Student Ministry - July 2005

My first month here has been a positive learning experience and I thank God for how he used his rod and the church staff to comfort and instruct me. The first two weeks I was here, I had to work at my desk without a chair. It was a staff initiation and they told me that when I got to the point where I didn’t want a chair anymore than I would be ready for one. I’m still not entirely sure what that means but I finally got a chair, so I guess I’m initiated. Also, another important learning exercise happened when we went out to lunch as a staff. I was told I had to wait until after the staff finished eating before I could order my food. At first it seemed a little exclusivist, but I soon learned that if I didn’t have anything in front of me to eat, that I could better focus on their conversation and glean wisdom from it. So despite the initial hardships, I am grateful for the learning and growth that has taken place even in these few short weeks.

Candy and I continue to be overwhelmed by your generosity. The “pounding” was a wonderful demonstration of your support and care for us. We thank you all so much. I also continue to be impressed by the youth group. They are eager to learn and to serve. We had a great turnout for the car wash and raised almost $400. Also, the youth have been the ones primarily responsible for gathering and preparing items for the garage sale. Many of them are also going to help out in various areas of Vacation Bible School. I can’t wait to go with them to M-fuge and see further evidence of Christ’s presence in their lives. Please pray for the youth group and its leaders. Pray that God will use us for His glory. Also, pray for Karen Ammon and I as we begin a ministry for college age singles. Karen will be teaching a Sunday School class and I will be leading a Thursday night Bible study specifically for this age group. If you know of anyone who would be interested in attending please tell her or him to contact Karen or myself.

In closing, here is something you might enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it please forget reading it and forgive me for writing it.

Top Ten Things Overheard at Youth Garage Sale

10) “This youth minister is marked 50 cents. I’ll give you half that.”

9) “Which garage is on sale?”

8) “Are the skittles and pretzels in this couch included or extra?”

7) “How could anyone want to get rid of a lava lamp this nice?”

6) “Do you have layaway?”

5) “If the pastor had preached a sermon on garage sales, we might have had a better response.”

4) “Is this how much Jesus would charge for this plush Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle doll?”

3) “I bet if I wait until after the holidays, these inflatable reindeer will be cheaper.”

2) “I’m going to spend my tithe on this Elvis commemorative plate. After all the money goes to the youth group.”

1) “How much do you want for this Prayer of Jabez shot glass?

Posted by arbc at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

July 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

It’s an old story but it goes like this: Karl Barth, who earned many doctorates in theology, was speaking at the University of Chicago School of Theology. After he spoke, there was a Q & A time. One attendee asked, “Dr. Barth, with your vast knowledge of the Bible and theology, what is the greatest truth you have discovered?” Here was his answer, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

You may say, “what is so profound about that? We learned that in Sunday School as a child!” But, it is a profound mystery. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, loves you and He loves me. That love for us led Him to leave Heaven and live in a sinful fallen world for 33 years and then die on a cross to pay for our sin.

Why did He do all of this? Because you were on His heart even before time began.

Continue reading "July 2005"

Posted by arbc at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)