FALL RETREAT ‘08: IGNITE
“IGNITE” is the theme of our ‘08 Student Fall Retreat with FBC Fort Payne Youth. Here’s a bit more information to help you prepare for this wonderful event… Our theme verse is 2 Timothy 1:6 – the NCV version of the Scriptures encourages believers to let the small flame [of your spiritual life] become a fire (basically to “ignite”).
When: September 5, 6, & 7
Where: Camp ToknowHim (Pisgah, AL)
Cost: 75 dollars per student can be paid in the church office
Who: Camp leadership consist of Jeff, Thea, Kay Kay, Edwin, Mike, Tammy, Erik, Pennie, Kim, & the band: Four Days Late (www.fourdayslatemusic.com)
How: To sign up just drop 75 bucks, your name, and t shirt size in a registration envelope and turn it in to Jeff or the church office (these envelopes can be found @ the FBC Youth Room) DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions:
what about the location of camp? www.camptoknowhim.com (click on this website to learn more)
when do we leave and when do we return? we leave from First Baptist Church of Fort Payne after the Fort Payne versus Etowah Football Game… actually there will be a 5th Quarter at the DeKalb Theater that we will go to before our departure… we will return from Camp ToknowHim on Sunday morning – our retreat will end at the close of the morning worship service; however, we are asking everyone to return on Sunday night for Choir Practice (445pm), Youth 501, and for an evening worship service where we can share about our retreat experiences
what do i need to pack? Clothes, comfortable shoes, linens / bedding / sleeping bag, towel, washcloth, hairdryer (optional), toletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, sunscreen, etc., Bible, Notebook and pen, a box of your favorite cereal, snacks (optional), camera (optional)
what do i not need to pack? no alcoholic beverages, no tobacco products, no illegal substances, no electronics that play music or games (with one exception: your cell phone is ok.) Do not bring anything you have that could be a distraction to our retreat atmosphere. If in doubt don’t bring it.
what we will do at the retreat? worship together, eat together, play together, do bible study together, and just spend some time alone with God on Saturday and Sunday as well
YOUTH CHOIR KICK OFF / YOUTH 501 – MISSIONS TRACK
My friend and partner in ministry, Roger Walworth, recently mailed out a letter to FBC Youth about the upcoming (August 17th) Youth Choir kickoff, so look for it in your neighborhood mailbox. Be sure and attend this wonderful event if you can. Also remember that if singing just is not your thing… you can join us each Sunday evening at 501pm for an ongoing “missions track” in the FBC Youth Room. Our first meeting is also on August 17th. Youth 501 will be a bit different than previous years, in that our main focus will be missions related. This meeting will serve to prepare us for local, national, and international missions adventures.
MORE ‘08 & 09 ADVENTURES
We are currently scheduled to assist with operation christmas child near Atlanta, GA on November 24th, so be sure and mark your calendar. More details will be included in next months newsletter.
We are also planning to take students to MFUGE ‘09 in Nashville, TN. For more on MFUGE… visit www.fuge.comThe summer of ‘09 will also include an overseas missions adventure.
Beyond our 2008 operation Christmas child missions adventure… we also are planning SNACs (sunday night after church youth fellowships) for September, October, & November as well as Jr. High and Sr. High Christmas Parties.
We are continuing to pray about our 2009 calendar commitments and events. Please let us know if you have any additional questions regarding the ‘08 & ‘09 calendars.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In my study of the Bible, I have come to realize that the whole of Scripture seems to contain a repeating message of life’s discouragements, distractions, & defeats coupled with God’s provision, protection, & direction.
Doug Fields writes these words in response to life’s discouragements…
IDENTIFYING THREE CONCEPTS THAT CAN AND WILL DISCOURAGE YOU ON YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
1 I’M NOT WORTHY: Comparing your own spirituality to another person benefits no one. Judging the other person as less mature than you puffs up your pride. Thinking another is more mature discourages you leaves you feeling unworthy of God’s love and attention. Movement toward God is important, not your position in relationship to others. Go ahead and be “selfish” on this topic by focusing your spiritual journey and forgetting to measure yourself against others.
2 I FEEL GUILTY: Feeling guilty for missing quiet times is common. The purpose of guilt is to cause repentance and move you closer to God, yet misguided guilt often increases the distance. Every Christian blows it, and guilt is the Holy Spirit’s whisper inviting you back to the Cross to bathe in God’s grace. When you slack off from your spiritual growth plan, don’t go psycho and try to catch up. Just move forward, rest in God’s presence, and know God loves you even when you miss appointments with him. His love is without equal.
3 I FEEL ALONE: There’s not a mature Christian alive who hasn’t experienced a spiritual rut. At any time, significant numbers of believers are tired, burned out, and feeling disconnected from God. Every Christian you know and every spiritual hero you admire has been in the spiritual dumps sometime. The problem isn’t limited to people you know and admire; it’s happened since the beginning and will continue to until the end. You’re definitely not alone. Don’t allow feeling alone to drag you down further. Take action…
