Hello, Alive Youth Church!
Happy Tuesday, everyone! What an incredible night we shared this past Sunday. When the best night of the week gets even better, you know it’s because of our annual AYC Costume Party! Truly one of the highlights of the year for our ministry.
Every year, I’m blown away by the creativity, group ideas, and the full-on commitment our students and leaders bring. Shout-out to some of my favorites: Phineas and Ferb, the group of grandmas, the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and, of course, the brave soul who came dressed as me! A few costumes still have me scratching my head, but that’s part of the fun.
The AYC Costume Party never disappoints, not just because of the laughs and the craziness of 100+ costumes jammed into a church, but because it’s another reminder that following Jesus is fun, and it’s even better when we do it together.
After a night like that, it’s easy to wake up the next day and think, “Well, back to normal.” The costumes go back in the closet, and the energy of the night fades a little. But here’s the truth: even when life gets quiet and routines settle in, God is still moving.
He doesn’t need flashing lights, crazy games, or a packed room to show up. He’s present in the ordinary moments too. In our conversations, in prayer, and in the small acts of faith that nobody else sees.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20
So don’t just look for God in the excitement, expect Him in the everyday. Because every time we gather, He is there. He’s working for His glory and for our good.
If I’m being honest, I have to catch myself sometimes. I get so focused on the event, what songs we’re singing, what game we’re playing, or what food we’ve got, that I can lose sight of why we’re really there. Maybe you’ve been there too. It’s easy to come into youth nights thinking, What am I going to get out of this? But something powerful happens when we come in with a different mindset, ready for what God wants to do in us and through us.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2
When we shift our focus from consuming to contributing, from performing to being real, that’s when we start to see God move in new and life-changing ways.
So here’s my challenge to you this week:
Instead of seeing what you can get out of our time together, see what you can offer.
Instead of trying to keep up appearances or “fake it till you make it,” show up honestly.
Instead of waiting for God to work through others for you, let Him work through you for others.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.” - Hebrews 10:24–25
When we show up ready, real, and expectant, there’s no telling what He’ll do next.
So keep that costume party joy alive, not just the fun and laughter, but the community, connection, and realness that makes Alive Youth Church what it is. We are a space for God to move in; we are a people for God to work through. And we do so together, supporting one another, and living in the joy that His presence brings.
Remember that we dress in costumes once a year. Don't let costumes be an everyday thing. We sometimes pretend to have it all together, hide our struggles, or act like we don’t care when we really do. God sees beyond all of that, and we get to experience so much more of Him when our costumes are off. So as you head into your week, remember: you don’t have to wear a costume to be loved, accepted, or valued. For the rest of the year, let AYC be the one place you don't need to wear a costume.
See you next Sunday, Alive Youth Church. 6:30pm!
Let’s keep showing up, staying real, and watching God move.
-Isaac Fehlen
Youth Pastor
Comments
Post a Comment