Centreville Presbyterian Church » High School Students

NC Mission Project Meeting tonight!! HomeFront plus so much more….

tracey — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:47:59 +0000

High School Ministry Updates, 5.14.2012

Announcements….

North Carolina Mission Project. Our first team training is tonight – Monday, May 14 – from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All team members need to attend. Please also mark your calendar for the next training on Monday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Mission Teams’ Balance Due. All mission team participants’ balances are due tomorrow, Tuesday May 15. Thank you for your timely attention to this matter.

Rita’s. Every Tuesday in May from 6-8 p.m., the Sully Station Rita’s will donate 25% of their proceeds to the Summer Mission Teams. Cool off and support the Mission Teams in a delicious way!

London Towne Fun Fair. Reminder!! If you signed up to help with the Fun Fair, it is this Saturday, May 19. Questions? Please email Tracey at tracey@centrevillepres.com.

HomeFront. The next gathering for our high school large group is this Sunday, May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. We continue our mission focus for ministry at home, at school, and serving beyond our borders. Taco Night!

Transition Seminar for Class of 2012. To equip our graduates in their upcoming transition to post-high school life, we host the Spring seminar on Sunday mornings, May 6 – June 10 at 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. It will give students tools as they move into their new phase of life. Topics include: empowering friendships, excelling academically, dating relationships, growing spiritually, connecting with your church and your family. CPC Student Ministry Leaders Philip and Ashley Wilkins (Clemson University, Class of 2006) are leading the seminar.

Massive Outdoor Party. Our MOP will return on Sunday, June 3 (5 – 8:00 p.m.)!! All rising 6th graders through graduating High School seniors, their families, and friends are invited to an evening filled with food, fellowship and extremely messy fun. Plan to bring a dessert or side dish to share, a towel, a change of clothes, and ammunition for the Yuck War. Do NOT wear your Sunday best.

Questions about the Student Ministry or a desire to serve our communities’ students? Please contact Director of Student Ministry Sharon Hoover.(sharon@centrevillepres.com) or Admin Tracey MacNamara (tracey@centrevillepres.com).

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Titus Tell ‘Em: Do Good Already

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)

Titus was a missionary and pastor on the island of Crete. It’s a gorgeous looking place, judging by the pictures I’ve seen online. It’s a big, sunny Greek island with beautiful beaches and rocky cliffs and mountains that get snow in the winter.

Apparently, it was also a hard place to be a Christian. Even Paul confirmed the reputation of the culture there: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” He wanted the Cretan Christians to stand out for being the opposite of that — to live like they really believed God’s Word is true.

Today’s verses bullet-point some action items for all Christians, including us non-Cretans: Obey authorities, don’t talk mean about people, think of others, make peace, don’t make it all about you — no matter who you’re talking to.

Come back this week to find out why it matters how we live.

Think: How would you stand apart from your friends or peers if you lived the way these two verses describe? Would people think you strange if you were obedient and respectful to authorities like teachers, parents, and the law of the land? Why or why not?

Pray: Ask God to help you to “be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

Do: Go to Crete, and lay on a beach while you really think about this book. Or read a little about the biblical history of the island. Whichever works better for you.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

T he Avengers [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Forty percent of Americans have never visited a dentist.

Come Blendini at Rita’s on Tuesdays!

tracey — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:02:32 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 5.7.2012

Announcements….

Rita’s. Every Tuesday in May from 6-8 p.m., the Sully Station Rita’s will donate 25% of their proceeds to the Summer Mission Teams. Cool off and support the Mission Teams in a delicious way!

North Carolina Mission Team. Our first full group Training Session is coming up on Monday, May 14, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The next one will be on Monday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

London Towne Fun Fair. Come and support our partner elementary school in a fun way on Saturday, May 19. Check it out here. Walk away with a smile and a shirt.

HomeFront. The next gathering for our high school large group is Sunday, May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. We continue our mission focus for ministry at home, at school, and serving beyond our borders. Taco Night! All mission team members need to attend.

Class of 2012. It’s almost here… graduation!! We look forward to honoring you on Grad Sunday (June 10). Please call the church office to give your full name and the high school from which you are graduating.

Life Groups. Our student-led small groups for high school students meet on Sunday mornings in room 206C (10-10:45 a.m.). The conversations make faith relevant amidst the craziness of life. April 22 we will begin “The Kingdom Experiment”. It will challenge each of us as we truly seek to live out our faith!

