Jesus & Loving Others: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

We just finished our second lesson in the Bible study series Jesus and Loving Others. Remember last week we talked about the great commandment where Jesus lifted up the idea of loving God and loving others. This week we shifted focus to loving those who may be difficult to love. It’s a hard teaching, for sure, but one Jesus was pretty straightforward about. Your teenager was challenged to consider those people in his or her life who may be tough to love, and to consider ways to show these individuals the love of Christ.

Here are the Scriptures that were used in this week’s lesson:

• Matthew 5:43-48
• Romans 13:8-10 

Please take a few minutes this week to read these passages.


Next Steps...

Loving those who are mean or hateful, especially if that hate is directed at us, is difficult at best. Jesus loved those who hated Him. We’re told to do the same. Here are some ideas to help engage your teenager in the conversation about loving the unlovable:

• Ask your teenager if he or she can think of some unlovable people in their life right now. Ask why he or she would classify that person as unlovable. 
• Ask what is the easiest thing to do in regards to people who make it difficult to love them. Engage in a discussion about why loving these people is so difficult. 
• Guide your teenager to consider why Jesus wanted us to love those who are tough to love. (Answers might include because His love is perfect, because His love is the only thing that can change that person, or because God wants to teach us something through loving others.) 
• Be ready to share your experiences with loving difficult people and share some ideas that helped you show love to those who are hard to love. Especially point out that this kind of love can only be shown through the power of God’s Holy Spirit living in us. 

Continue to pray for our group as we continue this study. I will send you another update next week.


COMING UP...
Combo “Fuel” / HSM Room @ 6:30pm*Wed, Nov 2 – Astronaut/Pilot - Jim Dutton
*Wed, Nov 9 – Eric Peters Concert

Fall Retreats*HSM / Nov 4-5, 2016 @ Camp Copass, Denton, TX
*MSM / Nov 11-13, 2016 @ Sky Ranch, Van, TX

Jesus & Loving Others: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

This week your teenager studied the first lesson in our four-part series entitled Jesus and Loving Others. The main point this week centered on Jesus’ teaching, referred to as the Greatest Commandment, that to love God and to love others is the true fulfillment of the heart of God’s law. Jesus was very adamant that loving others should be one of the key elements in the life of a Christian, second only to loving God! The students were challenged to really evaluate their lives and see how this concept fleshes out in their day-to-day living.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Matthew 22:34-40 
• 1 John 3:10 

Next Steps...
Each week your teenager will be challenged to apply what he or she has learned. You can help your teenager continue to apply the Bible to daily life by taking some time to engage him or her in conversation using the following ideas:
See if your teenager remembers what Jesus said was the greatest commandment. Ask why he or she thinks Jesus put so much emphasis on loving other people.
Help your teenager consider how the concept of loving others can start in your home. What are some areas in which your teenager already thrives? Where does your teenager need to work on this a little more?
See if your teenager can think of any ways “loving others” can be practiced in daily life such as through church ministry projects, mission trips, or individual efforts. Offer to help with any idea your teenager may have.


COMING UP...
“Breaking Free” Youth Choir Begins / Teen Parents Study @ 5pm / Sun, October 30th*Students discover location of next summer’s mission trip
*HSM Student Bible Study finishes up @ 4pm (Missed last week due to movie)

Trunk or Treat / October 31st*Student ministry/family project
*5:30pm / Set up & cooking hot dogs
*6:30-8:30pm / Trunk or Treat & Bounce House Games
*If donating a package of hot dog buns/weenies please bring by this Sun, October 30

Combo “Fuel” / HSM Room @ 6:30pm*Wed, Nov 2 – Astronaut/Pilot - Jim Dutton
*Wed, Nov 9 – Eric Peters Concert

Fall Retreats*HSM / Nov 4-5, 2016 @ Camp Copass, Denton, TX
*MSM / Nov 11-13, 2016 @ Sky Ranch, Van, TX

God's Glory: Lesson 3

Dear Parents,

Hello again! This week was the last lesson of our study on God’s glory. The lesson was entitled “Glory To God Through Us.” The point of the lesson was that our students would understand that God is given glory as they live out their everyday lives, especially during tough times, and that they would accept the challenge to be more identified with Christ through their daily actions and interactions.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

• 1 Peter 1:3-7

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

You’ll enjoy reading these passages and how we can reflect God’s glory through our actions.


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

• So, here’s an interesting thought: we can’t add to God’s glory. He is glorified because of how amazingly awesome He is. So, why should we still seek to bring honor and respect to Him through our lives? (There’s no right answer here. Just something to get you thinking!)

• Have you ever thought about the fact that you rarely have a neutral affect on how people see God? People know you’re a Christ-follower. Your actions (and mine) almost always say something about how important God is to us. We can either show that He’s important, or not very. How does this change the way we should see our actions?

• Are there areas of our family’s life where we could be doing more to draw people to God? How might we move toward being more intentional about bringing glory to God? 

As always, don’t ever hesitate to call me if you need anything. It’s a real privilege to partner with you in leading your teenager closer to Christ.

God's Glory: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

Hello! This week was Week 2 of our study on God’s glory. We had an awesome time together and I hope your teenager got to see God’s glory in a new way!

