Family Fest Winter Weekend Kid’s Counselor
We would like to invite you to consider being a Kid’s Counselor (KC) or Teacher at the Family Fest Winter Weekend where you will have the opportunity to love kids, have fun, encounter great people, and serve God!
Winter Weekend is an action-packed Christian retreat for families run by Family Fest Ministries at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota, January 18-21, 2008 and February 15-18, 2008. You can choose to serve at either one of the retreats. This is a great weekend where adults are inspired and kids are taught about the great love of God.
Family Fest is looking for a select group of caring, loving individuals who have a heart for kids. We are looking for high school (must be in 9th grade) and college age students to work in teams to run a fun, nurturing program of teaching, stories, games, arts & crafts, music, etc., and to be a Christ-centered role model for kids age 3 months to 14 years. You will be making a positive impact on younger kids, as you also grow in your own faith.
The cost for this retreat is $40.00. Apply Today: Online registration preferred. Go to http://www.familyfestministries.org, and click on KC/Teacher Registration form. You must also print and mail your medical release form. Your application will not be considered without this form filled out and mailed. If you do not have internet access, call Paul or Barb Harmon at 952.942.0779.
If you have questions regarding KCs or Teachers, please email our KC Coordinators, Paul or Barb Harmon at harmon@familyfestministries.org or call at (952) 942-0779. You may also call Pete Larson at the Family Fest office, 952.881.0939 for other questions.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Born Identity III December 12, 2007
Hi boys and girls, this is Kyle
Paul started us out BIG in the Born Identity talking about how Jesus has been prophesied from the very beginning of time. He always was and is and will be. John continues with the story of Jesus, his life and his death and why he was born. While it goes without saying that Jesus came to die and save us all, the story amazingly keeps going with his death. When Jesus breathed his last, so many things happened. We were saved and the curtain in the temple, the Holy of all holies was torn in two forever.
This makes the story absolutely the greatest story ever told. When the curtain was torn, a new age was revealed. It was the culmination of Jesus reading early on his ministry in the temple: "Today the reading of this scripture has been fulfilled." Things have never been the same. When the curtain tears, the Spirit of God is UNLEASHED into the whole world. The Spirit of God through Jesus is now accessible and is the glue that holds all things together. The church is able to spread like WILDFIRE because of the unquenchable Spirit of God. Christians are able to heal in the name of Jesus THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. It is the most amazing phenomenon EVER. He came to be born, he came to die but he also came to show us how to live - both NOW and forevermore.
Follow Jesus:
1. What is a great way to identify with the REAL Jesus this Christmas season?
2. Who are some people that have amazing traditions around this time of year? How do they really follow Jesus?
Be For Each Other:
1. Do you know someone who is struggling this Christmas? How can you be for these people this Christmas?
2. Sometimes the biggest gift we can give is words. What gift can you give your best friend this Christmas using only words?
Look Beyond Ourselves:
1. Think about how incredibly lucky you are. How do you share your abundance with those who need it?
2. How can your small group incorporate those who are needy in your small group bonding next week?
reflections:
1. What is the most amazing thing about Jesus' story that John shared last week.
Paul started us out BIG in the Born Identity talking about how Jesus has been prophesied from the very beginning of time. He always was and is and will be. John continues with the story of Jesus, his life and his death and why he was born. While it goes without saying that Jesus came to die and save us all, the story amazingly keeps going with his death. When Jesus breathed his last, so many things happened. We were saved and the curtain in the temple, the Holy of all holies was torn in two forever.
This makes the story absolutely the greatest story ever told. When the curtain was torn, a new age was revealed. It was the culmination of Jesus reading early on his ministry in the temple: "Today the reading of this scripture has been fulfilled." Things have never been the same. When the curtain tears, the Spirit of God is UNLEASHED into the whole world. The Spirit of God through Jesus is now accessible and is the glue that holds all things together. The church is able to spread like WILDFIRE because of the unquenchable Spirit of God. Christians are able to heal in the name of Jesus THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. It is the most amazing phenomenon EVER. He came to be born, he came to die but he also came to show us how to live - both NOW and forevermore.
Follow Jesus:
1. What is a great way to identify with the REAL Jesus this Christmas season?
2. Who are some people that have amazing traditions around this time of year? How do they really follow Jesus?
Be For Each Other:
1. Do you know someone who is struggling this Christmas? How can you be for these people this Christmas?
2. Sometimes the biggest gift we can give is words. What gift can you give your best friend this Christmas using only words?
