Snow Camp

Snow Camp is January 16-18, 2014!
Registration deadline is Dec. 31st. Space is limited so get the forms in soon!

A notary will be available the next 2 Sunday mornings (12/21 & 12/28) between the services (near the youth room) to notarize the snow camp forms!

On Sunday morning we have been focusing on the book of 1 John. Let's always ask ourselves: 
Am I walking in the light (following God's ways) or the darkness?
What am I loving more, the world or God?
Am I giving my best to God, or just my leftovers!

This Sunday we'll be meeting in the worship center for worship and Baptisms and then head to the youth room for Middle School. Come and celebrate with Lauren Carner as she gets baptized.

Fall Retreat 2014 FEARLESS

Check out the fall retreat video - FEARLESS!
Click on the link below







Fall Retreat 2014 FEARLESS

What are you wrapped up in?

This was the challenging question that was asked this past Sunday.

Unfortunately we tend to get wrapped up in all sorts of things that keep us from living the full life that God wants for us.

Four of the "big wraps" that we talked about are:
1. Laziness
2. Fear
3. Pride
4. Guilt

Remember that it's easier to break free of these when they first appear and before they get wrapped around you tightly. 

What's trying to wrap you up and take your focus off of Jesus?

After you identify what you're wrapped up in, try replacing it with the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22

Tear down your walls!

What walls are you keeping up in your life that is preventing you from experiencing the life that God wants for you?

Three of the most common walls that we allow in our lives are:

1. The Lack of Understanding - It's important to get to a place where you understand that God does want the very best for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

2. The lack of Obedience - Choosing to disobey  puts a wall up that can cause your heart to harden to the way God wants you to live.

"But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him." 1 John 2:5

3. The lack of Trust - Not trusting that God is with you and for you will prevent you from knowing who Jesus truly is.

"Our ancestors trusted you; they trusted, and you saved them.
 They called to you for help and were rescued. They trusted you and were not disappointed." Psalm 22:4-5

By tearing down these walls will allow God to invade your life giving you the life that He wants for you - the best life.

God created some really amazing and beautiful things like the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, Mt. Everest, Victoria Falls, yet it's clear that you (humans) are the most amazing thing that God created.

You aren't amazing because of anything you have done or have accomplished: not because of sports, singing, grades, etc. You are amazing simply because you were created in God's image!

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them."

Luke 12:6-7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

If you are created in God's image then your life should reflect Him - just like a mirror. People should be able to see Jesus by the way you speak, how you love and serve others, and how you treat yourself.

Is your life reflecting God?

Middle School is a Mountain

Climbing a mountain can be exciting, but also quite daunting. Standing at the bottom of the mountain and looking up and not being able to see the top can cause anxiousness. Middle School can often feel like climbing a mountain; it can be exciting with each day bringing something new and unexpected, while at the same time it can cause feelings of fear and anxiousness. 

Just like a mountain climber needs to be prepared so do middle school students.

As the school year approaches there are things that you can do to help yourself while hiking the "Middle School Mountain:"

1. Take a climbing partner with you
"Don't try to live your faith alone - "By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." Ecclesiastes 4:12

2. Take the right equipment
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...The belt of truth...the breastplate of righteousness...the gospel of peace...the shield of faith...the helmet of salvation...and the sword of the Spirit." Ephesians 6:10-17

3. Take one step at a time
"God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

3. Take a determined attitude
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." 2 Corinthians 4:16

Choose your friends wisely as you're on this hike, take the truth and grace of Jesus with you, and don't give up. 
If God is with you, what can stand against you?

Strong Connections

Continuing in our "On Location" series, we talked about how strong the connections are in the Eiffel Tower and how disastrous it would be if it was built with week connections. Like any structure, once we have a strong foundation, we must then build our lives with strong connections. 

On Sunday you learned that:

Strong connections Support you.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already  doing. 
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Strong connections Strengthen you.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. 
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Strong connections Sustain you.
Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!
Proverbs 25:13 (MSG)

Do you have strong connections who will support, strengthen, and sustain you? Are you a strong connection for somebody else?

The Bible is clear in saying that we need other people to help us stay strong in our walks with Him.

