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March 26, 2007

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Spring Break Plans
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

EASTER EGG STUFFING

IT'S SPRING BREAK and 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 MORNING, March 27, 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!


MEXICO OUTREACH



Have you ever considered following God into a culture different than yours to share His love with people who really need to experience it? God is leading us to Ensenada Mexico this summer and perhaps He wants you to join in.

THIS SUNDAY, April 1st, is the final day to register. If you plan to join us please have all your applications and $200 deposit in by this Sunday.

We now have our Mexico Outreach web site up. Check it out for all the details of the trip as well as all application downaloads. You will find it at www.180students.com/mexico07.





MS POOL & PIZZA



We had a great night at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park this last Friday night! We swam like crazy and we ate pizza....boy did we EAT PIZZA!

Check out all the pictures right here.



180 ON FACEBOOK
Tired of all the explicit and inappropriate advertising and pictures on Myspace? Join the growing 180 Group on Facebook. Facebook is a much safer and appropriate social networking site. If you do not already have a Facebook account set up, click here to get started. Once a member go to My Groups and do search for "180 Student Ministries" to find our group. Join in on one of several conversation, or just post your own thoughts. See you on Facebook!

2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

GOD'S STORY--ON YOUR OWN

A Sampler from John's Gospel
Thirsty? (John 7:37-52)

On the last and greatest day of the Festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet."

Others said, "He is the Messiah."

Still others asked, "How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.

Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, "Why didn't you bring him in?"

"No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards replied.

"You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees retorted. "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them."

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, "Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?"

They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee."

HMMM...
How important is it to actually be thirsty for life when you come to Jesus?

**

Taken from "3Story® Evangelism Training Participant's Guide" by Youth For Christ, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.

3. SURF REPORT

~ 3Story: Check out the website created to help you tell God's story, your story, and connect those to your friends' stories.

~ Nintendo Arcade: Kill some time on Spring Break with these fun, free games!

4. SPRING BREAK PLANS

Hey, it's Spring Break, what are you doing? Share in the Comment Section of this week's newsletter what fun plans you have for this week!

5. FORGETTABLE FACT

A snail can sleep for three years.

6. POTENT QUOTABLES

"We are all worms. But I do believe I am a glowworm."
- Winston Churchill

"There is within every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning."
- Thomas Aquinas

===========our|sponsor===========

HEAR WHAT JESUS HAS TO SAY TO YOU

Jesus has something to say to you. He wants you to know that you are part of something much bigger...you're part of God's story. But what does that mean? In this 60-day devo you'll receive daily letters from Jesus and spend some time journaling your thoughts back to him as you take part in the conversation and learn what your part is in God's story.

Learn more or purchase "Conversations with Jesus" here.

=================================

7. PARTING SHOT

Why would anyone want to take a break from Spring?

March 19, 2007

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Scene Around 180
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Video of The Week
7. Forgettable Fact
8. Potent Quotables
9. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

MS Pool & Pizza

Hey Middle Schoolers join us on THIS FRIDAY, March 23, 5:30 – 9:30, for a wet and wild adventure to North Clackamas Aquatic Park!

The cost is only $12 and comes with a great night of swimming and
lots of pizza!See pictures of last year's Pool & Pizza here.

Need a 180 Release Form? Download one here.

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!

On Tuesday, March 27 (Spring Break) 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!

2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

GOD SPEAKS THROUGH YOU

TOPIC: Fear of sharing your faith

MAIN SCRIPTURE: "We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, 'Be reconciled to God!'" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NLT)

OTHER SCRIPTURES: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 6:19

WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:
I know this is important for us to talk about. Sometimes this is difficult for some people who love me. They don't want to look like they're pressuring people or selling religion.

Some people want me to light up the sky and do flashy miracles, thinking that will cause everyone to believe in me. I could do it. But most often that's not God's plan. His plan is simple. He sent me to you, and I send you to others. Share my story person to person, life to life. You're a walking, talking example of me living in you.

Remember--it's not about you. No sales quotas or high pressure. I'm the one who lived the sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world, and defeated death. Keep the focus on my life, death, and resurrection. Avoid pointless arguments that go nowhere. Let them know you didn't deserve or earn grace and forgiveness. They are gifts from a loving God. Invite them to connect their lives with me as you did.

