This has me thinking;

As we love God with all of our hearts, we will put his way of living and his commands on our hearts. Knowing God and spending time in his Word becomes part of our coming and going. It is part of our life when we sit, walk, drive and lie down. We should do devotions in the am and in the pm and then talk about it during the day.

The door post is on the way out of the house. The gate would have been on the way out of the community. Maybe out of the city.

Parents who come to church with intent to help other kids grow in how they follow God are continuing the teaching of Deuteronomy 6. I need other people who have pressed the ways of God on their heart to also invest in my children. And I should invest into their children.

Parents are primary but should not be alone.

As we spend time with God in His Word and in prayer, we will overflow into the community.

This hit me in a fresh way this week. When Jesus said to go and make disciples, maybe this was not such a new thing. Walking in a fresh way with God in prayer and in his word are requirements in helping others. Then as we overflow, we will talk about this in the community.

As I spend time with God, I should overflow to share God with those around me.

So, church should be people who are pressing God's ways on their hearts every morning and night. They put this into action in their own homes. They continue this to the edge of the community.

Those who have faith in God have done this for a long time.

still thinking. . .

What do you think about when you think about God?

In a small book named Jude, he makes the point that grace is not a license for immorality. I cannot accept sin in my life and say it is all forgiven anyway. I need grace and mercy. With God's help and grace, God wants me to walk in a right relationship with Him.

This license for immorality would be like a teen who just got their drivers license. Imagine that their dad agreed to pay for their insurance until they finished school. That works in some homes.

What if the student thought that all accidents were covered. As long as no one got hurt too bad, accidents would be no big deal. What if they planned on having accidents. They actually got up in the morning and intentionally ran into another persons car.

Imagine after the accident, they could walk up to the driver of the car they just hit and tell them; "Don't worry about this. I have insurance that will fix everything."

They could get up the next day and go have another accident.

Some Christians today say sin is no big deal. We have grace. Some Christians plan to sin this weekend, because we have grace.

I am so proud of our students and our adult youth leaders. It was the highlight of the camp out to hear our students lead the church service around the campfire. They understood the stories and examples from the book of Jude.

Our students are taking steps in their faith. I am not sure what tomorrow holds. I thank God for opportunities to walk beside so many who are growing in how they follow Christ.

key verse worth memorizing

Jude 4b- For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

This would be like having your drivers license and insurance on you car. Since you have insurance you can drive around running into other cars. Since you have insurance you can speed and run through red lights.

That would be so stupid.

Yet I claim to follow Christ and somtimes I allow sin in my life. Since I have Grace I can sin? How stupid is that.

the camp out

The week end was non stop. Our student leaders voted to be in tents rather than in the cabins. I guess there is something about sitting around the camp fire and sleeping under the stars.

Big thanks to David and Cindy Conner for a great meal on Friday night.

I am so impressed with our team of 11 adults who show so much love to our students.

The weekend included a late night hike through the woods with balloons that had lights, great times of worship, smores, low ropes course, human foosball, game room, hay ride, learning the book of Jude, too much bacon for breakfast, sticks, other games and football.

It has become a tradition that our students bring the message at the camp fire church service. After 30 minutes to spend time with God, here is what some of them shared;
all we need is Christ, be a slave to God, care for the lost, see God's love, all for God, feed others, hate sin and show mercy, God is my strength, faith and discipline, not like the worthless clouds, we the church must work together, They saw Jesus' miracles and they complained?, be and do, Happy= trust God, I am in between not believing and following Christ, rather get caught than have a pattern of sin, healthy to forgive, revelation, show as a Christ follower, worship is about the words, need God to do anything, Grace in last verse- not for granted, God gives strength, compassion to the oppressed, here to witness, live for others and not put a stumbling block.

I just wrote down a few words of what they said. Some of this is from the context of the studies in the book of Jude.

How do you describe God?

Attributes are descriptions of an aspect of God's character or being. Our students are working through 25 attributes of God. 10 more this Sunday morning.

The teachers and students who want to learn to teach met this mornning at 6am at Panera.

Here are some discussion questions from this weeks lesson;

1. Do you ever wish some of God’s laws were different? What would you change?
2. Is it wrong to be jealous?
3. Should we love the fact that God is a God of wrath who hates sin?
4. Are you happy with how God made you?
5. How does God see beauty as different, than some in our culture?

