Hey students...
COME TO CENTRAL PARK TOMORROW NIGHT AND HANG WITH US! WE WILL BE DOING CRAFTS AND SPORTS WITH THE KIDS WHO COME TO THE PARK, AND THEN WILL SHARE A MEAL WITH THEM! BE THERE AT 6:30, AND WE'LL WRAP THINGS UP BY 8:30. BE READY TO HAVE FUN AND BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS TO ALL THOSE WHO WE COME INTO CONTACT WITH!
Tuesday
ALL S.W.A.P. BIG GAME NIGHT - WEDNESDAY - JULY 27TH!
Hey S.W.A.P. -
Spread the word...ALL S.W.A.P. BIG GAME NIGHT tomorrow night at Edinbrook Church.
This will be taking place from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and promises to be an awesome time. No cost...just show up dudes and dudettes!
Spread the word...ALL S.W.A.P. BIG GAME NIGHT AT EDINBROOK CHURCH.
Spread the word...ALL S.W.A.P. BIG GAME NIGHT tomorrow night at Edinbrook Church.
This will be taking place from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and promises to be an awesome time. No cost...just show up dudes and dudettes!
Spread the word...ALL S.W.A.P. BIG GAME NIGHT AT EDINBROOK CHURCH.
Wednesday
ALL S.W.A.P. GRILL AND CHILL TONIGHT - WEDNESDAY - JULY 13TH!
Hey...
Spread the word and show up youselves...all S.W.A.P. GRILL AND CHILL AT CENTRAL PARK in Brooklyn Park (85th Ave. & Regent Ave.).
Free hot dogs, great games, hanging out with all your friends...
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. TONIGHT - WEDNESDAY - JULY 13TH!
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS - GRILL AND CHILL!
Spread the word and show up youselves...all S.W.A.P. GRILL AND CHILL AT CENTRAL PARK in Brooklyn Park (85th Ave. & Regent Ave.).
Free hot dogs, great games, hanging out with all your friends...
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. TONIGHT - WEDNESDAY - JULY 13TH!
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS - GRILL AND CHILL!
Saturday
Sunday Equip U
Hey students....
this Sunday, July 3rd, there will not be any Equip U classes in the youth area upstairs. We encourage you to go to church with your family. Have a great holiday weekend!
this Sunday, July 3rd, there will not be any Equip U classes in the youth area upstairs. We encourage you to go to church with your family. Have a great holiday weekend!
Friday
Would You Say Yes? - Jon Miller
On April 20th, 1999, 2 students entered Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado with shotguns and handguns and started shooting their classmates and teachers. They killed 12 students, 1 teacher, and themselves. They also wounded 24 others. The attack was the 4th deadliest school massacre in U.S. history.
One of the victims was 17 year old Cassie Bernall. She was in the library when the shooters found her. Before being shot she was asked by the attackers, "Do you believe in God?" Cassie knew there was only one answer. She answered yes knowing full well that it would cost her her life.
3 days ago I had the opportunity to go to the Columbine memorial in Littleton, Colorado. It was sunny outside, with a light breeze. At the memorial, there were about 100 people, many of them good friends of mine. No one spoke a word. On a granite slab 13 names were engraved, along with testimonies of their life. Something that stuck out to me was that almost all of the victims were Christ followers. They were known for their love for others and Christ. They may have lost their lives that day, but their legacy lives on. I couldn't stop thinking as I stood on a hill looking down at the school, would I have said yes? I hope I would.
Chances are none of us will find ourselves in a life or death situation like Cassie's. But her story is a stark reminder that we need to be completely sold out to Christ. If He is not our everything, If our lives are not built around him and him alone, we will fall apart in a situation like this. So my question for you is this.
Would you say yes?
-Jon Miller
Matthew 10:32
“Whoever acknowledges me before others,
Photo Credit: Jon Miller
One of the victims was 17 year old Cassie Bernall. She was in the library when the shooters found her. Before being shot she was asked by the attackers, "Do you believe in God?" Cassie knew there was only one answer. She answered yes knowing full well that it would cost her her life.
3 days ago I had the opportunity to go to the Columbine memorial in Littleton, Colorado. It was sunny outside, with a light breeze. At the memorial, there were about 100 people, many of them good friends of mine. No one spoke a word. On a granite slab 13 names were engraved, along with testimonies of their life. Something that stuck out to me was that almost all of the victims were Christ followers. They were known for their love for others and Christ. They may have lost their lives that day, but their legacy lives on. I couldn't stop thinking as I stood on a hill looking down at the school, would I have said yes? I hope I would.
Chances are none of us will find ourselves in a life or death situation like Cassie's. But her story is a stark reminder that we need to be completely sold out to Christ. If He is not our everything, If our lives are not built around him and him alone, we will fall apart in a situation like this. So my question for you is this.
Would you say yes?
-Jon Miller
Matthew 10:32
“Whoever acknowledges me before others,
I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."
Wednesday
Thursday
The Power of Singing by Jillian Schmid
The Power of Singing
Have you ever wondered why we sing in church? To some, it may seem as a waste of time, but to others, it is one of the most intimate ways of worshiping God. Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” I think that sometimes I forget how powerful the experience that comes with worshiping God can be, because occasionally I find myself distracted or not in the mood to sing, which is kind of upsetting because I am then missing out on a great opportunity to feel connected with the Holy Spirit. I also think that sometimes I tend to be more distracted depending on who is around me during worship, or I get these silly thoughts in my head like “what will this person think of me if they see me lift up my hands during worship?” I have found that some of the best worship experiences in my life have been times when I’m at vespers alone or somewhere without people to distract me.
