tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39211434559633950262024-03-13T22:20:32.275-07:00Trinity Youth Parents BlogParents' Blog for the youth ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkhart, Indiana.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-34455035917837297842009-02-23T09:19:00.000-08:002009-02-23T09:28:54.110-08:0024t7 Sunday, Feb 22Our topic last night was friendship.<br /><br />The types of friends we have can have a big impact on our relationship with God.<br /><br />we talked about how each of us has a circle of friends. The closer those friends are to us the more influence they have on us and we have on them. God wants us to be friends with Christians but he also wants us to befriend those who are not and bring them to him. the more support we have from our christian friends the more influence we will have on our non-christian friends and the less influence they will have on us. <br /><br />As parents, make sure encourage your kids to grow in their friendships with their Christian friends so that they can be more effective witnesses to their non-christian friends. Have a great week!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-76703764478394668142009-02-20T09:42:00.001-08:002009-02-20T09:42:57.555-08:00Next Parent Connection for Feb 18Grapple Question:<br />Who Will Be the Ultimate Fighting Champion?<br /><br />Kids Learn:<br />Jesus Is My Champion<br /><br />Dig Into the Bible:<br />Hebrews 2:5-18<br /><br />Can you believe the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for each of us? By dying on the<br />cross, he defeated Satan and took your place so you don’t have to live with sin forever.<br />When we stop to think about it, we remember how incredible that is. But sometimes<br />we forget that Jesus deserves to be treated as our champion ever y day. That might<br />mean mustering your courage to tell a friend or co-worker about your faith or simply<br />thanking Jesus for his power over sin. Find one way to celebrate his victory today.<br />Send your junior higher an e-mail or text message to remind him or her to do the<br />same.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-31805656134495652512009-02-12T05:07:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:08:11.078-08:00Next Parent Connection Feb 11Grapple Question:<br />Why Does Satan Fight Dirty?<br /><br />Kids Learn:<br />Satan Knows My Weaknesses<br /><br />Dig Into the Bible:<br />Luke 4:1-13<br /><br />By now, you’d like to think you know your junior higher pretty well. Sure, his tastes in<br />music are changing, or she’s dressing a little differently now. But you have so much<br />history together—you know your child’s strengths and weaknesses.<br />Unfortunately, Satan knows your child even better than you do. He knows if your<br />daughter struggles with low self-esteem or if your son is tempted by pornography.<br />And he’s not afraid to use that information to distract kids from their faith. Make a<br />point to talk to your child today about ways Satan is at work in his or her life. You can<br />help your son or daughter stay strong in the face of temptation.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-4465786599194087682009-02-05T10:08:00.000-08:002009-02-05T10:09:22.266-08:00Next Parent Connection for Feb 4Grapple Question:<br />Is the Devil Even Real?<br /><br />Kids Learn:<br />Satan Is My Real Enemy<br /><br />Dig Into the Bible:<br />2 Corinthians 11:1-15<br /><br />Have you ever felt like the harder you try to accomplish something, the harder it<br />becomes? Not surprisingly, the more we try to tell others about our relationship<br />with Jesus, the more Satan tries to push us in the wrong direction.<br />Try this activity with your family: Stand toe-to-toe with a partner of similar height.<br />Match up your palms with your partners’ at shoulder height. Without moving your<br />feet, try to push each other off-balance.<br />Talk about why Satan doesn’t want people to have a relationship with Jesus and<br />what to do when sharing your faith seems impossible.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-87147994971074485072009-01-29T05:20:00.000-08:002009-01-29T05:21:47.474-08:00Next Parent ConnectionHere is what we talked about at Middle School Youth last night:<br /><br />Grapple Question:<br />What if God Says No?<br /><br />Kids Learn:<br />God Knows What I Need<br /><br />Dig Into the Bible:<br />2 Corinthians 12:1-10<br /><br />It’s pretty disappointing for junior high kids when they really want something but<br />don’t get their way. (Hey, that’s still hard for most adults!) As a parent, you have to tell<br />your kids no sometimes—especially if it’s for their physical or emotional safety. Even if<br />your junior higher becomes upset, you know that you’re looking out for his or her best<br />interests.<br />God also has our best interests in mind. He can see the big picture, and he always<br />makes the right decision that will help us grow in our faith. Share with your junior<br />higher a time that God didn’t answer a prayer the way you’d hoped—and how you<br />grew from that experience.