September 25, 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
MS Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers this Sunday is the registration deadline for our Fall Retreat! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, Great speaker, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
Click here to see all the pictures from last year's Fall Retreat.
Please do not let money stand in the way of you and the Fall Retreat. If money is an issue please talk to Pastor Brian right away.
See You At The Pole
See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.
On September 27, be sure to join with other students around the flagpole of your school an hour before school starts, to pray, and then watch God move!
That night both middle school and high school groups will be meeting in the Youth Center from 7:00 to 8:30 for a special SYATP ralley and worship time. Even if you do not participate in the morning event, please join us! This event always proves to be a powerful night and one you won't want to miss! There will be no Danger Zone the following night. Middle schoolers please join on that Wednesday night.
No Danger Zone
As alluded to above, there will be no middle school Danger Zone this week. Please join us on Wednesday night.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
IF ONLY SOMEBODY HAD ASKED ME...
By Sam
People say love makes you blind. I think it makes you blind and a little stupid.
I loved Dee. She was so beautiful and fun. And best of all, she loved me too. But maybe that's where the blindness comes in.
See, I was under a Nazirite vow, which meant that if I stayed away from wine, dead bodies, unclean food, and never cut off my hair, I'd be super strong. It made me so strong that one time I killed a thousand guys from Philistia called Philistines. I was so strong that I led the people of Israel for twenty years. Even when the Philistines tried to capture me, I snuck out, and demolished part of their city.
Back to our love story...
The Philistines were pretty ticked at me, so it turns out that they went to Dee and asked her what made me so strong. Since she didn't know, they said they'd give her a bunch of cash if she found out and told them.
Three times she tried to get me to tell her what made me so strong. Each time I lied to her. I don't know why--maybe it was my own intuition, or maybe it was God. But I just knew that I shouldn't tell her what made me so strong.
But boy was she a whiner. She argued, "Sam, how can you say, 'I love you' when you won't tell me your secrets?" Day after day, she nagged me.
Finally, I told her everything. If anyone shaves my head, my strength would hit the road and I'd be like a normal guy.
That night she made me a really romantic dinner. And afterwards, I was so full that I fell asleep. I guess she let some Philistine guys into my house, and one of them shaved my head. They pounced on me, and when I tried to fight back, they beat me up. Normally I could have taken all eight of them with one hand tied behind my back, but this time I was too weak.
So here I sit in prison. All because I told my true love about my true strength.
I wish I had told my friends what Dee was up to. They probably would have been smarter than me and warned me.
And I wish Joey would have hung out more with me and asked me more questions about our relationship. He only lives a few doors down, but he's just so busy.
If only someone had asked me what was going on with Dee. If only someone had asked me how I was doing.
**
If you haven't guessed it by now, Sam is actually Samson, and Dee is actually Delilah. You can red their full story in the Bible in Judges 13-16. One warning: it's not a very happy ending. It'd probably get at least a PG-13 raging. Samson's hair grows back a bit, and when the Philistines take him into their temple, he pushes hard on the temple pillars, and the whole building comes tumbling down. He kills over 1,000 people, including himself. Makes you wonder, "If only someone had asked him...".
Taken from "Mirror, Mirror" by Kara Powell and Kendall Payne, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ See You at the Pole
This Wednesday join thousands of other students praying on their campuses
~ Movie Gallery Student Video Competition
Get in on this filmmaking contest for high school and college students
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got THREE birthday shout outs this week! We are wishing BIG 180 Birthday Wishes to Matt Brooks, Callie Freitag, and Amanda Ranney this week!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Pigs can run a mile in 7-1/2 minutes
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is."
- Charles Spurgeon
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"
- Corrie Ten Boom
===========our|sponsor===========
"I hate my body."
"My hair never looks right."
"I can't stand looking at myself in the mirror."
Sound familiar? Probably. You (and millions of other young women) are buying into what our image-oriented society says you should look like--and how you measure up to others.