1 Corinthians 14:15 says, “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” I think this is a good verse for me to reflect back on because it reminds me to be not just singing with my mouth, but to actually have meaning behind it. A problem that I have sometimes is that I like songs for their beat or lyrics, but I fail to actually pay attention to the meaning behind them and that means I’m missing out on the whole purpose in worshiping. Psalm 95:2 says “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” I think this verse helps summarize the ultimate purpose behind worshiping and it encourages me to strive to be worshiping the way God intended it to be.
Wednesday
HOPE! By Kassie Knutson
Isaiah 40:31 says:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."
This is a great verse that many of us are familiar with. But I want to mainly focus on the first part of the verse which states, "hope in the Lord." Hope is defined as to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment. With that in mind, it makes me think we slightly overuse the word hope. We say..."I hope I get an A on that test," when we didn't put in the time to study or pay attention in class. Or we say, "I hope it doesn't rain," when there are storm clouds in the sky. Both of those things are fine to hope in, but when we arene't confident that they will happen, why do we hope in them? It's not a reliable hope.
That's why we are called to put our hope in Jesus. When we do, we will never face dissapoiontment, and that is where we can find true fulfillment. We may not get what we always want in life, but Jesus gives us hope when we trust in Him and our present sufferings can't compare to the joy that is coming when we enter eternity.
So keep fighting the good fight and remember that God is our hope.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."
This is a great verse that many of us are familiar with. But I want to mainly focus on the first part of the verse which states, "hope in the Lord." Hope is defined as to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment. With that in mind, it makes me think we slightly overuse the word hope. We say..."I hope I get an A on that test," when we didn't put in the time to study or pay attention in class. Or we say, "I hope it doesn't rain," when there are storm clouds in the sky. Both of those things are fine to hope in, but when we arene't confident that they will happen, why do we hope in them? It's not a reliable hope.
That's why we are called to put our hope in Jesus. When we do, we will never face dissapoiontment, and that is where we can find true fulfillment. We may not get what we always want in life, but Jesus gives us hope when we trust in Him and our present sufferings can't compare to the joy that is coming when we enter eternity.
So keep fighting the good fight and remember that God is our hope.
Friday
Earth Day - The Real Story
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him." John 1:1-3
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory the glory of the Father's one and only Son." John 1:14
Do you see what is happening here?
* In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...everything.
* In the beginning the Word already existed...and everything was created through
him.
* The Word became human...
- The Word made his home among us...
- The Word is JESUS...
* In the beginning was JESUS! He was God...He is God...and through HIM all
things were created!
Let's celebrate the one who created the earth - and then died for us so that when we leave this earth - we can spend our forever...our eternity with Him! The one who WAS...who IS...and who ALWAYS WILL BE!
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him." John 1:1-3
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory the glory of the Father's one and only Son." John 1:14
Do you see what is happening here?
* In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...everything.
* In the beginning the Word already existed...and everything was created through
him.
* The Word became human...
- The Word made his home among us...
- The Word is JESUS...
* In the beginning was JESUS! He was God...He is God...and through HIM all
things were created!
Let's celebrate the one who created the earth - and then died for us so that when we leave this earth - we can spend our forever...our eternity with Him! The one who WAS...who IS...and who ALWAYS WILL BE!
Wednesday
Trial and Error - By Michaela Mittlestaedt
Trial and Error
Recently I have had the song Wait and See by Brandon Heath stuck in my head. If you haven't heard it before, I HIGHLY recommended you youtube it or something. The one phrase from the song that really sticks out to me is, "There is hope for me yet, because God won't forget all the plans he's made for me. I have to wait and see; he's not finished with me yet."
That part just gives me so much hope. No matter what we do, there is always hope, because God has a plan for us and he will never give up on us. There are 2 verses that tie in really well to this song:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28
AND
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:16
It's just a reminder that no matter what we go through God is working in our lives to perfect us. Think of it this way: we are being put through trials like gold is put through fire...to refine it. God is refining us. Even if you can't see how it will possibly work out right now, God knows and that is all that matters.
Friday
Check Out SMP T.V.!
Get a little truth every Thursday with Steph at SMP T.V.! Share it on Facebook and Twitter and spread the message of Jesus a little more every week!
Tuesday
Who Are You Pleasing? By James Goth
We need to ask ourselves, are we pleasing God, or pleasing the devil? What about our friends? God's love is a great gift that we are blessed to have, in return, the least we could do is live for him, not just on the inside, but on the outside. You all love your friends too right? Wouldn't it be sad if when you got to heaven... they weren't there. Like this parable says "
--
-James Goth
first the weeds, and bind them in: bundles to burn them", Jesus tells us to become fishers of men and to spread the good news. So what I want you to get out of this is that you shouldn't let your friends, or you, become one of those weeds that will be burned.
--
-James Goth
Another Parable put he forth to them, saying. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the weeds also. So the servants of the householder came and said to him. Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field! From whence then has it weeds? He said to them. An enemy has done this. The servants said to him. Will you then that we go and gather them up? But he said. Nay; lest, while you gather up the weeds, you root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together, until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together, first the weeds, and bind them in: bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Thursday
"The Boat" - By Lauren Ringgenberg
One day a little boy named Tommy wanted to make a toy boat. Before he built it, Tommy designed and made a plan of exaclty how he wanted his boat to look and be. He spent a lot of time building his boat perfectly, making sure every detail was just right. Once Tommy was finished, he was very happy with what he had made and fell in love with his boat. Every day he spent hours playing with his toy. He showed it the world, brought it to parks and many other places. One sunny summer day, Tommy brought his boat to a nearby stream. He put it in the water and watched it float around. Suddenly, a huge wind gust blew through the air and Tommy's boat drifted away down the stream. He tried with all his might to save it but it was just too late. His boat was gone.
