Our children's choir will be performing this Sunday night, December 12 at 6:30p in their Third Annual Singing Christmas Tree. This is an amazing performance each year. Our children's choir has been working very hard for several months. This will be yet another terrific showing of their talents and abilities. Be sure this event is on your calendar. You definitely won't want to miss this.
12.09.2010
12.04.2010
Wish Your Children Could Jump From 12 to 20 Years Old?
Do you ever wish your child could pass through their teenage years and come out twenty on the other side? How much easier would life be if you could skip all the fights and frustrations from thirteen to nineteen? A mind reader? No, I'm not.
I realize this is all too true in far too many homes. I wonder do these parents realize just how formative these teen years are for students. Sure, we've all heard that thousands of times. But do we really believe it? If so, perhaps we wouldn't be so quick to fast forward. I know these years can be difficult on parents. But, it's difficult for them too (a fact we tend to forget at some point along the journey). During this transitional stage of life, everything is progressing. Sure, it doesn't always seem so. Their expectations are growing, their voices are strengthening, their personalities are shaping, their textbooks are getting thicker, and more. Everything in life is changing (a problem we identify with our senior adults and sympathize, yet, our students are expected to adapt without grace). This can certainly be a difficult and challenging time for both parents and teens, but they do not have to get through it separately. The myth that students are against their teens and that parents are against their teens are breaking a much needed alliance. How would your home be different during these years if your conversations were filled with honesty, vulnerability, trust, and love on both sides of the table?
A final thought from the "Parenting from Start to Finish" Bible study session on teenagers from last week: "There is a very bright and fulfilling side to parenting teens that is often overlooked. Simple joys in parenting teenagers include: acknowledging when your teen dresses appropriately; when they use caring behavior with siblings and other family members; watching your teen master a task that previously baffled them; introducing their friends to family members; watching your teen become more independent and increase their responsible behaviors, such as completing homework and chores on time; encouraging your teenager when they discuss problem-solving skills, ideas, solutions, and values."
I realize this is all too true in far too many homes. I wonder do these parents realize just how formative these teen years are for students. Sure, we've all heard that thousands of times. But do we really believe it? If so, perhaps we wouldn't be so quick to fast forward. I know these years can be difficult on parents. But, it's difficult for them too (a fact we tend to forget at some point along the journey). During this transitional stage of life, everything is progressing. Sure, it doesn't always seem so. Their expectations are growing, their voices are strengthening, their personalities are shaping, their textbooks are getting thicker, and more. Everything in life is changing (a problem we identify with our senior adults and sympathize, yet, our students are expected to adapt without grace). This can certainly be a difficult and challenging time for both parents and teens, but they do not have to get through it separately. The myth that students are against their teens and that parents are against their teens are breaking a much needed alliance. How would your home be different during these years if your conversations were filled with honesty, vulnerability, trust, and love on both sides of the table?
A final thought from the "Parenting from Start to Finish" Bible study session on teenagers from last week: "There is a very bright and fulfilling side to parenting teens that is often overlooked. Simple joys in parenting teenagers include: acknowledging when your teen dresses appropriately; when they use caring behavior with siblings and other family members; watching your teen master a task that previously baffled them; introducing their friends to family members; watching your teen become more independent and increase their responsible behaviors, such as completing homework and chores on time; encouraging your teenager when they discuss problem-solving skills, ideas, solutions, and values."
11.25.2010
11.22.2010
Where is the line?
Students are notorius for pushing the boundaries. If your jaw just dropped, you've undoubtedly been eating dinner at 3:30p for far too long. If not, you work with teenagers or, God help you, parent them. If that be the case, you know this is true. Students seem to live to push the limits. Why should I wear a helmet on my bike traveling 86 miles per hour down a hill that so steep I'm actually riding upside down? Why should I chew my food before I swallow? Why should I respect my body as well as my girlfriend's body and not enter into a sexual relationship before marriage?