"Mirror, Mirror" will blow the top off of what you think and believe about beauty, self-image, acceptance, health, sex, God's love, and more. Filled with cool tips, fun-facts, quizzes, tough discussion questions, surveys, real-life stories and confessions, this is the book for setting the record straight on who God created you to be!
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
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 Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers this Sunday is the registration deadline for our Fall Retreat! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, Great speaker, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
Click here to see all the pictures from last year's Fall Retreat.Please do not let money stand in the way of you and the Fall Retreat. If money is an issue please talk to Pastor Brian right away.
See You At The Pole
See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.
On September 27, be sure to join with other students around the flagpole of your school an hour before school starts, to pray, and then watch God move!
That night both middle school and high school groups will be meeting in the Youth Center from 7:00 to 8:30 for a special SYATP ralley and worship time. Even if you do not participate in the morning event, please join us! This event always proves to be a powerful night and one you won't want to miss! There will be no Danger Zone the following night. Middle schoolers please join on that Wednesday night.
No Danger Zone
As alluded to above, there will be no middle school Danger Zone this week. Please join us on Wednesday night.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
IF ONLY SOMEBODY HAD ASKED ME...
By Sam
People say love makes you blind. I think it makes you blind and a little stupid.
I loved Dee. She was so beautiful and fun. And best of all, she loved me too. But maybe that's where the blindness comes in.
See, I was under a Nazirite vow, which meant that if I stayed away from wine, dead bodies, unclean food, and never cut off my hair, I'd be super strong. It made me so strong that one time I killed a thousand guys from Philistia called Philistines. I was so strong that I led the people of Israel for twenty years. Even when the Philistines tried to capture me, I snuck out, and demolished part of their city.
Back to our love story...
The Philistines were pretty ticked at me, so it turns out that they went to Dee and asked her what made me so strong. Since she didn't know, they said they'd give her a bunch of cash if she found out and told them.
Three times she tried to get me to tell her what made me so strong. Each time I lied to her. I don't know why--maybe it was my own intuition, or maybe it was God. But I just knew that I shouldn't tell her what made me so strong.
But boy was she a whiner. She argued, "Sam, how can you say, 'I love you' when you won't tell me your secrets?" Day after day, she nagged me.
Finally, I told her everything. If anyone shaves my head, my strength would hit the road and I'd be like a normal guy.
That night she made me a really romantic dinner. And afterwards, I was so full that I fell asleep. I guess she let some Philistine guys into my house, and one of them shaved my head. They pounced on me, and when I tried to fight back, they beat me up. Normally I could have taken all eight of them with one hand tied behind my back, but this time I was too weak.
So here I sit in prison. All because I told my true love about my true strength.
I wish I had told my friends what Dee was up to. They probably would have been smarter than me and warned me.
And I wish Joey would have hung out more with me and asked me more questions about our relationship. He only lives a few doors down, but he's just so busy.
If only someone had asked me what was going on with Dee. If only someone had asked me how I was doing.
**
If you haven't guessed it by now, Sam is actually Samson, and Dee is actually Delilah. You can red their full story in the Bible in Judges 13-16. One warning: it's not a very happy ending. It'd probably get at least a PG-13 raging. Samson's hair grows back a bit, and when the Philistines take him into their temple, he pushes hard on the temple pillars, and the whole building comes tumbling down. He kills over 1,000 people, including himself. Makes you wonder, "If only someone had asked him...".
Taken from "Mirror, Mirror" by Kara Powell and Kendall Payne, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ See You at the Pole
This Wednesday join thousands of other students praying on their campuses
~ Movie Gallery Student Video Competition
Get in on this filmmaking contest for high school and college students
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got THREE birthday shout outs this week! We are wishing BIG 180 Birthday Wishes to Matt Brooks, Callie Freitag, and Amanda Ranney this week!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Pigs can run a mile in 7-1/2 minutes
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is."
- Charles Spurgeon
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"
- Corrie Ten Boom
===========our|sponsor===========
"I hate my body."
"My hair never looks right."
"I can't stand looking at myself in the mirror."
Sound familiar? Probably. You (and millions of other young women) are buying into what our image-oriented society says you should look like--and how you measure up to others.