After a few sad and lonely weeks went by, Tommy was going for a stroll in town and a toy in a store window caught his eye. He took a closer look and realized it was his boat, the one that drifted away! He bolted into the store and told the clerk what had happened and asked to have his boat back. The clerk didn't believe him and said he would have to pay for it. Tommy knew he needed to find a way to get back his toy boat. For weeks Tommy mowed lawns, had lemonade stands, walked dogs, washed dishes, and pretty much anything else he could do to come up with enough money to get back his boat. The boat that Tommy created, had a plan for, loved and worked so hard for was now back in his arms.
A guest speaker during a chapel session at my school used this story to illustrate Christ's sacrifice for us. God didn't have to buy us back again, He could have made a new "boat" and not gone through all of that trouble. But instead He chose to sacrifice His Son so that everyone can enjoy eternal life with Him. We re TWICE his; first he made us and then he paid for us!
After a few sad and lonely weeks went by, Tommy was going for a stroll in town and a toy in a store window caught his eye. He took a closer look and realized it was his boat, the one that drifted away! He bolted into the store and told the clerk what had happened and asked to have his boat back. The clerk didn't believe him and said he would have to pay for it. Tommy knew he needed to find a way to get back his toy boat. For weeks Tommy mowed lawns, had lemonade stands, walked dogs, washed dishes, and pretty much anything else he could do to come up with enough money to get back his boat. The boat that Tommy created, had a plan for, loved and worked so hard for was now back in his arms.
A guest speaker during a chapel session at my school used this story to illustrate Christ's sacrifice for us. God didn't have to buy us back again, He could have made a new "boat" and not gone through all of that trouble. But instead He chose to sacrifice His Son so that everyone can enjoy eternal life with Him. We re TWICE his; first he made us and then he paid for us!
Wednesday
PROM DRESSES
ATTENTION SWAP LADIES!
Need a dress for Prom? Darlene Endres & Ria Thurston are organizing a Prom Dress Drive/Swap/Rental program. More details to come tonight at SWAP!
Contact Darlene or Ria via facebook with any questions :)
Thursday
S.W.A.P. - "IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE OF GOD!"
A few weeks ago when we were nearing the end of our "Crazy Love" series by Francis Chan, the RELENTLESS students where challenged to go before the Lord and "release" things to Him that have been holding them back, or to commit to something that they know they should be doing. Below are some of the responses from the students...
* Lead others to Jesus
* Live Jesus out loud and invite people to church
* Start living for God the way I should
* Live like Jesus lived
* No more apathy, unforgiveness, or holding onto worldly things
* Spend 1 hour per day with the Lord in prayer, praise, and in the Word
* I want to be passionate for God.
* No more pride or jealousy
* I am being called to stop wasting my time on things that are stupid & start doing things that matter for God
* Invite friends to church - love on people - wisdom, strength, positive attitude for God
* Include people and share God with them
* I need to give up all the negative things I do that show I am not living for God
* I want to be open to non-believers about God's love for them
* Trust God in everything I do
* No more pride, surrender control of my life to God
* Get up and talk...don't just keep Jesus to myself
* To trust Him and let Him control my life...and to give up my cutting addiction
* I want to spread God's Word to everyone I meet. Commit my life to serving Him in mission work.
* I want to be an example of purity
* Get rid of feelings of rejection
* Let go of control so that God can take control
* I want to find Jesus!
* Tell more people about Him and show Jesus style love
* It is time to be totally obsessed with Jesus
* Get in the word more often. Keep reading the Bible and telling others about God
* I want to be the person God is calling me to be
* I am read for great things! No Fear!
* That I would be a friend to those who don't have friends in the youth group
* I want to be relentless! To stop worrying about all these surface freindships. Tell them about Jesus!
God's Word says that "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world". Simply put, if you are a follower of Jesus than His Holy Spirit lives in you and satan CANNOT win against that power...Ummm...remember the empty tomb? Jesus won that battle!
Students...you are "IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE OF GOD". Press on!
* Lead others to Jesus
* Live Jesus out loud and invite people to church
* Start living for God the way I should
* Live like Jesus lived
* No more apathy, unforgiveness, or holding onto worldly things
* Spend 1 hour per day with the Lord in prayer, praise, and in the Word
* I want to be passionate for God.
* No more pride or jealousy
* I am being called to stop wasting my time on things that are stupid & start doing things that matter for God
* Invite friends to church - love on people - wisdom, strength, positive attitude for God
* Include people and share God with them
* I need to give up all the negative things I do that show I am not living for God
* I want to be open to non-believers about God's love for them
* Trust God in everything I do
* No more pride, surrender control of my life to God
* Get up and talk...don't just keep Jesus to myself
* To trust Him and let Him control my life...and to give up my cutting addiction
* I want to spread God's Word to everyone I meet. Commit my life to serving Him in mission work.
* I want to be an example of purity
* Get rid of feelings of rejection
* Let go of control so that God can take control
* I want to find Jesus!
* Tell more people about Him and show Jesus style love
* It is time to be totally obsessed with Jesus
* Get in the word more often. Keep reading the Bible and telling others about God
* I want to be the person God is calling me to be
* I am read for great things! No Fear!