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-85329215452804243422009-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:38:34.517-08:00Here, There, and Everywherelast night at 24t7 we finished up our series on mission called "Here, there, and Everywhere". Our topic last night was God's plan for our future. The Cat in the Hat made an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appearance</span> to read the Dr Seuss classic "Oh, the Places You'll Go" After that i talked about how God has a plan for our future and that plan may be something different then what we have in mind right now. The Scripture we used was Jeremiah 29:11-14. I encouraged the Youth to be open to God's plan for their life, to keep an open heart and an open mind to what God may be showing them. for small group time we split up by grades to discuss some questions on the topic. It was really an encouraging night. just the fact that young people are there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">listening</span> and having <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">conversation</span> shows me they are open to God's plan. <br /><br />Next week is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Supebowl</span> Party. We are encouraging the kids to see this as an opportunity to minister to their friends and get them in to our building. pray that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">God</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">opens</span> some hearts through this. Have a great week!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-68578766160433059192008-12-02T09:08:00.000-08:002008-12-02T09:28:49.780-08:00Time and TalentsDecember is here and culture has turned its attention to the Christmas Season. It's kind of ironic how that is symbolized by a day we call "Black Friday", a day when people get up early in the morning to get great deals on Holiday gifts. I read a story on Sunday night to the kids about an employee at a Wal-mart in New York was trampled to death by shoppers seeking to get a head start on those "great deals". Somehow I doubt that the people who did the trampling were so eager because they were just so excited about "giving" that perfect gift. <br /><br />So when did Christmas become about spending instead of giving?<br /><br />Some of the greatest gifts i have ever been given or that i have given are simply the sharing of time and talents. <br /><br />At Christmas we were given the greatest gift of all, Jesus, who not only gave his life as a gift for us, but also gave us an example of how to live our lives and give to others. If you look at His life, he never showered anyone with extravagant presents, but he did give his presence. He talked to people, spent time with them, ate meals with them, met them where they were at etc....<br /><br />On Sunday night we talked about giving our times and talents as a gift to others. kids were challenged to spend less this Christmas and give more of their time and talents. God has put each and every one of us in different situations and given us different talents and abilities. He has done this so we can use these gifts to give to the people around us just as Jesus did. <br /><br />Over the next few weeks we are going to schedule some events where our kids will have the time to share their time and abilities with people in our community. I also hope that this would inspire them to be more aware of the opportunities God puts in front of them in their individual lives. Please encourage your kids to be a part of this and pray that God would continue to create a truly giving spirit within them.<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-24739055992912620182008-11-25T10:09:00.001-08:002008-11-25T10:27:53.189-08:00The End of the SpearSunday night at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ikon</span> we watched the Movie "The End of the Spear". This movie is a true story about 5 missionaries who gave their lives to reach the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Waodani</span> tribe in Ecuador in the 1950's. these men were willing to give the ultimate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sacrifice</span> because they believed spreading the Gospel of Jesus was worth the risk. what they gave ended up having a huge impact on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Waodani</span> people and changed their way of life. <br /><br />Right now in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ikon</span> we are in the middle of a series on giving. Stories like this show how a a true faith in God can lead us to a desire to give to others no matter what the risk. I pray that God continues to open the hearts of our teenagers and that they would be willing to give whatever God asks of them to help others and bring people to Christ. <br /><br />Have a great Thanksgiving!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-25878725798196719722008-11-20T08:12:00.000-08:002008-11-20T08:13:54.170-08:00NEXT Parent Connection for November 19Hey Parents,<br />Last night was our last Wednesday night meeting until after the holidays. It has been a great fall semester. We have the lock-in coming up this Friday and the Christmas dance on Dec 12. More info on the dance will be up on the website soon. It will be for all 6-8 graders from the church and/or school. If you have any questions please let me know. Here is the final parent connection for 2008:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Grapple Question:</strong><br />Why Can’t We Just Get Along<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:<br /></strong>They Need to Forgive Others<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:</strong><br />Matthew 6:9-13; 18:21-35<br /><br />When junior highers are hurt or wronged by someone, they find it hard to not hold grudges, seek revenge, or foster resentment. When resentment and anger stew, they eat at the hearts of our kids, who become cold and hostile. Forgiveness is a healing process not only for relationships between people, but also for the person who’s been fostering resentment. This week discuss a time when you had a hard time forgiving someone. Then talk about how forgiving that person was more for you than for that person. Share with your junior highers how your resentment and anger hurt you more than they hurt the person you were angry with and that Jesus wants all of us to be free from the pain caused by the anger we have against others.