"Mirror, Mirror" will blow the top off of what you think and believe about beauty, self-image, acceptance, health, sex, God's love, and more. Filled with cool tips, fun-facts, quizzes, tough discussion questions, surveys, real-life stories and confessions, this is the book for setting the record straight on who God created you to be!
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
September 18, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Your Opinion
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Fall Fusion
What a night! We packed into Safari Sam's Friday night and rocked the place!! Check out the video for a snapshot of the Fusion. You can also click here to see all the pictures.
MS Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers!! Our Fall Retreat is less than a month away! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, Great speaker, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
If you are a High Schooler that is serious about loving God, loving others, and the direction of our youth group, then student leadership would be a great fit for you.
For more information, pick up and application packet on the youth center info table, or download one at www.180students.com/stuff. Turn in the application to Aaron.
Our first meeting will be at 6:00 pm, this Wednesday September 20th.
See You At The Pole
See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.
On September 27, be sure to join with other students around the flagpole of your school an hour before school starts, to pray, and then watch God move!
That night both middle school and high school groups will be meeting in the Youth Center from 7:00 to 8:30 for a special SYATP ralley and worship time. This event always proves to be a powerful night and one you won't want to miss. There will be no Danger Zone the following night. Middle schoolers please join on that Wednesday night.
Mexico Video - Extended Version
If you were with us yesterday you saw our Mexico Outreach video and heard testimonies from the team. Here is the extended version of the video with over 3 minutes of additional footage and music. Be careful. It will make you want to pack your bags for Mexico!
Sad News From Bolivia
We have just received a letter from Oscar Silvestre our Compassion Child in Bolivia.
A worker from his Compassion Project writes, "Hello Dear Friends: With the love of our Lord Jesus go the greetings to you. This is the sponsorship responsable helping to write. We are so grateful for your support, love and affection. You sent all of that to Oscar. He thanks to God for your lifes always. Actually Oscar is living far away. That is why he cannot come to the Student Center. Oscar wishes that you continue ahead with your love and affection for the children. Please keep praying for Oscar and family. May God bless your lifes. I close with much love. Ariane"
We have had the privilege of being a part of Oscar's life for six years. Pray that he continues to seek after Jesus and experience His blessings.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Jamie was popular because:
1. She was nice to everyone.
2. She smiled a lot.
Ready for the next one? Jamie knew how to talk and listen. It wasn't unusual at all to see her listening to someone sharing a problem, but she was also a good conversationalist. In other words, the other person didn't have to do all the talking.
Everyone knows someone who talks all the time. They're not much fun to be around, are they? I once had a friend whom I went out to eat a lot with. She talked all the time. As in nonstop. Once in a while, she'd say, "Susie, I don't understand you. You travel all over the place and speak to thousands of teenagers every year, but you sure don't say much one-on-one."
I wanted to say, "How can I? You never give me a chance!"
Everyone wants to talk.We all have a story to tell. Each of us enjoy having someone listen to what we say. It makes us feel important when someone is truly interested in what we're saying.
LEARN TO LISTEN
When other people find out you're willing to listen, believe me, they'll talk--and they'll be talking to you! But when you listen . . . really listen. I'm talking about genuine listening--not the kind of "listening" where you focus your eyes on the person speaking, but your mind is focused on Jason Issacs who's approaching your table.
When someone is talking to you, zero in 100 percent on that person. It's easy to tell when someone's just pretending to listen but really thinking about something else. That won't fly in making friends. You'll be known as a phony.
Okay, but once I've learned to be a great listener, what am I going to do with all the stuff I'm hearing? Oooh. That's a good one.
You're going to have to learn to keep secrets. A genuine friend is one who can be trusted. When Josh tells you in confidence that he likes Bethany, you can't run off and tell her--even though it'll kill you not to.
Would it ever be right to break a secret? Oooh. Another good one. And the answer is yes. If your friend is in danger of hurting herself or someone else, you can't keep that information private. But we'll talk more about that later when we get into how to help your friends who are going through really rough times.