Keep it simple. Keep it real. The world is overloaded with crazy ideas that try to explain the meaning of life. When you tell my story using words others can understand, and they see authentic changes in your life, I will become real to them.

Not everyone will like you or your message. Some people will hate you (and me) when you talk about the good news. It can be discouraging. Keep on loving these people. Pray for them. God loves them as much he loves you!

But to the people who are seeking God, your life and message will be like the aroma of a delicious meal or the most wonderful perfume. Let me work through your life to reach your friends.

Love, Jesus

SUMMARY CHALLENGE: "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere." (Mark 16:15, NLT)

**

Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" by Youth For Christ, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.

3. SCENE AROUND 180

Budding young rock star Leah Wiseman was caught on camera last Thursday night with Aaron's guitar.

Taken a picture with your camera phone at a 180 event lately? Send it to newsletter@180students.com. You just might find it in next week's newsletter!

4. SURF REPORT

~ Mexico 2007: Learn all you need to know about our Mexico Outreach this summer. See last years pictures, video, and team member reports. Should you join us this year?

~ Sand Art: Make your own amazing creation with sand and your mouse

5. BIRTHDAYS

We've got three this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Ray Ramirez, Zach Munger, Carrie Ann McCracken, & Mellini Wall! We wish you all the BEST!

6. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Have you seen the Leeland video "Sound of Melodies"?








7. FORGETTABLE FACT

A car operates at maximum economy, gas-wise, at speeds between 25 and 35 miles per hour.

8. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Always seek peace between your heart and God, but in this world, always be careful to remain ever-restless, never satisfied, and always abounding in the work of the Lord."
- Jim Elliot

"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."
- Jim Elliot

===========our|sponsor===========

HEAR WHAT JESUS HAS TO SAY TO YOU

Jesus has something to say to you. He wants you to know that you are part of something much bigger...you're part of God's story. But what does that mean? In this 60-day devo you'll receive daily letters from Jesus and spend some time journaling your thoughts back to him as you take part in the conversation and learn what your part is in God's story.

Learn more or purchase "Conversations with Jesus" here.

=================================

9. PARTING SHOT

Computers make very fast, very accurate mistakes.

March 12, 2007

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

MS Pool & Pizza
Hey Middle Schoolers join us on Friday, March 23, 5:30 – 9:30, for a wet and wild adventure to North Clackamas Aquatic Park!


The cost is only $12 and comes with a great night of swimming and
lots of pizza!

See pictures of last year's Pool & Pizza here.

HS Amazing Race III
Calling all adventurers and racers: The Amazing race III brings more detours, road blocks, and fast forwards than ever before! If you and your team can win, you'll take home the top prize and the wonder of winning it all!


If you want to race here are the details you will need to know:

•We start right at 3:00 PM on THIS SATURDAY, March 17.
•We will be done at 7:00 PM
•Racers must bring $5.
•After the race, we will eat dinner.
•Racers must have a 180 Release Form on file. (If you or a friend needs one, download one here.)
•You must register by Wednesday, March 14.

See pictures of The Amazing Race II here.

Service Opportunity
During our 30 Hour Famine we experienced the REAL.LIFE. Exhibit at Medical Teams International. Now you have an opportunity to give of yourself and be a part of the life saving ministry of Medical Teams International. This Saturday, March 17 from 8:00 am to noon they are inviting high school students to come and serve along side them in their warehouse in Tigard. The work will involve packing medical supplies to be shipped around the world. If you would like to be a part of this day you must contact Victoria Eggleston at either 503.624.1011 or veggleston@medicalteams.org.

Spring Calender



Have you picked up a copy of our Spring calender yet? If not you will want to do so. We have got a lot going on that you will not want to miss out on! You can also go here and download one now.






CD Library

We have recently updated our CD library with 8 new CDs. New CDs include: Disciple "Scars Remain, Falling Up "Exit>Lights", Group 1 Crew, Grits, "Redemption", Jonny Lang "Turn Around", Pivitplex "The King In A Rookery", John Reuben "Word of Mouth, and TobyMac "(Portable Sounds)".

