Did Jesus Walk On Ice? - CBS News
No, Jesus walked on water. Pretty easy one to answer. I wonder if Professor Nof has ever walked on ice on a sidewalk let alone a patch floating on water in the middle of a storm.
Even though I wish he would put his time to better use, the people (mainly Christians) that are sending him hate mail/email need to get their attitudes in check. Do they really believe that Jesus would have us behave that way? I think not. Instead we should be praying that Professor Nof comes to know Christ.
And I thought the fish story was a fishy story...
Thursday, April 06, 2006
One Heck Of A Fish Story - CBS News
One Heck Of A Fish Story - CBS News
I nearly choked on my coffee this morning when "The Early Show" on CBS aired the story that is linked above. Possible missing link was even used in the description of the story. Even though all they have are the head and a little bit more they have already created a model of what the "Tiktaalik roseae" looked like. Looks like a forerunner to the crocodile or an alligator to me. It seems like they just keep stretching and stretching to prove that evolution is real.
I nearly choked on my coffee this morning when "The Early Show" on CBS aired the story that is linked above. Possible missing link was even used in the description of the story. Even though all they have are the head and a little bit more they have already created a model of what the "Tiktaalik roseae" looked like. Looks like a forerunner to the crocodile or an alligator to me. It seems like they just keep stretching and stretching to prove that evolution is real.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
April 2006
Hi All,
There are two constants in the youth ministry at Hus Church. The first constant is what we say in the "Apostles' Creed":
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteh on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen.
*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second is that there is always change. In just the past few weeks we have made some significant changes with the youth group. Movie night is now on the first Wednesday of each month. This change has several benefits of which is that it will be easier to invite friends for pizza and a movie. At the same time we changed the way you do youth group on Wednesday nights. No longer will the youth have to try and will an hour with this or that. Sometimes "that" was characterized by the youth as boring lessons (we noticed when the kids started to fall asleep). Beginning on March 26th we started having a youth worship service. This was after months and months of trying to figure out how to do a youth worship service. Unfortunately I was trying to hard to do it 'big' instead of keeping it simple. So what does the youth service look like? We sing (as loud as we want) to CDs of different Christian artists with a short message (about 5 minutes) mixed in. Hopefully this is the way to go. If not, we will try something different. Change does not make us failures; it makes us smarter as we move forward.
In Luke 12:54-59 Jesus talks about change:
54Then he turned to the crowd: "When you see clouds coming in from the west, you say, "Storm's coming'--and you're right. 55And when the wind comes out of the south, you say, "This'll be a hot one'--and you're right. 56Frauds! You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don't tell me you can't tell a change in the season, the God-season we're in right now. 57"You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, 58the kind you'd use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you'd probably go to jail 59and pay every last penny of the fine. That's the kind of decision I'm asking you to make." (The Message)
If current trends continue only 4% of the current generation, the Millenials, will be Evangelical Christians. In just a few short years the Millenials will be our business owners, teachers, government leaders, etc. So, why should we care? Have you ever considered what it looks like to have only 4% Evangelical Christians? What does that look like? (from Ron Luce's book "BattleCry for a Generation.")
Netherlands Legalized Euthanasia.
Pastor arrested for preaching Biblical perspective on homosexuality.
Scotland 14 years old consenting age
Nudity in newspapers in England
In the new book "The Last Christian Generation," Josh McDowell opens the first chapter with:
"I realize the title of this book may be shocking. But the decision to call this The Last Christian Generation was not made lightly nor was it done for sensationalism. I sincerely believe unless something is done now to change the spiritual state of our young people--you will become the last Christian generation!"
George Barna notes that youth are searching for something spiritual. Great! But where are they getting their information? They are getting their worldview from TV, the radio. I looked at the latest Target ad in the Sunday paper and was shocked to see so many CDs for sale with the "Parental Advisory Explicit Content" label on them.
How well do we know our kids? Do you know what your kids are watching and listening to? Are they online and posting to Xanga, Facebook, or MySpace? What are they posting? Can you name any of their friends? What is their favorite color? Do your kids believe in God? Do they believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
Are all religions more or less alike and lead to heaven? I could go on and on. Because this is so important I am currently working on a youth culture workshop. If you are interested or want to help, please let me know. There is a lot that parents do not know and need to.
Because of Him,
Terry
Upcoming Meetings
April:
Join us on the 5th for movie night beginning at 5:15 PM for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." This month's movie is about 140 minutes long so we should be done by 7:45 PM. This would be a great night to invite some friends, just let us know how many are coming so we can make sure that we have enough to eat (please be sure to bring $3 to help cover the cost of the meal). Are you part of another youth group? Have your youth leader get a hold of us; we would love to have you join us!