Student Ministry eLetter. Weekly we update the website with announcements, calendar dates, flyers and more. If you would like to be added to the email list with the ministry updates, please contact Tracey (tracey@centrevillepres.com). Be sure to let her know if you want the middle school or high school eLetter (or both!).

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny, please email and let her know you are interested.

Do you Tweet? Follow us on twitter @CPCStudent for event updates, weather changes, retreat check-ins, and more. Or go here and scroll down to “tweets” to get live updates. If you are a facebook user, be sure to also ”like” the CPC High School facebook page for even more details!

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Titus Tell ‘Em: Do Good Already

Come back this week to find out why it matters how we live.

Do: Go to Crete, and lay on a beach while you really think about this book. Or read a little about the biblical history of the island. Whichever works better for you.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

T he Avengers [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Forty percent of Americans have never visited a dentist.

It’s May and It’s Busy! Get the Scoop Here and at Rita’s.

tracey — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:34:59 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 4.30.2012

Announcements….

Rita’s. Every Tuesday in May from 6-8 p.m., the Sully Station Rita’s will donate 25% of their proceeds to the Summer Mission Teams. Cool off and support the Mission Teams in a delicious way!

HomeFront. The next gathering for our high school large group is Sunday, May 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. We continue our mission focus for ministry at home, at school, and serving beyond our borders.

Zambia Mission Team. The time is HERE. We need to apply for our visas. Please bring the following to the Student Ministry office by Sunday, May 6: your passport, two copies of visa application, two passport photos, and a copy of your yellow fever vaccination.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Fear v. God: Safe and Strong

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

When you’re 18, you might laugh at what used to terrify you when you were 8. And by the time you turn 28, the fears of your 18-year-old self might seem kind of silly, too. What doesn’t change is that there is always something to be afraid of or worried about.

It’s not that the things that scare us don’t matter. Many of them are real. The world is a dangerous place with lots of things that go wrong all of them time. But there’s another thing that doesn’t change no matter how old we get: God is bigger than everything that scares us.

That’s what we’re going to study from Psalm 46 this week. God is our safe place — the refuge in which we’re untouchable. He’s our strength — stronger than any danger — and he’s ready to help in every moment.

To belong to a God like that should make our fear less powerful. Does it? Come back tomorrow.

Think: In the battle between faith in a huge God and fear of terrible things, which one usually wins in your heart? What kinds of things do you do to help or hurt either side?

Pray: Thank God that He is your refuge, your strength, and your ever-present help in trouble.

Do: Make a quick list of your top 3 current fears and write next to each of them, “God is bigger.”

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Pirates Band of Misfits [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Flamingos can only eat with their heads upside down.

Honoring Our Grads And A Delicious Way To Cool Off

tracey — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:11:20 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 4.23.2012

Announcements….

Dental and Glasses Collection. The Guatemala mission team is collecting eyeglass and dental supplies for this summer’s ministry with Servants 4 Him. They would greatly appreciate any donations to help the people in the village they will serve. The team is collecting :

New Reading glasses (usually found at a big box store for between $1-$5)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (can be sample packets from your dentist)
Doctor gloves and masks

The team will be hosting an eye clinic along with dental wellness encouragement. A collection box is in church lobby. Items needed by April 29. Thank you!!

Lamb Center. We will be serving breakfast at the Fairfax soup kitchen on Saturday, April 28. We need fruit, egg casseroles, yogurts, and boiled eggs. If you are able to donate or would like to serve please contact Pam Murdoch at snpmurdoch@aol.com.

Rita’s. Every Tuesday in May from 6-8 p.m., the Sully Station Rita’s will donate 25% of their proceeds to the Summer Mission Teams. Cool off and support the Mission Teams in a delicious way!

HomeFront. Mark your calendars. HomeFront will be meeting again on May 6 and May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. All mission team members need to attend.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Walk This Way: Like Jesus

“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)

Here’s something that would be weird: A 28-year-old guy who never, ever walked in his whole life even though he was perfectly healthy. He just never felt like it. He never got around to it. Maybe someday when he’s older.

Guess what? That never happens. Human babies who can walk always do eventually. If they don’t, they’re not healthy. Something is wrong that needs fixing.