Look Beyond Ourselves:
1. Think about how incredibly lucky you are. How do you share your abundance with those who need it?
2. How can your small group incorporate those who are needy in your small group bonding next week?
reflections:
1. What is the most amazing thing about Jesus' story that John shared last week.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Born Identity Part II December 5
The Born Identity
Hey gang, this is John.
Last week Paul talked about Jesus’ entrance into the world. Beginning with prophecy throughout the Old Testament and the fulfillment of it in the New Testament with Jesus’ birth. The week we will pick up the story from where he left off with talking about Jesus’ life here on earth and next week Kyle will conclude our series “Born Identity” with with focusing on his death on the cross.
As we learned last week, Jesus’ entrance into the world wasn’t exactly what we had been expecting. Born to a teenage, unwed mother in a poor family was was a curve ball to be sure. His life was no different. We have 4 accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Each gives us a brief glimpse into his words and actions as an adult, however there is very little we know about childhood. The majority of what we know about Jesus comes from the time he began His ministry, approximately in His early 30’s, until his death 3 years later.
As with Jesus’ birth, His inauguration into ministry came with unexpected elements and surprises. We will talk about some of these Wednesday night but to give you an idea here is one. One of the first things Jesus did was speak in a synagogue in his home town. He opened the scroll to the prophet Isaiah and read
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me, to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
After reading Jesus sat down and Matthew tells us that everyones eyes were fixed on him. They couldn’t believe what they heard. Jesus says once last thing "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus announced that he was the one who they had been waiting for but that his focus and attention was going to be for those who needed him the most. The poor, the weak, those who couldn't stand up for themselves.
Small group questions
Just as Jesus came in unexpected ways and did unexpected things, in what way do you think we’ve missed the message of Jesus in our day? If he were to come back to earth today how would he fit/or not fit our models of royalty, fame, celebrity, power, etc...?
Jesus chose to focus a good deal of his teaching on how we ought to look out for those who have less than we do. Why is this so hard to do sometimes? Why are we so easily self focused and selfish at times? How can we break out of this by looking at the life of Jesus?
We all have some time off coming up over the holidays. Encourage one another to read one of the gospels and really look at the life of Jesus. And during this time off when we are with family and friends let’s also encourage one another to practice living out the examples Jesus gave us.
Hey gang, this is John.
Last week Paul talked about Jesus’ entrance into the world. Beginning with prophecy throughout the Old Testament and the fulfillment of it in the New Testament with Jesus’ birth. The week we will pick up the story from where he left off with talking about Jesus’ life here on earth and next week Kyle will conclude our series “Born Identity” with with focusing on his death on the cross.
As we learned last week, Jesus’ entrance into the world wasn’t exactly what we had been expecting. Born to a teenage, unwed mother in a poor family was was a curve ball to be sure. His life was no different. We have 4 accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Each gives us a brief glimpse into his words and actions as an adult, however there is very little we know about childhood. The majority of what we know about Jesus comes from the time he began His ministry, approximately in His early 30’s, until his death 3 years later.
As with Jesus’ birth, His inauguration into ministry came with unexpected elements and surprises. We will talk about some of these Wednesday night but to give you an idea here is one. One of the first things Jesus did was speak in a synagogue in his home town. He opened the scroll to the prophet Isaiah and read
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me, to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
After reading Jesus sat down and Matthew tells us that everyones eyes were fixed on him. They couldn’t believe what they heard. Jesus says once last thing "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus announced that he was the one who they had been waiting for but that his focus and attention was going to be for those who needed him the most. The poor, the weak, those who couldn't stand up for themselves.
Small group questions
Just as Jesus came in unexpected ways and did unexpected things, in what way do you think we’ve missed the message of Jesus in our day? If he were to come back to earth today how would he fit/or not fit our models of royalty, fame, celebrity, power, etc...?
Jesus chose to focus a good deal of his teaching on how we ought to look out for those who have less than we do. Why is this so hard to do sometimes? Why are we so easily self focused and selfish at times? How can we break out of this by looking at the life of Jesus?
We all have some time off coming up over the holidays. Encourage one another to read one of the gospels and really look at the life of Jesus. And during this time off when we are with family and friends let’s also encourage one another to practice living out the examples Jesus gave us.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Born Identity
Hello Madingga's.