On the 12th, 19th, and the 26th we will worship and fellowship from 5:45 to 6:45 P.M.
Confirmation meets on the 12th, 19th, and the 26th from 6:45 – 7:45 P.M. On the 5th the confirmation class will participate in movie night (see above for movie night details).
Events not scheduled yet will be announced as far in advance as possible so you can make plans to attend.
The movie scheduled to be shown could change without warning due to availability.
Upcoming Concerts/Events
April
2nd Youth serving at the Sunday Evening Meal (1st Presbyterian Church) from 4 - 6 PM.
8th Hus Racing League. Youth working in the kitchen from 10 AM - 3 PM. Fundraiser
16th Youth serving Easter Sunrise Breakfast
21st - 23rd Chrysalis Flight #26 (Altoona United Methodist Church)
28th - 29th 30 Hour Famine
30th BOOM Sunday
Every Monday: Youth Prayer Time, 7PM at the old SW Target parking lot.
Every Thursday: High School Bible Study, 4 - 6 PM at the Panera Bread on Collins Rd.
Every Friday: Marion High School Bible Study, 7:30 - 8 AM.
A conversation with God
Hi God. Lord God, we need you. Each day may our words and actions be yours. Help us to be in Your Word, the Bible everyday. Lord be in our lives each and every day, through good and bad. Father we know that even in bad times you are with us and that it is through bad times that we draw closer to you.
Christ be in my life and in my living (place hands over chest)
Christ be in my heart and in my loving (hands over heart)
Christ be in my mouth and in my speaking (hands over mouth)
Christ be in my eyes and in my seeing (hands over eyes)
Christ be in my ears and in my hearing (hands over ears)
Christ be in my mind and in my thinking (hands on head)
In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.
"Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Anonymous posting to a Christian mailing list.
There are two constants in the youth ministry at Hus Church. The first constant is what we say in the "Apostles' Creed":
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteh on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen.
*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second is that there is always change. In just the past few weeks we have made some significant changes with the youth group. Movie night is now on the first Wednesday of each month. This change has several benefits of which is that it will be easier to invite friends for pizza and a movie. At the same time we changed the way you do youth group on Wednesday nights. No longer will the youth have to try and will an hour with this or that. Sometimes "that" was characterized by the youth as boring lessons (we noticed when the kids started to fall asleep). Beginning on March 26th we started having a youth worship service. This was after months and months of trying to figure out how to do a youth worship service. Unfortunately I was trying to hard to do it 'big' instead of keeping it simple. So what does the youth service look like? We sing (as loud as we want) to CDs of different Christian artists with a short message (about 5 minutes) mixed in. Hopefully this is the way to go. If not, we will try something different. Change does not make us failures; it makes us smarter as we move forward.
In Luke 12:54-59 Jesus talks about change:
54Then he turned to the crowd: "When you see clouds coming in from the west, you say, "Storm's coming'--and you're right. 55And when the wind comes out of the south, you say, "This'll be a hot one'--and you're right. 56Frauds! You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don't tell me you can't tell a change in the season, the God-season we're in right now. 57"You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, 58the kind you'd use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you'd probably go to jail 59and pay every last penny of the fine. That's the kind of decision I'm asking you to make." (The Message)
If current trends continue only 4% of the current generation, the Millenials, will be Evangelical Christians. In just a few short years the Millenials will be our business owners, teachers, government leaders, etc. So, why should we care? Have you ever considered what it looks like to have only 4% Evangelical Christians? What does that look like? (from Ron Luce's book "BattleCry for a Generation.")
Netherlands Legalized Euthanasia.
Pastor arrested for preaching Biblical perspective on homosexuality.
Scotland 14 years old consenting age
Nudity in newspapers in England
In the new book "The Last Christian Generation," Josh McDowell opens the first chapter with:
"I realize the title of this book may be shocking. But the decision to call this The Last Christian Generation was not made lightly nor was it done for sensationalism. I sincerely believe unless something is done now to change the spiritual state of our young people--you will become the last Christian generation!"
George Barna notes that youth are searching for something spiritual. Great! But where are they getting their information? They are getting their worldview from TV, the radio. I looked at the latest Target ad in the Sunday paper and was shocked to see so many CDs for sale with the "Parental Advisory Explicit Content" label on them.
