Connect Youth Ministries: March 2014

Monday, March 31

New Sermon Series

Last Wednesday, Dr. Marty Mittelstadt wrapped up our series on "The Big Plan." I hope the students have a better understanding of God's will for their lives. That will is to live out His purpose and not be too concerned with His flexible plan. To live out His purpose we need to be willing to do what He wants us to do. Are you willing to raise your hand and say, "Here I am." Will you put aside your fears for the cause of Christ? Our lives have a butterfly effect, either for good or bad. Will you life be defined by obedience or disobedience? Live out the purpose and you'll live out the plan.

This Wednesday begins our new series, "Stuff Christians Do." There are a lot of things that take place in church or in a Christian's life that students are not educated on. Why do we worship in the way we worship? What's communion? Fasting? We believe it is important that students know the significance behind such things. When they have a better understanding, they can apply these good things to their lives. Pastor Jonathan DiStaulo will kick off the series this Wednesday, April 2, on the topic of worship. Be there.

PastOrr

Thursday, March 27

The Big Plan Part 4 + Announcements

Dr. Marty Mittelstadt wraps up our series on "The Big Plan" by discussing God's will and how that lines up with God's call on our life. Listen here, or subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. Be sure to check out the announcement video. There is a lot planned for April!

Thursday, March 20

Summer Missions Trip 2014

Youth Missions Trip 2014

Daytona, Florida

July 12-19 (That could change by a day)

Cost: $600 (This could go down)

A deposit of $60 is due April 9th (Otherwise you can't go)

There are limited spots open for the trip, so pay your deposit ASAP
Parents are invited and encouraged to come as well

Why Daytona?

Over the past several weeks, the Connect Leadership team has been praying over what God wants us to do for missions this summer. My missions trips in high school changed my life. I learned about worship, serving, testimony, selfishness, and generosity. I want Connect to provide an opportunity for students to have a similar experience. I want them to work hard and have fun. We decided to go through an organization known as YouthWorks. YouthWorks is used by Evangel University for some of their US missions trips and they pack the week with tons of work and fun. Here is a typical schedule students will have on the trip. Though Daytona may seem like a glamorous choice, the reality is that Daytona is home to a large homeless population and several low income families. We wanted to bring students to a place of brokenness and open up their worldview. Here is a description of the Dayton trip and the community we will be serving in.

Why Mission Trips?

- YouthWorks,

"Here's the deal: We think that every teenager should experience a missions trip that values relationships, respects communities and connects the hands of service with the heart of Jesus. Again and again we see quality mission trip experiences show students how to use their lives to love and value others better.

You see, we've never thought of missions trips as the youth group's "big event" where students finally get to live out their faith. The "big event" of students' faith happens every day as teenagers find opportunity to love and serve the people God puts in their path. Instead, mission trips equip and encourage students to go home and love the community they travel into every day when they roll out of bed.

And God's mission for us is far more than a trip. But we know, for many, living out the mission begins with a trip. That's why mission trips will continue to be our work and our passion."

Step out of your comfort zone. Live out the Great Commission. Get radical. Go all in. Parents, be a help and not a hindrance. Encourage your children to go! Come with us if you want to! Let's go be light.