An old wedding tradition has been mostly forgotten. Brides used to incorporate the following items into their wedding day: something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Believe it or not, this can be a fun way to help you plan the first few months of the new ministry year!
Something Old
Youth workers are notorious for wanting to be creative. But because we’re fascinated with the “new,” we often shelve older stuff way before its time. So go back into your archives of lessons, events, activities, games, fund-raisers, and training themes. Find an old classic—something that was awesome a few years ago. Wipe off the dust and give it new life. You’ll save time, and young people will benefit from the return of a classic.
Something New
The new year is a great time to try something new. (Call it an “experiment.” That way if it bombs, you can discontinue it right away.) Can you add a new twist to the annual New Year’s Eve party? Is there a new angle for teaching the series on sex and dating? Would you like to add a new event or activity to the calendar? [tweet_dis]A new year is right around the corner, so try something innovative to ring it in.[/tweet_dis]
Something Borrowed
A wise man once said there’s nothing new under the sun. That’s good news for youth workers because it means virtually any idea you have has already been tried by somebody else. What do you need that you can borrow: a game idea? a winter retreat theme? a T-shirt design? old props? You name it, and somebody else probably has it. A great New Year’s resolution for youth workers is to commit to borrowing as much from one another as we possibly can. [tweet_dis]We’re better, faster, stronger, and smarter together.[/tweet_dis]
Something Blue
Here’s an interesting challenge: During the first quarter of the new year, read a book with a blue cover. Find an old favorite from your collection, order a title online, or check one out from the public library. In fact, here are a few “blue books” I found on Group.com:
Thriving Youth Groups: Secrets for Growing Your Ministry
Youth Leader Training On the Go
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Teenage Brains
My daughter got married a few months ago, and she’d never heard of this fun tradition. She missed the chance to use something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue—but you don’t have to!