5/13/2007

"The 3 Musketeers"

You - Others - God

Partnership

Opening Prayer:  We pray for courage to help in our life problems.  Make us all stronger in our faith - each knowing, you are right beside us, helping us making the right decisions.  In your name, we pray.  Amen.

Today, we started Sunday School with an experiment.  Sometimes experiments make us think and then make us leave with the thoughts behind them.  Today was the case and we'll be looking to do more things like this in the future in Sunday School.

We were each given a 48' thin dowel, sturdy/durable packing tape and a plastic fork.  It was necessary to make a longer, oversized fork but touching items end to end and securing the items together with the tape.  This needed to be durable to hold together and not separate with a little pressure.  Each of us were then given a plate of four Jello pieces.

After forks were tested, our instructions were:

(1) Jello must be eaten.

(2) Must keep hand at the end of the dowel, not the fork end.

(3) Whoever empties their plate first, wins the prize - a "3 Musketeers" bar.

What are your thoughts on this?  Is it easy?  Impossible?  Go back and read the instructions again.  You have a problem and you need a solution.  Easy to take a hand off of the dowel end and take the Jello slice and feed yourself.

Are there, however, other solutions that might be more on the right track?  Can you think of something that will not only solve your problem but be of "benefit" to someone else as well?

After some testing, and evaluation of possible solutions, we found that we couldn't easily feed ourselves because the dowel was entirely too long.  Another possible solution - taking off and feeding your own body - was possibly an easy way.  The best way we found to empty the plate was to feed another person or persons.  It  is a partnership:  to get a solution to the problem you faced and also to provide some "nourishment" to the other person.

Can you name some problems that face teenagers today that you feel they should not have to face?  So many things are there!  We took blank index cards and labeled some problems on the front.  These included:  (1) lack of food, (2) lack of money for necessities, (3) drugs, (4) need car but financially not possible for family, (5) want College but not financially possible, and (6) divorced family – decision made but not to teenager's satisfaction - talking is not an option.

At this point, we took up the "problem" cards and came back to them later in our discussion.

Who do you go to for help with problems?  Identified were:  parents, friends, husband/wife, God, grown children in family.  You may even think of more to add to this list.  We also noted that it could be a decision needs to be made and not really a problem. Who then would you ask for guidance?

We summed up the persons into three categories:  (1) Yourself, (2) Others, and (3)God.

Like the "3 Musketeers", there are 3 options for problem solving individually and also a partnership of the 3 in decision making as a Christian:

(1) You can look for solutions yourself.

(2) You can look for help/guidance from others.

(3) You can and should look and work with God for help with problems/decisions.

We looked at one of the categories:  Looking for Help/Guidance from Others.  We  went back to the "problem" cards that we wrote earlier.  These were then given back out to different people.  We asked that they leave the problem face down and not read the problem on the other side.  Each of us were then asked to write "solutions" to a problem that teenagers faced today on the blank side of each of the "problem" cards we were given.  Again, we were not reading the problems and we all certainly do not have ESP. 

After this was done, we went through the problems and possible solutions.  Believe it or not, even without ESP, some guidance written on the blank side of card actually did fit the problems written earlier.

Problem/Solution   

(1) Lack of food - Consult parents

(2) Lack of money for necessities - Get a job

(3) Drugs - See Guidance Counselor

(4) Need car but financially not possible for family - Talk to Other People

(5) Want College but not financially possible - Get Help

However, we found that with the following problem that needed a solution, the guidance was not helpful at all.  6) divorced family - decision made but not to teenager's satisfaction – talking is not an option.  Written on the card was "Look in the Classifieds."  Not really an option - we can't just look for another family.

In these cases, we are not making light of problems in any way.  As you can see, relying on just the feedback of others may not always be the right decision to the problem we face.  And, as well, we, by ourselves, may be too wrapped up in the problem to make an judgements as to possible solutions or even a decision to the problem we face, without any other support/guidance.

Christians, work together, and with God to solve life's difficult problems.   3 Partners - All with a Common Goal.  All Working Together.  Just like the "3 Musketeers" - All for One and One for All.

We read scripture verses from Paul in the the book of Philippians.  Both within Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.

"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain."

Philippians 2:12-16

and

Philippians 3:15-17

"Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us."

