All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

Think of all the things you want and already have in your life. All the material things.  All the things you over-packed in that very large suitcase. Do you need it all?  At this point of the trip if you were to evaluate all the things you packed, what would be on the list of things you could have left at home? Come on… there has to be something. 

Now a different question… Is there anything you forgot? What is that one thing that you really meant to grab on your way out the door but forgot in all the excitement? Is it something that can be replaced in a trip to Wal-Mart?

I hope no one left anything behind but the truth is that in all the excitement of getting ready for a trip with close friends like Choir Tour there is one thing that is easily left behind.  Luckily it is not something that goes in your suitcase. 

Besides forming relationships and memories, the purpose of choir tour is to share the love and magic of Christ with others.  Did you forget to pack your Christ-like heart or your willingness to serve? As choir tour comes to a close it is not late to unpack your faith and give it all to God.  With every song we sing and every person we come in contact with, what can you do or say to show them that Christ is more than enough for you and your life? How can you encourage them to realize God is all they need in their lives as well?

“Amazing Grace” by John Newton
 

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believ’d! 

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. 

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below, Will be forever mine. 

Amazing Grace is one of the all time great songs, much less hymns of the church.  Even non-religious people know of the power of the song “Amazing Grace.”  PBS has done a fantastic documentary about the power of the song.  Its words cut extremely deep into the hearts of many.  Over 1800 different artists have a version of it on sell on-line.  Its popularity has stunned and amazed and it is sung at countless funerals as a reminder of the truth of its message.

And all of it is because the hymn is an amazing declaration of faith in God’s magnificent power and love.  The song reminds us of the fact of what Scripture has taught: that all have fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  None of us is righteous enough for God.  None of us is good enough for God.  None of us is perfect.  And yet, his amazing grace means God is true to us in spite of it all. 

And it speaks the truth about what life is like: full of toils, dangers and snares, of a wearying, short mortal life that we will all have to deal with.  And in its place God has offered to be our shield, our portion, our protector and our Savior.

And it speaks all of this because it was written by a man who knew of the sorrow of turning from a life of sin.  John Newton was a slave trader, a man of a despicable character and reputation.  And yet, in his moment of need, God heard his call, and gave him the promised new life that God offers us all.  Because of grace, Newton becomes a man of faith, a pastor, writer, teacher and one who worked to undo the sins he had done. 

Today, be reminded that all of us are ultimately dependant of the grace of God.  Without his grace, we don’t have life, hope, promise or even the blessings we have today.  God’s grace is amazing and definitely worth us singing about.

Ephesians 2:4.5: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

We still don’t have a solid internet connection for uploading pictures so I am sorry for that.  There is a Starbucks near Hemenway UMC in Evanston, which is serving as our Chicago home, so I may hit it up early tomorrow or late tonight.  Since we last spoke…

Monday, we divided into various teams.  All did their jobs well.  I especially wanted to lift up the demolition of a garage that was accomplished using nothing but hammers, crow bars and one ax.  The devastation was pretty amazing!  Know of something you want demolished?  We may be just the people you need!

Yesterday, we loaded early and left from Cedar Point.  But before we did, we spent some time in the sanctuary of the Nehemiah Center in Cleveland.  The Center is basically a church that was decommissioned in December and it shows the wear and tear of being in slow decline for a number of years.  And yet, it sits in the middle of a thriving, vibrant community.  Pastor Phil led us all in prayer at the altar, as we prayed that the wind of the Holy Spirit would blow again in the people necessary to make that church both a congregation and a neighborhood outreach again.  (And I have to say how thankful I am that Pastor Phil took this week to come and be with us on this adventure.  Not a lot of senior pastors would do that and I think it has helped him get a clearer picture of the youth ministry and the students at Bethelehem.)

The theme park was amazing.  Tons of fun photos, stories of death defying rides and long waits in line.  Everyone seemed throughly taken with the day.  We then loaded up and headed to Hemenway UMC in Evanston.  It was a late arrival, made slightly interesting because Zhon Paul, our fantastically amazing bus driver, realized that the bus would lose its roof if we didn’t find an alternative route.  So we are here now, eating breakfast, heading to the YMCA for showers and then on to a full day at a center that helps developmentally challenged adults.  Keep us in your prayers.  The long road home is starting to loom in front of us on Saturday and a celebration of what God is doing in our midst will happen on Sunday at the one service at 10:45 AM. 

”Above All” by Michael W. Smith 

Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Crucified laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a Rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all                                 

Have you ever felt like you were on top of the world? Everything was going your way and you were almost untouchable? It’s easy to feel that way sometimes.  Especially after some things like maybe a good grade on a test, getting the summer job you really wanted, the boyfriend you’ve been crushing on for weeks, and it’s definitely easy to feel this way when the summer starts or you just graduated high school.

Today we are all excited about going to the amusement park for the rides, roller coasters, and thrills of new heights and dare-devil stunts.  But I’m sure if we are honest with ourselves there is at least a small part of us that is afraid of the loopty-loop surprises and fast drops from stories high.  Once the ride is done and we realize we survived the danger, the excitement begins again with the thinking that we are untouchable. 

It is in those moments when we must rely on God most.

In the moments where we seem on top of the world is the time when it can be easiest to fall.  But remember that God IS our strength.  Without him true happiness and success are not possible.  The untouchable feeling means nothing unless you have Christ holding you up and standing by your side.

-Jason

Often in life, reflection on the past is a beneficial form of passing the time.  By studying history, past mistakes are avoided, and heroic efforts are remembered. Today we were gifted with the opportunity to reflect on the historical creation of two prominent factors of modern culture: Football, and Rock ‘N’ Roll.

            We visited the Football Hall of Fame and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame, located in Canton and Cleveland, respectively. While I personally am not an avid follower of the sport, I certainly respect those talented enough to be inducted into its Hall. And looking for and subsequently finding those stars of the game that made it into popular culture (The beloved Coca Cola ad with Mean Joe Greene- “Hey kid, catch” and one of my personal favorite Saturday Night Live sketches, idolizing Mike Ditka- “Da Bears”) was a fun activity that I spent most of my time there engaged in.

            Then came the Hall of Fame dedicated to that most “rebellious” genre, Rock and Roll. So much of American culture springs from and then feeds back into the musical styles of Rock, Blues, and all of their various offshoots and subgenres. And in the same way that Rock ‘N’ Roll is no mere score of notes on a page, its Hall of Fame is no mere corridor. Five floors were required to display the numerous historical points in the musical and cultural history of the genre, going all the way back to its roots in African Spirituals, good ol’ Dixie Tunes, noting the advent of the greats like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, to Beatlemania with the appearance of the foursome from Liverpool, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen; revolutionaries, unafraid of the distaste with witch they were looked upon by parts of their society. Not unlike a certain man who held a similar viewpoint approximately two thousand years ago. And while their message wasn’t the same, their work achieved the same thing: changing the way people looked at the world.

            We also sang in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the setup for which was rather harrowing, but the end result of which went rather well in my somewhat-less-than-professional opinion as A Clear Voice’s sound engineer. We drew a relatively substantial crowd, which means we must’ve been doing something right, or that the area in front of the stage was popular for regrouping and resting. Either way, people heard us, and since that’s what we set out to do, I’d call it a success.

            We then returned to the church for a game of “Clean up your mess you hoodlums!” I’m actually amidst fixing an enthusiastically leaking faucet in the men’s room, which involves an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the average tap, and between myself, and the house intern Aaron (possibly misspelled, I haven’t seen his name written) I think we’ll get it figured out.

                                                                                                            -Andy P.

“How Great is Our God” by Chris Tomlin

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice and trembles at his voice

Name above all names
You are Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing how great is our God 

Today, we are heading out to not one but two hall of fames.  We will get to see some of our athletic heroes and some of our musical heroes.  I have never been to either but I am prepared to be amazed by their size and scope.  Some might argue they are modern day cathedrals, shrines to the things that we love most. 

And in the midst of it, we need to be reminded of the fact that we honor the One that is greater than all others.  The song “How Great is Our God” reminds us of this idea in its amazing lyrics.  Think about what the lyrics say: He holds time in his hands, He wasn’t just at the Beginning and the End- He is it!  So how do we remind ourselves of this in our daily lives.  Here are some ideas:

• Give of ourselves to others.  It is hard to be focused on ourselves when we are helping others.  This week we have already had a chance to do that and we are going to have some more opportunities.
• Read God’s word.  It is a drum I beat all the time but it is impossible for me to deny the awesomeness of God when I am reading his word, hearing his voice and seeking to understand him.
• Pay attention!  As we have already read this week, all of creation announces the glorious nature of our God.  When is the last time you just sat outside and were still?   As the song says “All the earth rejoices” about how great our God is.
• Invite other people into the work of God.  Some people genuinely haven’t come to hear and understand how great God is, of how deep his love for us is, and that the church is trying to show that to the world.  Who can you invite along in this journey? 

So in the midst of arguments like who was the best quarterback of all time or whether you love Zepplin or the Who more, remember that the greatest, the One with the name above all names is our Creator who loves us!

A thousand times I’ve failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I’m caught in your grace 

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out 

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out 

What does it mean to love God from the inside out?

Today is a workday.  Not a day of singing but a day we show love to others by serving and working for them.  We may never know the impact we have on the people we meet today.  They may not voice their appreciation for the work we will do.  We may not even meet those that our work is really benefiting.  In cases like these this is the time that we should ask ourselves, “Why are we doing the work? What’s the point?” 

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

The work we do today is an outward sign to others of us living our lives inside out for Christ. As we work, think about what it means to live and love Christ from the inside out.  Is the work you do and the life you live an example of that truly humble love?

Things are going swimmingly.  The choir sounded fantastic this morning as we led at the worship services for 3rd through 5th graders, led by Lindsay, Sarah Beth and Maggie on solos.  We are about to do dinner.  Amber has had to step in to head up this cooking session because I have sliced my finger pretty good.  Ann Jordan patched me up, as she is the nurse hero on this trip.

Here are some reports from a couple students:

Choir Tour 2008
14, June
Day 1:
Destination- Ginghamsburg UMC Tripp City, OH
Estimated Travel- 6 hrs. 30 mins.

 By: Lindsay

Today we left around 9 a.m. for a long bus ride. A close to 7 hr. bus dr. may not be ideal for many, but when you sleep most of the way it is not too bad! When we arrived at Ginghamsburg UMC we got there just in time for their wonderful church service. After the church service we headed into one of the back buildings to find our sleeping spots. We got settled in my group went to cook dinner. We cooked meatball subs and salad. (Talk about eating messy!! Haha) After we ate the church’s high school students came to hang out at their weekly Saturday night event. They had a skate park, coffee shop, a gym, and a place called “Club Ignite”. We finally got in the showers by 12:00 and got to sleep around one. Hope you all are doing well! Thanks to Ginghamsburg UMC for hosting us!!!    

Choir Tour 2008
15, June
Day 2:
Destination – Nehemiah Center Cleveland, OH
Estimated Travel – 4hrs. 50min.

By: Jonathan

Waking up at 6:00 a.m. is not ideal for the summer. We got dressed and packed our luggage. Afterwards, we went to the coffee shop to eat breakfast. We waited for 45 minutes before our first performance. After each performance, we hung out in the coffee shop. After our third and final performance, we loaded luggage, food, and musical equipment onto the bus. Around 12:40p.m. we departed for Cleveland, OH. While traveling to Cleveland, we stopped at a nearby Wal-Mart. Soon enough, we finally arrived at the Nehemiah Center. It amazes me how God has allowed us to travel safely from one destination to another. Today, our performances were amazing and hopefully the rest will be even more amazing. Well I hope all the folks back home are safe and sound.

P.S. - Jesus Is Just Alright –

Each day's devotion is being published here for you all to follow with us is you would like! 

“God of Wonders” by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong

Lord of all creation, of water, earth and sky
The Heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory To the Lord on high

Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)

What do think of when you hear the title of this song “God of Wonders”? It’s amazing we think of wonders as things we won’t be able to see in our life. But God’s wonders are everywhere, just look around you: the colors of the landscape you will see looking out the bus windows, waves crashing on the ocean shores, the first snow of the Christmas season, and, believe it or not, even you.

 Still sometimes we can forget about all of this and just go on with life waiting for what we think a God wonder is when they are all around us. Even one of the great men of faith in the Bible, Job, forgot that. Listen to what God says to him:

“Job, are you listening? Have you noticed all this? Stop in your tracks! Take in God’s miracle-wonders! Do you have any idea how God does it all, how he makes bright lightning from dark storms, how he piles up the cumulus clouds all these miracle-wonders of a perfect Mind?
Why, you don’t even know how to keep cool on a sweltering hot day, So how could you even dream of making a dent in that hot-tin-roof sky? If you’re so smart, give us a lesson in how to address God. We’re in the dark and can’t figure it out. Do you think I’m dumb enough to challenge God? Wouldn’t that just be asking for trouble? No one in his right mind stares straight at the sun on a clear and cloudless day. As gold comes from the northern mountains, so a terrible beauty streams from God.” Job 37: 14-22

So today as you are on the road to our next destination, look out the window or just let your mind wonder about the different things you might take for granted everyday that are actually one of the many wonders God has created. Maybe even stop in your tracks just to recognize what all God has done in your life.

“Take a good look at God’s wonders they’ll take your breath away. He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn’t that cause for a song?”            Psalms 66:5 (Message)

Sorry for the late update on this first day of Youth Choir Tour 2008.  It has been a crazy busy day in a good way. 

If a student were writing, I am sure that they would talk about the welcome we have received from Ginghamsburg UMC.  We were cutting it close but made it with time to spare for their 5 PM worship service.  The road was uneventful for the most part as we traveled, listened to music, played cards and watched the second Fantastic Four movie.

The service at Ginghamsburg was really great.  The music was very contemporary and there was a song that they sang that was a crowd favorite from River of Life a year ago.  The speaker for the evening was a guest pastor from Virginia and he did a wonderful message from the book of Hebrews.  I was really touched especially by the all male choir on this Father’s Day weekend.  It was really great.  

We then got to spend the night at the Avenue, which may be the new dream youth facility for the youth group.  It is probably three basketball courts large, with one being a basketball court, one being a skate park and one being rooms covered with a deck full of video games, ping pong and pool.  They also have a dance area and a coffee shop area.  It is a pretty amazing place that they built and use it as a community outreach for middle school students (400+ last night!) and high schoolers (around 50 tonight.)  It is great to see a church have such an amazing vision for reach the lost students of their community. 

We also used the kitchen of the Avenue to cook dinner.  For a variety of reasons, this tour, we are doing food differently and are having reams of 7-8 students help cook each night.  Tonight, we rocked meatball subs and salad; it was a fan favorite, with one student even demanding it on into the regular rotation of snack suppers!  I was seriously encouraged by their hard work and the encouragements of their peers/

It is always the little things that I see that encourage me on Choir Tour.  Things like a much more gifted older student sitting out for part of a basketball game so a younger, less talented player can play, an older girl dragging a younger girl on to the dance floor to have  a good time and seeing them respond to God in worship.  Hope everyone has a fantastic time tomorrow!

We are up early (7 AM Eastern!) and singing at three services of 3^rd through 5^th graders.  I hope they see in all of us a glimpse of what God can do in the next stage of their lives! 

And dads- Happy Father’s Day!  Thanks for letting us take your kids away to sing, service and grow.  We hope they come back truly changed!  Lastly, I for sure will try and update a little more and have some students share.  Thanks for your prayers!

“Lord I Life Your Name on High” by Rick Founds

Lord I lift Your Name on High,
Lord I love to sing Your praises,
I’m so glad You’re in my life,
I’m so glad You came to save us.

You came from Heaven to Earth,
To show The Way,
From the Earth to The Cross,
My debt You paid,
From The Cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky,
Lord I lift Your Name on High!

First morning of CT08! It’s going to be an awesome week, hanging out with friends going to new places; Chicago, Cleveland, Cedar Point, and many more! Not only do we get to do all that but we also get to do exactly what this song says, we are traveling around to lift up the name of the Lord. I know you might be thinking “What can this accomplish?!? We are just singing.” Check this out:

“Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:  "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."  As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.” 2 Chronicles 20: 20-23 (NIV)

That is what singing praise to the Lord can do. You may not realize it but we are doing a powerful thing this week. Just look at what happened when King Jehoshaphat trusted the Lord and sang praise to him; they took out a whole army without lifting a sword! This week we aren’t trying to destroy an army, but we are trying to glorify the God of the universe who can do things beyond your imagination. So just remember as we go along this week what we are on tour for.  Yes, we want to have fun with our friends and see new places, but the number one thing that we do is sing praise and give glory to the name of Jesus As the psalmist said:

“Shout your praises to God, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!” Psalms 98:4 (MSG)

Let’s lift his name up high this week!                                             

This week, a couple quick notes:

-          We are running out on time to get your choir tour money in!  This week a packing list and permission/release forms are being sent out.  Watch the mail for them or we may try and hand them out on Wednesday for those who are there.

-          The 15 minutes of hang time at the beginning of choir is cancelled this week.  But we are still gathering at 5:30 PM.  We need to do a complete run through of the show and need all the time we have.

-          No one is signed up for snack supper this week or the next couple of weeks.  Bring $3 if you can this week for pizza.  Parents, if you haven’t done a dinner this semester, we could use your help for June 4^th and June 11^th.  After choir tour, we will take a break with the dinners.