How well do we know our kids? Do you know what your kids are watching and listening to? Are they online and posting to Xanga, Facebook, or MySpace? What are they posting? Can you name any of their friends? What is their favorite color? Do your kids believe in God? Do they believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
Are all religions more or less alike and lead to heaven? I could go on and on. Because this is so important I am currently working on a youth culture workshop. If you are interested or want to help, please let me know. There is a lot that parents do not know and need to.
Because of Him,
Terry
Upcoming Meetings
April:
Join us on the 5th for movie night beginning at 5:15 PM for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." This month's movie is about 140 minutes long so we should be done by 7:45 PM. This would be a great night to invite some friends, just let us know how many are coming so we can make sure that we have enough to eat (please be sure to bring $3 to help cover the cost of the meal). Are you part of another youth group? Have your youth leader get a hold of us; we would love to have you join us!
On the 12th, 19th, and the 26th we will worship and fellowship from 5:45 to 6:45 P.M.
Confirmation meets on the 12th, 19th, and the 26th from 6:45 – 7:45 P.M. On the 5th the confirmation class will participate in movie night (see above for movie night details).
Events not scheduled yet will be announced as far in advance as possible so you can make plans to attend.
The movie scheduled to be shown could change without warning due to availability.
Upcoming Concerts/Events
April
2nd Youth serving at the Sunday Evening Meal (1st Presbyterian Church) from 4 - 6 PM.
8th Hus Racing League. Youth working in the kitchen from 10 AM - 3 PM. Fundraiser
16th Youth serving Easter Sunrise Breakfast
21st - 23rd Chrysalis Flight #26 (Altoona United Methodist Church)
28th - 29th 30 Hour Famine
30th BOOM Sunday
Every Monday: Youth Prayer Time, 7PM at the old SW Target parking lot.
Every Thursday: High School Bible Study, 4 - 6 PM at the Panera Bread on Collins Rd.
Every Friday: Marion High School Bible Study, 7:30 - 8 AM.
Times subject to change.
A conversation with God
Hi God. Lord God, we need you. Each day may our words and actions be yours. Help us to be in Your Word, the Bible everyday. Lord be in our lives each and every day, through good and bad. Father we know that even in bad times you are with us and that it is through bad times that we draw closer to you.
Christ be in my life and in my living (place hands over chest)
Christ be in my heart and in my loving (hands over heart)
Christ be in my mouth and in my speaking (hands over mouth)
Christ be in my eyes and in my seeing (hands over eyes)
Christ be in my ears and in my hearing (hands over ears)
Christ be in my mind and in my thinking (hands on head)
In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.
"Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Anonymous posting to a Christian mailing list.
March 2006
Hi All,
Through out the course of a month I have many ideas of what I should write about, funny thing is I never do write about them. Sometimes I will get them written down and sometimes not. Interestingly enough God usually has a different message that he wants me to send and this month is no different.
The latest chapter in the "Pure Excitement" study that we are doing with the middle school was called "Get Growing." It starts out comparing our faith to a roller coaster ride. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. The first question, "What part of the roller coaster are you on right now? Are you climbing closer to the Lord, or do you feel you are waiting at the bottom?" I was not surprised at the response, complete silence. Most adults would give you the same response. What really got the discussion going is when the kids were asked what is the first commercial that comes to mind. This continued through a discussion of movies, television shows, music, and magazines. It was observed that most of us watch television everyday as well as listening to music, reading magazines etc. Then it was asked how often they read the Bible. The answers were as varied as the kids. From reading during Sunday school and confirmation to once every couple of weeks to not in a couple of years. That begged the most important question, why? "It is hard to understand." "It does not make sense." "Too many thines and thous." To illustrate this, let's look at one of the most well known verses in the Bible, John 3:16:
American Standard Version (ASV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Amplified Bible (AMP) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Contemporary English Version (CEV) God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
English Standard Version (ESV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
King James Version (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
New King James Version (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
21st Century King James Version (KJ21) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
New International Version (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV) "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.
New Life Version (NLV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God's Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.
New Living Translation (NLT) "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
The Message (MSG) "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
Who knew there were so many versions of the Bible? Of just the King James Bible? There are lots more than this. It was not that long ago that the King James Version was considered by the majority to be the inspired word of God and that choosing a Bible was mainly about how it looked physically. What everyone needs to do is to find one that fits him or her the best. How to go about that can seem like a major undertaking. There are several resources available in doing this. If you have online access you can use a search site like Google and type in "choosing a Bible" and you will get several articles and websites that can help you. One of those is from Zondervan Church Source. Another option is to go to one of the local Christian bookstores and they will be glad to assist you. Want to compare several versions side by side? Go to BibleGateway.com and and you can compare up to 5 versions at a time. Another thing to remember is what you want to get out of a particular version. The Message and The Message Remix are wonderful for just sitting down and reading through like you would a book. Others versions have been adapted for reading through, others to be used as a devotional, to study, and some have been written with references on how to apply the Bible to your daily life. But wait, they are broken down even further. Is your choice for anyone, or is it more specific (i.e. for teens, men, women, children, etc.).