Coming soon to these classes; the trininty, creation, God's Providence, Miracles, Prayer, Angels, Satan and Demons.

You should hear the questions students ask as they interact on deeper things of the Bible.

If we taught the Bible to students, would parents make sure their kids came to the class. Many of you are encouraging this. Thanks.

I have 2 extra copies of the Systematic Theology book that we are using. Let me know if you want to borrow or purchase one of these.

Say a name that describes God. Like= Just, Lion, Omnipresent etc. We do this going around the circle. If you cannot think of a name, you are out of the game. Have you heard of moth or hen. If you have a 6-12 grade student that came to the Sunday am class you probably heard about this on the way home from church.

The next 2 Sunday mornings, students are looking at 20 communicable attributes of God.

Did you know that 9 people learning how to teach theology met at Panera last Wednesday at 6am? This is only open to high school students and adults who want to learn theology.

Sunday night we are going through the life and ministry of Jesus. If I model my life after Jesus, I need to learn everything I can about him. Last week was Baptism, temptation and the start of making disciples.

This week we are looking at the stories of the religious leaders interaction with Jesus. I hope that students are learning the difference between a genuine walk with God, rather than going through religious rules and motions.

Does your teen want things that line up with God? What is their understanding of who Jesus is?

Serve at metropolitan. Sign up on Sunday or through the office.

Sign up for the camp out for this weekend, October 29-31.

can you help with a meal at the camp out?

thanks for praying.

All for Jesus,

Mike

Running for Home: Guest Post: Scott Linscott

This is worth reading. I am thankful for many at Oakwood who prioritize faith, church and our youth ministry. Many good options can leave behind in the most important things. let me know what you think.

Running for Home: Guest Post: Scott Linscott:

Parents meeting is in the lobby of the church office this Sunday at 7pm.

Youth group last week was not one of the best. I just find it hard to find fresh and new in the story of the birth of Christ. Our students went through the stories of the Old Testament to find any reference to the coming Messiah.

So, I wonder, did I pray enough? Did we pray enough?

I guess I liked the stories from the Old Testament because many students had fresh discoveries about God, who He is and what He does.

This Sunday night is about the baptism and temptation of Christ. We will see how it goes.

What does God want our students to know through this story? We do have students who will fully work to follow Christ. Should we go on a journey into the wilderness to spend time with God? Jesus went for 40 days and was tempted. Can we handle temptation in the way of Jesus? Why did Jesus get baptized? Why should we get baptized? If this identifies us with Christ and the church, why are so many who claim faith in God, not willing to die for the cause of Christ. Ok, maybe just live to the cause of Christ. That might be harder.

Its funny how times change. 2000 years ago there were people who would memorize the whole old testament. By the age of 9 the goal was to know the Pentateuch.

So today, it seems like it might be too much to ask a middle school student to read through the whole Bible. What do you think?

Last Saturday Nathan, Alex, Hayden, Garrett helped me work on someones fence and yard. Because of the dad's stroke he is not able. You should have seen these guys with screws and power tools trying to communicate on either side of a 6 foot fence. I should have had a video camera.

I had a single lady from one of our ladies Bible studies ask if anyone could help rake her leaves. I asked one of our high school guys small groups if they would like to help. They said sure. So, a week from Saturday we are planning to work for an hour or so to help. That is October 23rd around noon. They should bring a rake. They can jump in the pool after the work.

students bring friends

I am proud of our students for bringing so many friends. Good job, Garrett and John who led the way by welcoming students, intro the movie and sharing about our youth ministry. We are in a process of training students who want to lead.

Back to the stories in our teaching. Many commented on how they enjoy the style of teaching as we went through the Old Testament stories last year. Starting this Sunday we are going into the stories of the New Testament.

Just interesting. Last week I notice how Stephen went through the story of the Old Testament just before he became the first martyr of the Christian church. Some of our students can go through the stories of the Old Testament. See Act 7.

One of my favorite things is teaching the Middle school students on Sunday morning. Last week we talked about how God moved the authors of the Bible. Students are engaged and asking great questions. Sandy and Katie are bringing good activities to help them build friendships.