We are starting a new and powerful series called the Born Identity. It focuses on the actual identity of Christ beyond the commercialized Jesus we see in TV this time of year. I think this series is going to sweep across Elevate students like Poggs on an Elementary school playground in 1993. The first night is going to be on the prophesized Messiah and what the Jews thought Jesus was going to be like. Instead of this "mighty" king on a golden chariot the world received an infant child born to a homeless teenage mother out of wedlock. Jesus' teaching were so contradictory, and his personality so out of the norm that there is now way history could have imagined Him into existence.
See you guys Wednesday night. Pauly
We are starting a new and powerful series called the Born Identity. It focuses on the actual identity of Christ beyond the commercialized Jesus we see in TV this time of year. I think this series is going to sweep across Elevate students like Poggs on an Elementary school playground in 1993. The first night is going to be on the prophesized Messiah and what the Jews thought Jesus was going to be like. Instead of this "mighty" king on a golden chariot the world received an infant child born to a homeless teenage mother out of wedlock. Jesus' teaching were so contradictory, and his personality so out of the norm that there is now way history could have imagined Him into existence.
See you guys Wednesday night. Pauly
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thank You part 2 - 11-14-07
Hey gang. This is John
“Thank you” is a phrase we use that we use a lot (hopefully, if you’re well mannered) day to day. But truly being thankful is something that is a lot less common. I know personally that for me being thankful is something that takes work and effort, and doesn’t necessarily come easy. But when I am thankful I notice a difference. I am more happy, less stressed out, and in general a much better version of myself. I believe that this is because when we are thankful we are more the person God created us to be. Last week Paul talked about being a blessing to God through our thoughts and actions, and the only way that we are going to start the journey of being a blessing to God and the World is by being thankful.
It is ironic that as we enter the holiday season through “Thanksgiving”, a tradition originally intended to help us “take stock” of all the blessings we’ve been given, we at the same time are entering into the most consumeristic, me-centered time of year. The focus all to quickly shifts to what we want, and what we are going to get. Therefore, as a community in Elevate we are going to help each other keep in mind all that we’ve been given and encourage each other to look for opportunities in which we can be a blessing to God and the world this holiday season.
Small Group Questions
John talked about the saying “It is better to give than receive.” Has there ever been a time that you have given something and felt really good about the experience or what happened? Share in detail your experiences.
Do you think this saying is true? Why or why not? If you do think it is better to give than receive how can that be true? (Seems like it should be the other way around)
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves of all that God has given us and not fall into the trap of just thinking about what we want, and what we will get?
Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things you are most thankful for. Often times we get familiar with our lives and take a lot of things for granted. But as the group shares, hopefully you will remind each other of all that God has given us.
Last, brainstorm ways that you can creatively give this holiday season. From gifts, to cookies, to time, and so on, really think about unique ways in which you can bless those around you and by doing so be a blessing to God.
“Thank you” is a phrase we use that we use a lot (hopefully, if you’re well mannered) day to day. But truly being thankful is something that is a lot less common. I know personally that for me being thankful is something that takes work and effort, and doesn’t necessarily come easy. But when I am thankful I notice a difference. I am more happy, less stressed out, and in general a much better version of myself. I believe that this is because when we are thankful we are more the person God created us to be. Last week Paul talked about being a blessing to God through our thoughts and actions, and the only way that we are going to start the journey of being a blessing to God and the World is by being thankful.
It is ironic that as we enter the holiday season through “Thanksgiving”, a tradition originally intended to help us “take stock” of all the blessings we’ve been given, we at the same time are entering into the most consumeristic, me-centered time of year. The focus all to quickly shifts to what we want, and what we are going to get. Therefore, as a community in Elevate we are going to help each other keep in mind all that we’ve been given and encourage each other to look for opportunities in which we can be a blessing to God and the world this holiday season.
Small Group Questions
John talked about the saying “It is better to give than receive.” Has there ever been a time that you have given something and felt really good about the experience or what happened? Share in detail your experiences.
Do you think this saying is true? Why or why not? If you do think it is better to give than receive how can that be true? (Seems like it should be the other way around)
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves of all that God has given us and not fall into the trap of just thinking about what we want, and what we will get?
Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things you are most thankful for. Often times we get familiar with our lives and take a lot of things for granted. But as the group shares, hopefully you will remind each other of all that God has given us.
Last, brainstorm ways that you can creatively give this holiday season. From gifts, to cookies, to time, and so on, really think about unique ways in which you can bless those around you and by doing so be a blessing to God.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday November 7, 2007
Small Group Questions
“Be Radical, Not Safe”
Read Miracle Story out loud to the group (on next page).
