January 23, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
TUBING
If you are registered for out Tubing event this Saturday here is what you need to know!
• We plan to leave the church at 8:00 am and will return at 5:30 pm.
• Please eat a good breakfast before you arrive.
• Lunch will be provided
• If you have not yet turned in a 2006 180 Release Form please bring it with you.
• If your parent has not yet signed the Mt Hood SkiBowl Release Form please have them come into the Youth Center when you are dropped off on Saturday. There is one form for all parents to sign.
30 HOUR FAMINE
Are you ready to FAST for FOOD?
Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger -
29,000 every day, gone for good. They’re counting on you to care. Do you
care? We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for
someone else as well? If so, you should Fast for Food.
We plan to Fast for Food on February 24-25. The 30 Hour Famine is a
combined MS and HS event.
Be with us this Sunday as we officially launch this year's famine!
To learn more about the 30 Hour Famine please visit the official web site at
www.30hourfamine.org.
See last year's famine here.
WINTER YOUTH REVIEW
Last week we asked for your reviews of Winter Youth. The following was received from Bobbi George.
Something that really stuck with me from Winter Youth was a quote: "The most intimate worshiper of Christ is the most satisfied person." This made me think about my own life, and how I'm not always satisfied. So ever since winter youth I have been asking God to help me be satisfied with what I have. Let me tell you God sure has been answering that prayer. About week after WY I went shopping with a friend, and she was buying stuff like crazy and talking about all the stuff that she needed to get for this and that, well I was thinking about all the stuff that I liked (and could afford) but just couldn't bring myself to buy anything. At first, I will admit, I was a little disappointed, since I do LOVE shopping. But then I realized that this was exactly what I had been asking God to help me with. Just because I saw something that I liked, and wanted did not mean that I needed it. God has been answering my prayer, and helping me to become satisfied in a world of materialistic people.
Just a side note: If you didn't make it to WY, I highly suggest that you make sure to go next year! Its an amazing time where you grow in God, and also with your youth group! I love it!
Thank you Bobbi!
SMALL GROUPS
Are you a part of one yet? If you are interested in taking your walk wth God to a deeper more meaningful level then you are encouraged to join a small group. There are groups meeting in both the High School and Middle School group!
If you are in high school and not yet plugged into a group please contact Aaron Geist.
If you are in middle school and not yet plugged into a group please contact Pastor Brian.
There is a group that needs you!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
I have always been a people pleaser. I have always tried to fit in, to be one of the crowd.
At school I was everybody's friend. I fit in with the Preps and the Goths and every other stereotype you can imagine. It seemed to me that everybody else had something I wanted. No matter what I did, I couldn't find it.
I have gone to church just about my whole life. I sang the songs and talked the talk, but I never really bought into it. I always thought that since other people in my family believed, I didn't have to--I was covered. I loved going to church and hanging out with my friends on Sundays, but on Monday I was the girl who always fit in.
About God I always thought, How I am I supposed to love a person I don't know? Like if someone said to you, "I know a guy, and he's madly in love with you. Don't you love him, too?" If you had any common sense, you'd want to know who the person was--at least I did.
People always say, "I found Jesus." That's not how it was for me. I didn't find anything, no matter how hard I looked. The bottom line is that Jesus came looking for me. Don't get me wrong--it wasn't like, "Oh, I know Jesus now," and everything was all hearts and flowers. I wish it worked that way.
But about a year and half ago, I started to run after God for real.
Some of my friends from church talked me into going to a conference with them, and one of the speakers talked about how if you fit in perfectly with the world, you have a problem. I didn't think of it as a problem. I just thought the speaker didn't have any friends in high school and was still bitter about it. The other speakers were all about change-the-world-this and change-the-world-that. I was doing just fine in my little corner of the world not changing anything. They weren't hitting me like a lightning bolt: boom, change the world for Jesus.
Then over the weekend I was praying one of my packaged prayers: you know, "Bless Mom, bless Dad, thanks for everything I own, it would be nice to have world peace while you're at it." But during my prayer, the speaker's voice kept playing in my head. It hit me that out of all the people I knew, maybe two knew I was a Christian.
I'm always trying to fit in--not make waves, I thought. Exactly what kind of impact am I making? I knew if I were to speak up, people would look at me like I'd escaped from a place with padded walls--but if I didn't, then one day I'd have to try to explain to God that I was too embarrassed to let people know that I loved him. I didn't want to have to imagine that.
So I switched off of my "bless everyone" prayer and began to talk to God for real. I asked for boldness and courage every night, but in the morning I didn't wake up feeling like Wonder Woman.
Then I remembered how my older sister once told me that courage only comes after you face what you fear. You have to challenge your fears in order to defeat them. I decided to speak up about my faith, although I knew that it wouldn't be easy for me. I was really scared of what people would think. Remember, I had never been an individual; I had always tried to blend in. It was a huge stretch for me. It is never easy being the only one standing for what you believe.