In our decision-making, let us look to those we admire and want to imitate!  Let us also look to God and imitate him for he has and will provide the guidance and support we need.

Remember:

"The 3 Musketeers"

You, Others, God

All working for a common goal

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

All Partners - 3's

All for One and One for All.

Closing Prayer was done on a variation of "Prayer of St. Columba of Iona":

Be thou a bright flame before us.

Be thou a guiding star above us.

Be thou a smooth path below us.

Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me.

Be with us and keep us strong, seeking guidance from others and you in the decisions we make.

Today, tonight and forever.  Amen.

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5/6/2007

"The Fit"

Lord, we don't know how long we have to live but we know you are preparing a wonderful place for us.  Thank you for giving us the gift of eternal life.  In your name, we pray.  Amen.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I came that they may have life,

and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

April 29th, we talked about the beginning and the end.  Today, we continued our discussions on the end of time as we know.  God has given life and he is the purpose behind it all.  The "end" will be no strife and total peace.

Our lesson this Sunday was based on two clips from the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."  It is based on four teenagers who share a "fitting" pair of jeans between them during their summer separation.

The clips introduce two teenagers - - Tibby, an older teenager and her sharing thoughts with Baily - a younger friend who is dying of cancer.  The final clip shows a hospital visit between Baily and Tibby.  Tibby comes to grips with the finality of the coming passing of her young friend.  Baily shares with Tibby her thoughts of there being "more out there."  It is a magic that is granted to those who believe.

Why are we here?.....God has a plan for me?.... Yes, he does and we all have a purpose and a plan to give us direction.  The movie clips are difficult since they deal with the death of a young lady; however, we all have purpose as she did in her short life.  Nothing is greater than being an inspiration and serving others in their direction in life.

We agreed and disagreed with several questions and discussed the reasons why.  Answers were sometime difficult as well as different.  If you were not able to join us....ask yourself the same.

Best to live with a plan?

Most people I know have a plan or direction?

Do we discover the meaning of life as we live / get older?

What are your plans?  If you're given six monhs to live, what would your plans be?  What would you do knowing the finality is coming?  Would you make a difference?  Or use last days to enjoy life?  We shared our thoughts on the question above with the others present.  The meaning of life is a tough concept - - sometimes we find it is easier not to think about other than trying to figure it all out.   We also learned more about each other by naming our favorite pieces of clothing as in the movie.

The bible teaches us about the meaning of our life and our purpose.  He tells us....believe, live life, and you will be given the gift of eternal life.

For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son

and believes in him should have eternal life;

and I will raise him up at the last day.

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said,

"I am the bread which came down from heaven."

They said, "Is not this Jesus, son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?

How des he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"

Jesus answered them, "Do not murmur among yourselves.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him;

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.'

Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

Not that anyone has seen the Father except him who is from God;

he has seen the Father.

Truly, truly I say to you,

he who believes has eternal life.

John 6:40-47

Today's life is full of "stuff" - - wealth, sports, popularity.  But there is also love, faith and hope.  Jesus came to give life and life to the fullest.  Live it with purpose.  He wants us to live with hope without worry.  He wants us to succeed in what we do when we do it for him.

Our mission trip will provide purpose and give those going so much "wealth."  Look forward to the opportunity and do it with all you have and to the "fullest."  As with the movie, things do "fit" us - - we have the "magic" of eternal life.

Closing Prayer:  God, you gave us life.  You knew us from birth.  Jesus came & gave his life to pay for our sins.  We look forward to that magic gift given to us as believers.  In your name, we pray.  Amen.

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4/29/2007

"Between The Trees"

Opening Prayer:  Everything we give was first given by God. 

Ours to use and ours to share but not to spoil or hord. 

We return these gifts to God - -

our lives, ourselves, to bring God more near.  Amen.

The Beginning . . . The End . . .  Can you name the first book of the Bible?  The last?  What comes to mind with each book of the Bible mentioned?  Genesis and Revelations . . . 

With a drawing of two trees on two separate pieces of parchment paper taped to the wall, we labeled the following amongst the leaves and branches:

Genesis: The Beginning

Adam       Fruit

Snake      Garden

Life           Names

Animals    Light

Revelations:  The End as We Know It

Death      Jesus

Leaving    Explosions

Rapture    Fighting

We share the verses of Genesis 1:1 – 2:17 by reading in turn.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’

So God created humankind in his image,
   in the image of God he created them;
   male and female he created them.