-          Girls- don’t forget the get together at Mrs. Nancy McNulty’s house this Wednesday before Youth Choir and Youth group.  Here is the information about it:  End of the Year Girls Swim Party at the McNultys: 1059 Barrel Springs Hollow  Wednesday, May 28 - 2:30 pm to 5:15 pm (Then on to youth choir.)  Cancelled if thunder/lighning kinda rain.  From the church…left on Old Hillsboro Road Travel out several miles past Old Natchez and then Del Rio Pike Next right on Barrel Springs Hollow…..3/4 mile on the left. Nancy McNulty.  791-6456 or cell at 582-0554

-          Our Youth Leadership Team meeting is this week at noon on Sunday!  Let me know if you plan on attending!

This week at Bethlehem Youth:

Wednesday

2:30 PM Girls Pool Party at McNulty’s house.

5:30 PM Youth Choir

6:30 PM Pizza dinner.  Bring $3 each if you are able!

7 PM Youth Group

Friday

There are no appropriate new films coming out for Film Friday.  Watch and pay attention, as we may rent something and do Film Friday at the church on Friday from 1-4 PM or so.

Sunday

8:15 and 10:45 AM Worship services

9:30 AM Sunday School

12 Noon- Youth Leadership Team

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #343
May 26, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Uh, That’s Funny?

===========our|sponsor===========

THE DARK POWER COLLECTION

Some doors are better left unopened. Some doors, you don’t want to find out what lies behind them. In the Forbidden Doors series by bestselling author Bill Myers, teenager Rebecca "Becka" Williams, her younger brother Scott, and her friend Ryan Riordan are swept into heart-stopping encounters with an all-too-real invisible world–a world fraught with deception and spiritual adversaries that promise goodness and enlightenment but will stop at nothing to destroy life, sanity, and human souls.

Learn more about the "Dark Power Collection" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=635

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/

===========our|sponsor===========
JESUS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO YOU
Listen to what Jesus has to say to you. In this 60-day devo you’ll receive daily letters from Jesus and spend some time journaling your thoughts back to him as you take part in the conversation.
Learn more about "Conversations with Jesus" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=319
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/
=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

THE OPPOSITION

TOPIC: Understanding the Enemy’s schemes

MAIN SCRIPTURES: "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)

"He was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44, NLT)

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 143:3-4; John 10:10; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:17

WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:

Satan will press you…he knows exactly which buttons to push. He’ll do anything to keep you from all that is worthy of your attention. He will attack your heart, the core of who you are. If anything is good or beautiful or life-giving, he’ll try to take it from you. Why? Because he’s afraid of you. He knows exactly who I have created you to be. You’re a threat to him!

Please understand how Satan works. His schemes may seem complex and twisted, but they’re actually quite childish and simple. He is just waving his arms around, shouting, "Look over here!" to distract you, scare you, and get you to take your eyes off me. He’ll do anything to keep you from the unfathomable love and great adventure I have for you.

He knows your weaknesses and insecurities. Does this sound familiar? "I can’t do that because…" or "I’m terrible at this…" or "They’re trying to hurt my feelings…" or "I’m not good enough," etc.? Do NOT listen or agree! That’s Satan! He strikes at the very core of your emotions, your insecurities, your identity.

Never respond by giving him your time or attention. Recognize the lies. Turn your eyes back to me. Remember who you are, who I made you to be. Don’t let him fool you. I will help you fight! We have already won the war. We can take him.

Your Defender, Jesus

SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Keep your eyes open…don’t let Satan get the best of you.
**
Taken from "Conversations with Jesus," copyright 2006 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=319

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/ **

2. SURF REPORT
~ Create Bands: For those of you with no musical talent or who just want to rock online
http://www.createbands.com/

~ Mr. PicassoHead: Be an artist
http://www.mrpicassohead.com/

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
50% of U.S. pizzas are sold with pepperoni on them.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live."
~ John Adams

"There’s no substitute for hard work."
~ Thomas Edison

5. UH, THAT’S FUNNY?
Gravity is studied a lot because it’s a very attractive field.

This week is full of our regular stuff as well as some opportunities for the weekend.

First off, Saturday, Feed America First is going to be having a potato drop here at Bethlehem from 8 AM until noon at the latest.  Potatoes will be taken, bagged and then distributed to the poor in the middle Tennessee area.  A great project if you have some service hours you still need to get to fulfill school stuff. 

Then on Sunday, we are having the church wide picnic.  It is going to be a great event, with a kids-adult softball game at 3 PM, a youth-adults softball game at 4:15 PM and dinner being served at 5:30 PM.  To get there from the church, head north on Hillsboro Road.  At the second light, take a left on to Sneed Road.  Take a right on to Vaughn Road, the first right after the Laurelbrooke subdivision, 1.9 miles from the turn from Sneed Road.  The entrance to Warner Park is on the left, just over a bridge.  The church will be in picnic area #11.

This week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
4:45 PM Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group

Saturday
8 AM Feed America First potato drop

Sunday
8:15 and 10:45 AM Worship services
9:30 AM Sunday School
3 PM Church-wide picnic

Upcoming dates:
May 4- Second choir deposit is due!  The balance will be due on the first Sunday in June!
June 14-22- Youth Choir Tour
June 23-27- Vacation Bible School
July 9-14- River of Life mission trip 

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #339
April 28, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Uh, That’s Funny?
===========our|sponsor===========
SERVE GOD BY SAVING THE PLANET
Our world is a mess. But you can help save our planet as you learn how to honor God in the choices you make and understand the impact those choices have on the environment.
Learn more about "It’s Easy Being Green" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/
=================================
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Last week we celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day…but the reality is that you can make choices to help save our planet every day of the year. So we’re continuing on with our "Green" theme this week.

DETECTOR GADGET

One of the certainties of our current world is technology. There are always new gizmos and gadgets. There are iPods and laptops and DVDs and CDs and PSPs and mp3s and cell phones and plasma screens and…the list just continues to grow. In this world there are always new technologies. And the way we relate to them has a huge effect on the environment.

I am possibly the least tech-savvy teen in North America. I literally can’t turn on my brother’s computer. Of course, that may be because my brother built the computer himself using parts from several salvaged computers with three separate operating systems–but still, I should at least be able to turn it on.

I’m also one of those people who believes talking to technological devices will actually make them obey me.

Mom: "Who are you talking to, Emma? It’s six in the morning!"

Me: "Er, the toaster."

Yet even with my high level of incompetence, I still manage to have my guilty technological pleasures. My brother and I actually have a deal about certain mindless TV series that we like to borrow from the library. I won’t make fun of his shows, and he won’t make fun of mine. Moderation in everything, right?

As long as it really is moderation.

My latest technological "guilty pleasure" has been playing Spider solitaire on my computer. Random, I know. But because I spend so much time writing on the computer, I often feel as if I deserve a little break. And I spend most of those breaks playing this game. But I’ve realized recently that what I meant by "little" isn’t actually so little.

Let’s do a bit of arithmetic. I usually let myself play two or three games of Spider after I finish a page of writing. Each game takes about ten minutes. During summer vacation, I’ve been writing about five days a week–with a goal of writing seven pages a day. I have about 10 weeks when I’ll be free to write this summer vacation. So that’s 50 writing days times seven pages per day–350 pages. But if I play just two or three little games after every page, that’s between 700 and 1,050 games of Spider solitaire. Multiply that by 10 minutes per game and divide by 60 minutes in each hour…Okay, if you’ve been zoning out until now, here’s where you should focus back in again. Because the bottom line is that I’ll play between 116.67 and 175 hours of a mindless computer game just this summer vacation. It’s like I’ve spent a full week of my vacation–five to seven complete 24-hour days–doing nothing but playing this little game! Imagine what else I could do with that time.

Maybe you don’t play Spider, but you might be surprised how much of your life gets taken up by similar random things–and in our day, those things often involve staring at a video screen. Take TV commercials as an example. By the time the average American turns 20, he or she will have seen more than a million commercials. Most Americans spend a full year of their lives watching television ads. Not TV in general: just commercials. For some reason, a year of my life doesn’t feel like a little time spent watching what advertisers tell me I need–it seems like a lot more time than I want to spend.

**
Taken from "It’s Easy Being Green" by Emma Sleeth, copyright 2008 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/
**
THREE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK:

1. Instead of playing an hour of video games or chatting online, spend that time planting some flowers or plants (it’ll help the environment, make things look prettier, and use zero electricity while you do it!).

2. Spend time outside. Pick up some trash on the street and throw it away.

3. Clean out your closet and recycle papers and magazines, and donate the clothes and things you don’t use anymore.

2. SURF REPORT
~ WireTap: Ideas and Action for a New Generation
http://www.wiretapmag.org/
~ Your Environment. Your Choice
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/teens/index.htm

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
Beavers can swim half a mile underwater on one gulp of air.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
~Cree Indian Proverb
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
~Native American Proverb

5. UH, THAT’S FUNNY?
It was raining cats and dogs. There were poodles all over the road.

Hey all, 
Man, the Edge weekend was so great this year.  It was great to see some of our new confirmands become a part of the youth group and grow closer to us as a group.  Highlights of the weekend include the fervor that we played with (there was some SERIOUS dodgeball action), seeing everyone welcome Andrew so well (Andrew will be our male summer intern beginning in mid-May) and hearing my friend Jessi Ford talk so well about the miraculous work of Jesus.  I’d love to hear what your highlights of the weekend were!  Email me at jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com 

And a huge thanks to Bobby Sasseen, Lisa McIntyre and Janet Rogers for being a part of weekend with us.  In order to make events happen, we need adults who are willing to sacrifice, serve and give of themselves.  These three did it in an amazing way this year.  Special kudos to Janet who went for the second year in a row, even knowing what the “accommodations” are like!

And spring has sprung, which means we have some seriously cool things coming up.  I just want to highlight a couple:

Church-wide clean-up day!  This Saturday from 8 AM until 12 noon, there is a church-wide clean-up day.  The outside grounds of the church will be the focus of this one and EVERYONE is invited to come and be a part of the event.  Hope you can make it! 

Sunday, May 4 is the church-wide picnic.  Now, I don’t know if you have heard about it yet, but there is an adult versus youth softball game in addition to some other cool stuff.  In fact, the adults have asked that their be medical care available, which I think means they think they are going to hurt you so bad in the game that you will need medical care!  We will talk some more about it but it is going to be great.  Also, I need some folks to help be an activity team for kids 5 years old and under during part of the event. 

More to come but things are awesome! 

This week at Bethlehem UMC:
Wednesday
4:45 PM Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir- We are singing at the 8:15 AM worship experience this week!
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group

Saturday
8 AM – 12 Noon Church-wide clean-up day

Sunday
8:15 AM Youth Choir sings at worship service
9:30 AM Sunday School
5 PM Confirmation Class 

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #338
April 21, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Uh, That’s Funny?

===========our sponsor===========

DCLA 2009
BE LOVE SERVE * REPEAT
Living into the Mission of God

Save the Date!
DC July 10-13, 2009
LA June 25-28, 2009

www.dcla2009.com

===========our|sponsor===========

SERVE GOD BY SAVING THE PLANET

Our world is a mess. But you can help save our planet as you learn how to honor God in the choices you make and understand the impact those choices have on the environment.

Learn more about "It’s Easy Being Green" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/

=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

This month we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. In honor of these days, and because we think you can do something to help, we’re going to spend the next two weeks focusing on how you can help save our planet.

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

There is a mistaken impression that God gave us this world to do whatever we want with it. Right after Adam and Eve were created, God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28, NKJV). People sometimes think that because humans were granted "dominion" over other living things, that gives us the right to do whatever we please. But that word "dominion" really includes a responsibility to care for the planet. And in the years after they were expelled from the garden, more rules were given to the Hebrews about how they were to take care of nature, with specifics on everything from how to harvest a field to the humane treatment of domesticated animals.

The president or prime minister of a country has dominion over that country. He or she has been appointed to oversee the running of the nation. Does that mean these leaders can do whatever they want? All checks and balances aside, if government officials hope to be reelected, they can’t just do anything they choose, serving only themselves and ignoring the needs, wants, and opinions of the people who elected them. Because of the trust countries put in their elected leaders, government officials have a greater responsibility to serve the nation than ordinary citizens. As one of my closest friends is always saying, "To whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48, NKJV). Or, as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man paraphrases the Holy Book, "With great power comes great responsibility."

Because we are God’s people, we are "presidents" of nature. The Creator of the universe has elected us to look after the world he has made. Does this mean we can do whatever we want? On the contrary, it means we have a huge responsibility to care for his creation. The earth is a precious gift we’ve been asked to care for, not an entitlement. Just because it was my turn on my big brother’s scooter didn’t give me the right to destroy it.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that, because you are young, you don’t have great power or great responsibility. We teens have a huge influence on our nation. Our parents are moved by our passion; younger kids think we are the coolest thing since sliced bread. We can use that influence for God. If we are on fire, the world will follow. Our generation is a generation that can change the planet.

**

Taken from "It’s Easy Being Green" by Emma Sleeth, copyright 2008 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/

**
THREE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK:

1. Pack an after-school snack instead of buying one from a school vending machine. By purchasing a larger bag of your favorite treat and bringing some each day in a reusable container, you avoid the waste of unnecessary packaging.

2. Turn off your computer at night or whenever you won’t be using it.

3. Get potted plants for a classroom and volunteer to keep them watered. Not only will they look nice, but they’ll also clean the air for a less polluted indoor environment.

**
2. SURF REPORT
~ How to be a Kid Environmentalist
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Kid-Environmentalist

~ Friday, April 25 is World Malaria Day. Bite Back.
http://www.biteback.net/

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
A group of kangaroos is called a mob.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Don’t blow it–good planets are hard to find."
~Quoted in Time

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry."
~Thomas Fuller

5. UH, THAT’S FUNNY?
You didn’t hear about the three big holes in the ground? Well, well, well.

This week at Bethlehem
Wednesday
4:45 PM Praise Band practice
5:30 PM Youth Choir rehearsal
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group: The Strength to be Yourself 

Sunday
8:15 and 10:45 Worship service
9:30 Sunday School
No Confirmation due to Spring Break.

Upcoming dates:

March 22- Fundraiser opportunity!  The Easter Lillies are being delivered at 9 AM on Saturday, March 22.  We need people to help prepare them and get them set in the sanctuary.  This is a great chance to make some easy money.  We will be here from 9 AM until Noon at the latest!

March 29- I need 8 volunteers to help with the Feed America First yard sale.  Again, it is a fundraiser and we need people to help from 11:45 AM until around 3 PM. 

April 9- Deadline to sign-up for Edge: Incredible!  Middle school retreat.  (Total cost is $120/student.)

A note about Youth Choir Tour and deposits: Harry has been hard at work in crafting a plan for what I think is going to be a great Youth Choir Tour this summer.  (June 14-22)  In order for us to plan properly as well as make sure we have adequate adults involvement, the time to make the decision about going on Choir Tour is now.  The total cost is at most $325 per student and we are hopeful that it will be significantly lower.  We are asking for everyone to make a $100 deposit on Sunday, a $100 payment on April 15^th and the balance will be due in mid-May.  Though we may have spaces for people, we can’t guarantee anyone a spot on choir tour after mid-April.  So you need to get your deposits in.  If you need to know what amount is in your youth account, please talk to Jason.  And as always, money is never a reason to not go on an event.  We have great fundraising opportunities and scholarship help when needed. 

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #332
March 10, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Uh, That’s Funny?

===========our sponsor===========

SERVE GOD BY SAVING THE PLANET

Our planet is no longer the paradise God created. In "It’s Easy Being Green" you’ll learn how to honor God in the choices you make and you’ll begin to understand the impact those choices have on the environment. Sixteen-year-old Emma Sleeth will help you see how you can make a difference at school, around the house, and all over the world.

Learn more about "It’s Easy Being Green" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/

=================================
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

This morning, my dad talked to a class full of fourth graders about the environment. He spoke with the class by speakerphone–one of my younger friends from our faith group in the last place we lived had set it all up. Erin was excited about sharing one of her favorite adults with her friends. And that adult was really excited about talking to the kids.

Now you have to understand: My dad speaks about the environment all the time. He has meetings with the head of the Sierra Club, preaches in churches with 10,000 members, and rubs shoulders with some of the most knowledgeable and influential scientists who are researching climate change. He’s been followed by camera crews and interviewed on national radio programs. So you might not think he’d be all that excited about speaking by phone to a classroom of elementary school kids.

But when I came into the kitchen a few hours after everyone else had gotten up (I’m a teen, okay?), Dad was practically bouncing off the walls, waiting for the class to call. He didn’t even want to toast his English muffin, because it might take too long and he wanted to be done eating when the phone rang.

When dad got off the phone, he said the class was awesome. He always says that if you talk to kids like adults, they’ll respond. Nobody likes being talked down to, no matter how old they are. Kids always want to know, "What can I do? What can I do?" instead of wanting to change other people. My dad is convinced that this desire to work on our own personal habits before trying to get other people to change is what’s really going to help the ecosystem. And he loved that the kids were all happy to comply with his request to give his young friend Erin a hug for him because he lives too far away now.