Unfortunately, the desire for "the line" is rooted in sin. And even worse, they've learned this from us, as their leader and examples (parents, ministers, teachers, bus drivers, and everyone else). Speed limits are a perfect example. What would happen if there were no speed limits? Some of us would cruise at the same speeds we do now, arriving safely at our desired destination. Others would take this opportunity to push their cars to the limit and utilize that chance to get where they need to be as fast as humanly possible. Is there a benefit in that or do they just flirt with death?
In the same way, in pushing the limits of sin, are we growing closer in our relationship with Jesus or are we flirting with death? If our questions always revolve around "the line," which direction are we facing? Are we focused on Christ or the boundaries behind us? As opposed to wondering the location of "the line," why do we not ask ourselves what in our life stimulates our affection for Jesus? Perhaps if we focused on him and not our sinful nature, we could walk in his likeness all the more.
So, do you still want to know where is the line?
Unfortunately, the desire for "the line" is rooted in sin. And even worse, they've learned this from us, as their leader and examples (parents, ministers, teachers, bus drivers, and everyone else). Speed limits are a perfect example. What would happen if there were no speed limits? Some of us would cruise at the same speeds we do now, arriving safely at our desired destination. Others would take this opportunity to push their cars to the limit and utilize that chance to get where they need to be as fast as humanly possible. Is there a benefit in that or do they just flirt with death?
In the same way, in pushing the limits of sin, are we growing closer in our relationship with Jesus or are we flirting with death? If our questions always revolve around "the line," which direction are we facing? Are we focused on Christ or the boundaries behind us? As opposed to wondering the location of "the line," why do we not ask ourselves what in our life stimulates our affection for Jesus? Perhaps if we focused on him and not our sinful nature, we could walk in his likeness all the more.
So, do you still want to know where is the line?
11.19.2010
What Do You Wish Your Parents Knew?
There seems to be a growing disconnect between parents and their teenagers. Culture plays a big role in this, but I believe the church owns an equal stake in the problem. In many churches, students are banished to the dungeons of our campuses where their nose and worship can't be heard. "Not in our church!" you might think, or scream at your computer screen slamming your fists down and spilling your coffee (be slow to anger). And maybe this doesn't take place in your church, but it does in most. Our students are disconnected from the church that provides for them. This is mirrored in the home and it's a tremendous problem.
Our teenagers wish their parents were engaging, in an appropriate manner. They want their parents to be relevant and involved, without pressure or judgment, but with love and grace. There are certainly aspects of their lives they're longing for: converstations, examples, knowledge. Ask your students, "What do you wish I knew?" "What do you wish you could say to me?"
It's up to us as leaders and parents to intergrate the church generationally. Our young adults are leaving the church by the bus load (or by the freshman class load). Is it our fault? Perhaps. I wonder how things would different if our students felt like they belonged and were wanted. Maybe we should give it a try.
Our teenagers wish their parents were engaging, in an appropriate manner. They want their parents to be relevant and involved, without pressure or judgment, but with love and grace. There are certainly aspects of their lives they're longing for: converstations, examples, knowledge. Ask your students, "What do you wish I knew?" "What do you wish you could say to me?"
It's up to us as leaders and parents to intergrate the church generationally. Our young adults are leaving the church by the bus load (or by the freshman class load). Is it our fault? Perhaps. I wonder how things would different if our students felt like they belonged and were wanted. Maybe we should give it a try.
11.07.2010
What's the Point of All This if You're Not Going to Let This Change You?
A few weeks ago, our students began a new study. We've been watching and discussing the movie, To Save a Life. In it, Jake Taylor watches his former friend take his own life in the hallway at school. You see, Jake is your stereotypical popular kid. Roger, the exact opposite. Roger decides that there is nothing else for him to do but take his own life. Jake's last-ditch effort can't stop Roger, and the sudden tragedy rock Jake's world. Something breaks loose inside and sends him questioning everything. Most of all, he can't shake the question, "Could I have saved Roger?" In a quest for answers, Jake finds himself at church. There, he quickly encounters the routine of others and poses the question to his peers, "What's the point of all this if you're not going to let this change you?"
