God's Mission: Lesson 3

Dear Parents,

We’ve just wrapped up our three-lesson study on God’s Mission this week. This final lesson was entitled, “Mission Accomplished,” and it focused on helping students understand that there will come a day when God has accomplished His rescue mission and all Believers will live forever in peace with God. We challenged our students to accept God’s call on their lives to be vital components of God’s rescue mission.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Matthew 24:30-31
• Revelation 7:9-17
• Revelation 21:1-8
• 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

I hope you’ll be as challenged by these passages as we were this week.


Next Steps...

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

• What is a need you see that our church might address? What’s keeping you from being one of the people who meets this need in Christ’s name?

• What can I do to help you follow through on this?

• Why is there a tendency as a teenager to sit on the sidelines of the church? How is this not in line with what God has in store for you?

Let us know how we can help you lead your teenager in discipleship. It’s been a privilege walking with your along this journey to know more about God’s mission.


COMING UP...

*Watoto Children’s Choir / Feb 2

*MSM & HSM Super Bowl 52 Party / HSM Room / Feb 4

*Community DNOW18 Preview Worship Night / Feb 7

*DNOW18 / Feb 16-18 – Theme: “RUN”

God's Mission: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

This week we looked at the second lesson in our three-lesson look at God’s mission. This lesson was entitled, “Jesus As Rescuer.” It helped lead our students to understand that Jesus was the Rescuer God had been promising for centuries, serving as the highpoint in God’s mission to reconcile sinful people to Himself. We challenged our students to consider all that God accomplished through Christ on their behalf, and to creatively voice a personal response to God as a result.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Mark 1:9-15
• Mark 2:1-17

You’ll enjoy reading these powerful passages and seeing God on mission in each one.


Next Steps...

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

• Can you begin to see what it’s like to read all of Scripture as the story of God’s Rescue Mission for us? How does this change the way you see the Bible?

• Why is it sometimes tricky to really spend time thinking about what Christ did for us? 

• Why is it important for us to make time to dwell on all Jesus has done to rescue us? What can we do as a family to spend more meaningful time focusing on our new life in Christ?

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


COMING UP...

*HSM Canada Mission Trip Info Meeting / Jan 28 – We will meet in the HSM Room at 12:10pm following the 11am Bible Study and Worship service. Come get a handout, hear discussion, and pray!

*Watoto Children’s Choir / Feb 2

*MSM & HSM Super Bowl 52 Party / HSM Room / Feb 4

*Community DNOW18 Preview Worship Night / Feb 7

*DNOW18 / Feb 16-18 – Theme: “RUN”

God's Mission: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

We began a three-week study on God’s Mission this week. God’s mission. It’s a concept that’s tossed around in certain circles, but one that might prove hard to define. But it shouldn’t be. In fact, all of Scripture speaks to His mission. What is God’s mission? It’s God’s plan to redeem humankind from the effects of sin, demonstrated as He interjects His will throughout history and in the lives of humankind. Put simply, God’s mission is rescue. It is recovery.

During this 3-week study we will help our students see that God has been at work throughout history making a way for people to be saved from the effects of sin; that Jesus was the Rescuer God had been promising for centuries; and that there will come a day when God has accomplished His rescue mission and all Believers will live forever in peace with God.

The first lesson was entitled “Made Right,” and it focused on helping students understand that God has been on a mission from the very beginning to rescue all people in all places.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Genesis 12:1-3
• Deuteronomy 6:20-24
• Zechariah 1:1-6
• Isaiah 53:5-7

You’ll enjoy reading these powerful passages and seeing God on mission in each one.


Next Steps...

During the next week as you have time to talk with your teenager, consider asking the following questions in a one-on-one time or maybe over the family dinner.

• Our church talks about going on mission trips frequently. Had you ever thought about God being on a mission? What does that mean exactly?

• How does God’s mission intersect with our lives? Where do we see it as it affects our family? Does God have a purpose for you? If so, what do you think that might be?

• How does it make you feel to know that God’s rescue mission includes rescuing you, and using you to help Him rescue others? 

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

COMING UP...

*North Side Mission’s Conference / Jan 20-21 – Meet and hear from our partners and encounter ways that you and/or your family can be involved.

*SPAM / MSM & HSM Parents Mtg. / Jan 21

*HSM Canada Mission Trip Info Meeting / Jan 28 – We will meet in the HSM Room at 12:10pm following the 11am Bible Study and Worship service. Come get a handout, hear discussion, and pray!

*DNOW18 / Feb 16-18 – Theme: “RUN”

Jesus & Image: Lesson 4

Dear Parents,

We have completed our four-week series on “Jesus and Image.” Your teenager has taken a very deep look at how our culture views and shapes our image, how we are all broken, and how Jesus is the only way to healing.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Fearless.” Understanding who we are in Christ is nothing if we don’t step boldly into the world and live our lives fearlessly for him.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Luke 7:36-50
• 1 Peter 2:21-24

We see in Luke a stark contrast between someone who has acknowledged their brokenness and stepped fearlessly towards Jesus, and someone who is still wrapped up in their old image and arrogantly dismissing Jesus. In 1 Peter, we see how Jesus responded to the world that rejected Him, as an example for us.


