March 27, 2006
HAPPY Spring Break!!
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Poll of the Week
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Easter Egg Stuffing
Have we got an opportunity for you! As many of you know, Easter Super Saturday, our large outreach to the children of our community happening on the Saturday before Easter, is approaching! One fun element of the event is the Easter Egg hunt! That is where you come in!
Tomorrow we are going to gather from 10:00-12:30 to stuff thousands of plastic Easter Eggs to be hidden on the day of Super Saturday. Join us for a fun time of hanging out, stuffing eggs, and a pizza lunch when we are done!
HS Amazing Race
Once again the Amazing Race proves to be an amazing time! The race took us all over Tigard, Newberg and Beaverton! It involved Fast Forwards, Detours, Waypoints, Mystery Clues, and more! Check out all the action here.
Uh...Nice dress Cole.
Lawbreakers?
CD Library
Next time you are in the Youth Center be sure to check out our CD Library! New titles have been added! You will see new CDs from P.O.D., Plumb, Building 429, Falling Up, Jonah 33, Pocket Full of Rocks, Da' T.r.u.t.h., and others.
Please remember that CDs may be checked out for a period of one week. There are many CDs that have been checked out for a very long time. Please check to see if you may have any lurking around your bedroom, and return them if you do. We also ask that you please not burn CDs to your computer or mp3 player. Enjoy!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.
-John 19:38-39
It's ironic that Nicodemus, the man who came at night, buried the Light of the World.
Back when he first met the Mystery, Nicodemus had lots of knowledge about God. But something was missing. So Jesus had to show him the foolishness of reason and the true wisdom of faith. God is not an algebra problem to be solved or a biology specimen to be dissected. He is the heartbeat of the universe. God is a lover to be accepted, a truth to be believed. Becoming a follower of Jesus means entering a riddle, not following a creed. It means stepping into a story, not agreeing with a doctrinal statement.
At first Nicodemus was trying to understand his way to faith, but he had it all backward. As St. Augustine wrote in his Confessions, "Seek not to understand so that you may believe, but believe so that you may understand." It all starts with faith.
You see, Nicodemus thought that the ways of God were logical and the power of God was predictable and sensible. But Jesus tore his fine-sounding arguments to shreds because they were based on what's seen instead of what's unseen. They were based on physical realities rather than spiritual realities.
Nicodemus thought of God's kingdom as external, visible, predictable, logical, natural, and based on evidence. Jesus showed him that it's internal, invisible, unpredictable, mysterious, spiritual, and based on faith. Nicodemus' view was upside down; his life was inside out.
So did Nicodemus ever become a true follower of Jesus, or did he simply remain an admirer? Did he walk to the edge of his understanding, step out of the darkness, and finally find his way home? It's hard to say. We're given clues, but we're not told.
Whether or not he did, we can. Sometimes we're tempted to be secret admirers of Jesus, to come to him only under cover of darkness. Yet only those who are honest enough to step into the light and stop hiding in the dark will ever truly be found.
Only they will find their way home.
Questions for thought:
1. Read John 3:12-18. Count the number of times Jesus refers to faith or belief. Why did he emphasize it so much? What does it tell you about his priorities?
2. According to these verses, what is the key to receiving eternal life with God? What was getting in the way of Nicodemus receiving new life?
3. Obviously, Jesus wants us to believe in God. But is that all? Is that enough? Read James 2:19. What else does he want from you? What Bible verses support your view? How does John 5:39-40 relate to this story?
4. John 19:39 tells us that Nicodemus brought the 75 pounds of spices used to preserve Jesus' body after he was crucified. What does that tell you about Nicodemus's commitment to Jesus? Do you think he remained simply a fan of Jesus, or did he become a genuine follower?
5. The greatest darkness in our lives is the one inside our souls, and the only way to let light in is to believe. Read 2 Corinthians 4:6. Who ignites the faith in our lives? So who gets the credit for our faith? How does that affect your pride?
6. In John 3:19-21 Jesus talks about darkness and light. Which does he say people prefer? Why is that? What areas of your life are currently cloaked in darkness? What will it take for you to expose them to the light?
