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.

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

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.

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.

Persecution: Lesson 3

Dear Parents,

We’ve wrapped up our last look at our three-lesson look at persecution. It’s been a great time of discussion and learning. My prayer is that it translates into real life-transformation for your teenager. Hopefully it provides insights and support to stand positively in the face of adversity. It seems like “persecution” issues are in the news more and more each week from bombings overseas to cultural and ideological battles on the courthouse steps and in the media. It seems like weekly it is getting more difficult to stand for the faith and its biblical principles it has been based on.

This final lesson, Lesson 3, was entitled, “Our Attitude In Persecution.” In this lesson our students learned that while it’s admittedly pretty awful to experience persecution, there are positive outcomes. We challenged students to identify where they have experienced persecution, and to consider both what it has taught them and how they can respond to it.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Matthew 5:10-12
• 1 Peter 4:12-14
• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
• James 1:2-4
• Matthew 5:43-44

I hope you will be able to take the time to read these passages as well, so that you can have some context for following up with your teenager.


Next Steps...
As you have time this week, consider asking the following questions to continue the discipleship-conversation with your teenager:

• It’s really challenging at your age, but how can taking a big-picture view of your life help you deal with any opposition you might face as a result of being identified with Christ?
• If we believe God is sovereign, then we have to believe that He allows you to undergo persecution. Why do you think He might allow you to experience pain or discomfort for being a Christ-follower?
• What do you think the problem is with hiding your faith out of fear of being persecuted? What’s at stake?

I hope this has been a meaningful time of growth for your teenager. As always, let us know what we can do for you in the future.


REMINDERS
BEACH CAMP 2016 - $100 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE (Form and payment guarantees spot for you and/or a guest)
*Check registration brochure (HSM/MSM Desks) for info on siblings and guests discounts


SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
MSM “Tacky Prom” – MSM Room @ 6:30pm / Wed, April 20


HSM BARN DANCE @ TEXAS STAR (6pm – 9pm) / Sat, April 30

HONDO MISSION TRIP / June 11-17
*If you missed this parent-student info meeting please make sure to grab an info brochure out of the youth rooms


If you don’t get the student ministry news e-mails or info through Facebook, please contact Linka, youth assistant, linka@nsbcweatherford.com.

We are glad that your family is a part of North Side!
Jim & Eric

Persecution: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

I am thrilled to write to you again and let you know how we’ve progressed through our study on persecution. Last week we asked ourselves if we were living a life that may even warrant persecution from our peers. This week we took the time to see what the Bible says about why we experience persecution and how to use that for God’s glory.

Our second lesson was entitled “Because of Christ.” In the lesson this week we saw that by identifying with Jesus we will experience persecution. Yet, there is a silver lining on any opposition we face. We actually bring glory to God when we suffer for His name.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• John 15:18-21
• John 16:33
• Luke 21:12-13
• Philippians 1:12-14

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these passages. I pray that you’re challenged as much as we have been by what we’ve been learning.


Next Steps...
During the week as you have time to talk with your teenager, consider asking the following questions:

• Why do you think Jesus encountered persecution when He was bringing a message of hope to the world?

• In what ways are we like Christ when we experience persecution?

• We read where Paul shared that his own imprisonment could be seen as joyful because it meant that others may hear about the Good News of Jesus. What is the modern day equivalent of this? How does this look in your life?

• How can I help you succeed in your spiritual walk with the Lord and encourage you when you experience opposition in life?

I am excited to have the opportunity to partner with you on this journey to help your teenager go deeper in his or her relationship with Christ. Please let us know if we can help or answer any questions for you!


REMINDERS
BEACH CAMP 2016 - $100 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE (Form and payment guarantees spot for you and/or a guest)
*Check registration brochure (HSM/MSM Desks) for info on siblings and guests discounts


SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Combined MSM & HSM “FUEL” with special guest – Isaac Tauaefa / Wed, April 13

MSM “Tacky Prom” – MSM Room @ 6:30pm / Wed, April 20


HSM LUNCH-IN FUNDRAISER / Sun, April 17 (Following morning services)
*Great way to earn $ for mission trip or summer camp

HONDO MISSION TRIP / June 11-17
*If you missed this parent-student info meeting please make sure to grab an info brochure out of the youth rooms


If you don’t get the student ministry news e-mails or info through Facebook, please contact Linka, youth assistant, linka@nsbcweatherford.com.

We are glad that your family is a part of North Side!
Jim & Eric

Persecution: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

What a special Easter weekend here at North Side! We hope you were one of the 2,800 plus participants who worshipped with us at some point during the weekend. HE IS RISEN!

We always need that as a daily reminder especially in these crazy times of political and cultural uncertainty in our nation or the “terroristic fears” that plague our planet. A potential outcome for believers following Jesus Christ is the risk of persecution – spiritually, socially, emotionally, or even physically.

This new series will focus on the topic of persecution over the next three weeks. We far too often aren’t looking for God to use our pain. One truth we can embrace, God doesn't waste pain. Whether it is emotional, physical or otherwise; God wants to use us as a shining light to the world around us for His glory. We are different than those around us. We live with a hope. Often because of our identification with Christ, we experience persecution from those who don’t know Him.

This week we began our study with a lesson entitled, “Paying the Price.” The goal of this lesson was the help students evaluate whether their lives are so closely identified with Christ that they might experience opposition as a result.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Psalms 38:19-22
• Psalms 119:68-72
• Psalms 119:85-87
• Psalms 69:13-18
• Psalms 74:8-21
• Psalms 124:6-8
• Psalms 37:12-13

I hope you will be able to take the time to read these passages as well, so that you can have some context for following up with your teenager.

Next Steps...

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

• What resonated with you from the first lesson persecution? Did you learn anything new that you didn’t know before?

• Can you think of times you felt left out, or worse, because of your faith? If so, how did it feel?

• How can we come to grips with the fact that every day, all over the world, young people and old alike will lose their lives simply because they believe in Christ? How can we compare that to what we experience because of our faith?

• How can I pray for you, particularly as it applies to your relationship with God?

Thank you so much for your support of our ministry and for choosing to make time to engage your child in their spiritual growth. Look for another Parent Page next week regarding our lesson!

REMINDERS

BEACH CAMP 2016 - $100 DEPOSIT/REGISTRATION DUE (Form and payment guarantees spot for you and/or a guest)
*Check registration brochure (HSM/MSM Desks) for info on siblings and guests discounts

SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

MSM “GAME NIGHT” – NSBC Gym @ 6:30pm / Wed, April 6

Combined MSM & HSM “FUEL” with special guest – Isaac Tauaefa / Wed, April 13

MSM “Tacky Prom” – MSM Room @ 6:30pm / Wed, April 20


HSM LUNCH-IN FUNDRAISER / Sun, April 17 (Following morning services)
*Great way to earn $ for mission trip or summer camp

HONDO MISSION TRIP / June 11-17
*If you missed this parent-student info meeting please make sure to grab an info brochure out of the youth rooms

If you don’t get the student ministry news e-mails or info through Facebook, please contact Linka, youth assistant, linka@nsbcweatherford.com.

We are glad that your family is a part of North Side!
Jim & Eric

P.S. If you see this and are the first parent to email Jim at jim@nsbcweatherford.com the code BEACHBUCKS25, your child will get $25 off of their cost for beach camp in PCB this summer!