Blog Action Day 2009
It's Blog Action Day and this year's theme is climate change.
I'm sure if you click to the site you'll find a plethora of in depth and helpful blog posts (more substantial than this!).

Sometimes it seems hard to get your head round these massive global issues, and you end up feeling powerless and doing nothing. And while a great responsibility does lie with governments and large corporations, there is something about us doing our small bit that does make a difference.

As a Christian Colossians 1 speaking of all things being for Christ and in him everything being held together seems to me to be a reason for this to matter (as well as love for neighbour and stewardship of the earth).

For resources on this here a link to Tearfund's stuff, very helpful!

Youth Ministry and Support in Credit Crunch
Great thoughts from Ian (and commenters) around engaging adolescents and supporting youth ministry in a time of financial restraint.
Quotes:
"I am very concerned that youth work seems to be an immediate target for cuts"
"Yes, I know I am biased BUT I passionately believe that any further steps back from the Churches engagment with adolescents is to fail the young people we should be serving AND to miss out on how much we can learn from them."
A hearty "amen" from me!

Links
2 Posts from Jon to check out:
"Recommended resources for new youth ministers", check the comments too. I would add "The Godbearing Life" by Dean and Foster as a must read

Also "The future of statutory youth work" which raises some important questions