7. What steps will you take to put John 3:21 into practice? When will you start?
Taken from "Never the Same" by Steven James, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ RadioY.com
~ Brio Magazine
4. POLL OF THE WEEK
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Poll of the Week
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Easter Egg Stuffing
Have we got an opportunity for you! As many of you know, Easter Super Saturday, our large outreach to the children of our community happening on the Saturday before Easter, is approaching! One fun element of the event is the Easter Egg hunt! That is where you come in!
Tomorrow we are going to gather from 10:00-12:30 to stuff thousands of plastic Easter Eggs to be hidden on the day of Super Saturday. Join us for a fun time of hanging out, stuffing eggs, and a pizza lunch when we are done!
HS Amazing Race
Once again the Amazing Race proves to be an amazing time! The race took us all over Tigard, Newberg and Beaverton! It involved Fast Forwards, Detours, Waypoints, Mystery Clues, and more! Check out all the action here.
Uh...Nice dress Cole.
Lawbreakers?
CD Library
Next time you are in the Youth Center be sure to check out our CD Library! New titles have been added! You will see new CDs from P.O.D., Plumb, Building 429, Falling Up, Jonah 33, Pocket Full of Rocks, Da' T.r.u.t.h., and others.
Please remember that CDs may be checked out for a period of one week. There are many CDs that have been checked out for a very long time. Please check to see if you may have any lurking around your bedroom, and return them if you do. We also ask that you please not burn CDs to your computer or mp3 player. Enjoy!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.
-John 19:38-39
It's ironic that Nicodemus, the man who came at night, buried the Light of the World.
Back when he first met the Mystery, Nicodemus had lots of knowledge about God. But something was missing. So Jesus had to show him the foolishness of reason and the true wisdom of faith. God is not an algebra problem to be solved or a biology specimen to be dissected. He is the heartbeat of the universe. God is a lover to be accepted, a truth to be believed. Becoming a follower of Jesus means entering a riddle, not following a creed. It means stepping into a story, not agreeing with a doctrinal statement.
At first Nicodemus was trying to understand his way to faith, but he had it all backward. As St. Augustine wrote in his Confessions, "Seek not to understand so that you may believe, but believe so that you may understand." It all starts with faith.
You see, Nicodemus thought that the ways of God were logical and the power of God was predictable and sensible. But Jesus tore his fine-sounding arguments to shreds because they were based on what's seen instead of what's unseen. They were based on physical realities rather than spiritual realities.
Nicodemus thought of God's kingdom as external, visible, predictable, logical, natural, and based on evidence. Jesus showed him that it's internal, invisible, unpredictable, mysterious, spiritual, and based on faith. Nicodemus' view was upside down; his life was inside out.
So did Nicodemus ever become a true follower of Jesus, or did he simply remain an admirer? Did he walk to the edge of his understanding, step out of the darkness, and finally find his way home? It's hard to say. We're given clues, but we're not told.
Whether or not he did, we can. Sometimes we're tempted to be secret admirers of Jesus, to come to him only under cover of darkness. Yet only those who are honest enough to step into the light and stop hiding in the dark will ever truly be found.
Only they will find their way home.
Questions for thought:
1. Read John 3:12-18. Count the number of times Jesus refers to faith or belief. Why did he emphasize it so much? What does it tell you about his priorities?
2. According to these verses, what is the key to receiving eternal life with God? What was getting in the way of Nicodemus receiving new life?
3. Obviously, Jesus wants us to believe in God. But is that all? Is that enough? Read James 2:19. What else does he want from you? What Bible verses support your view? How does John 5:39-40 relate to this story?
4. John 19:39 tells us that Nicodemus brought the 75 pounds of spices used to preserve Jesus' body after he was crucified. What does that tell you about Nicodemus's commitment to Jesus? Do you think he remained simply a fan of Jesus, or did he become a genuine follower?
5. The greatest darkness in our lives is the one inside our souls, and the only way to let light in is to believe. Read 2 Corinthians 4:6. Who ignites the faith in our lives? So who gets the credit for our faith? How does that affect your pride?
