Beyond Baptism

Amy Jo is joined by author Nicole Schwarz who helps us learn how to parent with calm and connection. She wants us to overflow with forgiveness for ourselves and our children so that we can parent with confidence.

What began with jam sessions on couches in the old youth building blossomed into one of our favorite elements of youth group each week. Megan Spence, Emma Nicholson, Katie Vande Weghe, and Jake Brumfield join Jason Rhymer to share stories, memories and wishes for the new leaders of Praise Band.

William Dodds, Ava Giordano, and Shelby Eliasek share their experiences from our long-awaited Awanita Retreat. After an 18-month hiatus, we are back to weekend retreats and could not be more excited!

The pandemic has exposed our blindspots when it comes to mental health, and it has opened doors for conversations to begin surrounding this heavy topic. This episode focuses on tools for youth both facing mental health battles and walking alongside those hurting alike. We've partnered with the Youth Team of Myers Park Presbyterian in an effort to create an ongoing community dialogue centered around healing and hope.

Author Kari Kampakis is back with Amy Jo to share wisdom from her new book, More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive. Kari offers a fresh approach to the "put your own oxygen mask on first" advice, with a holistic look at wellness.

Caring for someone with a mental health challenge can be heavy and should not be done alone. We want to offer encouragement and support to those who walk alongside youth day by day. We've partnered with Rev. Bill Roth, Pastor of Congregational Care, for some best practices and encouragement for families.

How do we make time for God in our busy lives? Rev. Nancy Watson joins Amy Jo Alspaugh to share ideas and easy-to-implement suggestions to help you feel closer to God without adding to your already busy schedule.

Resources: The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] - Jon J. Muth The Quiltmaker's Gift - Jeff Brumbeau In God's Name - Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Tear Soup - Pat Schweibert, et al [a story about grief] Wisdom Tales from Around the World (World Storytelling) - Heather Forest But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land - Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Bethanne Andersen (Illustrator)

As the gloom of the pandemic continues to hang over us, the Youth team has seen a rise in teens using drugs and alcohol to cope. Al-Anon is an organization that helps families navigate addictions. In this episode, Jason Rhymer interviews one of their partners, Brian Hadley, who shares resources for this potentially difficult conversation with your teen. Beyond Baptism: Wisdom, Hope, and Encouragement for Parents, created by Children's Ministries and Youth Ministries, is intended for parents and adults invested in the young people of our church.

Resources: https://al-anon.org/ https://theinsightprogram.com/drug-alcohol-treatment-programs/charlotte-nc/