April 28, 2008
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. Uh, That's Funny?
1. 180 NEWS
HS Beach Retreat
We're heading for the beach this Friday!!
If you are joining us please remember:
We're looking forward to a great weekend away! Catch a glimpse here of what is in store for you.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.
Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Last week we celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day...but the reality is that you can make choices to help save our planet every day of the year. So we're continuing on with our "Green" theme this week.
DETECTOR GADGET
One of the certainties of our current world is technology. There are always new gizmos and gadgets. There are iPods and laptops and DVDs and CDs and PSPs and mp3s and cell phones and plasma screens and...the list just continues to grow. In this world there are always new technologies. And the way we relate to them has a huge effect on the environment.
I am possibly the least tech-savvy teen in North America. I literally can't turn on my brother's computer. Of course, that may be because my brother built the computer himself using parts from several salvaged computers with three separate operating systems--but still, I should at least be able to turn it on.
I'm also one of those people who believes talking to technological devices will actually make them obey me.
Mom: "Who are you talking to, Emma? It's six in the morning!"
Me: "Er, the toaster."
Yet even with my high level of incompetence, I still manage to have my guilty technological pleasures. My brother and I actually have a deal about certain mindless TV series that we like to borrow from the library. I won't make fun of his shows, and he won't make fun of mine. Moderation in everything, right?
As long as it really is moderation.
My latest technological "guilty pleasure" has been playing Spider solitaire on my computer. Random, I know. But because I spend so much time writing on the computer, I often feel as if I deserve a little break. And I spend most of those breaks playing this game. But I've realized recently that what I meant by "little" isn't actually so little.
Let's do a bit of arithmetic. I usually let myself play two or three games of Spider after I finish a page of writing. Each game takes about ten minutes. During summer vacation, I've been writing about five days a week--with a goal of writing seven pages a day. I have about 10 weeks when I'll be free to write this summer vacation. So that's 50 writing days times seven pages per day--350 pages. But if I play just two or three little games after every page, that's between 700 and 1,050 games of Spider solitaire. Multiply that by 10 minutes per game and divide by 60 minutes in each hour...Okay, if you've been zoning out until now, here's where you should focus back in again. Because the bottom line is that I'll play between 116.67 and 175 hours of a mindless computer game just this summer vacation. It's like I've spent a full week of my vacation--five to seven complete 24-hour days--doing nothing but playing this little game! Imagine what else I could do with that time.
Maybe you don't play Spider, but you might be surprised how much of your life gets taken up by similar random things--and in our day, those things often involve staring at a video screen. Take TV commercials as an example. By the time the average American turns 20, he or she will have seen more than a million commercials. Most Americans spend a full year of their lives watching television ads. Not TV in general: just commercials. For some reason, a year of my life doesn't feel like a little time spent watching what advertisers tell me I need--it seems like a lot more time than I want to spend.
**
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.
**
THREE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK:
1. Instead of playing an hour of video games or chatting online, spend that time planting some flowers or plants (it'll help the environment, make things look prettier, and use zero electricity while you do it!).
2. Spend time outside. Pick up some trash on the street and throw it away.
3. Clean out your closet and recycle papers and magazines, and donate the clothes and things you don't use anymore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ WireTap: Ideas and Action for a New Generation
~ Your Environment. Your Choice
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two this week. We want to wish a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both Kelly Hurst and Jason Grosjacques! We wish you two the BEST!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
If you weren't with us this last Wednesday or Thursday night, you missed the world's fastest clapper! Check this out....
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Beavers can swim half a mile underwater on one gulp of air.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
~Cree Indian Proverb
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
~Native American Proverb
===========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.
=================================
8. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
It was raining cats and dogs. There were poodles all over the road.
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. Uh, That's Funny?
1. 180 NEWS
HS Beach Retreat
We're heading for the beach this Friday!!
If you are joining us please remember:
- We leave the church at 5:00.
- Eat dinner before you arrive.
- Bring everything you need for two nights away, including warm clothes.
- Bring your Bible.
- Please leave at home all electronic devices (iPods, mp3 players, video games, etc.).
We're looking forward to a great weekend away! Catch a glimpse here of what is in store for you.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.
Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Last week we celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day...but the reality is that you can make choices to help save our planet every day of the year. So we're continuing on with our "Green" theme this week.