The most important thing about the Bible should always be that you are reading it on a regular basis. There are several reading plans available to help you with this. If you need help with any part of this process, let us know, would love to help you out. God's message to me this month is to work to help the youth find out more about this process and to find a Bible that they can understand and that is interesting.
Because of Him,
Terry
A conversation with God
Hi God. We often forget that we are Christians every day, not just on Sunday. Lord help us to be Christians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One way You help us is through reading Your Word, the Bible everyday. Another is through a prayer that is called the Christ Prayer which I will close this prayer with:
Christ be in my life and in my living (place hands over chest)
Christ be in my heart and in my loving (hands over heart)
Christ be in my mouth and in my speaking (hands over mouth)
Christ be in my eyes and in my seeing (hands over eyes)
Christ be in my ears and in my hearing (hands over ears)
Christ be in my mind and in my thinking (hands on head)
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Through out the course of a month I have many ideas of what I should write about, funny thing is I never do write about them. Sometimes I will get them written down and sometimes not. Interestingly enough God usually has a different message that he wants me to send and this month is no different.
The latest chapter in the "Pure Excitement" study that we are doing with the middle school was called "Get Growing." It starts out comparing our faith to a roller coaster ride. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. The first question, "What part of the roller coaster are you on right now? Are you climbing closer to the Lord, or do you feel you are waiting at the bottom?" I was not surprised at the response, complete silence. Most adults would give you the same response. What really got the discussion going is when the kids were asked what is the first commercial that comes to mind. This continued through a discussion of movies, television shows, music, and magazines. It was observed that most of us watch television everyday as well as listening to music, reading magazines etc. Then it was asked how often they read the Bible. The answers were as varied as the kids. From reading during Sunday school and confirmation to once every couple of weeks to not in a couple of years. That begged the most important question, why? "It is hard to understand." "It does not make sense." "Too many thines and thous." To illustrate this, let's look at one of the most well known verses in the Bible, John 3:16:
American Standard Version (ASV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Amplified Bible (AMP) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Contemporary English Version (CEV) God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
English Standard Version (ESV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
King James Version (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
New King James Version (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
21st Century King James Version (KJ21) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
New International Version (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV) "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.
New Life Version (NLV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God's Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.
New Living Translation (NLT) "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
The Message (MSG) "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
Who knew there were so many versions of the Bible? Of just the King James Bible? There are lots more than this. It was not that long ago that the King James Version was considered by the majority to be the inspired word of God and that choosing a Bible was mainly about how it looked physically. What everyone needs to do is to find one that fits him or her the best. How to go about that can seem like a major undertaking. There are several resources available in doing this. If you have online access you can use a search site like Google and type in "choosing a Bible" and you will get several articles and websites that can help you. One of those is from Zondervan Church Source. Another option is to go to one of the local Christian bookstores and they will be glad to assist you. Want to compare several versions side by side? Go to BibleGateway.com and and you can compare up to 5 versions at a time. Another thing to remember is what you want to get out of a particular version. The Message and The Message Remix are wonderful for just sitting down and reading through like you would a book. Others versions have been adapted for reading through, others to be used as a devotional, to study, and some have been written with references on how to apply the Bible to your daily life. But wait, they are broken down even further. Is your choice for anyone, or is it more specific (i.e. for teens, men, women, children, etc.).
The most important thing about the Bible should always be that you are reading it on a regular basis. There are several reading plans available to help you with this. If you need help with any part of this process, let us know, would love to help you out. God's message to me this month is to work to help the youth find out more about this process and to find a Bible that they can understand and that is interesting.
Because of Him,
Terry
A conversation with God
Hi God. We often forget that we are Christians every day, not just on Sunday. Lord help us to be Christians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One way You help us is through reading Your Word, the Bible everyday. Another is through a prayer that is called the Christ Prayer which I will close this prayer with:
Christ be in my life and in my living (place hands over chest)
Christ be in my heart and in my loving (hands over heart)
Christ be in my mouth and in my speaking (hands over mouth)
Christ be in my eyes and in my seeing (hands over eyes)
Christ be in my ears and in my hearing (hands over ears)
Christ be in my mind and in my thinking (hands on head)
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
February 2006
Hi All,
The following is from the annual report for 2005. It is about where we have been and where we are headed for 2006. Let's see where we have been since January 2005.