* That I would be a friend to those who don't have friends in the youth group
* I want to be relentless! To stop worrying about all these surface freindships. Tell them about Jesus!
God's Word says that "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world". Simply put, if you are a follower of Jesus than His Holy Spirit lives in you and satan CANNOT win against that power...Ummm...remember the empty tomb? Jesus won that battle!
Students...you are "IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE OF GOD". Press on!
Tuesday
It All Fades Away - by Eric Slegh
Everything in this world fades. Whether it be phones, iPods, money, fitting in, or simply seeking to just please yourself through everyday life. They all bring you temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but nothing that truly lasts. God made it that way. The Bible says that we are to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal " (2 Corinthians 4:8). This world (what is seen) is a temporary palce for us to stay. It was never meant to be the place where we become attached to, which it seems like a lot of us have. God is telling us to do this not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it is the smart thing to do. I mean think about it...when would you rather have treasures set up for yourself? The eighty or so years that you will have here on Earth or the infinite amount of years that you will have in Heaven?
Another thing that has been on my mind lately is that if this world really is fading and is only temporary, why aren't we actively seeking things that will last? Why aren't we seeking the eternal instead of the temporary? Why are we wasting ourselves on pleasures that will just fade when our Father in Heaven has promised us far greater pleasures that will last?
I mean it's so easy for us to say we'll try and change things and live for God, but how many times do we actually take the time to get in God's word and really have Him change those things in our hearts? They don't change by themselves just because we want them to; they change because we encounter the living God who delights in drawing near to us. God made us to seek something more, something eternal, and that something is Him. God put us on this fading Earth so that we might see that He is the only thing worth living for as everything else fades.
Look to Him, see Him, and he will answer. He promises!
Another thing that has been on my mind lately is that if this world really is fading and is only temporary, why aren't we actively seeking things that will last? Why aren't we seeking the eternal instead of the temporary? Why are we wasting ourselves on pleasures that will just fade when our Father in Heaven has promised us far greater pleasures that will last?
I mean it's so easy for us to say we'll try and change things and live for God, but how many times do we actually take the time to get in God's word and really have Him change those things in our hearts? They don't change by themselves just because we want them to; they change because we encounter the living God who delights in drawing near to us. God made us to seek something more, something eternal, and that something is Him. God put us on this fading Earth so that we might see that He is the only thing worth living for as everything else fades.
Look to Him, see Him, and he will answer. He promises!
Monday
Delicious Food and Awesome Offers! Don't Miss the Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner - April 3 at Edinbrook Church 12:00-1:30
See you there!
Saturday
"Tho Other Things" - by Shane Veldhuizen
"The Other Things"
Mathew 6:33 says: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Here's a verse that most of us have heard of before, but what does it really mean for those of us who are students?
God's Kingdom is really about God being the ruler of our lives. When Jesus came to start His kingdome on earth, it wasn't about an eartly kind of thing with land and borders and politics. Jesus came to live in our lives. Where He rules, His kingdom reigns. So, when Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom, He's telling us to make sure that he is actually on the throne of our life. Nothing should come before Him, and we should include Him in everything.
The word "righteousness" is used to describe God's character. In this verse it tells us to seek His kingdom and His Righteousness. When we seek His righteousness we are supposed to be striving to be more like Jesus. God gave us such a clear example of how He wants us to live our lives every day by sending His son to live in the world for 33 years. When we let God rule in our life and strive to be like Him in everything all The Other Things will be added to us.
The Other Things in our lives are the things that we worry about; the things that consume our anxieties. Friends, love, appearance, how much money you make or how cool your car is. Jesus told us that our primary concern needs to be His rule in our life and to become like Jesus. If we honestly pursue Him, He will take care of all The Other Things.
Mathew 6:33 says: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Here's a verse that most of us have heard of before, but what does it really mean for those of us who are students?
God's Kingdom is really about God being the ruler of our lives. When Jesus came to start His kingdome on earth, it wasn't about an eartly kind of thing with land and borders and politics. Jesus came to live in our lives. Where He rules, His kingdom reigns. So, when Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom, He's telling us to make sure that he is actually on the throne of our life. Nothing should come before Him, and we should include Him in everything.
The word "righteousness" is used to describe God's character. In this verse it tells us to seek His kingdom and His Righteousness. When we seek His righteousness we are supposed to be striving to be more like Jesus. God gave us such a clear example of how He wants us to live our lives every day by sending His son to live in the world for 33 years. When we let God rule in our life and strive to be like Him in everything all The Other Things will be added to us.
The Other Things in our lives are the things that we worry about; the things that consume our anxieties. Friends, love, appearance, how much money you make or how cool your car is. Jesus told us that our primary concern needs to be His rule in our life and to become like Jesus. If we honestly pursue Him, He will take care of all The Other Things.
Friday
Did you Miss Ravaged? Check it out.
Click the Picture to read more about our Youth Drama Team. They are Awesommmeee!!
Tuesday
"We are in the middle of a Move of God" - Steven Furtick
Yes we are...make no mistake about it. We are in the middle of a move of God! Are you "all in"? Do you want to be a part of it? It is time to get off the sideline and into the game. Here are a couple of ways to do just that!
1. MEGA WEDNESDAY!
This is taking place Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m. at Edinbrook Church. It is a
Wednesday night unlike any other Wednesday night we have had in the past. The
challenge to all of you is to invite your friends. The big, audacious prayer is that God
will fill the Worship Center with students. We are asking this of you: If you know
someone who does not know Jesus...then please, please, PLEASE bring them to
MEGA WEDNESDAY! There is going to be great music, awesome drama, a totally
legit speaker (not me), food, prizes and so much more. All free. The only cost is this...
you have to ask people to come.