Obviously, it’s been a while since most of us were in fourth grade. But as I think about Dad talking to Erin’s class, I believe there are a few ideas we can learn that apply not only to our younger friends but also to us "big kids" in high school or junior high.

The first is that most adults really love interacting with kids–and vice versa. There is something exciting about youth. We might not be famous, we might not have all the answers, but young people have an energy and passion that is contagious. And when it comes to saving the earth, that energy can help get others excited about joining in.

Dad’s talk with the fourth graders also reminds me that there needs to be respect and cooperation across generations in order for us to have a greener planet. Dad didn’t talk down to the kids, and when it comes to serious issues like the environment, we teenagers don’t need–or want–some oversimplified "environmentalism for dummies" version. When we are enthusiastic and mature about environmental responsibility, we’ll learn more and get more respect.

Those fourth graders are also a reminder that so much of caring about the environment is taking personal action. There’s a reason why "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is such a popular saying–it’s because it works. If we want things to be different, the best place to start is with our very behavior.

Finally, the hugs those kids were glad to offer my friend Erin are a reminder that everybody loves (and sometimes even needs) a little encouragement. The environment is a big issue, but it’s not a depressing one. It’s so important to encourage each other and to focus on positive changes we can make. And like the fourth graders my dad spoke with, one of the places where we can join together to make a big difference is at our schools.

TEN STEPS TOWARD A GREENER EDUCATION

There are some very simple things you can do to make your school education kinder to God’s creation. Some are purely personal changes, whereas others may take more organization, approval, and support from friends and faculty. Here are just a few:

1. Always write on both sides of your paper. If you use composition paper, make sure to use college-ruled. That one change alone can save hundreds of pieces of paper each year.

Because I’m a lefty, I hate to write on the right-hand sides of notebooks–the binding, wire, or rings get in the way. But that doesn’t mean I can’t use both sides of the paper. A class usually doesn’t take up a whole notebook worth of paper. I can take notes for one subject on the left hand side of each page in the notebook, and then flip the notebook over for another subject, where I can again write on the left side. It works out great. Also: If you have teachers who give handouts with writing only on one side, save them when the class is over and use them in your computer printer or for scrap paper. Most teachers don’t mind if an essay is turned in on the other side of a crossed-out science article. (All paper from binders should be recycled at the end of the year.) You can also use both sides of posters. When teachers take down student posters at the end of the year, they’ll usually let you snag the ones with information on only one side so you can use them next year.

2. Walk or ride the bus to school. If neither of these is an option, carpool.

3. If your school isn’t already recycling paper and soda cans, you can help get it started. You just need to get permission to put a cardboard box next to the trash can in each classroom to collect paper. Organize a few friends to help you collect the boxes on a regular basis–preferably friends who have driver’s licenses so you can take the paper down to the local recycling center. You should research before starting anything that involves recycling refundable bottles–there are often rules about what kind of collection receptacles can be used for that. At our school, we were only allowed to put barrels inside if they were metal ones specifically made for recycling cans–but even just having plastic barrels outside makes a difference.

4. Encourage your school to buy two-sided printers for the library or any other place where the printer is used a lot. When it was time to replace the printer in our school library, the head librarian decided to take the leap and get a double-sided printer as well as a converter kit for the other printer in the library. Together they cost less than $1,400, but the library saved more than three times that in paper costs in the first year alone! Numbers talk: $1,400 invested; $4,500 saved. That printer paid for itself in less than four months, and it’ll continue to save money (and trees) for as long as it lasts. If you do a little research and present the numbers to your principal or someone else who has responsibility for making the decision, you’re much more likely to get approval.

5. Have your school get recycled paper for all its copiers and printers. Paper that’s 100 percent recycled can cost more; if your school isn’t willing to go all the way, 30 percent recycled paper costs no more than "regular" paper. Unlike the recycled paper of a decade ago, today’s recycled paper will go through printers and copiers fine, and won’t cause any more jams or problems than the paper your school is probably using now. Since 30 percent recycled paper costs no more than the paper your school is already buying, it’s usually easy to convince your administration to make the switch. However, you might be able to go one step further and combine this project with the printers–using some of the money saved from double-sided printing to pay for the slightly more expensive 100 percent recycled paper.

6. Along the same lines, paper towels and toilet paper made from recycled paper can usually be bought in bulk at the same price as products made from unrecycled paper. Just a few years ago, this was not the case, but companies are changing their prices so it isn’t more expensive to be environmentally friendly. Just get some numbers together, figure out who, you need to talk to, and propose a switch.

7. Schools can purchase other environmentally friendly devices that–like the two-sided printers–will easily pay for themselves over time. It’s possible to purchase "energy misers" that can be installed on vending machines to save energy. These cost about $125, and make it so the machine goes into partial hibernation when it’s left unused for a long time. (There’s a similar device for water fountains that, for instance, can shut off the cooling device overnight.) Just figure out roughly how long it will take for the energy saved to pay for the device. If your school doesn’t want to make the investment, but has vending machines where the food doesn’t need to be kept cold, see if you can get permission to turn them off (unplug them) at a certain time after school so they won’t be on all night. Maybe you or a friend who lives near the school can be in charge of walking over and unplugging the machines before the school gets locked up for the night, or maybe a custodian can do it as part of the evening routine.

Exit lights have to stay on at all times, but they don’t have to use as much energy as they’re probably using now. Replacing the lights in the signs with LED bulbs will pay for itself in no time and then just keep saving–both energy and money. The same is true of getting compact fluorescents for all the lights in your school.

8. Often, schools don’t turn off computers each night. This seems like a simple thing, but computers that are always left on use a TON of energy. If your school doesn’t already turn off all its computers, offer to spend 10 minutes each day turning on all the computers in the computer lab in the morning and turning them back off again after school. Contrary to urban legend, turning computers off once a day will not harm them; in fact, it will extend their life as well as greatly reduce the amount of energy they use.

9. Start a collection-and-exchange program at your school. Our school has a room devoted to a clothing exchange–students bring in gently worn clothes they don’t wear and can pick up others they will wear. In the same room is a box of used three-ring binders that are still in good shape–students who can’t afford binders or don’t wish to purchase a new one can pick one up anytime. If this kind of permanent exchange program isn’t possible at your school, at least see if you can do a prom-dress swap. There really aren’t too many other occasions to which a prom dress can be worn, and, even if people go to more than one prom during high school, they often don’t wear the same dress twice. So collect formal dresses near the end of the year and make them available to other girls to wear. Girls, what are you really going to do with a frilly dress in your closet other than let it hang there? Suits can also be collected, though my experience is that people are more likely to donate dresses. (The suits we did collect were snatched up immediately.) This is a great project for the National Honor Society or another service organization at your school to take on. Before collecting the dresses, make sure you’ve arranged for a place (a willing teacher’s classroom will work) where you can store and display the dresses.

You can also collect used cell phones and printer cartridges. These can be recycled, usually with a refund. Money raised from these collections can be used toward other environmental projects, perhaps to provide the initial investment in things like energy misers or two-sided printers, or to buy trees to plant on the school grounds.

10. Cafeterias are another great place to make environmental changes, though it can be difficult because of regulations and costs. It’s often possible to convince school cafeterias to serve vegetarian meals and purchase local food. Getting real plates instead of Styrofoam ones, metal utensils instead of plastic ones, and washable cups instead of disposable ones can be another goal. Some schools even compost their food waste. If you can’t convince your school to make big changes, don’t give up. You can bring your own lunch in a fabric bag or lunchbox filled with environmentally friendly food choices in washable containers. Although it’s great to get other people to change, you can make a difference simply by walking the walk.

WRAPPING IT UP

Taking care of God’s creation can begin with small steps at your school. Pick your projects, don’t lose motivation or get bogged down in bureaucracy, and remember who is guiding your efforts. Everything you do to save the environment is really part of your witness, showing the world how much you love God by respecting the gift of his creation.

Remember, God is on your side. He will help you when you try your hardest to help the world he created. As long as you take advantage of all the resources you have, and work with all the people God provides (Christian and non-Christian), you’ll do great.

**

Taken from "It’s Easy Being Green" by Emma Sleeth, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=584

2. SURF REPORT
~ The 2008 Hip-Hop Songwriting Contest
http://www.essence.com/essence/takebackthemusic/index.html

~ Snow Drift: Get rid of those winter blues with this chill game
http://www.miniclip.com/games/snow-drift/en/

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
99% of people cannot lick their elbow.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."
~Irish Proverb

"Be kind to those that meet you as you rise, you may pass them again as you fall."
~Irish Proverb

5. UH, THAT’S FUNNY?
Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.

Looking forward to getting back together this week.  (The weather is looking iffy, but remember, unless there is no school in Williamson County, we are having youth!)

This week at Bethelehem Youth:

Wednesday

4:45 PM Praise Band Rehearsal

5:30 PM Youth Choir

6:30 PM Dinner

7 PM Youth Group

Sunday

8:15 AM – A Clear Voice sings at worship service

9:30 AM Sunday School

5 PM Confirmation Class

Upcoming dates:

March 9- A Clear Voice sings at 10:45 AM Service

March 30- A Clear Voice sings at 10:45 AM Service

April 18-20- The Edge Middle School Retreat

April 27- A Clear Voice sings at 8:15 AM service

May 11- Confirmation Sunday

June 1-6- A youth choir from Georgia will be visiting. Watch for some special combined events.

June 14-22- Youth Choir Tour.  Deposits will be due on March 1^st and all details will be released before then!

June 23-27- Vacation Bible School

July 9-13- River of Life

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #329
February 18, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

===========our|sponsor===========
DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID!

You get to make a lot of decisions in your life–even decisions that can have a big impact on your future. There’s no "magic" formula to getting it right. Making good decisions takes wisdom, and in this book you’ll learn how to gain more wisdom and put it to use in the choices you make.

Learn more about "Wisdom On…Making Good Decisions" here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=564

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/

=================================
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Decisions come in all shapes and sizes. Some are minor and have little or no lasting impact: What should I have for lunch? What should I do this weekend? Others can affect your life in a major way: Where should I go to college? Whom should I marry? Some decisions seem minor at first, but turn out to be quite major. Others seem major, but turn out to be no big deal.

The average person makes hundreds of decisions every day, often without even realizing it. Should I keep my cool or lose my temper? Should I speak up or keep my mouth shut? Should I help that person or ignore his need? Those are just some of the choices we make instinctively.

Of course, not all decisions are made this way. Some require serious thought. Some involve scary leaps of faith. Some can tie your stomach into knots and keep you awake at night.

Situations like those can make you forget how amazing it is to be able to make decisions at all. Especially when you consider the alternative. God, with all of his wisdom and power, could have laid out our lives like an instruction manual: START AT POINT A. GO TO POINT B. PROCEED TO POINT C. He could have preprogrammed every moment of our lives. He could have made us robots, slaves to his commands.

But he didn’t do that. When he placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he gave them one rule: Don’t eat from the forbidden tree. But then he left it up to them to decide whether or not to obey him. He gave them the freedom to choose.

Freedom of choice separates humans from the rest of God’s creation. Animals have no such freedom. They’re driven by instinct and opportunity. When an animal in the wild gets hungry, it eats whatever is available. When an animal is threatened, it attacks–or runs away. When an animal is in heat, it mates. It doesn’t consider the benefits of monogamy. It doesn’t make plans to meet its future in-laws.

We humans certainly have our share of instincts and drives too. But what makes us different from the animals is our capability to control our urges. Humans are able to look at situations from different perspectives. We can weigh the pros and cons before taking any action. We have the freedom to choose.

I waited 23 years–until I was married–to have sex. It was difficult, but I did it. My sex drive was strong, but it didn’t overwhelm the decision-making process. I weighed the pros and cons of the situation, and I decided that my long-term purity was more important to me than any short-term pleasure.

God wants us to choose wisely. He’s equipped us to choose wisely. But if we still choose unwisely, God won’t interfere. Consider the two thieves who were crucified next to Jesus. (You’ll find their story in Luke 23:32-43.) One thief mocked and hurled insults at Jesus. The other thief responded, in essence, "Why are you mocking him? You and I are getting what we deserve, but this man is innocent." He then turned to Jesus and said, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom."

"Today you will be with me in paradise," Jesus promised him.

One man chose to accept Jesus; the other chose to reject him. Notice that Jesus honored both choices. He didn’t pressure the first thief to change his opinion. He didn’t make threats. And he didn’t beg. ("I really am God’s Son–the only way to heaven! Please, please, please believe me!") Instead, Jesus allowed the man to make up his own mind. That’s how freedom of choice works.

Of course, with freedom comes responsibility. Every choice contains an if and a then: If you choose to do this, then that will happen; if you choose to do that, then this will happen.

The end result is called a consequence, and it’s why I’m writing this book. If you want to make wise choices, then you have to consider the consequences of your decisions. Some consequences are positive (as the faithful thief on the cross discovered), some are negative (as the other thief discovered), and some are neutral.

The good news is God has given us plenty of guidance and resources for making good decisions with positive consequences. He filled his Word with wisdom. He created us with brains capable of computing and processing the choices life throws our way. And he made it possible for us to consult and explore his will before we make any decision.
**
Taken from "Wisdom On…Making Good Decisions" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=564
**
2. SURF REPORT
~ President’s Day Quiz–Do you know your Vice-Presidents?
http://www.catsdogs.com/veepquiz.html

~ Presidential Paintball–You may not be old enough to vote, but you can fight it out in a paintball challenge!
http://www.miniclip.com/games/presidential-paintball/en/

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
Each nostril of a human being registers smell in a different way. Smells that are made from the right nostril are more pleasant than the left.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
~George Washington

"It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t."
~Martin Van Buren

5. PARTING SHOT
If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes.

*All outside Internet links are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties.
copyright 2008 :: Youth Specialties
300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020
888.346.4179

Got a ton of stuff coming up!

First off, Taste of Italy is coming up very quickly.  Here are some things you need to know:

• Saturday, February 9 is the day for cooking.  Mr. Paul Gant will be coordinating the efforts of people and cooking at the church from 8 AM until 12 PM.  It will help make Sunday and the day of the event go very well.
• We are looking for an adult to head up the dishwashing team on the night of the event, Sunday, February 10^th.
• The sign-ups for hosting, serving and waiting tables have been going great!  We will have the up to date list on Wednesday night!
• Big thanks to Marijane McQuiddy who is coordinating every thing on this event.  Parents, if you haven’t talked to Marijane to sign-up, please do so.  You can email her at mcquiddy5@bellsouth.net

This Sunday is Souper Bowl Sunday and we will be collecting canned goods and financial gifts for Feed America First.  I need some folks who can help collecting after each of our two worship services on this coming Sunday.  Who are you pulling for?

This week at Bethlehem Youth:

Wednesday

5 PM Youth Praise Band

5:30 PM Youth Choir Practice

6:30 PM Dinner

7 PM Youth Group

Sunday

8:15 & 10:45 Worship services

9:45 Sunday School

Upcoming dates: (I know it is a ton but I wanted to get major summer dates in everyone’s hands!)

February 6- No youth due to the Ash Wednesday service.  We will have choir and dinner before the service.

February 8-10- Warmth in Winter

February 10- Taste of Italy

February 17- Confirmation Classes begin!

February 17- A Clear Voice sings at 10:45 AM service

February 24- A Clear Voice sings at 8:15 AM service

February 24- Youth Leadership Team meeting at 4:45 PM

March 9- A Clear Voice sings at 10:45 AM Service

March 30- A Clear Voice sings at 10:45 AM Service

April 18-20- The Edge Middle School Retreat

May 11- Confirmation Sunday

June 1-6- A youth choir from Tennessee will be visiting,  Watch for some special combined events.

June 14-22- Youth Choir Tour.  Deposits will be due on March 1^st and all details will be released before then!

June 23-27- Vacation Bible School

July 9-13- River of Life.  This date may change, as we may be attending a location other than Macon this year!

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #326
January 28, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Today Is…

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- what kinds of friends to look for
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- how to help your friends when they’re hurting
- what to do when your friends let you down

Don’t get stuck with friends who bring you down. Learn the secrets of doing friendship God’s way so you’ll have friends who always stick close.

Learn more and purchase "Stick" here.
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Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:
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=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

EXTREME FRIENDSHIP–LOVE IS MEANT FOR EVERYONE

Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

START
Ever since third grade you’ve been feuding with the sorry excuse for a human being who’s just plunked down in the desk in front of you. Last week your squabble erupted afresh when the guy pelted your house with three dozen eggs–resulting in two giant swaths of dimpled siding, three shattered windows, and one traumatized family dog. If that wasn’t bad enough, the police interrogated you. Your parents blamed you. The only plus about sitting behind him now is that he can’t see your laser-like eyes smoking holes in his skull.

How do you treat people who inflict pain on you?

READ Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said: 43 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

THINK
Perfect? Like God? If this command sounds over the top, breathe deeply. Then answer this: Why does Jesus tell you to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"? (Look for what follows "that you may be…")

On whom does God shower his care–his warm sun and life-giving rain?

Even pagans who don’t know God care about people who love them. How can you do better than that?

LIVE
If you love people who cause you pain, are you excusing the wrongs they do? Explain.

You’ve learned that God wants his care to spread around the world and to every person on the planet. No doubt there are some people you’d rather skip. Yet when you love the unlovable and care for the incurable, you’re like God. Perfect. Holy. Mature. God never brushes off evil. In fact, he’s the only being in the universe who knows how it feels to have the whole human race stand against him (Romans 5:10). But his undeserved kindness busts through our sinfulness and makes us his friends (Colossians 1:21-22). He wants us to pass on to others the love he’s given to us.