But I know some Christians who think it’s perfectly normal not to walk in the way of Jesus. They seem to think you can be a healthy Christian without ever moving your spiritual legs, without ever getting up and following after Jesus. Guess what? Healthy Christians always walk — unless there’s something seriously wrong. (We might fall down a lot, but that’s because we’re walking in the first place.)

We’re going to talk for the next week or two about what we should expect to see our spiritual legs doing as we grow up in Christ. Where should these wobbly new legs be taking us? What should be different about us than if we were not Christians, at all? Come back tomorrow.

Think: What does the idea of walking as Jesus did mean to you? Do you expect to see yourself walking more and more like Him as you grow as a Christian?

Pray: Ask God to help you to understand what it means to walk as Jesus did — and then ask Him to help you to continue to do that.

Do: If want to read ahead, check out Romans 12:9-21 to see what kind of hiking we’ll be talking about for the next two weeks.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report
Cabin in the Woods [Christianity Today]

The Three Stooges [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:

An apple, potato, and onion all taste the same if you eat them with your nose plugged.

Class of 2012 Interviews and New Life Groups Session

tracey — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:46:19 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 4.16.2012

Announcements….

New Reading glasses (usually found at a big box store for between $1-$5)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (can be sample packets from your dentist)
Doctor gloves and masks

The team will be hosting an eye clinic along with dental wellness encouragement. A collection box is in church lobby. Items needed by April 29. Thank you!!

Life Group Leadership Meeting. All Life Group leaders, interns and adult mentors! Training meeting on April 22 from 7-8:830pm. Please let Sharon know if you are unable to attend.

Class of 2012 Interviews. On Grad Sunday (June 10) we will show a video of the Class of 2012 to include interviews and grad photos. We’re filming the interviews on Sunday, April 22, from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Please contact Kim Gilbert to schedule your 10-minute interview (kim@centrevillepres.com).

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Fool Week: Get Wise Friends

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Welcome to Fool Week on the PW. We’re dissecting fools this week in search of what it takes to be the opposite of wise. Hint: It’s not that hard.

Why does it matter if we know what a fool looks like? For one, hanging out with fools will get you hurt. Today’s proverb says that your friends rub off on you. Wise friends make you wiser. Foolish friends make foolish choices which leads to painful consequences that they share with their friends.

Looking to join a posse or add some friends to your network. Here’s a tip from proverbs: Always look for friends that are wiser than you — at least a few of them. Be humble enough to be the least wise person you hang out with, and you’re bound to get wiser.

Think: Would you say most of your friends are wise or foolish? Which ones are the best influence on you? Who do you influence to be wiser?

Pray: Ask God to help you to walk with the wise and to avoid being a companion of fools.

Do: Make a quick list of your three wisest friends and then find a way to spend some time with them in the next few weeks.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

Random Randomness:
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day!

High School Mission Training…and Tropical Smoothie!

tracey — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:05:53 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 4.9.2012

Announcements….

High School Mission Team Training. Our next training meeting is this Sunday, April 15 (7-8:30 p.m.). All mission team members need to attend, including international teams and high school members of the North Carolina team.

Eat with a Purpose… Tropical Smoothie! April’s restaurant partner is the best smoothie place in town! Join us on Tuesday, April 17 (4-8:00 p.m.). Present the cashier with your CPC flyer to help support the international mission teams. Additional flyers can be downloaded from the website.

Life Groups. Our student-led small groups for high school students meet on Sunday morning in room 206C (10-10:45 a.m.). This week, April 15, we will be welcoming back guest speaker Marcia Montenegro. The conversations make faith relevant amidst the craziness of life. We will begin “The Kingdom Experiment” on April 22. It will challenge each of us as we truly seek to live out our faith!

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

What Now?: He’s Coming Back

“They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ ” (Acts 1:10-11)

You almost feel bad for the disciples. They’re always playing catch-up to whatever Jesus is talking about or doing, right up to the very end. He tells them not to leave Jerusalem. He says the Holy Spirit will come on them and give them power. He says they will be His witnesses everywhere.

Then He flies up into a cloud! Then some angels show up and say, “Why are you looking at that cloud?” Because Jesus just disappeared into it, that’s why!