We are in the middle of a move of God...are you in?
2. The UN-TOUR
This weekend (March 11-12)...$60 per person. There are still tickets available and time
to register. This conference so totally falls in line with the desire for PASSION in our
youth group. Come and hear Greg Stier and Zane Black teach us about Jesus and how
to share Him with those who need Him.
* If money is an issue...let me know...
Hey...We are in the middle of a move of God...are you in?
"For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. They brag about shameful things, and they think only about his life here on earth." Philippians 3:18-19
Do you know anyone like this? Do you have tears in your eyes for them?
WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE OF GOD...WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT MOVE BE?
Mark
1. MEGA WEDNESDAY!
This is taking place Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m. at Edinbrook Church. It is a
Wednesday night unlike any other Wednesday night we have had in the past. The
challenge to all of you is to invite your friends. The big, audacious prayer is that God
will fill the Worship Center with students. We are asking this of you: If you know
someone who does not know Jesus...then please, please, PLEASE bring them to
MEGA WEDNESDAY! There is going to be great music, awesome drama, a totally
legit speaker (not me), food, prizes and so much more. All free. The only cost is this...
you have to ask people to come.
We are in the middle of a move of God...are you in?
2. The UN-TOUR
This weekend (March 11-12)...$60 per person. There are still tickets available and time
to register. This conference so totally falls in line with the desire for PASSION in our
youth group. Come and hear Greg Stier and Zane Black teach us about Jesus and how
to share Him with those who need Him.
* If money is an issue...let me know...
Hey...We are in the middle of a move of God...are you in?
"For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. They brag about shameful things, and they think only about his life here on earth." Philippians 3:18-19
Do you know anyone like this? Do you have tears in your eyes for them?
WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE OF GOD...WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT MOVE BE?
Mark
Wednesday
Two Lessons - By Abbie Elliott
TWO BOXES:
I have in my hands two boxes which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box and all your joys in the gold box." I heeded His words, and in the two boxes I put both my joys and my sorrows. But though the gold became heavier each day, the black was as light as before. With curiousity I opened the black box. I wanted to find out why it was so light. I saw in the black box a hole in which my sorrows had fallen out. I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud..."I wonder where my sorrows could be." God smiled a gentle smile at me and said; "My child, they're all home with me." I asked, "God, why give me the boxes? Why the gold and the black with the hole?" He replied, "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings and the black is for you to let go."
There are two lessons to be learned in this story: 1. Count your blessings and 2. Let go of your sorrows and mistakes.
Counting yoru blessings is all about being grateful for what we have or even those experiences that bring us joy. God has created us to be creatures of emotion so much that He blesses us with fun or laughter. Why not smile about or after a prayer of thanks? Glorify Him for those smiles He gives you!
The second lesson of letting go of sadness or guilt is a little harder to do. Sometimes we hold onto our negative past because we think our "black box" is just too full for God. Well guess what? THE BLACK BOX IS EMPTY! So treat it like it is. You say "sin" and God says "What sin?" For that...Glorify God. He is great...ain't He?
Some verses to help:
2 Samuel 12:13 - (Nathan is talking to King David) "Then David confessed to Natha, I have sinned against the Lord. Nathan replied, yes, and the Lord has forgiven you and you won't die for this sin."
Isaiah 38:17 "Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and have forgiven all my sins."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, yes I alone - will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again."
Psalm 103:12 "He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west."
I have in my hands two boxes which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box and all your joys in the gold box." I heeded His words, and in the two boxes I put both my joys and my sorrows. But though the gold became heavier each day, the black was as light as before. With curiousity I opened the black box. I wanted to find out why it was so light. I saw in the black box a hole in which my sorrows had fallen out. I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud..."I wonder where my sorrows could be." God smiled a gentle smile at me and said; "My child, they're all home with me." I asked, "God, why give me the boxes? Why the gold and the black with the hole?" He replied, "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings and the black is for you to let go."
There are two lessons to be learned in this story: 1. Count your blessings and 2. Let go of your sorrows and mistakes.
Counting yoru blessings is all about being grateful for what we have or even those experiences that bring us joy. God has created us to be creatures of emotion so much that He blesses us with fun or laughter. Why not smile about or after a prayer of thanks? Glorify Him for those smiles He gives you!
The second lesson of letting go of sadness or guilt is a little harder to do. Sometimes we hold onto our negative past because we think our "black box" is just too full for God. Well guess what? THE BLACK BOX IS EMPTY! So treat it like it is. You say "sin" and God says "What sin?" For that...Glorify God. He is great...ain't He?
Some verses to help:
2 Samuel 12:13 - (Nathan is talking to King David) "Then David confessed to Natha, I have sinned against the Lord. Nathan replied, yes, and the Lord has forgiven you and you won't die for this sin."
Isaiah 38:17 "Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and have forgiven all my sins."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, yes I alone - will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again."
Psalm 103:12 "He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west."
Friday
ANSWERING HIS CALL - WILL YOU?
"A person who has SURRENDERED EVERYTHING to Jesus is willing to do ANYTHING for Him. If you won't do anything then He doesn't have everything." Perry Noble
GOD HAS CALLED US TO FLORIDA - TO PARTNER WITH HIM - TO SHARE JESUS WITH PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HIM. WILL YOU ANSWER HIS CALL?
God has given us an unbelievable opportunity this Summer to minister to Haitian people in Florida.
