There's just something about it. I can't explain it. I've tried to a couple people, but I come up short and I usually end up sputtering out cliche phrases and rhetoric that doesn't even come CLOSE to what my heart is trying to say. But as much as I can, I will recap our church baptism service in a bulleted list (which will hopefully help with readability).
- I got the chance to baptize my wife. Two words: Uh-Mazing. For me, it was such a blessing to baptize her because of the heart of the woman in the water. In addition to her declaring in front of our church that she is a dedicated follower of Jesus, she was telling them that she is committed to the church that has believed in me to lead the 7th and 8th graders. She was saying to me and them that she believes in me and even though she tells me that A LOT, it was an amazing feeling to see her do it in this way. I love you, Amber.
- I also had the opportunity to baptize my two cousins (both of which are in 8th grade and in my ministry). Watching them grow up and having them use me as a jungle gym when they were younger, this also has a special place in my heart. Having a unique perspective on their stories because I've had a front-row seat for most of it, it was hard for me to hold it together as one of them broke reading the other's testimony. It has been an awesome experience so far having them in my ministry. Whether it's chats at Sam's, Kalahari, Beyond, Echoing Hills, I'm SO proud of them and am looking forward to seeing where God leads them in the years to come.
- During the summer, we had talked about The Church on Sunday morning and one of the application points was identifying with the Head of the Church (Jesus) through baptism. And that day I challenged the 7th and 8th graders to lead the church and show up in a big way by having at least 10 students get baptized at the upcoming service (which was 3 days ago). We had some good interest, but I wasn't sure what that would translate into as far as people actually getting in the water. I was BLOWN AWAY at how the students took the challenge. And overall, with students either as a family, with a sibling, or by themselves, there were 11 7th and 8th graders who got in the water and declared publicly that Jesus was their savior and they wanted to live for Him. Way to go, students!
- What a day for a baptism. What a day for Student Ministries. What a day for our church. If you've got any stories or anything, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
HSM Retreat 2/2
by Ben Framstad
The Retreat went SO well. On Saturday night, the whole group boarded the bus with little idea of what they were going to do. We drove up north to Norwayne High School and then we gave instructions. We were stopping at some select high schools that night and at every high school, every student who attended the school we stopped at would get out and pray in front of their school. The rest of the students would stay on the bus and pray for those students, that they'd make an eternal impact at their school. This part of the night was so powerful.
We stopped at Norwayne, Career Center (representing other schools of students on our trip), Smithville, Triway, and Wooster. By the end we were all thinking "on mission" ready to live for Jesus this coming school year and love our friends so much that they see Jesus in us.
In the morning, our group had a wonderful breakfast followed by communion. We talked about how forgetting what God has done can lead us to sin. The nation of Israel stumbled and fell when they failed to remember. So we broke bread together and remembered God's goodness to us through the cross of Jesus Christ. Students were then sent out to do a prayer walk around the church, lifting up every ministry and service toward God, submitting to His will for the morning.
HSM that morning included a special guest worship leader, Richard Jordan. You can hear him by visiting his myspace. He led music and did a great job. Nick delivered a knock out sermon on sharing Jesus with our friends.
Now, we wait and see what God will do this school year: through us...and in us.
The Retreat went SO well. On Saturday night, the whole group boarded the bus with little idea of what they were going to do. We drove up north to Norwayne High School and then we gave instructions. We were stopping at some select high schools that night and at every high school, every student who attended the school we stopped at would get out and pray in front of their school. The rest of the students would stay on the bus and pray for those students, that they'd make an eternal impact at their school. This part of the night was so powerful.
We stopped at Norwayne, Career Center (representing other schools of students on our trip), Smithville, Triway, and Wooster. By the end we were all thinking "on mission" ready to live for Jesus this coming school year and love our friends so much that they see Jesus in us.
In the morning, our group had a wonderful breakfast followed by communion. We talked about how forgetting what God has done can lead us to sin. The nation of Israel stumbled and fell when they failed to remember. So we broke bread together and remembered God's goodness to us through the cross of Jesus Christ. Students were then sent out to do a prayer walk around the church, lifting up every ministry and service toward God, submitting to His will for the morning.