DETECTOR GADGET
One of the certainties of our current world is technology. There are always new gizmos and gadgets. There are iPods and laptops and DVDs and CDs and PSPs and mp3s and cell phones and plasma screens and...the list just continues to grow. In this world there are always new technologies. And the way we relate to them has a huge effect on the environment.
I am possibly the least tech-savvy teen in North America. I literally can't turn on my brother's computer. Of course, that may be because my brother built the computer himself using parts from several salvaged computers with three separate operating systems--but still, I should at least be able to turn it on.
I'm also one of those people who believes talking to technological devices will actually make them obey me.
Mom: "Who are you talking to, Emma? It's six in the morning!"
Me: "Er, the toaster."
Yet even with my high level of incompetence, I still manage to have my guilty technological pleasures. My brother and I actually have a deal about certain mindless TV series that we like to borrow from the library. I won't make fun of his shows, and he won't make fun of mine. Moderation in everything, right?
As long as it really is moderation.
My latest technological "guilty pleasure" has been playing Spider solitaire on my computer. Random, I know. But because I spend so much time writing on the computer, I often feel as if I deserve a little break. And I spend most of those breaks playing this game. But I've realized recently that what I meant by "little" isn't actually so little.
Let's do a bit of arithmetic. I usually let myself play two or three games of Spider after I finish a page of writing. Each game takes about ten minutes. During summer vacation, I've been writing about five days a week--with a goal of writing seven pages a day. I have about 10 weeks when I'll be free to write this summer vacation. So that's 50 writing days times seven pages per day--350 pages. But if I play just two or three little games after every page, that's between 700 and 1,050 games of Spider solitaire. Multiply that by 10 minutes per game and divide by 60 minutes in each hour...Okay, if you've been zoning out until now, here's where you should focus back in again. Because the bottom line is that I'll play between 116.67 and 175 hours of a mindless computer game just this summer vacation. It's like I've spent a full week of my vacation--five to seven complete 24-hour days--doing nothing but playing this little game! Imagine what else I could do with that time.
Maybe you don't play Spider, but you might be surprised how much of your life gets taken up by similar random things--and in our day, those things often involve staring at a video screen. Take TV commercials as an example. By the time the average American turns 20, he or she will have seen more than a million commercials. Most Americans spend a full year of their lives watching television ads. Not TV in general: just commercials. For some reason, a year of my life doesn't feel like a little time spent watching what advertisers tell me I need--it seems like a lot more time than I want to spend.
**
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.
**
THREE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK:
1. Instead of playing an hour of video games or chatting online, spend that time planting some flowers or plants (it'll help the environment, make things look prettier, and use zero electricity while you do it!).
2. Spend time outside. Pick up some trash on the street and throw it away.
3. Clean out your closet and recycle papers and magazines, and donate the clothes and things you don't use anymore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ WireTap: Ideas and Action for a New Generation
~ Your Environment. Your Choice
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two this week. We want to wish a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both Kelly Hurst and Jason Grosjacques! We wish you two the BEST!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
If you weren't with us this last Wednesday or Thursday night, you missed the world's fastest clapper! Check this out....
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Beavers can swim half a mile underwater on one gulp of air.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
~Cree Indian Proverb
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
~Native American Proverb
===========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.
=================================
8. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
It was raining cats and dogs. There were poodles all over the road.
April 21, 2008
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.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
You didn't hear about the three big holes in the ground? Well, well, well.
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.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
You didn't hear about the three big holes in the ground? Well, well, well.
April 14, 2008
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
Beach Retreat
It's time to ReFuel! If you are in high school or currently an 8th grader, you are invited to join us for our annual Beach Retreat at Winema.
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 by 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.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.
Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
AREN'T ALL RELIGIONS BASICALLY THE SAME?
We've both worked with middle school students a long time, and this question is one that we've heard over and over again. It's a good question. One that deserves an answer: NO! Now, that may sound a bit harsh, but it makes total sense when you stop to think about it.
Almost nothing in this world is "all the same." When you go to Baskin-Robbins to get ice cream, the flavors aren't all the same. You have 31 different types of ice cream to choose from! Starbucks sells all kinds of coffee. You can get a one-dollar cup of plain ol' stuff or pay five dollars for one with mocha, caramel, and whipped cream. Try going to a bike shop and saying, "I'd like to buy a bike, please. Any bike will do since they're all the same." The mullet-headed, nose-pierced, bike-shop-owner dude would look at you as if you looked weird or something.