God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he formed.  Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches.  The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there.  The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush.  The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria.  And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’

The start. . . the beginning.  This identified one of our trees:  Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  We live amongst the trees.  And we have also identified a second tree in the beginning - the Tree of Life.  

We moved on and go to end . . . Revelation.  Chapter 22, Verses 1-7.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.  

Once again we identify our second tree - - The Tree of Life.  The end as we know.  Amongst the trees.  We are the middle.  The space on the wall between the two trees we have drawn, labeled and identified.  The beginning carries on with each of us.

Once again, we share video by NOOMA to provoke thoughts in each of us related to the “trees.”  These videos are very useful and present “Christian perspective of today.

 
”How is that our world can be filled with such beauty and such order and such good, and yet at the same time filled with such heartache and such pain.”  From NOOMA video – “Trees”

God allows us and wants us to live freely.  The start . . . the beginning is still occurring.  Can you be a part?  Can you live the way he wants you to . . . amongst the trees.  The end . . . there will be peace.  And our guarantee of eternal life.

In the end, grounded by roots of our Faith – as with the “trees” in our:  Faith in Others, Faith in Good and a Partnership with Both - - asking what can we do to be a “part” amongst the “trees.

Lord, grant us strength.  Build our faith.  Make us be a “Difference” in partnership with you.  In your name, we pray.  Amen.

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4/8/2007

Happy Easter to You and Your Family!

We all enjoyed an early Easter Services and a

Wonderful Breakfast!

He Is Risen!

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4/1/2007

Our dear Father, we come together before the start of Holy Week.  You are Lord of All!  The Spirit lives in all of us.  Help us realize the priceless and precious gift you offered to us, in the name of him who died for us on a cross.  In the name of our Lord, Amen.

Our theme for Sunday School was "Priceless!"  We discussed our thoughts on the meaning of this word.  It could be defined as a "quality to which something can not be bought or replaced monetarily.   Some examples that we came up with included:  new puppy, girlfriend/boyfriend.

I'm sure we've all heard these commercials/ads at some time.  One might run like this:

New Shoes from the Mall  $35

Carpet Cleaner Rental  $12.95

New Puppy Breath  Priceless

For a moment, we wanted to look at the opposite.  We viewed an episode from season seven of the "Amazing Race."  Viewing things that the contestants did for one million dollars.

Dream for a moment, if you were the winner of the "Amazing Race," what would you buy and/or do with the winnings?  We listed some of these things and assigned monetary values to them.  Some decided that they would also give part of the winning to someone/something else.  Dreams were big!

We looked at some info from a 1991 survey - it was noted that a percentage would:  (1) have nothing to do with family for 10 million, (2) prostitute themselves for seven days, and (3) put their child up for adoption. 

Answer the question......"Would $1 Million Really Satisfy You?"

We went back and looked at "Priceless" once again and did comparison to the things we would buy/do with one million. 

Our last example of "Priceless":

New Dress for Easter  $55

Chocolate Easter Bunny  $5

Jesus Dying on the Cross for Our Sins!   PRICELESS!

We read from the 24th Chapter of Luke, verses 44-48. 

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled."  Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things..."

We have the ability to worship freely!  We are rich in blessing from God!  Once again, priceless!

We were asked to consider LIFE as "The Amazing Race!"  - For Eternal Life!  The youth were given an oversized metal nail as a reminder.  He died for our sins!  He was nailed to a cross for US!

The youth were reminded:  As we start Holy Week, there will be opportunities to attend services and worship.  They were urged to be a part and use the nail as a reminder as they reflected on the words and bible readings that they heard and the prayers they offered to God.

Ending Prayer:  Lord, your love for us is priceless!  During this coming Holy Week, we recount the fact that you sent your only Son to die on a cross for us.  Freely offering the gift of eternal life to each of us, even though nails pierced his hands and feet. We thank you for your love for us!  In your name, we pray!  Amen. 