Cam is leading the way with our high school students. He is motivating them to bring their Bibles. Many students are memorizing the key verse each week. Hayden won the prize last week for memorization. Congrats to Hayden.

Sign up for the camp out by October 17th to save $10. We need parents who can help with a meal.

all for Jesus,

Mike

Sorry for such a long time of no blogging.

we finished a series on friends. we covered things like how to make new friends, what the Bible says about strangers, how to be a good friend and friendships that include spirituality and accountability.

this Sunday we are having a party to help students who are trying to reach their lost friends. The students thought star wars would be a fun thing for their friends.

we are talking with our leaders about how to reach their lost friends. I think it would be great if parents help their teen to know how to share the gospel. Those who mature in their faith will help their friends to know truth about a relationship with God.

The goal for this Sunday is that students lead the whole night. From the welcome, to sharing about our youth ministry to sharing about Christ in small groups. I hope every student would try to bring a friend. Parents can help by encouraging them. Please pray as well.

Making new friends

Just so you know. The following is what goes out almost every week to our team of youth workers. It also goes to any parents who want to see the youth leaders update and lesson for Sunday nights. let me know if you want to be on the email distribution list. I do not plan to blog this.


Hey Team,

Good meeting last Saturday.

· The last Party (before school starts for some) all students 6-12 grades are invited to Mike’s house for a pool party after the youth meeting this Sunday night. We can play pool basketball or volleyball. Hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats and banana splits will be there for the making.

· PowerHouse Kick Off Party for 6th – 12th grades is Sunday, August 29, 5pm-7:30pm. Join us for the invisible bowl and barefoot games. The cost for this party is a pair of new shoes to go to orphans in Guatemala. Everyone should bring a friend.

· Student leadership overnighter. We will start after church on September 5th and finish by noon on Monday. Cost of $20 includes 3 meals, leadership training and activities. Students will be asked to sleep from midnight to 7am.

Question; our leaders have been talking with a recovery type of ministry. They are in the process of agreeing to let them use our facilities. They are asking to use the teen center on Wednesday nights. I am ok with that. I do not see plans to start something on a Wednesday night at the teen center. With advanced notice we would still be able to use the teen center if needed. I know some of the leaders of the recovery ministry and am in favor of seeing our buildings be used to the sake of the kingdom. Let me know asap if you have any questions or concerns. What do you think?


This Sunday night we start a 4 part series on Friends. The first is acquaintances and how to make new friends. The more I dug in scripture, I found more on strangers. I do agree with all the cautions that our culture teaches to children. The Bible is quite strong on how we treat strangers. Xenos We will also work on skills in making new friends. Strangers to friends.

It would be good to read the passages that go with this lesson.

Doug has some other material and may do something completely different. This lesson would work for middle school, but with more cautions in meeting new people. Especially in public.

Next talk on Friends is bad friends. Then deeper friends and then best friends. This might change as it develops.

This is one of the hottest topics as I talk with parents. Teens who get into trouble go with friends who get into trouble. It is hard to tell who is leading. Rarely do they lead each other back to better choices. These weeks should come with good discussions.

A training video that shows 3 types of students. Interesting. We could discuss this at a future leaders meeting. I might show this on Sunday night. watch it if you can. This is a good resource.
http://www.thesource4ym.com/trainingtools/connect-six-types-of-kids.asp




ILLUS. MEET A PERSON– AND THE CONTEXT
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT STRANGERS?
I. GIVE HELP TO STRANGERS- III JOHN 5-8
1. THEY ARE BROTHERS AND STRANGERS 5
2. IN A MANNER WORTHY OF GOD 6
3. SHOW HOSPITALITY TO SUCH MEN AND SHARE IN WORK FOR TRUTH 8
II. THEY COULD BE ANGELS- HEBREWS 13:1-3
1. KEEP LOVING EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS 1
2. SHOW HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS 2
3. THINK OF THOSE IN PRISON AS IF YOU WERE THERE 3
4. FEEL THE PAIN OF THOSE WHO ARE MISTREATED
5. TAKE IN STRANGERS MATTHEW 25:35, 38, 43, 44
MY PLACE TO OUR PLACE
NO SENIORITY
III. JESUS IS A FRIEND TO ALL PEOPLE LUKE 7:34, JOB 29:11-16
1. I RESCUE THE POOR 12
2. THE DYING BLESS ME AND THE WIDOW’S HEART SINGS 13
3. I HELP THOSE WITH DISABILITIES 13
4. I TAKE UP THE CASE OF THE STRANGER 16
Q. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WALK INTO OUR TEENCENTER?