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

• What circumstances do you find it most difficult to live your life as a Christ-follower? 
• In the lesson this week, who did you identify with more, the Pharisee or the sinner? Why? 
• What can I do to help you live your Christian life out fearlessly? 

Schools winding down and summer’s a coming. Get ready!

If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call us.

-Jim & Eric


UPCOMING THINGS
*Chicago mission trip training 6:15pm this week (5/21) after youth choir @ 5pm

*MSM & HSM Beach Camp payments are due NOW!! First come-first serve! / Friends are welcome!!!

*Student Ministry Car Wash & Yard Sale @ North Side / Saturday, May 20
-Students need participation info / available @ MSM and HSM welcome desks

Jesus & Image: Lesson 3

Dear Parents,

This week we finished the third lesson in our four-session study about what Jesus had to say about our image. Hopefully, your teen came away encouraged and empowered to be authentic in how he or she represents themselves to the world.

This week, the lesson was entitled “You Are What You Do.” We talked about how you are recognized by your actions, and your image as a Christ-follower is proven authentic by your actions. Your student was challenged to “bear fruit,” living an authentic and God pleasing life.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Luke 6:43-45
• Philippians 1:27

These passages will help you understand what it means to bear fruit.


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

• Do you think it’s fair that you are under more scrutiny because you identify as a Christ-follower? Why or why not?
• What is one area that is a challenge for you when it comes to your actions matching your identity as a Christ-follower?
• How can I pray for you in this area? 

We appreciate you! If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call us.

-Jim & Eric

UPCOMING THINGS
*No drama, choir, or mission training this Sunday, May 14 due to Mother’s Day!

*MSM & HSM Beach Camp deposits are due NOW!! First come-first serve! / Friends are welcome!!!

*Student Ministry Car Wash & Yard Sale @ North Side / Saturday, May 20
-Students need participation info / available @ MSM and HSM welcome desks

Jesus & Image: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

Hello! I wanted to let you know that we’ve wrapped up week two of our study on what Jesus had to say about our image. I know your student was challenged and encouraged this week to look even deeper at how they project themselves to the world.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Broken.” We talked about how everyone on some level, either physically, emotionally, and definitely spiritually, is broken. No matter what image we project, it can only temporarily cover up our brokenness, not fix it. The only one that can heal our brokenness is Jesus.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Luke 18:35-43
• 1 Timothy 1:15-16 

These passages will challenge you and push you to look at your own areas of brokenness.

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

• Do you think the blind beggar realized how broken he was, or did he just know he needed healing and that Jesus was the only one who could heal him? 
• Do we (as your parents) allow you to express brokenness and point you the way to healing? 
• As a family are we transparent enough with our brokenness? 

If you have any questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call us.

-Jim & Eric


UPCOMING THINGS
*HSM Fundraiser – TNT Fireworks stand jobs “INFO Meeting” (Pick one meeting to attend)
-Sun, April 30 (12:10pm) / HSM Room

*Breaking Free Youth Choir practices @ 5pm & Choir Concert @ 6:30pm / May 7

*HSM Beach Camp deposit of $100 is due NOW!! First come-first serve! / Friends are welcome!!!

*Senior Class 2017 Recognition / Please turn in registration no later than next Sun, May 7 (DON’T FORGET PICTURES)

*Student Ministry Car Wash & Yard Sale @ North Side / Saturday, May 20
-Students need participation info / available @ MSM and HSM welcome desks

Jesus & Image: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

Hello! To remind you, we’ve just embarked on a four-week journey to discover how our image relates to our walk with Christ. This week’s lesson was a great time of fellowship and learning. I hope your student enjoyed it.

This week, the lesson was entitled “Image is Everything,” and it focused on helping students understand how our culture is obsessed with creating an image, or a brand, that we project to the world. The problem is, of course, that our image-controlling tendencies get in the way of using our lives to reflect Christ in the world. We looked at how damaging hanging onto a me-focused image can be and instead of projecting a Christ-centered image.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

•  John 3:27-30
• Mark 8:34-38

You’ll enjoy reading these great scriptures and seeing how important it is to consider how we’re using our lives to bring glory to God.


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

• You talked about the images that people project that won’t last. What are some of the ways you’ve seen people you know demonstrate this? 
• Jesus says that to save your life you must lose it. How is that possible? 
• How have you begun to think about the image you project? Are there some aspects of our image that we try to spin and control without even knowing it?
• What can we as a family do to create an atmosphere where our lives are used to make Jesus known to the world?

We are glad your family is a part of North Side. If you have questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to call us.

-Jim & Eric


UPCOMING THINGS
*HSM Fundraiser – TNT Fireworks stand jobs “INFO Meeting” (Pick one meeting to attend)
-Sun, April 23 or 30 (12:10pm) / HSM Room
-Wed, April 26 (7:45pm) / HSM Room

*Chicago Mission Trip deposit ($100 was due this past Sunday, April 23) / Choir @ 5pm & Training @ 6:15pm (4/30)

*HSM Beach Camp deposit ($100 due this Sunday, April 30) / Friends are welcome!!!

*Ethan Smart Memorial Golf Tourney (May 5) / Deadline is Sun, April 30

*Senior Class 2017 Recognition / Register by Sun, April 30 (DON’T FORGET PICTURES)