6. In John 3:19-21 Jesus talks about darkness and light. Which does he say people prefer? Why is that? What areas of your life are currently cloaked in darkness? What will it take for you to expose them to the light?
7. What steps will you take to put John 3:21 into practice? When will you start?
Taken from "Never the Same" by Steven James, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ RadioY.com
~ Brio Magazine
4. POLL OF THE WEEK
Current Results
Free Web Polls
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Sometimes when I'm faced with an unbeliever, an atheist, I am tempted to invite him to the greatest gourmet dinner that one could ever serve, and when we finished eating that magnificent dinner, to ask him if he believes there's a cook."
- Ronald Reagan
Every man's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers.
- Hans Christian Andersen
===========our|sponsor===========
NOTHING WAS THE SAME AFTER THEY MET HIM
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to meet Jesus face to face? What we often forget is that for a handful of people in ancient Palestine, meeting Jesus was as real as meeting a friend for lunch!
This collection of fictional, first-person accounts tells the stories of those who met, knew, and loved Jesus.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
This sentence contradicts itself: no, wait, actually it doesn't.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
March 20, 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
Pizza Fun!
INTRODUCING...
The roadblocks are set, the detours are in place, the game is bigger, the game is better...the games is on! The Amazing Race 2, Bigger and Longer, will take you to the far reaches of the world (ok maybe Tigard) in a quest of crossing the finish line and claiming the $1,000,000 prize (okay, not quite that much.) Are you up for the challenge? Grab a friend and come on down.
It all happens This Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by This Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
THIS JUST IN......FRIENDS RACE FREE!! Invite a friend and they don't pay!
FUN MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
Have we got an opportunity for you! As many of you know, Easter Super Saturday, our large outreach to the children of our community happening on the Saturday before Easter, is approaching! One fun element of the event is the Easter Egg hunt! That is where you come in!
On Tuesday, March 28 (Spring Break) we are going to gather from 10:00-12:30 to stuff hundreds and hundreds of plastic Easter Eggs to be hidden on the day of Super Saturday. Join us for a fun time of hanging out, stuffing eggs, and a pizza lunch when we are done!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LISTENING
Exodus 4:1-5 1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?"
2 Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff ," he replied.
3 The Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the Lord said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
5 "This," said the Lord, "is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has appeared to you."
MEDITATION
Moses had been called by God to a task so radical, so huge, so impossible, it must have seemed outrageous. He was supposed to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt and into a new land set aside by God.
But why Moses?
His past was less than great. His family situation was weird, to say the least (Exodus 2:1-10). He was a known murderer (Exodus 2:11-15). He was a fugitive on the run (Exodus 2:15).
His future didn't look promising, either. He was a fugitive running back to the scene of his crime (Exodus 3:10).
He had a lousy reputation (Exodus 4:1). And he was not very good at public speaking (Exodus 4:10).
Yet God said, "Go."
Read slowly, again, the first five verses of Exodus 4. What is Moses feeling? Is it something you've ever felt? Journal your thoughts and feelings.
[Pause to journal.]
Read the passage again, slowly. This time listen for what God is saying.
In the face of Moses'guilt and self doubt, God asks one odd question and gives two strange commands. The question is simply, "What is that in your hand?" Moses replies, "A staff." And God gives the first command: "Throw it on the ground." When the stick becomes a snake, God gives the second command: "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail."
Put yourself in Moses'position. You've spent the last 40 years tending sheep in the fields. You know from experience that a snake is dangerous, especially when it's grabbed by the tail and its head is left free to strike. What would you be thinking about God's command?
Perhaps God was giving Moses a vivid picture of how the things we fear--the memories and doubts that poison our future, that lie between us and where God wants us to go--need to be confronted head-on. Perhaps God was helping Moses understand the deep guilt, forgotten hopes, and lost dreams of the past can be either a snake on the ground intimidating you or, through his power and grace, a rod in the hand.
Maybe you're reading this passage with your own set of fears, intimidations, painful memories, and deep regrets. If so, how have they stood between you and the journey to which God is calling you?
And what is that in your hand?
