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?".

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

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.

Lunch with the Gribbles

You're invited (if you are a youth that is) to lunch at the Gribbles house with Lewis, Josh and Sunny (pictured above from left to right).

Meet at church following the service or join us at our house at around 12:30. You are invited to stay till 3:00 and enjoy food and games. We'll provide transportation back to the church at 3:00.

July 13: 7th-9th grade (this past year)

July 20: 10th-12th grade

VBS

Tired of sitting around your house this summer with nothing to do? Come help with VBS and have fun leading kids in games, crafts, and more. VBS is June 23-27 from 9:00-12:00.

Call Josh and let him know if you would like to help. 973-9329.

Cookout & Band Party

This Wednesday we will be joining Mt. Zion Baptist church for a party. We'll have3 a cookout and Andy Kirk will be performing.

Happy Spring Break

Hope everyone is having a great break. Here are some upcoming events. Some dates/times have changed and have an asterix next to them.


YIHAC (Youth In Homes After Church)
Sunday, April 6 from 7:00-9:30
Sunday April 27 from 6:30-9:00

All youth are invited to join us for food and fellowship following church. This Sunday we will have a DVD of Dinner Theater available to watch. Come to church at 6:00 and stick around for a YIHAC!


Youth Sunday
Sunday April 27

Youth Sunday has been rescheduled from April 20 to April 27 due to a scheduling conflict. Throughout the year youth are offered many opportunities to help lead worship (such as music, reading, and drama) but once a year we entrust them with planning and leading an entire Sunday from Sunday school to the sermon. All youth are invited to help lead.


Band & Cookout
Wednesday, May 7 from 6:20-8:20

We are joining Mt. Zion Baptist Church for a BBQ and band party. Worship artist Andy Kirk will be performing. Meet at First Baptist at 6:20 and we will be back to the church at 8:15. Visit Andy's Myspace.

7th-9th Grade Guys Work Day

This Saturday (the 15th) all 7th-9th grade guys are summoned to the Youth House for a work day. There will be some simple cleaning and more complex fun (painting a bathroom, fixing holes in the wall) projects. Show up ready to do a little work.

Meet at the Youth House at 10:00.
Lunch will be provided.

Upcoming YIHACs

There have been a few changes to the YIHAC schedule. Grab your calendar. And a pen. You ready?

April 6
April 27



Whats a YIHAC?
It stands for Youth In Homes After Church. Youth get together to hang out and fellowship and have some food in the home of a parent of youth or other church member. Transportation is provided. Meet at the church at 7:00 and we will be back to church at 9:30.