1. How does this story relate to Paul’s Talk?
2. How did the pharmacist’s brother live out the scripture reference “But when
you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for
this you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14.
3. What is the resurrection of the righteous?
a.We will be held accountable for our actions and if we’ve done what God has
asked of us we will be repaid for those good things we did on earth.
Getting on to personal questions.
1. When have you taken a radical step in helping someone like pharmacist in the
story?
2. Maybe there was a time when someone did something incredible for you without
asking for anything in return.
3. What is something you can do for someone in need? Think about some
resources you have you could give, it might even be giving your time towards
something?
“Be Radical, Not Safe”
Read Miracle Story out loud to the group (on next page).
1. How does this story relate to Paul’s Talk?
2. How did the pharmacist’s brother live out the scripture reference “But when
you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for
this you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14.
3. What is the resurrection of the righteous?
a.We will be held accountable for our actions and if we’ve done what God has
asked of us we will be repaid for those good things we did on earth.
Getting on to personal questions.
1. When have you taken a radical step in helping someone like pharmacist in the
story?
2. Maybe there was a time when someone did something incredible for you without
asking for anything in return.
3. What is something you can do for someone in need? Think about some
resources you have you could give, it might even be giving your time towards
something?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Wednesday, October 24th
Hey gang. This is Kyle, not Paul. Tomorrow night we are finishing up our series on "Clique." We are continuing our look at Acceptance and Rejection. I am jumping off of Johnny's last thought two weeks ago regarding us being a set apart community. I loved how he said that we (Elevate) are the trendetters. What if the trend was that we were a radically accepting group of people? What if, all 250 of us students and leaders were passionate about accepting all people. What if we put our self-righteousness on the shelf and realized that we ALL are in need of a savior?
In my experience, we are taught that we must fight to protect ourselves. What if instead we made it our mission to include everyone? This is radical thinking to say the least. The only way to really break down cliques is to include more people. How realitic is this? What stands in our way? What if we just don't like someone? These questions lead me to think - is there ANYONE that Jesus doesn't like? I don't theologically have an answer for us, but I do feel that Jesus likes everyone, loves everyone. He does so much that he died for EVERYONE. As intense this is, I believe we are called and wired to reach out to people that we don't NATURALLY like. I think when we have that experience, it is the POWER of the Holy Spirit that leads us to a relationship with difficult people. Let us be passionate about all people in general and let's let that passion truly change our worlds.
Questions:
Follow Jesus:
1)Who did Jesus reach out to even though others wouldn't? (Lepers, sinning women, demoniacs)
2)How does the life of Jesus inspire you to follow him more?
Be For Each Other:
1)Who is someone in your life that you need to reahc out to more?
2)Who is someone NOT in your friend group that Jesus is asking you to seek out?
3) What keeps you from being FOR more people?
Look Beyond Ourselves:
1) How is reaching out to those outside of our comfort zone looking beyond ourselves?
2) How can our groups benefit from brining people outside our friendship groups in?
Reflections:
1) How was MEA?
2) When is time you felt accepted in the last two weeks? Rejected?
In my experience, we are taught that we must fight to protect ourselves. What if instead we made it our mission to include everyone? This is radical thinking to say the least. The only way to really break down cliques is to include more people. How realitic is this? What stands in our way? What if we just don't like someone? These questions lead me to think - is there ANYONE that Jesus doesn't like? I don't theologically have an answer for us, but I do feel that Jesus likes everyone, loves everyone. He does so much that he died for EVERYONE. As intense this is, I believe we are called and wired to reach out to people that we don't NATURALLY like. I think when we have that experience, it is the POWER of the Holy Spirit that leads us to a relationship with difficult people. Let us be passionate about all people in general and let's let that passion truly change our worlds.
Questions:
Follow Jesus:
1)Who did Jesus reach out to even though others wouldn't? (Lepers, sinning women, demoniacs)
2)How does the life of Jesus inspire you to follow him more?
Be For Each Other:
1)Who is someone in your life that you need to reahc out to more?
2)Who is someone NOT in your friend group that Jesus is asking you to seek out?
3) What keeps you from being FOR more people?
Look Beyond Ourselves:
1) How is reaching out to those outside of our comfort zone looking beyond ourselves?
2) How can our groups benefit from brining people outside our friendship groups in?
