http://theorchardefc.org/arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/ en jnewton@theorchardefc.org Copyright 2010 2010-05-05T14:39:36+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/case-studies-training-our-students-to-think/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/case-studies-training-our-students-to-think/#When:14:39:36Z   The title of our latest BIC teaching series is “Tough questions for a Big God”.  In this series we hope to expose students to some of the challenging questions that skeptics ask when confronted with God and Christianity.  These questions are questions that I am sure you have encountered in the past or have even raised yourself at some point.   We are working through these tough questions by diving into case studies, stories that draw students into real life issues and encourage them to understand why a person would ask these questions and how Christians should respond.  The goal of this activity is to help students develop a biblical worldview and prepare them to think through some of life’s challenging questions.   The questions we will pose include: “Isn’t the Bible just a bunch of made up stories?” “If you are really there God, why don’t you prove it!” “If we can be forgiven of everything, doesn’t that mean we can do anything?” “If you are the God of love, why would you send people to Hell?” “All good people go to heaven, right?” “God, why do you allow suffering?” As we discuss these questions we take students into the Bible to show what God has to say about each of these questions.  We work through what God says and then apply it to the questions at hand.  So far I have been encouraged by our students in this series, it is neat to see them grow in their understanding of who God is and what he has done.  2010-05-05T14:39:36+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/blaze-report/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/blaze-report/#When:16:26:59Z  I wanted to report that we had a great time at BLAZE this year.  If your student went I am sure you have heard and seen some of the fruit from this conference, I have been encouraged by our students who have been sharing Christ with many of their unbelieving friends.  If your student was unable to go we strongly encourage you to send them next year (we will be going again next year, Lord willing).If your student only gave you the typical teenage answer to the question, “How was the conference?”  (Good), here are some questions that might get them talking: What is the difference between relational and relentless evangelism?  Which one is the best?Penn, an avid atheist, from Penn and Teller said, if you believe in heaven and hell, how could you hate someone enough to not share with them the Gospel, how did that statement make you feel?  What is your response?How can you use the G-O-S-P-E-L acronym to share your faith?  What does each of these letters stand for?In the drama that unfolded about the video from hell, what is God’s response to this video (2 Corinthians 3.3) Thank you again parents for giving students the opportunity to spend a weekend immersed in the gospel and the power of it.  We as a ministry appreciate all you do.  If you want to share how you have seen your student grow as a result of this conference, feel free to share! 2010-03-24T16:26:59+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/sandwich-sale/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/sandwich-sale/#When:02:59:44Z Dear Parents, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do for your children.  Last Sunday we had about 30 students participate in the sandwich sale and we could not have done that without you driving your kids off early in the morning.  We covet the time we get leaders get to spend with your kids.  Our prayer is that in this time spent with them we can teach Christ through our conversation and our actions.  We also pray that they would grow closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ.  Thank you for making that happen by taking time to bring your kids to our events. We made over 800 sandwiches and raised over 2,000 dollars during the sandwich sale and this money will help absorb some of the cost of the summer conference.  We will have more information on that as it becomes available. Thanks again for your support! 2010-03-06T02:59:44+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/herd-for-the-ride-home/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/herd-for-the-ride-home/#When:20:03:22Z This past Wednesday, our ministry held our first, "HERD For the Ride Home" evening. It was a night where parents were encouraged and invited to experience our typical Middle School youth group evening. The purpose of the evening was to set up an intentional time for parents and students to discuss the evening during "the ride home."In probably the most monumental study performed on the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers, the postscript reminds us that youth will be more involved and serious about their faith when their parents are more involved in and serious about their faith (The results of this study are found in Soul Searching, by Christian Smith, published by Oxford Press, 2005). For our students to thrive spiritually largely hinges upon the parent.For this reason, the youth ministry here at the Orchard aims to empower the parent to do the true "youth ministry." We encourage you the parent to continually follow up with your middle school student after each Wednesday evening, Sunday morning, large event or service project. Reinforcing things that they experience and learn are a key component to forging a genuine faith within them. Here are some general questions, when applicable, that are good to ask:1. What was the main point of the sermon?2. What did you learn about God? What did you learn about humanity/yourself?3. In light of the things you heard, what do you sense God would want you to change in your life?4. (After returning from a service project) Why do you think it is so important for a Christian to be involved in serving?5. (After returning from a large event) What is one moment that you will probably never forget?6. (After returning from a large event) How did you experience God's presence over the course of the weekend/week? What are specific examples? 