I asked the same question tonight, and I ask it to you, "What's the point of all this if you're not going to let this change you?" For far too long, Bible-belt churches have preached conversion. The problem with that is that ultimately, especially for our students, we convince them to believe what we believe. They walk our isles and pray our prayers. When does their life change? Are we raising disciples or converts?
What about you? "What's the point of all this if you're not going to let this change you?" What is the point of all our routines unless we actually let these teachings we hear each week permiate our lives and change us. Jesus said to go into the world and make disciples, not converts. How would things be different if that was our goal?
I asked the same question tonight, and I ask it to you, "What's the point of all this if you're not going to let this change you?" For far too long, Bible-belt churches have preached conversion. The problem with that is that ultimately, especially for our students, we convince them to believe what we believe. They walk our isles and pray our prayers. When does their life change? Are we raising disciples or converts?
What about you? "What's the point of all this if you're not going to let this change you?" What is the point of all our routines unless we actually let these teachings we hear each week permiate our lives and change us. Jesus said to go into the world and make disciples, not converts. How would things be different if that was our goal?
11.02.2010
God, I have let you down.
Have you ever said that? I bet we all have. I was sitting in chapel this morning (I'm in seminary, by the way, if you're wondering why I was in chapel) and two men began a skit where God and Man have a conversation about being His masterpiece. "I don't feel like Your masterpiece," he said, "a Picasso, maybe, but definitely not a masterpiece." God reaches for his hammer and chisel and begins to chip away at all the pieces of our lives that are not of Him: pride, anger, lust, apathy. Then, the man looks God in the eye, lowers his head and says, "I just feel like I have let you down..." In a moment of defeat, of loss, the man looks up to see his Creator smile and say, "You were never holding me up."
In those times of defeat, how comforting is it to remember that we were never what holds God up.
In those times of defeat, how comforting is it to remember that we were never what holds God up.
10.25.2010
It Takes a Village to Raise an Idiot
“Train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old, he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
We’ve all heard sermons about this passage and we’ve heard thousands of tips on how we can “train” up our children. It seems there are parenting experts on every corner (I do not, by any means, claim to be one...I'm not even a parent). But i wonder, is that the wrong question. I think the more prominent question is "Which way should they go?" We all want our kids to be a four sport All-American, to get straight A’s, to have the lead role in all the school plays, to score a 17 million on their SAT, to get a full ride to college, graduate suma cuma puma, marry the perfect mate, and repeat the cycle...or some variation of ultimate success.
We all want our kids to succeed. There’s nothing wrong with that, but which way should they go? Do you think God promises that "when he is old, he won’t turn from" the way we want our children to go? Perhaps, if we, as parents and teachers, train our children to go in the same way as God desires.
We’ve all heard sermons about this passage and we’ve heard thousands of tips on how we can “train” up our children. It seems there are parenting experts on every corner (I do not, by any means, claim to be one...I'm not even a parent). But i wonder, is that the wrong question. I think the more prominent question is "Which way should they go?" We all want our kids to be a four sport All-American, to get straight A’s, to have the lead role in all the school plays, to score a 17 million on their SAT, to get a full ride to college, graduate suma cuma puma, marry the perfect mate, and repeat the cycle...or some variation of ultimate success.
We all want our kids to succeed. There’s nothing wrong with that, but which way should they go? Do you think God promises that "when he is old, he won’t turn from" the way we want our children to go? Perhaps, if we, as parents and teachers, train our children to go in the same way as God desires.
