January 21 Catalyst Announcements and Spiritual Development

ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Week
Thursday- Dinner @ the T’s & The Following
1 Timothy 6 Application (discussion questions on youth web page)
Friday- Junior High Retreat
Meet @ church @ 5:30pm on Friday
Return to church by 12:30 on Sunday
Next week
Wednesday
Catalyst- 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday
Dinner @ the T’s- 6:00-7:00pm
The Following- 7:00-8:00pm
We are starting a new 6-week study on Peer ministry
Topics include: peer CPR, building friendships of influence, building friendships of accountability, and Catalyst: a tool for peer ministry.
Friday
High School Broomball at the Quad City Sports Center
10:00pm-12:00am (Meet at the QCSP, not at church).
Cost: $5 per person if only broomball, $7 if want to rent skates.
Other- bring a broom (that can be broken), I’ll bring the duct tape.

This week we are studying John 15:11-17. In this section, Jesus' desire is that His disciples' joy would be made full in Christ (by remaining and bearing fruit in Him). We are going to be focusing on how to bring joy to Christ. The two ways I am going to be focusing on from this section is 1- by being content in Christ, and 2- by loving others. I will be asking the teens to define joy (which biblically is the exultation in God’s actions on behalf of His children. To exult, rejoice, be glad. This could be for past actions, present presence, or future anticipation). I will be encouraging the kids to take to heart the fact that they are no longer slaves living in fear of God but friends living in abounding love. I will be challenging the kids to love their friends sacrificially, with a desire for their friends' best (namely that they know and walk with God).
Some questions you may want to ask your child:
1- How does the world's definition and the Bible's differ?
2- What are some ways to remain contented in Christ?
3- Who is one person/friend that needs to experience the love of Jesus?
4- What is 1 way you can love this person the way Jesus loves you this week?
5- What is 1 thing we can pray about right now?

I'd be interested to hear some "testimonials" as you work through these with your kids. If you could, for my benefit and others', could you post a comment during appropriate times of encouragement, challenge, when in need of help, etc! Thanks parents, it's a joy to come alongside of you as you raise your children in the fear of the Lord!

isaac t