Please remember to sign out all CDs you borrow, and sign them back in one week later. We also ask that you please not burn CDs.

2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

INTEGRITY

If we (Kurt and Marko) tell you we're actually space aliens, we wouldn't have integrity...because, well, we're not space aliens.

If we tell you we're midget wrestlers from an unknown Latin American country, and we tagteam wrestle under the name "Las Floritas" (the little flowers), we wouldn't have integrity...because, well, it ain't true!

Let's say we have three pieces of wood, and we cut all three of them down the middle so you can see "the insides." The first piece, we discover, isn't wood at all. It has a Styrofoam center no different from a cheap coffee cup! And the outside is just a plastic layer made to look like wood! We could say this "piece of wood" has no integrity at all! It's absolutely not what it "says" it is.

The second piece of wood is interesting. The outside of it (called a "veneer") is actually wood. It's just really thin. And the inside is really wood, too—but it's cheap wood that's been all ground up into a pulp with glue in there to hold it all together. It looks like oatmeal made out of wood. This kind of wood is strong like real wood, but way cheaper. And this piece of wood has more integrity than the first piece (at least this one is actually made out of wood!). But it's still lacking integrity, because it's hiding something (the fact that it's not solid wood).

The third piece of wood has perfect integrity: It's solid oak, all the way through. It's exactly what it "says" it is—nothing to hide.

Do you understand "integrity" now? Honesty has a lot to do with it, but it's more than that. Integrity means doing what you say you'll do, being who you say you are, following through on commitments, and only saying what you mean (not just what you think will get you what you want). If you want your family to be the best that it can be, you have to be committed to living with integrity. Are you? Do you?

**

Taken from "My Family" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.

3. SURF REPORT

~ Conservapedia: Check out this alternative to Wikipedia

~ Write It: Scholastic's site where you can find your voice, develop your craft, and publish your work

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've got one birthday this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON LAUGHLIN! We wish you the BEST!

5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK

John Reuben's new animated video. Check out John Reuben's new CD, "Word of Mouth" from our CD library.


6. FORGETTABLE FACT

Typically, boys are more often born during the day and girls are more often born at night.

7. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Art is a reflection of God's creativity, and evidence that we are made in the image of God."
- Francis Schaeffer

"Reality is usually something you could not have guessed."
- C.S. Lewis

===========our|sponsor===========

SECRETS TO HAVING A GREAT FAMILY AND SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL

When you're in middle school, everything is changing—your body, your emotions, your school, and maybe even your friends are different. Now your parents and siblings are trying to figure out why you're different, and you wish they could understand you! This book will give you secrets and tips that will show you how you can help to make your family even better.

Learn more or purchase "My Family" here.

=================================

8. PARTING SHOT

Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

March 5, 2007

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

Mexico Outreach
Have you ever considered following God into a culture different than yours to share His love with people who really need to experience it? God is leading us to Ensenada Mexico this summer and perhaps He wants you to join in.

We now have our Mexico Outreach web site up. Check it out for all the details of the trip as well as all application downaloads. You will find it at www.180students.com/mexico07.



Spring Calendar

Wondering what you are going to do with your Spring? Well we have a few ideas for you! The 180 Spring calender is now out and you will find all kinds of great opportunities to serve together, play together, worship together, and more.

Pick one up this week at the info. table to find out more about the HS Amazing Race, MS Pool & Pizza, HS Beach Retreat, JH Riot, and more! Can't wait until you can pick one up? No problem. It's available for download too! Click here now to download yours!


HS Amazing Race III

Calling all adventurers and racers: The Amazing race III brings more detours, road blocks, and fast forwards than ever before! If you and your team can win, you'll take home the top prize and the wonder of winning it all!


If you want to race here are the details you will need to know:

•We start right at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 17.
•We will be done at 7:00 PM
•Racers must bring $5.
•After the race, we will eat dinner.
•Racers must have a 180 Release Form on file. (If you or a friend needs one, download one here.)
•You must register by Wednesday, March 14.

See pictures of The Amazing Race II here.

2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

HEY MIKE!