HSM that morning included a special guest worship leader, Richard Jordan. You can hear him by visiting his myspace. He led music and did a great job. Nick delivered a knock out sermon on sharing Jesus with our friends.
Now, we wait and see what God will do this school year: through us...and in us.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Echoing Hills Trip Recap Video
Check out our video recap of our Middle School Mission Trip to Camp Echoing Hills in July!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
HSM Retreat 1/2 Update
by Pastor Nick
Summer's end retreat - that's what's going on in HSM this weekend. 50 students and leaders have connected at the Student Ministry Center at Grace for a weekend time with God. The goal was to help students encounter and experience God in a variety of different fashions like silence, extended seasons of prayer, evangelism training, sermons, videos, singing, worship experessions, confession, & much more.
Friday night was great to see the students meeting new friends, laughing, and desiring God in new and refreshing ways. Sydney Lumley, senior @ Smithville shared from God's Word and her experiences this summer challenging her peers to share Christ with their friends. Joining her and sharing her experience in San Francisco was Kendra Workman, senior from Smithville.
Today after training in Contagious Christianity for students we spent the entire day at the Knight's family pond enjoying the water, the courts, etc. Pray for a wonderful time together tonight as we focus on reaching our schools for Jesus this year!
Summer's end retreat - that's what's going on in HSM this weekend. 50 students and leaders have connected at the Student Ministry Center at Grace for a weekend time with God. The goal was to help students encounter and experience God in a variety of different fashions like silence, extended seasons of prayer, evangelism training, sermons, videos, singing, worship experessions, confession, & much more.
Friday night was great to see the students meeting new friends, laughing, and desiring God in new and refreshing ways. Sydney Lumley, senior @ Smithville shared from God's Word and her experiences this summer challenging her peers to share Christ with their friends. Joining her and sharing her experience in San Francisco was Kendra Workman, senior from Smithville.
Today after training in Contagious Christianity for students we spent the entire day at the Knight's family pond enjoying the water, the courts, etc. Pray for a wonderful time together tonight as we focus on reaching our schools for Jesus this year!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Piano
We've got a special music artist coming to Student Ministries. check it out :)
Alright, just kidding, but that's pretty cool!
Alright, just kidding, but that's pretty cool!
Monday, August 10, 2009
The GREATEST story ever...
by Pastor Nick
Right now in HSM we are in a series called "Story...the greatest story ever!" It's a thought provoking challenge toward engaging those we love and serve in conversation about Jesus. This past weekend I shared some thoughts with our students I thought might encourage you. We who are Christ followers have powerful stories because of God's power at work within us...so here are 3 steps to take to become ready to share your story:
1. POSSESS confidence in your story - Romans 1:12 tells us that we encourage one another by sharing what God is doing in our lives. You have a story to share if Christ has changed your life and that story both impacts others and strengthens you.
2. PICK which part of your story to share - we who know Jesus have a salvation story (before + how + after) and we also have a growth story (issue + lesson + response). I shared 2 of Paul's stories from 1 Timothy 1 and Philippians. Know your audience and what they need to hear in a certain situation but just share!
3. PREPARE to share your story - there's one garuntee in sharing your story...if you're not ready to the chances of you doing it drop significantly. You prepare by: praying, asking others to pray, writing it out, practicing it, shortening it, and checking your heart.
All in all we are to be ready to share with others our story. I love 1 Peter 3:15 in the Message,
"Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy."
So, what's your story?
Right now in HSM we are in a series called "Story...the greatest story ever!" It's a thought provoking challenge toward engaging those we love and serve in conversation about Jesus. This past weekend I shared some thoughts with our students I thought might encourage you. We who are Christ followers have powerful stories because of God's power at work within us...so here are 3 steps to take to become ready to share your story:
1. POSSESS confidence in your story - Romans 1:12 tells us that we encourage one another by sharing what God is doing in our lives. You have a story to share if Christ has changed your life and that story both impacts others and strengthens you.
