From Chad Turner, Director of Student Ministries

May 29, 2008

Two Articles

Something new I would like to do in the parent update is send out one or two articles that seem valuable and challenging for parents to read. I always enjoy a good article because it's quick and manageable time-wise, but also gives you strong concentrated thought to chew on.

This month, I have attached two articles that I hope will challenge and bless you.

The Adults Teens Need — this is a from a book I recently reviewed called Transforming Student Ministry Research Calling for Change. This particular chapter I felt was very good on the need for adults and parents to fight through their fears in dealing and working with teens. The need to have teens involved with adults is very critical, and very fruitful.

Teen Sex and Romance — this is an article that gives a pretty good analysis of sex and romance in the teen culture today. I have found that Citrus County seems to be even worse. The article gives some great things to talk through as a family, and some warning signs to watch for with your teens.

Please let me know your thoughts and if these were helpful at all.

Summer Plan & Happenings

As most of you know, we have taken in 21 college interns to learn the joy and struggles of guiding a youth ministry (with our coaching). They will be involved in weekly programming, planning and running events, discipling and mentoring students this summer, and a host of other things.

On a special note, all of these activities are based on us being able to form relationships. To do that requires spending time together in many different ways, some set and sanctioned events, and others random. Regardless, our interns will be driving your students a lot this summer. We are asking that all parents fill out a Transportation Release this summer, in which you give permission for your kids to be in personal cars. If you have any questions on this please let us know (Chad Turner), otherwise, please download the waiver and turn it in. Thanks!

HOUSE OF PRAYER

Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Room

A time for students and interns to catch up, receive a little teaching each week on what prayer is, and then pray, pray, pray! We are hoping this will be an encouraging time for all who come to see the power and faithfulness of God.

WEEKLY WORSHIP

Wednesday evenings same times and place as normal youth group for middle school and high school this will go from June 11 — July 30, with the following exceptions:

July 2 — no Middle School group, just High School

July 9 — no High School group, just Middle School

July 16 — no group, we will be joining the Family Bible Conference

LOUNGING

Friday evenings or Saturdays

A time focused on just enjoying each other and building relationships throughout the summer, as well as creating an environment where students can invite unchurched friends to experience the group. Some weeks may contain a missional component.

LOCAL SERVING

We are in the process of trying to figure out different venues for our students to serve Citrus County through deeds. Be on the watch for details.

DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS

All of the interns are being asked to find 6-10 students to meet with in a small group for the summer —  where they can grow deeper relationally and hopefully spiritually. We strongly encourage you to help your teenagers get more involved, especially with college interns who are so influential in the spiritual and moral views of teenagers.

Events

Lock-In for Grades 8 — 12

Friday, May 30

10:00 p.m. — 7:00 a.m. (Saturday, May 31)

Cost $25 (if you need $$ help, please let us know)

Rock the Universe Fall Retreat in Orlando

Students in Grades 8 — 12

September 5 — 7

Details coming this summer

Other Notables

This weekend we will be honoring and having a special commencement for our interns, please be there to pray over them and meet them.

Over this last month, we hosted our first Senior Night, where we honored and celebrated all of our graduating seniors. I have to say it went so much better than I ever imagined, and we think the kids were really blessed. Also, our student leadership team hosted a special event where they welcomed and introduced the eighth graders into the high school ministry. As well, they put on a special Senior Prom for our senior adults and volunteers. It was so well done, I admit I got emotional watching the senior adults and students at the same table, dialoguing, laughing, and getting to know each other. You should be very proud, the kids did a great job!

Summer Project

The interns are officially here. To meet them and learn more: Summer Interns 2008

(A Past Excerpt on the Project)

This summer we are bringing in 21 college interns to hang and work with all of you. Why? Because we believe having as many friends and mentors in the faith is a great resource in learning how to follow Christ. These college students are just awesome, they are easy to talk to, fun to be around, love Jesus, and have huge hearts to get to know you, form lasting friendships with you, and truly help you go deeper in your relationships with Jesus Christ. I CANNOT CHALLENGE YOU ENOUGH to take advantage of this. We'll be doing small groups, tons of relational events, and outings that allow us to enjoy each other and get to know each other better. As well as giving you great venues to invite friends who are outside the church and who wouldn't normally come to youth group, to come. So plan on being around. My dream and prayer is that God grows us so close this summer, with Him and each other, that this tight nucleus, this tight core of about 30-40 students will come together with a passion for Christ, a passion to live as brothers and sisters, and a passion to reach this area for Christ. And that next year, Citrus County won't know what hit it. Now I am not talking about brash, mean, obnoxious Bible thumpers, but people who have truly been touched by the love of God, and because of that they truly care about people, and want others to know God like they do. That would be nothing short of MIRACULOUS!!!

Church Membership Interviews

For students wanting to become members who have gone through the Pastors Class or Junior Pastors Class:

Sunday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. — Membership Interview with the Elders

We'll meet for dinner and then have membership interviews with the elders.