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3/25/2007

Our Lord, we thank you for another week of coming together. We thank you for the time we are able to spend together and hear your word. Help us through this last week as we anticipate so eagerly time for relaxation from school/activities with Spring Break. Give us strength and patience to survive the hectic pace of this last week. In your name, we pray. Amen.

The concentration of our Sunday School this week was Servant of God - Commitment! What is your purpose in life: serve or be served? We read the following verses from 1 Peter:

"The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you have received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:7-11

Andy from Mayberry shared with us "Andy's English Valet" through video. This video introduces a Brit named Malcolm Merriweather from England who tries to repay monies for a truck accident he caused with his bike. Andy allows Malcolm to become a personal servant to repay the debts.

We are powered to be of service to Him and to others. We talked about what were the biggest obstacles standing in the way of teenagers helping others in the name of Christ. These included: pressure and difference from others.

Major points from the video stressed:
1. We must be willing to try different things.
2. We must be willing to give of our time and talent.
3. Do Things in His Name!
4. Offer that which we can offer to Others.
5. Accept with thanks that which is also Offered to us.

Even though not apparent at times outwardly, you may have "served" more than you know. Both in those things that come to others and those that are returned to you!

Youth were challenged:
Are You Going to Hide/Run OR Decide to Serve Him?

"Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." John 13:16-17

We talked about the start-up of the youth group with meeting Sunday, March 25th. You were asked to make a commitment and come and be a part of the group - activities include chance to grow in their faith and be a part of helping others as well as have fun.

Ending Prayer: May all of our work be good work as we seek to do Your will. Help us become good servants. Lord, we always want to work for you and for others. No matter what our jobs, show us how to serve you best. Amen.

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3/18/2007

Father, you are holy & Lord of all. Thank you for bringing us together this week. At times, we feel so small and we're sometimes amazed that you take the time to listen to us. You make us feel so loved and we thank you for all you have done in our lives. In your name, we pray. Amen.

What do we want.......? What do we need.....? Tell us the first thing that comes to mind. What's the difference between our wants and our needs? Do you ever say.... "If you love me, you'd....." Or "I love you. Can I......?"

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.
When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.
I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes
and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."  Jeremiah 29:11-14

We note in these verses that the Lord has set plans for each of us. We are given a "future with hope." He reminds us that he is always there for us - he sees and hears us when we look for him and when we are not specifically looking. Prays that which is in our hearts, and we will find him.

We shared a Nooma video this week called "Kickball." It shows a father who recants a visit with son to the mall. The son "wants" very badly a toy - - more than likely not "needed" and inappropriate for kids his age. The son begs and pleads to no avail. The father does take the son to another store later and allows the "orange" kickball. Patting the ball, the son, restored faith in his dad in looking out for him, leaves the store with his dad. Dad has had best interest of his son in his heart!

After the video, we talked about past feelings of wondering why things don't happen as quickly or at all as we think maybe they should. When we reread Jeremiah above, we find what is important is claiming ownership for what is today - what is now!

Dream! Have Faith in Him and His Plans for You! Remember there is "greener" grass and it is there; however, is it the right time! He does have plans for you! And He has something Better!

Heavenly Father, we have so much to be grateful for. We are alive and loved by you. Shift our focus from what we "wish" could be, to the gifts you have showered us with already. Help us claim ownership of today & rejoice in your plans for us tomorrow as we "dream!" Amen.

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3/11/07

Lord, thank you for bringing us all together. Let us work for the goal of all here at Bethany. We are many but one body working together in service to you. Strengthen our Faith! Guide us in the ministry of our church - offering our own talents to the glory of your name. Amen.

These weekly updates give us a chance to expand on our limited time within Sunday School.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8

As we read the verses from the book of Romans, we find they address one body with many members; however, not all serve the same duties. We are one with Christ and separately, one with others in our congregation, community and the world. All of us can offer different gifts according to that given to us by our Lord. We can teach, give, lead and show compassion, among some many others.

Comedian Bob Nelson shared his impressions of different members of an all-star football team. We also learned in addition to the above things that laughter and a smile are also our gifts.

Keeping the video in mind, comparisons were made between a football game and church. Our youth identified the key participants: players (congregation), quarters (lessons), announcer (Larry), band (hymns/choir/congregation), and Coach (Pastor Karen), among others. All have different roles and possibly, at times, a different goal but the group does have a "common goal" together as a team. This discussion tied in to our Time and Talent Sheets in identifying what we can offer individually to our ministry at Bethany.