Students and Parents: Reflect for a bit and see if you have some people in your life who will encourage you and hold you accountable! Take some time to pray for that person.

What's your story?

Everyone seems to like stories - both telling stories and hearing stories. People like stories because they often relate to them - stories help us feel; We might laugh, cry, empathize, or dream as we hear stories. The best thing about a story is that everyone has one. Everyone has a story that they can share; a story that never gets boring because it's always changing as people go through their days and have encounters with others. 

How you see and relate to God each day is part of your story. Your story can help others. Your story can't be argued with because it's yours - so why not tell it? Through your story God can be glorified and others can come to know the hope He gives and the power He has. 

So, what's your story?
Who are you telling it to?

Students and parents, life is busy and we often neglect to share our stories. Take some time over the next week to share your daily stories with each other and celebrate how you see God in each story!

Sunday summary and challenge

This past Sunday Steve Cosslett, a missionary from Mexico, spoke to the students about knowing if you have a "calling" to be a missionary. He really emphasized that we are all called to spread the Gospel according to the great commission.

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Many students have the tendency to say "When I am older I want to do mission work," but in reality none of us should be waiting; but rather, we should be living a life of sharing the Gospel daily through our lifestyle and our words.

Students and Parents, Encourage one another to take a chance each day to show people the hope the we have in Jesus.

New Series: On Location

This past week, after our SOS update, I started a new series called “On Location,” which will run throughout the summer. Each week we will go to different places around the globe while focusing on God’s word and what it says about our lives. Some of the topics are Allowing God to invade your life, Strong Connections and Jesus sets People free. We started this 10 week series last week and learned the importance of A Strong Foundation and that a strong foundation is:
“Built on God’s Word,” and is “Strengthened by wise choices.”

Verses to reinforce these points:
Matthew 7:24-25 “All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.”

Galatians 5:17 “The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.”

Parents and Students: talk about these points and verses - help hold each other accountable and encourage one another.

SOS update in "Big Church"

FBC Middle School, this Sunday meet near the worship center doors because there will be an SOS recap in big church- wear your ARISE t-shirts! After the 
recap we'll go into the youth room. Marty and the band are going to wait for us to get back before they start worship - so you won't miss anything. For those who didn't attend SOS, you're still encouraged to go into the worship center with us to see the video. Spread the word to those not on fb and to student leaders etc.

SOS Continuation

On Thursday all of the Fellowship groups stayed together and put on a block party in a large park. While some people canvassed the neighborhood inviting people to the block party others stayed in the park setting up games, food stations, and a prayer table. Although it was extremely hot during the block party the kids never complained and worked so hard. 

Over 40 people stopped at the prayer table to be prayed with and many more people received prayer at the party after having conversations with our students. There were several people at the party who prayed to receive Christ! When we went to the church that night the Vineyard said it was the most well attended block party of the week with the highest number of people being prayed with. Our FBC kids are incredible. We were also told that most groups take about 45 minutes to tear down and put away all of the equipment and clean the park; our kids did it in 15 minutes. Be proud of your kids - they put all of themselves into this event to make it great for the people who attended!

Thursday night during the celebration service we were challenged live a life of integrity. After an extended time of worship the students spent time praying for and with each other and encouraging each other to have integrity in their life with Christ. 

By Friday morning the kids (and leaders) were exhausted. The optional early morning Bible study that started with about 25 students at the beginning of the week had about 15 students on Friday. Let's just say we were all moving much slower by Friday! Even though the kids started the day slowly they still did a fantastic job giving out bags of food to bless people. For many groups this was challenging because many houses were vacant. This, of course, didn't stop our groups; they prayed and walked until they found people who they could bless with this food and pray with.

Friday night was so exciting 65 students from SOS were baptized and 11 from FBC! I believe that God was glorified incredibly during the baptisms. We worshiped, prayed, and celebrated with the students who were being obedient by publicly declaring that they are Christ followers! 

To sum up the week: The leaders and students of Fellowship Bible Church have "loved the Lord with all their heart, sould, mind, and strength; and loved their neighbors as themselves.

