The 180 Blog

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Uh, That's Funny?

1. 180 NEWS

HS Beach Retreat

There's nothing like taking the time to pull away from the business of life, and rest in a setting of God's beautiful creation. The beach gives us a chance to spend time together, looking into God's Word for His heart for us as individuals and as a community. Come prepared for God to move in you!

This year's retreat is May 2-4 and the cost $80 due THIS SUNDAY, April 27.

Eighth graders this is a great way to begin connecting with our high school group. We want you to come and get to know our high school students, as they are eager to spend the weekend with you!

Be sure to pick up a brochure this week at the Info. Table or go here to download one now.

See pictures of last year's beach retreat here.




Chili Cook-Off


Come with your family to our annual Chili Cook Off this Sunday, April 27 at 5:00. It will be a night of great food, and cool auction items, but even more than that it is a way for you to support the ongoing mission of our church, and especially the team we will be sending to Mexico this summer.

The cost is $10 per person with a cap of $20 per family.

Bring your Beano and join the fun!




2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

This month we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. In honor of these days, and because we think you can do something to help, we're going to spend the next two weeks focusing on how you can help save our planet.

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

There is a mistaken impression that God gave us this world to do whatever we want with it. Right after Adam and Eve were created, God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28, NKJV). People sometimes think that because humans were granted "dominion" over other living things, that gives us the right to do whatever we please. But that word "dominion" really includes a responsibility to care for the planet. And in the years after they were expelled from the garden, more rules were given to the Hebrews about how they were to take care of nature, with specifics on everything from how to harvest a field to the humane treatment of domesticated animals.

The president or prime minister of a country has dominion over that country. He or she has been appointed to oversee the running of the nation. Does that mean these leaders can do whatever they want? All checks and balances aside, if government officials hope to be reelected, they can't just do anything they choose, serving only themselves and ignoring the needs, wants, and opinions of the people who elected them. Because of the trust countries put in their elected leaders, government officials have a greater responsibility to serve the nation than ordinary citizens. As one of my closest friends is always saying, "To whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48, NKJV). Or, as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man paraphrases the Holy Book, "With great power comes great responsibility."

Because we are God's people, we are "presidents" of nature. The Creator of the universe has elected us to look after the world he has made. Does this mean we can do whatever we want? On the contrary, it means we have a huge responsibility to care for his creation. The earth is a precious gift we've been asked to care for, not an entitlement. Just because it was my turn on my big brother's scooter didn't give me the right to destroy it.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that, because you are young, you don't have great power or great responsibility. We teens have a huge influence on our nation. Our parents are moved by our passion; younger kids think we are the coolest thing since sliced bread. We can use that influence for God. If we are on fire, the world will follow. Our generation is a generation that can change the planet.

**

Taken from "It's Easy Being Green" by Emma Sleeth, copyright 2008 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you:

**

THREE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK:

1. Pack an after-school snack instead of buying one from a school vending machine. By purchasing a larger bag of your favorite treat and bringing some each day in a reusable container, you avoid the waste of unnecessary packaging.

2. Turn off your computer at night or whenever you won't be using it.

3. Get potted plants for a classroom and volunteer to keep them watered. Not only will they look nice, but they'll also clean the air for a less polluted indoor environment.

**


3. SURF REPORT

~ How to be a Kid Environmentalist

~ Friday, April 25 is World Malaria Day. Bite Back.

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've got two birthdays happening this week! We want to wish the very best to Kellie Koenig and Jonny Roberts! Hope you two have a great week and wonderful birthdays!

5. FORGETTABLE FACT

A group of kangaroos is called a mob.


6. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Don't blow it--good planets are hard to find."
~Quoted in Time

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry."
~Thomas Fuller

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

SERVE GOD BY SAVING THE PLANET

Our world is a mess. But you can help save our planet as you learn how to honor God in the choices you make and understand the impact those choices have on the environment.

Learn more about "It's Easy Being Green" here.

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you.

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7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?

You didn't hear about the three big holes in the ground? Well, well, well.