Lent is a time of reflection - - evaluate what you can offer to Him and to others. With these gifts, it is not a time to "give it up for Lent" but a time to commit to "give" for Lent and all year round.

Notes for Youth:

(1) Our "mission" was accomplished this week and rumors indicate a favorable response.

(2) Sunday, March 25th, 6:00 p.m. - BCY First Organizational Group Meeting. Pizza on the Table - Bring Your Friends! Time for Brainstorming Ideas, Fun and Fellowship.

Coming Sunday 3/18: Claim Ownership!

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3/4/2007

Peace be with you! We’ve come together for our second week :) The BCY room is a little more comfortable now! Stop by and check things out! The look is temporary until we ask for permission to make some much needed changes. A little paint, some carpet and some beanbags are on the agenda!

As noted before, each week we’ll bring you up-to-date on what was covered in Sunday School. If you missed today, please join us next Sunday at 10 am in the BCY room :)

Today, we talked about being a Christian and the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). Through these scripture verses, comparisons are made between the necessity of different gifts to parts of the body working together. We are all unique and, separately and together, have so much we can offer to the ministry of Bethany.

Would you rather live without your hands or without your feet? This was one of the questions within our discussion. Youth are a vital part of Bethany! Without you, our congregation is not whole. Your gifts (time and talents) are needed at Bethany! Please prayerfully consider what you are willing to offer in thanksgiving for all that is given to you through our Lord.

On that subject, we will be emailing "Bethany Youth Time & Talent Sheets" (Word). We’re excited about new worship service ideas and we’d like you to be a part of those changes. Please fill this out and either email it back to bethany_carolyn@earthlink.net or print and bring it to Sunday School with you.

We’re also asking for some help in selecting topics for our Sunday School discussions. We want you to get to know each other better! Our discussions give you opportunities to reflect on your faith as well as talk about those things which relate to you and others your age. Another document will be emailed to you with a miscellaneous listing of topics. If you think of any that are not listed, please add those as well. Please rate all on the basis of their importance to you! Email/bring back in as well.

We’re excited about the prospects of offering another youth opportunity at Bethany! Later this week, you will be receiving another email asking about your interest in participating in activities outside of Sunday School – BCY Group :) There’s so many things we can do as a group! It’ll be work for all but fun as well! If you are interested, please get this filled out and turned back in. We’re hoping for our first organizational meeting on Sunday, March 25th at 6 pm in the BCY room.

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2/27/2007

We're excited about getting us all back on track with Sunday School! Hope you are too! Please join us each Sunday morning at 10 am! Bring your friends!

Sunday morning (2/25) was our first together. We spent some time doing an assessment of the youth room: Is it hospitable? Do you feel comfortable here? Would your friends feel comfortable here? What changes would you like to see, if possible? What subjects/ areas /topics would you like to study /discuss?

Here's what we came up with:

Strengths:
Have a room, bibles, whiteboard, chalkboard, some study materials, bulletin board, games/puzzles and filing cabinet.

Weaknesses:
Limited study materials (some not age appropriate), climate, chairs/tables, pencils.

We Would Like the Following Changes, if Possible:
Mechanical pencils/pens, paper, couch/beanbag/pillows, carpet, light switch covers, paint wood paneling, change posters, relocate the flag and TV for space, and shelves

Subjects/Interests:
Job, things of interest/relate to 13 years old and up and go skating.

We'll be covering more on subjects/topics of interest along with a lesson on Sunday (March 4th)! Don't worry if you aren't able to be there some Sundays, we'll keep everyone updated through this site as well so you'll be able to give your thoughts on things. Just come when and as often as you can!

We encourage you to bring and use your bibles on Sundays! If you need one, shoot an email and we'll see that you get one. We'll have some highlighters Sunday as well.

I'll be posting updates here probably on a once a week basis (Wednesday/Thursday) unless there is something "major" going on! I'll send an email your way once the site has been updated.

Kudos to Jenea, Jensen, Dale and Wayne for helping clear some of the stuff out of the room this past Sunday! Thank you!