1) Sunday Evening Meals Program. On the first Sunday of every other month you can find members of Hus Church Youth Group at the First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids helping to serve dinner to the hungry in our community. Volunteers from our congregation, other churches, youth groups, and civic organizations also help with the Sunday Evening Meals Program. Beginning at 4 PM and going until 6 PM, about 8 to 10 volunteers help setup, serve, and then clean up. This has been a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and to help those that are in need.
2) Painted the Youth room - 01.29.2005
3) Items purchased and donated for the Youth room. There are now two sofas, two chairs, two lamps, a love seat, and a futon. A microwave, mini-refrigerator, stereo, TV, and DVD/VHS player.
4) Bake sale at the Pancake Breakfast - 03.12.2005.
5) Served Easter breakfast - 03.27.2005.
6) We took the youth to several Christian concerts in 2005. Welcome to Diversity concert - 05.04.2005. Relient K concert - 11.10.2005. Casting Crowns concert - 12.03.2005. Onefest - 12.28-29.2005 (A 24 hour Christian concert featuring local and national Christian artists.)
7) Terry attended "The Core" training at the Ankeny Presbyterian Church - 04.23.2005. What is "The Core?" "The Core" is a half-day training for youth pastors and volunteers developed and facilitated by Youth Specialties. There were three sessions in the 2005 version: (1) Rethinking the American Teenager (2) Responding to the Unique Needs of Girls and Guys (3) Reclaiming the American Teenager
8) Terry gets hired full-time on 08.15.2005.
9) Youth helped paint in preparation for Rotational Sunday school on 09.03.2005. 10) The second and third Wednesdays of each month have been given specific designations. Mission night is the 2nd Wednesday and movie night is the 3rd Wednesday. 1
11) Doug Page started Parent's Night Out with the first one on 10.07.2005. Parent's Night Out was held on the first and third Fridays of each month through the end of the year. We are currently evaluating the program and will be reintroducing it in 2006.
12) On October 4th Terry got plugged in to the Youth Pastor Roundtable and the Youth Ministry Fellowship. The Fellowship is a time to network with others involved in youth ministry as well as community organizations that work with youth. It is a time of sharing of ideas, programs, lessons, etc. Fellowship meets on the first Tuesday of each month over lunch at New Covenant Bible Church. The Roundtable is smaller than Fellowship and is designed as a prayer group whose members focus on youth ministry as a whole in Cedar Rapids. It is a time of training, prayer, and planning for the crave. The crave is a quarterly community youth worship service. The first one is planned for February 15th at the Salvation Army gymnasium (this will replace youth group and confirmation on these nights). The Roundtable meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Salvation Army beginning at 8 AM. Training has included: Going through the 2005 "The Core" training materials. A day long seminar on 12.03.2005. Pastor Ron Connerly of New Beginnings Church led the training called "The Vision of the Leader" by Bruce Wilkinson (Best-selling Author of "The Prayer of Jabez.")
13) Marion High School Bible Study with 23 youth began on 10.28.2005. They are going through a 10 week LifeGuide® Bible Study on Friendship
14) Bible study for High School youth began at Panera Bread. We are currently on our third study, which is a 12 week LifeGuide® Bible Study called "Job, Wrestling with God." Two prior studies were done. Both are from "Discipleship Journal" which is a publication of "The Navigators." The first one was "Invitation to Oneness. The Trinity provides a model for unity." The second was "Everyday Life in the Body."
15) Leaf raking - 10.29.2005 and 11.05.2005
16) First B.O.O.M. Service - 10.30.2005
17) Other fundraising done in 2005: "God's Creation" calendar sales (we still have a few left) and bottle & can redemption.
18) Planning for the 2006 Youth Summer Mission trip began. We will be going through Group Workcamps (a division of Group Publishing which published the Faithweaver Sunday School curriculum that we have used in previous years.) to Kingston, TN and participating in their "Week of Hope."
19) Hus Die-cast racing is coming to Hus Church on 02.11.2005. Planning began in the fall and continued through the end of the year. Some of us have grown up racing the die-cast cars on the old orange track of yesteryear, and now, we carry on that tradition on the new orange and black tracks, bringing our children and the community's children into the fold. What better way to spend a Saturday than with new friends and family sending these wonderful cars we've all enjoyed through the years speeding down a track, yelling for them to go a little bit faster and pull ahead of the competition.