Maybe right now in the silence, through this passage, God is inviting you to throw down that stuff before him-- to allow him to change the snake on the ground into a rod in your hand.
Take time to write down some of the "snakes" that frighten or intimidate you, and listen quietly for God's word of forgiveness and assurance.
Taken from "Enjoy the Silence" by Maggie and Duffy Robbins , copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Brain Food
Puzzles for the brain to gnaw on
~ Color Matters
Interesting information on color
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have got 4 birthdays this week!! BIG happy birthday wishes this week go out to Ray Ramirez, Carrie Ann McCracken, Mellini Wall, and Zach Munger! Hope you all have the BEST!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
All US Presidents have worn glasses. Some just didn't like being seen wearing them in public.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.
- Paul Tillich
Silence promotes the presence of God, prevents many harsh and proud words, and suppresses many dangers in the way of ridiculing or harshly judging our neighbors... If you are faithful in keeping silence when it is not necessary to speak, God will preserve you from evil when it is right for you to talk.
- Francois Fenelon
===========our|sponsor===========
LISTEN TO WHAT GOD'S WORD IS SAYING TO YOU
People talk about the power of the Bible, but sometimes Scripture just looks like normal words. However, inside these thin, innocent looking pages is the divine revelation of a God who wants you to hear him.
Enjoy the Silence is about the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina. This ancient practice can help you develop an awareness of God's presence and power found in the Bible. Going Deep's simple exercises take you through the process of reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, listening to God through Scripture, and responding to Scripture.
Order here.
Also available at your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
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
MS POOL & PIZZA
What a night Friday was! Twenty eight of us converged on North Clackamas Aquatic Park for a wild time in the water, not to mention the tons of pizza we consumed!
Great time! See all the action here!
Pool Fun!
Great time! See all the action here!
Pool Fun!
Pizza Fun!
INTRODUCING...We'd like to introduce you to Jonathan Lopez Toledo, our newest and third Compassion Child. Jonathan is 6 years old and lives in Mexico.
Jonathan lives with his stepfather and his mother. He is responsible for running errands. His stepfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.
Playing with cars is Jonathan's favorite activity. In kindergarten his performance is average and he also regularly attends Bible class.
Please remember Jonathan in your prayers. Your love and support will help him to received the assistance he needs to grow and develop.
Visit Compassion International's web site to learn more about, child sponsorship, and how you might sposnor your own child.
HS AMAZING RACE
Jonathan lives with his stepfather and his mother. He is responsible for running errands. His stepfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.
Playing with cars is Jonathan's favorite activity. In kindergarten his performance is average and he also regularly attends Bible class.
Please remember Jonathan in your prayers. Your love and support will help him to received the assistance he needs to grow and develop.
Visit Compassion International's web site to learn more about, child sponsorship, and how you might sposnor your own child.
HS AMAZING RACEIt all happens This Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by This Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
THIS JUST IN......FRIENDS RACE FREE!! Invite a friend and they don't pay!
FUN MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
Have we got an opportunity for you! As many of you know, Easter Super Saturday, our large outreach to the children of our community happening on the Saturday before Easter, is approaching! One fun element of the event is the Easter Egg hunt! That is where you come in!
On Tuesday, March 28 (Spring Break) we are going to gather from 10:00-12:30 to stuff hundreds and hundreds of plastic Easter Eggs to be hidden on the day of Super Saturday. Join us for a fun time of hanging out, stuffing eggs, and a pizza lunch when we are done!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LISTENING
Exodus 4:1-5 1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?"
2 Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff ," he replied.
3 The Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the Lord said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
5 "This," said the Lord, "is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has appeared to you."
MEDITATION
Moses had been called by God to a task so radical, so huge, so impossible, it must have seemed outrageous. He was supposed to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt and into a new land set aside by God.
But why Moses?
His past was less than great. His family situation was weird, to say the least (Exodus 2:1-10). He was a known murderer (Exodus 2:11-15). He was a fugitive on the run (Exodus 2:15).
His future didn't look promising, either. He was a fugitive running back to the scene of his crime (Exodus 3:10).
He had a lousy reputation (Exodus 4:1). And he was not very good at public speaking (Exodus 4:10).