SOS Update

Sorry there was no blog update yesterday...I was far too tired to write at 1:00 in the morning, yet I'm currently writing at 1:30am and feel ok. Praise God!

Yesterday the day was divided in half. In the morning we prayed and asked God for where, how, and who He wanted us to serve. This is always a challenging activity because we have no idea what to expect when we set out. After spending some time in prayer we were given different things to take with us like: rolls of quarters, window washing supplies, an assortment of gift cards, laundry detergent etc. As you can imagine each group had some ideas in mind because of the specifics supplies. The greatest thing about God is that when we think we have the day in control and believe that we have great plans God usually has something different/better in mind. That is exactly what happened during our outreach! So many of our students asked God to really show himself to them during the day, and that is exactly what happened. The kids blessed so many people by serving hem, but more importantly, they had the opportunities to pray with people and share His love with them.

We then went back to the church and participated in 10 team building challenges. These were really fun and fostered a lot of trust among the kids. During the week our church group has become known by many of the vineyard staff as the kids who are "so close, polite, spiritually mature,kind, and united." Because of this, we are often greeted with people saying "you're the group from Cleveland. We've been waiting to meet you." Well, during the team building challenges, one lady asked some of our students how they would describe our group and the girl replied, without hesitating, "family." As you can see, our team isn't only showing Jesus to the people in Cincinnati, but also to the vineyard staff and volunteers as well. 

We ended the day by celebrating what God is doing in and through us!

SOS Day 2

Today started early...and is ending really late. We showed God's love today by doing free carwashes and giving away free bottles of water. We were very thankful that our water day was today because it was so hot! Although it was hot the kids worked hard all day without complaining - I'm sure everyone is wishing they would do that at home!

I am always amazed at how willing complete strangers are to share their lives with people they don't know and how receptive they are to people praying with them. 

The celebration service tonight focused on how God is calling everyone to be leaders and encouraged the students to spend time in prayer asking God to help them identify how God is challenging them. Seeing groups of teenage kids huddled up and praying with and for each other is amazing. Many students experienced the power of prayer tonight in a very real way!

During our evening discussion at the hotel the students shared so many God stories that if I shared them all this would become a book, not a blog post. one person shared how he had been thinking about last nights message about obeying God even when it's hard and when it costs you something. When he was giving away water today he kept feeling like he was supposed to talk to a particular person, but doing this was way out of his comfort zone. He was having one of those internal battles that we've all had when we know what God wants us to do, but we really don't want to do it. He pushed himself to obey God's prompting and not only entered into a conversation with this person but also ended up praying with him. This student got to experience the power that Christ can give us and how obedience to God can strengthen our faith.

As you pray for the SOS team please also take time to celebrate the amazing things God has already done!

SOS Day 1

At tonight's celebration service we the kids were challenged to completely surrender to God so that He can do amazing things through them. Many of the students took the challenge and had people pray with them. This was a great way to prepare for the week ahead.
Back at the hotel the kids had some free time to swim and hang out before our evening devotions.

Pray for the outreach tomorrow. We will be doing free car washes and water give aways. Pray that the kids have an opportunity to love on people and give them the hope that Jesus can give.

SOS info with corrected return dates

Hello SOS participant and family,

I hope you are all getting excited for SOS which is now less than two weeks away! As a reminder, the dates are June 16^th-21^st.   This letter will hopefully contain everything you need to know to prepare for the trip.

We will be staying at the LivInn Hotel (11385 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH 45246,) which is about 1.5 miles from the Vineyard Church where we will spend each morning and evening being spiritually fed and prepared for our daily work projects.

Students get much more out of this trip when they have as few distractions as possible so therefore, they are Not Allowed to bring their phones! You will have a list of each leader’s phone number and the students are allowed to call home using a leader’s phone. We appreciate your support on this rule. You may bring an ipod to listen to in the vans if you so choose, but we ask that you take it with you to the church or to any of the work projects. We will encourage students not to use their ipods during free time, because we prefer if they socialize with others. My recommendation is for kids not to bring electronic devices of any kind for fear of them getting lost or stolen, but I’ll leave the ipod decision up to you. (Again, No phones)!