When you scan your world, who looks easy to love? Why?

Who is more challenging to love? Make a list. Next to each name, jot down one tiny way you can show this person the same brand of kindness God shows us.

WRAP
You might figure that Jesus received a lot of playground thrashings as a kid. After all, he tells you not just to love your enemies but to "turn your other cheek" (Matthew 5:39 NIRV). One thing shows us for sure that Jesus was no wimp: He was radically tough in his willingness to suffer for our sake. Loving an enemy doesn’t mean you’re pathetically weak. It proves you’re incredibly strong.

MORE THOUGHTS TO MULL
What people in your world act with Christlike kindness? Ask them how they pull it off.

Think about some of your ugliest thoughts about people. Then ask yourself how you’d feel if God or other people felt that way about you.

Some of the people who hurt you in life will be fellow Christians. How does the fact that you and your archenemy may one day share a pew in heaven alter how you act now?

MORE SCRIPTURES TO DIG
Your natural instincts tell you to dish back whatever others dish at you. Jesus sums up that mentality in Matthew 5:38-42. Then he tells us to go out of our way to be kind to people who cause us pain. Clearly that’s a massive challenge, but it’s doing love the way Jesus does it. You might feel as though you’re letting evil slide if you don’t take revenge for the wrongs done to you. Actually, when you choose not to repay evil with evil, you stomp on evil by doing good things. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Look for all of these deep thoughts in Romans 12:17-21.

None of this means you can’t ask God to rescue you from people who aim to crush you. Look at Psalm 25 for some wise words. King David prays for safety. He asks for his enemies’ downfall. But David also asks God to forgive his sins, and he invites God to guide him along the right paths in every part of his life.

You have one enemy who’s more evil than any other. And he’s one guy you don’t have to love. Read about him in 1 Peter 5:8-11.

**
Taken from "Stick" by Kevin Johnson, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here:
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=571

2. SURF REPORT
~ Captain Underpants Game: Just for fun!
http://www.scholastic.com/captainunderpants/blunderpants.htm

~ HomeworkSpot.com: Get some help with your tough assignments
http://www.homeworkspot.com/

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
While 7 men in 100 have some form of color blindness, only 1 woman in 1,000 suffers from it.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"You have become a mature person when keeping a secret gives you more satisfaction than passing it along."
~Author Unknown

"The best mirror is an old friend."
~George Herbert

5. TODAY IS…
NATIONAL KAZOO DAY! So get out there and make some noise… Learn all about kazoos here:
http://www.kazoos.com/historye.htm

Wednesday change: This Wednesday, after our regular Youth Choir and dinner times, rather than having youth group, we will be attending the Monroe Crossing concert in the old sanctuary.  The concert will last longer than our normal time but they have been asked to take a break at 8:15 so people who need to head home can.  While there is no charge for the show, they are collecting an offering so you may want to bring some cash for that.  (If you have any questions about that, please email me and let me know.)

Youth Choir news: So the Youth Choir Covenant is out and in your hands.  Thanks to all the folks to emailed or called with input.  We really do value your insights.  We are asking that everyone return the signed Covenant by Wednesday, January 23 in order to continue meeting with the choir.  Again, any questions, email me or call me.  Also, the choir is singing this week at the 10:45 AM worship service.  By the end of the week, Harry and I should be able to give you all the times you are singing between now and the end of March.

Grassland Middle Students: Youth for Christ has recently begun a Campus Life chapter on your campus and I am helping to lead it.  It would be a great place for you to come and bring your friends who don’t have a church home or that have questions about Jesus.  We meet after school on Fridays until 3:45 PM or so.  This past week, we met in Coach Hobson’s room (#700) as he is one of the faculty sponsors.  So we would love to have you come join us if you are interested.

Thanks to everyone who signed up for dinners during the semester.  We are still looking for a host for this week if anyone is interested.  And thanks to Patty Jarnigan who rescued us from PB&Js last week and brought pizza!

Upcoming:
January 23- Deadline for senior high students to sign up for Warmth in Winter.  (Cost is $85/student now, unless you attended Breakthru.)
February 6- Ash Wednesday
February 8-10- Warmth in Winter for senior high students
February 10- Taste of Italy fundraising dinner
February 16- Confirmation Day with the Bishop
March 23- Easter
April 18-20- Edge Retreat for middle schoolers
May 11- Confirmation Sunday
June 14-22- Youth Choir Tour
June 23-27- Vacation Bible School
July 9-13- River of Life (Date could change if decide to attend a different River of Life session.)
February 17- Confirmation Classes begin

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #324
January 14, 2008

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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In "Duplicate This!" you’ll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you’ll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Learn more and purchase "Duplicate This!" here.
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Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
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=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

GO AND MAKE NEW DISCIPLES

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
–MATTHEW 28:19-20 (ESV)

The world calls it proselytizing, and for all practical purposes, what they’re referring to is not the right way to disciple someone. Jesus didn’t tell people to go out on the street corner and slander people because of their sin in hopes that they’d come to repentance.

He didn’t even ask you to argue with someone until he comes to a realization of salvation.

No, Jesus said, "Go." Go to all nations and make disciples.

Today, making disciples looks a lot different than it did even 15 or 20 years ago. People aren’t as compelled to listen to someone ranting and raving about sin in the world and prophecy of doom and destruction.

We’ve moved into a time period when the general public is longing for someone to live what she says. They want to check you out personally and make sure you’re the real deal before they let you into their spiritual worlds. Some people don’t think they need God, while others are simply ignorant of the fact that God exists.

Some Christians think you have to be an old, wise sage to speak into the lives of others. Don’t be fooled–you don’t have to be 60 years old to start discipling someone; you can start today. Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:12-16, ESV).

When you set out to disciple someone, all you need is simply to be one step ahead of the person you’re teaching. As you go through this book, each chapter is dedicated to preparing you to take one step forward. You’ll have plenty to talk about if you simply look up the Scriptures and combine your reading with a little study on that particular issue.

Go and find someone who respects you. Find someone who looks up to you. Find someone who would be excited to sit down over a cup of coffee, or a slice of pizza, and talk about how to know God’s will in his life. It’s the most rewarding part of being a Christian, because it’s true to Jesus’ commandment.

**
Taken from "Duplicate This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here:
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=581

2. SURF REPORT
~ The Go Overboard Challenge: Share your idea on how to change the world, and you could win a grant.
http://www.burton.com/Region.aspx?return=/gobsite/ChallengeGrant.aspx
~ The Traveler IQ Challenge: For you geography buffs (or those of you who need to brush up on your geography!)
http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
Every year, Alaska has about 5,000 earthquakes.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping-stone to nobility: it is nobility, the only kind of nobility that is recognized."
~T.W. Manson

"Such a blessed people should be a thankful people."
~Cotton Mather

5. PARTING SHOT
If you don’t care where you are, then you ain’t lost.

As we come to a close of and the year, I wanted to say thanks to you all.
We have been in the midst of some hard conversations and working through some things in the youth ministry. My encouragement to you all is to remember the good things that have happened this year! This like:
- Warmth in Winter and the late night Mapco runs
- The Edge which saw paintball wounds, scary stories driving up a dark
mountain, and some awesome worship times
- Youth Choir tour, where we covered way, way more ground that I have
ever seen on a roadtrip
- River of Life, where we were allowed to touch lives by using our
hands to serve others
- The Mission Mondays, where we did great things for others, including
the sweet potato deal which was a bit more gross than anticipated.
- And lots, lots more…
We are on the right path and I hope we can all keep moving on it together as we grow stronger and deeper in our faith.

So what about you? What are your favorite memories from this year? Take a couple minutes and email them to me if you don’t mind!

Honored to be your youth director,
Jason

jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com
615.476.6746

PS- Thanks so much for my Christmas gift! The tree looks awesome and the “ornaments” are definitely going to help me with my broken van and television!

For starters, Saturday is the big Christmas Party. At the end of this email is the current list of people who I have signed-up. If you need to be added, I need to know before the end of Wednesday night activities. The party starts at 4 PM, we will head to Omikoshi’s and then be back at the church for dessert and present swap at 6 PM or so. Remember, bring a $10 or less present that you yourself would enjoy. Also, don’t forget that we will have a limited menu at Omikoshi’s as well, as a party of our size makes that kind of thing necessary for them to plan.

Also, Saturday, we have the poinsettias arriving. The plants get here at 9 AM on Saturday and have to be unloaded. At noon on Saturday, we will place them around the church. From there, I will work with those interested in keeping the plants watered between now and Christmas Eve.

And Sunday, the Youth Choir will be singing at both the 8:15 AM service as well as the 4 PM Church-wide Music event. If you can’t be at either of those, you need to email Harry (hrobinson@bethlehemumc.com) or I
(jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com) to let us know.

Thanks!- Jason

This Week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
5 PM Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group and Small Groups

Saturday
9 AM Unload poinsettias
12 Noon Place poinsettias
4 PM Youth Christmas Party
6 PM Party for those not having dinner with us!
7:30 PM Everyone heads for home

Sunday
8:15 AM Youth Choir sings at early worship service 9:30 AM Sunday School
10:45 AM Christmas Cantata
4 PM Youth Choir sings at church wide Christmas program

Upcoming Dates:
January 2-5- Breakthru Retreat
February 8-10- Warmth in Winter (Senior High Event)
April 18-20- The Edge (Middle School Event)

Christmas Party Sign-Up
1. Claire Bellar
2. Chris Gunn
3. Taylor Cunningham
4. Wesley Sasseen
5. Taylor Rogers
6. Holly Rogers
7. Conor Davis
8. Jason Sansbury
9. Doreen Gunn
10. Andy Cunningham
11. Janet Rogers
12. Cindy Bellar
13. Bobby Sasseen
14. Mariellen Sasseen
15. Leslie Zimmerman
16. Jill Davis
17. Natalie Farris
18. Ty Archie
19. Sara Jarnigan
20. Halle Jarnigan
21. Ezra Johns
22. Gabriel Johns
23. Natalie Farris
24. Megan Hargreaves
25. Lindsay Luckett
26. Davis Johnson
27. Matt McQuiddy
28. Ben McQuiddy
29. Miles McNulty
30. Jonathan Johnson
31. Sarah Beth Zimmerman
32. Alex Jordan
33. Jon Laughton
34. Chandler Klinck
35. Austin Baggett

Poinsettia Fundraiser sign-up
Willing to help unload poinsettias (Saturday, December 15, 9 AM) 1. Jonathan Johnson 2. Taylor Rogers 3. Davis Johnson 4. David Sasseen

Willing to help place the poinsettias (Saturday, December 15, 12 Noon)
1. Jonathan Johnson
2. Matt McQuiddy
3. Ben McQuiddy

Willing to help water the poinsettias through the two weeks until Christmas (Various times to be determined)
1. Lindsay Luckett

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #319
December 10, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

===========our|sponsor===========
YOU CAN HELP MAKE YOUR FAMILY BETTER
Everything is changing. When you’re in middle school, your body, your emotions, your school, and maybe even your friends are different, which can feel crazy at times. Now your parents and siblings are trying to figure out why you’re different, and you wish they could understand you!

It’s okay. This is normal! As you move towards becoming an adult, you and your parents will have to work together to make it smooth transition. In “My Family” you’ll get all kinds of secrets and tips that will help you be a better son or daughter, brother or sister, and show you how you can help to make your family even better.

Learn more and purchase “My Family” here:
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Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/store/dealers/
=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

JESUS AND HIS PARENTS

You’ve probably heard the story of Jesus, when he was just about your age, hanging out in the temple (the main place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem) and freaking out his parents. Just about everyone who reads or hears that story tightens up shoulder muscles and feels the pain of the situation.
Parents feel the frustration of Jesus’ parents, and teenagers feel Jesus’
frustration, thinking, I would be in so much trouble if I did that!

Real quick, in case you’re not familiar with the story: Jesus’ family took this minor trek to Jerusalem for a big-time Jewish religious holiday (kind of like going to Grandma’s house, two or three days away, for Easter)–except in this case, the location was the whole point. Jerusalem was considered the most holy place for all Jews–so much so that God actually lived in the part of the temple called “the holy of holies.”

Anyhow, young Jesus was somewhere in the process of learning and growing, just like you are. It’s not clear to us, but he was probably just starting to fully understand who he was–the Son of God and all that! The temple had some of the wisest and smartest Rabbis (Jewish teachers, kind of like our pastors and ministers). Jesus somehow wandered off from his parents and got into a multi-day conversation about God-stuff with a group of Rabbis. All this while his parents and their traveling companions were headed home, thinking Jesus was with them.

When his parents found out he wasn’t with them, they rushed back to Jerusalem and found him. His mom laid into him: “Why would you do that to us?!” To which Jesus gave the answer that causes the flinch we talked about.
He says, calmly, “Why would you be looking for me anywhere else? Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s house?” Okay, so, yeah, God is his real Father and all. But, wow! Duuuude! Harsh!

Here’s something we can learn from this: Even Jesus got frustrated with his parents! And even the parents of Jesus got frustrated with him! So, really, if the God of the universe (that would be Jesus) got frustrated with his parents, maybe it shouldn’t surprise you that you will also. And if the earthly parents of Jesus got frustrated with him, well, of course your parents will with you.

Just remember: Keep talking, honor, respect, forgive.
**
Taken from “My Family” by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

2. SURF REPORT
~ Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: For those of you who are broke, but still want to be merry…
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/holiday_gifts_
ms/

~ Simon Online Game: It’s a throwback to the 80s, but it’ll help improve your memory!
http://www.freegames.ws/games/kidsgames/simon/simon.htm

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
25 percent of your bones are located in your feet.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
“Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the
warmth of your greeting…Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as
well.”
- Mother Teresa

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I
can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it
now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way
again.”
- Henry Drummond

5. PARTING SHOT
The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is
doing it.

Wednesday
5 PM- All youth choir folks load up and head out to the two retirement homes where we will be singing.
7 PM Dinner at the church. Cici’s Pizza is being brought in and we want everyone to come to this time, even if they aren’t a part of the youth choir.
7:30 PM Youth Group time until 8:15!

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School
5 PM Hanging of the Greens worship service

Upcoming:
December 15- Youth Christmas Party. Details are being finalized. It should run from 4 PM until 7:30 PM or so.

See you Wednesday,
Jason Sansbury
jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com
615.476.6746

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #317
November 26, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

===========our|sponsor===========

GET HELP WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

Have you ever asked one of these questions?

* Does what I think really matter?
* What is truth?
* Is God there?
* Has God spoken?
* Am I important enough?
* Am I good enough?
* What’s so great about heaven?

If you’ve ever wondered about any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. In “Living With Questions”, Dale Fincher will help you look at each of these questions in such a way that you’ll discover clues, helpful tools, and answers–and what they all mean for your life and your faith. The answers you find will put you on a path to dig deeper and gain confidence in your faith. As Dale addresses the big questions that he’s been asked by students across the country, you’ll find that you’re not alone in your doubt, confusion, or questioning.

Learn more and purchase “Living with Questions” here:

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6547

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6548

=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

DEFINE TRUTH

Before we begin, I want you to do something ?rst. Right here in the space provided–and without looking ahead–write down your definition of truth.
Don’t worry; you won’t be graded. It’s a de?nition just for you, to help you compare your understanding of truth now and what you will have at the end of this chapter. You may be surprised.

So what is truth? De?ne it.

____________________________________________________

Okay, let’s go.

In an episode of The Simpsons entitled “She of Little Faith,” Lisa embarks on a spiritual quest. While talking to Bart, Lisa says she’s seeking “a religion that is right for me.” She eventually discovers Buddhism and learns she can worship with any kind of religion as long as it promotes love.
Satis?ed, Lisa returns home to celebrate Christmas with her family. And as long as Lisa still participates in the family’s Christian rituals, Homer is satis?ed as well.

I usually enjoy watching The Simpsons because it holds up a mirror to our culture and asks us to re?ect on who we are and what we’ve become. And I’m afraid the writers are correct in their assessments of how Christianity is perceived in our culture.

When Lisa says, “To ?nd a religion that is right for me,” the scriptwriters have made religion into something that can be dropped into a shopping cart.
Religion here isn’t a belief system that could be true or false–it’s an accessory, like looking for the hat that’s “just right for me.” In trying to compliment all religions by saying they’re basically the same, The Simpsons insulted every religion by implying none of them are unique.

Yet, I think I may agree with Lisa–just in a different way. I believe we do need to ?nd the religion that’s right for us, just like I need to ?nd the medicine that’s right for my bronchitis. I’m not looking for a religion that merely sounds pretty or makes me look better. Nor am I looking for the cough syrup that tastes like roasted almonds but can’t clear up the congestion in my lungs. I’m looking for the religion (and the cough syrup) that deals with truth–right down to the core.

If we ?nd this religion, this true religion, then it will be right for everyone, including Lisa Simpson. On the other hand, a false religion is right for no one, just like bad medicine is right for no one.

No one bene?ts in the long term by ignoring the way life is and the design of the universe. No one bene?ts by praying to gods who don’t exist. No matter how much we might believe in the Easter Bunny, hoping and praying won’t make it come hopping into our lives.

