Monday, July 21, 2008

Paintball

When: Saturday, July 26
Time: 9:30-3:30 (play from 10:00-3:00)
Where: Dan’s Land
Cost: $40 (includes gun, equipment, 1,000 paintballs, & lunch) The cost is $30 if you have your own gun.

Meet at the church at 9:30 and transportation will be provided up to Dan's Land. We will play paintball from 10:00-300 with a stop for lunch (sandwiches). We'll be back to the church by 3:30.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Check Out the Newsletter

We have offered a church letter for a long time. For the first time, I'm recommending that you read every issue. Here's why; we have moved it from a weekly newsletter to twice per month. We've also added a page designated to youth and children. The end result is that the weekly newsletter (called the Reminder) is a great source of information on whats going on with youth and children. If you check it out each week (which takes about 2 minutes) you will always know whats going on.

Look for the next issue Thursday, July 17.

Somthing to Think About

In the Sunday night adult Bible study we have been studying a book called Faith Works. It is about taking action based on faith- action in our community, in the world, in politics. The central idea is Jesus' message to care for the poor.

This book has spurred some interesting conversations. Here are a couple thoughts to think about.

Who do you know who lives in poverty?
This book suggests that around a quarter of the people who live in America are in poverty (questions continue to pop up as you talk about this stuff, like "what counts as "poverty"). Think about those around you. Are you currently aware of people in poverty? Are you insulated from those in poverty (you know insulation keeps cold air from escaping your house in the summer, it works pretty much the same way to keep yourself separated from poor people).

How do you treat people with less money?
In our adult study all we talked about was how to help people in poverty. We all say we care about these people but is that really true? Regardless of what we say in a Bible study, our lives will reveal what we truly believe. A big question we face is "how do we really feel about our fellow humans- particularly those who are poorer than us or from different backgrounds (race, lifestyle etc.) As youth do you judge people based on the clothes they wear (if its the cheap brand they aren't cool)? What kind of people can make it into your circle of friends? Are wealth, race, weight, parents jobs, etc. things you use for putting other people down?

How can we make a difference?
Honestly, under close evaluation none of us love others perfectly. We all have a tendency to be a little judgmental. But even in our imperfection we may find that we want to make a difference in our community and in our world. What can we do? How can we be engaged in politics, in personal action, in the lives of people that will make a difference?

More than just talking
How can you move from wanting to make a difference to doing it? Probably the most important thing is to not put it off, but to take action now. Start small, but make sure you start. Conversation about change is great if it leads to action but otherwise is useless.

I think people have a tendency to talk about big problems. Its great to see the big picture and to see big things to change. The funny thing, is that big changes come from small ones. As we become a little more loving to those around us, as we learn to live a little more simply, as we learn to hear God more clearly, we can be a force of change not just in our community but in the world.

Don't just talk about "what are the worst problems regarding poverty?" ask yourself "what action can I take today?".

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Upcoming Events

July 10- Whitewater Water-park
July 13- Middle School Lunch with Gribbles
July 20- High School Lunch with Gribbles

Every Wed- Sports Night (board games also available)
Every Week Day- During the summer there is a bit of an open door policy around FBC. If you are bored fell free to come by the church (its a good idea to call first though) and help do some work (picking music for the blog, calling people, designing a post card etc.) and hang out (chill, play pool, etc.).


Provide Your Feedback
Help us plan a few more summer events. Here are some events to consider. Let us know if you have some more ideas (think events that don't involve long transportation and don't last all day).

Karaoke at Shoki
Paintball
Bowling
Skating
Pool Party

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Wednesday Sports Nights

Throughout this July we will have Sports Nights every Wednesday night from 6:00-7:30. Join us for ultimate Frisbee, flag football, volleyball and more. If you aren't really into sports come and hang out or play board games.

Whitewater

On July 10 we will spend a day of fun in the sun at Six Flags Whitewater.

Date: July 10
Time: 9:00am-9:00pm
Cost: $35 (covers ticket and transportation- bring money for food)
Signup: by July 6

Meet at the church at 9:00 and be back by 9:00 that night. Please be sure to sign up and turn in $35 to ensure a ticket and transportation.