2010-02-19T20:03:22+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/blaze-the-conference/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/blaze-the-conference/#When:03:28:03Z Dare 2 Share is an organization that strives to ignite a passion for sharing Jesus in the souls of students who know Him.  Students will be reminded of the hope they have in Christ.  They will also be challenged to share the faith and hope they have with others.  The BLAZE conference is not for students who have evangelism all figured out, it is not just for students who are bold in their faith, it is for students who love God and want to share him with others (even if they are scared of the prospect of sharing their faith).  Our prayer is that this conference would help our students gain an excitement about evangelism. Evangelism can be challenging and scary, if we are honest, most of us struggle with sharing our faith.  If your student is apprehensive about attending this conference, share with them the fears and struggles you have faced when it comes to sharing your faith.  Also, encourage them.  This conference will give them some tools and techniques for sharing ones faith along with providing a space for practical application of what we learn.  Fear and apprehension does not disqualify your student from coming to this conference. This conference will be stretching and will require students to step outside of their comfort zones and share their faith with others.  Our youth can expect training and tools to help them get started, suggestions and help from their peers along with modeling and encouragement from their leaders.  We do ask that students be willing to participate, even when it is challenging. I hope to see your students there and cannot wait to see what the LORD has in store for all those who attend! 2010-02-15T03:28:03+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/talents-and-what-we-are-called-to-do/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/talents-and-what-we-are-called-to-do/#When:20:45:40Z This past Wednesday’s sermon was very hard for me to preach.  It was on a passage that I am sure most of you are familiar with, the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25.14-30).  In this passage we see that God gives to each of us according to our ability and expects us to go out and use what he has given us.  He expects us to invest and grow the abilities, resources, friendships, gifts and talents that he has entrusted us with. This sermon was hard for me personally because I am guilty of comparing my accomplishments to the accomplishments of others.  I am glad when I do better than others and discouraged when I do not do as well as others.  One of the messages in this passage that must not be overlooked is that God gives to each of us, according to our abilities. Our responsibility as Christians, in response to what Christ has done for us, is to use our abilities for his glory and that will look different for all of us.  There will always be some who God has gifted more and some who he has gifted less, it is unfair of us to compare ourselves to someone who has been given more or less. I taught our students this, now I have to go out and apply it.  As I think about this and realize my shortcomings, I wonder how our students would respond if we confessed that we do not always apply the messages we hear and that we sometimes fail.  Maybe they would realize that the Christian life is a process, they might be relieved to know that we fail (they probably already know this, but they may be impacted by our honesty). Share with your children some of the talents God has entrusted with you and show them how you are investing those talents.  Confess to them that it is difficult not to compare the quality of what we do with others even though we know that we each have been given according to our ability.  Encourage them by telling them some of the talents you see in their lives that God has entrusted them with.  Help them to invest those talents and work to increase those talents as they wait for the return of the master, our Lord Jesus Christ.  2010-02-03T20:45:40+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/winter-xtreme-wrap-up/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/winter-xtreme-wrap-up/#When:17:50:05Z Winter Xtreme Wrap up Winter Xtreme was a huge success this year.  I was encouraged by the weekend and I think that our students connected God and to each other in a powerful way.  I wanted to take this time to share with you what was taught and what we hope our students took away from this incredible retreat. Greg shared with us the Gospel and then gave simple illustrations on how to live out the Christian faith. Session 1 – Freedom in knowing Jesus Greg Speck started by preaching the gospel and offering an invitation to others to accept Christ as their savior.  