I discovered that my sister was right. After I told one person what I believed, telling one more wasn't difficult. Believe it or not, other people saw that I was making a stand for Jesus, and they stood up right next to me.
For the first time in my life, I didn't try to fit in with anyone. In the process, I lost some of my friends because of my honesty. But faithful to the end, God soon sent good, strong Christian friends--people I didn't know well and really didn't want to know at first, I'll admit. Now that they are my friends, I see how judgmental and wrong I was. I would have missed so much not really knowing them.
Things are not easy; I don't think they ever will be. There are times when I know I am supposed to witness, but I back out. I kick myself for it, but I know that God forgives me every time. He's working with me.
I no longer fit in with every group, but how can you be passionately in love with Jesus and still play the field? You can't. If it comes down to a choice between "be welcomed on this earth" or "be welcomed in heaven," I will choose heaven any day.
Lauren Alyson Schara, 16
Taken from "True Vol. 1" by Irene Dunlap, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
What's your story? Do you have one similiar to Lauren's? Have you made a decision to live for Jesus after living for yourselves? Have you made a stand for Him? What was your experience?
Share your story or thoughts on Lauren's story on our Message Board.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Christian Gaming
A place where Christians can go to get information about online, computer, and console games.
~ Next Step Magazine
A Web site all about your life after high school
~ 180 Message Board
A place for you to share your ideas, join a discussion, interact with friends.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have one birthday blessing to throw out this week and this week it goes to James Blome (1/25)! We hope you have a GREAT birthday James!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbour.
- Martin Luther
Instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.
- George MacDonald
===========oursponsor===========
NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHRISTIAN CAMP/RETREAT
Up to the challenge? Wilderness Cove is an adventure-drenched discipleship camp/retreat with excursions of backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. It's being challenged physically, mentally and spiritually. We customize your week's adventure to enable you to truly grow in your "walk." Teaching tailored specifically for your group. Rated 9.2 out of 10 by youth pastors.
Hosting 8 to 50 people per week. Modern log cabins, clean facilities, awesome views, great food. Located at the edge of the Smokies in North Carolina.
Visit www.wildernesscove.com or call Wilderness Cove at 828-479-2993!
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Never try to leap a chasm in two jumps.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
TUBING
If you are registered for out Tubing event this Saturday here is what you need to know!
• We plan to leave the church at 8:00 am and will return at 5:30 pm.
• Please eat a good breakfast before you arrive.
• Lunch will be provided
• If you have not yet turned in a 2006 180 Release Form please bring it with you.
• If your parent has not yet signed the Mt Hood SkiBowl Release Form please have them come into the Youth Center when you are dropped off on Saturday. There is one form for all parents to sign.
30 HOUR FAMINE
Are you ready to FAST for FOOD?
Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger -
29,000 every day, gone for good. They’re counting on you to care. Do you
care? We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for
someone else as well? If so, you should Fast for Food.
We plan to Fast for Food on February 24-25. The 30 Hour Famine is a
combined MS and HS event.
Be with us this Sunday as we officially launch this year's famine!
To learn more about the 30 Hour Famine please visit the official web site at
www.30hourfamine.org.
See last year's famine here.
WINTER YOUTH REVIEW
Last week we asked for your reviews of Winter Youth. The following was received from Bobbi George.
Something that really stuck with me from Winter Youth was a quote: "The most intimate worshiper of Christ is the most satisfied person." This made me think about my own life, and how I'm not always satisfied. So ever since winter youth I have been asking God to help me be satisfied with what I have. Let me tell you God sure has been answering that prayer. About week after WY I went shopping with a friend, and she was buying stuff like crazy and talking about all the stuff that she needed to get for this and that, well I was thinking about all the stuff that I liked (and could afford) but just couldn't bring myself to buy anything. At first, I will admit, I was a little disappointed, since I do LOVE shopping. But then I realized that this was exactly what I had been asking God to help me with. Just because I saw something that I liked, and wanted did not mean that I needed it. God has been answering my prayer, and helping me to become satisfied in a world of materialistic people.
Just a side note: If you didn't make it to WY, I highly suggest that you make sure to go next year! Its an amazing time where you grow in God, and also with your youth group! I love it!
Thank you Bobbi!
SMALL GROUPS
Are you a part of one yet? If you are interested in taking your walk wth God to a deeper more meaningful level then you are encouraged to join a small group. There are groups meeting in both the High School and Middle School group!
If you are in high school and not yet plugged into a group please contact Aaron Geist.
If you are in middle school and not yet plugged into a group please contact Pastor Brian.