<br /><br />Have a great Thanksgiving!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-92027716970707367372008-11-18T08:49:00.001-08:002008-11-18T08:54:52.479-08:00Ikon November 16On Sunday we began a series on Giving. we talked about giving as a response to what God has given us through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. The next few weeks we will be talking about how to give of your time, treasures, and talents. Small groups will also be planning service projects to do as a group. please pray that God will move their hearts and inspire our Youth to serve.<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-13731866676209011152008-11-13T10:07:00.000-08:002008-11-13T10:09:49.287-08:00Next Parent Connection for November 12<strong>Grapple Question:<br /></strong>Why Do I Get the Blame?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn: </strong><strong><br /></strong>They Are Responsible for Themselves<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:</strong><br />Exodus 32:1-6, 19-26; Micah 7:9<br /><br />It’s very easy for junior highers to point fingers at other people and blame them for how certain things turn out in their lives. "It’s not my fault; my parents raised me this way. I got a bad grade because my teacher didn’t teach that part correctly." It’s even easier when kids hear their parents blaming other people instead of taking some responsibility for their actions. This week try to be especially aware of what you’re saying around your kids and who you’re blaming.<br /><br />Also, the Middle School Youth lock-in is coming up on November 21-22, 8:00PM-8:00AM. Kids can sign up at the Youth Center or at TLS up until Wednesday, November 19. The cost is $5 per person (bring cash the night of the lock-in. those who paid for the corn maze, which got rained out, last month won’t need to pay) I could use some parent help during the night to ensure that it is as fun and safe as possible for your kids. Please let me know if you would be willing to come in during the night for a couple of hours to help out.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-65679537222001491002008-11-07T07:22:00.000-08:002008-11-07T07:23:53.865-08:00NEXT Parent Connection for November 5<strong>Grapple Question:</strong><br />Why Should I Butt In?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:</strong><br />They Are Responsible for Others<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>Genesis 3:1-13<br /><br />We’ve been taught to keep our opinions to ourselves, to mind our own business. Friends may get angry when you stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. This week remind your kids how important it is to care about the choices our friends make. Share with them a story of a time you didn’t step in for a friend and what happened in that situation. Assure your kids that our friends’ lives are worth risking making them angry.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-11490641512086922282008-11-03T06:54:00.000-08:002008-11-03T07:00:12.545-08:00Ikon November 2Last night we finished up our "Devotion Promotion" series. We had a low turnout last night due to the congregational meeting at the North Campus, but the kids who were there seemed to really be in to what we were doing. It was really cool this last month to see the youth get more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">comfortable</span> reading and talking about scripture. I hope this series is a springboard for them to help them in their own devotional lives. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ikon</span> will be off next Sunday. Please pray for us as we travel to Indy for the District Youth Gathering. <br /><br />God's Blessings!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-41480401599986036932008-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:002008-10-30T10:27:56.627-07:00NEXT Parent connectionHere is last night's topic and suggestions for this week:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Grapple Question:<br /></strong>Can’t You Just Leave Me Alone?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:</strong><br />They Can’t Do It Alone<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>Matthew 26:36-46<br /><br />Junior highers want to be accepted, but sometimes they just want to be left alone. When kids need help, they typically won’t ask for it. Everyone, including Jesus, needs someone around for support, encouragement, or to just be present. Even Jesus needed support and encouragement as he went through his final days on earth. This week is a tough one. If you try anything, your kids might just push you away. However, if you don’t, they may feel abandoned. Schedule one hour this week to spend some one-on-one time with your junior higher. Be sure to make it clear that you are there if he or she needs anything.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-70872174779679746992008-10-27T13:28:00.003-07:002008-10-27T13:40:26.205-07:00Ikon October 26Hey Parents,<br />Last night we continued our "Devotion Promotion" series. as you can probably guess the topic has been devotion. rather than just talking about it at Ikon we have actually been spending most of our time in small groups doing a devotional exercise called Lectio Divina. here is an explanation:<br /><br /><em>This ancient method helps us move from simply reading the Bible to absorbing it and letting it affect us. As one author said, “This is a book that reads us even as we read it.” <br /><br />In order to do that, we will take these simple steps. <br /><br />Open and Clear<br />Together keep a brief silence. Make sure your body is in a relaxed position. Light a candle. Use a picture, crucifix, or icon to focus your attention. Imagine your heart opening like a flower to the warmth of the sun. Above all, clear your mind of the distractions inside and around you. Get ready to listen.