He shared his own testimony including the 4 things one of his friends told him in High School: John 3.16 – God loves you and Jesus’ love for you lasts foreverRomans 3.23 – You have messed up, you are a sinner and your sin has separated you from Christ (Ask your students to tell you the illustration of sin and separation from God)Romans 5.8 – While still a sinner, Christ died for youJohn 1.12 – If you believe in him and receive his name you can become a child of GodIt was refreshing to hear the gospel presented to our students in such a clear and simple way.  It was also encouraging to see the response of many to the Gospel.  Session 2 – Fearless Living What does it mean to live fearlessly?  Greg Speck encouraged us to live out Micah 6.8 in light of what God has done for us.  God has called us to act justly, love mercifully and to walk humbly with your God.  But what does this look like? Act Justly – we were reminded that there is a difference between being a moral person and a person of character.  The moral person does not do what is wrong and is often judgmental.  This is a very passive way to live.  The person of character does what is right, lives out their faith actively.Love Mercifully – we were challenged to forgive rather than seek revenge and to treat others the way that Jesus treated us.  Jesus forgave us, in light of this, we should be able to forgive others.Walk Humbly with your God – glorify God by making him look good.  By our lives we make God look good, or we make him look bad.  Session 3 – Courageous Love Greg Speck encouraged us to love one another, calling some students out by saying that they could be very mean (anyone who has lived or worked with middle school students has seen this).  We examined 1 John 4.7-11 and resolved to keep our peer groups horseshoe shaped and open to others rather than circular and closed (ask your student to explain what this means).  We also took a look at the 5 ways we can care for others (from the 5 love languages): Service – Men were called to be gentlemen by holding doors open for women.  Women were called to respect men by affirming, building up and encouraging men.Words – we were called to use them to build up even though it is our tendency to tear downGifts – we were called to not just give flowers to dead peopleTime – we were called to listen like it says in James “Be slow to speak, slow to become angry and quick to listen.”  Greg also called some of us out saying we talk too muchTouch – Not perverted or painful but in the purest sense.  Session 4 – Going home and continuing to live for Jesus This message hit home to many of our students as they asked for prayer in being courageous as they returned to school.  We were reminded that faith is more than a feeling because God will never leave us or forsake us.  Feelings may come and go but we are called to follow no matter how we feel. Walk with God (1 John 2.6) – anyone can run a sprint but Jesus has called us to a marathon and to do that we must develop a relationship with him.  (Your children may need help and encouragement in knowing where to start, I encourage you to talk with your child and help them by maybe choosing a book of the Bible to study and a time that they can do it uninterrupted. Tell them about what you study and how you commune with God).Be holy (Leviticus 20.7-8) – This is a result of obedience.We were reminded that we do this not to make God love us more but because of how much we love God and because of what he has done for us.  Greg finished by challenging us to examine our lives and start something God wanted us to start and stop something God wanted us to stop.  Be encouraged, we did have one student start on the Christian journey this weekend.  Praise God for bringing one more from our group to Himself!  Thank you again for entrusting your kids to the leaders and me, we are honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to help your students on their spiritual journey.  2010-01-22T17:50:05+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/winter-xtreme/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/winter-xtreme/#When:17:39:59Z Happy New Year!  We are halfway into the first month of the new decade and I pray that all is well with your family.  I apologize for neglecting this blog for so long, I resolve to keep the blog a priority this year and to have something posted for you every week.Winter Extreme is this weekend!!! In just a couple of hours 74 students and leaders will be hopping on a couple of buses and heading over to camp Timberlee for our annual winter retreat.  This retreat has always been a special time to connect, have fun and grow in knowledge of God.  This year, the theme for the retreat is fearless and the theme verse is Isaiah 43:1-2 "But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’"Encouragement from last yearLast year we had at least one student respond to the messages and accept Christ for the first time.  These retreats always include an evangelistic element and Camp Timberlee commits to spreading the Gospel to the students who attend.  Our students are at the age where many will make a first time formal commitment to Jesus Christ and begin the Christian journey and retreats are times that give individuals the opportunity to respond to the calling that Christ has put into their lives. Our prayer is that some of our students will be impacted in this way.If you would, please pray for our students and leaders.  