Back to keeping secrets. Make it a priority. When people realize they can trust you--truly trust you--they'll feel safe in opening up to you with their problems, hurts, questions, fears and dreams. But listening is only half of this strategy. It's just as important to talk as it is to listen. The key is learning when to talk. Try not to talk just to hear yourself talking--that brings us back to my friend who just talked and talked and talked allllll the time. No one else could get a word in edgewise.
Don't put the burden of the entire conversation on someone else. You've got to do your part, too. Talking is learning how to be a good conversationalist.
Seventeen-year-old Lance says, "It always freaks me out when I'm with a girl who expects me to do all the talking. That's too much pressure. I like being with girls who can hold their own end of the conversation."
Jeremy feels the same way: "Sometimes I'll be with a girl who acts like she's afraid to say something. I mean, how else are we gonna get to know each other if we don't talk and listen? But sometimes girls act like what they have to say isn't important. Of course it is! I wouldn't be spending time with a girl, trying to carry on a conversation with her, if I didn't care about what she has to say."
Guess what? Lance and Jeremy aren't the only ones who feel this way. Everyone wants to be in a friendship that has both give and take when it comes to talking.
Yeah, but sometimes I just don't know what to say!
I hear you. And I understand. Here's a little secret: If you're really listening to what the other person is saying, you can ask questions about what he's talking about.
Eric just mentioned he has a lot of math homework. So make a question out of what you've heard: "Do you like math?"
"Ah, it's okay. But Mrs. Johnson sure gives us a lot of homework!"
Now grab your next question from what he's just told you.
"I haven't had Mrs. Johnson. Is she a good teacher? Does she explain things well?"
Of course, you don't always have to continue the conversation by asking questions. Throw your own thoughts out there as well. Again, Eric has just mentioned he has a lot of math homework. You contribute your own thoughts: "I don't have any math homework, but I've got a huge report to write on this play called 'Our Town' that we've been reading in Lit."
Taken from "How to Help Your Hurting Friend" by Susie Shellenberger, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. Your Opinon
What are the greatest needs of students today? What do you need from your youth ministry and the adults that care for you within that ministry? Pastor Brian asks those questions in a recent post on his blog, www.brianeberly.com. Your input and opinions are welcomed. Read the post here and share your thoughts in the comment section.
4. SURF REPORT
~ The Worst Analogies
The Worst Analogies Ever Written in a High School Essay
~ Life2theMax--Family
Check out this interactive site about family issues and more
5. BIRTHDAYS
We've got THREE birthdays this week! Be sure to wish Anthony Ramirez, Steven Alexander, and Sydney Freyer a VERY HAPPY Birthday this week. We wish you three the best!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
There are more chickens in the world than people.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Enthusiasm is as good a thing in the Church as fire is in a cook stove."
- Billy Sunday
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."
- Jim Elliot
===========our|sponsor===========
Clichés...Slogans...Buzzwords...HAVE NO PLACE WHEN FRIENDS IN TROUBLE COME TO YOU!
When a friend is hurting, all you want to do is help. But what do you say when your best friend doesn't eat, or her parents are splitting up, or you see the cutting scars on your friend's arms? There's just no script for this stuff.
That's where this book comes in. It's for concerned friends who know that the best way to help is stepping in with love and authentic support. Whether you know someone who is dealing with sexual abuse, drug addiction, or depression, "How to Help Your Hurting Friend" offers practical advice on how you can be a true friend by tapping into the wisdom of the Bible, the heart of Jesus, and the advice of counselors who know what they're talking about.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
After they make Styrofoam, what do they ship it in?
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Your Opinion
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Fall Fusion
What a night! We packed into Safari Sam's Friday night and rocked the place!! Check out the video for a snapshot of the Fusion. You can also click here to see all the pictures.
MS Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers!! Our Fall Retreat is less than a month away! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, Great speaker, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
Click here to see all the pictures from last year's Fall Retreat.
HS Student Leadership Team Please do not let money stand in the way of you and the Fall Retreat. If money is an issue please talk to Pastor Brian right away.
