1.  Fall Transitions
This is always the time of year when we get an influx of new students at SJ.  Maybe one of these is yours!  Between new 6/7 graders and other students coming for the first time, there is a steady stream of visitors during September and October.  One of the biggest hurdles any new attendee faces is the, "first time visit."  No one likes change, and teens are no exception.  What we've found, however, is that once a student attends for a few weeks (normally 3) they end up staying connected long-term.  So how do we get them in the doors and connected with a leader.  Here are a few ideas:
*Bring a friend:  This never fails.  No one feels uncomfortable when they come with someone else.  If you are wanting your         child to try SJ, consider having them bring a friend along.  You might also talk to people you know at WW with kids the same age.  See if they can attend together.
*Call ahead:  We've got the best adult leaders in the business...period!  They are committed to helping students feel safe and build relationships.  If you let us know your child is coming - then we'll be ready for them.
*Ask them to attend for 3 weeks straight:  Our stats show us irrefutably that students who try SJ for 3 weeks are 5x more likely to stay connected.  Give your kids a gentle push in that direction.
*Drop by the office: It might be helpful for your child to meet some of our SJ staff in a less threatening environment.  Schedule an appointment with Ben, and he'll coordinate a time for your child to meet some leaders. 

At SJ, we're committed to helping your child live the best version of life possible in Jesus.  One of the big three realities of that for us is building meaningful relationships.  If we can help in any way, contact us at ben.redmond@westwinds.org, with 'connect' in the subject line.

2.  Fall Series: Made
Last week, we started our fall series "Made".  We'll spend six weeks looking at what it means to be made in the image of God, and how that should affect our lives.  After 13 years of professional youth ministry, I'm convinced that students live small lives when they don't know who they are.  Once a student realizes that they are made alive by the spirit of God...that He has purpose for their lives...they can begin to move away from the bad decisions that are keeping them from the best version of life possible.  As parents, you are always welcome to sit in on SJ any week.

3.  Fall Events
One of our big goals at SJ this year is GROWTH.  We believe that God has give us the team and the resources to change the youth culture in Jackson for the fame of Jesus.  However, we won't be doing it in the way that youth groups have traditionally pursued growth.  In the past twenty years, the dominant model for growth has been big events.  The idea has been that if we could get the star athlete or cheerleader to attend - all the other kids would come.  What we have found over the last few years (supported by tons of research) is that big events no longer reach large quantities of students.  There is too much competing for their attention. 

We believe that a much more effective way to grow is through smaller, relationally based, gatherings.  With that in mind, our fall and winter events will be driven by our Merge Groups.  So rather than one retreat that we all go on, our Merge groups will be initiating gatherings for their students and their student's friends.  We will keep you posted as these gatherings occur.

Thanks again for the privilege of serving beside your family.  If we can help in any way - don't hesitate to contact us.