Pray for:-          Safety - that students and adults would have a great time that comes without serious injury, sickness and fatigue.-          Relationships - that students would grow closer to each other, to leaders and to God on this trip.-          Spiritual formation – that God would move in the hearts of our students and leaders to draw us all closer to himself.For the ride homeWhen your children return home they will probably be experiencing a mountain top experience as a result of this retreat.  If this is your students first retreat, you can expect a spiritual high that will leave them burning brightly for the Lord.  I encourage you to capitalize on this and use this time to connect with your kids spiritually, ask them questions about what they learned, see what God is doing in their lives, how have they changed …  The ride home and dinner time Sunday night is a great time to engage your students in this spiritual discussion.I pray that you will have a restful weekend with your students gone, pray for your child and the group as we are having a blast.  We leaders will also be praying for your children and for you as they return home.  Next week I will post a retreat wrap up, giving you some highlights and stories from the retreat.  Until then, may God bless you and grow you into the image of him. 2010-01-15T17:39:59+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/how-do-you-prepare-for-christmas/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/how-do-you-prepare-for-christmas/#When:22:50:30Z  How does your family prepare for the Christmas season?  What kind of Bible studies do you do as a family?  I would love to get some feedback from you to hear what strategies you have for entering into God’s word.  What has been effective and what have your kids have enjoyed?  I believe this feedback would be helpful for both me (as someone who will one day want to teach my kids) and other parents who struggle to know how to get started with a family Bible study. When I was young, my family would read the Bible together every morning after breakfast and I cherished that time.  Our morning devotions were never very long, maybe 5 minutes a day, but I remember it being a priority (even when we had friends spend the night, we included our friends in it).  One of us would read a section of scripture (usually just one passage indicated by the bold headings in the Bible), one of us would pray and afterwards the floor would be open to talk about what was read or to ask any questions.  This time together has had a lasting effect on my life. I know other families read through the same bits of scripture on an individual basis and bring some reflections to the dinner table.  This type of family Bible study can be very effective and, if encouraged, can create great quiet time habits that can stick with some people for a lifetime. Maybe your family is too busy to do these types of Bible studies every day, maybe something scheduled for couple of days a week would work better.  Any time you spend in God’s word will produce fruit. If you do not read the Bible together as a family, it is not too late to start.  Christmas is a natural time of year to start new traditions and reading scripture as a family is a great way to help you and your children to connect and grow spiritually.  The book of Luke would be a great place to start. Also, one of the most helpful tools to use as an aid in the process of leading a Bible study with your family is a study Bible.  Study Bibles have notes under the Biblical texts and are very helpful for answering questions you may have about scripture by including some background information, definitions of terms, maps, ECT.   If you do not have one I would encourage you to buy one (I prefer the NIV study Bible, ESV study Bible, or John MacArthur NASB study Bible – you can usually find these at discounted prices at amazon.com or cbd.com).   If you want to take a look at one, feel free to ask me or Bing and we would be more than happy to let you see what they are like. Please feel free to post some things that have been helpful to you, things that may encourage others or to let us know that you are starting a bible study.   2009-12-04T22:50:30+00:00 http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/ http://theorchardefc.org//arlington-heights/ministries-and-groups/middle-school/blog/entries/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/#When:20:26:17Z For those of you who had students attend Fall Frenzy, they may have shared with you the topic that was discussed—the end of the world.  Josh and I decided that he would continue the series “The End of the World” throughout the remainder of the school year.  On the last HERD Wednesday of each month, through May, Josh will address this topic biblically.We are off to a great start, as Josh shared from Matthew 24 answering the questions, when will Jesus return and how shall we live in light of Jesus’ return?  We hope that over the course of the series, students will be able to formulate what the Bible has to say about the end of the world.  In light of a number of recent movies, we continue to seek how to engage with our culture with a biblical mindset. Keep on the look out for information coming for WinterXtreme, our Winter Retreat.  We’ll be unveiling our online registration process for the first time.  From this point on, we’ll offer online registration and payment for all of our larger events.  If you’re searching for a great Christmas present for your student, WinterXtreme may be the gift you are looking for! 2009-11-20T20:26:17+00:00