Reflections:
1) How was MEA?
2) When is time you felt accepted in the last two weeks? Rejected?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
No Elevate Wednesday October 17th
So dont show up!......unless you want to pretend your Johnny and Paul
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Click. Rejection. 10-10-07
Click. Rejection. 10-10-07
Hey gang, this is John.
I feel a bit unprepared. Usually I am well versed in the topics covered at Elevate. However, I have had to collect stories from people like John Eppel, Chris Moore, and Paddy Carroll about this week’s topic – rejection. Okay, I’m just kidding. All of us have experienced rejection at some point in our lives – and if you’re like me, it was extremely tough and discouraging.
I think this topic is all the more important when talking to students at Elevate because of their age and place in life. When I think about my own life, and a time when I was most likely the worst version of myself, it was middle school. Everyone is trying to etch out his or her identity, and typically for us dudes that means being the tough, funny, cool guy -which is usually done at the expense of others. I know this definitely goes on in high school, but middle school is such a formative and fragile time for these kids. We will talk much more about this during my message and in our small groups.
What we will be talking about the most next week is the undeniable worth of every human being. That as children of God we are royalty, and should treat each other as such. Paul touched on this at the end of his message last week, and we are really going to drive it home again when talking about rejection. For those of you who were around last year you know this is something I am very passionate about!
I know this won’t be a pleasant stroll down memory lane but nonetheless begin thinking of times when you were rejected. Be prepared to share those with your group. How that made you feel, etc…Be open and vulnerable. Again, we all have these stories and the more open you are the more open your group will be.
Be for each other.
1. Share a time when you were rejected. How did that make you feel?
2. Share a time when you rejected another person. Why did you do it? How did that make them feel? How did you feel about it after?
Look beyond ourselves
1. Why do we reject people?
2. What kinds of people usually get rejected?
3. What are the consequences of being rejected and rejecting others?
Follow Jesus
1. As Paul talked about Jesus was the ultimate “accepter” of people. Why do you think that is? If you think about it, he is the only person to walk the earth who actually was “better” than everyone else, yet he took the role of a servant and loved the people that society rejected.
2. Why is it so hard to accept people sometimes? Really, what do we have to loose?
3. How can we become more like Jesus in how we treat others?
Hey gang, this is John.
I feel a bit unprepared. Usually I am well versed in the topics covered at Elevate. However, I have had to collect stories from people like John Eppel, Chris Moore, and Paddy Carroll about this week’s topic – rejection. Okay, I’m just kidding. All of us have experienced rejection at some point in our lives – and if you’re like me, it was extremely tough and discouraging.
I think this topic is all the more important when talking to students at Elevate because of their age and place in life. When I think about my own life, and a time when I was most likely the worst version of myself, it was middle school. Everyone is trying to etch out his or her identity, and typically for us dudes that means being the tough, funny, cool guy -which is usually done at the expense of others. I know this definitely goes on in high school, but middle school is such a formative and fragile time for these kids. We will talk much more about this during my message and in our small groups.
What we will be talking about the most next week is the undeniable worth of every human being. That as children of God we are royalty, and should treat each other as such. Paul touched on this at the end of his message last week, and we are really going to drive it home again when talking about rejection. For those of you who were around last year you know this is something I am very passionate about!
I know this won’t be a pleasant stroll down memory lane but nonetheless begin thinking of times when you were rejected. Be prepared to share those with your group. How that made you feel, etc…Be open and vulnerable. Again, we all have these stories and the more open you are the more open your group will be.
Be for each other.
1. Share a time when you were rejected. How did that make you feel?
2. Share a time when you rejected another person. Why did you do it? How did that make them feel? How did you feel about it after?
Look beyond ourselves
1. Why do we reject people?
2. What kinds of people usually get rejected?
3. What are the consequences of being rejected and rejecting others?
Follow Jesus
1. As Paul talked about Jesus was the ultimate “accepter” of people. Why do you think that is? If you think about it, he is the only person to walk the earth who actually was “better” than everyone else, yet he took the role of a servant and loved the people that society rejected.
2. Why is it so hard to accept people sometimes? Really, what do we have to loose?
3. How can we become more like Jesus in how we treat others?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Click Series, Wednesday October 3, 2007
We are beginning our new series Click. This Wednesday we will start with the thoughts of being accepted. Schools have groups in them known as cliques that are made up of a certain type of individaul. Cliques have a remarkable power to make you feel like you have the world on a string or feel like you belong on Mars because you dont fit in anywhere on earth. They can lead to extreme happiness or intense depression. Since we're starting on accepted we'll be discussing the positive impact of acceptance and the dangers of having to be accepted to feel like you belong. I'm not sure why we decided to call the series click instead of clique, but what they hay.