Yet God said, "Go."
Read slowly, again, the first five verses of Exodus 4. What is Moses feeling? Is it something you've ever felt? Journal your thoughts and feelings.
[Pause to journal.]
Read the passage again, slowly. This time listen for what God is saying.
In the face of Moses'guilt and self doubt, God asks one odd question and gives two strange commands. The question is simply, "What is that in your hand?" Moses replies, "A staff." And God gives the first command: "Throw it on the ground." When the stick becomes a snake, God gives the second command: "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail."
Put yourself in Moses'position. You've spent the last 40 years tending sheep in the fields. You know from experience that a snake is dangerous, especially when it's grabbed by the tail and its head is left free to strike. What would you be thinking about God's command?
Perhaps God was giving Moses a vivid picture of how the things we fear--the memories and doubts that poison our future, that lie between us and where God wants us to go--need to be confronted head-on. Perhaps God was helping Moses understand the deep guilt, forgotten hopes, and lost dreams of the past can be either a snake on the ground intimidating you or, through his power and grace, a rod in the hand.
Maybe you're reading this passage with your own set of fears, intimidations, painful memories, and deep regrets. If so, how have they stood between you and the journey to which God is calling you?
And what is that in your hand?
Maybe right now in the silence, through this passage, God is inviting you to throw down that stuff before him-- to allow him to change the snake on the ground into a rod in your hand.
Take time to write down some of the "snakes" that frighten or intimidate you, and listen quietly for God's word of forgiveness and assurance.
Taken from "Enjoy the Silence" by Maggie and Duffy Robbins , copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Brain Food
Puzzles for the brain to gnaw on
~ Color Matters
Interesting information on color
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have got 4 birthdays this week!! BIG happy birthday wishes this week go out to Ray Ramirez, Carrie Ann McCracken, Mellini Wall, and Zach Munger! Hope you all have the BEST!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
All US Presidents have worn glasses. Some just didn't like being seen wearing them in public.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.
- Paul Tillich
Silence promotes the presence of God, prevents many harsh and proud words, and suppresses many dangers in the way of ridiculing or harshly judging our neighbors... If you are faithful in keeping silence when it is not necessary to speak, God will preserve you from evil when it is right for you to talk.
- Francois Fenelon
===========our|sponsor===========
LISTEN TO WHAT GOD'S WORD IS SAYING TO YOU
People talk about the power of the Bible, but sometimes Scripture just looks like normal words. However, inside these thin, innocent looking pages is the divine revelation of a God who wants you to hear him.
Enjoy the Silence is about the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina. This ancient practice can help you develop an awareness of God's presence and power found in the Bible. Going Deep's simple exercises take you through the process of reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, listening to God through Scripture, and responding to Scripture.
Order here.
Also available at your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
March 13, 2006
Contents
1.180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Poll of the Week
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Pool & Pizza
Hey MSers, summer is on it's way! Get ready with a splash at our Pool & Pizza Party! We'll be heading to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park this Friday, March 17 from 5:30 to 9:30, to have crazy fun in the wave pool, diving boards, giant water slide, and eat tons of pizza! The cost is only $12 and you can download a flier here. Invite a friend! See a slide show of last year's fun here.
HS Amazing Race
The roadblocks are set, the detours are in place, the game is bigger, the game is better...the games is on! The Amazing Race 2, Bigger and Longer, will take you to the far reaches of the world (ok maybe Tigard) in a quest of crossing the finish line and claiming the $1,000,000 prize (okay, not quite that much.) Are you up for the challenge? Grab a friend and come on down.
It all happens on Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
THIS JUST IN......FRIENDS RACE FREE!! Invite a friend and they don't pay!
Mexico Outreach
On July 28-August 7 our high school ministry is heading south of the border for Ensenada Mexico. Pray now and ask God if He would have you be a part of this strategic team to go and show His love to some very special people in Mexico.
If you have not yet visitied our Mexico Outreach web site you may do so now. Just head on over to www.180students.com/mexico06. There you will find everything you need to know about this year's outreach including the trip schedule, application downloads, pictures and reports of last years trip, and more.