We need a religion that, as one writer put it, is “right where we are right”
and “right where we are wrong.”

Today, truth is in need of a friend. In politics, truth is what the voters vote for. In Hollywood, truth is what moviegoers pay for. In fashion, truth is whatever the trend is. In food, truth is whatever suits your tastes.

But what about truth itself?

In mathematics, some school curriculums are telling us we can no longer depend on the “truth” about numbers–2 + 2 may now equal 7.

In morality, “truth” becomes whatever an individual or group decides is right for them. In other words, truth isn’t discovered–it’s invented.

People then confuse the laws in our society with morality. Since laws are created, they believe morality is created. They forget that people start with morality and make laws to guard that morality.

They forget things can be immoral but legal–such as the way slavery was immoral but legal many years ago. Or the way some view abortion as immoral but legal.

Things can also be illegal but not immoral, too, such as jaywalking.

WHERE HAS TRUTH GONE?

A famous journalist of the 20th century once reported how truth was ignored in the Russian Kremlin when it was run by communist leaders. As the proposals were shared, one man raised his hand and said, “But if we tell the people this, it wouldn’t be true.”

An awkward silence rolled through the room. Then one man began to chuckle.
Then another. And another. Until soon the whole assembly was laughing until tears ran down their cheeks.

You see, when a society turns godless, some person or group of persons or even every person becomes a little god in the process, and they start making up their own rules. But as this journalist pointed out, that moment in the Kremlin revealed the bankruptcy of the people. “It is truth that has died, not God.”

When truth dies, the rails on which to run our lives are removed. Without truth, we cannot know things. Without the ability to know things, we cannot use things properly. If we cannot use things properly, we cannot take care of things properly.

After I bought my Jeep, the ?rst thing I wanted to do was remove the hard top and put on the soft top. Some of my friends came over, and we pored over the directions in the manual. A half hour later, our work was done. But ?rst we had to take the time to understand how the top on the Jeep worked before we could make it do what it was designed to do. We needed the truth.

One philosopher said, “What you would take care of you must ?rst understand, whether it be a petunia or a nation.”

But what about taking care of ourselves? Do we believe truth exists? Let’s look at a survey of students ages 13 to 18. The survey asked a wide array of questions about topics from music to religion. The questions were organized, in part, to answer a bigger question, “Do you believe in absolute truth?”
What would you answer?

Knowing your friends from school, clubs, and the neighborhood, what percentage do you think would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? When you have a percentage in your head, turn the page.

What percentage of students ages 13 to 18 would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? Your answer:

____________________________________________________

According to the national survey, only nine percent of all young people, religious and non-religious, affirm there is such a thing as absolute truth.

Does that surprise you? Or did you expect the percentage to be that low?

Interestingly, only a small percentage of students denied there was absolute truth. Most students were in the middle, neither affirming nor denying the existence of absolute truth. There’s a good chance you also ?t into this middle category.

When I speak to teenagers, I hear this question, “What is truth?” These are brave students, and they encourage me. They’re asking one of the great questions of our time.

Some people say today’s students don’t care about truth, and they just want to do whatever feels good. But I don’t believe that. I don’t see that on the street. When students say such things, they’re either lying, or they’re contradicting the way they live, or as one professor says, they’re just trying to end the conversation.

I believe students care about being good friends and performing well in sports, hobbies, or music. And all of these things require truth to do them well. So why the low percentage–why only nine percent?

Could it possibly be because most students don’t even know what absolute truth is?

To many, truth is an alien concept, such as stating that bibliokleptomania is a fungus.

**

Taken from “Living with Questions” by Dale Fincher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Order the book here:

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6547

2. SURF REPORT

~ C-SPAN’s STUDENT CAM ‘08: A documentary competition for students
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6549

~ Thanksgiving Hangman: A pointless game to help you get over your turkey hangover http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6550

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

The heart of an astronaut actually gets smaller when in outer space.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”
- Galileo

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
- Mark Twain

5. PARTING SHOT

There is no mistake so great as that of being always right.

This week:
Wednesday
No youth or youth choir activities are happening this week!
Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School
(Note deposits for Breakthru and 30 Hour Famine are due this week!

Also, don’t forget to see the Franklin High School play. Our own Maggie McNulty is in the play “Fools.” The play is being performed on Thursday and Saturday nights at 7 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. You should definitely think about checking out this romantic comedy. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door!

Upcoming Stuff:
November 4- Deposits for Breakthru and 30 Hour Famine are due!
November 10-11- 30 Hour Famine for students who have raised the minimum $30.
November 18- Youth Choir sings at both worship services.
November 18- 4 PM- Feed America First food drive, followed by a church-wide Thanksgiving dinner November 28- No youth group. Youth Choir is singing at Legacy Crossing.
December- Youth Christmas Party- TBA
December 2- Hanging of the Greens Christmas service December 16- Youth sing at Christmas program at 4 PM January 2-5- Breakthru Retreat

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #313
October 29, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Find a Christian bookstore near you:

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6512

=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Ghosts, Spirits, and Reincarnation
And what, exactly, does the Bible teach about life after death–and spirits reaching out from beyond the grave? It doesn’t leave much room for such things to happen.

The writer of Hebrews said, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27).

That at least implies that death is followed by facing God, not by hanging around on earth in spirit form. It definitely rules out reincarnation for those who believe the Bible (since people die only once). And Paul wrote about his willingness to be absent from the body and present with the Lord
(2 Corinthians 5:8), suggesting that for Christians, one immediately follows the other.

So even though I might feel strong emotions about getting a message from “the spirits all around us,” including one from a lost loved one, I have to compare that idea to what the Bible teaches. And Scripture doesn’t seem to teach that the spirits of lost loved ones can contact me through psychics.

Beyond that, we do believe the Bible leaves room for the possibility that Satan or demons could use a psychic to fool people into believing they were talking to the dead. Many psychics claim to be hearing voices or becoming possessed by the spirits of those they are “channeling.” Though these claims are most often a hoax, it’s at least possible that demons are involved in these processes.

That might be why God commanded the Israelites to avoid getting involved with such people: “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them” (Leviticus 19:31). Such contact could open a person up to demonic influence.

Only one passage in the Bible suggests contact with the dead is even possible–and even this story seems to suggest that things like that don’t happen normally. It’s the story of King Saul and the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28).

Saul was on the decline as king, and he knew it. He was afraid the Philistines were about to crush his army. So he called on God for some reassurance. But God wouldn’t answer Saul.

So even though Saul had earlier had all the mediums and spiritists removed from the country, Saul’s men somehow found one in Endor, and Saul went to see her in disguise. He wanted to talk to the prophet Samuel, who had died.
But he had to swear to the witch in God’s name that she wouldn’t be punished if she did it. The king was willing to break his own law in order to find emotional reassurance from someone who had died.

When the witch did her thing, she cried out in surprise when she somehow suddenly became aware that Saul was the king. She said that she saw an old man rising out of the ground in a robe, and she delivered a disturbing message from Samuel to Saul that started out with the words, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” (1 Samuel 28:15).

The message that followed from Samuel is apparently something only Samuel and Saul (and God) would have known about. And it left Saul in greater terror than before he had come to the witch.

It’s unclear exactly what happened in the witch’s house that night, but Bible scholars suggest several possibilities:

Some suggest the woman was just pulling a hoax on Saul in order to give him what he wanted. However, it seems unlikely she would have known what Samuel told Saul.

Others say the woman was possessed by a demon who delivered the message to Saul through the woman. That’s possible, since she was a witch in a time when there was much spirit worship. But the passage doesn’t say anything about Samuel not really being Samuel.

A third idea–and the one that seems most likely–is that this witch intended to do a hoax, but got more than she expected. Perhaps she normally tricked people the way most psychics and mediums do today. The fact that she cries out in a loud voice when Samuel appears suggests that she was shocked and surprised to actually hear from someone who had “crossed over.”

It’s definitely possible that God used this means as a one-time supernatural event to communicate his message to Saul through a deceased prophet who had been used many times to deliver supernatural messages. But this example does not suggest that it’s “normally” possible to talk with the spirits of humans who have passed on. In fact, it seems to suggest that only through God’s power could such a thing happen.

Emotions are wonderful and powerful, but we can’t trust feelings to run our lives. And we really can’t trust them to help us make right decisions about the world of the supernatural. Instead, God calls us to give our emotions to him and trust what his Word teaches us about the spiritual universe.

**

Taken from “Don’t Buy the Lie” by Mark Matlock, copyright 2004, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here:
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6513

2. SURF REPORT

~ Darth Vader Plays the Blues: A random but funny video
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6514

~ Whack-o-Wheen: A pointless, but fun Halloween video game
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6515

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

“Of two evils choose neither.”
- Charles Spurgeon

“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.”
- G.K. Chesterton

5. PARTING SHOT

Everywhere is walking distance if you have time.

Hey all,
First off, thanks so much to everyone for your help on the Chili Cook-Off.
It was a great event and we did well. If you worked on set-up, served, cleaned-up or made chili, we credited your youth account. Again, thanks to everyone and especially to Janet Rogers and Mariellen Sasseen who coordinated the event and helped it all work well!

This week at Bethlehem
Wednesday
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM Youth Dinner.
7 PM Youth Group. This week: All In: Putting Others First

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School
5:45 PM Youth Handbells

Upcoming:
This week, we are giving out the brochures and forms for our Winter retreat, Breakthru. Deposits are due soon! (November 4th!) As always, scholarship money is available for anyone who may need the support of the church.

Jason
615.476.6746
jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com

For starters, tomorrow is See You at the Pole. SYATP is a movement where one Tuesday in September students are encouraged to gather together for prayer for their campuses. If you have a way to arrive early at school and pray with other Christians from your school, please do see. It is an awesome thing.

This Week at Bethlehem:
Wednesday
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group. This week- Game Night!

Sunday
9:30 AM Fifth Sunday Forum in the Old Sanctuary. You can hear about two great ministries our church is involved in: Miriam’s Promise and Restore Ministries.
10:45 AM Unity Service. There is only one church service this week and it is at 10:45 AM. There is a potluck dinner in the gym afterwards.

Upcoming:
October 21- Youth Chili Cook-Off
October 31- No youth group
November 10-11- 30 Hour Famine
November 18- Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner
November 21- No youth due to Thanksgiving holidays
January 2-5- Breakthru Retreat

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #308
September 24, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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LOVE THIS!
“Love this!” contains real-life stories of people like you who’ve found ways to love their neighbors. This book will challenge you to make a difference in your world by loving people who are often ignored or unloved-the homeless, the addicted, the elderly, those of different races, even your enemies-and show you tangible ways to demonstrate your love.

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6461

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

For many Christians denominations act as fences-barriers that keep them apart from fellow believers. The desire to stay with one’s “kind” is a powerful urge. And taken to its extreme, it can be a damaging urge.

As I see it, denominations are simply groups of people who tend to focus on specific verses in the Bible. Pentecostals tend to focus on passages that deal with the Holy Spirit’s active work in the world today. Baptists tend to focus on passages that urge us to spread the gospel around the world.
Methodists tend to focus on passages that call for community involvement.
Presbyterians tend to focus on passages that affirm the traditions of the Christian faith. None of those groups is right or wrong; each simply has a different focus in its application of Scripture.

I’m pretty sure that when you die, God isn’t going to quiz you at the pearly gates to make sure you got all the right answers to every issue. He isn’t going to interrogate you on your views concerning predestination, soteriology, and epistemology. All of those issues are important to understand and work through; however, to think that God has a special place in heaven for the person who “figured it all out” and attended the “right”
church is to deny the fact that God gave us unique points of view.

Look at Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

It’s quite all right to disagree with a fellow believer about the details of our faith. Just make sure that love supersedes your disagreement. You can still love someone you don’t agree with. You can befriend people who don’t cling to the same theological pillars you hold. Remember: We’re all in this body of Christ together!

I can think of a few truths in Scripture worth going to battle over: the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the fact that salvation is available only through him, the fact that he came to serve, the fact that God made the world. Those are all essentials as far as I’m concerned. I will defend those truths until my last breath.

Other elements of Scripture are less essential to me. For example, I would not go into battle with someone who claimed the streets of heaven are paved with 24-karat instead of 18-karat gold. The argument would not be worth the potential damage it could cause to the body of Christ.

As you continue to work out your salvation (see Philippians 2:12), you need to determine which parts of your faith are worth battling for and which call for an agree-to-disagree stance. Focus on the elements that set Christianity apart from other world religions. Leave the rest for spirited coffee table discussions.

When I get to heaven, I plan to corner Jesus for a few millennia to ask him about things I don’t understand. I want to know how he created the earth. I want to know why he refers to us as “predestined” children. I want to know why he healed some people and not others. I want to uncover the mysteries theologians have debated for centuries.

Until we have those answers from Christ himself, we must not allow debates and conflicting interpretations to divide his body here on earth. Remember that we have the potential-and the responsibility-to help the world understand Jesus’ love through the way we treat each other. Let’s not blow it over issues that have no eternal significance.

**

Taken from “Love This!” by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here:
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6461

2. SURF REPORT

~ 100 Samurai Puzzles

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6460

~ Peggie’s Place

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6463

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

The name Wendy was made up for the book “Peter Pan”.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

“The first service one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love of God begins in listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but lends us His ear.
So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.”
- G.K. Chesterton

5. PARTING SHOT

Why is it that when you transport something by car, it’s called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it’s a cargo?

This week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir rehearsal
6:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Youth Group. This week, we will be watching a video from Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan and then breaking into small groups. After all the games, of course!

Saturday
6-9 PM Guys Night Out!

Sunday
9:30 AM Senior High and Middle School Sunday School class.
5:45 PM Youth Handbell Rehearsal

Upcoming dates:
September 30- Unity Sunday. One worship service for the whole church at
10:45 AM.
October 21- Chili Cook-Off
November 10-11- 30 Hour Famine
January 2-5- Breakthru Retreat
February 8-10- Warmth in Winter
February 10- Taste of… fundraising event

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #307
September 17, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

===========our|sponsor===========

INVESTIGATE THE TRUTH ABOUT CREATION
This new release from journalist Lee Strobel investigates the latest scientific discoveries from physics to biology and discovers they point convincingly toward a creator God.

http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/249771

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Can you understand science and still believe in God? I remember clearly when I first started asking that question-and how I answered it.

I was a fourteen-year-old freshman at Prospect High School in northwest suburban Chicago, sitting in a third-floor science classroom overlooking the asphalt parking lot, second row from the window, third seat from the front.

I already liked this introductory biology class. It fit well with my logical way of looking at the world. I was incurably curious-always after answers and constantly trying to figure out how things worked.

That’s why I liked science. Here the teacher actually encouraged me to cut open a frog so I could find out how it functioned. Science gave me an excuse to ask all the “why” questions I was wondering about, to try genetic experiments by breeding fruit flies and to peer inside plants to learn about how they reproduced. To me, science represented the hard facts and the experimentally proven. I tended to dismiss everything else as being mere opinion, superstition-and mindless faith.

It was no accident that my admiration for scientific thinking was developing at the same time that my confidence in God was disappearing. While many of my classmates in Sunday school and confirmation class seemed to automatically accept the teaching of the Bible, I needed reasons for trusting it. When nobody wanted to hear my questions, I began to suspect it was because nobody had any convincing answers. And if there wasn’t any scientific or rational evidence for believing in God, then I wasn’t interested.

That’s when, on that day in biology class, I began to learn about scientific discoveries that, for me, opened the door to atheism.

My teacher explained that life originated millions of years ago when chemicals randomly reacted with each other in a warm ocean on prehistoric Earth. Then, through a process of survival of the fittest and natural selection, life-forms grew increasingly complex. Eventually, human beings emerged from the same family tree as apes.

Everything fell into place for me. My conclusion was that you didn’t need a Creator if life can emerge unassisted from the primordial slime of the primitive Earth, and you don’t need God to create human beings in his image if we are merely the product of the impersonal forces of natural selection.
In short, I decided, you don’t need the Bible if you have The Origin of Species.

By the time I was halfway through college, my atheistic attitudes were so entrenched that I was becoming more and more impatient with people of mindless faith. I felt smugly arrogant toward them. Let them remain slaves to their wishful thinking about a heavenly home and to the straitjacket morality of their imaginary God. As for me, I would follow the conclusions of the scientists.

If I had stopped asking questions, that’s where I would have remained. But with my background in journalism and law, demanding answers is part of who I am. So when my wife, Leslie, announced that she had decided to become a follower of Jesus, it was understandable that the first words I uttered would be a question.

I didn’t ask it politely. Instead I spewed it out: “What has gotten into you?” I simply couldn’t comprehend how such a rational person could buy into an irrational religious belief.

But in the months that followed, Leslie’s character began to change. Her values underwent a transformation, and she became a more loving, caring, authentic person. I began asking the same question, only this time in a softer, more sincere tone of genuine wonderment: “What has gotten into you?”
Something-or, as she would claim, Someone-was undeniably changing her for the better.

Clearly, I needed to investigate what was going on. And so I began asking more questions-a lot of them-about faith, God, and the Bible. I was determined to go wherever the answers would take me-even though, frankly, I wasn’t quite prepared back then for where I would ultimately end up.

