Of all the churches in the early Bible days after Christ has ascended into Heaven, the church of in Philippi serves as a shining example of what a community of Christians should look like.

What We Can Learn from 1:3-6

In most of his books to the various churches, Paul opens up with greetings that are appropriate for those churches. Usually it's a prayer for grace on them because they've got a lot of work to do. For this church in Philippi his opening is one of thankfulness.

"I thank my God everytime I remember you." As you learn throughout the book, Paul has a special relationship with the people at this church and though he is their teacher, he also considers them his dear friends. He is writing this letter from prison, but this church in Philippi causes a spirit of thankfulness to overflow.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day till now…" This picture is so relevant to us today. We can all relate to a time in our lives where our circumstances were so difficult but just knowing that there was someone out there who, though absent in body, were with us in spirit, bearing the burden with us, serves as such an encouragement.

"…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Part of his encouragement is from the fact that he knows that God is on a mission and that regardless of whether Paul is able to continue to minister… regardless of how things go for him… regardless of what happens, he finds joy in the fact that it is God who is at work and God's work cannot be stopped.

Response

1. Who do you have in your life who encourages you like the church of Philippi encourages Paul?
2. Is there a person or a group of people who have your back and are there for you no matter what the trouble… they say "where you go, I will go." 
3. What do you learn from Paul's words to his dear friends, the Philippians?

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

In our group we are reading Chapter 2. It's titled "You might not finish this chapter," and that title comes from the thought that before we know it our life could be over. I am in my home right now and the reality is that once I get in my car and begin driving today my life could indeed be over.

Why I'm Telling You About This

Reading through the chapter was insightful and challenging, but there is one portion that I really connected with and it just so happened to be a verse from Jesus. While speaking at a friends funeral, Francis opened up the Bible and shared the words from Matthew 10:32-33. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." To me those words are intense. They don't leave room for messing around. You're either in or out.

I think we can relegate that verse to acknowledging God in word only. If someone asks us if we're a Christian in order to adhere to this verse we must say yes. I think that's true, but I think what Jesus was getting at runs deeper than that. We shouldn't limit the power of Jesus' words to only responding in the affirmative when presented with opportunity to acknowledge him, but I think that verse reaches further into our lives. I don't believe it is calling us to be reactive, but pro-active. When combined with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) this is a teaching that ought to propel us to living lives where all we want to do is find opportunities to acknowledge, even confess Jesus before others. 

What does that look like? To pro-actively seek ways to acknowledge Jesus to all men? I think it manifests itself in all different ways and I think to each of us the answer will be different. The essance of the message remains steady, but our tactics will look different as a result of what surrounds us.

God's Throwing A Parade: I'm Invited

I don't want God to be reactionary with me. I don't want him acknowledging me only when asked. Rather I want to be adored by my Heavenly Father. I want to live a life that God is proud to parade. To live a life where he doesn't model a shamed parent… you know that parent in the grocery store who loves their child dearly but has to go around apologizing for the behavior of their kid when she doesn't get lucky charms in the cereal isle. I want God to hold my hand proudly and parade me as a prize. I don't think that's too much to ask… as a matter of fact, I think that's well within the realm of an acceptable desire. Who doesn't want to be adored by their father… earthly or heavenly?

What does this look like for you? How can or do you acknowledge him pro-actively in all areas of our life? Please comment and share from your experience.

Lives on Mission

No one wants to waste their life but unfortunately the majority of lives lived are wasted. Wasted on careers. Wasted on education. Wasted on accomplishments. Our lives are wasted on so many things that are not inherintly bad but become bad when they take the place of Jesus. For the Christian we are called to live lives on mission; lives of purpose. No one said it would be easy, as a matter of fact, Jesus said it would be hard. There is too much at stake to forget that we are on mission for Jesus. There is too much at stake to approach religion as a moralistic therapy. There is too much at stake to mistake good things in life for our lifes purpose. We are called to live lives on mission for the priorities of Jesus.

Lives of Self-Control

One of the shining traits of a Christian following after Jesus is their ability to live lives of self-control and not surprisingly one of the most damaging things a Christian can do to their lives & their credibility is exhibit a life of zero self-control. The choices in life are so clear when you focus on Jesus and surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus. When we begin to stray from biblical community those easy choices suddenly become harder to make. What are areas in our lives where we need to ask Jesus to bring a spirit of self-control?

Generosity

It seems that the younger a believer is the more firmly he holds to his pocket book but the more freely he will be with his time. As the believer ages he is more willing to part with pieces of his pocket book but his time becomes something to hold tight to the chest. Christians should be the most generous, giving people on the face of the planet because unlike the non-believer, we are aware of the great sacrifices that Jesus has made for us. When we fail to be generous men and women of Christ we become more and more like the unmerciful servant. Our lives should be shining examples of demonstrating the genersoity of Christ.

Christians are no exception to having our favorite pets. We have things that bring us comfort & safety as Christians. It would be great if God was always the one bringing us comfort & safety, but sadly we often relegate his relevance to our comfort & safety to the post life (we just want to get into heaven). What do I think is the Christian's favorite means to attain comfort and safety here and now? Legalism.

Gettin' all Legalistic on Your Behind

Stop having sex. Don't drink. Don't swear. Pray. Do a quite time. Give money to church. Volunteer. Go to Sunday services. "You'd better do these things if you want to be loved by God." It seems to me that we, Christians, love to get all legalistic about things. It could be for a variety of reasons. It could be to puff ourselves up. Make ourselves look better than everyone else around us, like the religious leaders in Jesus' day. It could be for reason of not even knowing where to start in trying to live a Christian life... "well, I'm a Christian now. I guess I'll stop drinking." But I think those are just symptoms of a greater problem.

Gettin' all "Jesus" on Your Behind

The heartbeat of legalism is self-help Christianity. This so called self-help Christianity is the brand of faith where you figure out a way to clean yourself up for God. You accumulate a list of all the things you did and didn't do in the name of Jesus and then at the end of that day, week, month, you present your list to God and try and convince him to say "red rover red rover, send insert your name over!" The problem with this brand of faith is that it lacks one fundamental understanding about God: why Jesus came.

Jesus came to set the captive free. He came to fulfill the law, to be a trailblazer. But somehow we still want to earn God's approval. Even on our best days, when we have made all the right choices, done all the right deeds, we are not beyond the need of God's grace. And even on our worst days, when we have sinned greatly and don't feel like we deserve what Jesus did, we are not beyond the reach of God's grace (take from The Discipline of Grace).

We love to be legalistic about things because it is a way we rely upon ourselves and assure ourselves of our salvation. But Isaiah & Paul say:

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." Isaiah 64:6

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ," Philippians 3:7-9

That second verse from Paul is pretty powerful. He had a lot to tack on to his spiritual resume... I mean, he wrote half of the New Testament. I would imagine it would be easy for Paul to get a book deal and be a best selling author in the "Christian Living" section of Barnes & Noble. He could have written books that would make Joel Osteen jealous. But instead he says he counts all his accomplishment as a loss. The only thing that matters to him is that he has Jesus in the end.

Response

What are some of the favorite legalisms Christians tend to hold on to? Obviously sex, drinking and swearing are huge... what are some other legalisms we try to abide by to earn salvation and how does Jesus release us from them?

Each sitting I find myself really drawn to a particular verse each time:

Those three verses alone could give you a clear picture of who Jesus is. In Matthew 6:21 he is a wise teacher who understands the condition of the human heart when it comes to money. No matter how many years have passed, this statement is still true today. We can be found when the trail of our check book is followed. What is it that we love? what is it that we invest in? Our money will testify on our behalf every single time.

JESUS IN ACTION

In Matthew 9:6 he speaks with compassion and authority. He knew the needs of the paralytic were much greater than regaining the ability to walk. With authority he addressed the greater needs first but then with compassion and power he gave the ability to walk. Imagine being a close friend of Jesus in this moment. I am thinking about my buddy Isaac right now… I would say that we’re pretty close and we know pretty much everything about one another. I can’t imagine the two of us hanging out and all of the sudden Isaac forgiving sins of some guy on the street and then giving him the ability to walk. I would think inside my head “I can’t believe what just happened! Seriously, did that just happen?” That’s probably very similar to what the disciples felt every time Jesus did something great. I can’t imagine it getting to a point where they’re like, “yeah, that’s our rabbi. He does stuff like that all the time.” NO WAY! I wouldn’t be able to maintain composure.

And then in Matthew 9:35 we hear what Jesus’ wrap was around town. He’s a guy who goes around to all the neighboring areas, talks about God and “heals ever disease and every affliction.” Now that’s cool. Just stop and think about that……………. he heals ever disease and every affliction. The people surrounding him at the time were seeing him heal physical ailments but his miracles paved the way for humanity to be healed from spiritual depravity. He was doing so much more than what people could see. In the words of Allan, “Jesus Had an Agenda.”

JESUS STANDS ALONE ALONG SIDE US

I would love to have been around when Jesus was walking. I don’t think many people would express the opposite… “I would have hated to be around him.” Even people who don’t believe Jesus is God would want to go back and hang out with Jesus. The reality is that there is none like our God. No other God has had the wrap that Jesus has. No other God has accomplished the things Jesus has accomplished. No other God proclaims the ability to forgive sin. Jesus stands alone on so many fronts and someone who is that set a part would normally be difficult to find. However, through his Word,  God has made himself, Jesus, available to all and even though he isn’t here in physical form, he is here inside our hearts. And we get to hang with him.

VINTAGE JESUS

This Thursday, May 19, is 242 Night and we will be continuing in the Vintage Jesus study. I have been loving this study because Jesus is the center of the Christian's world and it has been incredible to dialogue each week about who Jesus is. Please go to our website and "Like" the page or share it on Facebook.

Info for Vintage Jesus

FRESHMEN WELCOME POOL PARTY

On Saturday, May 21, we are welcoming the incoming Freshmen into 242. This is a very important day for our group as we get to make a first impression on graduating high school seniors. Please do everything you can to join us. Food will be provided, but you'll want to bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you've got someone who you'd like to invite to check out the 242 group, this is a great opportunity in a non-threatening environment... Please be there on Saturday!

Info for the Freshmen Welcome Pool Party

242 LADIES RETREAT

Lastly, the 242 Ladies Retreat is in June and spots are limited on this weekend just for the ladies. It is probably one of the least expensive trips you will ever take! The cost is $50 and includes accommodations, meals and for those carpooling with the group, gas. All ladies between 18-28 are invited to join the gals from 242 for a great weekend of relaxation and community.

Info for the Ladies Retreat

If you're a man and you want to get fired up about being a man in love with Jesus, take 5 minutes and watch this video. Don't just watch it, but watch it and ask, "how does this change me?"

So, you’ve made Mountain Park your new church home. What is it about our community that you really connected with?

I feel like Mountain Park is a place you just can’t get away from… No, that’s not a bad thing in this situation. Other churches I’ve visited have been different because, once I was out the door, my mind told me “Ok, Jordan, on to the next thing…” and I never thought twice about the message or the songs or the people I met. BUT, when I leave Mountain Park, it’s always on my mind. I remember the message I heard at random times during the week, I am always thinking about the next time I’ll get to see the people there, and I’m always excited to go back for more! I’ve never felt that about a church before, and it’s addicting.

It’s been said that you work at ASU. Is that true?

Who told you that? Oh right, I did… Yes, I work in Stadium Control. “But Jordan, Stadiums are usually pretty structurally solid, right?” I get that question every decade. No, my job is basically to make sure people are behaving themselves at sporting events, like football games, volleyball, etc. It’s a pretty easy job, aside from the occasional drunk person. I get to go places that the regular fan doesn’t usually get to go, so it’s kind of like a backstage pass at times, which I think is cool because it’s interesting to see how the whole “College Sporting Event” works on any given saturday.

No, I can’t get you free tickets to sporting events… Sorry guys…

Did I see you online somewhere? Are you a YouTube superstar?

You caught me. I do a little video recording/editing now and again. My video capabilities are limited because I have a PC, which doesn’t do as well as I’d like, sort of how Macs handle that kind of stuff. I also play the guitar and sing, so what better way to let my far-off friends and family know what I’m working on than posting it on youtube, right? As for the superstar bit, I’d have to get at least 2,000 more views before I could actually put that on my business card.

