This past Sunday evening, our Good Shepherd youth descended on Uptown Charlotte to put hands and feet to a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

In lieu of their customary BigHouse Gathering in our Corner Campus, 220 students and volunteers ventured to the uptown area where they delivered 400 sandwich meals, 100 toiletry bags, and scores of hoodies to people who are homeless or struggling.

You read those numbers right.

220 students and volunteers.

400 sandwich meals.

100 toiletry bags.

Scores of hoodie sweatshirts.

Hundreds of prayers.

Here's what your Uptown Mission Team looked like at evening's end:



And, of course, they found time to act like teenagers as well:

As we put language to our mission at Good Shepherd, we know there is one thing we want to avoid: dead religion.

Because dead religion is everywhere, isn't it? Some Christians and even some churches seem to specialize in it.

You may even have had seasons in your life where your religion felt dead. I know that I have.

Which is why we want to name this thing we pursue: a living relationship.

It's what I'm talking about this Sunday and I can't wait.

Sunday.

8:30. 10. 11:30.

It's a First Serve weekend.

It's not just for Saturday anymore; we've got Friday opportunities as well.

To be part of the ministry with far reaching community impact, check here. Find a venue that fits your schedule, abilities, and passions, and make a difference.

Last week we unveiled our new mission statement at Good Shepherd:

Inviting All People Into A Living Relationship With Jesus Christ.

We drilled down into the meaning of "inviting," drawing inspiration from Jesus' own adventures as an invited guest in Luke 14.

This week we'll look at the "who" of the invitation: All People.

Because here's who is counting on us:



Sunday.

8:30. 10. 11:30.

Last night we launched the fall season of our Big House Student Ministry. 200 students, 40 volunteers, food, music, conversation, teaching, and prayer.

And one of the best ideas I've seen in a long time: a VIP "Lounge" reserved strictly for sixth graders.

Now: it can be intimidating for sixth graders to move up to youth ministry. Like I said, the crowds are large, the music is loud, and most of the other kids are older. And cooler.

So what better way to make the youngest in the group feel welcome than a VIP Lounge? Not only did they have special seating, but a cadre of older teens put on aprons and served them their meal. At their seat.

Here's what it looked like with featured appearances by student servants Lexi Nichols and Sheresa Rankin:



Taking those students who are typically ignored at best and ridiculed at worst, even in youth ministry, and giving them a place of honor at the banquet?

That's what it means to invite all people into a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Even sixth graders.