This multifaceted spiritual investigation lasted nearly two years. Because science had played such an important role in propelling me toward atheism, I spent a lot of time posing questions about what the latest research says about God. With an open mind, I began asking:

* Are science and faith incompatible? Am I right to think that a science-minded person must reject religious beliefs? Or is there a different way to view the relationship between the spiritual and the scientific?

* Does the latest scientific evidence tend to point toward or away from the existence of God?

* Are the teachings about evolution that spurred me to atheism all those years ago still valid in light of the most recent discoveries in science?

“Science,” said two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, “is the search for the truth.” And that’s what I decided to embark upon-a search for the truth. I hope you’ll join me as I retrace that journey.
**
Taken from by “The Case for a Creator” by Lee Strobel, copyright 2004, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/249771

2. SURF REPORT
~ Institute for Creation Research
http://www.icr.org

~ Answers in Genesis
http://www.answersingenesis.org

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
An iguana can stay under water for 28 minutes.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
“The human mind is not capable of grasping the Universe. We are like a
little child entering a huge library. The walls are covered to the ceilings
with books in many different tongues. The child knows that someone must have
written these books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the
languages in which they are written. But the child notes a definite plan in
the arrangement of the books - a mysterious order which it does not
comprehend, but only dimly suspects.”
- Albert Einstein

“This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only
proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

- Sir Isaac Newton

5. PARTING SHOT
Why is “abbreviation” such a long word?

Hey all,

Been great to see you all at the games, events and other things that are happening around.  You can check out a load of new pictures from the events and things I have been at (including Girls Night Out) at the youth website: www.bethlehemyouth.net

Thanks to the folks who showed up and were interested in being a part of the Youth Leadership Team on Sunday night.  Your input, questions and suggestions are definitely being taken seriously!

This Week at Bethlehem Youth:

Wednesday

5 PM Youth Praise Band

5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal

6:30 PM Dinner by Jason Sansbury

6:50 PM Youth Group!  We are starting our game time 10 minutes earlier!

8:05 PM Everyone heads home!

Sunday

9:30 AM Sunday School

Upcoming events:

September 22- Guys Night Out.  Watch for an email this week about the guys event gentlemen!

September 29- Unity Service (Church-wide worship service at 10:45 AM)

October 21- Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser.  We will be signing folks up for this event this week at youth group!

November 10-11- 30 Hour Famine.  (Parents- still have lots of need for help for this event to happen!  Watch for a parents email this week.)

November 18- Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner

January 2-5– Breakthru Retreat.  Cost is $160 per student.  This event is going to be an amazing retreat with other United Methodist youth groups from around the southeast at Springville Conference Center in Springville, AL.  The deadline to sign up with a $50 deposit is October 31 and the balance is due by December 2.  This trip is open to all 6^th through 12^th grade students!

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #306
September 10, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

*Listening *

1 Samuel 7:5-13

Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the Lord for you.”

When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against
the Lord.” And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.

When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. And when the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines.

They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”

Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.

While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.

The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Car.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”

So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again.

Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines.

*Meditation *

In the Old Testament, the Israelites sometimes placed a large stone or built a monument to mark where God had done a great work. Those monuments helped them
remember God is faithful. The monuments were often given names, as in this story, where Samuel names the spot Ebenezer, which means literally “stone of help.”

Think of the moments when God has done great works in your life. In what ways do these experiences serve as monuments to remind you of God’s ongoing work
in your life?

Think about one of these moments. Did it occur on a retreat or at a camp? Perhaps at a worship service? Did it happen at a really good place in your life? Or did it happen during a really hard time? Name that moment and ponder
it for a while.

As you look back at your “Ebenezer” moment, consider what you learned about God in that place. In what ways did God help you in that time? If there were a plaque with an inscription on that monument, what would it say?

In your time of reflection, take that moment and set it up before God as a stone that marks his presence in your life saying, “Thus far has the Lord helped me.”

**

Taken from "Enjoy the Silence” by Maggie & Duffy Robbins, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here:
http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6441

2. SURF REPORT

~ Light a Candle
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~ Sacred Space
Daily prayer online
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3. FORGETTABLE FACT

The can opener was invented 48 years after cans were introduced.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

“One act of thanksgiving made when things go wrong is worth a thousand when things go well."
- St. John of Avila

“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.”
- Meister Eckhart

5. PARTING SHOT

If rabbits’ feet are so lucky, then what happened to the rabbit?

I hope everyone enjoyed a great day off yesterday.  I imagine it was a bit harder for all of us to get back this morning, but I hope it has been good for you.

First off, ladies, if you are coming to the Girls Night Out, which is this coming Saturday, I need to know that Wednesday night at the latest.  I have only heard from a couple people that they are definitely in and we need to be respectful of the people at the pottery location and cancel unless we have 10 or so folks.  You can let me know you are coming by email me at jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com. 

Second, Youth Choir, you all sounded great at the 10:45 AM service Sunday.  Harry is asking that we sing at the 8:15 AM service this week.  I will send out the rest of the fall dates when we are singing this week.

Peace,

Jason 

This Week at Bethlehem Youth:

Wednesday

5 PM Youth Band practice

5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal

6:30 PM Youth Dinner by the Cunninghams and McIntyres.  (Thanks!)

7 PM Youth Group.  This week we will look at how to be filled with God’s forgiveness!

8:05 PM Everyone heads for home.

Saturday

6-9 PM Girls Night Out

Sunday

8:15 AM Youth Choir sings at worship service

9:30 AM Sunday School classes

5 PM Youth Leadership Team meeting.  (See note below about Youth Leadership Team.)

5:45 PM Youth Handbells

Upcoming:

September 22- Guys Night Out

October 21- Chili Cook-Off.  NOTE: We goofed on the calendar that just went out.  The cook-off is definitely on Sunday, October 21.  (The Titans play at Houston that day.)

November 10-11- 30 Hour Famine.

November 18- Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner

YS STUDENT NEWSLETTER #305
September 3, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living
water will flow from within him." [ John 7:38]

When animals come down to a river to drink they have no concept of
where the water is coming from or where it’s going. God is the source of
living water. When our lives become this water, we can roll down the mountain
and touch the lives of many. We may weaken and become a mere trickle, or
we can grow and become mighty, washing away anything that gets in our way.
Rivers don’t care about obstacles. They go around, through, rolling—never
stopping. God uses our lives to touch others. They, in turn, touch more lives.
We’ll never know how many lives we’ve touched.

OZ (Oswald Chambers) says:

A river touches places of which its source knows nothing, and Jesus
says if we have received of His fullness, however small the visible measure of our lives, out of us will flow the rivers that will bless to the uttermost parts of the earth. We have nothing to do with the outflow—"This is the work of God that ye believe…" God rarely allows a soul to see how great a blessing he is.

Just between you & God:

Don’t get wrapped up in who and where.
Ask God to keep you moving in and around. Ask for the strength to keep going
when you’re weary. Ask for the patience to reach everywhere you need to go.

**

Taken from "Everything Counts" by Steve Case, copyright 2003, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=6422

2. SURF REPORT

~ BibleGateway.com
A searchable online Bible in over 50 versions and 35 languages
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~ World Vision International

A Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
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3. FORGETTABLE FACT

There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."
- Mother Teresa

"There have been meetings of only a moment which have left impressions for life …for eternity. No one can understand that mysterious thing we call ‘influence’ …yet everyone of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives."
- J.B. Miller

5. PARTING SHOT

When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

Second: Great turn out for today’s Mission Monday. It was great to see so many new faces helping us as we served at Graceworks. (I don’t think they believed me when I said so many of you would come and work hard.) They have offered us a chance to come help with a major food drop they have happening on Monday, August 6th and would be one where we meet for lunch and then spend the afternoon unloading trucks and sorting food. If you would be available and in for that event, let me know as soon as possible via email.

Don’t forget this week we are having youth group! We will be learning some of the new worship songs we learned at River of Life, as well as having a lesson and maybe, just maybe voting on paint colors for the youth room!

This week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
7-8 PM Youth Group
8-9 PM Open Gym and Open Game Area
What is the Game Area? The Cope Simpkins Sunday School class is allowing us to share space with them in the Upper Banquet Hall area, where we have a foosball table, an air hockey table and a ping-pong table set up.
Anyone have a boom box style radio and CD player they would like to donate to that effort?

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School.

Monday
9-1:30 PM Mission Monday. Watch this week for another email that gives specifics. Our first plan fell through and we are working on a second plan.
Work and lunch will be involved though!

Upcoming Events:
August 5- Kathi’s Backpacks @ 5:30 PM. We will be putting together the backpacks that got to needy students all around the greater Franklin and Nashville area. It should be fun!
August 19- The Fall Kick-Off. This event will be for all students and parents and will feature information about what the fall holds in store for us. It will be a fun night of fellowship, planning and gearing up for the new school year!
August 25- Guys Night Out. Details to be determined! Plan on the cost of $30 a person and an awesome night of guy stuff! (Ladies, the first Ladies Night will happen in September!)

YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #299
July 23, 2007
Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot
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1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe how Christians should interact. He writes, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
We are all part of the body of Christ if we believe in Jesus the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. We are all baptized in the same spirit. Some people like to worship in different ways. Some have the gift of singing, while others have the gifts of playing music. Some people have the boldness to raise their hands in worship, while others silently kneel at their own pew in quietness to the Lord. It doesn’t matter much how you worship as long as you are giving God the best worship you’re capable of.
We need to stop pointing our fingers at different “body parts” and accusing them of being sacrilegious. Brothers and sisters united in Christ need to be mature enough to handle all kinds of worship. Dismissing people because of the way they worship is ungodly; furthermore, it keeps the entire body of Christ from being able to witness effectively to the world.
Instead of falling prey to sarcasm and other unproductive ways of treating people, we Christians need to learn to celebrate the gifts of others. If someone’s gift is singing, rejoice in her ability to sing rather than trying to put her down to make yourself feel better about the gifts God has given you. We need all parts of the body to perform their jobs in order for the whole body to function properly.
**
Taken from “Love This!” by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here:
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2. SURF REPORT
~ National Yo-Yo Contest & Museum
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~ Puzzlemaker
Create puzzles online
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3. FORGETTABLE FACT
The Eiffel Tower shrinks 6 inches in winter 4. POTENT QUOTABLES “I often found myself prefering the company of people outside my congregation, men and women who did not follow Jesus. Or worse, preferring the company of my sovereign self. But soon I found that my preferences were honored by neither Scripture nor Jesus. I didn’t come to the conviction easily, but finally there was no getting around it: there can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life apart from immersion and embrace of community. I am not myself by myself. Community, not the highly vaunted individualism of our culture, is the setting in which Christ is at play. ”
- Eugene Peterson
“Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant.
One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. As individuals stones, we can do little with them except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic portraying the face of Christ, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one, is missing, the face is incomplete.
Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution to the glory of God. That’s community, a fellowship of little people who together make God visible in the world.”
- Henry Nouwen
5. PARTING SHOT
A metaphor is like a simile.

But in order to go, we need to have everyone going fill out this release form. Also, it would be helpful to have you all email me to let me know your coming, so they can have enough work for us.

Thanks,
Jason
jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com, 615.476.6746

And this week is just as busy, as we get ready for the Fish Fry on Friday, from 4-8 PM. We still need some holes filled for the event, which I will place below. Feel free to sign-up to help. We are asking all youth to take
2 1-hour shifts manning a children’s ministry event here.

Summer Sizzler: I have made the decision to cancel our involvement with Summer Sizzler. There is a ton of stuff going on and I haven’t been able to get some details I felt like I needed from the conference office about the event. So our next big events are our Guys Night Out in August and the Girls Night Out in September. Details and forms will be coming in the August newsletter.

This week at Bethlehem:
Wednesday
7 PM Youth Group- We will be talking about serving others and doing some stuff to get ready for the Fish Fry.
8 PM Open Gym

Friday
4-8 PM Fish Fry. Check in with Jason when you get there. He will be in the children’s area!

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School

Spaces where we need help for the Fish Fry:
Refrigerator Box Maze- 6-7 PM, 7-8 PM
Wading Pool- 5-6 PM, 7-8 PM
Yard Golf- 7-8 PM
Baseball Throw- 6-7 PM
Fruit Basket Toss- 7-8 PM
Moonwalk- 5-6 PM
Mash Tent- 6-7 PM
Nursery 6-7 PM, 7-8 PM (We need serious help in this area!)
Tattoos, Face and Nail Painting- 5-6 PM
Duck Pond- 5-6 PM, 6-7 PM, 7-8 PM
Hula Hippos- 5-6 PM, 6-7 PM, 7-8 PM

-Jason Sansbury, jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com, 615.476.6746

By: Jonathan Johnson

              River Of Life has been an amazing, full throttle experience. From waking up at 6:45am, eating breakfast at 7:00am, loading into the crews at 7:30 am and leaving for the job sites. Working in the blazing sun, feeling the weight of the world falling down on me. To touch lives in the Macon community makes me feel very happy to see other lives happy to have such wonderful youth and adults just fill their hearts with joy and laughter. This year’s speaker for River Of Life was David Herndon. He relates parts of his life to the theme of the worship time. From Abandon Self, to Abandon S.H.I.P. to Abandon Jesus, to Abandon Restored, he speaks from the heart and he is an amazing speaker and I speak for all of us when I say that his words and actions touch our hearts. I’ve made a lot of friends this past week and I’ve enjoyed this amazing experience to reach to others.

“Leadership Is Action, Not Position.” 2006 STARS Leadership Conference –

River Of Life is amazing mission trip and I hope that Bethlehem Youth continues reaching out to others and helping the communities around us forever and ever.

Thanks for checking in with us and I am sorry I didn’t get an update up last night or this morning.  We did arrive safe and sound yesterday, dealing with a little bit of rain and a little but of traffic in Atlanta with a stop at Cracker Barrell for lunch. 

After arriving we set-up headquarters and are sharing rooms with other youth groups. I was so proud of how the Bethlehem gang handled some really, really cramped conditions.  They were real troopers and were great in adjusting and making room for everyone.  There are roughly 220 people spending the nights here each night, with another 100 support folks staying at the homes in Macon, though they are here when we go to bed and here when we get up, doing things like fixing our meals, cleaning the areas around us and generally working hard to turn their church into a very nice hotel.

Last night, in a church vs. church challenge, we are all proud to say that Ben, as our Bethlehem representative, won a game involving flour, gum and no hands.  I have some great video of it and if I can find the right kind of cable, we will share this momentous moment with you all.  

Today, we are all divided up into different teams with people from the other churches.  About half of us are on paint teams and half of us are on constructions teams.  In particular, I am the team leader of three Bethlehem students (Matt T., Ben and Davis) and a former student from my last church.  Today we worked hard on what should have been a simple job and it turned into a real beast.  The guys were great and handled it well and worked hard.  We had to stay late to finish and though there was some grumbling, their tone all changed when the lady whose home we were working on came out to offer her thanks.  It was a good moment  After showers, we are relaxing and waiting for dinner to be served in about an hour.

Some things to pray for:

1. Alex J.  Alex has had a bad headache, worked through the morning and came back early, took and shower and is resting.  The church here has some outstanding nurses and they did great taking care of him today.  But we do want him to feel better.
2. Worship.  It is much different than what we have been exposed to before and I pray that we would all be open to new experiences and challenges!
3. Continued good weather.  It was hot today but bear-able.  Rain and thunderstorms can shut us down, so please pray that if it rains, it rains after 4 PM or so when work is over.

And here are two thoughts, from Taylor H. and from Sarah Beth Z.:

Heading Home

As we wrap up our nine day journey, we realize how much we have learned and experienced on this tour. The ten hour bus rides, the annual mid tour crisis, and the late night laughs, all add up to another great tour. We travel bringing the word and sprit of god in song. No matter where we performed, we gave our heart to the audience. A Clear Voice has experienced much of the continental United States, every tour brining new word to new faces. I believe, for most, the Mount Rushmore performance brought out a new feeling of confidence and hope for a Clear Voice. We represented B.U.M.C in a whole new world, a national park. The sunset went down, but our inspiring words we sang, brought others up. Stories of people literally running up teary-eyed, praising us for singing how we did, made all of us fulfilled. We hope for the tours to come, that we can still bring a vibe that moves and draws people closer to God.

3rd Year Clear Voice member,
Taylor H.

My Choir Tour this year has been unlike any other Tour in the past. Sure we sang about gods word to a variety of people, loaded and unloaded the bus about 25 times, had long bus rides, played presidents, watched movies, took showers in a limited time, put up with annoying middle school boys after lights out, watch all the boys play Frisbee, wake up early every morning, wear ugly khakis that don’t fit, meet and greet with old people, senior night, that’s what she said jokes and cookies, trashing the bus after every time we are on it, sitting with one person at the beginning of the trip but ending with a different person, sleeping on the floor of the bus then getting woken up by someone’s foot on your face, laughing at each other because you get to see everyone’s true side, singing Disney songs as loud as we can, and getting flicked just because someone else can flick better then you. All these things are the aspects of my first two Choir tours. They were so fun, and I went on each of them again, hoping to have just as much fun. I walked into this Tour with the same attitude, hanging out with friends and then singing when we had too. But then the first night, we had a devo, a bible study type thing, with folders. Jason put our devo along with a song. The way he did it made it better to understand we knew all the words to the songs so when he paired it up with his story’s and at least we some what knew what was happening. When Jason said that we were going to sing the song I figured only a couple of us would sing, because only a couple of people care, or if they didn’t they just felt bad because no one else was singing. But it turned out that every single person was singing, it sounded some what just like a performance. For once we were acting like a youth choir, we had the choir and the Jesus aspect of it.
A youth director and a person just like Jason is the perfect thing that our choir and youth needed. This Choir Tour totally changed from being about friends and the fun to, friends, fun, and even some spiritual parts along the way. I have something to look forward about choir tour it is a great way to start summer, I feel some what “pure” going into summer with a good look on life. I can use what I have learned here to make not only my life but other lived pure too.