DISCUSS THIS
1. WHO IS YOUR NEWEST FRIEND?
2. HOW DID YOU MEET?
3. HOW ARE YOU AT MAKING NEW FRIENDS?
4. DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING NEW TONIGHT?
ANYTHING ABOUT STRANGERS?
5. WHAT COULD YOU DO FOR NEW PEOPLE WHO COME TO OUR CHURCH OR YOUTH MEETINGS?
6. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE VIDEO?
7. WHAT WOULD YOU TRY TO DO WITH GOD’S HELP?

All for Jesus,
Mike Richards
http://www.powerhouseteencenter.com/
http://PowerHouseteencenter.blogspot.com/
Oakwood Community Church
11209 Casey Rd, Tampa, FL, 33618
813-969-2303

planning for the new year

I am meeting with our team of workers to go over our plans for the next year. Our teaching plan, calendar of events and direction for the year are coming together.

I would like us to have one adult for every five students. This is a great opportunity for adults to invest in the lives of our students. We do provide training for this team of workers.

Must love students and be willing to share a genuine walk with Christ. Relationships take time. But, it is worth it. Teens are the most teachable people in the world. They are changing. We get to encourage them as they ask real life questions.

(as i was proof reading this, I thought about how teens are teachable. they do not come to church so adults can tell them what to do and what to think. They do want to know God and welcome someone who will engage in discussion with things that matter. So, teachable. Yes. Just go easy on long lectures)

We will be meeting with parents after this comes together.

Let me know if you want to serve. All for Jesus, Mike

I am thankful for Doug and Cam as they taught our students last Sunday night.

Chapter 3 was a list of what it looks like to be walking in Christ. There is also a list of what it looks like to live for ourselves.

This week we are looking at how a student who lives for Christ will follow the direction of authority. I should work as unto God and not for men. That is attitude adjustment.

In closing Paul seems to go back to the gospel. Pray for opportunities and make the most of times with those who are outside of Christ. Our speech should be mostly grace with a little salt.

These are great things to talk about as our students go back to there routine under teachers. And for many who will go back among many who do not know Christ.

Let's all pray for opportunities to share the truth about God's love. Today is a day where God is willing to drop the sin charges for any who want to trust in Him.

Who can share the gospel? Who has done that lately? Not try harder, but pray and watch what God does.

What about the rules?

I wonder if any students went home from the youth meeting last Sunday night, saying rules are not the way. That is true. Keeping a good list of rules is not the same as following Jesus. Somtimes our rules can make us proud of how good we are. We can compare ourselves to others who are not as good as us. Rules shape the outside.

But God helps me change on the inside.

God forgave our sins and canceled the written code with its regulations that was against us. Col 2:13-14.

"In Christ" is the answer. this concept is in the new testament about 170 times. We do not keep rules to be closer to God. As we get closer to God healthy rules will fall into place. In Christ can refer to a time when I decided to put my trust in God and his ways. In Christ also means that I turn from living selfishly. I choose to welcome God's leading in all I do.

This coming Sunday night the students will look at what it looks like on the outside with the inside in set on Christ.

This would be a good time for parents to ask questions about rules. Why do we have rules? What rules does your teen own? What rules would they keep if it was up to them? Why does God give us rules?


Coming soon;
Tubing at KP Hole. this is open to anyone. I know some who are bringing the whole family.