Departure information:

Arrive at FBC at 9:30am to check in. If you have any medicines that you need us to administer then turn it in at the Meds table.

When you arrive at Fellowship, keep your carry-on bag (1 bag that you can keep with you as you travel) with you and put your bag that will be packed in the designated area. 
You will need to bring a lunch to eat at the rest area on our way to Cincinnati. Keep this in your carry on!

The vans we rent have VERY LITTLE storage space so please pack in a soft bag (a duffle style) that is flexible, and pack only what you need! See the packing list.

Return information:

We will arrive back at Fellowship on June 21^st between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. We will try to have the kids call as we get closer.

During the trip I will try to update the blog as much as I can with some highlights from the trip. The wifi tends to be a bit problematic at the hotel so please understand that there may be some days when I won’t be able to update it.  http://www.fbcuth-middleschool.blogspot.com

The Vineyard live streams many of their morning and evening services so if you’d like to see and experience it go to https://www.summerofservice.com and at the top of that page and click on the tab that says “streaming.” Kids will have an opportunity to get baptized on Friday night. If your child wants to get baptized you will be called and parental consent (over the phone) must be given. Parents of students getting baptized can watch the baptisms being steamed or you can come to the Vineyard and watch it live if you would like.                          

SOS Packing List

What to bring:

Packed lunch for the way to Cincinnati

Clothes:

·         Shorts – no short shorts. We will ask you to change if your shorts are too short

·         Shirts – enough for the week – no spaghetti strap shirts or camis

·         Sweatshirt

·         Pajamas

·         Swimsuit – No bikinis – if that’s all you have then please wear a shirt over it.

·         Tennis shoes – MUST be worn to the work projects

·         Other shoes

Toiletries:                                                                      

·         Soap

·         Shampoo

·         Toothpaste

·         Toothbrush

·         Contacts/glasses

Bible and Pen

Sunscreen

Water bottle

Drawstring bag – (You’ll need to take things with you to each work project)

Towel – For the pool

Snacks - that can be easily packed and taken to work projects

Spending money – The amount is up to you. They may want to buy snack/drinks. Students will sometimes purchase things that different ministries might be selling (ball caps, jewelry, etc.).

Please pack light – preferably in a soft-sided bag
*******Space is limited*******

No phones, lap tops, or gaming systems.

Final SOS training.

The final SOS training will be this Saturday, June 7th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm in the youth room. Please make every effort to attend!

Senior, Madison Most - High School Reflection

Guest blog by Madison Most who is doing a senior internship at Fellowship shares her thoughts on high school.

 Everyone has always told me to enjoy the time I have in high school because it will be over before I know it. I remember hearing those words over and over every time I would complain about having to keep up with grades, practices, clubs, various commitments…but they never truly sank in until two weeks ago when I stood on my high school stage for the very last time. Those unforgettable bright shining lights twinkling off our eyes as we sang our senior song for our spring concert…and that’s when those words…those exhausted words of “high school surely does fly by,” came rushing into the forefront of my mind. I thought back to when I was a mere freshman making my debut on the good old AHS stage during the musical of “Annie Get Your Gun.” I had always looked up to the AHS players and dreamed of the day when I would get to perform in that grand auditorium, the orchestra pit below, and the seats filled with every citizen of our small town. And finally, I was there! I was there, on stage, and it was just the beginning of the four years of performances ahead…only fourteen years of age, senior year seemed like a lifetime away. Well that “lifetime,” came and went more quickly than I could have ever imagined!

       

I am not going to say that high school is always fun, loving laughs, and amazing memories. It has its times of frustration, heart breaks, drama, fights, poor grades, disappointment…but reflecting, many of those difficult trials are washed away by the times of fun, Friday night football games, Homecoming weekend, skipping class, staying up all night with best friends watching Disney movies, sneaking out on dark summer nights to paint the rock…and these are just a few of every high school kid’s amazing memories. Though these memories would not have been complete without the guidance and knowledge I gained through my church family.

