Monthly Archives: July 2009

Jul 12 2009

San Diego, CA Mission Trip Day #1

VisionSDWhat is the San Diego, CA Mission Trip?  Well, in our student ministry, we take our 7th graders and up to a missions based summer camp for a week (beginner level).  We take our 9th graders and up to a missions training conference for a week (intermediate level).  And we take our 11th graders and up to a full-blown all-out mission trip for a week.  This year we’re rocking some sweet missions opps in San Diego!

So yesterday (Saturday), we flew out for San Diego.  We had 2 relatively smooth flights.  5 of our students had never flown before!  We arrived in San Diego at about 5pm, and didn’t get out of the rental car place until about 6pm…or a little later.  I so almost scored a Mini-Cooper, but Bart (much more mature adult leader) totally talked me out of it.  It was a good move on his part…but I sure wanted that convertible Cooper to drive around Cali in!   Continue reading →

Jul 9 2009

Storyline #50: 1 Samuel 13-15 “EPIC FAIL: Where the Wrong King Leads”

Free files for youth pastors:

If you like our “Epic Fail” sermon, you’ll love this sermon on the “Sexiest Story in the Bible” on Numbers 25. You won’t believe it! http://youthgrouptruth.com/2008/11/20/storyline-30-numbers-25-%e2%80%9cisraelites-gone-wild-sex-cheaters-and-the-purity-of-christ%e2%80%9d/

4 – 1 Sam 13-15 – Saul Decline (Scripture)
4 – 1 Sam 13-15 – Saul Decline (mp3)
4 – 1 Sam 13-15 – Saul Decline (outline)
4 – 1 Sam 13-15 – Saul Decline (ppt)
Powerpoint Game – Busted (Fails go to Jail)
4 – 1 Sam 13-15 – Saul Decline (order of service)

Piggy-backing off last week’s lesson, I have another story from my canoe trip in Canada.  One of the days there while portaging (hiking with the canoe on my shoulders from lake to lake), I was following behind my canoe partner since I couldn’t see where I was going.  What was supposed to be a 2 minute hike turned into about 30 minutes…and longer.  I decided to run ahead a mile to try and find the rest of the crew, but all I found was myself all alone in the middle of the Canadian wilderness and defenseless while wearing a bright yellow “come and get me all you wild animals” life jacket.  I followed the wrong leader which led me to isolation, fear, helplessness, and danger.

The same is true for our lives.  I want to challenge you on where the wrong leader will lead you, and to give you some reasons as to why you need to follow Christ.  Continue reading →

Jul 4 2009

CBSM: White Water Rafting Trip!

White Water Rafting

Click Name for File: White Water Rafting Waiver (pdf)

7.27.09 UPDATE!  Meet at the church at 6:45am.  We will stop for a quick breakfast on the way.  Bring a sack lunch and a drink with you (we will provide the coolers).  Wear good rafting clothes with closed toe shoes (NO CROCS).  Old tennis shoes or water shoes are the best.  Bring a dry change of clothes to wear home.  We should be home around 7pm Thursday night.  Please print the waver that is posted here on the blog, have a parent sign it, and bring it with you or give it to Mrs. Penny on Wednesday night.  PLEASE text (652.3567) or email Mrs. Penny (fowlesb@arilion.com) to let her know you got this email.  Remember, you need to bring a little money for a quick breakfast, money for a supper on the way home, and $5 to help pay gas in the vehicle you will be riding in!  See you bright and early Thursday morning.  Continue reading →

Jul 4 2009

Storyline #49: 1 Samuel 8-12 “The Lyin’ King: Have It Your Way”

3 - 1 Sam 8-12 - King (pic)

Free files for youth pastors:

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (mp3)

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (Pulpit)

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (Scripture)

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (fillout sheet)

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (ppt)

3 – 1 Sam 8-12 – King (order of service)

            I remember one of the most challenging but yet most rewarding trips I ever took was when I went with a college group to the Algonquin National Forrest up in Canada for a week of camping, canoeing, and portaging.  It was a spiritual journey to build leadership.  Every day a new leader would be picked out of the group to take the map, direct the crew, and get us to our destination of the day…many miles away.  On the last day, the guide told us to pick out our own leader.  My “genius” group decided to not pick a leader, but to let the group’s consensus (in canoes, on a lake, etc) lead the way.  Needless to say, that day was a disaster.  We learned the need for point leadership.

            We all desire point leadership in our own lives.  This is common to everyone!  We desperately want something or someone to rule over us, something or someone to follow, and some purpose to devote our lives to.  Whether that turns into a person’s group of friends, a significant other, a career, a future dream to achieve, or just plain self-centeredness…everyone is desperate for a king.  God has purposely designed us this way. Continue reading →