-Sarah Beth Zimmerman

The road from Colorado Springs to Wichita was long but we made it safely and with much better weather than this time.  Once we arrived, we stayed at East Heights UMC where we had our most cramped conditions since leaving on tour but we wedged everyone in.

Friday night, we enjoyed great dinners at the Timberline Steakhouse.  It was our nicest meal of the trip by far and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  Last night, we had a devotional and talked about how we are all made to be worshippers but that the key is making sure that our worship is focused on the only thing that matters- God.  It was a good discussion.

This morning we slept a little later and took the trip a bit slower.  Some of the adults managed to wrangle a ride for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, which were a huge treat.  We are just now riding out again, after having stopped for lunch on Blackwell, Oklahoma.  Tonight we sing at the Native American Conference youth banquet before pressing on to the Cookson Hills Mission, we are sleeping, showering and leading worship tomorrow before jumping on I-40 and heading for home.  Watch tomorrow as we will try and give a good guess as to when we will get home, as well as have students call when we are about an hour away from the church.

That is about it for now.  Some thanks- kudos to Carloyn Oakes for organizing our order and money for the steakhouse dinner.  (Imagine if we had tried to do 45 separate bills!)  Kudos to Bo Turner who managed to unclog a couple tiolets we clogged.

See you all tomorrow night!

Tonight we went to the Flying W Ranch. It was very fun. The basic idea of the place is that you have an excellent dinner followed by a show of comedy and cowboy style music. It was definitely neat.

Once we got back to the church, we talked about how Thursday seems to be the day when tensions run high, as the toil begins to mount. I think we all have been a little more on edge but are excited about what is in store for us. From here we begin the turn back east, landing tomorrow in Wichita, Kansas and then on to Oklahoma, where I really think we will have some great testimonies about.

And thanks to the prayer partners! Your second letters were handed out tonight and were again very encouraging to everyone. I am so thankful for a church that is pulling for all 45 of us (Zhon the bus driver included) on this journey!

We had a magnificent dinner at the High Country ranch which ended with a cowboy poet. That’s right, a cowboy poet. It was definitely something way outside our comfort zone but for the most part everyone seemed to enjoy it. And he was extremely complimentary of the group.

Yesterday morning we visited the Crazy Horse Monument and sang there. I knew little of the monument at all but it is simply amazing. It has been worked on for over 60 years and it is massive. For a size comparison, when it is done it will be bigger than any existing US monument. The thing that impressed me is that the sculptor who started the project knew that he would never complete it and had to hope that others would carry on his legacy. His family has done an amazing job of continuing the project. The pictures of the site are great and hopefully I can find a wifi spot soon to load up them and a ton of others.

After singing there, we went shopping/exploring the town on foot. My group consisted of some of our very cool guys (Connor, Austin, Davis, Taylor R., Wesley, David, Jonathon and Tyler.) As discovering that we really weren’t into antique shopping, we headed to the YMCA where we played some basketball. You can crown Connor H-O-R-S-E champ, though I am proud to say I came in second after a great rally. Then we went to a little restaurant and had pie. It was a fun afternoon for all our groups.

Last night, we had a great time with the youth group of our host church. It was a fun event that was moved indoors because of a storm. It was fun and we managed to wound their youth director in a tussle. Blood was drawn. And people questioned our “Southern hospitality” if you can believe that…

Today we are headed out of South Dakota and are heading on Colorado Springs. I suspect there will be much sleeping on the bus between there and here.

Thanks again for the prayers and we definitely are starting to miss you all!

-Lindsay L.

Miss you all,
Austin, Miles, Wesley, Tyler, and Connor

And as for the kids, here is an entry written by Holly R., who is on her first tour trip and has a great perspective:
Hey all. We are all so happy to be here! It’s such a great experience. This is my first year going. And after coming this year, I hope to go for as many years as I can. On Saturday, we drove for about 9 to 10 hours. What a bus ride! We arrived at Central UMC, ate dinner, had devotion, and went to bed. We sang the next morning at Central UMC for the morning service. After that, we went to the Omaha Zoo. We all had a blast. I got a lot of souvenirs there. Yesterday, we had another long bus ride, arrived at First UMC in Rapid City, SD. This is where we’re staying for the next 3 nights and we’re here right now. We got to go to Mount Rushmore. What a site! It’s so pretty. We also sang that night in an amphitheatre. We had a good crowd. Today, we went to Wind Cave. The cave is around 124 miles! They still haven’t discovered some of it but it’s still big. After that, we went to a nursing home to sing. They loved it. Now we’re back from it and in a minute we’re going to a dude ranch and eat there. We also are going on a hayride and a cowboy poet will tell us some stories. Tomorrow I think we are going to Crazy Horse monument. It’s so big, you can put Mount Rushmore on its hand! It’s SO BIG. Well I must go. I hope all of us will have a great trip. Thanks to all of you that have prayed for us this week. See ya later!
-Holly R.

Ello poppets, Grace and Matthew here! (British Accent) Choir tour is the one trip out of the whole year that brings our youth group together. Over that past 6 choir tours, we have been able to travel the country and see many exciting sites. We have formed strong friendships with other youth group members and made many memories. We have all had to go through exciting, tired, annoyed, angry, and just plain exhausted times. But, in the end it is an experience we will never forget.
As seniors, we are enjoying our final choir tour. As we sit on the bus on our way to Rapid City, South Dakota, we reminisce about the past 6 years and everything choir tour has meant to us. From Harry getting hit in the face with the frisbee, Maggie fainting at the Grand Canyons, Beth Armistead flying into the bushes during Red Rover, getting lost in New England, to the lack of showers and sleep (oh and I guess the singing) choir tour has been extremely fun. The 1st week of June will never be the same for us again.
Don’t miss us to much….
Matthew and Grace

Yesterday at Central UMC in Kansas City, a UMC pastor who works on University of Kansas campus shared with us the need to constantly be striving for me in our faith and in our walk with God. He has what I think may be one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs there is in ministry: working on a college campus. The simple fact is that when a student heads off to college, they have to make their own personal decision to get engaged with the local body of Christ. I will never forget my first day on the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) campus and realizing that I could go either way- devote myself to Christ or leave behind the last two years where God revealed himself to me. I am so thankful that on that faithful day that I had enough faith to find myself to the UGA Wesley Foundation, which was and is a great ministry on that campus.

Last night, during our devotional time, we began to talk some about John 9. In the chapter, a man, blind since birth is healed by Jesus. Jesus makes some mud, puts it on the man’s eyes and sends him to wash. So suddenly, a man who has been a blind beggar since birth can suddenly see. As you can imagine, his town, his family and the religious folks all have some questions for him. We left the story there, a man who can suddenly see knows he was healed by Jesus, yet he has no idea what Jesus looks like. His refrain: “All I know is I was blind, and now I see.”

In our own walks of faith, we desperately want all the answers. The reality is sometimes all we have to carry us through is our hope, our faith in something we can’t see. In my own walk, there are significant times when I have to be reminded of what I know, of what I have seen and Who I trust in. That is my hope for this trip, that we will add another marker in the lives of students, another reminder of when they met God and of what that has meant in their lives.

General tour update:
-We have showered. It was good. While we didn’t out stink the animals at the zoo yesterday, we probably could have today!
-The fatigue is starting to set in and we have a long bus drive in front of us today. So in your prayers for us (which we feel!) ask that God would give us excitement and joy!
-Today we go from Omaha to Rapid City, South Dakota. After a mad dash, we will be arriving there in time for us to set-up and sing and worship at Mount Rushmore.
-Later today, I will be posting some thoughts from some of the “veteran” students about what choir tour has meant to them over the years.
-Also, I will be posting the devotions for Saturday and Sunday, as well as today. I completely forgot to share those thoughts with you that we (well, most of us) are doing each day on our own!

Blessed Be Your Name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name when I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out, I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s ‘all as it should be’ Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering blessed be Your name

You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name

Some of the lyrics to the songs we sing are inspired straight from the characters and the stories that are found in the Bible. This particular praise song was written by Matt Redman, a British worship leader who was inspired by the story of Job.

Job is a unique fellow in the Bible. A whole book is written about his story, yet, in many ways, we wouldn’t find him to be very important. He wasn’t a prophet or a king. He didn’t win any amazing battles or even really fight any that we know of. In a lot of ways, he is a regular guy. Yet, his story is still pretty amazing.

See, Job was a faithful man of God. But Satan was convinced that Job was following God just when things were right. See Job had a family, wealth, pretty much all the things that a man could want. Or as the song says “when the world’s ‘all as it should be.’” So God allows Satan to take everything from Job. All his children die, his crops wither, his animals are stolen or burn in fire from heaven. Yet, Job doesn’t curse God like Satan expects. Instead, listen to the song of Job’s heart:
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”- Job 1:20-21

When things go right, it is easy for us to praise God. Can we be like Job? When things go wrong, when life is really, really hard, are we so quick to praise God? Can we really say “God, you give to us and you take away from us. Regardless, we praise your name”?

The story of Job goes on from there and through his trials, he learns about God’s greatness, despite the people around him and despite his own doubts. May God lead us through our trials and continue to teach us that His name is always worthy of our worship!

God of Wonders by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong

Lord of all creation, of water, earth and sky
The Heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory To the Lord on high

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy

Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness, I will call your name by night

Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)

Lord of all creation…
Think about that phrase for a moment. God of literally everything. The stars, the moon, the planets. God who is amazingly large enough to be Lord of all creation. And yet that isn’t the whole story of God. It is easy for us to sometimes embrace this idea of God being large and big. Sometimes even far off. But the reality is as big as He is, He is also real and personal.

King David recognized that God was both the Lord of all creation but also our very real, very personal God. David wrote Psalm 139, which talks about how God is both large and also deeply connected to us. Listen to how David describes God as being deeply involved with us:
“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.’
-Psalm 139: 13-16 (The Message)

Today, we are going to get to visit the Omaha Zoo, a world class zoo. Today, as you wander around, think of this idea, the Lord of all creation, who dreamed up giraffes and penguins, platypuses and ostriches, also formed you in your mother’s womb, knitted you together to make you into the creation He wants you to be. And in fact, He has promised to keep shaping you and to keep making you more and more into who He wants you to be!

Philippians 1:6: “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” (The Message)

Light of the world You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to this earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor

I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross

One of the mysteries of the Christian faith is given a big fancy, theological word: the Incarnation. What does it mean? I like how the Message paraphrase of the Bible puts it in its translation of the first chapter of John:
“The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.”

So Jesus, who has always been, suddenly decides to become flesh and blood and come down to earth. And when you read Jesus’ story in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, it is pretty clear that He knew it wouldn’t be an easy time; in fact, it is pretty certain that from the beginning He knew that the cross was going to be how His life ended. Not because He deserved it, but because we did. (By the way, this idea of God coming down to us and becoming involved in our lives is a unique one to Christianity. All other religions believe that we have to do certain things or practice certain rituals with the hope that we may one day get to God. We believe the glory and truth of the Christian story is that God has come down to us, out of His goodness, not out of our hard work.)

All of those ideas are in this song we sing. The song makes it pretty clear that our worship, our offering before God of our hearts and minds happens because the love and mercy Jesus shows. How amazing is it that the God of the universe left His power to become a little baby in a manger in Bethlehem? It is amazing enough that God would “move into the neighborhood” to show His love for us. Even greater is the love that He showed in going to the cross:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The truth is we will never know how much it cost to see our sin upon the cross because Jesus has already paid for us. So today, as we head out and start the youth choir tour, take some time to thank Him for being a part of our lives and for the love He has shown!

Omaha Zoo, Nebraska: A Natural Adventure 6-03-2007
By: Jonathan Johnson

After a four drive from Kansas City to Omaha, we stopped to explore the wondrous creatures which God created. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Looking at the different habitats and biomes of the earth. From the dessert to the jungle, from birds to mammals, the zoo is wondrous in beauty. The splendor, the magnificence, and the enchantment life has to offer. So far the choir tour has been fun, but we still have a long and treacherous journey. The journey is not over. The zoo was one stop on our journey throughout the mid-west.
God has created living creatures for a reason, the reason is sometimes unexplainable, and the reason is sometimes explained. The reason is so that animals can live and protect all that is pure. The waterfall inside of the jungle biome made it look like a tropical rainforest. The canopy were amazing, like grace falling from heaven. The spirits within the creatures reside within us.
We view Gods creatures in everyday life. Birds, bees, rabbits, cats, dogs, hamsters, are all Gods creatures; they have a place in the choir, meaning they have a reason for living. Sure we might define bugs scary, but they were put on this earth for a specific reason. If we take the time to explore, imagine all that life has to offer, we might just find deep within our hearts, lays an animal spirit waiting to be set free into heaven.
So, take a minute and view nature as a once and a lifetime offer.

PS- New pictures are up from last night and today!

We all had to wake up early this morning to get ready for church. I am positive that nobody was very happy about that. Everybody received their first letter today, and we are thankful for those who wrote them. For breakfast we had cereal and Danishes. It was delicious. Church started at 8:30, but we got there a little early to get everything set up.

There was another group in college there that performed. They were great! They had a guitar player, a lead singer, and a piano player that played with one hand and held the microphone with the other. It was a lot of fun to watch. We sang Those Who Trust and Grace like Rain with them. After the other group was done, we sang Here I am to Worship and Prince of Peace. I think we did a great job, and the church did too. The sermon was good, but I think some people fell asleep because they were so tired. It was a great first night and first performance.

We are back on the bus ad headed to Omaha, Nebraska. Unfortunately some of us left the bus yesterday without cleaning up our mess, so we cannot eat or chew gum on the bus ride today. I hope we can leave the bus cleaner today, then maybe we can have snacks tomorrow.

Our later departure has meant no showers for us tonight. Thankfully the rest of the trip, we have showers at each church stop, so we are toughing it out. I will let you know who smells more tomorrow: the animals at the zoo or us youth choir folks.

In the morning, we are honored to be a part of the early service here at Central and then we will be heading on to Omaha and their zoo. It is looking to be a fantastic trip, as well as much shorter road leg today.

I am trying to put up some pictures from today as well thus far, but that may wait. The parking lot is full of Frisbees flying right now as our magnificent Mexican feast is being prepared for dinner, our devotional time and a good night’s rest. Keep us in your prayers and we will check in tomorrow with you! God bless- Jason (on behalf of the 44 folks on tour!)

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:45 AM Recognition of graduates during the worship service

Wednesday

5 PM Youth Praise Band Rehearsal

5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal (Our next to last one before Tour!)

6:30 PM Dinner

7 PM Youth Group!

Coming up:

May 27- Youth Choir sings at 10:45 AM Service!

June 2-10: Youth Choir Tour

June 18-22: Vacation Bible School

July 8- Nashville Shores

July 11-15 River of Life Mission Trip

Well, as I am nursing my paintball bruises, I am thinking of what a great weekend we had on the Edge Middle School Retreat last weekend.  It was a great time and I am so glad we had it.  A good time was had by all and I want to thank Doreen Gunn, Steve Klinck and Janet Rogers for being a part of the weekend.  Without their help, it wouldn’t have been possible!

This Week at Bethlehem UMC Youth:

Wednesday

There are no youth activities at the church.  Instead we are planning on being a part of the Chancel Choir’s joint worship experience with the Harpeth Presbyterian choir.  I do know the middle school girls Bible study is gathering at Sonic.  And if you show up here at 6 PM, you are welcome to come to me with dinner!  The worship experience starts at 7 PM at Harpeth Presbyterian.

Thursday

7 PM Maundy Thursday service

Friday

7 PM Good Friday service, followed by the placing of the Easter Lillies  (If you are looking for scholarship help for the Youth Choir Tour, this is a great opportunity!)

Saturday

10 AM Easter Egg Hunt

10:15 AM Blessing of the Animals

Sunday

9:30 AM Sunday School.

No evening activities due to Easter!  Enjoy some time with your families!

Peace,

Jason Sansbury jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com 615.476.6746

YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #283
April 2, 2007

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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If you feel like you’ve been reading the Bible in the shallow end, it’s time to start scaling the cliffs and get ready to plunge headlong into the deep experience of God’s Word.

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=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

LISTENING

John 13:1-5, 23
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him…. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.

MEDITATION

Imagine you’re present at the Last Supper. The meal is over, and Jesus leans back to recline near the table, as was the custom of that time. He’s among his disciples, people with whom he’s shared three powerful, challenging years. They’ve all been through much together. Yet Jesus knows much is still yet to come. Imagine what the scene must have looked like.

Now imagine Jesus asks you to join him. What are you feeling as he calls you to him? Are you thrilled? Nervous? Fearful? Contented? Do you feel safe or vulnerable–or perhaps a combination of both? Pay attention to your response and your emotions. Take a moment to figure them out. Then imagine Jesus invites you to lay your head on his chest. He’s inviting you to listen to the very heartbeat of God. What’s your response? As you listen, what do you hear?
[Spend about 15-20 minutes in silence.]

