Eclipse

in search of evidence

As the early church grew, people from all different backgrounds, races, and countries were putting their faith in Jesus. This Sunday as we looked at Acts 11 we saw that the leaders of the church sent a man named Barnabas to check things out. Verse 23 says "When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." The phrase "evidence of the grace of God" jumped out at me and made me ask myself if people would find evidence that God was at work in my life or in our group. What do you think (not just about me, but about our church and you too)? If you are wondering what some of the evidences of grace are check out these passages and use them like a detective’s magnifying glass as you examine your life – Galatians 5:22-25, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and Matthew 5:3-10. I would love to hear your thoughts about what you see in our group – post a comment and lets get better together.

re-contest of the week

Due to popular demand J and to get you in the mood for the cake auction this Sunday, we are going to re-run last week’s contest as this week's contest.  It is an on-line scavenger hunt of fun facts related to high school camp (middle schoolers, you are welcome to participate even though you're going to a different camp).  Email your findings to me by Midnight on Saturday, June 2 - you can email me from the sidebar titled Ask a Youth Pastor.  To participate, you must use the world wide web only and points will be given for the items that you find.  You do not have to complete the list to enter - you are simply trying to get the most points.  If you want to talk smack you can make a post to tell us how many points you think you have.  Good Luck!  Remember everyone wins a prize, but only the winner walks away with some of my money.  Find these things...

We are staying at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, FL:

·       get a picture of a room floor plan (500 points)

·       find local attractions in Panama City Beach (50 points per attraction and you must send me a link to where you found it so I can check out your answers)

·       how many miles is it from our church to the resort (250 points)

We are going to do ministry for two days at the Panama City Rescue Mission

·       who is the executive director (100 pts)

·       what is the address of the mission center (100 pts)

·       how many people received lodging in 2005 (500 pts)

·       what things can you register for on the home page (150 pts for each)

The name of our camp is XFUGE and the ministry who puts it on is Lifeway

·       what is the name of the band's first album (250 pts)

·       what is the name of the band's drummer (500 pts)

·       find a different picture of the camp speaker Landon Dowdon from what is on the XFUGE site

·       what book(s) has Richard Ross written (75 pts for each book title you can find)

·       find a video of The Skit Guys on You Tube and give me the link (400 pts - please only send one of these)

Good luck, may the best web scavenger win . . . or at least those who try!!

adopt a niblett

Our own Matt Niblett is serving our country now in the US ARMY.  His start time was sped up (without him knowing it) and he left suddenly last Monday for Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  It would mean a ton to him if you sent him a note telling him you were thinking about him.  Here is his address and a few ways to pray for him:

PFC Niblett 7440

C Co. 58 Trans BN

Class 30 Truck

Ft. Leonard Wood,  MO  65473

• Pray for his safety.
• Pray for God to work in his life while he is gone.
• Pray for the issue of “home sickness” for Matt and his family as they miss him.

may i present to you james and julie

I am excited to tell you that after hearing your feedback and spending some more time with James and Julie, we are going to ask him to come and hang out with us on a permanent basis. The comments were really consistent and positive. Everyone said that they could tell James and Julie really loved God, have great hearts, and would help us a lot. Those who got to spend one-on-one time with them thought they were really cool, and with time, as James hones his bow staff and speaking skills, he might one day produce an instructional video on how to connect with students using ipod illustrations…or at least won’t be so nervous once he gets to know us. What was cool to me was that some of our students who usually don’t connect with me said they really liked James’ style. That’s awesome, and it will really help us to have people on our team who are different from me. It is great when God brings us people who have a different flavor than we are used – I trust the diversity will help us to reach different kinds of students.

One way you can help them a ton is to pray for them. They will have a busy month as they sell their home, say goodbye to the students they have been working with, and get ready to move to Wichita. James will start sometime in mid-June. If you want to welcome or give him a "shout out" (yo) then just make a post below and he will get it. And by the way, thanks to those of you who helped me make the decision with your feedback I am very grateful and agree with you!!

no one is "unclean"

In Acts 10, Peter learns the important lesson that there is no inside and outside crowd when it comes to the people of God.  Anyone who has trusted in Christ is "in."  This teaches us that there is no place for cliques or ranking each other.  And, no matter what you've done, you can be forgiven and accepted by God if you trust Christ.  I keep saying trust Jesus because that is what makes us all equal; the fact is outside of Christ we are equal too...equally separated from God, but faith in Christ levels the playing field and it doesn't matter who your parents are, how much money you have, what you are good at or what you stink at, you are loved by God. Look up Acts 10:34 and give us your thoughts.

yo quiero taco tico

Check out this Taco Tico commercial featuring our very own Star, Nichole, and Timothy.  I totally think our Wednesday Night Video Guys should enter the contest - the winner walks away with 3 grand!! 

leadership: who you want to be

Last night we looked at  1 Tim 3-4 on the character and call of a leader.  One of the things we said was that this list is for you too . . . even if you don’t feel like a leader yet.  After Paul describes the character of a leader he says that you have to think rightly about God.  The punch line comes in verse 4:12 when he says that what gives us authority is not our age or position but our hearts as seen in the way we live, love, believe, talk, and remain pure.  Anyone can be a leader, but your ability to lead will come from your character.  Any thoughts?? 

A Surprise for You

Last night I promised that after school today there would be something special for you on our blog.  So, here it is . . . I am offering a cash prize for the person who can submit, via email, the best photo to me of an eclipse.  I will accept and consider any picture of outer space but I am looking for a new picture to put on our blog that captures our theme of eclipse.  Search far and wide for the coolest picture you can find and I will announce the winner in Sunday School this week.  Every entry will win something, but only one will get the cash!!  Email me your photos at kmcgee@metroeastbaptist.com.    This cash winning contest will end at midnight this Saturday, May 19.  Good luck, may the best picture win.