Be For Each Other
1. Think of a moment when you were accepted by someone or something that meant the world to you.
2. Why did it have such a significant impact? Focus on the feeling it gave you.
Follow Jesus
1. Think of all the friends and intresting people He met. Was there anyone he didn't accept?
2. Why is this?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Remember back to that amazing feeling of acceptance back in the first question? How can you give another person that amazing acceptance.
2. Remember we are no better or cooler than anyone else. In what way's can you remember this when faced with an opportunity to accept or reject?
Reflections
1. Since John's talk last week have you come upon a tough experiece that cause you grow and mature?
Be For Each Other
1. Think of a moment when you were accepted by someone or something that meant the world to you.
2. Why did it have such a significant impact? Focus on the feeling it gave you.
Follow Jesus
1. Think of all the friends and intresting people He met. Was there anyone he didn't accept?
2. Why is this?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Remember back to that amazing feeling of acceptance back in the first question? How can you give another person that amazing acceptance.
2. Remember we are no better or cooler than anyone else. In what way's can you remember this when faced with an opportunity to accept or reject?
Reflections
1. Since John's talk last week have you come upon a tough experiece that cause you grow and mature?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Wednesday September 26th
To get the blueberries something has to get burned.
Hey gang, this is John
In the first week of this series IGNITE Kyle talked about something that really resonated with my life and journey. He mentioned that after the destruction of a forest fire new life is given a chance to grow. Light can now shine through to places that were once shaded by the canopy of the trees. (I’m sure you can already begin to see the spiritual implications.)
It is with this theme in mind that I want to expand and end our series IGNITE. I’m sure that as you think about the anticipation and excitement that fills the SIC (student impact center) on Wednesday nights the last thing that seems fitting to talk about are hard times -keeping with the theme – times were we have been burned. However, as counterintuitive (or backwards) as it may seem, our most difficult and challenging times can be our most formative and life-changing
We will not delve into the theological debate as to whether God creates hardships in our lives intentionally – endless amounts of talks, books, lectures, etc., have yet to settle it and we’re certainly not going to try in one night at Elevate. However, it is very clear that God uses these times to bring us closer to him and do life-changing work in us.
Be For Each Other
1. As a group share times that have been really challenging?
2. Looking back, did any of those times shape who you are today? Did anything good come out of them?
Follow Jesus
1. Jesus makes clear that just because we follow him doesn’t mean we won’t experience hard times. During these times in your life did you feel closer or farther away from God?
2. How can we lean into God during hard times and look for “new growth/life” opportunities in the midst of the fire?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Most often God works through people, aka us. Therefore, it is up to us to BE Jesus to our friends, family, and even the World when they are going through difficult times. What are ways we can BE Jesus to other people during these times?
Reflections on last week
1. Last week Paul talked about people in our lives that IGNITED us, and challenged us to emulate (be) that ignition to, and for, other people. How have you ignited those around you in the past week?
Hey gang, this is John
In the first week of this series IGNITE Kyle talked about something that really resonated with my life and journey. He mentioned that after the destruction of a forest fire new life is given a chance to grow. Light can now shine through to places that were once shaded by the canopy of the trees. (I’m sure you can already begin to see the spiritual implications.)
It is with this theme in mind that I want to expand and end our series IGNITE. I’m sure that as you think about the anticipation and excitement that fills the SIC (student impact center) on Wednesday nights the last thing that seems fitting to talk about are hard times -keeping with the theme – times were we have been burned. However, as counterintuitive (or backwards) as it may seem, our most difficult and challenging times can be our most formative and life-changing
We will not delve into the theological debate as to whether God creates hardships in our lives intentionally – endless amounts of talks, books, lectures, etc., have yet to settle it and we’re certainly not going to try in one night at Elevate. However, it is very clear that God uses these times to bring us closer to him and do life-changing work in us.
Be For Each Other
1. As a group share times that have been really challenging?
2. Looking back, did any of those times shape who you are today? Did anything good come out of them?
Follow Jesus
1. Jesus makes clear that just because we follow him doesn’t mean we won’t experience hard times. During these times in your life did you feel closer or farther away from God?
