. We love you and want what's best for your family. Some say there should be this kind of outpouring of love and support before something like this happens. I say it was there all along: look at how many people helped with the youth room remodel... young and old. Think about everything you've asked for in equipment, volunteer support and love from the kids and adults... it's all been there :)
We hope to see you back soon.
I have been "graduated" from the HRC youth group for 3 years now but I am amazed at how much it has grown since that time. I have seen many kids that i know are not members of HRC but attend the youth program here just because of the positive role model Andy is. I think he has done a wonderful job and even though im not in Hingham right now while im away at school i still hear how excited the kids get every sunday night. Keep being the wonderful guy that you are Andy!
While we might not be the best at verbalizing our appreciation, I believe that the support for the HRC Youth Ministries has been tremendous. Kids would not be eager to come to youth group and parents would not be encouraging them to attend if they were not benefiting from the great program that Andy has been running. His planning and organization have made it so easy for us to plan ahead, and it is evident by the quality of anything he puts together that he has invested a huge amount of time and energy into EVERYTHING he does. Weekend retreats are no longer just about fun, but the kids are developing closer relationships with each other and more importantly with Christ through the themes, lessons, and Bible memory work that he encourages. Andy's love (and patience!)for the kids of Hingham is so evident and we pray that it is their love for him and God's guidance that helps him make his decision.
It is hard to talk about the youth ministry at Hingham without talking about Andy, but even before Andy the ground work was laid for a very dynamic ministry. Our youth ministry is attracting families and students (not necessarily in that order) because of the youth ministry. Yes, youth today are very hands on, they show thier emtions (how undutch is that!) And that is awesome! God is being glorified every week, the word is being taught to our youth every week, and they are hearing and accepting.
I think that Andy's ministry here is amazing. As student myself, I see things alittle differently then most adults in our church. Andy has supported me and my family through a very tough time after a close friend of ours died. I also see how this has affected the entire youth group. I've had several friends join because of his openess. It has brought so many kids to God. We keep praying for him and support him in this tough time. We love you Andy!!!!!
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