A couple reminders:
Oasis registration is due by Sunday. Go here to register online. And here is the medical release form I'll need for the weekend.
The canned food drive is next week. We will be going door to door in the Briarwood Neighborhood on Tuesday the 3rd and Thursday the 5th of November to collect canned goods for Thanksgiving baskets. We need as many people (including parents) as we can to come help out!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October Discussion Question
It's hard to believe we are already 3 weeks into October. Thanks to everyone who commented on last month's discussion. I understand that some people tried to post a comment, but it didn't work for some reason. Hopefully all the issues are resolved now.
Here it is: As a parent, what is the hardest thing you've ever had to say "no" to?
Here it is: As a parent, what is the hardest thing you've ever had to say "no" to?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Resource
I thought I would post an article from The Barna Group today. This is a study from a few years ago that researched what teenagers are looking for out of an experience with church.
There are few things I'd like to comment on:
1 - I think it is important for us to remember that we are not selling a product. Sometimes it is tempting to think: "This is what the people want, so this is what we should be." If acquiesced to the popular demands of teenagers, I have a feeling we would do nothing but lock-ins and ski retreats, and we would leave the chaperons at home. As the article states, wants and needs are not always the same thing. We must be very intentional in preaching the truth of the gospel in every aspect of our students' lives.
2 - I think studies like this, however, are incredibly useful. The beauty of the gospel is that it transcends all generations and all trends. The things that students are looking for, the gospel supplies. Its says that kids are looking for a connection to God, the gospel declares the good news that everyone can be connected to God the Father through Jesus the Son. The challenging part is that the gospel is not a pick-and-choose proposition. Christ demands our undivided allegiance and taught that the only to the Father was a life of sacrifice through submission. These studies give us a great idea of where we can start the conversation. Several years ago, I think we could start the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to not go to hell when you die?" because that was a question people asked themselves often. I don't think the teens these days ask themselves that as much now as in the past. I think now we should be starting the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to make your life meaningful?" and go from there. All the conversations need to be working towards a common end, however. That conclusion is: "There is no life outside of Christ."
I would love to hear some of your thoughts in the comments.
There are few things I'd like to comment on:
1 - I think it is important for us to remember that we are not selling a product. Sometimes it is tempting to think: "This is what the people want, so this is what we should be." If acquiesced to the popular demands of teenagers, I have a feeling we would do nothing but lock-ins and ski retreats, and we would leave the chaperons at home. As the article states, wants and needs are not always the same thing. We must be very intentional in preaching the truth of the gospel in every aspect of our students' lives.
2 - I think studies like this, however, are incredibly useful. The beauty of the gospel is that it transcends all generations and all trends. The things that students are looking for, the gospel supplies. Its says that kids are looking for a connection to God, the gospel declares the good news that everyone can be connected to God the Father through Jesus the Son. The challenging part is that the gospel is not a pick-and-choose proposition. Christ demands our undivided allegiance and taught that the only to the Father was a life of sacrifice through submission. These studies give us a great idea of where we can start the conversation. Several years ago, I think we could start the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to not go to hell when you die?" because that was a question people asked themselves often. I don't think the teens these days ask themselves that as much now as in the past. I think now we should be starting the conversation with, "Do you want to know how to make your life meaningful?" and go from there. All the conversations need to be working towards a common end, however. That conclusion is: "There is no life outside of Christ."
I would love to hear some of your thoughts in the comments.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cell Groups in October
As many of you probably know, I am focusing the cell groups on the book of Acts (what an original topic for a church of Christ youth ministry:). Each month we'll be looking at a different aspect of what the first century church looked like. I've decided I'll post a thumbnail sketch of what is discussed at each Sanctuary the following day so you can help your kids process and apply the information. Keep in mind, that each of the cell groups has the freedom to do their own thing, so it's up to each individual cell group leader whether or not they'll be discussing this topic or something the leader thinks is more useful to their students.
The first month, when we had our Cell Group Kickoff, we talked about Jesus' charge to the disciples to go into all the Earth and bring all cultures the good news and the challenges they faced as they encountered such vast diversity.