• Saturday, July 31
• Meet there @ 8:00 AM
• Park fee: $3 plus Tube/Shuttle $9
or Shuttle only $7
• For Information & Directions visit:
http://www.kphole.com/


Concert on Sunday night August 8. the band 3fold chord will lead us through a night of music, worship and times of prayer.

small groups for teens

Here are ten specific rewards that teenagers receive from the ministry of small group leaders:
1. Another significant adult is caring for them and cheering them on.
2. They are encouraged to grow spiritually on their own by someone other than mom/dad.
3. They find support during turbulent times in their life.
4. Presence at their sporting events or key activities.
5. Someone who is excited to see them at church.
6. Someone actually notices and misses them when they're not at church or small group.
7. A caring friend leaves them voice messages "just because I was thinking of you."
8. They have a neutral adult who doesn't freak-out over bad grades.
9. They develop a "safe" person to talk to.
10. The small group leader becomes a tender, yet truthful voice when they need a little correcting.

I stole this from Doug Fields. I put a link to his web site if you want to check it out.

I noticed a new comercial this week about a customer who is not happy that new customers get treated better than loyal customers. I guess I agree. I want the same deal on my cell phone that a new person could walk in and get. I think they should give it to me without me even having to ask.

What about the church? Do we eagerly greet or give something to new people and overlook the loyal attenders?

As I thought this through I thought of a few differences. I have no obligation to help build the phone company. I do not love them. If there service is bad I will take my money to another company. As soon as my contract for my cheap phone expires. For me, that is 1 year and 11 months.

Following Jesus Christ is not like that. All followers of Jesus are taught to love others. We have the job of helping other people know God's love and see His offer of a relationship and eternal life. We have the job of building the list of "customers". Ok not really customers. Nothing is for sale. God needs nothing from us. We need so much from Him.

Those who have grown in how they know God, will help others to grow in how they could know God. As they know truth, they help others know truth. As they meet needs they will take others to meet needs.

In Luke 7 a sinful woman comes to Jesus right in front of some loyal religious people. She annointed Jesus feet with oil and washed his feet with her tears. The good religious people did not understand how God welcomes sinners who come in repentance. They misunderstood their good works and how they look in the eyes of God. Often Jesus tells the religious that they have no place with God.

I am a religious person who leads a religious organization. I hope more like Jesus. I hope I am not like the loyal religious customers that Jesus was talking to.

still thinking on Challenge. i talked again to Sam Salgado today. He decided at Challenge to be a Christ follower. that rocks. our church will celebrate with a rose this Sunday am. i think all of our students made some kind of life adjustments.

it was fun to hear our students share last Sunday night at our youth meeting. many are doing the 50 day devotional. some plan to share Christ with friends.

i am proud of the 14 students we took to Challenge. They did a great job picking up trash in a poorer neighborhood outside of Columbus. They engaged in every session with interest and enthusiasm. the sessions were about hours each.

they helped with making 5,000 backpacks to go to Haiti, India or Africa.

Our adults were great as well. Doug and Cam are sold out to Christ and will do all they can to help our students follow Christ. Linda was awesome with our 6 girls on the trip.

May the fruits of the Beattitudes continue to change us.

For this Sunday night we will start a series in Colossians. the first chapter is on the Gospel. can students explain the gospel? God gives alot to those who choose to follow Christ. Jesus is God and created all things. Be in Christ. i no longer live but Christ lives in me. The new testament uses the phrase "in Christ", 170 times. that could be important.

No activity tonight, Thursday, July 8.

We moved the day long activities to Saturday so that more adults can join in with our students. Meet at Busch Gardens at 9am, July 10th. i will look for students just inside of the main gate. this will be a great day for students who have passes to share a day together.

some bullet points from Challenge; Blessed is more like complete. not just happy.

1. Poor in spirit- Beggar, spiritually bankrupt, let go of my stuff and loose the full of myself attitude.
2. Merciful- not getting or giving what is deserved. must experience this before we can give it our culture is so self centered. Mercy is counter culture. aware of people in need. feel compassion and emotions of others. take action/ move. status is traded to love enemies/ sinners. experience; have i cried for mercy
3. Mourn- not sadness, but opposit of complacent. Mourn for people like Jesus did. Look at sin the way God does. complete and total surrender. How bad do i want the saviour to be seen. Art on the stage showed mud on the picture of Christ.
4. Pure in heart- free from dirt, blemish, spots in our will and emotions. See Jesus leads us to be pure.
5. Meek not weak, but strength and power under control. adjust your rights to serve another back to life. illus was a mountain climber who could reach the summit, or save the life of another who would have died. not who you are but whose you are. live or die for God. accepts personal hurt without resentment. patient with others. Never gives up.
6. Peace maker- not peace keepers. be reconciled and reconcile others to God. sinners that come to church should find Jesus, not rules. a stubborn church, a segregated church or a solid church. the gospel transends. Discipleship is life on life with one you led to Christ.
7. Hungry for Righteousness- Moral and spiritual perfection. justification- declared righteous. follow trail of your time, resources and efforts to know what you hunger/ worship. we cannot reach righteousness, but we can reach Jesus.
8. Persecuted- (i missed the notes on this one)