The lesson was entitled “‘Glory Displayed.” It focused on helping students understand the role Jesus played in physically demonstrating God’s glory on this earth. We led them to discuss what the affect of truly “seeing” Jesus’ glory has or could have on their relationship with Christ.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• John 1:10-14
• Hebrews 1:1-3
• John 17:1-5
• John 2:1-11

You’ll enjoy reading these passages and see how God’s glory was displayed through His Son.

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

• What do you think God was trying to communicate to us when He sent Jesus into our world to live among us? What’s the significance?

• What does Jesus tell us about who God is? What about Jesus’ life demonstrated God’s glory? 

• Have you ever thought about what it must have been like for the disciples to spend three years with Jesus? What do you think it was like to spend time with Him? 

• How was God showing His glory when Jesus hung on the cross? 

If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’m looking forward to our final week of our study.

God's Glory: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

Hello again! This week we started our study of God’s glory. It was a great time of learning and discussion. I hope your teenager enjoyed it.

The lesson was entitled “Glory Defined,” and it focused on helping students understand that God’s glory speaks predominantly to the honor and awe due to God simply for who He is. It challenged our students to both look for God’s glory and respond to it in their daily lives.

We looked at the following Scripture passages: 

• Exodus 24:15-18 
• Luke 2:8-10 
• Revelation 21:22-25 
• 1 Chronicles 16:23-29 
• Psalms 19:1-3 
• Romans 1:18-20 

You’ll enjoy reading these passages and how God’s glory speaks to us in our every day lives.

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

• If God’s glory speaks through His creation to us, what are some of the words which describe God and who He is? 

• Where are some of the places you see God’s glory displayed? What places near here, or have we travelled to that display God’s glory. 

• God is powerful and mighty. How is it possible to have a healthy fear of such a big God? Is it healthy to fear God? Why? Why not? 

• What are some of the ways you are learning to help keep focused on God’s glory? 

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

Jim & Eric

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

Hello! We just completed our second week in our four-week study on what Jesus had to say about forgiveness. We had a really good time of discussion and Bible study. I hope your teenager got a lot out of it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Forgive To Be Forgiven,” and it focused on helping students understand the somewhat complex words of Christ, when He said that God will not forgive us unless we forgive others. We challenged students to identify anyone in their lives to whom they need to extend forgiveness, and to commit to forgiving him or her.

We looked at the following Scripture passages: 

Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew 6:14-15
Mark 11:25

You’ll enjoy reading these great scriptures and seeing how God expects us to model His willingness to forgive.

Next Steps...

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

• Do you remember how you guys talked about Jesus words about forgiveness? It seems kind of harsh. How did your group make sense of Jesus saying that we must forgive others if we expect God to forgive us?

• Are you holding a grudge against anyone right now? Can we talk about it? What has to happen to help move you to a place of forgiveness?

• What are some ways our family can model God’s mercy to others we encounter? Can we think of some specific ways we might do this?

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


REMINDERS

BEACH CAMP 2016 – ALL paperwork and balance is due NOW!!! Please see Linka ASAP in the church office if you have not turned it in.

Wed, June 29 – “HSM FUEL” Night / Theme: “Anarchy”

This is a special activity and worship night in the HSM Room from 6:30-8pm that you and a friend don’t want to miss. It’s going to be a total blast and led by the interns and staff. The more the merrier (and better)!

Wed, July 6 – we will be taking MSM and HSM to HAWAIIAN FALLS in Mansfield for Parker County Youth Group Day. We will leave North Side at Noon and return by 8pm. Cost for students is $20 (includes unlimited soft drinks) but if you would like to go as a chaperone we will cover your cost – first (5) to respond.


In Christ,
Jim & Eric

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

Hello! To remind you, we’ve just embarked on a four-week journey to discover what Jesus had to say about forgiveness. This week’s lesson was a really awesome time of fellowship and learning. I hope your child enjoyed it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Forgiveness Starts With Jesus,” and it focused on helping students understand that the forgiveness we are to extend to others comes from the forgiveness that originates in Christ. We challenged students to be more aware of how they see the concept of forgiveness at work in their lives.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Mark 2:1-12 
• Matthew 1:21 
• Luke 23:34 

You’ll enjoy reading these great scriptures and seeing how forgiveness truly does start with Jesus.


Next Steps...

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

• What was the one thing that you remember from your Bible study time. Why did it stand out to you like it did?

• Consider telling your child a story about a time when you had to choose to forgive someone even though it was a difficult decision/process. 

• Ask if your teenager is struggling with someone in his or her life that they need to extend forgiveness to. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them work through it. 

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


REMINDERS

BEACH CAMP 2016 – ALL paperwork and balance is due by next Sunday, June 19th.

Wed, June 29 – “HSM FUEL” Night / Theme: “Anarchy”
This is a special activity and worship night in the HSM Room from 6:30-8pm that you and a friend don’t want to miss. It’s going to be a total blast and led by the interns and staff. The more the merrier (and better)!

Wed, July 6 – we will be taking MSM and HSM to HAWAIIAN FALLS in Mansfield for Parker County Youth Group Day. We will leave North Side at Noon and return by 8pm. Cost for students is $20 (includes unlimited soft drinks) but if you would like to go as a chaperone we will cover your cost – first (5) to respond.


In Christ,
Jim & Eric