20) Planning for the 30 Hour Famine with other churches for tentative April dates. A planning letter is being sent out in January 2006.
What does this mean for 2006? It means that there is a lot to do and we cannot and will not grow without help from the congregation. I know that you are already busy with work, family, and other activities. So, what can you do? As much or as little as you feel called to do. How much time is this going to take? As much or as little as you feel called to spend. We would rather have 20 people helping when they are able for short periods of time than to have 4 people doing it all and getting burnt out. Here are some of the things that we are going to need help with in 2006:
Hus Racing League – Die-cast racing on 2nd Saturday of every month from February to November. This does not require a commitment for every race day, just when you are able.
Lunch devotional leader, race officials, help in the kitchen (preparing/serving snacks and lunch-proceeds are for the Youth fund), check-in table, prize table, merchandise table, etc.
World Vision 30 Hour Famine – this will be a lock-in on a Friday evening and all day Saturday.
Chaperones, activity leaders, help in the Prayer room, etc.
Summer Mission Trip Chaperones – this will be one of the few events that will require a commitment to a week of service as we are going out of state.
Concert chaperones.
Fundraising coordinators – Depending on what the fundraiser is, this could require one or more people.
Middle school youth group leader(s) – this will require at least a year of commitment and if the kids like you it will be longer.
Please check the Hus Church Ministry Guide for more opportunities with the Youth and Family Team as well as the other ministry teams. Whether young or old, we are all called by God to ministry. Noah was 600 years old when the ark was completed and the floods came. Abram was 75 years old when:
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)
Joseph was but a young man, not more than 17, when he was sold into slavery and God began to use him in Egypt. Jesus started his ministry at 30. I was 37 when God called me to minister to the youth of Hus Church. Age is not relevant, as God will have you serve in whatever way he needs whether it is a few hours every now and then or a long-term commitment to a particular activity. To God be the glory!
Because of Him,
Terry Van Wyk
Youth and Family Life Minister
Let’s begin our journey to communicate to the emerging generations by listening—listening to generations that need to hear, understand, and respond to some Good News. It’s a generation Jesus invites to “come.” It’s a generation to which Jesus commands us to “go.”
- Walt Mueller, President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
The following is from the annual report for 2005. It is about where we have been and where we are headed for 2006. Let's see where we have been since January 2005.
1) Sunday Evening Meals Program. On the first Sunday of every other month you can find members of Hus Church Youth Group at the First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids helping to serve dinner to the hungry in our community. Volunteers from our congregation, other churches, youth groups, and civic organizations also help with the Sunday Evening Meals Program. Beginning at 4 PM and going until 6 PM, about 8 to 10 volunteers help setup, serve, and then clean up. This has been a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and to help those that are in need.
2) Painted the Youth room - 01.29.2005
3) Items purchased and donated for the Youth room. There are now two sofas, two chairs, two lamps, a love seat, and a futon. A microwave, mini-refrigerator, stereo, TV, and DVD/VHS player.
4) Bake sale at the Pancake Breakfast - 03.12.2005.
5) Served Easter breakfast - 03.27.2005.
6) We took the youth to several Christian concerts in 2005. Welcome to Diversity concert - 05.04.2005. Relient K concert - 11.10.2005. Casting Crowns concert - 12.03.2005. Onefest - 12.28-29.2005 (A 24 hour Christian concert featuring local and national Christian artists.)
7) Terry attended "The Core" training at the Ankeny Presbyterian Church - 04.23.2005. What is "The Core?" "The Core" is a half-day training for youth pastors and volunteers developed and facilitated by Youth Specialties. There were three sessions in the 2005 version: (1) Rethinking the American Teenager (2) Responding to the Unique Needs of Girls and Guys (3) Reclaiming the American Teenager
8) Terry gets hired full-time on 08.15.2005.
9) Youth helped paint in preparation for Rotational Sunday school on 09.03.2005. 10) The second and third Wednesdays of each month have been given specific designations. Mission night is the 2nd Wednesday and movie night is the 3rd Wednesday. 1
11) Doug Page started Parent's Night Out with the first one on 10.07.2005. Parent's Night Out was held on the first and third Fridays of each month through the end of the year. We are currently evaluating the program and will be reintroducing it in 2006.