HEY MIKE! While I attempt to do what's right and to obey God, I often get caught up in bad choices. Before I know it, I'm doing dumb things: lying, cheating, fighting. What can I do to change?
--T.C., Virginia Beach, Va.

Even Christians with the best intentions can get off course from time to time. Check out what Christian scholar C.S. Lewis has to say about our struggle to follow God:

"A live body is not one that never gets hurt, but one that can to some extent repair itself. In the same way a Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble--because the Christ-life is inside him, repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death that Christ Himself carried out."

Making wise choices involves more than head knowledge. Pursuing authentic faith means applying God's truth to everyday situations. And the wisest action a Christian can take is to admit a wrong he or she has committed, turn to Christ (confession), then start fresh again--in the right direction (repentance).

HEY MIKE! I've known this girl at church for a long time. (We've practically grown up together.) I really like her and want to tell her how I feel, but I can't. I'm afraid I'll ruin our friendship. But every time I see her, I go INSANE! What should I do? When does "like" turn to love?
--M.H., Winter Park, Fla.

You've asked two different questions, so let's start with the first one: How do I communicate my feelings to this girl?

It amazes me that what comes so easy for girls (verbalizing emotions) is like brain surgery for guys. In fact, I've received a lot of mail on this topic lately. (Check out our September and October "HEY MIKE!" columns.) Think about it, M.H. You've known this girl for a long time, so why are you agonizing over telling her how you feel about her? I seriously doubt that she will reject you. Unlike guys, girls actually want males to share their TRUE feelings with them.

I think what you're most afraid of is the possibility that she doesn't feel the same way about you--which could change your friendship. This brings us to your next question: When does "like" turn to love?

Discerning between serious LIKE and heart-thumping LOVE gets kind of fuzzy. Both involve a magnetic-like attraction as well as those head-over-heels "insane attacks" you mentioned. But the difference between LIKE and LOVE is this: Love goes way beyond simple emotions. True love involves commitment. It means putting the needs of another above your own: "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:5-6). Is this what you experience when you're with this girl?

Here's what I suggest you do. First, pray about this whole situation. Ask God to help you sort through your feelings and to help you understand the difference between like and love. Ask Him for the courage to accept the possibility that she may only want to be friends.

Next, find a trustworthy adult guy (your dad, a youth worker) and get an older male's perspective. It really helps to learn from guys who have been there.

Finally, when you feel the moment is right, talk to this girl. Tell her how special she is to you as well as how much you value her friendship. Make an effort to clue in to how she feels about you. Then it's time for the next step: Choose to hold on to a great friendship...or move it to a different level.

HEY MIKE! My friends constantly act like idiots around girls. They talk crude and get tough--and think they're being cool. How can I set them straight?
--G.M., Seattle

Show them this comment from 16-year-old Brianna, a Brio reader from Downers Grove, Ill. It's an eye-opener for every teen guy.

"Hey, Breakaway brothers: I want you to understand that most girls get annoyed with juvenile behavior. True, we like to horse around and have fun--as long as it's all good, clean fun, and in the right setting. But if it gets out of hand or if it's unwelcome, then you just might end up with a black eye. Bottom line: Be a gentleman and show respect for girls."

**
Adapted with permission from Breakaway magazine. Copyright © 2007, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

3. SURF REPORT

~ Shoutlife: A new Christian social networking site

~ Shakespeare Sonnet Shake-Up: Create your own sonnet using lines from Shakespeare's works

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've have one birthday this week and the wishes go out to Sarah Hunter! We wish you the best Sarah!

5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Never think that you are too young to do big things. You are the church of today, not tomorrow. God wants to use you now to change the world.



6. FORGETTABLE FACT

Elephants are the only animal that can't jump.

7. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Go the extra mile. It's never crowded."
- Author unknown

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."
- Augustine

===========our|sponsor===========

BREAKAWAY :: Life. God. Truth :: For Guys.

Music, sports, girls, technology. If you're into it, Breakaway covers it--all from a biblical perspective. Get the mag in your mailbox each month.

Find out more here.

=================================

8. PARTING SHOT

Dijon vu = the same mustard as before

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