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Youth :
Youth Programs :
Crossroads:
Fall 2002 pg 1:
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Crossroads |
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Hello from Germany
by Steve White
 Hello
from Germany! I've just passed the 1/3 point of my exchange
year in Leipzig, Germany, and I thought it would be interesting to
write about some of the church experiences that I’ve had here.
I have to admit it has been strange not to have my congregational
church a short drive from home, but it has been a good opportunity
to explore the different churches and organizations that Leipzig has
to offer.
After Arriving in Leipzig, I found myself attending a Lutheran
Church with my host family, something very typical of this part of
Germany. It is of course understandable, knowing that Martin
Luther came from the
area! Unfortunately, I have to say that I have been a little
disappointed by the general church scene here in Germany. Many
of the services that I have experienced have been very dry,
something that I have been told is very typical of churches in
Germany. Church, which once used to be the center of society,
has become less important just like it has in the US. It just
seems that the church populations are in general not very healthy
here.
I am, however, very lucky to have ended up in Leipzig, a city with a
thriving youth organization that offers more activities than any one
person can attend. Once a month, there is a youth service in
the large gothic St. Peters Lutheran Church, which stands next to my
school in downtown Leipzig. I've even been able to play my
saxophone for these services with a band from the area. At the
beginning when I was struggling to understand everything, it was
cool to break the language barrier with music. Somehow these
youth services have been reminiscent of NAPF; they're a great
opportunity to get together with friends for worship, fellowship,
and fun!
So, although I don't have a church like at home, I have to remind
myself that church is a lot more than Sunday mornings! I've
had a great time getting into some of the youth activities here and
learning how to express my beliefs in German.
I hope that you are all having a great year! It's hard to
believe that we're almost half way to NAPF 2003! I wish you
all a great holiday season.
Grace and Peace,
Steve
J.O.Y.
Joy
to the World, The Lord is Come!
During the days and weeks surrounding the
Birth of Christ, it is often easier to be joyful than at other times
of the year. As the New Year approaches, we challenge you to be “JOY
full.” This means keeping a Biblical order to the priorities in your
life.
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J – Jesus
O – Others
Y – Yourself
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The NAPF officers and codirectors wish you a very
Blessed Christmas and JOYfull New Year!
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