Mac or PC?

As stated above, I use a PC, but would LOOOOOOVE a mac, because it most effectively fulfills my technological needs for video fun! Unfortunately, that dream aint cheap, and I’m not the Monopoly guy.

What were the circumstances surrounding you deciding to follow Jesus and embrace everything it meant to be a Christian?

I’ve always been a “Christian” since I can remember. It wasn’t until some events as recent as last Decemaber that I actually decided to devote all my cares, concerns, strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to Jesus, and become a follower of him. I have to tell you, life pretty much rocks when you do that, I highly reccommend it. Now, I’m not saying life is all footloose and fancy free, far from it. I’m saying that I really truly understand that passage that says God will never give you more than you can handle, I’ve handled some pretty tough stuff and I can honestly say I’d be a very different person if I didn’t have God on my side!

People have noticed dog tags around your neck. Are you in the military?

Well, the dogtags I wear actually aren’t mine. They’re my dad’s from when he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He gave them to me years ago, like when I was 15 or 16, and I’ve worn them just about every day since. I really respect him for doing what he did in service to our country, and have decided that I too will be joining the military by way of the Air Force. I’ll be joining after I gaduate so I can be an officer and hopefully become an airlift pilot! My first big dream in the military is to salute my dads at my basic officer training graduation.

What is your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Well like a lot of other guys, I have an xbox which serves as a conduit to a few of my good buddies that share my affinity for games. That’s my recharge because my friends always cheer me up no matter if I’m sad or already happy! My relaxation happens when I’m alone, just me and the guitar. I’ve spent many, many hours just strumming nonsense because it’s just a theraputic thing to do.

Have you ever participated in a pyramid scheme?

I feel ashamed to admit it but yes… I used to be a part of the mega-ultra-pyramid-scheme-atron known as CUTCO. I got through 5 days and said, this seems to have filled the quota for “job I’ll never list on my employment history.” I’m not bashing the company or the product in any way, I kept all of my sample knives because they rock! But, that job takes a special person, and I don’t care to be it…

What are 3 things that we should know about you but probably would never guess on our own?

Batman is my favorite Superhero, because he’s the only superhero classified as such without having super powers!
I have never had a flying dream
If it’s interesting enough, I can quote a movie pretty well after seeing it 2 or 3 times…

You’re in the backseat of a Ford Astro Van for 12 hours… what would you have taken with you and what would you do during that time?

That all depends on how much room there is. If there is plenty of room I’d probably play my guitar as long as I could, if not so much room, I’d probably take a nice collection of some movies with my laptop and have my own private movie marathon.

Its been said that you’ve had a couple tours at Mountain Park. Share with us your history with the church!

Well my parents used to help with music here back when we met at Mountain Point High School like 18 years ago. So my first ‘tour’ of Mountain Park was pretty much playing Sega Game Gear backstage listening to them sing. The second ‘tour’ started a few years ago when I was asked to start playing guitar for the main service.

So you play guitar… what was your inspiration for picking up the ax for the first time?

My inspiration had to be because I sucked at drums. I had this 70’s Slingerland kit that was red and I was so hyped to get it. After like 3 months of not taking any lessons or getting any better, I put the sticks down. Around that same time we went on the vacation to Colorado with this other family and he showed me some chords and stuff. So went home, sold the drum set and bought a guitar.

I heard that you have a friend that lives with you in your room. Care to introduce us?

Yup, I have a dog named Bella.

Let’s say a light bulb in a Wells Fargo were to go out randomly, would you be able to help fix it?

I could send someone out there to fix. Basically every Wells Fargo in the United States has to call my department for any building maintenance need, which can be something minor like a light bulb or something crazy like a roof leak.

If you had a blank piece of paper set in front of you and had to draw something, what would that something be?

I always draw this same pointy headed guy. I don’t really know why. Maybe just out of habit.

You’ve led worship a couple times for 242 Night. Is that something you do pretty regularly?

Pretty much every week. I’m the music guy for the Student Union and I play in the main service on Sundays that we don’t meet in SU. I love playing with a band and my band right now in Student Union is great. We are making some good music.

What’s one thing about you which no one would know just by looking at you?

That I am a wordsmith. I rarely lose in Scrabble or any other word games.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in your life in the last 3 1/2 years?

Lets see… went to Hawaii, got a dog, went on some roadtrips. I’ll have to go with getting a dog. I just taught her how to speak, that took like a year for her to learn that!

When did you decide that you wanted to make Jesus #1 and serve him? What were those circumstances?

It was really more Jesus choosing me. The way everything worked out was that my dad had lunch with Jonathan Foster (interim worship pastor before Marsh Hall) and my dad said that I played guitar and gave him my number. So Jonathan Foster called me up and I played that week and pretty much every week after. I made an early decision to not turn down any invitations to play because I knew that there was a reason I was there. Then they started growing me into different roles within the church and I couldn’t be happier with where I am now.

Would you share a bit about your history at Mountain Park?

I’ve been coming to Mountain Park since I was in fourth grade when my now step-dad started bringing me. I grew up through Hot Church, and started singing in the worship band. It’s been a long and emotional journey through many leadership changes and transitions, but God has certainly grown and changed me through the process. I have been in leadership for several years, from leading worship around the church, being a student leader, leading small groups, and helping keep the student ministry program alive and well. God has certainly found many ways to use me at Mountain Park over the years!

So I’ve noticed different hair colors over the past few months… care to share insight into your creativity?

Honestly, I get bored, and I’m excessively creative. It’s a dangerous combination. Let’s see, I’ve gone through blonde, dark brown, light brown, auburn, purple (not my fault), brown with red streaks, orange (also not on purpose), platinum, and of course, hot pink. But I’m trying to take a break and make sure my hair doesn’t fall out, so I’m getting it done professionally now.

There is a rumor that you own a rat. Is this metaphoric or do you really own a rat?

Unfortunately for some, it’s not at all metaphoric. I actually own two rats, and have owned 6 all together (RIP). You could say I’m a die-hard animal lover. I also have 2 dogs and 3 cats at home, and our house feels pretty empty right now. The coolest pets I’ve had would have to be my Mali Uromastyx (basically a tiny dinosaur), and my Veiled Chameleon. I’ve worked with animals for a few years now, from pet care and sales at PetSmart to being a certified dog trainer. I’m currently working on becoming a certified dog groomer.

It seems that anyone you knows you, knows that music is a big part of your life. Why is that?

Music is my passion and the greatest gift that God has given me. I’ve learned more about myself and God’s infinite grace through music, and my biggest dream is to bring people to Him through my voice.

Who has had the biggest influence on your walk with Christ?

I can’t say there’s one specific person who gets this award, although my mom definitely deserves a big mention for helping keep me on a good path through life! But God has a way of putting very influential people in my life for short periods of time to teach me exactly what I need to learn at that time. God is awesome like that!

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned over the past year about our God?

He’s A LOT smarter than me. I’ve tried in the past to control my own path and have failed miserably. I’ve learned that when I let go and let God take over, he blesses me with more than I could ever imagine!

If there is one thing that everyone must know about you (besides what you’ve already shared), what would that be?

I love art and crafts of any sort! I knit, sew, cross-stitch, bake, scrapbook, and make jewelry, along with other various projects I find. I have my own jewelry line with products made from real gummy bears, and I make lots of other accessories as well! I’m at peace when I’m making something with my hands.

What is one factoid about you that doesn’t really serve a purpose but is fun to know?

I never grew up, and I’m still obsessed with Pokemon!

How long have you been in the Phoenix area and what brought you here?

I have been here since June 2008. I moved here with my parents because we had sold our family business back in the Midwest. We moved here because of the beautiful weather, except for the 120 degree days 

How did you hear about MP and twoFORTYtwo?

Two friends of mine, Lauren and Jeremy, introduced me to the church.

I think I’ve seen you in war gear somewhere on the internet, can you shed some light on this?

My dad and I started a leadership development company called Character Quest. Our company utilizes U.S. Army Ranger based missions to teach our clients about team, leadership and character development. During their four-day training session they learn how to orienteer and build team cohesion. They are then introduced to an enemy team that provides a layer of adversity via paintballing. My role is to lead the enemy faction. This would explain my army gear 

Here is a link to the Character Quest Youtube Channel.

What is one thing you enjoy in life that no one would ever guess about you?

I love filming. I recently started a Youtube channel and I enjoy taking my video camera with me and capturing life. I will only live one life, so I figure why not record it!

Ok, so you’re on a deserted island, what are 3 books you would bring and 3 movies you’d bring?

Books: Stephen King Dark Tower 7, Bible, Malcolm Gladwell Blink

Movies: LOST dvds, Star Wars Episode 3, 300

Are you a Mac or a PC?

Mac!!!!!

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I am working on getting my PhD. in Leadership to be a professor and consultant. I hope to be completed within the next 3 years. I am very excited!

Tell us something about your relationship with the Lord.

I believe God works in amazing ways. He has led me down many paths that I have grown ethically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am excited to see what God has in store for my life in the years to come.

To help assist Trunkers, those enthusiastic souls decorating their cars for Trunk 'N Treat, we will be having a candy drive. Bring your candy to church and help us keep the evening special for the kids.

We would be honored if you would provide the name, rank and branch of service of your loved one. We look forward to honoring them this November.

Click the blue button to submit your loved ones information.

Register Here

On Friday, August 21 at 6:00 pm, the City of Phoenix will kick-off the second annual 24 hour Prayer Watch for the Phoenix Police Department with corporate prayer and worship. Consider signing up for an hour of prayer for the police, leaders, families and civilian staff during the night and Saturday. Drop in anytime during the 24 hours to pray.

The 24 hour prayer watch will begin in the Phoenix Chity Hall Atrium, 200 W Washington St, Phoenix, then move to the Phoenix Police Museum, 17 S 2nd Ave, Phoenix in the third floor Ceremonial Room. You're welcome to join the closing of the 24 hour prayer watch on Saturday afternoon from 3:00-6:00 pm.

For more information, please contact one of the following persons.

Mike Nikolin, Curator – Phoenix Police Museum: 602-819-7737

Jennifer Eastman, Police Officer: 602-505-2595

Jesse Esquivel, Chair – City of Phoenix Employees For Christ: 602-670-4411

Your Role

As a high school student, you have a significant role to play in God's story. Here's your chance to step up and realize how significant you really are by serving the local church and the local community. Additionally, there is something about serving others that unites people together and allows us to hear God a bit clearer. We want to invite you into one of those opportunities.

Serving groups meet together twice a week: one time to serve, another time for team development and spiritual accountability. The time, day and location depends on the serving group. The groups that serve on Sunday should plan on staying for both celebrations so you can serve one hour and go to SU Sundays the other.

Because we want you to fully committed to your group, we ask that you pick ONE group and stick with it for a full semester. If you want to switch after a semester, go for it! The only exception to the "pick only one group" thing is if you wanted to pick the "DV Group" as a second group... that group is a bit different...

Also, you might be interested to know that once you're in a serving group, there are all sorts of benefits and extra opportunities for you!

Serving Groups

See below for a description of the groups, serving and meeting times:

Perk Cafe
Love coffee? Then this spot is for you! We make coffee and muffins in the Perk Cafe.
Serve: Sundays 7:45 or 10am 
Meet: Thursdays 6:30-8pm

SU Band
Music and Tech lovers wanted! We invite students to Worship with us at SU Sundays.
Serve: Sundays 7:15-11:30 am
Meet: Tuesdays 6-8pm

SU Welcome
Your smile is awesome! Use it to make others feel like a million bucks! Greet, run check-in and help at "The Table" for Student Union.
Serve: Sundays 8:30-11am 
Meet: Wednesdays 6:30-8pm

Children's Ministry
We are all kids at heart. We just like to hang out with them and teach them on Sunday mornings.
Serve: Sundays 8:20 or 10:15 am 
Meet: Tuesdays 6:30-8 PM

SU Nights
Be a weekly leader for Middle Schoolers. Lead games and groups at our weekly SU Nights.
Serve: Wednesdays 6-8pm 
Meet: Tuesdays 6:30-8pm

Desert Vista Team
Go to DV? Then look around and serve those around you. This group is built to help and support you on this mission.
Serve: All The Time
Meet: Day (TBA) Lunch 4/5th Period at Desert Vista

Click the blue button to sign up for a Serving Group!