There is a group that needs you!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
I have always been a people pleaser. I have always tried to fit in, to be one of the crowd.
At school I was everybody's friend. I fit in with the Preps and the Goths and every other stereotype you can imagine. It seemed to me that everybody else had something I wanted. No matter what I did, I couldn't find it.
I have gone to church just about my whole life. I sang the songs and talked the talk, but I never really bought into it. I always thought that since other people in my family believed, I didn't have to--I was covered. I loved going to church and hanging out with my friends on Sundays, but on Monday I was the girl who always fit in.
About God I always thought, How I am I supposed to love a person I don't know? Like if someone said to you, "I know a guy, and he's madly in love with you. Don't you love him, too?" If you had any common sense, you'd want to know who the person was--at least I did.
People always say, "I found Jesus." That's not how it was for me. I didn't find anything, no matter how hard I looked. The bottom line is that Jesus came looking for me. Don't get me wrong--it wasn't like, "Oh, I know Jesus now," and everything was all hearts and flowers. I wish it worked that way.
But about a year and half ago, I started to run after God for real.
Some of my friends from church talked me into going to a conference with them, and one of the speakers talked about how if you fit in perfectly with the world, you have a problem. I didn't think of it as a problem. I just thought the speaker didn't have any friends in high school and was still bitter about it. The other speakers were all about change-the-world-this and change-the-world-that. I was doing just fine in my little corner of the world not changing anything. They weren't hitting me like a lightning bolt: boom, change the world for Jesus.
Then over the weekend I was praying one of my packaged prayers: you know, "Bless Mom, bless Dad, thanks for everything I own, it would be nice to have world peace while you're at it." But during my prayer, the speaker's voice kept playing in my head. It hit me that out of all the people I knew, maybe two knew I was a Christian.
I'm always trying to fit in--not make waves, I thought. Exactly what kind of impact am I making? I knew if I were to speak up, people would look at me like I'd escaped from a place with padded walls--but if I didn't, then one day I'd have to try to explain to God that I was too embarrassed to let people know that I loved him. I didn't want to have to imagine that.
So I switched off of my "bless everyone" prayer and began to talk to God for real. I asked for boldness and courage every night, but in the morning I didn't wake up feeling like Wonder Woman.
Then I remembered how my older sister once told me that courage only comes after you face what you fear. You have to challenge your fears in order to defeat them. I decided to speak up about my faith, although I knew that it wouldn't be easy for me. I was really scared of what people would think. Remember, I had never been an individual; I had always tried to blend in. It was a huge stretch for me. It is never easy being the only one standing for what you believe.
I discovered that my sister was right. After I told one person what I believed, telling one more wasn't difficult. Believe it or not, other people saw that I was making a stand for Jesus, and they stood up right next to me.
For the first time in my life, I didn't try to fit in with anyone. In the process, I lost some of my friends because of my honesty. But faithful to the end, God soon sent good, strong Christian friends--people I didn't know well and really didn't want to know at first, I'll admit. Now that they are my friends, I see how judgmental and wrong I was. I would have missed so much not really knowing them.
Things are not easy; I don't think they ever will be. There are times when I know I am supposed to witness, but I back out. I kick myself for it, but I know that God forgives me every time. He's working with me.
I no longer fit in with every group, but how can you be passionately in love with Jesus and still play the field? You can't. If it comes down to a choice between "be welcomed on this earth" or "be welcomed in heaven," I will choose heaven any day.
Lauren Alyson Schara, 16
Taken from "True Vol. 1" by Irene Dunlap, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
What's your story? Do you have one similiar to Lauren's? Have you made a decision to live for Jesus after living for yourselves? Have you made a stand for Him? What was your experience?
Share your story or thoughts on Lauren's story on our Message Board.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Christian Gaming
A place where Christians can go to get information about online, computer, and console games.
~ Next Step Magazine
A Web site all about your life after high school
~ 180 Message Board
A place for you to share your ideas, join a discussion, interact with friends.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have one birthday blessing to throw out this week and this week it goes to James Blome (1/25)! We hope you have a GREAT birthday James!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbour.
- Martin Luther
Instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.
- George MacDonald
===========oursponsor===========
NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHRISTIAN CAMP/RETREAT
Up to the challenge? Wilderness Cove is an adventure-drenched discipleship camp/retreat with excursions of backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. It's being challenged physically, mentally and spiritually. We customize your week's adventure to enable you to truly grow in your "walk." Teaching tailored specifically for your group. Rated 9.2 out of 10 by youth pastors.
Hosting 8 to 50 people per week. Modern log cabins, clean facilities, awesome views, great food. Located at the edge of the Smokies in North Carolina.
Visit www.wildernesscove.com or call Wilderness Cove at 828-479-2993!
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Never try to leap a chasm in two jumps.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
