"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) was the Beatitude for the day. After we discussed observations of our challenges from the previous week, Mark Hyland led the discussion and reminded us this is not just about food and drink, but about desperately craving 'divine justice'. We learned the history of the sabbatical and the year of Jubilee when all debts were forgiven so people could experience restoration. It was to be the communal hope of things being put right. Could that work in our society today?
We were also reminded that 'righteousness' in the true sense of the word is not about looking down on others - but is is about doing what is right, and for the right reasons.
We ended class once again by signing up for challenges. We hope our participants are learning from their experiences, and we hope to hear from you! Please check in with a blog by clicking on the ' _ comments' section at the bottom of this section - you will be held in prayer!
Challenge Options for Sunday #4:
1.Silence is golden. Just as Jesus drew back and isolated himself to gather strength, take time away from your busy life to spend time in reflection and meditation.
2.The big Book. Enough said. Commit to reading 3 chapters of the Bible (Matt 5, 6 &7 are good!)
3.Please doodle. For 1 month, take notes on your pastor's sermons to make sure you are paying attention to God's word for you. Try to make what you learned part of your life.
4.Justice at town hall. Be active in the redemption of your community. Learn what issues face your community, town or school.
5.Be desperate. For God. Being rightous is being desperate for God and depending on Him. What else do you depend on? Make a list, then ask God for strength to depend on Him instead.
6.That cardigan is, like, so cute and slave-free. Being in a relationship with Jesus should effect our social action. Often things we buy support slavery in other countries. Visit chainstorereaction.com and send an email to a store asking them to do their part to end slavery.
7.The price is right? When you choose to draw nearer to God and hunger and thirst for righteousness there is a price - a longing to make things right. Ask a friend for forgiveness, get over a grudge, seek compromise.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Sunday #3
After a week off, we met in the Youth Room Sunday morning to talk about the past week's challenge and introduce our new lesson.
We talked about "Blessed are the meek"
It was an interesting discussion that ended in us defining what Meek means.
We were interested to find that our definition of Meek was not weak. We decided that a person could be a strong leader but still be meek. (Like Jesus!)
With that information, we began to pick our challenges with our families. The general challenge this week: Be Meek! God help us follow this challenge!
1. Grin and bear it, whatever that means.
Everyone may deserve to be yelled at a little-especially when they are YELLING AT YOU! But this week, when you want to raise your voice, work to be gentle and soft spoken instead.
2. Serving the snot-nosed
Okay, admit it. You were a pain in the neck to all your grade school teachers. But some of those teachers still stand out in your memory as being outstanding. Write a letter to one, thanking him or her for being significant in your life.
3. While you were sleeping.
Most churches have a maintenance person or crew who works odd hours to keep the place in shape for you and the people that use the building. Theirs is an important and often overlooked ministry. Make some cookies this week, bring a snack, write a card, do something to show appreciation for what they do when no one else is looking.
4. Mow and Go Wait until they are gone, then now your neighbor's yard. Don't let them know it was you.
5. Dodgeball
Choose the least likely players first for your dodgeball or kickball team in gym this month. Allow modesty and a gentle spirit to help you reach out to those who often get overlooked.
6. Social network pick me up
using your social network of choice, publicly praise someone else at least once a day. Better yet, praise someone toward whom you feel competative or jealous.
7. Toot your horn!
What is your gift or talent? Whatever it is, offer your talents to help someone else- with no strings attached.
We talked about "Blessed are the meek"
It was an interesting discussion that ended in us defining what Meek means.
We were interested to find that our definition of Meek was not weak. We decided that a person could be a strong leader but still be meek. (Like Jesus!)
With that information, we began to pick our challenges with our families. The general challenge this week: Be Meek! God help us follow this challenge!
1. Grin and bear it, whatever that means.
Everyone may deserve to be yelled at a little-especially when they are YELLING AT YOU! But this week, when you want to raise your voice, work to be gentle and soft spoken instead.
2. Serving the snot-nosed
Okay, admit it. You were a pain in the neck to all your grade school teachers. But some of those teachers still stand out in your memory as being outstanding. Write a letter to one, thanking him or her for being significant in your life.
3. While you were sleeping.
Most churches have a maintenance person or crew who works odd hours to keep the place in shape for you and the people that use the building. Theirs is an important and often overlooked ministry. Make some cookies this week, bring a snack, write a card, do something to show appreciation for what they do when no one else is looking.
4. Mow and Go Wait until they are gone, then now your neighbor's yard. Don't let them know it was you.
5. Dodgeball
Choose the least likely players first for your dodgeball or kickball team in gym this month. Allow modesty and a gentle spirit to help you reach out to those who often get overlooked.