Serving Group

Our RoleGroups are made up of 12-30 individuals with the express purpose of helping you Launch into your story. Each group leader is trained and equipped to help group members learn and practice living out the Five Big Questions. We offer RoleGroups four times a year, twice in the spring and twice in the fall.

RoleGroups are always organized around the Five Big Questions – Do I know the story? Do I trust the author? Am I living with margin? Am I thriving in my family role? Am I thriving in my kingdom role?

Some RoleGroups follow a more traditional small group style, some are much more experiential and some are a mix of both. But no matter what the format, they’re always designed to help you realize your role in God’s story!

Below is a list of RoleGroups being offered August 2015. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm every Wednesday evening before RoleGroups begin. Childcare is also available.

DiscoverMP

We invite everyone attending their first Launch to start with DiscoverMP. Whether you’re new to Mountain Park or have been attending for years, this fun, interactive group experience lays the foundation for you to build on.

In this six-week group, we’ll discover more about each other as we discover more about Mountain Park together. How did Mountain Park get started? What do we believe? How do I take my next steps here? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore together. If this is your first Launch, then this is the group for you!

Sunday morning 10:30 am Learn More & Register

RoleGroups

• College Age: Sunday 7pm Learn More & Register
• Young Singles: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Young Couples: Sunday 9am Learn More & Register
• Young Couples: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Parenting - Children: Sunday 9am Learn More & Register
• Parenting - Children: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Parenting - Teens: Sunday 9am Learn More & Register
• Parenting - Teens: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Empty Nesters: Sunday 10:30 am Learn More & Register
• Empty Nesters: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Boomers and Beyond: Sunday 10:30 am Learn More & Register
• Boomers and Beyond: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Limitless: Sunday 10:30 am Learn More & Register
• Limitless: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Premarital: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Blending Families: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Moms of Children: Thursday 9am Learn More & Register
• Moms of Teens: Thursday 9am Learn More & Register 

• Men: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Women: Wednesday 6:30 pm Learn More & Register
• Women: Thursday 9am Learn More & Register

Please contact Caroline Clock with questions about any of these groups.

Join Feed My Starving Children and 5,000 volunteers at the Turn Hunger Into Hope - Phoenix MobilePack event on July 24-26, 2015, to pack 1,000,000 meals for those who are hungry and in need around the world!

For more information about FMSC, click here.

To register for Turn Hunger Into Hope and other mobile pack events, click here.

Father's Day is a giant invitation to honor your father or the father of your children. There are a number of different things you can do to honor dad. We would like to invite you to visit the HomeTeam Corner to pickup any of our Father's Day resources. Click on the blue button for one of our free Father's Day play cards. Play Cards are free resources which offer suggestions for activities and discussions to be used to help facilitate community within the home.

Father's Day Play Card

We've all had those Sundays when it takes every effort we've got to get out the door and get to church on time. #thestruggleisreal. But we are seeing a trend at Mountain Park: to miss out on some amazing parts of worship because there is no sense of urgency to get here on time.  

Our collective tardiness was the perfect excuse to poke fun at ourselves. This video captures what the “getting to church” experience might be for you. Or at the very least, it's an excuse to laugh. Enjoy! 

If you’re a social media user, please share with us (via hashtag #azmpcc) any and all summer-related photo posts on Instagram or Facebook. We can’t wait to see what you are up to and where you are off to. Now - go enjoy summer!

Invite a friend to join you at Best Week Ever and if they sign up, you get half off the registration fee. If two friends sign up, your child comes free! If your friends bring friends they can come for free too!

It is easy to take advantage of this offer. When your friend signs up, they simply need to put your name in the "Invited by" field on the registration form. If you have already signed up, you can still take advantage of the Bring a Friend promotion and receive a refund on your registration fee.

So call your kid's best friends and let them know that at Mountain Park during the week of June 8-12 from 9am to 4pm, kids will be enjoying the Best Week Ever and they won't want to miss it!  

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me either by email or by phone at (480) 759-6200.

For more information or to register, click here.

Make a contribution now to the 2015 Outreach Offering

The Outreach Offering is not something new to Mountain Park, but rather, it has been a long-standing mission effort during the life of our church. Over the last 26 years, the people of Mountain Park have generously given over $2,000,000.

We are called to minister and care for those in our immediate location, but also to locations within the greater Phoenix area, our nation and even beyond the borders of the US. With great prayer and intentionality, we have identified organizations and locations that we believe God has called us to partner with and support.

Below you'll find the breakdown of organizations and finances that comprises our total outreach target figure of $92,775.

If you prefer, you can download the Spring Outreach Offering PDF flyer.

Contribute Now

Where the Money Goes

Local Benevolence: $18,925

• Ongoing effort to provide assistance with rent, utilities and counseling to people in our community    

Local Outreach: $53,975

• CHILDREN OF PROMISE: $1,050
  Through Church of God Ministries,we support seven children worldwide with basic living, medical, educational and spiritual needs
  
  
• CASS/CENTRAL ARIZONA SHELTER SERVICESz; $3,500
  Provides meals, motivation and fellowship for homeless men
  
  
• FROM GANGS TO JOBS: $6,250
  Helps young adults between the ages of 18-30 develop life skills and find employment
  
  
• ARIZONA CHURCH OF GOD: $4,250
  Supports state-wide administration and programs
  
  
• FAMILY PROMISE: $3,000
  Hosting homeless families by providing safety, security and food three to four times per year
  
  
• LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS: $3,000
  Grant opportunity to continue ongoing and explore new partnerships
  
  
• YOUTH LEADERSHIP & OUTREACH TRAINING: $14,000
  Provides leadership training and life-changing outreach opportunities for our students

Global Outreach: $30,550

• INDIA GOSPEL LEAGUE: $12,500
  Initial five year strategy toward developing pastoral leadership and grass roots evangelism
  
  
• HONDURAS - TABERNACLE OF GOD: $17,000
  Reinforcing and stabilizing support for our Sister Church efforts
  
  
• ROCKY POINT MISSION TRIP: $4,800
  Connecting with 1Mission to build homes in Mexico for families that need them
  
  
• HEART FOR LEBANON: $2,000
  Support for Pastor Camille Melki and his efforts to provide a spiritual foundation, security and education for the children and refugees in this region
  
  
• LEVEL 5 MISSION: $2,500
  Support for MountainParkers pursuing extended missionary experiences (3+months)

Contribute Now

Think: who do you know that needs their house cleaned, yard landscaped, children played with, car washed, meal made, house painted or a visit to let them know someone cares?

Let's think about our relationships- Mountain Park attendees or not, neighbors, teachers, friends or family- to find those who need to be served. Nominations will be received between Sunday, May 3 to Friday, May 8, allowing us to have enough time to organize our visits. If we have more space for nominations, we will open up nominations again Sunday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 26.

Nominate Someone Here!

The Senior Fellowship Program exists to prepare high school seniors to realize their role in God’s story after graduation by equipping them with a theological understanding, practical spiritual disciplines and an experience of participating in an intentional Christian community.

High school juniors have the opportunity to apply to Fellows during the spring of their junior year. Selected students will begin the program the first week of August of their senior year. The year-long program is a 10-hour a week commitment:

• Class Time (Monday 3:30-5pm, 1.5 hours + 1 hour of at home assignments/weekly) Fellows come together in a classroom setting to cover the topics of theology, biblical survey and biblical interpretation.
• Fellows Group Time (Thursday 3:30-5pm, 1.5 hours + 1 hour of at home “God time”/weekly) Fellows come together to focus on a spiritual practice, share life stories, challenge one another and receive guidance in leadership for their small groups and community time. 
• Lead a High School Small Group (Sunday 6-8pm, 2 hours + .5 hour of at home prep/weekly) Fellows will lead/co-lead a group of peers in a weekly gathering aimed at applying the word of God and mutual accountability. 
• Community Hangout (ONCE A MONTH Friday OR Saturday night, 1.5 hours/monthly + .5 planning/weekly) Fellows will rotate hosting a monthly community hangout for SU students.

Scholarship
Fellows who completed their study in 2014 and 2015, were awarded scholarships towards their future educational endeavors. While it is our hope to offer similar awards each year, awards will be offered on a year-by-year basis.

Travel Opportunity
Fellows who are part of the 2015/2016 cohort, have the additional and exclusive opportunity to participate in a service/evangelistic experience to Honduras on October 3-10, 2015. Additional cost is $700 (which is subsidized by the Church). Applicants who are seriously interested in this option need to indicate so on their application.

Application

The BEST WEEK EVER can only be the BEST WEEK EVER if we have the BEST TEAM EVER! We need the best people to step forward to take on this week, which is June 8 through June 12. Check out the many ways to get involved, then sign up for one at the bottom of the page:

Medical Volunteer
Ensure camper safety, administer any and all camper medications, give basic first aid treatment and document necessary information. This must be a licensed medical professional. Background check required. Volunteer one day or every day from 8am-4pm.

Lunch Prep/Providers 
Kiddos will bring their own lunches, but we need help to supply lunch for all staff and volunteers. Volunteer one day or every day 10:30 am- 12:30 pm.

Monday Registration
Welcome families and check-in campers on their first day. You must be friendly and able to focus on details. Background check required. Monday 8am-10am.

Host Homes 
The staff running THE BEST WEEK EVER will be coming from Forrest Home, California. While here, host homes will provide a place to sleep, breakfast and two dinners. Background check required. Please see Host Home Guidelines for more details.

Small Group Assistant 
Help, serve and form deeper relationships with the same small group of campers each day. Must be 14 or older. Background check and health form required. Monday-Friday 8am- 4pm. Training will be Sunday, June 7 at 12pm in MPKids.

Age 14-18? Apply Here

Adult? Register Here

Realizing that the Summer of 2015 has this large potential, we are aiming to invest it in something meaningful, not just for ourselves, but for others. This is why our summer theme is Serve 850.

Serve 850 is for students to look at the situations around them and commit to being the hands and feet of God in these places. We chose 850 to represent the zip code associated with the greater Phoenix area. If you are beginning to plan your summer, I encourage you to look at the opportunities below. There is no more potential in the summer than to love and serve our community, both local and global.

Every Sunday May 24-July 26 | Serve 850 Sundays | Middle School/High School
June 8-11 | Serve 850 Week | Middle School/High School
June 12-16 | Middle School Summer Camp | Middle School
July 12-18 | SLT | High School

Our RoleGroups are made up of 12-30 individuals with the express purpose of helping you Launch into your story. Each group leader is trained and equipped to help group members learn and practice living out the Five Big Questions. We offer RoleGroups four times a year, twice in the spring and twice in the fall.

RoleGroups are always organized around the Five Big Questions – Do I know the story? Do I trust the author? Am I living with margin? Am I thriving in my family role? Am I thriving in my kingdom role?

Some RoleGroups follow a more traditional small group style, some are much more experiential and some are a mix of both. But no matter what the format, they’re always designed to help you realize your role in God’s story!

Below is a list of RoleGroups being offered April 2015. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm every Wednesday evening before RoleGroups begin. Childcare is also available.

DiscoverMP

This class is offered several different times during the week.

Sunday morning 9am Learn More & Register 
Sunday morning 10:30 am Learn More & Register 
Wednesday evening: 6:30 pm Learn More & Register

Am I Thriving In My Kingdom Role?

• College Age: Sunday 7pm Learn More & Register
• Young Singles: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More & Register
• Young Couples: Sunday 9am Learn More & Register
• Young Couples: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Parenting Years - Children: Sunday **This class is full!
• Parenting Years - Children: Wednesday **This class is full! 
• Parenting Years - Teens: Sunday 9am Learn More & Register
• Parenting Years - Teens: Wednesday **This class is full! 
  