All applications and $100 deposit are due in only 3 weeks! Sunday, April 2 is the day!
Important change for this year... In year's past we have required team members to submit either a passport or a notarized copy of their birth certificate for border corssing. This year a notarized copy of a birth certificate will not work. Team members now must either obtain a passport, or a certified copy of their birth certificate. This is a very important change. You may learn how to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate at our Mexico Outreach web site or by going to Oregon Department of Human Services or vitalchek.com.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
So who are you? Are you a nobody? Hey, most of us around here are. This Losers Club you've joined contains a whole bunch of insignificant people. We're not movie legends or rock stars. We don't own private jets or second homes in Jamaica. We may not be first in our class or the best at anything. We fit the painted sign hanging on the door of a neighborhood tree house:
"Nobody act big. Nobody act small. Everybody just act medium."
That's what most members of this club are. Just regular people. Average. Ordinary. Common.
Medium.
If that describes you, be encouraged. It seems that God really enjoys hanging out with people like that.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26- 29, NLT)
God enjoys taking nobodies and transforming them into somebodies.
Society says in order to become somebody, you have to accomplish some great feat or record-breaking achievement. The world says to become significant, you have to "be Number 1." But God says you're already important in his eyes. All you have to do to achieve your greatest potential is to recognize him as Number 1. That's the big difference between God and the world.
Taken from "Loser's Club" by Jeff Kinley, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
How do you see yourself in God's eyes? Share with us your thoughts in the Comment section of this week's newsletter. All who share will receive one free item from the 180 Cafe this week!
3. SURF REPORT
~ Scholarship Help & Advice Center
~ ChristiansAnswers.net
Research answers to questions about the Bible, faith, suffering, evolution, ethical issues, etc.
Also has a "Spotlight" section that includes movie and online game reviews
4. POLL OF THE WEEK
1.180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Poll of the Week
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Pool & PizzaHey MSers, summer is on it's way! Get ready with a splash at our Pool & Pizza Party! We'll be heading to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park this Friday, March 17 from 5:30 to 9:30, to have crazy fun in the wave pool, diving boards, giant water slide, and eat tons of pizza! The cost is only $12 and you can download a flier here. Invite a friend! See a slide show of last year's fun here.
HS Amazing RaceThe roadblocks are set, the detours are in place, the game is bigger, the game is better...the games is on! The Amazing Race 2, Bigger and Longer, will take you to the far reaches of the world (ok maybe Tigard) in a quest of crossing the finish line and claiming the $1,000,000 prize (okay, not quite that much.) Are you up for the challenge? Grab a friend and come on down.
It all happens on Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
THIS JUST IN......FRIENDS RACE FREE!! Invite a friend and they don't pay!
Mexico OutreachOn July 28-August 7 our high school ministry is heading south of the border for Ensenada Mexico. Pray now and ask God if He would have you be a part of this strategic team to go and show His love to some very special people in Mexico.
If you have not yet visitied our Mexico Outreach web site you may do so now. Just head on over to www.180students.com/mexico06. There you will find everything you need to know about this year's outreach including the trip schedule, application downloads, pictures and reports of last years trip, and more.
All applications and $100 deposit are due in only 3 weeks! Sunday, April 2 is the day!
Important change for this year... In year's past we have required team members to submit either a passport or a notarized copy of their birth certificate for border corssing. This year a notarized copy of a birth certificate will not work. Team members now must either obtain a passport, or a certified copy of their birth certificate. This is a very important change. You may learn how to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate at our Mexico Outreach web site or by going to Oregon Department of Human Services or vitalchek.com.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
So who are you? Are you a nobody? Hey, most of us around here are. This Losers Club you've joined contains a whole bunch of insignificant people. We're not movie legends or rock stars. We don't own private jets or second homes in Jamaica. We may not be first in our class or the best at anything. We fit the painted sign hanging on the door of a neighborhood tree house:
"Nobody act big. Nobody act small. Everybody just act medium."
That's what most members of this club are. Just regular people. Average. Ordinary. Common.
Medium.