"Passion" has been the word that is being brought up time and time again in our youth ministry. Students and adults are seeing the need for "passion" in our people and in what we do. We are seeing "passion"...God is doing something and His people are starting to get it.
I simply want to challenge all ONE80 and RELENTLESS students to really consider why you would not be a part of the Mission 2011 team.
* Is it to much money?
- God fed over 5000 people with a little bit of fish and bread...He is our
provider!
* Is it to much effort?
- God will give us what we need to endure and persevere...He is our
Sustainer!
* Does raising money and taking time out of your Summer make you
un-comfortable?
- Jesus died for you (and the Haitians in Florida). Un-comfortable...
* Is Florida just not "exciting" enough?
- If it's about Jesus and sharing Him with people then ANYPLACE should
be exciting.
Listen...this is all about being on MISSION for God. It is all about loving GOD and loving PEOPLE. This is EXCITING! This is what having a PASSION for God and people is all about. This is what has been the driving force the past few weeks at S.W.A.P.! I have heard it and I have seen it.
"This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine."
Mathew 5:14-16 says "You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
God has lit a fire in us...let's not let satan blow it out.
There is still time to join the Mission 2011 team!
I love you!
Mark
GOD HAS CALLED US TO FLORIDA - TO PARTNER WITH HIM - TO SHARE JESUS WITH PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HIM. WILL YOU ANSWER HIS CALL?
God has given us an unbelievable opportunity this Summer to minister to Haitian people in Florida.
"Passion" has been the word that is being brought up time and time again in our youth ministry. Students and adults are seeing the need for "passion" in our people and in what we do. We are seeing "passion"...God is doing something and His people are starting to get it.
I simply want to challenge all ONE80 and RELENTLESS students to really consider why you would not be a part of the Mission 2011 team.
* Is it to much money?
- God fed over 5000 people with a little bit of fish and bread...He is our
provider!
* Is it to much effort?
- God will give us what we need to endure and persevere...He is our
Sustainer!
* Does raising money and taking time out of your Summer make you
un-comfortable?
- Jesus died for you (and the Haitians in Florida). Un-comfortable...
* Is Florida just not "exciting" enough?
- If it's about Jesus and sharing Him with people then ANYPLACE should
be exciting.
Listen...this is all about being on MISSION for God. It is all about loving GOD and loving PEOPLE. This is EXCITING! This is what having a PASSION for God and people is all about. This is what has been the driving force the past few weeks at S.W.A.P.! I have heard it and I have seen it.
"This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine."
Mathew 5:14-16 says "You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
God has lit a fire in us...let's not let satan blow it out.
There is still time to join the Mission 2011 team!
I love you!
Mark
Tuesday
"Taking a Stand to be Different" - By Jillian Schmid
One of the things that I have struggled with in my life was this desire to fit in. When I was in 9th and 10th grade, I always wanted to have the best clothes, hang out with the "popular" group of people, and follow every other set of guidelines that enabled me to be with the in-crowd at school. It wasn't really until my junior year when it seemed my entire grade decided to jump on this bandwagon of thinking that drinking alcohol and partying would classify them as "cool". It was that year that I had to make some decisions and distinguish who my real friends were.
In Romans 2:12, the Bible says "Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of yoru mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." As Christians, we are called to be different. We are living in a world that defines its own standards and values and is constantly pressuring us to conform. God's standards for us are higher and better though! God wants us to stand out, and for our differences to be shown through our values, actions, words, and behaviors.
Junior year was a year that brought some struggles for me with trying to figure out who my real friends were and who was going to help lift me up instead of take me down. But in the end I believe I made the right choices. I think our culture has such a messed up idea of what "popular" is, because I don't see drinking or partying or any of that stuff as being cool in the slightest way. In Philippians 2:14-15, it says "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." I just find it encourageing that the Bible tells us to be set apart from this culture we live in and that when we do, we will shine and God will be glorified!
In Romans 2:12, the Bible says "Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of yoru mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." As Christians, we are called to be different. We are living in a world that defines its own standards and values and is constantly pressuring us to conform. God's standards for us are higher and better though! God wants us to stand out, and for our differences to be shown through our values, actions, words, and behaviors.
Junior year was a year that brought some struggles for me with trying to figure out who my real friends were and who was going to help lift me up instead of take me down. But in the end I believe I made the right choices. I think our culture has such a messed up idea of what "popular" is, because I don't see drinking or partying or any of that stuff as being cool in the slightest way. In Philippians 2:14-15, it says "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." I just find it encourageing that the Bible tells us to be set apart from this culture we live in and that when we do, we will shine and God will be glorified!
Thursday
Living for God! By Kassie Knutson
Hebrews 9:28 says:
"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."
This has been such an ecnouraging and exciting verse to me. How awesome is it that we will live in eternity with Jesus one day? I don't know about you but I can't wait! But this verse also reminds me that our time here on Earth is short, and that each day given to us is a true blessing. There are a whole lot of people in need of Jesus and it is up to us and the Holy Spirit to help lead people to Him.
One of my favorite bands, by the name of Ivoryline, has a song called "Broken Bodies", which I believe we can all relate with. The chorus of the song is:
"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."
This has been such an ecnouraging and exciting verse to me. How awesome is it that we will live in eternity with Jesus one day? I don't know about you but I can't wait! But this verse also reminds me that our time here on Earth is short, and that each day given to us is a true blessing. There are a whole lot of people in need of Jesus and it is up to us and the Holy Spirit to help lead people to Him.