  
• Empty Nesters: Sunday 10:30am Learn More & Register 
• Empty Nesters: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More & Register 
• Boomers and Beyond: Sunday 10:30am Learn More & Register 
• Boomers and Beyond: Wednesday **This class is full! 
• Limitless: Sunday 10:30am Learn More & Register 
• Limitless: Wednesday **This class is full!
• Men: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More & Register
  
  
• Women: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More & Register
• Women: Thursday 9:30am Learn More & Register
• Moms of Children: Thursday 9:30am Learn More & Register
• Moms of Teens: Thursday 9:30am Learn More & Register

Middle School

• SU Nights: Wednesday 6:30pm Learn More

High School

• Student Leadership Trip Development: Monday 3:30pm Learn More & Register
• The ULTIMATE RoleGroup: Sunday 6pm Learn More & Register 

Please contact Caroline Clock with questions about any of these groups.

Easter is a celebration of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But how many children know why Jesus died and came to life? Why Easter? is an illustrated 28-day devotional designed to help parents show the Christ of Easter to their children.

Visit HomeTeam Corner to pick up your copy of Why Easter? Browse the other great Easter resources for you and your family this holiday season.

Register Now

HI! My name is Amelia Bennett and last year was my first time going to MPKids Camp. It’s awesome! It was one of the best experiences ever.

Kids camp is amazing. The first thing you need to know about it is that it has super 5-star dining. There is everything from a soda dispenser, to dessert at lunch and dinner, to a salad bar!

Also, they have great activities. (I’ll give you a little hint about one – you zip and it’s on a line.) They even have their own swimming pool!

But, we came for more than food and fun. GOD! Everyone from all of the churches meets once a day and it is full of energy. They have super fun speakers and games to help us learn more about God.

Now, I know that this seems like a lot of fun stuff, but this is only about ¼ of the things I could tell you about. If you want to find out more, you’ll have to come yourself. You won’t be disappointed – I can’t wait for camp again this summer!

Spots fill up quickly; you don't want your kids to miss out on this great camp experience!

More Information & Register

This statement is so true. These people are poor, but so rich in spirit and faith. People think you go on a mission trip to help others. Honestly, what you realize after you get here is that you are really the one being helped.

You can come to Honduras and help build a house or help fund a child to help them go to school, but what you soon learn is you are the one being helped. You are the one learning how to just be in the moment and in relationships.

• How to love unconditionally.
• How to have faith no matter the obstacles. 
• How to express your faith and gratitude to God by freely dancing in the aisles at church. You'd think you were in the middle of a mosh pit at your favorite concert. 
• How to give your last chicken or a little kid sharing their only food for the day, because you know God will provide for you tomorrow. 
• How to have no possessions, but to serve others with humility and pray over them because you feel blessed to have enough.

Aimee said it best - the people of Honduras are closer to God because they don't have stuff to get in the way of their relationship with God. If you want to feel the most alive you've ever felt and remove all barriers to truly expressing your love for God, then a Honduras mission trip is for you.

Just be ready to have your life changed, because there is no going back to who you were.

We are all given unique spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Recognizing them and utilizing them for the greater good isn’t always easy. It is also hard to set aside logic and follow our spiritual calling. Today our Honduras team got to see a spiritual calling come to life.

Susie went to Honduras over seven years ago and decided she was being called to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She can tell the story much better than I can, but I will tell you what we saw. We saw a woman who seven years ago listened to God. We saw a woman who could have had a million excuses to not pursue her calling (raising young children, already had a career, would take too much time and money, etc).

Susie pursued her calling right when she got back from Honduras seven years ago. God instantly opened doors for her. She got in a very tough program at Vanderbilt. I don’t even know the acceptance rate, but just general admission is 13%. I know the path must have been extremely difficult, but she trusted God and knew she was called to help children.

These past two days we were able to see her vision come to life with a health clinic in Honduras. We were able to help over 170 people in the community. There are so many touching stories and people to thank, but I think this picture sums up her vision. Imagine how thankful this little boy’s father was that Susie decided to listen to God’s calling.

Susie and Patrick – thank you for bringing this clinic to life. Thank you for listening to God’s calling.

What does it mean to have faith? The people we serve in Honduras are living examples of what it truly means to be faithful. I like to believe that I have faith, but I’m in awe of the many examples of faith that we have seen today.

Imagine…

You are Carmen. You have ten plus people show up at your house unannounced in Honduras in 2014. You invite them into your home. I use the description “home,” but it is literally some metal boards that keep the rain off your head. You have one pot that you use to cook peanuts in oil and sell them in town. You have one chicken in your yard. You open your arms to welcome these strangers, ask if they are hungry and offer to give them your only chicken to make lunch for all of them. Then, when they say they already ate, you give them peanuts and won’t accept any money. Imagine giving up the only thing you have, because you have faith that God will provide for you no matter what. Now imagine the love we feel for Carmen as we stand, a year later, on her lot and know we get to help build her a new home, because of the many donations to Mountain Park Community Church.

Luke 21:1-4: The Widow’s Offering As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Imagine…

You are Carla. Imagine living with a few metal scraps over your head. Imagine the hope of being told by an organization that they would offer you a house. This wasn’t MPCC, but another organization. Imagine the disappointment three years later when your home still isn’t coming to fruition. Imagine telling your sister after all you’ve been through that you still have faith. Imagine standing on the lot with Pastor Jaime and MPCC members and being told your house will be built. Imagine no matter how difficult your situation, you get up every morning and put on a beautiful dress and smile even if you don’t have shoes on your feet.

Imagine…

You are a nine-year-old boy with no hope, no family and being afraid for your life. Imagine being abused by others and seeing more in your nine years than 95% of us will see in a lifetime. Imagine finding ProNiño – a safe haven to rescue you from the streets, care for you basic needs, provide compassion, education and training to be an independent young man. Imagine the faith of these children and what they can teach us.

MPCC- thank you for the many gifts and having faith that your gifts are being used wisely.

Matthew 17:20: I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Today was Baptism Day! We had over 70 believers baptized in the Caribbean Sea!

Miracles

I think miracles happen, but we place so much emphasis on logic vs. faith that we don’t realize they are truly miracles. Today we saw a miracle that I truly can’t explain except by faith.

We were eating lunch at the beach when a crowd gathered around someone and Pastor Battle called the nurses to help. A man had been buried in the sand and was unconscious. I ran to the crowd that surrounded the man. I asked what I could do to help. Susie told us she couldn’t work on him without her tools. So I get to my feet and run to the bus looking for her bag. The bus driver opened the door for me and I grabbed the bag. I sprinted back to the group.

That’s when I started asking what happened to him. I thought he had drowned. The man was buried by his friends in the sand. His face was covered and he suffocated. It wasn’t looking too well. He wasn’t breathing and his body was turning cold. They had me go grab Pastor Greg. At this point I didn’t know what to expect for the outcome of this event.

Pastor Brenda was there when we got back. She was praying for the man. I could hear the fear she felt in her words as she spoke. We were all afraid. They were pumping air into his lungs and prayers into his body. Like a phoenix the man was reborn. He started to breathe again. His family rushed over to see their boy alive again. They picked him up and just walked him away.

Many organizations are required to produce annual financial reports for their shareholders. As a church, we ascribe to a different set of “shareholders” and our bottom line is not about financial profit. As we embark on a year long series entitled “TRUST,” it only seems fitting that we share with others how we do things here.

Why are we doing it?

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support and resources given this past year. It is in that same spirit that we share this informative document with others as an outward example of our unconditional love for God and others more than ourselves. Simply stated, we do it for Jesus.

Download Review

At MPCC, we support several ministries that operate outside of our church walls; one of them is an organization called From Gangs To Jobs. Founded by Pastor Natividad Mendoza, From Gangs to Jobs helps people struggling with identity issues who might be in a gang or homeless, and helps give them the support they need to turn their life around. A few Sundays ago, we celebrated several of the students who completed Natividad’s program.

Please note: High School Winter Camp will be in January this year.

Middle School Camp

Prescott, AZ - January 17 - 20

DETAILS HERE

High School Camp

Williams, AZ - January 17 - 20

DETAILS HERE

What are the requirements?

SULC students commit to meet weekly for 6-12 weeks during the Fall and Spring to develop their leadership ability, focus on God and work as a team to plan how they will serve the Student or Church body. There are two different roles in SULC: Team Members and Team Leaders. A team member position is available to students 9-12th grade. Members will work on a team to take ownership of a variety of opportunities including SU Nights, Sunday Student Gatherings and other special events. A Team Leader position is available to 11-12th grade students, who have had previous experience in leadership, and have proven to be capable of overseeing and leading a group of team members.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying to for the Student Union Leadership Council, download the application here and submit to Beth Wolff (bwolff@mountainpark.org) by August 23rd.

For a detailed description of the Fellowship, download the following document: Fellowship Description

To apply for Fellowship, complete the following application: Application

All applications are due to Beth Wolff by Friday, August 23.

There are a number of opportunities to serve at camp, including Arts and Crafts, Field/Sports Games, Dance/Cheer Performance, Teaching about the Bible, Faith, Worship etc., Team Building Activities, Crowd Breakers and Hiking/Nature Guide.

If you would like to be a part of creating this life changing experience for Middle Schoolers, please click the link below to complete the Camp Staff Application.  There are certain positions that will require you to be able to meet Monday afternoons in June.

All applications must be submitted by April 14. Position assignments will be announced on April 22.

Apply Here

September 23, 2012
November 4, 2012
January 27, 2013
April 21, 2013
August 25, 2013

SU Kick Off
August 5

Dodgeball Tourney
August 10

SU Nights
Begin August 22, every Wednesday Night

The Dash Trip
September 14-16

Whether you are making a resolution to get to know God in 2012 or have been with us for years, this is a Sunday you won't want to miss.  Making or renewing your commitment to Jesus Christ is the most life transforming resolution ever and Student Ministries at Mountain park is here to walk with you each step of the way.

Middle School will be meeting at 9:15 and High School will be meeting at 10:45.  Email Beth Wolff at bwolff@mountainpark.org with any questions.  We can't wait to see you all there!

Because everyone feels that way sometimes, I strive to figure out ways to communicate directly with you. Here is my newest shot at it-- TEXT MESSAGING! Signing up to recieve text messages about what is happening in Student Union is super simple and I promise not to make your phone beep every ten seconds.

Sign Up for Txt4Students

The entire trip is built around equipping participants to become servant leaders in their everyday lives. Each day there is opportunity to learn about biblical leadership in a dynamic and engaging way through seminar, team discussion, and hands on experience. The week becomes a catalyst for students to return home ready to apply each of the key values (Live Differently, Love Recklessly, Lead Courageously, Dream Wildly) to their every day lives.

In 2011, I took a group of students for the Hollywood Servant Leadership Trip. I think each one of them expected it to be the same ol’ same ol’ when they returned back home. However, the reality was unlike anything I expected, but everything I hoped for. In the following months, each one of them have taken on a role as a student leader at church, at school, on a sports team, or in their community. Check out some video from our Hollywood Servant Leadership Trip and I hope you are able to join us for this years Servant Leadership Trip.

Servant Leadership Experience | LA 2011 from lead222 on Vimeo.

See Details and Sign Up

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Pick your battles.

If you argue about everything from taking out the trash to curfew time, from what you want to wear to how much time you can spend on your cell phone, your parents are going to get frustrated super fast with the constant battle. You will be seen (and delt with) as argumentative, uncompromising, and ridiculous. They will be less likely to listen to your thoughts, feelings, or opinions. Instead, pick your battles and make sure they know that’s what you are doing. When asked to do little things like taking out the trash, tell them, “I love you too much to argue,” and take out the trash. Then when it comes to something that you really care about like how late to stay out, they will be more likely to listen to your desires.

Write down exactly what you are arguing about.

For longer more in depth arguments or on going debates, it might be a good idea to write down what you are arguing about. Parents are very good at clouding the issue with past grievances, unresolved issues, and disagreements that need to be discussed, but have nothing to do with what you are talking about. Once you figure out what you are arguing about, keep another list of the things that are brought up that may need to be discussed, but for right now are just dust. Insist to your parents that you can talk about those, but respectfully ask that we talk about them later so you can stay on topic. This makes sure that both parties can see the issue clearly, but also have an outlet for the other topics that might need to be addressed later. If needed, set a date for when you can deal with those other conversations.