If you are a High Schooler that is serious about loving God, loving others, and the direction of our youth group, then student leadership would be a great fit for you.
For more information, pick up and application packet on the youth center info table, or download one at www.180students.com/stuff. Turn in the application to Aaron.
Our first meeting will be at 6:00 pm, this Wednesday September 20th.
See You At The Pole
See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.
On September 27, be sure to join with other students around the flagpole of your school an hour before school starts, to pray, and then watch God move!
That night both middle school and high school groups will be meeting in the Youth Center from 7:00 to 8:30 for a special SYATP ralley and worship time. This event always proves to be a powerful night and one you won't want to miss. There will be no Danger Zone the following night. Middle schoolers please join on that Wednesday night.
Mexico Video - Extended Version
If you were with us yesterday you saw our Mexico Outreach video and heard testimonies from the team. Here is the extended version of the video with over 3 minutes of additional footage and music. Be careful. It will make you want to pack your bags for Mexico!
Sad News From Bolivia
We have just received a letter from Oscar Silvestre our Compassion Child in Bolivia.A worker from his Compassion Project writes, "Hello Dear Friends: With the love of our Lord Jesus go the greetings to you. This is the sponsorship responsable helping to write. We are so grateful for your support, love and affection. You sent all of that to Oscar. He thanks to God for your lifes always. Actually Oscar is living far away. That is why he cannot come to the Student Center. Oscar wishes that you continue ahead with your love and affection for the children. Please keep praying for Oscar and family. May God bless your lifes. I close with much love. Ariane"
We have had the privilege of being a part of Oscar's life for six years. Pray that he continues to seek after Jesus and experience His blessings.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Jamie was popular because:
1. She was nice to everyone.
2. She smiled a lot.
Ready for the next one? Jamie knew how to talk and listen. It wasn't unusual at all to see her listening to someone sharing a problem, but she was also a good conversationalist. In other words, the other person didn't have to do all the talking.
Everyone knows someone who talks all the time. They're not much fun to be around, are they? I once had a friend whom I went out to eat a lot with. She talked all the time. As in nonstop. Once in a while, she'd say, "Susie, I don't understand you. You travel all over the place and speak to thousands of teenagers every year, but you sure don't say much one-on-one."
I wanted to say, "How can I? You never give me a chance!"
Everyone wants to talk.We all have a story to tell. Each of us enjoy having someone listen to what we say. It makes us feel important when someone is truly interested in what we're saying.
LEARN TO LISTEN
When other people find out you're willing to listen, believe me, they'll talk--and they'll be talking to you! But when you listen . . . really listen. I'm talking about genuine listening--not the kind of "listening" where you focus your eyes on the person speaking, but your mind is focused on Jason Issacs who's approaching your table.
When someone is talking to you, zero in 100 percent on that person. It's easy to tell when someone's just pretending to listen but really thinking about something else. That won't fly in making friends. You'll be known as a phony.
Okay, but once I've learned to be a great listener, what am I going to do with all the stuff I'm hearing? Oooh. That's a good one.
You're going to have to learn to keep secrets. A genuine friend is one who can be trusted. When Josh tells you in confidence that he likes Bethany, you can't run off and tell her--even though it'll kill you not to.
Would it ever be right to break a secret? Oooh. Another good one. And the answer is yes. If your friend is in danger of hurting herself or someone else, you can't keep that information private. But we'll talk more about that later when we get into how to help your friends who are going through really rough times.
Back to keeping secrets. Make it a priority. When people realize they can trust you--truly trust you--they'll feel safe in opening up to you with their problems, hurts, questions, fears and dreams. But listening is only half of this strategy. It's just as important to talk as it is to listen. The key is learning when to talk. Try not to talk just to hear yourself talking--that brings us back to my friend who just talked and talked and talked allllll the time. No one else could get a word in edgewise.
Don't put the burden of the entire conversation on someone else. You've got to do your part, too. Talking is learning how to be a good conversationalist.
