Sunday, May 29, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

We are already in week two of our series called, “Jesus and the Tough Times.” We are spending our time really talking about where the Lord is when things go wrong. Tonight we talked about how to rely on the Lord when things are hard. Thank you for allowing your child to be a part of it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Faith In The Tough Times” and it focused on helping our students understand when they experience tough times, they can and should have faith that Jesus will be with them and even strengthening them through these times.

We looked at the following Scripture passages: 
  • John 11:1-3; 17-27; 38-44 
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 

Next Steps...

During the next week as you have time to talk with your child, consider asking the following questions:
  • This week you talked about how Jesus is with you during the tough times. Do you believe that? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe that Jesus is the one that can help us get through tough times? Why or why not? 
  • Part of having faith that Jesus is with you, is trusting in who He is. Do you think you focus on Him or on what He can do for you? What’s the difference? 
Thank you for all you do. If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.


REMINDERS

HSM > Summer “Fuel” Series – Wed, June 1st
Worship Night Under the Stars” @ Holland Lake Park (7pm-8:30pm)
*We NEED several containers of homemade ice cream. Please let Jim know if you are able to bring some by 7:30pm – THANKS!
*Limited transportation available from the church / meet @ HSM Room by 6:30pm / Return by 9pm

MUNCHDAYS > Begin Monday, June 6th 
If you need a ride meet us by 11:30am @ HSM Room and we’ll cruise on over to the Whataburger on S. Main for lunch. Following this we’ll head back to the church for a separate guys/girls bible studies. We should wrap up by 2pm.

HSM > Rangers vs. Astros Baseball – Wed, June 8th
Invite a friend and join us for $1 hot dog night and a great rivalry. We will load @ 5pm from HSM Room and head to Arlington. Game starts at 705pm. There are 30 tickets available - $20/each, first come-first serve.

HONDO / HONDURAS MISSION TRIP TRAININGS
Resumes – June 5th > Youth Choir @ 5pm / Honduras Training ONLY 6-8pm

BEACH CAMP 2016 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE 
*We have very few places left for students to attend summer camp so get your $ and registration forms turned in ASAP.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

We are starting a new series this week called, “Jesus and the Tough Times.” We are spending our time really talking about where the Lord is when things go wrong. It was a great discussion about some hard things. Thank you for allowing your child to be a part of it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “The God Who Listens” and it focused on helping students understand that when they experience tough times, they can and should express their emotions to God in real, honest ways.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:
  • Matthew 26:36-46 
  • Hebrews 5:7 
This is the recounting of how Jesus talked to God in the Garden right before He was arrested. It’s a powerful example of how Jesus called, cried and was open with the Father about how He was feeling.


Next Steps...

During the next week as you have time to talk with your child, consider asking the following questions:

  • This week you talked about how to be honest with God about what you’re feeling. Do you feel like that is easy or hard for you? (It might be helpful for you to share if this is easy or difficult for you personally.) 
  • Do you feel like hearing more about the way Jesus was honest with God was helpful? Why or why not? Tell me more about that. 
  • What are you going to do in trying to be more honest with God about the way you are feeling about life. 

Thank you for all you do. If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.


REMINDERS

HONDO / HONDURAS MISSION TRIP TRAININGS
*Scheduled for Sundays – May 15 and 22 > 6:30-7:30pm / It is important to make these meetings

BEACH CAMP 2016 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE 
*We still have places for students to attend summer camp so get your $ and registration forms turned in ASAP. The required student-parent orientation meeting is Wed, May 18th @ 6:30pm.

HSM > Rangers vs. Astros Baseball – Wed, June 8th
Invite a friend and join us for $1 hot dog night and a great rivalry. We will load @ 5pm from HSM Room and head to Arlington. Game starts at 705pm. There are 25 tickets available - $20/each.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3

Dear Parents,

This week, we concluded our three-week study on God’s knowability. This week’s lesson was a great time of study in God’s Word. I hope your teenager was challenged by it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Knowledge that Transforms,” and it focused on helping our students understand that knowing God is not merely a concept, but a truth that transforms who we are and our view of God’s mission. We helped them define how knowing God changes their view of themselves, others, and God’s mission in the world.

We looked at the following scripture passages:
  • 2 Peter 1:1-9
  • Galatians 4:8-9
  • Psalm 46:10
You’ll enjoy reading these powerful passages that show that knowledge of God results in transformation.


Next Steps...
During the next week as you have time to talk with your teenager, ask the following questions:
  • What are you doing to grow deeper this week in your relationship with Jesus?
  • How have you seen God at work in the world around you?
  • How can God use you for His mission today?
I pray that this was a meaningful unit of study for your teenager. If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.


