Hey all...
Christmas is in full swing. Jackie and I officially arrived in Meadville last night to her parent's place. This morning, we slept in until about 9 am and now we're headed out to do a little last minute shopping. Hope all is well in your world!!
Merry Christmas!!!
P.S.: I'm hoping to pick up a last minute Christmas gift for me this afternoon: Guitar Hero!!!! Then I'll really be rockin!!!
JC
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Blogger Beta and YouTube frustrations...
I am totally loving the upgrade that I made to Blogger Beta. It's got some really cool things from the creator's standpoint that make blogging more fun (like that was even possible).
But for some reason I can't seem to get YouTube to work with Blogger Beta. If you have some insight, I am all ears. If you are just stopping by, there may not be any YouTube videos for a little while.
But check back. You never know when I might get it figured out.
JC
But for some reason I can't seem to get YouTube to work with Blogger Beta. If you have some insight, I am all ears. If you are just stopping by, there may not be any YouTube videos for a little while.
But check back. You never know when I might get it figured out.
JC
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Nativity was worth it!
If you are considering going to see the Nativity: Do it! It was a great movie. I went and saw it with 30 of my closest friends yesterday (our students and leaders) as part of our Christmas party. I thought it was a great movie and did a great job of really describing what Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zachariah and their families must have been feeling as John the Baptist and Christ Jesus were born into this world.
The only negative that I saw was that they did the typical three wise men (we actually have no idea how many were three... although Catholic tradition gives us the number three) who arrived at the Bethlehem (according to Matthew 2, the Magi came to a "house" not a "stable" as in Luke 2). But the makers of the movie may not have been attempting to writing theology so much as just sharing the story.
Overall... two thumbs up. Check it out if you haven't...
Next on my movies to watch list... Rocky!!
JC
The only negative that I saw was that they did the typical three wise men (we actually have no idea how many were three... although Catholic tradition gives us the number three) who arrived at the Bethlehem (according to Matthew 2, the Magi came to a "house" not a "stable" as in Luke 2). But the makers of the movie may not have been attempting to writing theology so much as just sharing the story.
Overall... two thumbs up. Check it out if you haven't...
Next on my movies to watch list... Rocky!!
JC
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Done for the semester!!
Well...
It's official. I am done with seminary for the semester. My finals are all wrapped up. My Hebrew vocab quiz went well. And I am relieved for be done for another semester!
Yesterday was a great day. I took a little vacation time yesterday to sit on the couch, watch 24 and play video games! It was a great day!!
JC
It's official. I am done with seminary for the semester. My finals are all wrapped up. My Hebrew vocab quiz went well. And I am relieved for be done for another semester!
Yesterday was a great day. I took a little vacation time yesterday to sit on the couch, watch 24 and play video games! It was a great day!!
JC
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Blog Correction... Test Update!!!
Hey Faithful Readers,
This is a correction to an earlier blog where it was reported that "going the distance" belonged to Beck. It does not. It actually belongs to Cake. My apologies!!
As an update for finals... at the point, my church history final is over. It is 11:19 am Central Standard Time and I am done with my church history final. Actually according to Dr. Rea, I received an "A" on my final an "A-" in the class because of the "B" on my bibliography.
All my stressing... worrying... pacing... and cramming is now over for Church History.
I still have a couple of quizzes in Hebrew. But soon and very soon... this semester will be in the books!!!
This is a correction to an earlier blog where it was reported that "going the distance" belonged to Beck. It does not. It actually belongs to Cake. My apologies!!
As an update for finals... at the point, my church history final is over. It is 11:19 am Central Standard Time and I am done with my church history final. Actually according to Dr. Rea, I received an "A" on my final an "A-" in the class because of the "B" on my bibliography.
All my stressing... worrying... pacing... and cramming is now over for Church History.
I still have a couple of quizzes in Hebrew. But soon and very soon... this semester will be in the books!!!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Merry Christmas from the Clarks!!!
Merry Christmas
from the Clarks!
We don't do Christmas cards (yet). But I thought I would post a little Christmasy picture!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wal-Mart frustrations!
I know it's the holidays and I'm supposed to be nice and cheery... but I go into Wal-Mart this afternoon to pick up 1 item. I found my item and then went to the "Speedy Checkout - 10 items or less" line. I couldn't go through the "Self Checkout" because it was a gift card.
Well, the line was huge. Not to mention the fact that I found myself behind a woman who obviously couldn't count. She had 19 items (and not small items either... like shoes and a comfortor and 5 boxes of cereal)!!! I don't know if people think that other people can't count or don't notice. But there I stood for probably the better part of 10 minutes while she got all her stuff (all 19 items... I counted) checked out.