This month, we're looking at how the early Church approached poverty. The early Church eliminated poverty among their fellowship because they were willing to share with one another (Acts 4:34). Luke highlights the early Church's care and concern for widows (chap. 6), Tabitha, Barnabas, and Cornelius are all praised for their donations and concern for the poor, the church in Antioch is credited as having the first disaster relief program when they pooled their resources to help Judea while they suffered through a famine (chap. 11). My hope and prayer is that by looking into the example the early Church set in regards to their attitudes about wealth and generosity, our students can understand what a pivotal role social justice plays in discipleship to Jesus Christ.
The first month, when we had our Cell Group Kickoff, we talked about Jesus' charge to the disciples to go into all the Earth and bring all cultures the good news and the challenges they faced as they encountered such vast diversity.
This month, we're looking at how the early Church approached poverty. The early Church eliminated poverty among their fellowship because they were willing to share with one another (Acts 4:34). Luke highlights the early Church's care and concern for widows (chap. 6), Tabitha, Barnabas, and Cornelius are all praised for their donations and concern for the poor, the church in Antioch is credited as having the first disaster relief program when they pooled their resources to help Judea while they suffered through a famine (chap. 11). My hope and prayer is that by looking into the example the early Church set in regards to their attitudes about wealth and generosity, our students can understand what a pivotal role social justice plays in discipleship to Jesus Christ.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October Calendar
Hard to believe we've come to a new month. I realized earlier this week that this was supposed to be posted last Thursday. Oops. Anyway, here are the things for the upcoming month.
Sunday, October 4th
Servantship Team Meeting - 12:30 pm
This time is approximate. This Sunday we have the guest speaker from the men's retreat, John Smith speaking to us on Sunday morning. There will be a fellowship meal after the morning service, then an afternoon service following lunch. We will meet after lunch. Also, remember that this Sunday marks the time change for our Sunday morning worship. Class will now start at 9 am and worship at 10 am.
October 9th - 11th
Vision Retreat
This is a very, very important trip for our ministry. This will be the weekend where we plan out our goals and strategy for the coming year. Any student who wishes to be on the Servantship Team really needs to attend this retreat. Students will need to bring money for 2 meals. We should be back on Sunday morning about the time church is over.
You may notice that our calendar looks a little sparse right now. That's on purpose. This month is our Vision Retreat, and I wanted to leave the calendar open so the Servantship Team could brainstorm ideas of ministry events for us. So, there's a possibility of seeing more things pop-up this month on short notice. Also, this month the Servantship Team is supposed to be organizing groups to go support fellow youth groupers in sports events or other performances. I am leaving the teens responsible for getting the word out about such events, so if you have a child on the Servantship Team, you may want to ask them if they are in charge of an event. If your child has a sporting event or band concert, or any other thing that we can come support them in, let us know.
Sunday, October 4th
Servantship Team Meeting - 12:30 pm
This time is approximate. This Sunday we have the guest speaker from the men's retreat, John Smith speaking to us on Sunday morning. There will be a fellowship meal after the morning service, then an afternoon service following lunch. We will meet after lunch. Also, remember that this Sunday marks the time change for our Sunday morning worship. Class will now start at 9 am and worship at 10 am.
October 9th - 11th
Vision Retreat
This is a very, very important trip for our ministry. This will be the weekend where we plan out our goals and strategy for the coming year. Any student who wishes to be on the Servantship Team really needs to attend this retreat. Students will need to bring money for 2 meals. We should be back on Sunday morning about the time church is over.
You may notice that our calendar looks a little sparse right now. That's on purpose. This month is our Vision Retreat, and I wanted to leave the calendar open so the Servantship Team could brainstorm ideas of ministry events for us. So, there's a possibility of seeing more things pop-up this month on short notice. Also, this month the Servantship Team is supposed to be organizing groups to go support fellow youth groupers in sports events or other performances. I am leaving the teens responsible for getting the word out about such events, so if you have a child on the Servantship Team, you may want to ask them if they are in charge of an event. If your child has a sporting event or band concert, or any other thing that we can come support them in, let us know.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)