Religions aren't all the same, either. They may have some things in common, but they aren't all the same. Some of the ways religions are different from each other include what they teach about God, what they teach about Jesus, what they teach about getting to heaven, and what they teach about the Bible. There are other differences, but those are the biggies.
Another question we hear a lot is, "Are all religions true?" Again, another good question that deserves an answer: NO! The reason all religions can't be true isn't just because they're different. Different types of coffee are still true coffees, and different ice cream flavors are still true ice creams. The reason all religions can't all be true is because they all hold different beliefs that they claim as truth...beliefs that are totally opposite from each other. If beliefs about the same thing are opposite from each other, they can't both be true.
A simple example is how somebody gets to heaven. Christianity says that heaven is a free gift. Many other religions believe a ticket to heaven must be earned. Christianity believes that the gift of heaven is given to us through Jesus, God's Son. Many other religions believe that Jesus was a good guy but wasn't God's Son and has nothing to do with heaven. How can both be true?
Another difference between Christianity and other religions? Christianity isn't just a religion. Most religions make a big deal out of making sure you say the right stuff, do the right stuff, and stay away from the wrong stuff. Most religions focus on looking good on the outside. And while Christianity holds outward behavior as important, it's not the most important thing--it's about friendship with Jesus. And a true friendship with Jesus doesn't have a whole lot in common with religion.
**
Taken from "My Faith" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ Search for lyrics to your favorite songs
~ Create your own Jackson Pollack painting
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got FOUR birthdays this week! BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Tom Freitag, Brittnie Eberly, Michael Brown, and Alison Geist! Hope you all have GREAT birthdays!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Most dreams last only 5 to 20 minutes.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you."
~Author Unknown
"He who praises everybody praises nobody."
~Samuel Johnson
===========our sponsor===========
SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL WITHOUT LOSING YOUR FAITH.
Life and faith can be hard when you're in middle school. But in this book you'll get all the tips and secrets you need to really grasp your faith and keep a hold on it.
Learn more about "My Faith" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
There was a guy who was fired from the orange juice factory for lack of concentration.
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
Beach Retreat
It's time to ReFuel! If you are in high school or currently an 8th grader, you are invited to join us for our annual Beach Retreat at Winema.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 by 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.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
AREN'T ALL RELIGIONS BASICALLY THE SAME?
We've both worked with middle school students a long time, and this question is one that we've heard over and over again. It's a good question. One that deserves an answer: NO! Now, that may sound a bit harsh, but it makes total sense when you stop to think about it.
Almost nothing in this world is "all the same." When you go to Baskin-Robbins to get ice cream, the flavors aren't all the same. You have 31 different types of ice cream to choose from! Starbucks sells all kinds of coffee. You can get a one-dollar cup of plain ol' stuff or pay five dollars for one with mocha, caramel, and whipped cream. Try going to a bike shop and saying, "I'd like to buy a bike, please. Any bike will do since they're all the same." The mullet-headed, nose-pierced, bike-shop-owner dude would look at you as if you looked weird or something.
Religions aren't all the same, either. They may have some things in common, but they aren't all the same. Some of the ways religions are different from each other include what they teach about God, what they teach about Jesus, what they teach about getting to heaven, and what they teach about the Bible. There are other differences, but those are the biggies.
Another question we hear a lot is, "Are all religions true?" Again, another good question that deserves an answer: NO! The reason all religions can't be true isn't just because they're different. Different types of coffee are still true coffees, and different ice cream flavors are still true ice creams. The reason all religions can't all be true is because they all hold different beliefs that they claim as truth...beliefs that are totally opposite from each other. If beliefs about the same thing are opposite from each other, they can't both be true.
A simple example is how somebody gets to heaven. Christianity says that heaven is a free gift. Many other religions believe a ticket to heaven must be earned. Christianity believes that the gift of heaven is given to us through Jesus, God's Son. Many other religions believe that Jesus was a good guy but wasn't God's Son and has nothing to do with heaven. How can both be true?