One of my favorite bands, by the name of Ivoryline, has a song called "Broken Bodies", which I believe we can all relate with. The chorus of the song is:
"Come back down, we're all ready now,
We're all drowning in our follies,
Broken hearts and broken bodies."
Yes we can all feel broken, but we shouldn't let that bring us down, because life is too short, and God's love is too big. He has big plans for our lives and we may feel we are ready for His return but He will return when HE feels we're ready. God's timing is and always will be perfect in all circumstances of our lives. When He is with us, nothing can stop us. So today I encourage you to give any fear, stress, pain, anger, sadness, or whatever may be pulling you away from God, to Him, so that you can live 100% for Him.
Tuesday
Dare to Share--Sign Up Online Today!
It is time to Register for S.W.A.P. Dare2Share the Un. tour! Cost is $60 and you can register online today--deadline to register is March 2.
Watch the movie below to get a taste of what March 11-12 will be like.
Missions 2011-It's Time to Decide.
Saturday starts the beginning of the Coupon Card Blitz's- If know of anyone who wants to drive let Mark know.
Missions meetings start the beginning of May. Reserve Sunday nights May 1st,15, 22 and June 5.
Thursday
"On Eagle's Wings" by: Michaela Mittelstaedt
On Eagle’s Wings
I know this song is old and outdated, but I still love it. Plus it is by Josh Groban! Anyway, a few weeks ago I heard a sermon by Dr. David Watson and was extremely moved by it. I did a bit more reading on what he had to say and I was astonished. What astonished me? Eagles. We have all heard Isaiah 40:28-31…in fact we even sang a song about it on Sunday. Get your bible out, and read it! :D
Dr. Watson asked an interesting question, “why eagles?” So I looked into it. They are absolutely astonishing. I’ll share a few with you.
The mother eagle shrieks at her eggs every now and then. Weird? Yes. Important. Yes. The mother’s voice is imprinted on the baby so they can find each other at all times. When the baby eaglet starts to molt, the mother eagle sees the potential in the newly formed wings. She wrecks the nest and brings the eaglet to a cliff. She pushes the eagle off and lets it fall, at the last moment she will prevent the eaglet from crashing by swooping down and bringing it to the top. Eventually the eagle learns to soar. Eagles can also lock their wings to fly into a storm, while other birds seek shelter. Lastly, they have a membrane so they can fly into the sun away from predators.
Major analogies. God called to us ever since we were in our mother’s womb. He is there for us and we will always be there for us. God also lets us fall, but he will also protect us from crashing. He sees the potential for growth and our ability to soar, even if we don’t and freak out. God has also set us as Christians apart because he gives us the ability to fly head on into a storm. He will send a thermal current to bring us above it. And finally, he gives us the ability to escape the wrath of others by “flying” to him, because he will protect us.
Wednesday
'Sup from Wednesday Night SWAP!
Just wanted you to know that this SATURDAY is the training for Target Concessions. Be there if you want to earn money for missions, events, etc.!!
Saturday
What are YOU Learning this Sunday--EQUIP U Starts TOMORROW!
EQUIP U Growth groups start THIS SUNDAY as in TOMORROW!
Have you signed up?
Equip U Classes for SWAP
For eight weeks starting Sunday, February 6 you will get choose what you learn. Read about your options below!
Chazown (A different way to see your life):
Lead by Josh and Ria Thurston
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision the people perish."
See your life in a different way, with dream-revelation-vision.
Lead by Bill Roland
Learn to hear when GOd is speaking to you.
Find out where God is working and join him.
Expirience God doing through you what only God
can do!
Lead by James Blosser
There is a battle taking place that is raging
for the hearts and minds of people, pitting
the truth of God against the lies of the world.
You will take a look at God's blue print for life as you
unwrap "The Truth Project"
Spiritual Warfare:
Lead by Chris Maas and Samantha Herlin
"For our Battle is not against flesh and blood..."
You may not know it but you are in a war. You cannot
see all that is taking place but don't doubt that battles
are taking place. You will gain a better understanding
of spiritual warfare and how to fight back against evil.
Friday
SUPERBOWL PARTY!
ALL S.W.A.P. ( ONE80 and RELENTLESS) are invited...even if you don't want to watch football you should show up!
When? Sunday - February 6, 2011 from 5:00 - 9:00
Where? The party will be held in the Fellowship Hall and surrounding rooms.
How Much? $5.00 per person gets you - Subway party subs, Little Ceaser's Pizza, all the pop and bottled water you can drink, cookie dessert and fruit snacks...yup...fruit snacks!
Why Come? Plenty to do: Basketball, volleyball, board games, video games, the game room will be open, a movie room will be setup and oh...there is a FOOTBALL game going on (Packers vs. Steelers).
One More Thing!
We want to always be thinking about how we can serve others in everything we do...SO...
We want to always be thinking about how we can serve others in everything we do...SO...
EVERYONE who comes to the Super Bowl party needs to bring at least TWO canned good items for C.E.A.P. (Community Emergency Assistance Program). Let's help re-stock their foodshelf!
See You There!
See You There!
Tuesday
Where the Spirit of the Lord is... (By Lauren Ringgenberg)
2 Corinthians 3:17 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
God wants to give us freedom from our sins and to turn us into living sacrifices for Him!
This song was sung during my school's chapel and I just LOVE IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJsERBLd0A
His blood is enough to break EVERY chain!
God wants to give us freedom from our sins and to turn us into living sacrifices for Him!
This song was sung during my school's chapel and I just LOVE IT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJsERBLd0A
His blood is enough to break EVERY chain!
Thursday
WINTER RETREAT DETAILS!