<br /><br />Read and Observe<br />The passage is read and the group observes a brief period of silence for reflection.<br />All participants are then invited to mark in their Bibles and then share briefly a word or phrase from the reading which caught their attention or which speaks to them in some way at this time in their lives.<br /><br />Read and Think<br />The passage is then read a second time, slowly and deliberately. Again, a brief period of silent reflection follows. All participants are invited to tell about how the word or phrase they spoke of has had an impact on them, how it relates to their lives, or a question it raises. This is the time for discussion and sharing.<br /><br />Three rules govern this time of sharing:<br />1) Sharing of insights by all participants is encouraged.<br />2) Debating points of interpretation is discouraged.<br />3) Respecting the offerings of each individual is important.<br /><br />Read and Pray<br />The passage is read a third time, and a brief silence is again kept for reflection.<br />All participants are invited to speak a prayer which grows out of their reflection of the words or phrases they chose. The prayers should be simple and heart-felt.<br /><br />Go and Live.<br />Having experienced an encounter with God’s Word, we now leave enriched, energized and prepared to live in a new way. Carry the words and experience with you.</em><br /><br />We have given a daily reading assignment from the book of Ephesians and each week each group selects one of the previous weeks readings for their Lectio. The kids have really done well with this. a lot of great reflection and discussion has come from it.<br /><br />Make sure to pray for your kids as they continue to try to grow in their relationship with Christ through their personal devotion.<br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-75977730805796442302008-10-27T13:28:00.001-07:002008-10-27T13:28:49.293-07:00IkonPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-76975912677831204902008-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:002008-10-23T11:43:04.925-07:00Next Wednesday October 22 Parent Connection<strong>Grapple Question:</strong><br />Is God a Wimp?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:<br /></strong>They Get a Do Over With Jesus<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>Genesis 2:8-17; 3:1-6; Romans 5:18<br /><br />"Sin and evil are rampant in the world, and it doesn’t appear that God is doing anything about it. In fact, if God is so great, why didn’t he just create humans without the capacity to sin?" Junior highers need to know that God loves us and wants us to love him in return. True love requires true freedom to choose. If God controlled our hearts, we could never freely offer them to him. This week, help kids tackle these questions. Explain to your kids how your desire for their love is similar to God’s desire for our love and how that can’t be forced or controlled.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-1175090741560003472008-10-16T11:09:00.000-07:002008-10-16T11:10:19.515-07:00Next Parent Connection<strong>Grapple Question:<br /></strong>Can I Do Anything I Want?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:<br /></strong>They Want to Honor Jesus<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>John 8:1-11; Romans 6:15-18<br /><br />"If being good doesn’t get you into heaven, they why be good?" This question may be the next logical step your kids take. Most junior highers have figured out the American way. "If you want to succeed, you must put forth a solid effort; nothing is free. Doing good works takes effort, and if you’ve already received the fruits of your labor, then there’s no need for further labor." For those who follow Jesus, faith is evident in good works. This week try extra hard to be an example to your kids. Remind them that doing good works won’t get them into heaven; however, when they do good things for others, people will see that the Holy Spirit lives inside their hearts.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-73764380547331657032008-10-06T07:42:00.001-07:002008-10-06T07:50:14.621-07:00Corn MazeSo the weather was looking pretty iffy on the way up to the corn maze yesterday, but by the time we got there the rain had stopped and it never returned. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. i guess the threat of bad weather kept others away. everyone had a great time hanging out by the fire and exploring the maze. <br /><br />Next week week at 24t7 we will be starting a new series on devotion. Beth Minier will be leading the night as Pastor Mielke and i will be in Sacramento for the National Youth Workers convention. We will be gone from Thursday to Monday. Please keep Beth in your prayers as she prepares for this Sunday. Also pray that Pastor Mielke and i will be inspired and encouraged at this convention and for safe travels.<br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-77515308178661084012008-10-02T10:20:00.000-07:002008-10-02T10:22:22.909-07:00Next Wednesday October 1Hey Next parents,<br />Here is your weekly grapple connection:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Grapple Question:<br /></strong>What if I Really Mess Up?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:</strong><br />Jesus Died for Them<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>2 Samuel 12:7-14; John 21:15-19<br /><br />Everyone sins. It’s a fact of life. Sometimes, though, junior highers think they’ve really done it—so much so that they come to the conclusion that even God couldn’t forgive them for this doozy. This week guide your kids into understanding that God will forgive them for anything they do. Share a time in your life when you really messed up, and talk about how you are assured that God has forgiven you. Help kids realize that Jesus died for the sins of everyone, no matter how severe they might think the sins are.