6. Social network pick me up
using your social network of choice, publicly praise someone else at least once a day. Better yet, praise someone toward whom you feel competative or jealous.
7. Toot your horn!
What is your gift or talent? Whatever it is, offer your talents to help someone else- with no strings attached.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday # 2
Week # 2 found the group making use of the bigger space in the Youth Room. The good news is all of our families stuck with us, and the better news is that we had some newcomers! The beatitude that we talked about was "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4)
Kelly led the discussion about how 'to mourn' could mean to grieve, or to feel sorrow for sins. The table talks were about the book of Joel and the idea of group blame within a community and later about how they have seen God in a time when they needed comfort. The 'Wailing Wall' (which greatly resembles a giant letter 'B') was started with our own prayers of mourning - either for those in need of comfort, or in sorrow for our sins. It is hoped that the Wailing Wall will continue to be used throughout the duration of this class and beyond - it's going to stay in the hallway by the Youth Room, and extra paper is available on the bulletin board nearby.
As everyone selected their challenge(s) for the week, a reminder was given that the class will not meet over President's Day Weekend, but will pick up again the following week on Feb. 27th in the Youth Room. So feel free to extend the challenge for 2 weeks, or do two! If you are participating, please check in to let us know how it is going and to support the rest of the group. Photos are great! Hint: Remember to click on the highlighted 'comments' at the bottom of the page to get started...
If you have any questions, email Denise at Denise@yardleychurch.org
Have a blessed week, all!
Week #2 Challenges:
1. Going. Going. Gone. Consider yourself and those you know who mourn the loss of broken dreams or futures that will never happen. How does God redeem the dreams and futures of those he loves?
2. 99 balloons closer to the kingdom. Watch "99 Balloons" on youtube. Share the burden of mourning by getting a helium-filled balloon and letting it go for those who are in mourning, remembering God's promise of comfort.
3. A panoramic view. Go to tinyurl.com/cxljo8. Learn and pray about those mourning in situations of war, exile, genocide or poverty.
4. An internal war. Those who serve in our military are at a high risk of depression and suicide. Go to anysoldier.com to send a letter or package to a soldier needing comfort.
5.Wanna see someone's face light up? Attend a hospital visitation with your pastor.
6.Remember life before singing animation and e-cards? Handwrite a letter to someone in your life who is struggling with a hopeless or depressing situation. A text or phone call would be nice. A list of YUMC shut-ins is available. Remember God will be doing a lot of comforting through you; it's by Christ that you can do all things (Phil. 4:13).
7.Make a List. Ask 3 people what sins they feel are most prevalent in our nation's teen population. Spend quiet time allowing God to break your heart for those sins, and if applicable ask God to free you from a sin's hold on your life.
8. Create your own. Create a challenge for your family that reflects 'Blessed are those who mourn...'
Kelly led the discussion about how 'to mourn' could mean to grieve, or to feel sorrow for sins. The table talks were about the book of Joel and the idea of group blame within a community and later about how they have seen God in a time when they needed comfort. The 'Wailing Wall' (which greatly resembles a giant letter 'B') was started with our own prayers of mourning - either for those in need of comfort, or in sorrow for our sins. It is hoped that the Wailing Wall will continue to be used throughout the duration of this class and beyond - it's going to stay in the hallway by the Youth Room, and extra paper is available on the bulletin board nearby.
As everyone selected their challenge(s) for the week, a reminder was given that the class will not meet over President's Day Weekend, but will pick up again the following week on Feb. 27th in the Youth Room. So feel free to extend the challenge for 2 weeks, or do two! If you are participating, please check in to let us know how it is going and to support the rest of the group. Photos are great! Hint: Remember to click on the highlighted 'comments' at the bottom of the page to get started...
If you have any questions, email Denise at Denise@yardleychurch.org
Have a blessed week, all!
Week #2 Challenges:
1. Going. Going. Gone. Consider yourself and those you know who mourn the loss of broken dreams or futures that will never happen. How does God redeem the dreams and futures of those he loves?
2. 99 balloons closer to the kingdom. Watch "99 Balloons" on youtube. Share the burden of mourning by getting a helium-filled balloon and letting it go for those who are in mourning, remembering God's promise of comfort.
3. A panoramic view. Go to tinyurl.com/cxljo8. Learn and pray about those mourning in situations of war, exile, genocide or poverty.