Hello Students!
Below you will find all the details for this year’s ALL S.W.A.P. WINTER RETREAT!
We are looking forward to a wonderful God-filled, fun-filled weekend where we focus on being Alive for Jesus during our days on earth!
Theme: “Life is Short – Be Alive For it!” 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Dates: January 28 – 30, 2011.
Meet at Edinbrook Church at 4:00 p.m. January 28th.
Return to Edinbrook Church at 3:30 p.m. January 30th
Location: Timber Ridge Camp (@ Trout Lake Camp)
A medical release form is required. It is available on-line at the time of registration or at the S.W.A.P. Shop.
The cost of the retreat was $80. If your student(s) wishes to go snow-tubing that would be an additional $8. If they did not pay the $8 in advance and want to snow-tube, just have them bring the money with them.
What to bring: Bible, pen, sleeping bag, pillow, warm clothes, gloves, boots, hat, jacket, any necessary overnight things needed. NOTE: There will be an opportunity to purchase snacks, coffee, and specialty drinks. Students would need to bring their own money for that.
What NOT to bring: Cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players, etc. Anything sharp or that can start a fire.
IMPORTANT FOOD NOTE:
Food: Snack on Friday night and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are included. Please eat before coming to church on Friday the 28th or bring something to eat on the way up to the retreat. We are not feeding you dinner at church and we are not stopping for food on the way up. You will get a snack at 11:00 p.m. Friday night.
Thank you for your time and blessings on your day. Feel free to contact me at mthurston@edinbrookchurch.org with any questions you may have.
Humbly,
Mark Thurston
Director of Student Ministries
Edinbrook Church
Below you will find all the details for this year’s ALL S.W.A.P. WINTER RETREAT!
We are looking forward to a wonderful God-filled, fun-filled weekend where we focus on being Alive for Jesus during our days on earth!
Theme: “Life is Short – Be Alive For it!” 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Dates: January 28 – 30, 2011.
Meet at Edinbrook Church at 4:00 p.m. January 28th.
Return to Edinbrook Church at 3:30 p.m. January 30th
Location: Timber Ridge Camp (@ Trout Lake Camp)
A medical release form is required. It is available on-line at the time of registration or at the S.W.A.P. Shop.
The cost of the retreat was $80. If your student(s) wishes to go snow-tubing that would be an additional $8. If they did not pay the $8 in advance and want to snow-tube, just have them bring the money with them.
What to bring: Bible, pen, sleeping bag, pillow, warm clothes, gloves, boots, hat, jacket, any necessary overnight things needed. NOTE: There will be an opportunity to purchase snacks, coffee, and specialty drinks. Students would need to bring their own money for that.
What NOT to bring: Cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players, etc. Anything sharp or that can start a fire.
IMPORTANT FOOD NOTE:
Food: Snack on Friday night and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are included. Please eat before coming to church on Friday the 28th or bring something to eat on the way up to the retreat. We are not feeding you dinner at church and we are not stopping for food on the way up. You will get a snack at 11:00 p.m. Friday night.
Thank you for your time and blessings on your day. Feel free to contact me at mthurston@edinbrookchurch.org with any questions you may have.
Humbly,
Mark Thurston
Director of Student Ministries
Edinbrook Church
Tuesday
Proverbs Rocks!
I used to think that the book of Proverbs was simply a book of "one-liners" given to us by God. Forget the fact that they were written by one of the wisest men in the Bible (Solomon). I really didn't give them much attention until I read the beginning of Proverbs. It goes like this...
"These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment ot he young."
WOW! Keep reading in the book of Proverbs. They will teach you wisdom and discipline...and a whole lot more. Proverbs rocks!
Mark
"These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment ot he young."
WOW! Keep reading in the book of Proverbs. They will teach you wisdom and discipline...and a whole lot more. Proverbs rocks!
Mark
Monday
S.W.A.P. is now blogging!
Welcome!
I am excited that the S.W.A.P. Minitry at Edinbrook Church now has a blog. This is way cool and is going to be something that we are going to have a lot of fun with.
Our God is alive and well. He is really big and actually, is beyond what our little brains can understand. But, just because we can't totally figure Him out doesn't mean that our God who always has been around, is all over the place now, and always will be with us doesn't love and care for you.
The first part of James 4:8 says this - "Come close to God, and He will come close to you...". To often we wait for God to make the first move. We sit around and know that He is out there...somewhere...but we really aren't that interested in finding out where. You see, the Bible is full of verses that tell is to search for God, to seek Him out, to come close to God. This clearly makes the point that we are the ones who are to make the move to pursue God...to go after Him. James 4:8 is a simple if/then statement. IF you come close to God, THEN He will come close to you!
So...it's your move!
Mark
I am excited that the S.W.A.P. Minitry at Edinbrook Church now has a blog. This is way cool and is going to be something that we are going to have a lot of fun with.
Our God is alive and well. He is really big and actually, is beyond what our little brains can understand. But, just because we can't totally figure Him out doesn't mean that our God who always has been around, is all over the place now, and always will be with us doesn't love and care for you.
The first part of James 4:8 says this - "Come close to God, and He will come close to you...". To often we wait for God to make the first move. We sit around and know that He is out there...somewhere...but we really aren't that interested in finding out where. You see, the Bible is full of verses that tell is to search for God, to seek Him out, to come close to God. This clearly makes the point that we are the ones who are to make the move to pursue God...to go after Him. James 4:8 is a simple if/then statement. IF you come close to God, THEN He will come close to you!
So...it's your move!
Mark
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