12) On October 4th Terry got plugged in to the Youth Pastor Roundtable and the Youth Ministry Fellowship. The Fellowship is a time to network with others involved in youth ministry as well as community organizations that work with youth. It is a time of sharing of ideas, programs, lessons, etc. Fellowship meets on the first Tuesday of each month over lunch at New Covenant Bible Church. The Roundtable is smaller than Fellowship and is designed as a prayer group whose members focus on youth ministry as a whole in Cedar Rapids. It is a time of training, prayer, and planning for the crave. The crave is a quarterly community youth worship service. The first one is planned for February 15th at the Salvation Army gymnasium (this will replace youth group and confirmation on these nights). The Roundtable meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Salvation Army beginning at 8 AM. Training has included: Going through the 2005 "The Core" training materials. A day long seminar on 12.03.2005. Pastor Ron Connerly of New Beginnings Church led the training called "The Vision of the Leader" by Bruce Wilkinson (Best-selling Author of "The Prayer of Jabez.")
13) Marion High School Bible Study with 23 youth began on 10.28.2005. They are going through a 10 week LifeGuide® Bible Study on Friendship
14) Bible study for High School youth began at Panera Bread. We are currently on our third study, which is a 12 week LifeGuide® Bible Study called "Job, Wrestling with God." Two prior studies were done. Both are from "Discipleship Journal" which is a publication of "The Navigators." The first one was "Invitation to Oneness. The Trinity provides a model for unity." The second was "Everyday Life in the Body."
15) Leaf raking - 10.29.2005 and 11.05.2005
16) First B.O.O.M. Service - 10.30.2005
17) Other fundraising done in 2005: "God's Creation" calendar sales (we still have a few left) and bottle & can redemption.
18) Planning for the 2006 Youth Summer Mission trip began. We will be going through Group Workcamps (a division of Group Publishing which published the Faithweaver Sunday School curriculum that we have used in previous years.) to Kingston, TN and participating in their "Week of Hope."
19) Hus Die-cast racing is coming to Hus Church on 02.11.2005. Planning began in the fall and continued through the end of the year. Some of us have grown up racing the die-cast cars on the old orange track of yesteryear, and now, we carry on that tradition on the new orange and black tracks, bringing our children and the community's children into the fold. What better way to spend a Saturday than with new friends and family sending these wonderful cars we've all enjoyed through the years speeding down a track, yelling for them to go a little bit faster and pull ahead of the competition.
20) Planning for the 30 Hour Famine with other churches for tentative April dates. A planning letter is being sent out in January 2006.
What does this mean for 2006? It means that there is a lot to do and we cannot and will not grow without help from the congregation. I know that you are already busy with work, family, and other activities. So, what can you do? As much or as little as you feel called to do. How much time is this going to take? As much or as little as you feel called to spend. We would rather have 20 people helping when they are able for short periods of time than to have 4 people doing it all and getting burnt out. Here are some of the things that we are going to need help with in 2006:
Hus Racing League – Die-cast racing on 2nd Saturday of every month from February to November. This does not require a commitment for every race day, just when you are able.
Lunch devotional leader, race officials, help in the kitchen (preparing/serving snacks and lunch-proceeds are for the Youth fund), check-in table, prize table, merchandise table, etc.
World Vision 30 Hour Famine – this will be a lock-in on a Friday evening and all day Saturday.
Chaperones, activity leaders, help in the Prayer room, etc.
Summer Mission Trip Chaperones – this will be one of the few events that will require a commitment to a week of service as we are going out of state.
Concert chaperones.
Fundraising coordinators – Depending on what the fundraiser is, this could require one or more people.
Middle school youth group leader(s) – this will require at least a year of commitment and if the kids like you it will be longer.
Please check the Hus Church Ministry Guide for more opportunities with the Youth and Family Team as well as the other ministry teams. Whether young or old, we are all called by God to ministry. Noah was 600 years old when the ark was completed and the floods came. Abram was 75 years old when:
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)
Joseph was but a young man, not more than 17, when he was sold into slavery and God began to use him in Egypt. Jesus started his ministry at 30. I was 37 when God called me to minister to the youth of Hus Church. Age is not relevant, as God will have you serve in whatever way he needs whether it is a few hours every now and then or a long-term commitment to a particular activity. To God be the glory!
Because of Him,
Terry Van Wyk
Youth and Family Life Minister
Let’s begin our journey to communicate to the emerging generations by listening—listening to generations that need to hear, understand, and respond to some Good News. It’s a generation Jesus invites to “come.” It’s a generation to which Jesus commands us to “go.”