REMINDERS

STUDENT MINISTRY CAR WASH & “YARD” SALE / Sat, May 21st (9am – 1pm)
NSBC Student Ministry Families…here is a way for you to earn some $ for your summer activity account to offset expenses for mission trips and camp. Pledge forms will be given out beginning Wed, May 4th in MSM and HSM “Fuel” worship times where your students are encouraged to solicit pledges from family members, neighbors, friends, etc. (If not there they will be available on the student ministry welcome desks. We can use a few parents to help out with car wash so see Jim or Eric about this. Parents, you can also “rent” a parking lot space and bring items to sale (parking lot sale instead of garage or yard sale). It will be promoted within the community and has been a great way for families to make $ for these expenses. If interested, please contact Linka Wallace.


BEACH CAMP 2016 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE 
*We still have places for students to attend summer camp so get your $ and registration forms turned in ASAP. The required student-parent orientation meeting is Wed, May 18th @ 6:30pm.


HONDO / HONDURAS MISSION TRIP TRAININGS
*Scheduled for Sundays – May 15 and 22.

In Christ,
Jim & Eric

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

This week we continued our three-week study on God’s knowability. This week’s lesson was a great lesson. I hope your student enjoyed it!

This week, the lesson was entitled “Knowing God.” It focused on helping teenagers understand that Jesus is the ultimate picture of who God is, and by knowing Jesus we can truly know God. We challenged teenagers to begin to look deeper into Jesus’ life and ministry to get to know Him better.

We looked at the following scripture passages:
  • Hebrews 1:1-3
  • John 3:2
  • John 6:66-69
You’ll enjoy reading these powerful passages that show is that Jesus is the ultimate picture of who God is.


Next Steps...

During the next week as you have time to talk with your teenager, share with him or her from your experience what it means to know Jesus. So many Christians know facts about Jesus, but they don’t truly know Him because they don’t have a relationship with Him.
Once you have shared about what it means to know Jesus from your experience, Ask your student to share from his or her experience.
Then, spend some time praying for each other that God would give you both a deeper desire to know Jesus better.

Thanks being such a positive influence in your teenager’s life. If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.



REMINDERS

STUDENT MINISTRY CAR WASH & “YARD” SALE / Sat, May 21st (9am – 1pm)

NSBC Student Ministry Families…here is a way for you to earn some $ for your summer activity account to offset expenses for mission trips and camp. Pledge forms will be given out beginning Wed, May 4th in MSM and HSM “Fuel” worship times where your students are encouraged to solicit pledges from family members, neighbors, friends, etc. (If not there they will be available on the student ministry welcome desks. We can use a few parents to help out with car wash so see Jim or Eric about this. Parents, you can also “rent” a parking lot space and bring items to sale (parking lot sale instead of garage or yard sale). It will be promoted within the community and has been a great way for families to make $ for these expenses. If interested, please contact Linka Wallace.


BEACH CAMP 2016 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE 
*We still have places for students to attend summer camp so get your $ and registration forms turned in ASAP. The required student-parent orientation meeting is Wed, May 18th @ 6:30pm.


HONDO / HONDURAS MISSION TRIP TRAININGS
*Scheduled for Sundays – May 15 and 22.





Sunday, May 1, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

Hello Again! We have just begun a new three-week study on God’s knowability. This week’s lesson was a great discussion. I hope your teenager enjoyed it!

This week, the lesson was entitled “Known By His Work,” and it focused on helping students understand that in the Old Testament, God’s people learned about Him through stories of His past work in the life of His people, and His work in the world through them in the present; and to move beyond merely knowing about what God has done in other people’s lives, and to truly know God for themselves by seeing Him at work in their lives today.

We looked at the following scripture passages:
  • Exodus 29:45-46
  • Deuteronomy 4:32-35
  • Joshua 4:20-24
  • 1 Samuel 17:46-47
  • 1 Kings 18:36-37
  • 2 Kings 19:15-19
You’ll enjoy reading these powerful passages that show God’s work of making Himself known to and through His people.


Next Steps...

During the next week as you have time to talk with your teenager, consider asking the following questions:
  • Say: You talked about knowing God in this week’s lesson. What do you think it means to know God?
  • In this week’s lesson, we heard Moses share with God’s people stories of the great things that God had done for them. Take some time this week to share with your teenager how God has worked in your life and family.
  • This week’s lesson focused on having your own personal experience with God rather than just living off of one’s parent’s faith. Help your teenager wrestle with the question: Have I personally experienced God, or am I simply living off of my parents’ faith? 
As always, if you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call us.


REMINDERS

BEACH CAMP 2016 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE 
*We still have places for students to attend summer camp so get your $ and registration forms turned in ASAP. The student-parent orientation meeting is Wed, May 18th @ 6:30pm.


HONDO / HONDURAS MISSION TRIP TRAININGS*Scheduled for Sundays – May 1, 15, and 22


ETHAN SMART MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT / Friday, May 6 @ Canyon West Golf Club
*Spots still available for individual or team competitors and hole sponsors. Contact Jim for details. The deadline for participation is Sunday, May 1.