10.18.2010
Trick or Treat So Others May Eat
We are participating in a brand new service project for Rowan County, Trick or Treat So Others May Eat. Churches from all over Rowan County will be visiting homes in nearby neighborhoods dropping off grocery bags to be filled with canned goods and non-perishable food items to stock the shelves at Rowan Helping Ministries. Students from our church will visit Neel Estates, Miller Chapel, and Homestead Hills. We will drop off the bags on Sunday, October 24 and return to collect the items on Wednesday, October 27. We need all our students present to service these homes in a timely fashion. Meet at church on Sunday at 5p and Wednesday at 6p. This is an excellent way for our church to make a great impression in the neighborhoods surrounding our campus as well as help the "lease of these" in Rowan County. See you Sunday.
7.16.2010
What if youth and kids were really important?
"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way."
How many times have you heard those words. Most of you started singing along. But isn't it sad that churches today can sing or say phrases just like this but never mean a word. How often do we say that our children are a priority? How often do we say that our youth are important to us?
Life would be so much easier if churches would just be honest. "We like kids and youth to be present in our church. They make us feel good, but we don't want to spend money on them or make decisions based on their needs because they're kids." Why can't we just say that our desires are completely selfish. We just want them to make us feel better about ourselves. So we force them to do things the way we've always done them. But wait, "it's 'our' church."
What would it look like if we, as leaders, planned, worshipped, and ministered with our youth and children as our top priority? Surely you remember what it was like to be sit in a worship service that wasn't designed for you? You must remember those feelings that church didn't feel like it was really for you? I know I do. But yet, here we are creating the same environment for our youth and children today.
God, create a desire in our church and her leaders to efficiently and effectively reach the students in our congregations.
How many times have you heard those words. Most of you started singing along. But isn't it sad that churches today can sing or say phrases just like this but never mean a word. How often do we say that our children are a priority? How often do we say that our youth are important to us?
Life would be so much easier if churches would just be honest. "We like kids and youth to be present in our church. They make us feel good, but we don't want to spend money on them or make decisions based on their needs because they're kids." Why can't we just say that our desires are completely selfish. We just want them to make us feel better about ourselves. So we force them to do things the way we've always done them. But wait, "it's 'our' church."
What would it look like if we, as leaders, planned, worshipped, and ministered with our youth and children as our top priority? Surely you remember what it was like to be sit in a worship service that wasn't designed for you? You must remember those feelings that church didn't feel like it was really for you? I know I do. But yet, here we are creating the same environment for our youth and children today.
God, create a desire in our church and her leaders to efficiently and effectively reach the students in our congregations.
5.25.2010
Vacation Bible School 2010
Let the countdown begin! VBS will be here before we know it: June 21-25 from 6-9p each night. Register your child now.
If you would like to volunteer to work with our children during this great experience, see Graham.
If you would like to volunteer to work with our children during this great experience, see Graham.
3.02.2010
30 Hour Famine
Our students should have received their 30 Hour Famine packets to begin their fundraising to support World Vision’s fight against world hunger. A $30 donation can feed a child for a month. Our famine weekend will be March 12-13. Our 30 hours will begin after the lunch period on Friday. We will break our famine on Saturday at 6p after our time of worship. A feast will follow. Students need to arrive at Neel Road by 6 pm on Friday with $20 to cover the weekend expenses. 2.24.2010
Children's Summer Schedule
Get out your calendars. The Children's Ministry Summer Schedule has been released:
Tuesday, June 15: Asheboro Zoo
Tuesday, July 13: Funigan's
Tuesday, July 27: Dan Nicholas Park
Tuesday, August 10: Kannapolis Water Park
Tuesday, August 24: Woodleaf Lanes
Tuesday, June 15: Asheboro Zoo
Tuesday, July 13: Funigan's
Tuesday, July 27: Dan Nicholas Park
Tuesday, August 10: Kannapolis Water Park
Tuesday, August 24: Woodleaf Lanes
2.06.2010
Super Bowl Party
Meet at the church at 6:15p or meet us at the Henson's by 6:30p. Bring your favorite snack and 2-liter. The party will end by 9p (because it's a school night). Bring a friend or eight.
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