Seventeen-year-old Lance says, "It always freaks me out when I'm with a girl who expects me to do all the talking. That's too much pressure. I like being with girls who can hold their own end of the conversation."
Jeremy feels the same way: "Sometimes I'll be with a girl who acts like she's afraid to say something. I mean, how else are we gonna get to know each other if we don't talk and listen? But sometimes girls act like what they have to say isn't important. Of course it is! I wouldn't be spending time with a girl, trying to carry on a conversation with her, if I didn't care about what she has to say."
Guess what? Lance and Jeremy aren't the only ones who feel this way. Everyone wants to be in a friendship that has both give and take when it comes to talking.
Yeah, but sometimes I just don't know what to say!
I hear you. And I understand. Here's a little secret: If you're really listening to what the other person is saying, you can ask questions about what he's talking about.
Eric just mentioned he has a lot of math homework. So make a question out of what you've heard: "Do you like math?"
"Ah, it's okay. But Mrs. Johnson sure gives us a lot of homework!"
Now grab your next question from what he's just told you.
"I haven't had Mrs. Johnson. Is she a good teacher? Does she explain things well?"
Of course, you don't always have to continue the conversation by asking questions. Throw your own thoughts out there as well. Again, Eric has just mentioned he has a lot of math homework. You contribute your own thoughts: "I don't have any math homework, but I've got a huge report to write on this play called 'Our Town' that we've been reading in Lit."
Taken from "How to Help Your Hurting Friend" by Susie Shellenberger, copyright 2003, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. Your Opinon
What are the greatest needs of students today? What do you need from your youth ministry and the adults that care for you within that ministry? Pastor Brian asks those questions in a recent post on his blog, www.brianeberly.com. Your input and opinions are welcomed. Read the post here and share your thoughts in the comment section.
4. SURF REPORT
~ The Worst Analogies
The Worst Analogies Ever Written in a High School Essay
~ Life2theMax--Family
Check out this interactive site about family issues and more
5. BIRTHDAYS
We've got THREE birthdays this week! Be sure to wish Anthony Ramirez, Steven Alexander, and Sydney Freyer a VERY HAPPY Birthday this week. We wish you three the best!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
There are more chickens in the world than people.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Enthusiasm is as good a thing in the Church as fire is in a cook stove."
- Billy Sunday
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."
- Jim Elliot
===========our|sponsor===========
Clichés...Slogans...Buzzwords...HAVE NO PLACE WHEN FRIENDS IN TROUBLE COME TO YOU!
When a friend is hurting, all you want to do is help. But what do you say when your best friend doesn't eat, or her parents are splitting up, or you see the cutting scars on your friend's arms? There's just no script for this stuff.
That's where this book comes in. It's for concerned friends who know that the best way to help is stepping in with love and authentic support. Whether you know someone who is dealing with sexual abuse, drug addiction, or depression, "How to Help Your Hurting Friend" offers practical advice on how you can be a true friend by tapping into the wisdom of the Bible, the heart of Jesus, and the advice of counselors who know what they're talking about.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
After they make Styrofoam, what do they ship it in?
September 11, 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
Fall Fusion
Back to school blues got you down? Tired of homework already? You need a fusion! Join us this Friday night for our annual Fall Fusion at Safari Sam's in Sherwood!
This year's fusion is better than ever and new this year are the SUMO SUITS and THE VELCRO WALL! Also included is all you can eat pizza, all you can drink soda, unlimited arcade games, unlimited mini-golf, and much more!
The cost is only $20 and friends are welcome...lot's of 'em! Please make sure you and your friends have a 2006 180 Release form on file or with you when you arrive. If you need one they may be downloaded at www.180students.com/stuff. The event is from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM and drop off and pick up will be at Safari Sam's.
See pictures of last year's fusion here.
HS Student Leadership Team
If you are a High Schooler that is serious about loving God, loving others, and the direction of our youth group, then student leadership would be a great fit for you.
For more information, pick up and application packet on the youth center info table, or download one at www.180students.com/stuff. Turn in the application to Aaron.
