fantastic!

i have aimed to be the coolest vicar ever...

well, not exactly, but i try to keep the confirmation class on their toes.

i decided that we would do Bible studies and try to pick texts that would make sense and appeal to teenage boys. grosser the better. i was often told they weren't gross enough. really, crucifixion isn't gross?

i tried to plant seeds of hard texts. texts that are used by people to hurt others. i wanted them to hear those passages in a safe space so that when they hear them again, they aren't surprised.

we read some tough stuff.

we listened to music that worked with the Bible. i asked them to pick the music. they often picked linkin park. which made me giggle. they did a fantastic job.

very thoughtful.

they tried to explain football to me. they gave up. i tried. really, i did. it just does not make sense.

we did fun things. played football, watched football, went to starbucks. yesterday we went to see "Hancock". good film for trying to see how faith metaphors are in pop culture. i tried to get that conversation started. they are still a little young for that, but we tried. i planted that seed. the seed for seeing God in lots of places.

we talked about Sudan and Darfur. we painted a tent. a tent that will be used in a gathering on the Mall this fall. a gathering that will have leaders from major faith groups.

we talked about the difference between want and need.

and then...

i have a kid that would rather skip a trip than miss a confirmation gathering! i have another kid that has fought church and will show-up on his own to confirmation!

it makes me so happy that by just trying a few other things, we have been able to keep the kids engaged! i am just so happy about this. i am so delighted that i have kids WANTING to come!

i had supportive families and a wonderful lay person helping me. between all of that we got to a point where there was this lovely, fun group of boys that wants to come to confirmation. i have hope for the church at such moments.