       

Mission trips, house group, and simply being involved in Sunday morning youth group has helped me in overcoming the difficulties of high school, and has given me a heart of gratitude for all the amazing memories and relationships I have made throughout the past four years. My youth group leaders, more specifically my house group leaders are the people who truly shaped my high school years. Taking those awesome times of public school fun and teaching me how to keep my faith and act in accordance to the Lord is exactly what my leaders guided me to do. They taught me that it is ok to live a life of being involved and having a lot of friends providing I take those opportunities and use them all for the Glory of His kingdom.

       

I believe a common misconception our generation often holds to be true is when one devotes their life to Christ they instantly become more quiet or more “geeky,” or just simply not the person they were before, but as I journeyed through these past years, I learned that God gives each of us unique qualities and devoting your life to Him does not mean stealing those qualities away from yourself, but using your unique gifts to serve Him. Naturally the Lord has blessed me with a super outgoing personality, which has lead me into joining everything I was a part of and having friends in all different groups in school, and entering high school I was uncertain about how those qualities would interact with my faith. Would I be a “Christian,” at church and then be the fun, outgoing girl at school, or would I be the “nerdy Christian girl,” at school and live that life across the board?

Diving head first into high school immediately joining three clubs, auditioning for the musical and choir, and trying out for highlights, but at the same time getting involved with house group and youth group, I learned that I didn’t have to change anything about myself moving forward, but rather live the same at school as I do at church…be conscientious of my words, my actions, my beliefs…and I could continue being the person God created me to be!

Everyone will have a different high school experience because of their different qualities, but using those qualities to find where you fit in and not changing them because you are a Christian, but rather enhancing them because that is what the Lord has blessed you with, I can promise you, the Lord will bless you and your short four years!

As tears began to roll down our faces and black streaks of makeup stained our rosy, blush covered cheeks, the piano faded, our hands interlocked, and we took our final bow. Not just our final bow of choir, but our final bow of our lives for the past four years. The next day we would no longer be walking down the halls and sitting in the same classrooms we had sat in all year, but each venturing our own separate ways out into the real working world of internships. Scared and excited we spent our last high school night crying and laughing over milkshakes at our regular spot, Stake ‘n’ Shake. As we shared stories and tweeted thousands of #highschoolmemories, stayed out way too late and simply embraced our last high school night, I knew it was all coming to an end. Sure, we have yet to graduate, experience senior prom, and have our entire summer ahead of us to make memories, things just wouldn’t be quite the same as they were. Though reliving all of our best memories, I can say with confidence, I am so incredibly grateful for the time I had in high school, and even more grateful for my faith that lead me through each and every one of these unforgettable experiences!

For all of you eighth graders moving up into high school this year, lock your seat belt and get ready for one amazing ride! Through the hectic busy schedule and trivial trials, remember to use your God given qualities to lead a life after Him. Take advantage of these four years, because believe me, they surely will fly by! By getting involved and meeting tons of friends and doing all of that under His guidance, you will have an awesome four years and leave a legacy wherever you are!

For all of you underclassmen, keep on keepin on in middle school. These are your years to truly confirm the person you want to be in high school, so when you reach that point, you will enter in with strength and ready to take on God’s great plan for your lives!

Thank you for letting me share a little bit of my high school journey and what I have learned through these past four years. I am so grateful to have been in ministry with you guys this past year and can’t wait to see what the Lord leads you guys to do in the upcoming years! Please keep in touch with me while I am in college!! MUCH LOVE <3 span="">

~Maddy Most

Murder in the Dark...

This Friday we'll be playing Murder in the Dark at the church from 
8:30pm-11:30pm. Meet in the youth room.

Guest Post by Kyle Baldwin - Reflections of his time at Fellowship

Hello middle schoolers and middle school families! My name is Kyle Baldwin, and I am currently a senior at Aurora High School. I will be attending Cedarville University in the fall to pursue a higher education. Cedarville University is a Christian school, whose main focus is to provide students with a quality education, without compromising our beliefs in Christ. They do this by starting each class with prayer, having daily chapel, etc. It took much debate for me to decide which college I wanted to attend, but in the end, I knew this is where the Lord was calling me. I guess I trace this decision all the way back to the time when I first got involved in the church’s youth group and middle school ministries. If it weren’t for my involvement within Fellowship’s youth program, who knows where I’d be today?

