Talkback

Group, Jul/Aug 2002

"group really get me re-energized to set higher standards for myself. Thanks!"

Tricia Johnson

Powell, Ohio

basic needs

I've just read your article "Back to the Basics" (March/April 2002)-you guys have hit it right on the head. Our kids don't seem to be crying out for more programs or activities.. They seem to want to know what they need to believe and why they believe it. One of our teens is calling me every other afternoon this week for help in defending his faith to a friend.

Scott Evans

Oley, Pennsylvania

really good friday service

I'd like to thank Pastor Steve Case for his wonderful "Reverse Advent" service (January/February 2002). Our presentation was done using people of all ages from our congregation... Several people commented after the service how they loved the idea and were deeply moved by the service, myself included!

Monica Storer

Savannah, Missouri

"Reverse Advent" was a fantastic service... and people are still talking about it... We used the music as written-it was perfect! The youth had one short practice and did a great job. (They really loved wearing black all the way down to their nail polish.) Our priest was so happy, he's asked us to do it again next year. One parishioner said it was the most moving service he's ever attended. Thank you!

Jackie Moore

Columbia. South Carolina

I used the "Reverse Advent" Good Friday service... It was amazing! The youth group and I were thrilled, as was the congregation, to be invited into the darkness and silence that this service offered. I was a bit concerned about how some of the older congregation members would respond to some of the music, but they loved it. I've received several cards and emails from members who said it was the most moving, engaging Good Friday service that they've ever experienced.

Cathy Kinsman

Winnipeg, Manitoba

I volunteered our youth group to lead our church's Good Friday service after reading the suggestion in your magazine. We stuck with the basic outline of "Reverse Advent" but changed a few minor items (songs especially) to fit our congregation. The adults loved it-even to the point of bringing our senior pastor to tears.

Steve Giddings

Fountain Valley, California

creedibility

You might want to inform Dr. Youth ("Ask Dr. Youth," May/ June 2002) that the creeds he said were essentially unimportant to learn or memorize are some of the best ways for anyone to learn what Scripture teaches about God... True, it's important to keep Jesus central, but let's not make ignorance a priority in our youth departments.

John Cordrey

Anaheim, California