**
Taken from "Enjoy the Silence" by Maggie and Duffy Robbins, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/259916

2. SURF REPORT

~ CCM Plane
The place for Christian music news

~ Anointed Youth
A place to learn more about God, make friends, and more.

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

Originally, Nintendo was a playing card manufacturer.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

"The golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters is not intellect, but obedience."
~ Oswald Chambers

"Expecting something for nothing is the most popular form of hope." ~ Arnold Glasow

5. PARTING SHOT

Time flies when you don’t know what you’re doing…

Last call for Middle School Retreat sign-ups!  If you want to go to the Middle School retreat, I need to know by the end of the week.  Any questions or concerns, email me!  jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com or 615.476.6746.  Forms and information are available on the youth website: www.bethlehemyouth.net

This week at Bethlehem Youth:

Wednesday
5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM Youth Dinner
7: 00 PM Youth Small Group

Sunday
8:15 AM A Clear Voice (Youth Choir) sings.  Be at the church at 7:45 AM to get robed up and ready to go if you are in choir!
9:30 AM Sunday School Classes (6^th grade, 7^th and 8^th grade and high school)
5 PM Youth Group (UMYF)
6 PM Youth night at the Music Man play (See note below!)

Monday
2:45 PM Grassland Middle School Confirmand pick-up
4 PM Confirmation Class

Upcoming:
March 17- Feed America First Help day- 8 AM until 1 PM (See note below!)
March 30-April 1- Middle School Retreat
March 31- Church Wide Clean-Up Day for senior highers!

Music Man on Sunday!  Parents and youth- we would love to have you join us for the production of the Music Man on Sunday.  The cost is $10 for students and $15 for adults.  As always, scholarship funds are available.  If you or your family are planning on coming Sunday, can you email me and let me know?  Thanks- jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com

Feed America First Help Day: On Saturday, March 17^th, the first weekend of Spring Break, we have a great opportunity to help Feed America First for their spring food drive.  If you are going to around on that day, we would love to have you help.  We will be packaging food at the church Banquet Hall from 8 AM until 1 PM.  Afterwards, we will all grab lunch together.  If you can help, please email me: jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School
5 PM UMYF (Youth Group!)
6 PM Youth Hang out time
6:30 PM Youth head home from the church!

Monday
2:35 PM Grasslands Middle School pick-up for Confirmation
4 PM Confirmation Class. This week we are learning about the Holy Spirit and Jesus and being led by Dr. Norfleet and Rev. Coleman!

Coming up:
March 30-April 1- Middle School Retreat. (See note below!)
TBA- 30 Hour Famine
June 2-10 Youth Choir Tour
July 11-15 River of Life Mission Trip

Middle School Retreat Announcement:
We have a great opportunity for you all coming up on the weekend of March 30-April 1. We will be having a middle school only retreat along with some other United Methodist youth groups from around the southeast at the Whitewater Express facility located in Copperhill,
TN.

So what will we be doing there?
We will have a weekend full of worship experiences, hanging out with folks from the other churches and there are a ton of activities available on Saturday afternoon, like challenging ropes courses, paintball and horse back riding. We will be leaving Friday and returning on Sunday afternoon.

Who can come?
Any youth in 6th through 8th grade!

The cost for the weekend is $110 and there is always scholarship money available. The deadline to register with a $50 deposit is March 4th. (The balance will be due on Sunday, March 25th). After that time spaces may be limited or unavailable. Forms are available on the youth hall or the youth website: www.bethlehemyouth.net. The cost includes all lodging, meals, programming and a retreat shirt. The only other money needed will be for 2 meals on the road!

If you have any questions, please contact Jason at jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com or 476-6746

YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #276
February 12, 2007
Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot
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YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren’t capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He’s only fifteen, but he’s working to end slavery in the world–and he’s making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out “Be the Change” here:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/277566
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
MEET ZACH HUNTER…A KID LIKE YOU
Zach Hunter is a fifteen-year-old abolitionist and activist, spending much of his time working to end slavery around the world. He’s the student spokesperson for The Amazing Change Campaign, which is inspired by the film “Amazing Grace”. Last year he spoke to almost a half a million people and is educating and inspiring students everywhere to make a change in the world. He also founded Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a student run effort to help raise money to free slaves. Other than that, he’s just your average, typical teenage guy.
His new book, “Be the Change,” will be the focus of the next few weeks of devotionals. He is doing amazing things to help change the world, and you can do amazing things in our world, too.
**
LIVING OUT INFLUENCE TODAY
Another way to look at influence is to consider what marketers call “branding.” You’re familiar with the brands you buy and can recognize them easily by their logos. When you see the “swoosh” you think Nike, just as when you see the little white apple you think Mac. Millions of dollars are spent to get you to remember these brands and their slogans. And, as we’ve mentioned, connecting celebrity to brands makes them even more powerful and memorable.
But have you ever considered your brand? Well, each one of us has his or her own brand–even if we’re still in school. Whether you’re geek, jock, or emo (or, to be more politically correct, academic, athlete, artistic), everyone has a brand. Your brand is who people know you to be. It’s your reputation.
Now these brands aren’t always a good thing. It’s true they can lead to prejudice or a cliquish environment in which we hang out only with people who have the same brand as us. This is wrong. Instead of using our brands to exclude others, why don’t we use them to help others? Whatever our brands give us access to, let’s utilize it. Just because we’re young doesn’t mean our voices don’t matter and our brands don’t carry power and influence. The Bible says, “even a child is known by his actions” (Proverbs 20:11). This means we can’t be let off the hook just because we are young. We can’t just sit back and expect our elders to do all the work.
I’m hopeful because I really believe our generation has the power and passion to change things. This past summer I met a group of really great guys in a new band called Leeland from a small town in Texas. They started out leading worship in their church, but they’ve come a long way since then. Lately they have been touring with Third Day, and playing at some of the Christian music festivals I have been going to. These young guys are men of God, and are way more mature than many people older than them. They are some of the most talented, godliest guys I know.
Last summer, I was speaking at a music festival, leading seminars on justice and abolition. The lead singer of the band, Leeland Mooring, was listening. He and the other guys in the group (Jack, Jake, Mike, and Jeremiah) had never heard about modern-day slavery. It blew them away that something as heinous as slavery is still going on today, especially when they found out many of the slaves are children and teens like us! That day, I told the story of a teenager who worked as a slave in a rock quarry and ended up having her finger amputated. (She and her family were later rescued, along with many other slaves, through the efforts of an organization I support through Loose Change to Loosen Chains. I also talked about some of the many passages like Isaiah 1:17 that speak of how God calls us to seek justice and rescue the oppressed.
The guys from Leeland began exploring further what God says about justice in Scripture and got involved. They didn’t second-guess their convictions; they stepped up and began using their influence to help kids held in slavery, speaking from the stage to urge people to get involved.
I think that’s what our generation should be about. We can be what so many generations before us were too scared to be. Lots of people have tried to label our generation. Well, I’d like to see us known as the “Justice Generation” or JGEN. If we can harness the power of our individual brands, strengths, and passions, and use them for good, just imagine what we could get done working together with God. Let’s get busy!
**
Taken from “Be the Change,” by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/277566
2. SURF REPORT
~ Loose Change to Loosen Chains: Check out the MySpace page for Zach and the movement to end slavery.
http://www.myspace.com/lc2lc
~ The Amazing Change: There are more slaves today than at any other time in history. Learn more about the facts, William Wilberforce–an abolitionist, and how you can help rescue these people.
http://www.theamazingchange.com/index.html
3. FORGETTABLE FACT
Goat’s milk is used more widely throughout the world than cow’s milk.
4. POTENT QUOTABLES
“If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.”
- William Wilberforce
“God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.”
- William Wilberforce
5. PARTING SHOT
Everyone has a photographic memory…some just don’t have any film.

Wednesday, January 24
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM Youth Dinner
7 PM Middle School Bible Studies led by Bobby Sasseen and Nancy McNulty
7 PM All Synago groups meet at the church with Jason  (See note below.)

Friday, January 26
5:30 PM Senior Highers depart Bethlehem for Warmth in Winter

Saturday. January 27
Senior Highers at Warmth in Winter

Sunday, January 28
9:30 AM Sunday School
5 PM UMYF- God Who?  Jesus the Son  (We ARE having youth group, even with the retreat happening this weekend for senior highers.)
6 PM Youth Hang Out Time
6:30 PM Depart for home.  (Note: There is a group of men who play basketball almost every week at 6:30 PM in the gym.  They have extended an invitation to anyone who wants to play with them.)

Synago group note for high schoolers and high school parents:
We are consolidating the existing Synago groups.  You should get a letter in the mail explaining the situation and your parents will be getting a copy of the same letter.  (We are sending this via email as well to those who have been active in a Synago.)  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop me an email!

A note about cell phones and other electronic gadgets:
I am a bit of a technology junkie. I love my phone, my mp3 player, my computer, my X-box.  Likewise I know that a ton of you youth love your various gadgets as well.  However, I want to encourage you to leave those gadgets at home when you come to youth activities or church.  It is extremely disrespectful to the great Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders and me to be leading a lesson and see someone text messaging or taking a phone call or playing a game.  And here is the most important thing: it isn’t real life.  Real life is living in community, developing deep friendships and loving each other.  In that, we will find a real life that you will never find in your ipod, your gameboy or your cell phone.  So please, turn them off when you are here and live life with us!  1 Thessalonians 2:8

YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #273
January 22, 2007
Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot
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You are a student leader for a reason. Maybe you chose to be, maybe it was chosen for you no matter how you got there, God has a plan to use you in ministry.
You and your youth worker know that you’re new at this thing. You have leadership ability, but you’re still a student so how do you do it?
Doug Fields has been a youth pastor for a long time, and he has helped several students figure out how to be leaders in his ministry. Now, he’s here to help you. You may be afraid or overwhelmed, or you may feel privileged and a little cocky but the tools in this book will help you get the most of your time as a leader.
You can find "Help! I’m a Student Leader!" at:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/259614
Also available in your local Christian bookstore ================================= 1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART RADICAL LEADERSHIP If you asked the president of a large company for a one word definition of leadership, she might describe it as enthusiasm, drive, power, presence, or competence. These words are often associated with the world’s view of leadership.
But if you investigate Jesus’ leadership requirements for his closest followers, you’ll see that only one word makes it to the top of his list. It’s not an attractive word that will make you want race to the end of this book. Ready? Drum roll, please…Jesus asked his leaders to… serve. Serve! (Go ahead and reread it I’ll wait.) Is it safe to assume that right now you’re not too sure you want to be a leader if that’s what leaders do? I understand it’s quite shocking at first. But if you want to follow the lead of Jesus, you’ll find the primary objective of a biblical leader is to serve. Carefully read this verse to understand how Jesus wants his closest followers to act:
You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… (Matthew 20:25-26, NLT) Jesus’ selection of leaders could be considered either insane or ingenious. But since he was God in the flesh, let’s assume his leadership judgment fits in the latter category. The first 12 men he chose to lead with him included five fishermen, a tax collector, and six others whose occupations are a complete mystery. Sometimes we wonder why Jesus chose these men instead of those who were already seen as leaders. Whatever the reason, the greatest leader ever to live chose ordinary guys to lead with him.
Clearly, Jesus connected serving to leading. He deepened the definition of leadership when he described himself as a servant rather than a king:
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many"
(Matthew 20:28, NLT).
Jesus didn’t just speak about serving; he modeled it. He put the needs of others first and placed himself in positions where serving was necessary. Ultimately, this posture of servanthood led him to the cross to serve the needs of humanity. He served without reservation, and the greatest act of servanthood was also the greatest act of leadership our world has ever seen.
Think about that for a moment. Jesus. God in the flesh. All-powerful, all knowing, all God, and yet, all servant to everyone! He served the down and out, the sinner, the outcast, the lonely, and the poor. Leader? Yes. Servant? Absolutely!
As Jesus served, he created and led a movement with the potential to influence others! Given Jesus’ actions, my definition of leadership would include two key words: serve and influence. Jesus did both. That’s leadership!
If you want to be a leader, not just a student leader, but a Christian leader, you must learn to lead like Jesus. How? By serving others. When you serve others, you’ll have the opportunity not only to lead, but also to change the image of leadership in your church, in your youth group, in your family, and in your school.
So instead of viewing your leadership role as a chance to exert power and voice your opinions, view it as an opportunity to serve. When you do, you’ll succeed at leadership, and you’ll grow to be more like Jesus.
**
Taken from "Help! I’m a Student Leader," by Doug Fields, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/259614
2. SURF REPORT
~ Hoover Fusion Frenzy: Who knew a vacuum could be so much fun?
http://www.hoover.com/FusionGame/
~ MissionFirefly.com: The creative niche for Christian teens http://www.missionfirefly.com 3. FORGETTABLE FACT The mouse is the most common mammal in the U.S.
4. POTENT QUOTABLES
"God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them."
- St. Augustine of Hippo
"You cannot go on being a good egg forever. You must either hatch or rot."
- C. S. Lewis
5. PARTING SHOT
A day without sunshine is like night.

Junior highers, details on your trip are coming soon! 

Second, the Poinsettias are due to arrive here at the church on Saturday
morning. Folks that want to come, help and earn scholarship money towards
trips and events, please plan on being here on Saturday from 8:45 AM until
9:45 AM or so.
This Week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
7 PM All weekly studies- Synagos groups are meeting as scheduled and the
middle school Bible studies are combining for a Christmas event. This will
be the last event for them for the year.

Saturday
8:45 AM until 9:45 AM Poinsettia Sale Help

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School
5 PM MYF- Come join us as we bake some cookies and treats to share with
others this holiday season! (Parents: If anyone has a toaster oven that we
could borrow for the evening, it would be greatly appreciated!)
6 PM Hang out time!
6:30 PM Everyone needs to be picked up from the church!

Upcoming:
Christmas Eve service: As the Christmas Eve services are a big draw for
families here in the Grassland area, one of the things that Harry and I
wanted to do was to have students help and supplement the Chancel Choir
during the 7 PM service. We will be singing material that we have already
rehearsed and it would be a great way to communicate the level of
involvement of students in the church to families who may be looking for a
church home or looking to reconnect with the Bethlehem family. With that in
mind, we will be getting in touch in the coming days with students asking if
they are in town that you’d consider being a part of this vital ministry in
the life of the church! (If you know for certain that you can and will be
there, please email me at jsansbury@bethlehemumc.com)

Warmth in Winter: We are currently signing up high school students for our
Warmth in Winter event. This year’s event will be a great one. Drew Dyson
will be speaking and worship will be led by 3 Mile Road. It will be a great
weekend for all and I am looking forward to it!

I am really enjoying our series on some of the “I AM” statements that Jesus made during his time on earth. This week, we will look at Jesus claim to be “the resurrection and the life.”

Second, Nancy McNulty has agreed to teach the Middle School girls Bible study. I am very thankful for her leadership and willingness to take on this great group of young women. They start this week on Wednesday night at 7 PM in the usual room!

Lastly, thanks to everyone who came and helped make our Room in the Inn service project a success! Thanks to Claire, Davis, Neal, Halle, Sara, Brooke, Chris, Jeremy, Kim and Glenn. The Room in the Inn folks were very appreciative of our efforts to get them started this winter season!

Peace,
Jason
PS- The Coke machine at the church is fixed. Let the rejoicing begin!
This Week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM Youth Dinner
7 PM Middle School Guys Bible Study, Middle School Girls Bible Study and High School Synago groups

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School classes for 6th grade, 7th and 8th grade, and senior high students
5 PM Youth Group
6 PM Fellowship time

Upcoming dates:
November 19th- Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner
November 26th- No youth to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
December 3rd- Youth Group
December 10th- Youth Group Christmas Party following the church-wide musical program. 5:30-7 PM. More details will be announced soon.
December 17th- Youth Group
January 26-28- Senior High Warmth in Winter Event. Details to be released soon!

Middle School Girls: Sorry to announce this but no Bible study this week on Wednesday. Hopefully next week we will be up and going but we have to postpone it this week. That means you need to be picked up on Wednesday at 7 PM.

So those of you who were at youth Sunday, just a reminder, the challenge is to read 2 chapters of scripture this week: either Mark 1-2 or John 1-2.

This week at Bethlehem Youth:
Wednesday
5 PM Youth Praise Band
5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM Youth Dinner
7 PM Middle School Guys Bible Study, High School Synagos. NOTE: No Middle School Girls Bible Study this week. Middle school girls can be picked up after dinner. (7PM)

Saturday
10 AM Youth Service Project- Clean up and prepare for Room in the Inn. This coming Saturday night will be our first night hosting guests from Room in the Inn. To help prepare, we will be doing some cleaning, disinfecting and organizing for this ministry. Additionally, we will do some cleaning of the youth rooms and throwing out some furniture, as the church is providing a large dumpster for 10 days starting that morning. Bring money for lunch and we will head to the Nashville Pizza Company. You can be picked up around 12:30 PM. Parents, feel free to come serve with us!

Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School Classes (6th, 7th and 8th, Senior High)
5 PM Youth Group. This week, we will be looking at this I am statement from Jesus: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”