If that describes you, be encouraged. It seems that God really enjoys hanging out with people like that.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26- 29, NLT)
God enjoys taking nobodies and transforming them into somebodies.
Society says in order to become somebody, you have to accomplish some great feat or record-breaking achievement. The world says to become significant, you have to "be Number 1." But God says you're already important in his eyes. All you have to do to achieve your greatest potential is to recognize him as Number 1. That's the big difference between God and the world.
Taken from "Loser's Club" by Jeff Kinley, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
How do you see yourself in God's eyes? Share with us your thoughts in the Comment section of this week's newsletter. All who share will receive one free item from the 180 Cafe this week!
3. SURF REPORT
~ Scholarship Help & Advice Center
~ ChristiansAnswers.net
Research answers to questions about the Bible, faith, suffering, evolution, ethical issues, etc.
Also has a "Spotlight" section that includes movie and online game reviews
4. POLL OF THE WEEK
Current Results
Free Web Polls
5. BIRTHDAYS
Shannon Laughlin....This is your birthday song, it isn't very long...HEY! We wish you the best this week Shannon!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Walt Disney was afraid of mice.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.
- John Newton
The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyze his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief.
- T.S. Eliot
===========our|sponsor===========
DO YOU EVER FEEL NOT WORTHY?
"Losers Club" is a real-life look at Bible characters such as Moses, Solomon, David, Thomas, Rahab, and others. Each vignette reveals people who struggle with weak faith, confusion, and frustration.
These stories will help you connect with these flawed heroes, find encouragement in your stories, and get inspired by God's love and care for "losers."
Order here.
Also available at your local Christian bookstore.
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8. PARTING SHOT
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
March 6, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Poll of the Week
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
SPRING CALENDAR
Have you picked yours up yet? The calender is out and it is packed with events you will want to be a part of! Be sure to pick one up this week at the info. table. If you just can't wait, you can also download one here right now.
MS Pool & Pizza
Hey MSers, summer is on it's way! Get ready with a splash at our Pool & Pizza Party! We'll be heading to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park on Friday, March 17 from 5:30 to 9:30, to have crazy fun in the wave pool, diving boards, giant water slide, and eat tons of pizza! The cost is only $12 and you can download a flier here. Invite a friend! See a slide show of last year's fun here.
Lucas drinking the pool last year.
Chowing on the pizza.
HS AMAZING RACE
It all happens on Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
Evan shows the way last year.
Nice shirt Justin!
THE JUNIOR HIGH RIOT
Hey MSers it's coming!!
May 19-20! Watch for details to come!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
We're all faced with three choices when it comes to contentment: the no-handfuls approach, the one-handful approach, and the two-handfuls approach.
The no-handfuls approach can be summed up this way: Since money can never satisfy us, there's no reason to work in order to earn it. However, that philosophy doesn't cut it in Scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:5 says, "The fool folds his hands and ruins himself."
We can't just drop out of the world of employment. In the New Testament, Paul said those in the Christian communities who didn't work shouldn't be allowed to eat in those communities (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Keep in mind, there's a difference between not living for money and not living at all!
The two-handfuls approach urges us to "go for the money" with everything we've got. To put wealth and possessions at the top of our priority lists. To refuse to rest until we have all we want. Even though we'll never have all we truly want.
As you've probably guessed, the two-handfuls approach to contentment isn't really an option for Christians. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warns that chasing money can ruin a Christian's life. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.... Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
That leaves us with the one-handful approach. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says, "Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."
Solomon tells us working enough for one handful is the way to live with money and things, as opposed to living for them. Th e key to tranquillity, or a restful mind, is not to make getting rich the point of your life. Instead we should work to meet our needs. Period. Striving for any more than that isn't going to bring meaning to our lives.
Paul agreed with Solomon's recommendation. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, he writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
All we really need is food, clothing, and shelter. Most of us in the United States have way more than that. And that's great. Having more than we need is not a problem. Living for more is a problem--a problem that leads to destruction, anger, frustration, and sadness.
Taken from "Living a Life That Matters" by Mark Matlock, copyright , Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. Poll Of The Week
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Poll of the Week
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
SPRING CALENDAR
Have you picked yours up yet? The calender is out and it is packed with events you will want to be a part of! Be sure to pick one up this week at the info. table. If you just can't wait, you can also download one here right now.