Stay calm.

It is really easy to let your blood boil in the middle of an argument. We allow ourselves to argue with our parents in ways we would never do at school or with our friends. I agree that sometimes when I am being yelled at, my gut reaction is to start yelling. Your parents might have started yelling at you first, but they aren’t going to see it that way. Sometimes parents have big egos, and think they are in the right.  Always true? No. Fair? No. But when you meet fire with fire and volume with volume, you become the enemy. Now whatever the argument was about doesn’t even matter anymore. All that matters is winning against a potential threat. Reimagine an argument where a parent starts yelling and instead of dishing it back, you continue to breath calmly, with love and compassion in your eyes. When you start speaking, you do so slowly with intentionality and love, temporarily ignoring the disrespect. No matter how loud and hurtful they might get, stay calm. Our fear is that our parent will continue to escalate. But when we refuse to dish it back, it won’t happen. The issue remains the enemy, not you. They will calm down and you both will be able to stay on target to find a resolution about the disagreement.  Later, when tempers are cooled, you can tell your parents that you really don’t like when they yell at you. You can bring your example of how you dealt with the conflict calmly and with respect and encourage them to do the same next time.

Some of these things, you won't be able to control. But support system at church can make a huge difference for you when life gets a rough. But if you wait until the waters start to look rough, it will be too late. The sooner you can connected at church the better! However, most students need a little help and guidance to form that support. Here are a few helpful suggestions for you as you get connected to Student Union:

Join a d.group

D.groups are small groups of five peers and one adult leader. They meet together on a weekly basis to study the bible, grow in their relationships, and do life together. It is a wonderful way to meet people and be individually challenged and encouraged in life. To find out more or sign up click here.

Commit to come every Sunday

If happens every year. In August, you come every Sunday. In October, it becomes every other Sunday. By the time March rolls around, it is once a month. Before schedules get crazy, homework piles up, and lack of sleep builds, sit down and set a goal to commit to attending church every week. Hang it in a place you will see often to remind yourself. Don’t forget to include why… sleep can be very enticing and will make you forget!

Encourage students to volunteer

Nothing makes you feel like you belong like taking ownership of something. Volunteering is a great way to do that. Students have lots of opportunities to volunteer on at Mountain Park, particularly on Sundays.  They can attend SU during one celebration time, and serve the second. Serving together is another great way to build relationship with your student. To serve with Children’s ministry email Margo, to serve as an usher email Cindy, to serve in the band email Jon, and to get involved in Mountain Perk Café click here.

Yet, as it has grown, the idea behind it has stayed the same. All the profits from the café go to help students attend camps, outreach, and missions trips. The hope is that these experiences will act as a catalyst, launching them into a deeper relationship with Christ. For most students, this is exactly what happens. They are able to have experiences that they otherwise could not afford, that have completely changed their lives.

Beyond the finances, students also have the opportunity to work as a team as they serve on a Sunday. Students are encouraged to learn the names of returning guests as a way to connect with the larger church body.

Essentially, we are equipping students to live dangerously, on cup of coffee at a time. So next time you are thinking about stopping at Starbucks on the way to church, don’t. Stretch your dollar further. Buy your coffee or smoothie from Mountain Perk and help our students live dangerously.

Interested in becoming a part of the Mountain Perk team?

We always need more help with the Perk! If you are an adult and would like to get involved as a team lead, please contact Peggi LaMonica.

If you are a student between 8 – 12 grade and would like to get involved, download and fill out this application. You can either turn it into the church office or email it to Peggi. We normally train new students in late August and early January. Excited to serve with you!

“Joining a d.group was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has helped me become even closer to God, become more involved with church and serve people in our community. It has also helped me create friendships that will last for a long time and provide me with a leaders that I know I can rely on and talk to about anything.”

                                                                              -Cesar Sandoval, Senior

Cesar’s experience is just one of over 85 students who participated in a d.group during the 2010-2011 school year. These groups are opportunities for students to connect with other students and their leader in a small group setting. Normally the groups are made up of an adult leader and about 5 to 7 students who are a similar age and gender. They meet together once a week for an entire school year.

What happens during the meetings varies a little bit from group to group, but the core stays the same. As students grow in relationship with each other, they grow in their relationship with God. Slowly they find themselves living out one of our 7 SNOWUTS, “doing life together.”

Whether you were in a student d.group last year, or what to join one for the first time this year, please let us know by signing up. D.groups will kick off (which means you will get to meet your group and leader) on August 21 after the second celebration. Once you sign up, we will keep you up to date on the details as we get closer.

In the month of July, Student Union will be joining “Big Church” on Sunday mornings. (You can find us sitting together in the front, left-hand corner of the auditorium.) But on Wednesday nights, find us in the gym having a massive snowball fight, possibly swimming in pudding, or dressed in flannel. Students will also get to choose their own adventure by attending the breakout session that interests them the most. To top it off, the SU band will be teaching us some news songs that we will be doing throughout the rest of the school year.

I would hate for you to miss this summer excitement. You can see more specific details of dates, times, and who will be leading which sessions by checking out the SU Summer Night event page.

The problem is that there is so much “culture” out there it would be full time job just to expose yourself to everything students might experience. In the end, you could spend 24 hours in front of YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, and TV and not learn anything valuable. So, while I dilly dally in those media a little, I stick to the experts to do my research for me.

Resources I Recommend for You

Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. Their website provides palatable bits of information about youth culture, including top ten lists for music downloads, videos viewed, and Google searches. As well as, articles on everything from new popular drugs among teens, to connections between bullying and sleep habits. CPYU even sends out a biweekly newsletter to let you know about the highlights from the past two weeks to peruse.

http://www.cpyu.org/

Learning My Lines is a blog written by Walt Mueller, the president of CPYU. His posts are short, fascinating, and most always contain a video. Most of his posts deal with specific ways that he has used current culture to start thought provoking conversations with students about the state of the world and their part to play.

http://learningmylines.blogspot.com/

I have found these resources incredibly helpful. Whether you are a student, volunteer, or parent, I hope that you also find them helpful to learn what’s floating in the water.

That was my first month of working at Mountain Park Community Church. Those first phone calls were painstaking. I’ve come a long way; yet still find myself in the same place.

Almost two years later, I can tell you exactly what I hope for out of my leaders: Beyond meeting with 5 students on a weekly basis to talk about the Bible and faith topics, leaders will “Do Life Together” with those middle or high school students. Leaders will intentionally engage students in such a way that they will earn the right to speak God’s grace and truth into their lives. This might mean going to a big game or concert, or getting to know their family and friends. Leaders will find ways to enter “student territory” and invite students to grow in their faith in “adult” ways. One way we found works is simply coming to Student Union on Sunday mornings and messaging them on Facebook. Leaders will work along side students as they learn to take ownership of Student Union, and more so, the church as a whole. This could be as short term as inviting their group to a serve at a church wide outreach day, or as long term as using and teaching them the SONOWUT language. Leaders will continuously improve their effectiveness and spiritual growth by pursuing a relationship with God and supporting other SU leaders, as they are supported. This is what our monthly leader meetings are for… plus, they are really fun!

Almost two years later, I find myself at my phone again calling unknown numbers. However, this time, I have a general idea of who is going to answer. This morning, out of the 18 phone calls that I made, 13 of them are considering being student d.group leaders for this next school year. And this time the request didn’t deteriorate into “plan events, bring cookies.”

If you are interested in being a d.group leader for the 2011-2012 school year (or you would like to make a suggestion), please email Beth at bwolff@mountainpark.org.

Sunday, May 22, we will be celebrating 8^th graders who will moving from middle school to high school, and our seniors who will be leaving the nest of Student Union to broader skies in 242 (Mountain Park’s College and Young Adults).

Join us at 10:45am for a pancake breakfast and special service in honor of our graduating seniors. Seniors will have an opportunity to impart gained wisdom to underclassmen. We will also have a chance to encourage and love on our seniors before they fly the coup. Parents are welcome to join Student Union every Sunday, but particularly this Sunday. Come and celebrate with us!

Please note that current 5^th graders (students who will be in 6^th grade for the 2011-2012 school year) will not be promoted to Student Union until August. At that point, we will welcome our new 6^th graders in grade style: a massive slip ’n’ slide in the gym!

Watch the video... if you like it, share it on Facebook to the right and click the "Like" button just up at the top! Come on, share the goodness... ENJOY!

See Colleen & Emily Live every Sunday!

Before you know it, there is no time left for the really important things: building community, spiritual retreat, service, deep friendships, hard core fun.

We want to help you get those important priorities in place and on the calendar before all the little stuff gets in the way. Check out the SU Summer Calendar for all the important dates and events of everything that is happening in Student Union this summer.

If you need more details on any of the events, like times, location, or cost, you can search for them by clicking the red magnifying glass at the top of the webpage and entering the name of the event.

With so many of you and your leaders traveling over the summer, d.groups will take a summer break starting May 22. That will be the last official week d.groups will meet together. (I have heard that some of the groups like each other so much they are going to keep meeting occasionally. How can I say "no" to that?!)

D.groups will kick off again on August 21. Through out the summer, during our Wednesday night (for the month of July only) and Sunday morning gatherings we will be asking you to "re-up" your commitment to being in a d.group during the school year. You will be able to indicate if you would like to continue with your past leader (if available), or try someone new.

Looking foward to another year of doing life together!

REGISTER YOUR STUDENT

Middle School Summer Camp 2011

When: June 2 - 6
Who: Current 6th through 8th graders
Where: Forrest Homes, Forrest Falls, CA.
Cost: $195 by March 27, $315 by April 24, $360 by May 29**

Click here for details

High School Summer Camp Mimp 2011

When: June 1 - 6
Who: Current 9th through 11th graders
Where: Forrest Homes, Forrest Falls, CA.
Cost: $195 by March 27, $295 by April 24, $315 by May 29**

 Click here for details

Jr. Counselors for Summer Camp - Application Only

When: June 2 - 6
Who: Current 11th - 12th graders
Where: Forest Homes, Forrest Falls, CA.
Cost: $215 upon acceptance of application**
Details: Applications due by April 24

Click here for details

Servant Leadership Trip (Hollywood)

When: July 10 - 17
Who: Current 8th through 11th graders
Where: Hollywood, CA
Cost: $700, sign up with a $100 deposit

Click here for details

SU Summer Nights

When: Every Wednesday Night in July (6, 13, 20, 27)
Who: Current 6th through 11th graders
Where: Mountain Park Community Church

Click here for details 

Find out about scholarships that are available here.

**You might have noticed a price change in the original advertised prices for camp. Unfortunately, Beth (our fearless leader) goofed and forgot to add the price for transporation on to the camp fee. Please forgive her. She feels aweful! If you signed up early, you just got a smoking good deal!

Please make sure you complete the 2013 permission form for your students. This form covers everything for the year, but please make sure to check it before your child(ren) leave on a trip to make sure we do have it and that all of the information is current and up to date. Please click here to access the form and then return the completed form to Beth Wolff.

Schedule of Events:

SU Sunday Mornings
continue every week at 9:30 and 11:00am, except Nov. 25, Dec. 23 and 30

SU Nights
continues every week, except Nov. 21, Dec. 12-Jan 2

Last SU Nights of the Year
December 5

Student Union Christmas Party
December 12

Snow Day (High School only)
January 12

Middle School Winter Camp
January 18-21

Breakfast Sunday
January 27

High School Winter Camp
Feb 15-18

So excited that you are coming to summer camp with us! Make sure you mark your calendars for June 3-8, as Summer Camp 2012! Here is all the information that you will need to know. Although this message is a little bit lengthy, you are responsible for knowing all of this information. After reading the whole email, if you have any questions, please shoot me an email at bwolff@mountainpark.org or call my cell (317.835.5794) and I would love to chat with you about any questions or concerns.

Packing List

Clothes for the week (THERE IS A DRESS CODE…see below)
A modest swimsuit (no 2 pieces)
Sleeping Bag & Pillow
2 Towels (for shower & pool)
Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, etc.)
Bible, notebook, pen
Closed toed shoes (you can bring sandals too if you like)
Money for Snack bar (optional- the camp suggests $20-30)
Rx Medication (see note on Rx meds)
WATER BOTTLE

Dress Code

Modesty is key here—we don’t want to see bras, breasts, bellies, or behinds

Girls
No spaghetti strap tank tops, tight shirts, bare midriffs, tight shorts or short-shorts. No two-piece swimsuits

Boys
No saggy pants, exposed boxers, short-shorts, or super tight pants

Everyone
It is best to bring regular t-shirts & shorts that go to the mid-thigh, as well as closed toe shoes for outdoor activities.

Color Wars Summer 2012

At camp, UCYC does color war competitions. Every day at camp is a “holiday” as apart of the competition. By participating, your team can earn color team points. For some of these, you might want to bring some extra supplies. Please prepare for the following holidays:

Mohawk Monday - The team with the most mohawks shown to their color captain wins. These may be created in whatever way you would like. Be creative.

Color War Wednesday- The team that has the most people dressed up in their team colors wins. There will be extra points for the best dressed.

Throwback Thursday- The team that has the most individuals dressed up in clothes from a different time period wins. This can be any time period, culture, or style as long as it is modest and not from 2000-2012.

Do Not Bring

Cell Phones, gaming systems, iPods/mp3 Players (not even for the bus)
Any tobacco products, alcohol, drugs/ paraphernalia
Firearms or weapons (of any kind)
Pets or other animals
Bad Attitudes

Medications

1. Prescription meds must be placed in a zip lock bag and clearly labeled: 
Last Name, First Name,
Church, Grade
2. Upon arrival at UCYC, Pastor turns in labeled, bagged meds, to UCYC at Registration.
3. The UCYC nurse will keep all medications in her possession or locked away to maintain secure of safe keeping of all prescription medications.
4. Medication will be administered at meal times outside the Dining Hall. One sponsor from each church will escort their campers to the designated location.
5. Each time a medication is distributed, it must be logged by the UCYC nurse.
6. If meds are needed a night the nurse will administer the medication at night from a central location.
7. Upon departure, a sponsor or pastor from each church, will “check out” their campers medications to return home.
8. OTC medication must be placed in a clear zip lock bag and clearly labeled:  Last Name, First Name, Church, Grade
9. If needed, the campers sponsor can call the UCYC nurse to gain access to the medication.

***Epi Pens and Inhalers are permitted to be carried by the student or their leaders.

Registration and Needed Forms

There are two forms you MUST have completed before coming to drop your student off:

1) MPCC Permission Form We might have one on file, but to be safe you can download one here: http://mountainpark.org/student-blog/2012-student-permission-form/

2) UCYC Forms (must be completed online!!!!) To complete these forms please follow these instructions:
Go to register.ucyc.com
Click “My Account”
Click the link for a forgotten password-a password will be emailed to you immediately. Go back to “My Account” and log in using your new password.
Click “View Itineraries”
Click “Name Attendee”
Click “Send Request Code”
Enter the parent email address, camper name and parent name, and an email will be immediately generated to the parents. The email has a link to click and a request code to enter. The link takes them to our website where they will fill out all of the necessary information to complete the UCYC portion of the registration process.

Travel

We will be traveling on a charter bus driven by American Explorer Motorcoach.

Departure

Meet at the church on Sunday at 1:30 pm for registration- Each child MUST have a completed and signed permission slip before we leave. We might have one on file, but to be safe you can download one here: http://mountainpark.org/student-blog/2012-student-permission-form/

We will not be stopping on the way, so have your child eat before they come and please feel free to send a snack and water with them on the bus. It is about a 2.5 hour drive.

Arrival

Students will return to the church by 2pm on Friday. However, I will be coming back early to host a parents meeting at 1:30pm at the church to let you know some of the insider information on what went down at camp. If you are able to come, I think it will serve you well. If not, please do not come any later than 2pm to pick up your child. We will have your child call you if we are running late.

Camp Counselor Info

The counselor to camper ratio is less than 1:7. All of the counselors that will be working with our students are from our church and are both adults who volunteer year round and selected high school students. All leaders have had background checks, a UCYC Volunteer Screening, and have read the UCYC Counselor Guide.

Want to send your child mail?

To E_MAIL: Go to http://www.ucycsummer.com/camperemail.html Please note: Campers will not be able to reply to your email.

To MAIL: Use the format and address below to send mail to your camper (send it 5 days prior to the date you want the camper to receive it):

UCYC
Camper Name/ Church /Date of Camp
1400 Paradise Valley Road
Prescott, AZ 86303

To FAX: 877.560.3617
Include Camper Name/ Church/ Date of Camp

Emergencies

If an emergency arises while at camp, we will contact parents first. Only after parents cannot be contacted will we contact the person listed as the emergency contact. If you need to contact us while at camp, please call my cell at (317) 835-5794 or the camp office at (928) 445.0391

Houston, there is a problem…

While we don’t expect any issues, if there happens to be a disciplinary problem with a student while we are at camp, we will work to resolve it. However, if something comes up where the only solution that can be reached is for the student to return home, I will call the parent and ask for you to immediately make arrangements to pick your child up. If your child is caught physically or verbally bulling or teasing another child, he/she will be sent home immediately! Camp must be safe for all of our students. If you are sending your child to camp, you are agreeing to my judgment on dealing with these types of situations.

If you have any more questions, please let me know.

Thanks,
Beth Wolff
Pastor of Student Ministry

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Thriving families seek God first and set their priorities by His standards.  Frazzled families are unfocused and too busy to develop strong relationships with one another and with God.

Let's face it:  Life sometimes gets too busy and our lives go into "overload syndrome."  This means we take on more than we can handle.  Usuaing the illustration of car gears, here are the different levels at which we live our lives:

• Park:  A time for rest and renewal and to recharge your batteries.  Rest soothes, heals and gives you perspective.
• Low:  Quality time for relationship building with family, friends and God.
• Drive:  Uses lots of evergy, but it is a productive time.  This gear is needed to perform your usual daily tasks.
• Overdrive:  Reserved for times that demand lots of effort.  You can't always stay in overdrive or you'll run out of gas sooner and eventually burn up the engine.

Read each of these different levels to your family members, and then discuss the following questions:

1. Which gear do you usually find yourself in?
2. Which gear is your family usually in?
3. What are the three biggest overload factors in your life right now?
4. Sometimes life spins out of control.  What do you do to get it back in perspective?
5. As a family, how can we help each other to get out of overload mode and find some peace?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: When biblical principles are properly applied to resolving conflict, family relationships become healthier and communication is clearer.

At one time or another, every family experiences conflict.  What is important is how you as a family work together to address the issues and resolve the situation.  The following questions can help you examine how you deal with problems and challenges:

1. What types of things tend to set off certain members in our family?
2. How does each person typically deal wtih frustration and anger?
3. Is that method generally effective?  Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had a time when you said something you later regretted to a family memeber?  How did you resolve the issue?
5. What are some things you can do to avoid conflict with others in your family?
6. Do you generally seek out conflict or avoid it?
7. Sometimes when your family is in the midst of conflict, it helps to stop and remember the good times you have had.  What is one of your most special memories you have about your family?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Family members regard your very presence as a sign of caring and connectedness.

Read the following story, and then use the questions that follow to start a faith conversation:

My (Jim's) mom died a few years ago.  It wasn't easy.  Cancer racked her body and we spent most of a year watching her die.

We brought Mom home from the hopsital and tried to make her as comfortable as possible, so we moved a hospital bed into Mom and Dad's bedroom.  I would often find myself sitting on their bed while she lay in her hospital bed.

One day she was dosing and very weak, when all of a sudden she perked up and asked me, "Jimmy, where is your dad?"

"He's watching a ball game on TV.  Do you need him, Mom?"

"No, not really," she replied.  then she looked up at me and said, "You know, Jimmy, I never really liked baseball."

"You never liked baseball, Mom?"  I was so very puzzled.  "Did you ever miss a little league game of mine?"

"No."

"Did you ever miss any of my Pony league, junior high or high school games, Mom?"

Again she replied, "I don't think so."

"Mom," I continued, "you never missed a game and on top of that you never missed any of my three brothers' games either.  Dad and you watch ball games all day long on TV. What do you mean you never liked baseball?"

"Jimmy, I didn't go to the games to watch baseball.  I went to the games to be with you!"

I realized at that moment why this incredible woman has had such a powerful impact on my life:  because she was there, even when she didn't care for the activity.  Her very presence in my life was cause for great inspiration and influence.

1. Who has had the power-of-being-there influence in your life?  How has your life been affected or influenced because of this person?
2. What is the best part of knowing that someone will be there for you?
3. Can you think of a story from the Bible in which Christ had a power-of-being-there influence on someone?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea:  Family members need to express words of encouragement to one another often.

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. What was one special time in our family's life that stands out in your mind?
2. What do you most appreciate about your parents?
3. What do you most appreciate about your siblings (or children, if you're the parent)?
4. What is your most favorite funny family memory?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea:  When biblical principles are implemented in the home, stronger, healthier relationships are developed.

It's project time!  Give each family member a blank piece of paper to create a family "coat of arms."  Start by drawing a shield or a breastplate shape that takes up most of the page. Then divide the shield into eight sections.  In each of those sections, invite family members to draw or write their answers to the following:

• Family name
• Where the family is from
• Our family's favorite meal
• Our family's favorite tradition
• Something unique about our family
• Our favorite family activity
• Our family's funniest private joke
• Draw a family portrait

When everyone is finished, share your coats of arms and discuss!

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

In the 1950s and 1960s, many churches in America began to seek new ways of reaching out and bringing them into their congregations.  Many in the church felt that young people perceived church to be a stuffy, structured and dull place and that they needed to change this impression.  Many congregations began adopting a different style of worship, shifting from some of the older hymns to more contemporary-sounding songs.  Over time, Christian rock bands began to form that performed concerts much like their secular counterparts.  Today, Churches such as Hillsong in Australia have popularized contemporary praise music, which are typically led by a worship band in a church.  All of these shifting trends have, of course, led people to view contemporary Christian music differently.  Use the following questions to discuss this idea with our family:

1. When you think of "Christian music," what jumps into your mind?
2. Do you choose to listen to Christian music?  Why or why not?
3. What is your favorite Christian song?  What do you like about it?
4. What is your favorite secular song?  What do you like about it?
5. In what ways are Christian musicians different than secular musicians?  In what ways are they the same?
6. In Ephesians 5:18-19, Paul writes, "Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit."  Some have claimed that the contemporary music heard in churches today distracts people from worshiping God.  Do you agree or disagree?
7. What are the benefits of filling your mind with music that focuses on God and what He has done for us?
8. Could contemporary Christisan music ever be a negative influence?  If so, in what ways?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Young people need to be selective in viewing movies and TV programs.

For this challenge, begin by asking each family member to write down on a piece of paper his or her top three favorite websites, TV shows and movies.  When they have finished, read Paul's words in Philippians 4:8:  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Now ask each person to consider how God would rate His approval of his or her favorite websites, TV shows and movies in light of this passage.  Have them rank each on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least approval and 10 being the highest approval.  After you have done this, ask your family members if there is anything they feel they need to change about their viewing habits.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Whatever your put into your mind will eventually come out.  Put garbage in, garbage comes out.

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. How would you descibe the kind of food you eat most often?  (Healthy? Sugary? Fast food? Grown in the ground? Found in a can?)
2. How would you describe the kind of music you listen to the most often? (Uplifting? Glorifying God? Encouraging? Negative? Destructive?)
3. How would you describe the kind of movies and TV shows you watch the most often? (Educational? Encouraging? Positive? Mental escape? Violent?)
4. How would you describe the kind of books and magazines you spend the most time reading?  (Positive? Informational? Pleasing to God? Time-wasters? Trashy? Lowering your self-esteem?)
5. How would you describe the kind of websites you most often visit? (School-related? Helping you connect with others? Inspirational? Pornographic? Gossip sites? Distractions from reality?)