Our first meeting will be at 6:00 pm, Wednesday September 20th.
HS Girls Bible Study
This is an opportunity for high school ladies who are interested in growing in your faith and in relationship with God. We will be studying together the book, "Experiencing God", and we are meeting Wednesday nights before youth group, at 5:45, starting this Wednesday. Contact Alison (503-380-3840) if you have any questions.
MS Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers!! Our Fall Retreat is less than a month away! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
2W2
Hey High Schoolers fall is here and that means the kick off to another year of Second Wednesday Worship (2W2)! Be sure to be with us this Wednesday night as we together as a community of students seek the heart of God through and intimate and interactive time of worship.
Come expecting to meet with God and for Him to draw you in closer to Himself.
This month's focus will be Our Fit Within the Chruch. To prepare your heart for what God wants to show you click on the following Scriptures: 1 Timothy 5:1-4, Acts 2:41-47, and 1 Corinthians 12.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Experiencing God's Peace in the Middle of Worry
TOPIC: Worrying about things
MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)
OTHER SCRIPTURES: Exodus 16:16-21; Matthew 6:25-34; Mark 4:34-41
WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:
Why do you worry and get upset? Have you forgotten how wide and long and high and deep my love is for you? I love you more than life itself. If I can calm the stormiest sea, heal the sick, and raise the dead...if I can overcome death and the grave...then know that my great power far surpasses your greatest problem.
At this very moment the Holy Spirit and I are praying for you to your Father in heaven. We're for you; we're on your side. But best of all your Father in heaven is for you, too. And if God is for you, who can stand against you?
We are praying that you will accept the peace we offer you—peace that's far more wonderful than you can understand, peace that guards your heart and mind as you walk with me. But you need to let go of your worry before you can hold on to my peace.
You don't need to be anxious about tomorrow because tomorrow will care for itself. Worrying will do nothing to change it. Worrying only fools you into believing that you can change your situation and save yourself. But you can't. I'm the only one who can save you. Don't load yourself up with burdens that don't belong to you. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
When you struggle with worry, tell me exactly how you feel. Remember how I have taken care of you in the past. Trust that I am in control of your future regardless of what happens right now. Rather than focusing on your problems, focus on me, trusting that I want to solve your problems.
Your true peace, Jesus
SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Rather than focusing on your problems, focus on the problem solver.
Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" Youth for Christ, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ 911 Remembrance
A chance to look for God in stories about 9/11
~ Everybody's Golf Club
Fun with a golf club and some wacky videos
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one Birthday shout out this week and it goes out to.....Kendrick Mix! We hope you have a gret one Kendrick!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Koalas are excellent swimmers.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer."
- John Calvin
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
- C.S. Lewis
===========our|sponsor===========
JESUS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO YOU
He wants you to know that you are part of something much bigger than yourself ... you're part of God's Story. But what does that mean? Spend time every day listening to what Jesus has to say to you in devotional letters written to you. You'll encounter the God who created you for a purpose, and you'll come to understand what that purpose is.
In "Conversations with Jesus", each day you'll have the opportunity to talk back to Jesus in the journal pages. Through your daily conversations you'll grow closer to Jesus and learn about your part in God's Story. Dig in. Spend the next 60 days in a conversation with Jesus. You will be surprised what you learn about God ... and about yourself!
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Anyone who says "easy as taking candy from a baby" has never tried it.
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
Fall Fusion
Back to school blues got you down? Tired of homework already? You need a fusion! Join us this Friday night for our annual Fall Fusion at Safari Sam's in Sherwood!
This year's fusion is better than ever and new this year are the SUMO SUITS and THE VELCRO WALL! Also included is all you can eat pizza, all you can drink soda, unlimited arcade games, unlimited mini-golf, and much more!
The cost is only $20 and friends are welcome...lot's of 'em! Please make sure you and your friends have a 2006 180 Release form on file or with you when you arrive. If you need one they may be downloaded at www.180students.com/stuff. The event is from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM and drop off and pick up will be at Safari Sam's.
See pictures of last year's fusion here.