Another difference between Christianity and other religions? Christianity isn't just a religion. Most religions make a big deal out of making sure you say the right stuff, do the right stuff, and stay away from the wrong stuff. Most religions focus on looking good on the outside. And while Christianity holds outward behavior as important, it's not the most important thing--it's about friendship with Jesus. And a true friendship with Jesus doesn't have a whole lot in common with religion.
**
Taken from "My Faith" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ Search for lyrics to your favorite songs
~ Create your own Jackson Pollack painting
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got FOUR birthdays this week! BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Tom Freitag, Brittnie Eberly, Michael Brown, and Alison Geist! Hope you all have GREAT birthdays!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Most dreams last only 5 to 20 minutes.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you."
~Author Unknown
"He who praises everybody praises nobody."
~Samuel Johnson
===========our sponsor===========
SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL WITHOUT LOSING YOUR FAITH.
Life and faith can be hard when you're in middle school. But in this book you'll get all the tips and secrets you need to really grasp your faith and keep a hold on it.
Learn more about "My Faith" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
There was a guy who was fired from the orange juice factory for lack of concentration.
April 7, 2008
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
MS Pool & Pizza
Last Friday night was a great night of swimming for our Middle Schoolers! Thirty three of us descended upon North Clackamas Aquatic Park for a great night of swimming, sliding, diving, and tubing. We ended the night with a bunch of great pizza!
Go here to see all the pictures.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.
Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
The Burn
Join us this Wednesday evening at Tigard Covenant Church from 7:00 to 8:30, for an incredible night of worship with five other Tigard youth groups.
There will be no middle School Danger Zone this week. Join us at The Burn instead.
Night Strike
Join us this Friday night as we head to the Burnside Bridge in downtown Portland for a night of ministry to some of Portland's neediest people. We will be joining with Bridgetown Ministries for this strategic night of outreach.
We will leave the church at 6:00 and return at 10:30. As always you will need to have a 2008 Release Form on file with us. If you have not yet turned one in they are available for download here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
SAFE SEX
TOPIC: Setting proper sexual boundaries
MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 8:4)
OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 119:9; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:1-20; Hebrews 13:4
WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:
I see the sexual messages society repeatedly tries to pound into your head. Society wants you to think that sex is simply a physical act, that there's nothing wrong with premarital sex. Don't believe it.
I'll get straight to the point: Premarital sex is sin. I'm not trying to make life miserable for you, but your heart isn't ready to handle the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Awakening your heart before the time is right will have devastating effects--including in your life with the person you eventually marry. Trust me.
So let's construct some boundaries together before you pass the point of no return:
1. Invite me into your relationships. I didn't come so you would have an unsatisfying life; I came so you might have an abundant life. And besides, I'm present in all your relationships--don't you think it's about time you acknowledge me in them? Make me an active part in your conversation, and you'll discover a spiritual dimension of your relationship that few couples enjoy.
2. Don't ask how far you can go. When you do that, you're looking for ways to get around me. Instead stay far enough from the boundary that you won't have to ask that question. (Of course, asking me for a little insight doesn't hurt.)
3. Take time to get to know the other person. Usually when a premarital relationship becomes sexual, the two people stop exploring each other's hearts.
4. Do things in groups. This will go a long way toward preventing you from placing yourself in compromising positions.
5. Ask your friends to help you stay pure. They're an important line of defense.
You have a lifetime of enjoyable sex ahead of you. Don't put it in jeopardy by prematurely exploring it. And remember: If you've already explored, I love you just the same as I always have--just ask for my forgiveness and start your life and relationships anew.
Love, Jesus
SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Jesus wants you to enjoy a lifetime of sex--but he doesn't want you to lessen the joy by having sex before you're married.
**
Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ Scientific (?) Experiments with Twinkies
~ Color a Picture
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we wish a HAPPY Birthday to Nick Duskin, Elise Duskin, and Kyle Arndt. We wish each of you the very best! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
In ancient Rome it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Love is the great conqueror of lust."
~C.S. Lewis
"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost."
~G.K. Chesterton
===========our sponsor===========
DANCE TO MANDISA, SUPERCHICK AND MORE WITH "DANCE Praise2--the REMIX"
"Dance Praise2--the ReMix" combines hit music from top Christian artists with an action packed dance game. Connect the dance pad to the USB port of your Windows or Mac computer, follow the onscreen arrows and start dancing. Includes music from Barlow Girl, Krystal Meyers, Britt Nicole, Casting Crowns, tobyMac, and more! Includes 52 songs and over 400 dances. Add up to 7 Expansion Packs for even more music. Let the dance party begin!