            My family has always been deeply committed to their faith and I have gone to church ever since I was a baby. I knew all of the basics of Christianity and participated in all of the events that the church held, but outside of church, I lived a relatively apathetic and normal life. I always felt like nobody was there with me, and like I had no friends. As a child, I was an outcast, struggling to find friends or fit in, even at the churches I would go to. It wasn’t until my family started going to Fellowship Bible Church that I first began to see the importance of my faith.

            Because of my involvement in the church’s youth ministry, my life has been radically changed. I have established Christ as my everlasting foundation, I’ve learned of his teachings, and implemented them into my own life, and I’ve dedicated my life to him. My favorite memory I have from my time at Fellowship was during my eighth grade mission trip to Cincinnati. On our last night of worship, I felt something tugging at my soul, and I burst into tears crying. My leader, Jim Kristoff, took me outside and we began talking about faith and who Jesus was. It felt as if every bad thing I had ever felt was bursting at the seams, clawing its way out. Jim referred to this as a “gush”. Essentially, God was entering my body, cleansing me of everything I’d ever done or felt, and replacing it with him.  I can’t describe just how amazing it was to know that Christ was, and always is, my eternal savior. All I knew was that from then on, all I wanted to do was live for him.

The moment that I committed my life to Christ, my life was made new. I became a new person. As my life progresses, my relationship with God has grown stronger and I have begun to see changes in my life. I began to evaluate some of the decisions I was making and realized that they weren’t beneficial for me. I began to see myself as a role model among my friends who weren’t Christians. I generally became a better person after God came into my life. When God came into my life, he became a refuge that I could turn to when there was nothing else. Now, he is the first option for me whenever I struggle with temptations. I have come to learn that the troubles of this world come to an end with God at the center of my life. I know that God will never leave me, and he will always be with me. God tells us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 3:16.

            Through Fellowship’s youth program, I was able to create a foundation in my faith that would prosper and grow into an incredible relationship with Christ. I have also built strong, lifelong relationships with friends, who will always continually build me up in my faith, and support me in all that I do. Fellowship is where I discovered what my life truly meant and where I was headed in my life. In all honesty, the night I committed my life to living for Christ is the night my real life began. And without Fellowship’s youth ministry to guide me and build up my faith, I would be lost, afraid, and a completely different man than the one I am today.

Don't forget...

This Sunday we start a new series called "How to Not Get Caught." A good series to bring a friend to!

SOS training #2 - Right after the second service (12:15-1:30) - snacks provided. Bring a copy of your written testimony. No need to stress - just write about how you came to know Christ and how He's working in your life or how you're different because of knowing Him. These meetings are mandatory!

A number of you have not given me your registration and mission trip application but have said that you're going. YOU MUST TURN IT IN THIS SUNDAY!!!!!

There is an SOS training Monday, April 21st from 7:00pm to 8:15pm in the youth room. Please make every effort to attend. If you haven't signed up but would like to attend SOS come to the meeting on Monday!

SOS Memory Verses 2014

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

1 John 4:7-8 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

1 John 1:8-9 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans 10:9  “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Philippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation…”

This Sunday there will be an SOS mission trip meeting immediately following the second service (12:45). Get the registration information, hear the details for the trip, and watch an SOS video! 

Also Remember youth worship at 10:45 and core at 6:00pm!

Snow Camp 2014

Snow Camp 2014 Great Weekend - Praise God

What do you get when you have a whole lot of snow, a bunch of energetic kids, and some dedicated (others say “crazy”) leaders spending a wild weekend together? ..............Snow Camp, of course!
The fun started as we piled onto a bus and headed to New York; many dressed in some bright, crazy clothing and making a “statement.” After arriving and getting situated into our cabins, we started the first round of competitions by playing a live version of Mario Kart. Imagine, racing on tricycles while throwing balls at people and having obstacles trying to slow them down. The evening games also consisted of some of our kids running (or falling repeatedly) in sumo suits, and others launching balls at a team mate who was inside a giant inflatable ball. By the end of that evening our church kids were definitely playing together as a team! Friday night ended with the students and leaders in their cabins spending time together and having some “amazing talks.”