2. How can we lean into God during hard times and look for “new growth/life” opportunities in the midst of the fire?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Most often God works through people, aka us. Therefore, it is up to us to BE Jesus to our friends, family, and even the World when they are going through difficult times. What are ways we can BE Jesus to other people during these times?
Reflections on last week
1. Last week Paul talked about people in our lives that IGNITED us, and challenged us to emulate (be) that ignition to, and for, other people. How have you ignited those around you in the past week?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Questions for Wednesday September 19, 2007
Be For Each Other
1. What are some things that gets you and your friends FIRED up?
2. Name a phase that you got caught up in and why you had to be a part of that phase?
Follow Jesus
1. What was so attractive about Christ that made people come to Him?
2. What draws you personally to Jesus and what do you admire about Him?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. How can you show other students Jesus and spread the FIRE about Him?
2. In what ways do you see the staff showing Christ to others, if at all?
Reflections
1. Last week Kyle talked about spreading Jesus’ love like wildfire, how have you done this?
1. What are some things that gets you and your friends FIRED up?
2. Name a phase that you got caught up in and why you had to be a part of that phase?
Follow Jesus
1. What was so attractive about Christ that made people come to Him?
2. What draws you personally to Jesus and what do you admire about Him?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. How can you show other students Jesus and spread the FIRE about Him?
2. In what ways do you see the staff showing Christ to others, if at all?
Reflections
1. Last week Kyle talked about spreading Jesus’ love like wildfire, how have you done this?
Wednesday September 19, 2007
Kyle talked last Wednesday night with an emphasis on fuel for our fire, and what is the catalyst to our passion like oxygen is to fire. This week we’re digging a little deeper into the vortex that is theology and focusing on bringing that passion to our relationships, particularly our friends and people we meet.
Was there ever a person in your life that you really looked up to or aspired to be like? Conceivably it was an older sibling or classmate, maybe even a teacher or youth leader. Whoever the person was, there was an unarguable presence and character about them that attracted you. Maybe you liked the way they treated you or maybe they had all the cool possessions, perhaps they just took the time to talk to you and made you feel like you belonged. Unquestionably however, was that persons affect on you, you wanted to be their friend, you wanted to be around them and maybe even be like them. Jesus had that affect on people. People would come from different places and walks of life to see Him and get to know Him. They would freak out and get His attention by any means, look at Zacchaeus climbing thee old sycamore.
How can we bring this excitement and passion to other so they can get to know Jesus. Last week was about getting excited ourselves and this we’ is bout “brinin’ the noise, halla at ya boy.” We’re looking at Jeremiah 23:29
29"Is not My word like (A)fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a (B)hammer which shatters
a rock?
How can we get God’s love to spread like a little pair of spandex on a big biker? The truth is that it could be different depending upon where we go. Think about this, put on some spandex, and we’ll see you Wednesday night. God Bless, Paul Maloney
Was there ever a person in your life that you really looked up to or aspired to be like? Conceivably it was an older sibling or classmate, maybe even a teacher or youth leader. Whoever the person was, there was an unarguable presence and character about them that attracted you. Maybe you liked the way they treated you or maybe they had all the cool possessions, perhaps they just took the time to talk to you and made you feel like you belonged. Unquestionably however, was that persons affect on you, you wanted to be their friend, you wanted to be around them and maybe even be like them. Jesus had that affect on people. People would come from different places and walks of life to see Him and get to know Him. They would freak out and get His attention by any means, look at Zacchaeus climbing thee old sycamore.
How can we bring this excitement and passion to other so they can get to know Jesus. Last week was about getting excited ourselves and this we’ is bout “brinin’ the noise, halla at ya boy.” We’re looking at Jeremiah 23:29
29"Is not My word like (A)fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a (B)hammer which shatters
a rock?
How can we get God’s love to spread like a little pair of spandex on a big biker? The truth is that it could be different depending upon where we go. Think about this, put on some spandex, and we’ll see you Wednesday night. God Bless, Paul Maloney
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Conversation Thoughts Continued for Ignite - September 12
Hey team!
These are the thoughts that were supposed to accompany the conversation questions. Sorry they are coming in this order! Thanks for your patience as we together navigate this new system. Hopefully the conversation questions will make a little more sense!
