Holiday Blues

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and excitement, and for the most part for most people that is exactly what they are. However, there is a segment of the population that dreads this time of year. The reason for that is because they have experienced a loss or tragic event in or around this time of year or within the last few months. It has certainly occurred in our area in Pennsylvania when 4 teenagers were tragically killed in a car accident only a few weeks ago. For their friends and family, this time of year is not going to be a joyous one. It is going to be a time of year filled with pain, tears and sadness.

 As people who work with youth and young adults we have to be particularly mindful of youth and young adults who have experienced tragic loss with their family or friends around this time of year. It is important as we plan fun activities during the holiday season that we also carve out some time for those individuals that dread having to face a new holiday season without a loved one. Unless you have experienced it yourself, you can overlook this very important opportunity for pastoral care to youth and young adults. There are several ways that one can honor and respect the people who have experienced loss and it doesn't take a lot of time and energy.

One easy way is simply sending a card to the individual on the anniversary of their loved ones death. If it's a youth member, having the youth group do this is even a better idea. Having a special worship service to honor an individual that is no longer with them is also very appropriate. Several churches in our area celebrate a "Blue” Christmas service, specifically intended for people who have experienced a loss during the holiday season. These services can be a reminder for everyone that the holiday time is not always filled with joy.

 As I think of those youth who died in a car crash, their friends, family and churches that will now have to pick up the pieces of lives cut short, I think how fortunate I am this holiday season. May God's peace, hope, joy and love greet you this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Resource Review: E|Merge

It can often be very hard to find good theologically sound youth resource material to use to instruct youth and young adults in a relevant and interactive way within our denomination. However, I came upon a good resource that I would like to recommend entitled "E|Merge." Developed at one of the largest United Methodist churches in our denomination, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, this curriculum sets the standard for a learning style where there is a large group teaching and small group discussion.

At its core, it uses relevant everyday TV shows, movies and experiences to explain how you are to live the Christian life to develop you as fully devoted disciples. There are a total of three resources numbered 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. While a lot of the literature says that they should be used in concert with one another, after further review I could see you taking one unit as a stand-alone piece if you thought it would be appropriate. Each unit ranges from 3-5 lessons and is very easy to follow and use. The curriculum includes: the directors guide, younger youth guide, older youth guide and an interactive DVD/CD-ROM that includes the clip, handout and PowerPoint presentations use in the large group teaching.

In critique of this resource, it is very hard to find either at Cokesbury bookstore or on Amazon.com. I'm not sure if that is because it is out of print or not, but if you are looking to purchase this you're going to have to do some research. Also, it is slightly dated with a publication date that is approximately 5 to 7 years old, however, the units are well written, easy-to-follow and most importantly theologically in line with the United Methodist Church.