2. PICK which part of your story to share - we who know Jesus have a salvation story (before + how + after) and we also have a growth story (issue + lesson + response). I shared 2 of Paul's stories from 1 Timothy 1 and Philippians. Know your audience and what they need to hear in a certain situation but just share!
3. PREPARE to share your story - there's one garuntee in sharing your story...if you're not ready to the chances of you doing it drop significantly. You prepare by: praying, asking others to pray, writing it out, practicing it, shortening it, and checking your heart.
All in all we are to be ready to share with others our story. I love 1 Peter 3:15 in the Message,
"Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy."
So, what's your story?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Steal of a Deal
Ok, girls! Who doesn't like to find a deal? You know, the kind that makes you feel like you should call all of your friends just to let them know... the kind that makes back to school shopping so much fun! Well, I love them, deals, I mean. My long time friend calls them, "Kick 'em when they're down" deals. :)
Going to South Park mall last weekend with my daughter made ME excited that school was starting because it was so much fun shopping and finding the deals of the season. Cute stores just for teens, buy one get one for a penny, jewelry for $2, and of course topping it off with Starbucks! (which cost more than some of the items we found by the way)
A friend of mine this week was sharing about her 12 year old son NEEDING a pair of $150 shoes... What!?? Do you know how much you could find for that if you are a deal hunter? In the long run, those shoes will wear out sooner than we think and then what?
So, stop worrying about whether your friends think you've spent a million bucks, and start sharing your favorite "deal spot." You'll be glad you did!
Going to South Park mall last weekend with my daughter made ME excited that school was starting because it was so much fun shopping and finding the deals of the season. Cute stores just for teens, buy one get one for a penny, jewelry for $2, and of course topping it off with Starbucks! (which cost more than some of the items we found by the way)
A friend of mine this week was sharing about her 12 year old son NEEDING a pair of $150 shoes... What!?? Do you know how much you could find for that if you are a deal hunter? In the long run, those shoes will wear out sooner than we think and then what?
So, stop worrying about whether your friends think you've spent a million bucks, and start sharing your favorite "deal spot." You'll be glad you did!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
HSM Team in Full Swing
Yeah, that's right. Nick, Ben and I are getting ready for YOU. We're working on things that will challenge your thinking about God and who He is. We're working on things that could CHANGE your life and WILL if you're ready for them. We are working hard to get ready for YOU on the HSM Retreat. This is what HSM is all about. Are you ready to encounter God in a real way? Get your application in....we're ready....ARE YOU?
HSM Retreat Videos
HSM Retreat Videos
Recent News
by Ben Framstad
So, I was reading my TIME Magazine today (more like leafing through it) and I came upon a news story that I thought was pretty funny (thought not sure if it was meant to be).
Apparently, with the release of the latest Harry Potter movie ("Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"), HP fans in Wauwatosa, WI got a little wild. Lost in their fantasy, they took permanent markers and wrote the word "Voldemort" on 80 different stop signs. Voldemort is the creepy villain of the entire book and movie series. So when you look at the whole stop sign, it says "STOP VOLDEMORT!" I'm sure Harry would be proud. What loyal fans!
Just thought it was funny. My apologies to the Wauwatosa police force, by the way. Read the news article about this by going here.
So, I was reading my TIME Magazine today (more like leafing through it) and I came upon a news story that I thought was pretty funny (thought not sure if it was meant to be).Apparently, with the release of the latest Harry Potter movie ("Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"), HP fans in Wauwatosa, WI got a little wild. Lost in their fantasy, they took permanent markers and wrote the word "Voldemort" on 80 different stop signs. Voldemort is the creepy villain of the entire book and movie series. So when you look at the whole stop sign, it says "STOP VOLDEMORT!" I'm sure Harry would be proud. What loyal fans!
Just thought it was funny. My apologies to the Wauwatosa police force, by the way. Read the news article about this by going here.
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