Students have a 50 day devotional that they started on Saturday. how are they doing?

to undo is to loose the selfishness to take on the mission and role that Jesus has for us.

Shane said everyday; The main thing is to make disciples that make disciples that make disciples . . . . . Our youth ministry needs disciplemakers. we have some great ones. our students need about 4 more adults.

All for Jesus, Mike

Ready

I think we are ready for our trip to Challenge in Columbus OH. I sat with friends at a little after 7 at Einsteins this morning. Romans 8 tells us that we should yield to the Holy Spirit. There is no such thing as half way. Either I am led by the Spirit or I am doing things my way. The more I read the Bible and listen to God, the more I learn what it looks like to walk in God's way.

Our team of 18 will have a chance to focus on what God would tell us. I hope we say yes, even before He tells us anything. They could come back to Tampa willing to be on mission. They might grow in commitment to walk in his ways. They might be willing to be used in their church, youth ministry and their community.

We will take safe, enough sleep, fun or just getting along with each other. If we let God show up it will be so much more.

While I am gone; Val is leading our youth in a time to pray and worship God on Sunday night. Katie Frost will lead the movie night on Thursday.

I am thankful for so many who are doing the work.

all for Jesus, Mike

A big thanks to Paul and Chris for leading our youth ministry last week. When I asked them to do this, it took them only a few seconds to say they would be glad to. I am thankful to serve on our team.

Hey Parents,

I am thankful for our parents. The feedback from last Sunday night will be very helpful. I have many comments written out and will consider them as we plan the next year of youth ministry.

Comments are still welcome.

We will need help. We need 3-4 small group leaders for next year. We need teachers for the Sunday am classes. I think we value small groups and Sunday am classes. Please join me in praying for workers.

There is a link to a website for parents further down on this page.

Here is what is coming soon. this same info is on the flyer and on our website.

Movie night- this Thursday. Doug is in charge. He will bring some movies for students to choose one.

Father’s day- no youth meeting

Thursday June 24. Q-zar is the activity. Students should meet at Q-zar at 7807 N. Dale Mabry. Students, Adults / Parents can play unlimited laser tag for $15. Food or arcade games will cost more. Call or text Mike at 813-545-0514 if you want him to get a wristband for you. Or, you can pay when you get there.

Night of worship- Val is leading this on June 27. (thanks Val)

Challenge team is gone June 27-July 4

Movie night is Thursday July 1. Who can run this? HELP?

Who is God? What can you tell me about Him? We just completed 13 stories from the old testament. Last week was on Judges, Kings and Prophets. Ok, that was just an overview of how God led in that time.

A big thanks to Cam as he led the middle school students, as Doug was out.

In the high school meeting we listed out the main events of the OT. I asked students to tell me where in a story you can see attributes of God.

Where do you see His Power, Love, Mercy, Holiness etc? The answers were many. I am proud of how our students can talk about the person of God in the context of what He has done.

I would invite parents to ask your teen to tell you what they have learned about God. I think if you name some of the attributes of God they would be able to give you examples of how God shows Himself.

Paul and Chris will be leading the youth meeting this Sunday night. I think this will be fun for them and our students.

Our team of workers will be joining the parents to gather suggestions as we plan the next year. I am looking forward to learning about our parents and welcome their positive contributions.

Dodgeball is the activity this Thursday, as we start a summer full of activities.

all for Jesus, Mike

Last Sunday- we had a schools out party. On Sunday morning my dad went to the emergency room and ended up having surgery. I was able to stay with my dad until he came home from the hospital. He is doing well.

