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 January 30, 2004
The word “Rubicon” means “point of no return.” It is also a river in Italy - the same river that Julius Caesar crossed initiating a civil war between his forces and those of Pompey the Great. In fact, the phrase “to cross the Rubicon” has come to mean taking the first step and committing one’s self to a hazardous enterprise.
Some might argue that crossing from childhood into adulthood can be just as hazardous. We move from those years where we are taken care of and step out onto our own. We take on the world, and whatever comes our way becomes our problem, not something that can be handed off to Mom and Dad. It is during these times when teens are most vulnerable.
God became one of us and knows exactly what it is like to be human, limited in body. Though all of us have (at least in theory) been young once, as adults we have no clue what it’s like to be a teenager nowadays. When asked what the most pressing concerns are for teens, Woodland Hills Youth pastor Dennis Luce said, “Not being heard, neglect and boredom.” All three of these issues will be addressed in the next few months as Woodland Hills gets closer to opening its new youth center.
In 2004 Woodland Hills Church will begin a new phase in its life, enlarging its impact on the community. At the end of January, the contractor for construction of the youth center will be selected. The design of the center, which will include a worship area, rec room and computer lab/classroom, will be finished by the end of March. April will herald the beginning of construction, which will then be finished in July. Once Phase I of the youth center is completed, the youth services will be moved to the new area. Some time during next school year, community outreach will begin.
When I asked why the youth center was so important, Luce replied, “It's important because the youth need connection to caring adults and other youth who can challenge them to grow in their faith.”
There are other Christian hangouts in the Twin Cities such as Club 3 Degrees in Minneapolis, but places like these are more concert venues than simply places to hang out with friends and participate in activities. Luce also emphasized the importance of having this center in this location. “Club 3 Degrees is great, but it’s all the way over in Minneapolis, and we’re looking to serve kids right here in our neighborhood.”
When the youth center opens this year, the building itself is not going to solve problems. It will be up to the members of Woodland Hills to breathe life into it. With financial commitments and volunteers, the youth center will become a reality. Luce stresses, “We always need volunteers to minister to kids. We will need tons of volunteers when the youth center opens.”
This year the church will be ‘crossing the Rubicon’ into the uncharted territory of its new youth center. If it sounds like a place God might have you volunteer, please see our current volunteer opportunities.
article by Rob Dannenberg | 
