This past weekend, Jenna and I traveled to Pittsburgh to see good friends of mine get hitched. It was a lovely weekend and a tremendous celebration. And it seems anytime we go to a wedding, we are reminded of our own commitment to one another. This past Thursday night at Deeper we focused on Matthew 5:27-32, spending over an hour talking about marriage, love, lust and divorce.
It's no secret that the divorce rate in our country hovers around or above 50%, but what should surprise us is that the divorce rate within the church is at the same %. Divorce is a painful divergence from God's intended plan. We looked at Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:22-33, and 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 to gain a deeper understanding of the purpose, mystery, and value of the marriage commitment.
Our culture does not have a high value on marriage and we must teach the next generation of God's standard and worth for that covenant relationship. Love is not simply the warm fuzzy feelings we get around someone we like, love is an intentional choice to CHOOSE that person through the good and bad times. Love is self-sacrifice and love takes work. What views of love and marriage does your family reflect? Consider having a conversation with your teen about how they would define "love" and ask why people get married...It could lead to a great teaching opportunity.
CHANGE TO THE CALENDAR: Sun Oct 25 there WILL be SNL
Your October calendars show that there is NO SNL on Sunday October 25th, HOWEVER, the Dream Team has decided that it's important we meet that night because we will be missing November 1st for our Dodgeball Tournament. Please be aware that WE WILL MEET 6:30-8:30 on the 25th. We are looking for some willing adult volunteers to be apart of that night.
KINGDOM LUNCHEON!
Watch the video below about the Kingdom Luncheon & sign up by THIS SUNDAY!
*For any and all teens and adults who came with us to the Philadelphia, we are meeting this Sunday from 12:30-2:30 to finalize our preparations for the Kingdom Luncheon. We will meet in the Youth Room. This is a very important meeting to be at if you are apart of our sharing time on the 25th.
THANK YOU 5th QUARTER HELPERS
We had a tremendous turn out for the 5th Quarter this past Friday night...I believe the accurate mathematical term would be "A LOT". We had an awesome group of volunteers manning the food, helping with parking, and keeping watch over the crowds...Not to mention the great baked goods! It was a great success until the rain came through and we could not have done it without all of your help. Thank you thank you thank you!
And a special thanks goes out to Emily Laughlin who stood up in front of hundreds of her peers to share how her relationship with Christ impacts her everyday life. That takes boldness and confidence in her identity in Christ and I know it will impact the hearts of students who listened.
SR HIGH NIGHT GAMES: Sat Oct 24, 6:30-10pm
Teens MUST sign up for this event ahead of time...no later than Thursday the 22nd. Cost is $10. We'll start by walking down from the church at 6:30 (So please be on time) to Funk's for a hayride and bonfire. Afterward, we will be playing night games back on the church property.
DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT: Sun Nov 1st, 12:30-8pm
One of our most popular events, we're traveling up to Camp Hill UMC to compete against ten other youth groups from all over central PA in a dodgeball tournament. Permission forms will be available in the next week, but sign up and payment is due THIS SUNDAY. Cost for the tourney is $10. There is food to purchase throughout the day or you can bring a bagged lunch & dinner.
*Checks can be made out to "GRACE UMC" and "Youth Dodgeball" on the Memo Line.
FALL RETREAT: Fri Nov 20-22nd, 5pm - 4ish on Sunday
If you talk with most anyone who has come with us on the Fall Retreat, they can tell you just how much of an impact it can have. We have an unbelievable weekend of worship, small group time, dynamic teaching, community, service and games...The best way to understand it is to come along! Cost is $95 unless you sign up and pay by October 18th and receive the early bird special of $75
