RYMS (Redeemer Youth Ministries)

On Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18, the RYMS spent one night sleeping outside in cardboard boxes at Redeemer Lutheran Church. We had 38 youth participate with 8 adult leaders. Our final total raised for Habitat for Humanity is $2206 plus $750 matching fund from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. GRAND TOTAL=$2956.

The last time we did Shanty Town in 2002, we had 20 youth participate and raised a total of $1580. Praise God for how He is working in our youth!

We had a great time building our cardboard homes, telling our congregation about our project, hanging out with other churches at First Lutheran for an improv comedy show, hearing an outdoor concert by Lucid Fate, braving 2 overnight storms, spending time with the Sunday School students, and going to church. Meanwhile, we realized just a little bit what it must be like to be homeless.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success. There's too many to name in this space!

She has Asset #26 Caring, and I'd like to tell her that--if only I knew her name. I was at the BP/Amoco station on North 11th Street in Manitowoc. The cashier asked if I wanted to turn my Mountain Dew into the 2 for $2 deal. I said, "I only got $2, so I can't cover the 10 cents of tax."

Suddenly this youth placed a quarter on the counter. "Here you go!" I thanked her as she headed out the door. I didn't really know what to say. She didn't even wait around for the 15 cents change that I didn't need. This young woman on the way home from Wilson Junior High cared for a stranger in a small way but showed herself to have one of the 40 Developmental Assets. I'm guessing that she has a bunch of assets.

Now it wasn't crucial that I get two Mountain Dews. It's a small bargain to get 2 of them at once, but hey, this girl showed kindness and valued helping other people. That's the kind of thing that I want adults to notice about the youth in our communities. Whether in my role as pastor, on the Executive Board for the Asset Building Community, on the Manitowoc County Abstinence Coalition, or just in my own neighborhood, I want adults to realize how many positive assets our youth have.

To the student who gave me 25 cents, if you're reading this, stop by Redeemer Lutheran Church, and I'll pay you back. Besides, I'd like to shake your hand, thank you again, and make sure you know that you have Asset #26.

The 40 Developmental Assets were identified through research by the Search Institute. For more info about our local efforts in Manitowoc Country, contact Ed Prigge, Executive Director of Manitowoc County's Asset Building Community.

Take advantage of your vacation from school this week, and come have lunch with Pastor Squires on Good Friday, April 9, 12:00-1:00 PM. Bring a bag lunch or something to warm up in the microwave. We'll hang out in the RYMS Room. College students are also invited to drop in if they're at home. Hope to see you there! After lunch, you can attend the Good Friday worship service at 1:00.

Worship God during this Holy Week!

Maundy Thursday, April 8, 6:00 PM
(the night of the Last Supper)

Good Friday, April 9, 1:00 and 6:00 PM
(the day Jesus was crucified)

Easter Sunday Worship (No Sun. School) Sunday, April 11,
8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
(the day Jesus rose from the dead)