MS Pool & Pizza
Hey MSers, summer is on it's way! Get ready with a splash at our Pool & Pizza Party! We'll be heading to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park on Friday, March 17 from 5:30 to 9:30, to have crazy fun in the wave pool, diving boards, giant water slide, and eat tons of pizza! The cost is only $12 and you can download a flier here. Invite a friend! See a slide show of last year's fun here.
Lucas drinking the pool last year.
Chowing on the pizza.
HS AMAZING RACEThe roadblocks are set, the detours are in place, the game is bigger, the game is better...the games is on! The Amazing Race 2, bigger and longer will take you to the far reaches of the world (ok maybe Tigard) in a quest of crossing the finish line and claiming the $1,000,000 prize (okay, not quite that much.) Are you up for the challenge? Grab a friend and come on down.
It all happens on Saturday, March 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and only costs $5. Pizza included! Please sign up by Wednesday, March 22. Download your flier here.
Evan shows the way last year.
Nice shirt Justin!
THE JUNIOR HIGH RIOT
Hey MSers it's coming!!
May 19-20! Watch for details to come!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
We're all faced with three choices when it comes to contentment: the no-handfuls approach, the one-handful approach, and the two-handfuls approach.
The no-handfuls approach can be summed up this way: Since money can never satisfy us, there's no reason to work in order to earn it. However, that philosophy doesn't cut it in Scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:5 says, "The fool folds his hands and ruins himself."
We can't just drop out of the world of employment. In the New Testament, Paul said those in the Christian communities who didn't work shouldn't be allowed to eat in those communities (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Keep in mind, there's a difference between not living for money and not living at all!
The two-handfuls approach urges us to "go for the money" with everything we've got. To put wealth and possessions at the top of our priority lists. To refuse to rest until we have all we want. Even though we'll never have all we truly want.
As you've probably guessed, the two-handfuls approach to contentment isn't really an option for Christians. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warns that chasing money can ruin a Christian's life. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.... Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
That leaves us with the one-handful approach. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says, "Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."
Solomon tells us working enough for one handful is the way to live with money and things, as opposed to living for them. Th e key to tranquillity, or a restful mind, is not to make getting rich the point of your life. Instead we should work to meet our needs. Period. Striving for any more than that isn't going to bring meaning to our lives.
Paul agreed with Solomon's recommendation. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, he writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
All we really need is food, clothing, and shelter. Most of us in the United States have way more than that. And that's great. Having more than we need is not a problem. Living for more is a problem--a problem that leads to destruction, anger, frustration, and sadness.
Taken from "Living a Life That Matters" by Mark Matlock, copyright , Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. Poll Of The Week
Current Results
Free Web Polls
4. SURF REPORT
~ Big Jump Challenge
~ Homework Center
5. BIRTHDAYS
We've got three this week! We want to wish the very best to Derik Nelson, Sarah Hunter, and Bobbi George! "This is your birthday song...it isn't very long...HEY!"
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The sound of E.T. walking was made by someone squishing her hands in jelly.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talks about a "happy Christian." Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not. Remember, Jesus Christ had joy, and He prays "that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves."
- Oswald Chambers
God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost isn't a consulting firm we bring in to give us expert advice on how to run our lives. The gospel life isn't something we learn about and then put together with instructions from the manufacturer; it's something we become as God does his work of creation and salvation in us and as we accustom ourselves to a life of belief and obedience and prayer.
- Eugene Peterson
===========our|sponsor===========
DON'T MISS KUTLESS - HEARTS OF THE INNOCENT TOUR!
Don't miss your chance to see one of the most anticipated rock tours this spring featuring headliner Kutless, with Falling Up, Disciple and Stellar Kart. This high energy tour will visit 40+ cities across the country beginning in late February. For a link to tour dates and a sneak peek at the new Kutless album, "Hearts Of The Innocent", releasing in March, check this out.
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8. PARTING SHOT
Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before.
copyright 2006 :: Youth Specialties