Saturday morning’s chapel service was led by the founder of the camp who is 87 years old. This man’s passion for the Lord flows from Him and when he invited students to accept Jesus as their savior or recommit to living for Jesus, 14 students from Fellowship made this commitment! During the afternoon and evening chapel services the students were challenged to really live for God despite the obstacles that will try to get their focus off of Him. As the service ended and the students were released to have free time many of our Fellowship kids stayed in the chapel huddled together praying and singing and spending time with God.  There is nothing better than seeing a bunch of middle school students choosing to spend time in worship and prayer!

Sunday morning’s chapel service focused on getting our eyes off of ourselves and onto others. During this time some students spent time in prayer while others sent letters to people who are being persecuted for their faith. You can go to www.persecution.com for more information. The morning ended with the infamous “Donut relay.” This is a team event that requires speed, agility, balance, good aim, and the ability to catch flying, frosted donuts and scarf them down as quickly as possible. Sunday wasn’t without its challenges. Our bus wouldn’t start and the mechanic was not able to get to the camp until later in the day, but as I began to wonder and worry about how late we would get home, God showed us that He was in control of the situation. Another group that had a bus there from the same bus service let us take their bus home because they were staying for an extra day.

I am truly thankful for each of the students that went to Snow Camp. They reflected Jesus throughout the weekend and were a blessing to many. The weekend would not be possible without the leaders who pour so much into the kids and who really show the kids what it looks like to live a life for Christ.

Together, let’s make God famous!

Margo

snow camp arrival

We will arrive around 6:00pm.

Here's what you need to know for snow camp.

Middle School Snow Camp

February 14^th-16th

Important Things You Need to Know and Bring

Check-In at church at 3:00pm on Friday, Feb.14th – Bus will leave at 3:30pm!

Bring dinner to eat on the bus – we do not stop to buy dinner.

If you are bringing prescription medication that needs to be administered by a leader, please label it with the student’s name and dosage instructions.

On Sunday, we will leave camp at 1:30 pm and will return between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm.  Check the blog or facebook for updates on arrival time.

(www.fbcuth-middleschool.blogspot.com)

Emergency Contact Info:

Circle C Ranch – 1-800-231-6866                                     

What to Bring:

·         A sleeping bag and pillow or blankets if you have no sleeping bag.

·         Warm clothes for outside activities. All buildings are winterized, but outside it is COLD.

·         Sleepwear, personal items, towels, sport clothes.  No dress outfits are needed.

·         Bible, notebook, and pen.

·         (Optional) Bring spending money for a cookout, Miss Kate’s Place, and The Country Store.

·         (Optional) Snacks for when you’re in the cabin.

What not to Bring:

·         Sleds or toboggans - we supply plenty of inner-tubes.

·         Any radios, CD players, mp3 players, iPods, TVs or other forms of entertainment such as games, cards, etc. ALL the entertainment you’ll need is supplied by Circle C”.

·         Cigarettes, matches, alcohol, or narcotics.

·         Sweat-shirts or T-shirts that advertise rock groups, alcohol or tobacco.

These are the Circle C Camp’s rules!

Parents: Pray for your child to grow in Christ and for the leaders to stayed energized!

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children in the D.R.?

You can help people in the Dominican Republic! See the info below.

Fellowship Middle School events this weekend. 

Sunday morning we talked about the meaning of Holiness. Holiness doesn't just mean "pure, perfect, and righteous," but it means to be set apart. God is holy - He's completely set apart and tells us to be holy. 

This coming Sunday come and find out what God's holiness means to you and your life.

Next Sunday in place of CORE we will be doing small group outings. Each group has planned a time and place to get together for fun and fellowship. If you don't know the plans for your group please contact your small group leader or someone else in your group to find out the details.

Hey everyone. I hope to see you at 10:45 for our middle school worship service and 6:00 for core. Remember you are the church!!!

See you Sunday

Join us in the youth room this Sunday morning at 10:45 and Sunday night for CORE at 6:00. 

Next week I will be posting the schedule for core from January through May.

SAVE THE DATE FOR SNOW CAMP...FEBRUARY 14TH...MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION FORMS WILL GO OUT NEXT WEEK!