I know that this was a big day for you (1st day back to school). I’ve been thinking about you guys & praying a lot today. I really believe that this is going to be a POWERFUL year for many of you! Think of this school year as one chapter in the book of your life and YOU get to write it! YOU are the only one who decides what YOUR attitude will be, how YOU will treat people, if YOU will really do your best, what things YOU will participate in…etc. YOU are the author, no one else. So here are my thoughts/advice for this school year:

1. Since your attitude is really up to you, start saying positive things about school (if you can’t think of any positive things going on now then at least say what you are believing for) If on day one you are already posting on facebook that school sucks then don’t be surprised when it does. Your words are powerful.

2. Don’t allow anyone else to write this chapter of your life. If people have labeled you & you have changed, then prove them wrong!

3. If you are a disciple of Christ then think of this school year as your mission. This is an amazing opportunity to show people what a living example of Jesus/love looks like.

4. Make new friends. Let this be the year that no one eats lunch alone (unless they want to) Try to make a difference in someone’s life everyday! Who knows what a difference a hug, a kind word or even a smile could make. Pray for opportunities.

5. Be bold. Don’t be afraid to stand for what you believe in. Remember this is YOUR chapter & you have a right to your beliefs.

6. Look past the superficial junk the world is cramming down your throat (clothes, makeup, appearance, etc) true beauty is much more than what’s on the outside. Live true beauty & look for true beauty. You are part of the biggest generation the world has ever known, if you guys stop buying the worlds junk they will have no choice but to stop selling it.

7. Don’t wait for adults to respect you, respect them first. I know…you guys don’t like this one BUT do it anyway & see what happens. It will freak them out

8. Believe you are to valuable to be mistreated or to waste your life because YOU ARE!

9. Ask God what He wants you to do each day & then do it! It will change your life. Every day is valuable, make the most of it.

10. When you mess up don’t give up. Ask forgiveness, learn from your mistakes & go on.

I love you guys & I believe that you are part of the greatest generation the world has ever known! I am in your corner cheering (and praying!) for all of you!!!

ROCK YOUTH I LOVE YOU!!!

Miss Chris

What do you get when you add PS150, Rock Praise Team, Awesome Inflatables, hundreds of hotdogs, with 175 AMAZING teens??? ROCK YOUTH PARKING LOT PARTYYYY!!!!!!!

I’m excited to hear all of the things that God accomplished with this event! We had several teens make decisions to live their life for Christ. I’ve also already heard from several visitors that they LOVED it and will be back next week.

A BIG thank you to everyone involved!!! From the teens & adults who showed up 4 hours early to set up, the bands who ROCKED, everyone who helped promote & invite people, the team who served their guts out during the party and the clean up crew….you guys are AMAZING!!!!

Rock Youth Info Sheet

Rock Youth Fall 2010 Newsletter

On Sept 15   6pm-9pm we are gonna have the BIGGEST party we’ve ever had! There will be FREE food, inflatables (new this year is the Bungee Run ), live bands, games & door prizes!!!

Invitations are available at the cafe’. Invite as many peeps as possible!

Call or text if you have any questions 574-780-3225

Miss Chris

1.Why do you go on mission trips?

The book of James says, “This is true religion—to help widows and orphans in their distress.” Jesus tells us, “Go into all the world spreading the good news.” I go on mission trips because I have been commanded to go.

2.What about people here???

Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem…and unto the ends of the earth.” Jerusalem represents our own backyard. We should start with Jerusalem (for me that would be Plymouth). I think it’s important that we are willing to invest in a local ministry. And believe me, I do. I invest much of my time, energy and money right here in my own backyard. I agree that we should begin with Jerusalem. See people through Jesus’ eyes. Compassion for the lost begins with those you see and touch every day.

3.Then why go to other countries?

Because we are not suppose to stop at Jerusalem. God has told us clearly to go to the ends of the earth. There are far to many Christians who are satisfied with only serving in their Jerusalem and never experience the incredible blessing of cross-cultural evangelism. God has called us to help the widows and orphans in distress. Until you have actually seen the hundreds of beautiful children who live on the streets in many third world countries, you really have no idea about what real poverty is. One trip to Uganda will make even our poorest seem rich.

4.It is soooo expensive! Where is all this money coming from? Couldn’t it be used for a better purpose?

Most of my money comes from my tax check or vacation budget. This is money that would normally be used to buy new furniture, appliances, home repairs or go on vacation. So I’m not sure why people care that I would rather share the love of Christ with orphans than buy a new sofa. Why would people not think twice if I bought a new car but get mad when I spend that same amount (of my own money) to go where God has told me to go. I would rather spend my money on things that have eternal value over temporary things any day.

