Student Blog

SU Summer Schedule!!!

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:33:32 GMT

In the summer everything changes a lot. You might grow 6 inches in a week, get 3 shades redder in a day, or change your plans every hour. But we want you know what the plans are for Student Union right from the start. Whether new or old, current 6th grader or graduating senior, there is something for you here!

SU Sunday Mornings
continue at regular times through June 24
Middle School 9:15am
High School 10:45am

SU Nights
continue at regular time through May 23

SU Movie Night
May 23

Graduation Sunday
May 20

High School Pool Party
May 29

Middle School Summer Camp
June 3-8
Current 6-8 grade students

Camp Counselor Opportunity
June 3-8 and/or June 17-21
Current 9-12 grade students
(Interview Required)

Middle School Pool Party
June 10

SU Crowded House
July 11, 18, and 25

SU Kick Off
August 5

***Remember: Normal SU times in May (Sundays and Wednesdays), Sundays only in June, Wednesdays only in July.

2012 Student Permission Form

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:57:08 GMT

Student Union Parents!

Please make sure you complete the 2012 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.

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Student Union Resumes on January 22nd

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:44:55 GMT

Happy New Year Middle School and High School Students! Student Union will be back and kicking off our new yearlong series, "AD: A Year of Our Lord", on Sunday, January 22nd! Mark your calendars to come join us for this special Sunday filled with pancakes for breakfast, speed-friending and a glimpse at just how we will be pursuing God this year. This year we will be taking an in-depth look at Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

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!

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SU Text Messaging For Students

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:49:27 GMT

Ever feel like you are out of the loop? No need for that!

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.

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Servant Leadership Trip

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:14:19 GMT

Servant Leadership is the type of trip that we take our 8-12 grade students on every summer. It is not a mission trip and not an outreach trip. It is all together something different. Many think the words are interchangeable, but I don’t think so! Mission and outreach trips are limited and time bound experiences. It sets up the mindset that I do mission or outreach work while I am on a missions or outreach trip. A student or leader goes to do work, but once they return home, they continue to their old way of doing life until the next trip. Servant Leadership trips are different in that before the team ever leaves for the trip, there is a clear focus: What is going to happen when you get back?

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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How to Argue, and win!

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:35:09 GMT

I recently asked students who they argued with the most. It was no surprise that they all answered their parents. Most of the time teens and parents don’t see eye to eye. And it seems like they refuse to even consider your feelings or thoughts on the matter. If you want them to respect you and hear your side, there are a couple of things that you can do:

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.

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How to Get Connected to SU?

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:25:40 GMT

High School can be an intimidating world. Who will I become? Who will I be known as? Who will I influence and who will influence me? What will happen to me? And will I be okay?

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.

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Mountain Perk Cafe

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:43:42 GMT

It began as a cart in the lobby with some drip coffee set out by a couple parents and their students. It has grown into an bistro inspired room, specialty espresso beverages, smoothies, and muffins, provided by rotating team of 25 students and 10 adult team leads. It is now a complex operation.

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!

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Wanna d.group?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:07:26 GMT

“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.

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Something New for July

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:40:56 GMT

Often the blazing fast times are weekends when families have a chance to get out of the heat (head north or find water!). But the weekdays seem to drag. This summer Student Union has something to slow down the blazing fast and to liven up the painstakingly boring.

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.

What's Swimming in the Water?

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:45:40 GMT

I am really good at faking it, but my knowledge of youth culture is limited. But if you want to speak God’s grace and truth into the lives of students (or even your own kids), you need to know what’s floating in the water that they swim. And if I am totally honest, most of the stuff I know does not come naturally. Some is learned from hanging out with students and being painstakingly curious. “What does that mean? Have you ever heard this? What would I do if I wanted to do/say this?” Instead, most of it comes through research and intentionally sticking my foot into the streams of youth culture.

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.

Recruiting... same ol' same ol'?

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:22:32 GMT

One afternoon in November 2009, my hands trembled as I dial the unknown number, not really sure who would pick up or how they would respond. I tried to sound confident and sure of myself as I asked the listener to get involved with the students at our church. Most listened politely and asked a few questions about what “getting involved” meant. I fumbled around to find the words to describe an unclear picture in my head—something about making a difference in the lives of our students, building relationship with them, creating space for all of our lives to be transformed together. Thinking back it probably came out, “Help plan some events for students and pick up cookies for some parties.”

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.

Graduation Sunday

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:26:01 GMT

There comes a time in every man and women’s life when they out grow the place where they have found themselves and need to move on. It is this occasion that we call “Graduation.” As we near the end of the school year, I see another graduation approaching: It’s time to celebrate!

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!

Random Questions, Episode 1

Sat, 14 May 2011 17:17:43 GMT

Ummmm, hello! Have you seen the first epsidoe of Random Questions with Colleen & Emily? They total interview Bob and ask the hard questions that journalists on 20/20 and 60 Minutes only wish they would have thought of.

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!

Summer Calendars are Here

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:05:02 GMT

Sometimes the little things can fill our calendar so quickly: facebook, TV, playing hours of videos games by yourself, eating 18 family size bags of cheetos, couch slumping, commercials, email.

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.

Student Scholarships Available

Tue, 03 May 2011 18:54:05 GMT

Student camps and trips can be life changing. But they can also be expensive. We never want money to stand in the way of a student's ability to participate in Student Union or any of our activities. That is why the Student Ministry staff works to make events/activities affordable. For some families it is still difficult to make their finances work. Therefore, there are opportunities for students to earn money to put towards these experiences. Opportunities include, but are not limited to working at:

Mountain Perk
Annual Garage Sale
Selling Student Stocks

Occasionally, a family needs more assistance than that. Therefore, we have scholarships available. Applicants must meet the following criteria for MPCC to provide support:

Family has experienced some amount of financial hardship over the past year, OR one or more parents are unemployed, OR applicant is a child of a single parent household.
MPCC is the home church of the applicant. Applicants who are actively involved in church life will be given preferential consideration.
MPCC has received a satisfactory recommendation in writing from a non-family member (i.e. d.group leader, SU volunteer (non-staff), family friend)
Upon application being approved, applicant will complete 10 hours of service at the Church during prescribed times.

If you are in need of a scholarship for a specific event, please download and fill out this application and turn it into the church office.

Student D.Groups Break for Summer

Mon, 02 May 2011 19:41:51 GMT

We had over 20 student d.groups running through out the entire school year. This means that we have had over 90 students and 20 leaders "doing life together" every week for an entire year. It has probably been messy, but I know that it has been rewarding.

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!

Student Summer Opportunities

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:53:59 GMT

Students at Mountain Park have a great selection of opportunities to take part in this summer. Get your student connected to a summer growth opportunity! Click the button to register or keep reading below for more information

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!

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