Wednesday, May 1, 2013
I shopped this week for my nerd costume. Oh yeah. I’m going to win.
Our youth activity in a couple days will be awesome. We’ve never done this before, so there’s always the questions of what we’re going to do and who’s going to go, but who cares? Just come and find out. We’re going to eat, play games, have fun and have a devotion, so come with your $5 and enjoy the night.
By the way, if you’re thinking it’s going to be like the prom… not even close. This is a church youth activity. Every youth activity we do as a youth group is going to be helpful in some way to you. We don’t put the work into a youth activity (and believe me, they’re a lot of work!) just to kill time in our week. Every youth activity is meant to help you in some way. Even Knott’s. J
Seriously, though. Knott’s is one of a few activities that has no “spiritual” emphasis through the day—no devotion, no preaching, no singing… just fun! It’s a time to get away, enjoy each other’s company, get a good deal on a theme park, bring guests, and just hang out. A trip like camp is totally spiritual. Yes, it’s meant to be fun, but the point of the week isn’t the fun, it’s the week of preaching. If you don’t like that, there’s something wrong! If you’d rather sit at home and play your game system, have at it, but you will not be better off spiritually if you miss the week of preaching.
Sometimes activities will just help you make memories without regrets. Activities like the Heartland Trip are meant to expose you to Bible college and challenge you through preaching and fellowship. The Preaching Rally is totally spiritual, and is meant to provide you with the chance to serve others and hear good preaching. There’s a little bit of a fun aspect to the Preaching Rally with the games and skits, but it’s mostly meant to be a spiritual emphasis. The Beach Bash is a fun time, but we emphasize the testimonies and devotion around the campfire even more. The Bonfire night at Pastor’s is a fun time of games, but we always close out the evening with a devotion and testimonies.
ALL of what we do is intentional. We mean everything we say and try to be deliberate in every activity we host. If you think, “Nah. This will be boring… this won’t do me any good… this is stupid…” you’re kind of hurting yourself. You don’t know. You have no idea how God could use even an activity to challenge your heart in some way.
I’m NOT saying that every activity will be life-changing. I AM saying that you should be involved in them even if you don’t see the point. The point is—there’s a point to our activities. They’re all meant to help you in some way.
See you this Friday. Nerds!
-Bro. Ryan
SETUP TABLES –Tonight after church. If you can, please stay after services to help set up tables and chairs for our anniversary services.
MORP – “Nerd Night” – $5 – This Friday, May 3 – 6-8pm – Banquet style meal. Come dressed in your best nerdy costume and you could win the grand prize.
CAMPING TRIP – Please see the signup sheet. $15. Tent camping. Friday May 24 after school – Saturday May 25. Bring sack lunch for Friday night dinner.
PROMOTION SUNDAY – It’s coming up soon! We’ll have the new 7th graders (the current 6th graders) AND the new interns (Bro. Garrett and Bro. Tim) in our class on Sunday, June 2. Be sure to be kind and welcoming (Love God. Love others. Do right).