Bible Reading Resource for 2010
One of the recommendations I had this weekend was http:/YouVersion.com .. it is a free resource. They even have Bible Reading Plans that you can start using for 2010. Here is an email I just received from them. Have an iPhone, Blackberry, Droid? You can get their free mobile app!
Just in time for the new year, we’ve launched more than 20 new Bible reading plans on YouVersion!
http://www.youversion.com/about/reading-plans
• 20+ plans are available online and on your mobile device, so you can keep up with your reading no matter where you are.
• You can customize each plan to match your schedule by making it shorter or longer.
• Easily track where you are by checking off each day’s reading. We’ll also show you how far along you are with a percentage of completion.
• Your online and mobile accounts will synchronize your information, including your plan and your progress.
• Soon, you’ll be able to build a support system by opting in for accountability emails to you and/or a friend.
Following a reading plan helps you stay on track with your Bible reading goals. Choose one (or several) and each day a special selection will be ready and waiting for you.
Pick the plan that’s the best fit for you:
http://www.youversion.com/about/reading-plans
See what God reveals to you when you spend time in Scripture each day!
Welcome to Ace Michael Heyer
Logan and Holly Heyer had a baby boy, Ace Michael Heyer on Saturday, December 19, 2009. Welcome to our world, little guy. And congratulations to Scott and Sheila Wells, the proud grandparents!
Begin 2010 STRONG!
God’s truth is black and white and even though there is no gray area, that’s where so many of us live today. We prefer to live by the concepts or facts we wish to be true, rather than those known to be true…the gray area. Join us as we learn to navigate the space between True and True(ish).
WE MEET EACH SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM.
Live Band —
Real People, Real Faith, Real Hope!
Did you miss a recent message? Click here to listen!
Also check FreeChurchBreakfast.com
New Series TRUE(ISH) Begins January 3
God’s truth is black and white and even though there is no gray area, that’s where so many of us live today. We prefer to live by the concepts or facts we wish to be true, rather than those known to be true…the gray area. Join us as we learn to navigate the space between True and True(ish).
Congratulations to Central Student Ministries (CSM)
Yesterday, Sunday, October 18, 2009 – Ginger and I had the privilege of hosting an afternoon BBQ for those who have helped with our Youth Ministry from Central Assembly. We had a house full of those who make it happen each week. Congratulations to Pastor Josh and Evie for their first anniversary of CSM. We appreciate you and all of those you have partnered with. Let’s continue to pray for amazing months ahead for our leaders!!
Praise Report
Not sure if you are part of Life Groups yet. One thing we encourage as we are developing our friendships and studying the Bible is prayer. We are a church that believes in prayer — AND PRAISE. Here is a new report of answered prayer. To God be the glory!
From Johanna: My sister Ana got the job we prayed for last night in LG……Praise the Lord!!
Oh, did you know you can leave us a prayer request from this website? It’s under the CONNECT tab at the top.
A Place for Everyone
WE MEET EACH SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM.
Live Band —
Real People, Real Faith, Real Hope!
Did you miss a recent message? Click here to listen!
Also check FreeChurchBreakfast.com
Can You See Him Series Begins September 13
WE MEET EACH SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM.
Live Band — Real People, Real Faith, Real Hope!
Daily life usually sets us on a path that’s almost robotic and we forget to see God in all things – the good, the tragic, or even the mundane. Think of your day today. Did you see Him in your kids’ laughter, the homeless person on the corner, or even the papers you stapled? He was there. Join us as we discover how to see God in everything.
SEPT 13 In Your Doubts
SEPT 20 Seeing the Light
SEPT 27 Believing is Seeing
OCT 4 In Your Struggles
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Student Ministries Pastor Josh Herndon Featured as Guest Blogger
GUEST POST: Youth Ministry Made From Scratch
At the beginning of the month was my first year at my first ministry position. Thirteen months ago there were no teens in the church and no youth department in place. One year later, I have some wins and losses, and some pieces of advice for those starting a youth ministry from scratch:
1. You may come in with an arsenal full of ideas, or you may be whimpering at the very thought of someone calling you “pastor”. Regardless, as you walk through those church doors in your first days, don’t talk too much. If you listen closely and ask the right questions, you can find more direction than if you arrogantly or nervously stumble through your ministry philosophy or your 12-point plan to save the world.
2. Students are not the “X Factor” in a healthy, thriving ministry; parents are. Remember, only a fraction of your students have the potential to drive, and a fraction of them have jobs. Meaning, unless all of your teenagers are within walking distance and love fundraisers, parents are still their lifelines to any formal gathering you will ever have. So spend time with parents and get to know them because when you get parents to believe in your vision and heart for their kids, they will not only support their kids being a part of the ministry but they will invest in it themselves. Don’t neglect parents; they’re your responsibility too.
3. It’s normal; you want to see results from your ministry. But watch out because wanting results in any timeframe you would consider to be fair (anytime between day one and year one) makes you do stupid things. Like a baker who bakes a pie at twice the recommended heat in half the time, you (and your students) will be engulfed in flames of failure. You cannot expect to turn up the intensity of your ministry and expect results in half the time. Relationship building is a brutally slow process. Don’t expect results for a very, very long time.
4. Starting something from scratch has a huge advantage: you don’t need to clean up someone else’s mess (instead, you can make your own). You have complete freedom to be creative and really make your ministry unique. Don’t let any program be grandfathered in because it’s what has been done. Experiment. If it doesn’t work, hit the “reset” button and try something else. You have a rare window to try something new before habits and traditions are made. Live it up.
5. Distractions are everywhere and they come in forms of what you have (lame facilities and the awkward kid no one likes) and what you wish you had (Saddleback’s “The Refinery” and super student-worship-leader at the neighboring youth group). But as a Shepherd of your flock, it’s your responsibility to cherish the students you have and not envy the ones you don’t. Challenge that student, pour into him or her, and love that one as if they alone are the reason you accepted your calling.
It’s hard work, but remember that everything from cooking to student ministries are made from scratch.
Josh Herndon is a rookie youth ministry planter in El Sobrante, CA.