Learn more about "Dance Praise2--the ReMix" here.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
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
MS Pool & Pizza
Last Friday night was a great night of swimming for our Middle Schoolers! Thirty three of us descended upon North Clackamas Aquatic Park for a great night of swimming, sliding, diving, and tubing. We ended the night with a bunch of great pizza!
Go here to see all the pictures.
Text Message Alerts
Do you have a cell phone? Do you use text messaging? So do we!
If you would like to subscribe to our new Text Message Alerts and receive up to the minute announcements, reminders, cancellation notices, and more, then click on the appropriate link below to be added to our list.Text messages will be one way messages and will sent from One80@txtsig.us. If you have already signed up at the info table in the youth center please do not use these links.
Sign up now to always be in the know!
Sign up for our High School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Middle School TXT message alerts!
Sign up for our Staff TXT message alerts!
The Burn
Join us this Wednesday evening at Tigard Covenant Church from 7:00 to 8:30, for an incredible night of worship with five other Tigard youth groups.
There will be no middle School Danger Zone this week. Join us at The Burn instead.Night Strike
Join us this Friday night as we head to the Burnside Bridge in downtown Portland for a night of ministry to some of Portland's neediest people. We will be joining with Bridgetown Ministries for this strategic night of outreach.
We will leave the church at 6:00 and return at 10:30. As always you will need to have a 2008 Release Form on file with us. If you have not yet turned one in they are available for download here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
SAFE SEX
TOPIC: Setting proper sexual boundaries
MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 8:4)
OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 119:9; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:1-20; Hebrews 13:4
WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:
I see the sexual messages society repeatedly tries to pound into your head. Society wants you to think that sex is simply a physical act, that there's nothing wrong with premarital sex. Don't believe it.
I'll get straight to the point: Premarital sex is sin. I'm not trying to make life miserable for you, but your heart isn't ready to handle the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Awakening your heart before the time is right will have devastating effects--including in your life with the person you eventually marry. Trust me.
So let's construct some boundaries together before you pass the point of no return:
1. Invite me into your relationships. I didn't come so you would have an unsatisfying life; I came so you might have an abundant life. And besides, I'm present in all your relationships--don't you think it's about time you acknowledge me in them? Make me an active part in your conversation, and you'll discover a spiritual dimension of your relationship that few couples enjoy.
2. Don't ask how far you can go. When you do that, you're looking for ways to get around me. Instead stay far enough from the boundary that you won't have to ask that question. (Of course, asking me for a little insight doesn't hurt.)
3. Take time to get to know the other person. Usually when a premarital relationship becomes sexual, the two people stop exploring each other's hearts.
4. Do things in groups. This will go a long way toward preventing you from placing yourself in compromising positions.
5. Ask your friends to help you stay pure. They're an important line of defense.
You have a lifetime of enjoyable sex ahead of you. Don't put it in jeopardy by prematurely exploring it. And remember: If you've already explored, I love you just the same as I always have--just ask for my forgiveness and start your life and relationships anew.
Love, Jesus
SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Jesus wants you to enjoy a lifetime of sex--but he doesn't want you to lessen the joy by having sex before you're married.
**
Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
**
3. SURF REPORT
~ Scientific (?) Experiments with Twinkies
~ Color a Picture
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we wish a HAPPY Birthday to Nick Duskin, Elise Duskin, and Kyle Arndt. We wish each of you the very best! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
In ancient Rome it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Love is the great conqueror of lust."
~C.S. Lewis
"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost."
~G.K. Chesterton
===========our sponsor===========
DANCE TO MANDISA, SUPERCHICK AND MORE WITH "DANCE Praise2--the REMIX"
"Dance Praise2--the ReMix" combines hit music from top Christian artists with an action packed dance game. Connect the dance pad to the USB port of your Windows or Mac computer, follow the onscreen arrows and start dancing. Includes music from Barlow Girl, Krystal Meyers, Britt Nicole, Casting Crowns, tobyMac, and more! Includes 52 songs and over 400 dances. Add up to 7 Expansion Packs for even more music. Let the dance party begin!
Learn more about "Dance Praise2--the ReMix" here.
=================================
7. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