John answered them all, "I'll baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Luke 3:16
Last week, I was awakened by the LORD at 4:00 a.m. I could not sleep and the list of things I needed to do grew long in my mind. It made me think of a t-shirt I once heard about: "Why count sheep when you can count on the shepherd?" Might sound cheesy, but also pretty great theology. At any rate, when the LORD awoke me, my first thoughts were about this week's kick-off. We had decided to call kick-off IGNITE, and I started to think about forest fires, how they ignite, and the incredible damage that they do.
This past summer, the Gunflint Trail was ablaze for days because of the carelessness of a match-obsessed camper. It still amazes me that one small flick of a match can cause such devastation, but it can, and does. We read about places west that have wildfires every year. We read that the fire is necessary for the earth to recreate itself.
The next thought I had was about my faith and the song, "Light the Fire." How is it that Jesus baptizes us with fire and His Spirit burns within us, but so often we feel cold and dead inside? How does that fire go out? How does the wildfire keep burning in the wilderness? In a word - oxygen(air - you chemistry people can correct me if I'm wrong.) keeps that flicker alive and burning into an absolute force of nature. For me, the question has become this: If Jesus' Holy Spirit is my fire, who or what is my oxygen? What keeps me burning so that not only my life looks different, but so does the world that I encounter? I would love us to explore that thought. What is your oxygen? What keeps your Holy Spirit Jesus fire burning bright? For me, and many of you know this, it is people that are my oxygen. It can't be all that (people) because the Hebrew word for breath is ruah, and the same word ruah is Hebrew for Spirit. They are one in the same!
These are the thoughts that were supposed to accompany the conversation questions. Sorry they are coming in this order! Thanks for your patience as we together navigate this new system. Hopefully the conversation questions will make a little more sense!
John answered them all, "I'll baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Luke 3:16
Last week, I was awakened by the LORD at 4:00 a.m. I could not sleep and the list of things I needed to do grew long in my mind. It made me think of a t-shirt I once heard about: "Why count sheep when you can count on the shepherd?" Might sound cheesy, but also pretty great theology. At any rate, when the LORD awoke me, my first thoughts were about this week's kick-off. We had decided to call kick-off IGNITE, and I started to think about forest fires, how they ignite, and the incredible damage that they do.
This past summer, the Gunflint Trail was ablaze for days because of the carelessness of a match-obsessed camper. It still amazes me that one small flick of a match can cause such devastation, but it can, and does. We read about places west that have wildfires every year. We read that the fire is necessary for the earth to recreate itself.
The next thought I had was about my faith and the song, "Light the Fire." How is it that Jesus baptizes us with fire and His Spirit burns within us, but so often we feel cold and dead inside? How does that fire go out? How does the wildfire keep burning in the wilderness? In a word - oxygen(air - you chemistry people can correct me if I'm wrong.) keeps that flicker alive and burning into an absolute force of nature. For me, the question has become this: If Jesus' Holy Spirit is my fire, who or what is my oxygen? What keeps me burning so that not only my life looks different, but so does the world that I encounter? I would love us to explore that thought. What is your oxygen? What keeps your Holy Spirit Jesus fire burning bright? For me, and many of you know this, it is people that are my oxygen. It can't be all that (people) because the Hebrew word for breath is ruah, and the same word ruah is Hebrew for Spirit. They are one in the same!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Here is the Conversation for Wednesday September 12, 2007
Be for Each Other
1. Introduce yourselves. Have everyone share their favorite something. For instance, favorite movie, book, song, mood to be in.
Follow Jesus
1. What is your oxygen that keeps you excited about Jesus?
2. What are some thoughts you have about following Jesus this year?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Kyle talked about our lives spreading like wildfire. How can you live your life so that you are spreading Jesus everywhere you go?
2. How is this looking beyond ourselves?
Reflections
1. What was your favorite memory from your summer?
2. How have the first few days of school gone?
Be for Each Other
1. Introduce yourselves. Have everyone share their favorite something. For instance, favorite movie, book, song, mood to be in.
Follow Jesus
1. What is your oxygen that keeps you excited about Jesus?
2. What are some thoughts you have about following Jesus this year?
Look Beyond Ourselves
1. Kyle talked about our lives spreading like wildfire. How can you live your life so that you are spreading Jesus everywhere you go?
2. How is this looking beyond ourselves?
Reflections
1. What was your favorite memory from your summer?
2. How have the first few days of school gone?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Elevate Middle School
Hey and welcome to our very own blogspot. Elevate leaders this is where we will be posting questions updates and events, what have you. Feel free to give it a test drive and stay connected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)