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: When a friend or family member has a potential drug or alcohol problem, it affects more than one person.  You can make some important decisions even if your friend or family member chooses no to change.

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. If a friend drinks and doesn't want to quit, which philosophy is the best idea?
   • Back off the friendship.
   • Confront the issues.
   • Preach at him or her.
   • Encourage him or her to get some help.
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:  "People with drinking or drug problems sometimes don't need our help"?  Give a reason for your answer.
3. What do you think causes a person to abuse drugs or alcohol?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: The death of Christ is the darkest moment in history, turned into the greatest demonstration of love and hope the world has ever known.

A medical doctor wrote the following about the physical pain that Jesus must have endured on the  cross. Read this summary aloud and then discuss the question that follows. (Note: The following contains graphic descriptions that many not be suitable for younger kids.)

Like many others of His era, Jesus died on a cross by decree of Roman officials and endured on of man's most fierce tortures.  But unlike others, He also bore the sins of the world on His sinless body – a spiritual agony we cannot begin to comprehend. We can, however, sense to a small degree His physical suffering.

Once in the tribunal area, the victim was stripped and his hands tied above his head to a supporting column. A soldier was stationed on each side of the condemned, and they took turns beating him with a flagrum – a short handle equipped with leather thongs whose ends were tipped with lead balls or sheep bones.

The thongs fell where they would, the leather, strips burying themselves deep in the victim's body. When wrenched away, the lead balls ripped out bits of flesh.  Hemorrhaging was intense, and the destruction of the condemned's body so extensive that even some Roman soldiers, hardened to brutality, were revolted.

National law prohibited more than 40 lashes. Ever cautious to uphold the law, Pharisees demanded the beatings be stopped at the thirty-ninth stroke. Rome had only one stipulation: The prisoner must remain alive and capable of carrying his crossbar to the execution

Once the beating was completed, the near-naked victim was jerked to his feet, and the crossbar (weighing some 125 pounds) was laid on his shoulders. The condemned's arms were lashed to the crossbar, preventing a dash for freedom or striking out at his adversaries. A rope was commonly tied around his waist to direct his progress as he struggled through the streets. Romans preferred their victims naked; it was more humiliating. National preference, however, called for some clothing. The Romans usually agreed to this request by providing a loincloth.

Once the execution spot was reached, onlookers were held back and the victim was forced to the base of the stake. Then the crossbeam was removed from his back and experienced attendants threw him on the ground, grabbing his hands and stretching them out on the crossbar for size. The executioner placed an auger under each outstretched hand, and drilled a hole for the large crucifixion nail – a square spike about a third of an inch thick at its head.

The nail point was placed at the hell of the victim's hand. A single blow sent it ripping through the tissue, separating the carpal bones as I plunged into the crossbar. Paintings usually shoe the nail through the palm. Anatomically, this is impractical; the tissue cannot bear weight, and the victims would drop to the ground within minutes after being elevated.

Usually, the nail tore through the median nerve, creating an unending trail of fire up the victims arms, augmenting the pain that tortured his body. From this moment on, this pain would intensify each time the victim moved, for the metal irritated the open nerve endings.

Once the victim was in place, the plaque that had preceded him was nailed to the crossbar, which was then elevated and, with a thud, dropped into place on the pointed stake.

Before the elevations, the condemned a man's arms formed a 90-degree angle with his body. After elevation, the sag caused by the weight of an average man's body decreased this angle to 60 degrees, exerting a tremendous pull on each nail.

There was no need to nail the feet, but the guards were usually irritated by the inevitable flailing. To prevent this, they put on foot over the other and drove a nail through both. But this merely prolonged death.

If the Romans didn't nail the feed, the victim's body would hand on hits arms, causing it to go into a spasm that prevented exhalation.  The victim soon suffocated from an inability to use his respiratory muscles. The foot nail changed this. The urged to survive is ever present, even on the cross. It didn't take long for the crucified to discover he could exhale if he lifted himself on the nail in his feet. This was intensely painful, but the desire to breathe overcame the horror of the pain. This alternating lift up and drip maneuver became a reflex action after a few hours.  It could prolong live for as much as two days, depending on the individual's strength and determination.  To this extend, the perpetuation of his life rested in the willpower of the crucified.

As the hours wore on, the victim's mental faculties were impaired. His body became soaked with sweat. This became intense. Pain and shock were tremendous. This pathetic picture continued until the victim died.

Such was the horror of the crucifixion as Jesus dragged Himself from His knees in the Garden of Gethsemane to Golgotha. He had told His disciples – and this they could understand – that a man has no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends (see John 15:13). Before long they'd understand a love that surpasses even this – a love so divine that He laid down His life for His enemies as well. 1

What emotions, feelings and thoughts came to your mind as you read this account of the crucifixion?

Notes

1. Adapted from Edward R. Bloomquist, M.D., "No Guts, No Glory," Breakaway (April 1992), pp. 21-22.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: The truth and power of Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death are based on His resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus is the best news ever presented to humankind.  Because of the Resurrection, we have life eternal and life abundant on earth.  Begin today's challenge by imagining that an intelligent group of people from a remote part of the earth has just been discovered.  Your job as a family is to tell them about the resurrection of Jesus and what it means to their eternal lives.  What would you say?  How would you describe Jesus' sacrifice to people who have never heard of Jesus?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

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The Big Idea: The Crucifixion is the condemnation of Jesus Christ as a criminal, but more importantly, it is the point in history where the sin of humanity is confronted by the love of God.

Discuss the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. When you think of the word "sacrifice", what comes to your mind?
2. Who is someone who has sacrificed something for you?
3. When was a time when you sacrificed something for someone else?
4. What images come to your mind when you think of the sacrificial love of God?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: The birth of Jesus Christ was a supernatural event foretold by Old Testament prophesies.  His birth shows God's love for our world and reconciles our relationship with God.

Read the following story, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

Once upon a time, there was a colony of ants that were busy doing whatever ants do with their lives.  God wanted to tell the ants of His love for them and His eternal home He had prepared for them.  What was the very best way for God to communicate to those ants?  The only possible way to speak to the ants was to become an ant and speak their language.  So He did, and they believed.  The Incarnation represents the ultimate act of God's love.  God answered the question "How do you package love?" by using a stable and straw and a tiny Baby.  The baby Jesus, born in a stable, was fully human and fully God.

1. What makes this act of God a sign of deep love?
2. Why is it so difficult to comprehend God's unconditional love?
3. Read Hebrews 2:17-18.  How is Jesus able to identify with you?
4. How can this Scripture help you live your Christian life?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: when making a choice to use or not use drugs or alcohol, teens need to first ask, "Who's in control?"

For today's challenge, read each of the statements below and ask your family members to choose whether using drugs or alcohol is (a) acceptable in the situation, or (b) not acceptable in the situation.  After the family members state their positions, have them explain why they chose that particular response.

1. Your sister and her friend pick you up from a party, and her friend offers you a cold beer fro the trip home.
2. At a party, the gang gets into the parents' liquor cabinet.  Everyone starts drinking out of a bottle of vodka.
3. You are at school, between classes, and someone asks you to walk into the bathroom to smoke a joint.
4. A boy you know says he snuck some of his mother's tranquilizers out of the medicine cabinet.  He asks you to meet him after school to take them.
5. Your parents take you out to a nice dinner at a local club.  Your dad orders everyone something to drink and tells you it's okay for you to have one.
6. One of the high school senors offers to give you a ride home and then tells you he has some crack that is pure and expensive.
7. On a fishing trip, you go up the river with your brother.  You are in the middle of the forest, and he says that since no one is around you can have a beer.
8. At one of the local hangouts, a friend says she has some bottles of cough syrup.  If you drink it, she promises you will feel as though you are in another world.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Drugs and alcohol can have dangerous effects on the body.  Christians are to honor God with their bodies.

Invite each family member to finish the following sentences to start a faith conversation:

• My perfect day - a day that would make me the happiest that would make me feel my best - would be...
• I feel good physically when...
• I feel good mentally when...
• I feel good spiritually when...
• If I'm feeling low, three things that help me feel better are...
• I get the most joy in my life from...

Now take the following quiz together.  If you're up for making it a real competition, make sure there's a prize for the winner!

1.  Heavy drinking of alcohol over a long time can cause damage to which of the following?

a.  the brain
b.  the liver
c.  the heart
d.  a, b and c

2.  What is the number one drub problem among young people?

a.  crack
b.  alcohol
c.  tobacco

3.  Which of the following has as much alcohol as 1 ounce of whiskey?

a.  12 ounces of beer
b.  8-ounce glass of wine
c.  12-ounce wine cooler
d.  a, b and c

4.  Which of the following statements are true, and which ones are false?

a.   Alcoholism is the same as being drunk.
b.  A person who is an alcoholic can control the urge to drink.
c.  After drinking, people often say or do things they wouldn't normally do.
d.  Alcohol is a drug.
e.  Long-term alcohol abuse can shorten a person's life.
f.  A child of an alcoholic parent is less likely to abuse alcohol.

5.  What are two ways alcohol affects the body?

6.  What are two of the main reasons that young people drink alcohol?

Quiz Answers

1. D. Alcohol can kill cells and weaken these organs
2. B. More than half of all junior and senior high school students have tried alcohol
3. D. Each has about the same amount of alcohol.
4. a. False. A person can drink and get drunk but not be an alcoholic.
   b. False. An alcoholic is not in control of his or her drinking
   c. True. As a person drinks more and more, he or she loses control of some faculties.
   d. True. A drug is a psychoactive substance that speeds up or slows does a person's body. Alcohol slows it down.
   e. True. Long-term drinking can cause fatal diseases.
   f. False. Alcoholism tends to run in families.
5. Alcohol slows down a person's brain and bodily control.
6. Peer pressure, to declare their independence, to have more fun, to combat loneliness, to reduce anxiety and fear, and so forth.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Teens need to commit their bodies to God and refrain from sexual intercourse until marriage.

For this challenge, put signs that read "agree" and "disagree" on opposite walls of the room.  As you read the following statements, have your family members move to the sign that best represents what he or she believes.

1. If you are really in love, it's okay to have premarital sex.
2. If you're not ready for marriage, you're not ready for sexual intercourse.
3. Premarital sex bases a relationship on physical aspects.
4. If you're pretty sure you're going to get married to the person, premarital sex is okay.
5. Premarital sex offers a false sense of intimacy.
6. People who have premarital sex are likely to cheat on their spouses after they are married.
7. Having premarital sex can have physical, emotional and psychological consequences.
8. Sex is the main way to show someone that you truly love him or her.
9. Couples--married or just dating--need to have sex to release sexual tension.
10. A person shows you that he or she values and cares for you by having sex with you.
11. Having premarital sex will impact your future relationships.
12. It's important to have sex before you are married to make sure you are sexually compatible.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: God created sex and wants the best for us.

Read each of the following statements out loud and ask each family member to decide whether it is true or false.  Have each person also give a reason for his or her answer.

• The Bible is old-fashioned and out of date on the subject of sex.
• Sex before marriage is a sin.
• The Bible says sex is very good.
• Christians should avoid sex.
• Young people don't have a good understanding of sex and sexuality.

Now have each member finish this sentence: "I think God views sex as..."

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: God's plan of salvation is woven throughout the Scriptures and can be offered as good news to a fallen world.

Read the following story aloud, and then use the questions that follow to start a faith conversation:

A doctor once told a little boy that he could save his sister's life by giving her blood.  The six-year-old girl was near death, a victim of a disease from which the boy had made a marvelous recovery two years earlier. Her only chance for restoration was a blood transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the illness.  Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.

"Johnny, would you like to give your blood for Mary?" the doctor asked.  The boy hesitated.  His lower lip started to tremble.  then he smiled and said, "Sure, Doc.  I'll give my blood for my sister."

Soon the two children where wheeled into the operating room - Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and the picture of health.  Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned.

As his blood siphoned into Mary's veins, one could almost see new life come into her tired body.  The ordeal was almost over when Johnny's brave little voice broke the silence. "Doc, when do I start to die?"

It was only then that the doctor realized what the moment of hesitation, the trembling of the lip, had meant earlier.  Little Johnny actually thought that in giving his blood to his sister, he was giving up his life!  And in that brief moment, he had made an incredible decision!