5.Why do you encourage young people to go on mission trips?

By giving young people the opportunity to see God’s power working through them to bring hope to hopeless situations, they abandon their old self-centered dreams. Teens that go on mission trips come back changed. Things they thought were important don’t seem to matter that much. They see a much bigger picture. I actually believe EVERY teen should go on at least one mission trip.

I love you all & believe me if you tell me about a child in America without shoes, I will buy them a pair. If you tell me about an elderly person who can’t afford their medicine, again I am willing to help. But none of these circumstances change God’s command to go to the ends of the earth. So I will continue to drive an old van, keep furniture/appliances as long as possible and go wherever He tells me to go. Chris

April 28 – Parking Lot Party!!! Live bands, free food, inflatable boxing & inflatable slide, games and prizes!  This would be a great time to invite a friend & join us 6pm-9pm.

May 26 – To Save A Life. This movie is currently STILL being shown in theaters. We have an awesome opportunity to show it at our youth group BEFORE it is available on DVD. You can check out the trailor at:        http://tosavealifemovie.com/trailer/

July 11 – Pool Party This will be 2pm-??? at my house (Miss Chris). Maybe we can even talk Dylan into making us another crazy water slide! Bring a towel, chips or a 2 liter & a friend!!

July 30 – Girls PJ Party!!! This is one of my personal faves! Chocolate fondue, chick flicks, swimming & of course our late night Walmart trip in pjs….yes…I love this event!!! This will also be at my house (Miss Chris) and the cost is $10.

July 30 – Guys Lock-In Ok…I’ll be honest I don’t really know what the guys will be doing & I’m not even sure I want to know   I do know that this will be held at the church & the cost will be $10. I’m pretty sure there will be some sort of dangerous activity.

August 15 – Pool Party #2 Yes! Another pool party!!! Same as pool party #1

We are also working on the following…more details coming soon.

Bonfires, Paint Ball, Blueberry Parade, Community Outreach, Concerts

Any questions or need a ride call me  574-780-3225

Love u guys <3

Miss Chris

1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I loved this book! It challenged me to look at my life and want to do more/give more/love more. Not out of obligation but out of love. This book challenges you to be more like Christ, to take God at His word and to live out what Christ calls us to live.

2. The Shack by William p. Young

I had heard some criticism of this book so it took me a few months to finally read it. WOW…am I glad that I did!  I realize that there is some criticism about the theology in this book but let’s remember it IS fiction. For myself the question is, did God get bigger in my life? Did he capture more of my heart because of this book? In my life He did. I wept, I prayed, it broke me. I have actually bought 3 extra copies as gifts because I really believe this book draws people closer to God. Unlike most books I read this book would be a great read for non Christians as well as Christians.

3. Simple Church by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger

This book urges us to simplify down to our ultimate objective…developing followers of Jesus Christ. All our plans and processes need to fall in line and work towards that objective. Everything else must go. We have many good ideas, but ultimately our focus needs to be on following Christ and leading others to do the same. Adding more programs, events, plans, etc. will not necessarily help. Most of the time more is actually less. More stuff activity can detract from the process. Be willing to say “no” to stuff that doesn’t develop followers of Christ. Be willing to eliminate stuff you are already doing if it isn’t part of the simple process of making disciples.

4. To Own A Dragon by Donald Miller & John Macmurray

I’ve read other books by Donald Miller and I love how he writes. I wasn’t disappointed by this one. I love his authenticity. This book is basically about his own personal journey to fill the void left by the lack of a father. I laughed. I cried. I could relate to a lot of his stories. I think this is a great read whether you lacked a father growing up or not.

5. The Unchurched Next Door by Thom Rainer

I bought this book because I thought it might increase my ability to share my faith. I also wanted to know what unchurched people where thinking. I was shocked (in a good way) about some of the things he found out in his research. Here are a few:

- Most of the unchurched are concerned for their families. Their moral values are not radically different from ours.

- Most of the unchurched are not anti-church or anti-Christian. Yes, some have been burned by bad experiences with churches and with Christians, but as a rule they tend to be forgiving. And they do not typically judge all Christians by one bad experience.

6. Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

OK I admit it…I haven’t actually read this one yet. My friend Leigh Anne LOVED this book! (maybe I should have let her write this) This book had to go on list because I love Sarah Palin and because Leigh Anne loaned me this book a month ago! So this book is #3 on my to read list.

I’m currently reading Revolution by Dino Rizzo (lovin it!!!) and Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher.