2-12-12
THE APPRENTICES
The Game Changing Kingdom

Today's Message:
'counter culture kingdom'

These blessings strike us as very odd. On the one hand, they sound like good news—especially for those who are beaten, abandoned, down-and-out, hurt, weak, discouraged, and oppressed. On the other hand, the blessings completely invert the cultural norms of Jesus’ day and ours. We expect Him to declare the middle-class mantras of our time: “Blessed are the wealthy, for they have everything they need.” “Blessed are the healthy, for they will prevail in the struggle for survival.” “Blessed are the educated, for their knowledge gives them superior leverage.” “Blessed are the powerful, for they call the shots.” “Blessed are the famous, for they always have admirers.” But Jesus sees greater blessing in qualities we usually dismiss or avoid.

Humility is not an abject, defeated attitude. To the contrary, it recognizes the “divine image” in everyone and refuses to manipulate or exploit anyone. It springs from a profound sense of the Father’s sovereignty and a deep trust in His provision and love. It sees life as bigger and more than “me” and dedicates itself to “us.” It eschews the trivial honors that commonly divide us but respects all people for their greatest honor of all—being created in the image of God. And to the extent that we nurture this “poor in spirit” attitude we discover the secret of contentment and productivity.
- David Timm 

Jr. High

Jr. High

Jr. High Ministry is controlled chaos.  But that’s definitely not a bad thing.  These youth have an enormous amount of energy and a difficulty at focusing that sometimes.  But if you think about it, Jesus had to do the same with His disciples at times.  So, in the junior high ministry, we try to do the same thing.  We love them.  We teach them the Word of God through experiential exercises and lessons, and we disciple them to be what God has them to be.  Oh yeah!  And we also point out that it’s fun to be a disciple of Jesus during our Sunday activities.  

So, if you're already a part of the Forum family, or are just looking for a junior high youth ministry to be a part of, we would love to help.  We do all of the junior high youth activities in our room lovingly known as "THE CAVE".  So, come one, come all to the place where we are "intentionally connecting youth to Jesus" in:
  • Sunday School (11-12:15 a.m.)
On Sunday mornings, it's a relaxed atmosphere.  The colored walls, the colorful commentary, and the goofy jokes help to set everyone’s mind at ease.  We start off with an illustration to get everyone motivated (charades, commercial presentation or a video).  And then we dig deep into the Word!  We aren’t there to just hold the youth over until their parents pick them up.  We are there to challenge them to come to a relationship where the youth and God are like two peas in a pod.
  • Pulse Night (6 – 8 p.m.)
On Sunday nights, it’s different.  We play a game or two, do a group exercise and then divide up into boys’ and girls’ small groups.  We have a small snack and discuss the topic in a goofy atmosphere with some awesome leaders.  Sometimes, we do skits.  Sometimes, we do memorization.  But always, we do fun!  Then, we finish the night with singing “campy” worship songs and a short devotion.  Feel free to send your youth this way.  Our leaders rock, and the kids are even better!
/files/Jody/Pictures, videos, etc/Pulse Night logo with blue background.jpg

If you look right below here, you will see our ministry calendar, the schedule for one of our past Sunday nights, the devotion for that night and other stuff that show "kind of" who we are.  These videos show up from time to time, and you never know what they're going to be like.


 



OTHER STUFF





UPCOMING EVENTS


Girls' Bible Study          Times, dates and places TBA

The girls will be hanging out and being led by some of the high school girls in Bible study and in helping them to mature in their faith.  The two-three girls leading this are extra-awesome, and so I encourage you to let your girls be a part of it.  They will either meet at the Ryberg House or the Tamerius house.  If you have any further questions, just email Jody (Jody.Riley@gmail.com) or call him (819-7835) and he will put you in touch with one of the leaders.


"The Light" Bible Club at Jeff Jr.          3-4 p.m. on select Thursdays and Fridays

At Jefferson Jr. High school, there is a great club that is led by the students and Melody Sutherland.  It meets on select Thursdays and Fridays and is a great way for kids to express their faith in school but also invite other students who do not know Jesus to something worthwhile and non-threatening.  There is generally a game, a devotion and plenty of fellowship that occurs here.  Jody usually shows up and provides some level of weirdness, so feel free to show up, be a part of "The Light" and shine God's light even at school.  The dates selected on the calendar are January 6, February 2, March 9, April 5 and May 4.


WAIVER FORMS AND WHATEVER ELSE