FROM PASTOR JIMMY
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who participated in our PARENT SURVEY. We received some valuable feedback that will help us determine the direction and focus of our youth ministry.
If you HAVEN’T completed a survey yet, it’s not too late! Please take a few minutes to complete it, and then send it back in the pre-stamped envelope that was provided!
STATE OF THE YOUTH
The group seems to be doing very well following the transition of leadership. Our attendance has been averaging around 30 students at our Sunday Night Meeting, and the kids really seem to be engaging with the messages.
Additionally, we’ve had growing attendance at our 5th Quarter outreach after the home football games. This event allows us to make connections that open the door to share Christ, and invite students to our youth group meetings.
COMING UP
This week we will be tackling the topic of morality. In today’s culture, morality is no longer just black or white. Because of that, parents and the church must be more intentional in teaching values and moral standards. After assessing and discussing some different viewpoints on morality, we’ll dig right into scripture to find what GOD has to say about what’s right, and what’s wrong.
Here are the passages we’ll be addressing if you’d like to follow up with your student:
Psalm 34:14, Proverbs 12:13, Proverbs 28:13, Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:9,17, 1 John 4:11
BRING IT HOME
You may want to ask your kids to keep track of how many of the Ten Commandments are broken in the next TV show or movie they watch. have them note what the movie was rated, and what the show was about. Follow up with a discussion about morals in the media.
- How common is it for your kids to see murder, adultery, or swearing in the shows they watch?
- What impact does this have on how people live and treat each other?
- What can you kids do to set boundaries around themselves?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
5th QUARTER
Friday, September 20th 9-11pm
Our 5th Quarter outreach is open to all students 6th – 12th grades. The party officially begins immediately following the football game, but we fire everything up around 9pm for non-game attenders and early arrivers. This week’s theme is a DANCE PARTY, featuring a giant-screen Wii “Just Dance” Dance-off! Additionally we’ll have refreshments for everyone, and additional games and activities will be available for the non-dancers in the group.
NORTH MAC HARVEST FEST
Saturday, September 21st 12-6pm
Harvest Fest is a community-wide outreach sponsored by our church. It is hosted on the Virden Square, and features games and activities for all ages. There will also be some great prize give-aways, as well as free concessions! Please make plans to attend and enjoy a great, FREE family activity!
SEE YOU AT THE POLE
Wednesday, September 25th 7am
This student-led prayer event will happen around the flagpole at the Virden Campus. Encourage your student to show up to school early and participate in this great opportunity to invoke God’s power and blessing upon their school!
MEN’S OUTING – ILLINI vs. MIAMI (OHIO)
Saturday, September 28th TBA
This Sunday is the last opportunity to sign up for tickets to go see the Fighting Illini take on the Miami, OH Redhawks! This is always a fun trip for the guys, with a hefty dose of male bonding.
SURF REPORT
I come across a lot of websites, articles, and resources during my “research.” Here are a couple that might be of use to you!
HomeWord Center for Youth and Family Radio Broadcasts
https://www.homeword.com/radio_broadcasts_all.php?type=Recent
Jim Burns is a youth and family ministry veteran with a TON of insight into successful, Christ-centered parenting. These radio broadcasts are to listen to on your computer, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Study Reveals the Digital Disconnect Between Today’s Youth And Parents
http://www.mcafee.com/us/about/news/2013/q2/20130604-01.aspx
An eye-opening article about your kids’ online behavior.
FORGETTABLE FACT
Tomato Ketchup travels at 25 MPH when leaving the bottle!
NOTABLE QUOTABLES
“To lose one parent may be regarded as misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” -Oscar Wilde
ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY
The JOURNEY is the Student Ministry of Grace Southern Baptist Church. Our mission is to equip students in grades 6th – 12th, and their parents, to discover their destiny in Christ.
The JOURNEY meets Sunday Evenings at 6pm in the Grace Church Building Auditorium for worship, and a relevant and Christ-centered message. Afterwards, the students gather in Grace Too (our multipurpose building) for games and refreshments.
Jimmy Hammond, Pastor
C: 217-717-5895
E: pastor@gracesbc.com
W: www.gracesbc.com
S: www.facebook.com/gracesbcyouth