Ugh!
Well, the line was huge. Not to mention the fact that I found myself behind a woman who obviously couldn't count. She had 19 items (and not small items either... like shoes and a comfortor and 5 boxes of cereal)!!! I don't know if people think that other people can't count or don't notice. But there I stood for probably the better part of 10 minutes while she got all her stuff (all 19 items... I counted) checked out.
Ugh!
Closest Book Meme
just saw this on Kurt's blog…
The rules are:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest!
-------------
I'm trying to be ultra-spiritual or anything... it was literally laying beside my computer.
Leviticus 11:1 (starting)
"The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Say to the Israelites: 'Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that hhas a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.'"
The rules are:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest!
-------------
I'm trying to be ultra-spiritual or anything... it was literally laying beside my computer.
Leviticus 11:1 (starting)
"The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Say to the Israelites: 'Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that hhas a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.'"
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Going the Distance!!!
It's the final week of my fall semester of seminary. And I've got a long way to go. Tuesday at 10:30 am I will take my oral final in my Church history class. I took half of my vocabulary review test yesterday in Hebrew and will take the final half next week. We don't have a final in there, just a couple vocabulary review tests.
I've got Beck's song "Loser" running through my head this morning... "He's going the distance... He's going for speed..."
I've got a couple long days ahead of me. But by this time next week, it will all be over and I'll be sitting on the couch playing video games (I've taken next Wednesday off...) It will be sweet!!!
JC
I've got Beck's song "Loser" running through my head this morning... "He's going the distance... He's going for speed..."
I've got a couple long days ahead of me. But by this time next week, it will all be over and I'll be sitting on the couch playing video games (I've taken next Wednesday off...) It will be sweet!!!
JC
Monday, December 04, 2006
24 is coming!!!
Yesterday I was watching the Bears beat up on the Vikings and I saw my first 24 commercial for Season 6! Here is a link to the 24 website. It looked pretty darn incredible. I found myself hoping they would go ahead and give us the time and date... I was fully prepared to set up the VCR (poor-man's TiVO) to tape it.
I love me some 24!!!
I love me some 24!!!
High Voltage Outline - Dec 3, 2006
Here is last night's outline from High Voltage. This was the final High Voltage until January 2007. High Voltage will be taking a break for the holidays to relieve some of the stuff facing families during the holiday season.
---------------
Lesson Topic: Week 2 - Tis the Season... Christmas
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: Above Average
Student Involvement in Music: Average
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 30 minutes
Student Response: average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 5
---------------
‘Tis The Season
Part 2 – The Gift
High Voltage – December 3, 2006 – Jim Clark
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
A gift was promised.
But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Luke 1:30-33
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23
The stage was set.
So Joseph also went up form the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5
The gift was delivered.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
A light shone brightly.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them (shepherds), and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ Matthew 2:1-2
After they has heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10
The news was shared.
So they (shepherds) hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they has seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about his child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16-18
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12
The Light arrived.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12
Christmas Season Action Steps:
1. Recognize the necessity of not getting too stressed out.
2. Remember to true meaning for this season.
3. Require yourself to spend some time in reflection.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
The Bottom Line: God gave us the ultimate gift when his son arrived in a manger.
--------------
Here are a few discussion questions to talk with your student about...
1. What does Christmas mean to you?
2. What is one way that you can practically and intentionally slow down during the Christmas season?
3. How can you share the true meaning of the Christmas season with others?
4. Who is one person that you can share the reason for this Christmas season with during this season?
--------------
It was a decent night. High Voltage will return on January 7, 2007. I can't wait.
---------------
Lesson Topic: Week 2 - Tis the Season... Christmas
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: Above Average
Student Involvement in Music: Average
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 30 minutes
Student Response: average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 5
---------------
‘Tis The Season
Part 2 – The Gift
High Voltage – December 3, 2006 – Jim Clark
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
A gift was promised.
But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Luke 1:30-33
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23
The stage was set.
So Joseph also went up form the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5
The gift was delivered.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
A light shone brightly.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them (shepherds), and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ Matthew 2:1-2
After they has heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10
The news was shared.
So they (shepherds) hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they has seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about his child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16-18
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12
The Light arrived.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12
Christmas Season Action Steps:
1. Recognize the necessity of not getting too stressed out.
2. Remember to true meaning for this season.
3. Require yourself to spend some time in reflection.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
The Bottom Line: God gave us the ultimate gift when his son arrived in a manger.