I am so thankful for our team of leaders. I spoke with Cam as I thought of things that needed to happen. Cam came up here at 3pm and led the way to make it all happen. I know others jumped in to serve our students.

So, 2,000 water balloons- $20
6 bottles of dish soap for the slip n slide $15
8 (free to students) pizzas from papa J's $48
seeing our students bring 6 + visitors to a fun party
wow- good job team, students and adults

there is a list of events happening this summer. we just added weight lifting for high school guys.

Hey Parents, what would you do if the youth pastor at your church got the word/ understood that he needed to do a better job at listening to parents.

Every summer we rework a packet of goals, calendar, teaching and team of workers. This year, I would like to get your input before we put the plan and program together for the 2010- 2011 year. How can we help you as we invest in the lives of the students? You are invited to a Parent’s Meeting on Sunday, June 13, 5:30 PM in the Education Center (Room 106/108). I plan to walk in with a blank sheet of paper. I would like to write down your ideas. I would welcome any questions as well. What do you want? What would help us as we consider plans for the next year?

So did you hear about incense. I did wonder what our students say when a parent might ask, "Why did they burn incense at the teen center last Sunday night."

As part of the story we did tell the students that the incense burning in the Tabernacle of the Israelites would remind them of the nearness of God. The incense used in the Tabernacle was not to be used anywhere else. Incense in the book of Revelation is identified with the prayers of believers. these would be two good answers as to what the Bible says about incense.

Incense is in the Bible about 150 times. That surprised me.

This week we are honoring our graduates in the morning worship service. These are some of my favorite students. God has been good.

Our Sunday am classes will take a break for the summer after this week. I am teaching the middle school from Romans 16. Randall Huber is teaching the high school students with discussions on a Nooma video.

Sunday night we are having a school's Out Party. They will get wet and might get soaked. we have thousands of water balloons and a 100 foot heavy duty slip and slide. Many students will bring friends. The purpose of parties like this, is to help our students who are trying to bring their freinds to learn about God and our youth ministry.

Miami X- $50 deposit is due this Sunday. This is for students who would like to help kids at a sports camp in Miami. We will be working with a ministry of LaVina Community Church. the trip is July 18-24. the total price is $350. there are fundraisers for this trip.

His story

it kinda bugs me when i hear someone say, "i don't like the old testament", or "I don't understand the old testament" in a giving up kind of way.

it takes work. imagine growing up in a time when children were to memorize the first 5 books of the Bible. much of our teaching on Sunday nights this year has been the stories of the old testament. we are on the last 2 of 13 stories.

most weeks after we tell the story we invite our students to tell the story back as a group. They do pretty good with this. i ussually ask them if they have questions about the story or what do they wonder about. some of our creative students can picture in their mind what it might have looked like. it is fun to watch our students take stories that they learned as a child and find new things in the story.

i think the best part of the story is that we learn about God. not just a word from a list of attributes, but the attribute in the context of what God does. God shows how he is just, when the wrong person touches the ark or goes into the holy of holies. God shows He is merciful, when he provides another way to pay for our sin.

Last week included the ten commands that Moses brought from God. Doug taught the whole group last week. How do morals play into our relationship with God?

this week will be on the tabernacle. the items in the tablernacle will help us undersand God. Do you know what the tabernacle smells like? we will talk about that as well. sacrifice is part of this story. sacrifice has been part of many of the stories.

if your young adult missed some of the stories you can find them free @
http://www.echothestory.com/narratives/about/

All for Jesus, Mike

From Chicago; staying in an old house in Riverside with Linda. we are watching her brothers 2 children while they spend 4 days in Paris, France.

back to youth ministry.

Last Sunday morning we combined middle school and high school students to look into Romans 13. Authority is put in place by God. if you are fighting against your parents or breaking the Law, you have a problem with God. we had a fun group of students with some very healthy questions.

you could ask you young adult about what God would say about going 5 miles over the speed limit. or What happens when the authority tells you not to share Christ or anything else that goes against the Bible.

this coming Sunday Sandy Clarke is teaching the middle school in Romans 14. She will help them look at gray areas and how to show consideration to each other.

the high school will be viewing a video from Nooma. the link is in the last posted blog.