4. An internal war. Those who serve in our military are at a high risk of depression and suicide. Go to anysoldier.com to send a letter or package to a soldier needing comfort.
5.Wanna see someone's face light up? Attend a hospital visitation with your pastor.
6.Remember life before singing animation and e-cards? Handwrite a letter to someone in your life who is struggling with a hopeless or depressing situation. A text or phone call would be nice. A list of YUMC shut-ins is available. Remember God will be doing a lot of comforting through you; it's by Christ that you can do all things (Phil. 4:13).
7.Make a List. Ask 3 people what sins they feel are most prevalent in our nation's teen population. Spend quiet time allowing God to break your heart for those sins, and if applicable ask God to free you from a sin's hold on your life.
8. Create your own. Create a challenge for your family that reflects 'Blessed are those who mourn...'
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday #1
We had an amazing group gathered this morning to kick off the "YUMC Family Challenge!"
Our First Beatitude we discussed was "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"
Abby talked about the fact both Matthew & Luke talk about the Beatitudes. Luke talks about the Poor in Spirit as someone in need of spiritual strength. Matthew talks about Poor in Spirit as someone physically poor.
We discussed a time we went through something difficult and how it directed (or didn't) our relationship with God.
At the end of the time, each family unit had to choose 1 challenge they were going to take on for the week.
And it was an amazingly brave first week!
Below is the list of options.
If you are participating in this Challenge, please check in at least twice this week to let us know how it's going and to support the rest of the group! Add Pictures when possible!
Questions? Email Denise@yardleychurch.org
Have a blessed week, all!
1. Don't even give me the Evil Eye Try being generous this week. Instead of spending your extra cash on new clothes or music, spend it on a friend who doesn't have as much as you. Even better, don't let them find out it was you!
2. Let it Go Take a look at your prize posessions. Find something you can't live without. Practice what it means to depend on God by giving it away and not replacing it.
3. Thanks Mr Edison, but no Minumize your use of electricity. Donate the difference in your electricity bill to your electric company's account or about making this a way of life.
4. Ten items or more Skip a meal or use some allowance to go grocery shopping then donate everything to the local food pantry.
5. Roughing it Sleep on the floor for a week. Think about how life might be different if you didn't have a comfy home. Remember, with less of you, there is more room for God.
6. Shut Your pie hole Fast from food for a peroid of time. Reflect on Christ's suggestion that life is more than food.
Our First Beatitude we discussed was "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"
Abby talked about the fact both Matthew & Luke talk about the Beatitudes. Luke talks about the Poor in Spirit as someone in need of spiritual strength. Matthew talks about Poor in Spirit as someone physically poor.
We discussed a time we went through something difficult and how it directed (or didn't) our relationship with God.
At the end of the time, each family unit had to choose 1 challenge they were going to take on for the week.
And it was an amazingly brave first week!
Below is the list of options.
If you are participating in this Challenge, please check in at least twice this week to let us know how it's going and to support the rest of the group! Add Pictures when possible!
Questions? Email Denise@yardleychurch.org
Have a blessed week, all!
1. Don't even give me the Evil Eye Try being generous this week. Instead of spending your extra cash on new clothes or music, spend it on a friend who doesn't have as much as you. Even better, don't let them find out it was you!
2. Let it Go Take a look at your prize posessions. Find something you can't live without. Practice what it means to depend on God by giving it away and not replacing it.
3. Thanks Mr Edison, but no Minumize your use of electricity. Donate the difference in your electricity bill to your electric company's account or about making this a way of life.
4. Ten items or more Skip a meal or use some allowance to go grocery shopping then donate everything to the local food pantry.
5. Roughing it Sleep on the floor for a week. Think about how life might be different if you didn't have a comfy home. Remember, with less of you, there is more room for God.
6. Shut Your pie hole Fast from food for a peroid of time. Reflect on Christ's suggestion that life is more than food.
Kingdom Experiment: Family Challenge
It's FINALLY HERE! Weeks of talking about it have come to an end.
Today 15 families gathered in 204 to learn and teach.
This blog is for all participants to share their experiences, church members and interested parties to see what's going on and lift up participants in prayer.
Our prayer is that the next 4 weeks would be a time of great discussion, challenging actions and growing closer to God and one another!
Let the Experiment Begin! To GOD be the Glory!
Today 15 families gathered in 204 to learn and teach.
This blog is for all participants to share their experiences, church members and interested parties to see what's going on and lift up participants in prayer.
Our prayer is that the next 4 weeks would be a time of great discussion, challenging actions and growing closer to God and one another!
Let the Experiment Begin! To GOD be the Glory!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)