June 2005 Newsletter Article

Every so often in life, we find ourselves standing before God’s counter, thinking we know the itinerary. Good health, a job promotion, a pregnancy. Many times God checks the itinerary he created and says yes. But there are times when he says, “No. That isn’t the journey I have planned for you.” A selection from Come Thirsty by Max Lucado

Many times I have found myself on this journey we call life, having my itinerary checked against God’s itinerary. Sometimes in life, God needs us to make changes to reflect His desires for our lives. I am about to make one of these changes. During the past months I have spent many hours praying, and discerning, and I have finally received some direction from God. I have been very grateful for the opportunity over the past years to serve as your Youth Minister, but I must move on with the mission God has planned for me.

This is probably one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life. I will be moving to work with the combined Youth Ministries of Trinity Episcopal Church and Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Orange, California. I will miss the community of faith, friends, and family here at Holy Nativity. I can only hope that my new church home will be as welcoming, loving, and inviting as you all have been. The Youth Ministry activities will continue with the support of the Youth Ministry Team and parent volunteers, until a new person is hired as the Youth Minister. I leave you with words from the apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi.

Do not be anxious about about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings,

James Lawrence II
Youth Minister

My last day as Youth Minister at Holy Nativity will be August 7, 2005.

Fitting In: VELOCITY

Tonight we talked about what qualities we look for in a friend. When there are people different from ourselves it's common that we might "reject" them in some ways. We need to feel accepted and we need to have friends. Look around our youth group and church...why do we choose to surround ourselves with people that look, dress, and act like us?

We are called as Christians to accept everyone and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Do you ever find yourself treating some people badly...because they are outsiders? This is a two way street as we sometimes treat others badly because they are insiders and we see them as "stuck up."

Honestly, do you think our youth group is good at welcoming people? We have had many visitors lately and you shouldn't just focus on you small group of friends, but try really hard to include everyone! People that don't feel welcome will not come back, so we have to be open to the people God sends our way.

Lastly we are told in James 2:1-10 that we should not show favortisim. Remember the "love your neighbor..." phrase.

Remember that God judges by the heart, not by the outward appearance! I challenge each of you to be more like Jesus allowing Him to shape you and your mind.

be God's,
James+

Making it work: VELOCITY

eternal life is a free gift! only God is completely good!

Are your "standards" too low? (in relation to friends, boyfriend/ girlfriend, etc)

What is your toughest thing to give up that is blocking your relationship with God?

How do you know you're following Jesus?

How do you know that it's God talking to you?

Jesus demands first place, even above your family! (Luke 9:59-62)

For more from our study, refer to Mark 5: 24-34; 10:17-22

be God's,
James+

Relevant: Velocity

Tonight at Velocity (Our Wednesday night Bible Study) we talked about being bored, sometimes being full of doubt, and most of all finding connection to meaning in our lives.

• Why do some people find Christianity boring?

Sink down roots in spiritual habits such as prayer and Bible study. These habits are channels for future growth in our relationship with Christ. The little things like going to church are proving that it's not all about you. You have a role to play in the "church" along with other Christians in serving and worshiping God. It's about drawing near to God. (take a look at Hebrews 10:22)

Read Hebrews 10:23. What does this verse tell us to do? In the Bible hope is like faith, but it leans into the future. As Christians we should go to church even when it seems boring...but why?

• What are you passionate about? What do you care about? God wants to use this passion and uniqueness for his glory!

"So What?" It's some thing I know you are thinking right now. Read James 1:22

• How are you going to obey what God has been telling you?

be God's,

+James

JIm Cary is on The Blog

James: Thanks for sending me again the invitation and link so that I can join this group. It went through this time!

What a great way to communicate to eachother on issues of importance to our youth and to the parents of our youth.

I look forward to participating in the discussions and issues as they arise.

Jim

devo

I have invited many people to join us, but if you have not received your invitation just send me an email and we will get you the invitation to join our blog!

We all have devotion to something... possibly to our friends or families. How do we show these folks we care about them?

Just as those we're devoted to expect us to give them some of our time and attention, our relationship with God needs similar consideration. So how can we show commitment to our relationship with God? Often times when our relationship with the Creator is out of line, our other relationships will begin to fail. Think about that!

My personal solution was found reading, meditating, and thinking about Scripture presented in a devotional titled Experiencing God day by day. The fact is regardless of your age, gender, or any other difference...we all seek meaning and purpose, which can be found in the ancient text of Scripture.

So...how can we show God we are devoted to this important relationship? Once again I invite your answers here as we struggle to devote more of ourselves to God.

welcome!

This blog is designed for the youth and parents of Holy Nativity Youth Ministries. I welcome you and your comments as we continue to grow in grace toward a closer relationship with Christ. Here you will find devotionals, comments, ideas, and reflections. Join us on this journey in person on Sundays and Wednesdays or even on the internet.

I often say during lessons that we learn more from eachother as we wrestle with Scripture and come to our own conclusions. Reflection is an essential piece of experiential youth ministry. If you have a question, idea, comment, or anything else; post it here and we will struggle with it!

Before the Eucharist is administered, Father Tom Weller says these words: "I bid you come." Just as he invites the congregation to come forward and recieve the sacraments, I give you the same invitation...you are welcome, you are invited, and I bid you come!