HS Student Leadership Team
If you are a High Schooler that is serious about loving God, loving others, and the direction of our youth group, then student leadership would be a great fit for you.
For more information, pick up and application packet on the youth center info table, or download one at www.180students.com/stuff. Turn in the application to Aaron.
Our first meeting will be at 6:00 pm, Wednesday September 20th.
HS Girls Bible Study
This is an opportunity for high school ladies who are interested in growing in your faith and in relationship with God. We will be studying together the book, "Experiencing God", and we are meeting Wednesday nights before youth group, at 5:45, starting this Wednesday. Contact Alison (503-380-3840) if you have any questions.
MS Fall Retreat
Hey Middle Schoolers!! Our Fall Retreat is less than a month away! On the weekend of October 6-8 we head off to Camp Tadmor for our annual Fall Retreat!
What can you expect? Great times with friends, incredible night games, exciting worship, great encounters with God, the Giant Swing, the Lake Race, and so much more!
We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00. The cost is only $80 and is due by Sunday, October 1. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!
Click here to see all the pictures from last year's Fall Retreat.
2W2
Hey High Schoolers fall is here and that means the kick off to another year of Second Wednesday Worship (2W2)! Be sure to be with us this Wednesday night as we together as a community of students seek the heart of God through and intimate and interactive time of worship.
Come expecting to meet with God and for Him to draw you in closer to Himself.
This month's focus will be Our Fit Within the Chruch. To prepare your heart for what God wants to show you click on the following Scriptures: 1 Timothy 5:1-4, Acts 2:41-47, and 1 Corinthians 12.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Experiencing God's Peace in the Middle of Worry
TOPIC: Worrying about things
MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)
OTHER SCRIPTURES: Exodus 16:16-21; Matthew 6:25-34; Mark 4:34-41
WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:
Why do you worry and get upset? Have you forgotten how wide and long and high and deep my love is for you? I love you more than life itself. If I can calm the stormiest sea, heal the sick, and raise the dead...if I can overcome death and the grave...then know that my great power far surpasses your greatest problem.
At this very moment the Holy Spirit and I are praying for you to your Father in heaven. We're for you; we're on your side. But best of all your Father in heaven is for you, too. And if God is for you, who can stand against you?
We are praying that you will accept the peace we offer you—peace that's far more wonderful than you can understand, peace that guards your heart and mind as you walk with me. But you need to let go of your worry before you can hold on to my peace.
You don't need to be anxious about tomorrow because tomorrow will care for itself. Worrying will do nothing to change it. Worrying only fools you into believing that you can change your situation and save yourself. But you can't. I'm the only one who can save you. Don't load yourself up with burdens that don't belong to you. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
When you struggle with worry, tell me exactly how you feel. Remember how I have taken care of you in the past. Trust that I am in control of your future regardless of what happens right now. Rather than focusing on your problems, focus on me, trusting that I want to solve your problems.
Your true peace, Jesus
SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Rather than focusing on your problems, focus on the problem solver.
Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" Youth for Christ, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ 911 Remembrance
A chance to look for God in stories about 9/11
~ Everybody's Golf Club
Fun with a golf club and some wacky videos
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one Birthday shout out this week and it goes out to.....Kendrick Mix! We hope you have a gret one Kendrick!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Koalas are excellent swimmers.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer."
- John Calvin
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
- C.S. Lewis
===========our|sponsor===========
JESUS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO YOU
He wants you to know that you are part of something much bigger than yourself ... you're part of God's Story. But what does that mean? Spend time every day listening to what Jesus has to say to you in devotional letters written to you. You'll encounter the God who created you for a purpose, and you'll come to understand what that purpose is.
In "Conversations with Jesus", each day you'll have the opportunity to talk back to Jesus in the journal pages. Through your daily conversations you'll grow closer to Jesus and learn about your part in God's Story. Dig in. Spend the next 60 days in a conversation with Jesus. You will be surprised what you learn about God ... and about yourself!
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Anyone who says "easy as taking candy from a baby" has never tried it.