1. What were Johnny's conditions for giving to Mary?
2. What are your conditions for giving to another person?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: An important part of God's work on earth is to affirm, uplift and encourage others.

Have each family member finish the following sentences:

1. The most encouraging person I know is...
2. One of the most encouraging experiences of my live was...
3. I hope I can be more encouraging to others by...

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Jesus commands all believers to make disciples and carry on the Christian faith.

Read the following story from Matthew 28:16-20, and then use the questions that follow to start a faith conversation:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said,  "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

1. How does it feel to receive good news?
2. How does it feel to receive bad news?
3. What elements of good news are in the Great Commission - Jesus command recorded in Matthew 28:19-20?
4. How does this good news apply to you?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: True friendship brings out the best in people.  Friendship is an incredible gift from God.

Take the following survey together, and then discuss your answers.

1. How many friends do you have?
2. Do you have friends of both sexes?
3. Do you have friends who are five years younger than you?
4. Do you have friends who are five years older than you?
5. What's the craziest thing you've done with friends?
6. Who would consider you one of their friends?
7. What are three qualities you have that make you a good friend?
8. What qualities does your best friend have?
9. Are your parents friends?  Why or why not?
10. Do you have more or fewer friends than you had one year ago?
11. Are you a good friend? Why?
12. Who are the people you consider to be true friends? Why?
13. Who are three people with whom you would like to be better friends? Why?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: God desires us to become people who are trustworthy, honest and wise. A lifestyle of integrity leads to a fulfilled and happy life.

For this challenge, write the following statements on a separate piece of paper:  "strongly agree", "agree", "undecided", "disagree", and "strongly disagree".  Place each of these pieces of paper, which will serve as "signs" during this discussion, at different locations around the room.  As you read the following statements, have your family members move to the sign that best represents what he or she believes.

• God wants us to always tell the truth.
• The majority of people are people of integrity.
• Pastors have more integrity than politicians.
• If a store clerk gives you back too much change and you are already at home, you should go back to the store and give the extra money to the clerk.
• It's okay to share copyrighted music.
• It's okay to speed on the freeway.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: You can do something heroic for Jesus Christ when you realize He is your strength.

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. Who are the 5 to 10 people on your most-admired list?
2. What do you most admire about these people?
3. Which of these people would you like to be like and why?
4. What are some action steps you could take that could help you become the kind of leader God wants you to be?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea:  You can make important decisions to get your priorities in line with God's principles.

Read the following fun facts aloud, and then use the
questions that follow to start a faith conversation:

The average person who lives to be 70 years old will spend...

• 20 years sleeping
• 16 years working
• 7 years playing
• 6 years eating
• 5 years dressing
• 3 years waiting for somebody
• 1-1/2 years in church
• 1 year on the telephone
• 5 months tying his or her shoes

1. What can you do with your time today that will make a positive difference in your life?
2. What priorities could you develop to help you live life to the fullest?
3. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul states, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  What does this passage have to do with our priorities?
4. In Colossians 3:17, Paul writes, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."  What does this passage have to do with our priorities?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

We have recorded the "parent’s only" part of the seminar and have made it available online. Our feedback from parents was that the conversations that each group had was equally valuable to the experience, and obviously, we could not include that on the audio recording. However, we hope that this recording of the large group aspect can spark some conversaion for your personally, or in a small group. 

Love vs. Fear (Session 1)

Session one lays a foundation for the rest of the sessions. According to the Psychology of Regulation, the way a person behaves is like an iceberg. Actions/behavior is all that seen above the sruface, but that is not all that is going on. Under the surface are emotions and thoughts that have triggered the behavior. These thoughts start first at an unconscious level, where the only emotions that exist are love or fear. Our (re)actions as parents and teens are based on the emotional switch from which we are opperating. Our first goal as an intentional parent is to opperate out of love, not fear, and then began to seek ways to have our teens flip their switch as well.

Listen Online | iTunes Podcast | Subscribe to RSS

Battle for Control

Session two paints a behind the scenes picture of how parents naturally lose authority over time, ways to increase your influence at the same time, and the importance of training your teen to become a functioning 25 year old. This session is pack with tools of how to be proactive in strategically handing over control/responsibility to teens before the battle begins, as well as, how to help nuetralize arguements when it does arise.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Jesus is our example of a servant, and we are to imitate His actions as servant leaders.

Read the following story aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith converstion:

Ever feel like a frog? Frogs feel slow, low, ugly, puffy, drooped, pooped. (I know because one told me.)

The frog feeling comes when you want to be bright but feel dumb, when you want to share but you are selfish, when you want to be thankful but feel resentment, when you want to be great but are small, when you want to care but are indifferent.

Yes, at one time or another each of us has found him- or herself on a lily pad, floating down the great river of life. Frightened and disgusted, we are too froggish to budge.

Once upon a time there was a frog. But he really wasn't a frog. He was a prince who looked and felt like a frog. A wicked witch had cast a spell on him. Only the kiss of a beautiful maiden could save him. But since when do cute chicks kiss frogs? So there he sat, an unkissed prince in frog form. But miracles happen.

One day a beautiful maiden grabbed him up and gave him a big smack. Crash! Boom! Zap! There he was, a handsome prince.

And you know the rest. They lived happily ever after.

What is the task of the Church? To kiss frogs of course.

1. What is the point of this frog-kissin' story?
2. How does being a servant leader relate to this story?

 Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try This One Out:

The Big Idea: Worship is an important but often misunderstood part of communication with God.

For each of the following words or phrases, have family members shout out the first thing that comes to mind.  They shouldn't think too hard about the answer - just say whatever pops into their heads.  When you've done that for each word, go back and discuss each family member's answer.

• Worship Music
• Sermon
• Communion
• Offering
• Praying together
• Time with God 

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea:  Every Christian is challenged by Jesus to serve the needs of those who are poor and oppressed.

Read the following poem aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

I was hungry...

And you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.

Thank you.

I was naked...

And in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was homeless...

And you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was imprisoned...

And you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.

I was sick...

And you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was lonely...

And you left me alone to pray for me.

1. Have you seen the Church sometimes act like the "Christian" in this poem?
2. Read Matthew 25:40.  What does Jesus say about serving people in need?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea:  The call to Christ is in the call to serve.

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. Who is the most "others-centered person" you know?  What impresses you about him or her?
2. How have you been served by a person or group in the past six months?  Have you experienced a significant act of kindness and service?
3. Share an experience you have had with serving someone.

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea:  God has given each person unique girts, talents and abilities.  Discovering and putting into practice the gifts God has given you will lead to a life of fulfillment and effective leadership.

Read the following story, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

[The kingdom of God is] like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left.

Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.

After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: "Good work!  You did your job well. From now on be my partner."

The servant with the two thousand showed how he also doubled his master's investment. His master commended him. "Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner."

The servant given one thousand said, "Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent."

The master was furious. "That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.  Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness" (Matthew 25:14-30, THE MESSAGE).

1. How does this story relate to using your God-given gifts for the kingdom of God?
2. Read Colossians 3:17. How does this verse relate to gifts, talents and abilities God has given you?
3. How can you use your spiritual gifts to minister to each other?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea: The Church is the Body of Christ made up of all believers with a variety of gifts.

Read the following story aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur, there was once a crude little lifesaving station.  The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea and, with no thought for themselves, went out day and night, tirelessly searching for the lost.  Some of those who were saved, and various others in the surrounding area, wanted to become associated with the station and give of their time and money and effort for the support of its work.  New boats were bought and new crews were trained.  The little lifesaving station grew.

Some of the members of the lifesaving station were unhappy that the building was so crude and poorly equipped.  They felt that a more comfortable place should be provided as the first refuge of those saved from the sea.  They replaced the emergency cots with beds and put better furniture in the enlarged building.  Now the lifesaving station became a popular gathering place for its members, and they decorated it as a sort of club.  Fewer members were now interested in going to sea on lifesaving missions, so they hired lifeboat crews to do this work.  The lifesaving motif still prevailed in this club's decorations, and there was a symbolic lifeboat in the room where the club initiations were held.

About this time, a large ship was wrecked off the coast, and the hired crews brought in boatloads of cold, wet and half-drowned people.  They were dirty and sick and some of them had black skin and some had yellow skin.  The beautiful new club was in chaos.  So the property committee immediately had a shower house built outside the club where victims of shipwrecks could be cleaned up before coming inside.

At the next meeting, there was a split in the club membership.  Most of the members wanted to stop the club's lifesaving activities because they were becoming a hindrance to the normal social life of the club.  Some members insisted that lifesaving was their primary purpose and pointed out that they were still called a lifesaving station.  But they were finally voted down and told that if they wanted to save lives of all the various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own life-saving station down the coast.  They did.

As the years went by, the new station experienced the same changes that had occurred in the old.  It evolved into a club, and yet another lifesaving station was founded.  History continued to repeat itself, and if you visit that seacoast today, you will find a number of exclusive clubs along that shore.  Shipwrecks are frequent in those waters, but most of the people drown.

1. When was the lifesaving station most effective?
2. Where did the lifesaving station go wrong?
3. How is the Church like a lifesaving  station?
4. What is the purpose of the Church?
5. If you don't like the Church as it is now, what alternatives do you have?
6. How can the problems that the people of the lifesaving station experienced be avoided in the Church?  What should the members of the lifesaving station have done?
7. Is being a part of the Church necessary to being a Christian?
8. What can you do to help make your church a better place?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea:  God sent the Holy spirit to empower believers with guidance, revelation, power and conviction.

Read the following story, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation.

A farmer and his wife had eked out a meager living in the dusty panhandle of Texas for 30 years when an impeccably dressed man in a three-piece suit and driving a fancy car came to their door.  He told the farmer that he had good reason to believe there was a reservoir of oil underneath his property.  If the farmer would allow the gentleman the right to drill, perhaps the farmer would become a wealthy man.  The farmer stated emphatically that he didn't want anyone messing up his property and asked the gentleman to leave.

The next year, about the same time, the gentleman again returned with his nice clothes and another fancy car.  The oilman pleaded with the farmer, and again the farmer said no.  This same experience went on for the next eight years.  During those eight years, the farmer and his wife struggled to make ends meet.  Nine years after the oilman first visited, the farmer came down with a disease the put him in the hospital.  When the gentleman arrived to plead his case for oil, he spoke to the farmer's wife.  Reluctantly, she gave permission to drill.

Within a week huge oil rigs were beginning the process of drilling.  The first day nothing happened.  The second day was filled with only disappointment and dust.  But on the third day, right about noon, black bubbly liquid began to squirt up in the air.  The oilman had found black gold, and the farmer and his wife were instantly millionaires.

You have a reservoir of power in your life.  If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit works in your life.  The Holy Spirit will empower you to live life on a greater level, but you've got to tap into His power source, just like the farmer needed to drill for oil.

1. How does the Holy Spirit of God empower believers to live the Christian life?
2. How does this story relate to your own need to tap into God's power?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea:  The life and ministry of Jesus Christ are the most powerful and influential elements our our Christian lives.

Read the following story aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.  He grew up in another village.  He worked in a carpenter shop until He was 30, and then for three years He traveled the country preaching. He never wrote a book.  He never held an office.  He never owned a home.  He never had a family of His own.  He never went to college.  He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place where He was born.  He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness.  He had no credentials but Himself.

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him.  His friends ran away.  One of them denied Him.  He was turned over to His enemies.  He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.  His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying.  When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress.  I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that were ever built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as has that one solitary life.

1. How do you feel when you read about the effect of Jesus' life on our world?
2. Why do you feel this way?

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.

Try this one out:

The Big Idea: The Scriptures are filled with God's will for our lives.  As we follow Him daily, He will provide guidance and direction because He loves us.

Invite each family member to come up with a list of 10 "I am"s. (Example:  I am a student, I am a Christian, I am a daughter/son, I am a softball player, and so forth.)  When everyone is done, share your lists!

Burns, Jim. Faith Conversations for Families. Ventura, CA: Regal, From Gospel Light, 2011.