Doug will be teaching on the law and commands as all students will be together for teaching and worship for this Sunday night. as ussual they will split out for small group discussion.

i miss being part of what goes on while i am out on vacation. But I do enjoy and am thankful that i have oppotunity to get away with the love of my life.

all for Jesus, Mike

On Sunday night; we are working through stories of the old testament.

Many of our students are taking the Bible stories they learned as a child and relearning them through their eyes, as a young adult. Most of our students should be able to tell you the 3 parts of the promise to Abraham, from Genesis 12. From the time of Joseph to the time of Moses was about 340 years. Can you believe that 2 million plus Israelites left with Moses? Students know how and why God led them in an indirect path to get stuck at the Red Sea. Margaret helped our students learn a little more about the history and traditions of the passover.


You could ask the teen in your home these questions to follow up;
1- What does Israel in the news today have to do with the promise made to Abraham?
2- Why are there so many Jews, or why do people love or hate Jews?
3- What do you learn about God from the old testament stories?



We will have Sunday morning classes on Mother's day. we will not have our regular youth meeting on Sunday night.




the morning classes;


the high school class showed a 15 minute video from Nooma. What do we think about a religious person who yells at people from a bullhorn? Good job Jillian, Jennifer and Hunter for contributing to the converstation. Cam taught the class and would of liked more input from the students. if your student was there, I would maybe ask if they know anyone who is harsh in how they share about God? or Do you hesistate to share about Christ because you might look like the bullhorn guy? What should it look like when we talk about God and our faith?


Teaching styles. Do people like to learn through lecture or through discussion. It does take a little more work on the part of the learner to egage by discussing the lesson. Here is a link to preview the video from last week. http://nooma.com/nooma_bullhorn_009_rob_bell.php



to preview May 16th video- http://nooma.com/nooma_kickball_006_rob_bell.php


The middle school class started as Sandy led some fun games that had to do with mothers in TV shows. Then we did some work in Romans 12. How do you know what God wants you to do with your life? Many students shared about what they would like to be some day. We also looked at the serving gifts in Romans 12. This fit well with the morning worship message in big church. The students were invited to pick the gift that seem to fit them. We did an activity where they had to work together to eat a bowl of cereal. They had fun and could learn about the church working together.


Students 6-12 grades will meet together on May 9. I am on vacation next week (May 11-18) and might send a blog from Chicago. On May 16, Sunday morning- Sandy is teaching the middle school. Pat and David are teaching the high school. Doug will teach on the "Law and Commands" on Sunday night.


Who will be the first to send a reply? Does that button even work?

The Retreat

The theme was "collide with God". Tony Sorrell, the youth pastor from Jupiter was our speaker. On Friday night, he stood holding 2 magnets as he explained how they could attract or reject. If you turned the magnet over it changed everything. Question; are we turned to be drawn to God? He brought 3 stories from the beginning of the Bible in 3 different sessions.

Many connected with his story about when he was in the band in high school, in the drum line. A student in the band had put together a new routine that would sound great as the band marched off after the half time show. The teacher listened to the new routine in the days before the show. The teacher said to stay with the old routine. But that is not what happened. The student who started the routine for the band to leave the field disobeyed the teacher. Other students began to follow the disobedient student. Should Tony play what the teacher said to play. Should he just follow the rest of the students. You can ask a student what he did.

The students worked on telling their own life story. During the small group time each student was invited to share a person, place or event that had an impact on who they are. Our 10 adults did a great job with our 27 students.

Team building- On Friday night, students took on challenging task while their team of 9 stood on a bed sheet. Ever try flipping a sheet over while 9 people are standing on it? They also went on a mile and a half walk to Old Town on a scavenger hunt of people. They got extra points if they ask to hear their story.

I even saw some students asking to learn the story as we met people from around the world, in Epcot the next day.

A Hero- Katie Frost led the group of 9 middle school girls along with parent chaperon, Debra. They crowded into a 10 person suite. Katie chose to be the person to sleep on the floor so that every student could sleep in a bed. Our church can be proud of how so many adults like Katie, care for our students.

What did your young adult take away from the sessions at the retreat?
What do they share when they talk about what has shaped their life?
Did you see God at work? I would love to hear about it.
How can we improve for next year?

All for Jesus,