- Walt Mueller, President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
January 2006
Hi All,
The calendar for 2006 is getting fuller every day, which is absolutely wonderful with one exception, we need help. That sounds odd doesn’t it? If I had just been told that, my first thought would be "that is why we pay Terry." And that is true, I was hired to take care of the Youth and Family Life Ministry. That got me to thinking about a passage in Exodus:
13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"
15Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. 16Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws." 17Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him.20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves. 27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country. (Exodus 18:13-27 NIV)
In this passage Jethro sees his son-in-law trying to do the work himself. Because of how Moses was handling things he was working from very early in the morning until late at night. I know working that much is not good on a family life because I am a recovering workaholic. Jethro then told Moses he needed help. Moses got the help he needed and now we need to get the help we need for the Youth and Family Life team. We cannot and will not grow without the added help.
What can I do?
As much or as little as you feel called to do.
How much time is this going to take? I’m already busy with work, family, and other activities.
As much or as little as you feel called to spend.
We would rather have 20 people helping when they are able for short periods of time than to have 4 people doing it all and getting burnt out. Here are some of the things that we are going to need help with in 2006:
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)
Joseph was but a young man, not more than 17, when he was sold into slavery and God began to use him in Egypt. Jesus started his ministry at 30. I was 37 when God called me to minister to the youth of Hus Church. Age is not relevant, as God will have you serve in whatever way he needs whether it is a few hours every now and then or a long-term commitment to a particular activity. To God be the glory!
I leave you this month with the chorus to the popular Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body":
Because of Him,
Terry and Diane
A conversation with God
Hi God. We just celebrated the birth of Your Son, Jesus. What a wonderful gift you gave us. It is the best one that anyone has ever given to us or ever will. God, we have a lot of opportunities here at Hus Church for service and we need your help in guiding people to where you want them to serve. This congregation has so many wonderful gifts, please help us to use those to Your glory. We thank you for Hus Church and all of the members (our spiritual family). In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The calendar for 2006 is getting fuller every day, which is absolutely wonderful with one exception, we need help. That sounds odd doesn’t it? If I had just been told that, my first thought would be "that is why we pay Terry." And that is true, I was hired to take care of the Youth and Family Life Ministry. That got me to thinking about a passage in Exodus:
13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"
15Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. 16Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws." 17Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him.20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves. 27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country. (Exodus 18:13-27 NIV)
In this passage Jethro sees his son-in-law trying to do the work himself. Because of how Moses was handling things he was working from very early in the morning until late at night. I know working that much is not good on a family life because I am a recovering workaholic. Jethro then told Moses he needed help. Moses got the help he needed and now we need to get the help we need for the Youth and Family Life team. We cannot and will not grow without the added help.
What can I do?
As much or as little as you feel called to do.
How much time is this going to take? I’m already busy with work, family, and other activities.
As much or as little as you feel called to spend.
We would rather have 20 people helping when they are able for short periods of time than to have 4 people doing it all and getting burnt out. Here are some of the things that we are going to need help with in 2006:
- Hus Racing League – Die-cast racing on 2nd Saturday of every month from February to November. This does not require a commitment for every race day, just when you are able.
- Lunch devotional leader, race officials, help in the kitchen (preparing/serving snacks and lunch-proceeds are for the Youth fund), check-in table, prize table, merchandise table, etc.
- World Vision 30 Hour Famine – this will be a lock-in on a Friday evening and all day Saturday.
- Chaperones, activity leaders, help in the Prayer room, etc.
- Summer Mission Trip – this will be one of the few events that will require a commitment to a week of service as we are going out of state.
- Concert chaperones.
- Fundraising coordinators – Depending on what the fundraiser is, they will require 1 or more people.
- Middle school youth group leader(s) – this will require at least a year of commitment and if the kids like you it will be longer.
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)
Joseph was but a young man, not more than 17, when he was sold into slavery and God began to use him in Egypt. Jesus started his ministry at 30. I was 37 when God called me to minister to the youth of Hus Church. Age is not relevant, as God will have you serve in whatever way he needs whether it is a few hours every now and then or a long-term commitment to a particular activity. To God be the glory!
I leave you this month with the chorus to the popular Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body":
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
Because of Him,
Terry and Diane
A conversation with God
Hi God. We just celebrated the birth of Your Son, Jesus. What a wonderful gift you gave us. It is the best one that anyone has ever given to us or ever will. God, we have a lot of opportunities here at Hus Church for service and we need your help in guiding people to where you want them to serve. This congregation has so many wonderful gifts, please help us to use those to Your glory. We thank you for Hus Church and all of the members (our spiritual family). In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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