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-91935574718462600252008-09-25T08:33:00.000-07:002008-09-25T08:36:47.534-07:00Weekly Grapple ConnectionHey Middle School parents,<br />Here is some info about what we talked about last night at Next. hope you find it useful.<br /><br />September 24, 2008<br /><br /><strong>Grapple Question:</strong><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Isn't</span> God Just Mean and Cruel?<br /><br /><strong>Kids Learn:<br /></strong>God Knows What’s Best for Them<br /><br /><strong>Dig Into the Bible:<br /></strong>Jonah<br /><br />Life isn't always fair, and when things go bad for junior highers, the pain they experience is amplified. It’s during these trying times that your kids need you more than anything. Whether they accept you or push you away, ultimately your kids will appreciate the fact that you love and care for them. This week let your kids know that you are always there for them, and leave it at that. Telling them that God knows what’s best for them probably won’t help much; just love them and walk alongside them as they discover God’s plan for their lives. Be a sounding board whenever possible. Listen, listen, and listen, before you offer ideas or solutions.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-65617590449520385782008-09-25T08:13:00.000-07:002008-09-25T08:18:57.128-07:00Last week's IkonHey parents,<br />Pastor Mielke and I were gone last weekend whitewater rafting so Trevor headed up Ikon in our absence. Here is a short summary of last week:<br /><br />the night focused on how our breath is God given and how we should always be aware of God's presence in our life in all we do - even when we are breathing. this was reinforced in the Nooma video we watched, "Breath".<br /><br />this week our topic will be "undignified" we will look at Ephesians 5:18-20 and talk about what it means to be filled with the spirit. <br /><br />Have a great weekend.<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-26788222592388495882008-09-15T08:19:00.001-07:002008-09-15T08:28:11.457-07:00Worship Week 2Hey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ikon</span> Parents,<br />last night our topic was "pieces" . We looked at Matthew 21:42, 44<br /><br /><em>42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:<br />“‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing,and it is marvelous in our eyes’?<br />44 . . . the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”</em><br /><br />We talked about what it means to be broken before God. To truly be able to worship God we need to be broken before him. As it says in Psalm 51:7:<br /><br /><em>The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.</em><br /><br />We discussed the following questions in small group:<br /><br /><em>Who is the “stone?” What will the stone do?<br /><br />Is there a difference between be “broken to pieces” and being “crushed?” Why or why not?<br /><br />What are some ways we become broken – spiritually, emotionally, physically?<br /><br />Why is it so hard to let yourself be broken? List ways people resist it.</em><br /><br />We ended the night by reflecting on ways each one of us need to be broken and/or put back together by God.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-72511146054903915562008-09-08T07:54:00.000-07:002008-09-08T08:02:42.642-07:00Face PlantLast night at ikon we began a 4 work series about worship. the first topic was Face Plant. We talked about the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">difference</span> between humility and humiliation. We read Psalm 46:10a "Be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">still</span> and Know I am God and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">talked</span> about why it is so difficult to calm down and be in God's presence. The following questions were discussed in small group:<br /><br />Is it hard to be still before God? Why or why not?<br /><br />What distracts you? What helps you concentrate?<br /><br />How do you react to the words: “Know that I am God.”<br /><br />After we came back together as a large group kids were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">encouraged</span> to lay face down on the floor and just spend some time before God. it was cool to see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">everyone</span> take it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">seriously</span>. we hope that last night was a good beginning to becoming better worshipers of God.<br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921143455963395026.post-9914555236618187402008-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:002008-09-04T09:44:36.677-07:00NextHey Middle School parents. Next is underway on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wednesday</span> nights and we have been having a great time. Last night our topic was trusting God. We talked about how to trust God with our lives even when it's not easy to do. kids were challenged to start a prayer journal at home to keep track of their prayer requests and how God answers those prayers.<br /><br />This year we are using the "Grapple" curriculum. there is an online part of this where kids can communicate with each other and the leaders, vote on in class games, play games and more. I sent home a parental consent form for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">usage</span> of this sight. please fill it out and get it back to me if you want your child to be able to participate in this.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754619866101043497noreply@blogger.com0