--------------
Here are a few discussion questions to talk with your student about...
1. What does Christmas mean to you?
2. What is one way that you can practically and intentionally slow down during the Christmas season?
3. How can you share the true meaning of the Christmas season with others?
4. Who is one person that you can share the reason for this Christmas season with during this season?
--------------
It was a decent night. High Voltage will return on January 7, 2007. I can't wait.
Bring on the Gators
The Florida Gators earned the right on Sunday to play my Ohio State Buckeyes! Two words: Bring It! Here's a link to a story.
I am greatful that OSU doesn't have to play Michigan again. I wasn't real keen on them playing a team that they already beat in the regular season... it would have been a less than exciting game. But this January 8th match up should be a good one. And it will be fun to beat the Gators for a National Title.
I am greatful that OSU doesn't have to play Michigan again. I wasn't real keen on them playing a team that they already beat in the regular season... it would have been a less than exciting game. But this January 8th match up should be a good one. And it will be fun to beat the Gators for a National Title.
Bears Baby!!!
NFC Central Division Champs!!!
Chicago Bears!!!
Yeah, looking forward to clinching that homefield advantage and rolling through the playoffs. (By the way... those Indy Colts looked great yesterday against the Titans??!!)
Chicago Bears!!!
Yeah, looking forward to clinching that homefield advantage and rolling through the playoffs. (By the way... those Indy Colts looked great yesterday against the Titans??!!)
Monday, November 27, 2006
High Voltage Outline - Nov 26, 2006
Attendance: Average
Lesson Topic: Week 1 - Tis the Season... Thankfulness
'Fun Factor': Above Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: Above Average
Student Involvement in Music: Above Average
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 20 minutes
Student Response: average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 6
Overall the night was pretty good. The only problem was we seemed to have a train wreck with the computer every time we turned around. Half of the powerpoint game didn't get imported right, so we lost some of the questions. The message powerpoint was messed up. It's little things like that that attempt to derail a night.
But it was a good night for one HUGE reason... Kyle Reimers (a 6th grader in our group) had given his life to Christ at our Fall Retreat a couple of weekends ago... he was obedient in baptism last night. So, that was most excellent.
------------
Here's last night's outline:
‘Tis the Season
November 26, 2006 – High Voltage – Jim Clark
Week 1
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
Things to be thankful for (King David’s Thanksgiving List):
His love.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:2-4
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
His concern for all people.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
His forgiveness.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
His grace.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse nor will be harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Ps 103:8-10
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36
His continuing nature.
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:17-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows. James 1:17
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:20-22
How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude:
1. Make time for reflection.
2. Be honest with yourself and have the right perspective.
3. Make thankfulness a part of your lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Thanksgiving is a great time of the year to slow down and thank God for the incredible stuff He’s done for us.
----------------
Discussion questions:
1. What is the thing in your life that you are most thankful for?
2. What, in your relationship with God, are you most thankful for?
3. How can you practically begin to include more thankfulness in your relationship with God and with others?
----------------
JC
Lesson Topic: Week 1 - Tis the Season... Thankfulness
'Fun Factor': Above Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: Above Average
Student Involvement in Music: Above Average
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 20 minutes
Student Response: average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 6
Overall the night was pretty good. The only problem was we seemed to have a train wreck with the computer every time we turned around. Half of the powerpoint game didn't get imported right, so we lost some of the questions. The message powerpoint was messed up. It's little things like that that attempt to derail a night.
But it was a good night for one HUGE reason... Kyle Reimers (a 6th grader in our group) had given his life to Christ at our Fall Retreat a couple of weekends ago... he was obedient in baptism last night. So, that was most excellent.
------------
Here's last night's outline:
‘Tis the Season
November 26, 2006 – High Voltage – Jim Clark
Week 1
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
Things to be thankful for (King David’s Thanksgiving List):
His love.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:2-4
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
His concern for all people.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
His forgiveness.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
His grace.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse nor will be harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Ps 103:8-10
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36
His continuing nature.
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:17-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows. James 1:17
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:20-22
How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude:
1. Make time for reflection.
2. Be honest with yourself and have the right perspective.
3. Make thankfulness a part of your lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Thanksgiving is a great time of the year to slow down and thank God for the incredible stuff He’s done for us.
----------------
Discussion questions:
1. What is the thing in your life that you are most thankful for?
2. What, in your relationship with God, are you most thankful for?
3. How can you practically begin to include more thankfulness in your relationship with God and with others?
----------------
JC
Sunday, November 26, 2006
things I'm thankful for...
