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.