Things I'm thankful for...
Family...
Fox Valley Christian Church...
Our students...
My friends...
A great team of volunteers...
My health...
An opportunity to serve God with my talents...
School...
Da Bears...
Just a few of the things that I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
JC
Family...
Fox Valley Christian Church...
Our students...
My friends...
A great team of volunteers...
My health...
An opportunity to serve God with my talents...
School...
Da Bears...
Just a few of the things that I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
JC
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Bulldogs run is done...
The Batavia Bulldogs took a tough loss today at the hands of the Normal Community Ironmen for the 6A State Championship 30-20. Near the end of the first half, Batavia lost it's starting quarterback... which was hard. But the sophomore brought them back and gave them a chance to win near the end. But it just wasn't enough.
Here's a link to the article.
Good Job Dawgs!!
JC
Here's a link to the article.
Good Job Dawgs!!
JC
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
What I'm reading...
Here's what I'm reading. Here's a link to the best place to buy it... (If you're going to buy it, buy it from my friends... you'll get it cheaper.) It looks like its going to be a good read, but I'm only a couple of chapters into it. Most on "What Matters Most" later...
Jim
Monday, November 20, 2006
Great Article in Time... Thanks Jared
Here's a link to a story that I just came across yesterday, thanks to Jared (one of my Sunday night leaders) who handed to it me.
Here's a chunk:
"As the exodus has increased, churches are trying to reverse the flow by focusing less on amusement and more on Scripture. When Chris Reed failed to convert a single youngster during one 12-month period soon after taking over as youth minister at Calvary in 1995, he decided to restructure his young people's program by adding both larger doses of doctrine and closer adult mentoring. Now, religious instruction, based on a model developed by youth pastors at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, centers on five Christian principles--evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and worship.
There's still some fun, games and live-band music in the mix at Calvary, but every youth activity, from scavenger hunts to prayer meetings to scrubbing floors and donating food and clothes at Los Angeles homeless shelters, must relate to one of the principles. Additionally, Reed recruited parents and young adults like Jones to forge bonds with small groups of six to eight teens. The grownups lead weekly Bible studies, help plan missionary trips and monitor the high schoolers' emotional and spiritual well-being with frequent phone calls and face-to-face encounters outside of church. Since Reed's overhaul six years ago, the total youth rolls--including the reconstituted Sunday school and college programs--have grown from 70 to more than 200. In 2003, a record 64 teens accepted Christ as their savior at Calvary. "We're healthy spiritually," Reed says. He adds that even adults who once thought teen members had little to contribute and needed baby sitting welcome their involvement in all church activities."
Chris Reed is a personal friend of mine and guy associated with the same Saddleback "Gathering" of youth workers that I'm a part of. It was incredible to be reading this article and then run across the name of someone that I know! Chris is doing an incredible job running a similiar Student Ministry to what we're running.
God is leading his people back to his purposes!! It's incredible!
JC
Here's a chunk:
"As the exodus has increased, churches are trying to reverse the flow by focusing less on amusement and more on Scripture. When Chris Reed failed to convert a single youngster during one 12-month period soon after taking over as youth minister at Calvary in 1995, he decided to restructure his young people's program by adding both larger doses of doctrine and closer adult mentoring. Now, religious instruction, based on a model developed by youth pastors at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, centers on five Christian principles--evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and worship.
There's still some fun, games and live-band music in the mix at Calvary, but every youth activity, from scavenger hunts to prayer meetings to scrubbing floors and donating food and clothes at Los Angeles homeless shelters, must relate to one of the principles. Additionally, Reed recruited parents and young adults like Jones to forge bonds with small groups of six to eight teens. The grownups lead weekly Bible studies, help plan missionary trips and monitor the high schoolers' emotional and spiritual well-being with frequent phone calls and face-to-face encounters outside of church. Since Reed's overhaul six years ago, the total youth rolls--including the reconstituted Sunday school and college programs--have grown from 70 to more than 200. In 2003, a record 64 teens accepted Christ as their savior at Calvary. "We're healthy spiritually," Reed says. He adds that even adults who once thought teen members had little to contribute and needed baby sitting welcome their involvement in all church activities."
Chris Reed is a personal friend of mine and guy associated with the same Saddleback "Gathering" of youth workers that I'm a part of. It was incredible to be reading this article and then run across the name of someone that I know! Chris is doing an incredible job running a similiar Student Ministry to what we're running.
God is leading his people back to his purposes!! It's incredible!
JC
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