But Jesus knew they needed more answers: So He sent these two angels to fill in the gaps. To let them know He was gone to heaven. And to let them know He’s coming back in the same way someday. To let them know the story isn’t over, yet.

What now? Use the power of the Holy Spirit to be Jesus’ witness in this world. And keep watching the sky, getting prepared, waiting for Him to come back and make everything right once and for all.

Think: Do you have an expectation that Jesus could come back “in the same way” at any moment? If you did, how would that change the way you live today?

Pray: Thank God that Jesus is coming back someday. Ask Him to help you to live like it could be today.

Do: Read on in Acts for the wild, amazing story of the early days of the Christian church.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Wrath of the Titans [Christianity Today]
Mirror Mirror [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
To escape the grip of a crocodile’s jaws, push your thumbs into its eyeballs. It will let you go instantly.

What’s New in the High School Ministry?

sharon — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:30:01 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 4.2.2012

CPC’s first Spring Break mission team is serving this week in Philippi, West Virginia. Their journey was a long one yesterday … traffic issues delayed their arrival by several hours. During the looooong stop, however, team members emerged from their cars and shared about their mission and ministry with fellow drivers caught in the delay. The Lord pressed them into service a day early!

Announcements….

Welcome Tracey! Please join me in welcoming Tracey MacNamara to the Student Ministry Staff! She started in the office two weeks as our interim admin. I am so delighted to have her on board. Look forward to hearing from her as she helps with our files, paperwork needs, finances and more!!

Sunday Morning Ministries. No Life Groups this coming Sunday (Easter, April 8), but join us the following week as we host guest speaker Marcia Montenegro. Then we begin a new season on April 22: The Kingdom Experiment. Join us for the adventure living the missional life. (Sundays at 10:00 a.m.)

International Mission Team Training. Our next training meeting is Sunday, April 15 (7-8:30 p.m.). All mission team members need to attend.

Eat with a Purpose… Tropical Smoothie! April’s restaurant partner is the best smoothie place in town! Join us on Tuesday, April 17 between 4-8:00 p.m. Present the cashier with your CPC flyer (coming soon!) to help support the international mission teams.

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

What Now?: Just the Beginning

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” (Acts 1:1-2)

This week, we’re going to pick up the story of Jesus about 40 days after He rose from the dead. The resurrection must have been the high point of the disciples’ lives (and ours, come to think of it). But as Jesus got ready to leave them, they were also thinking, “Now what?”

Luke describes those days to us in just a few verses, picking up from where he left off in the book of Luke. We’re going to listen closely for a few days to what Jesus said to the disciples before His exit to try to hear what He might also be saying to us about what we should do with our own lives from here on out.

Think: In as few words as possible, what would you say is your big “P” purpose in life — or your top two or three, anyway?

Pray: Ask God to help you to understand how the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection should change the way you live your own life now and in the future.

Do: Read Luke 24 to catch up to what happened from Jesus’ resurrection to this moment in the story.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Hunger Games [Christianity Today]
October Baby [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Americans eat nearly 100 acres of pizza every day – that’s approximately 350 slices per second!

Variety Show Thanks and Other HS Updates!

sharon — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:01:02 +0000

Student Ministry Updates 3.26.2012

Many thanks to everyone for joining us for last night’s Variety Show and Silent Auction! What a wonderfully entertaining evening! Special thanks to the Planning teams who made it possible!! Enjoy a few shots from the show (more on our facebook page)…

MC Scott

Nick C.

Allie and Danielle

Josh and Friends

Concession sales!

Announcements….

Welcome Tracey! Please join me in welcoming Tracey MacNamara to the Student Ministry Staff! She started in the office last week as our interim admin. I am so delighted to have her on board. Look forward to hearing from her as she helps with our files, paperwork needs, finances and more!!

International Mission Team Training. Our next training meeting is Sunday, April 15 (7-8:30 p.m.). All mission team members need to attend.

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Sunday Morning Ministries. Join us for Life Groups (9th – 12th grades) every week at 10:00 a.m. in room 206. After Easter we begin a new season: The Kingdom Experiment. Join us for an adventure to live the missional life. (btw… no Life Groups on Easter Sunday, April 8).

Sunday Morning Life Group Snacks. We have a few more weeks on our snack schedule for the Sunday morning Life Groups. Students signed up yesterday morning to bring snacks. I’ll add them to Volunteer Spot and include your email address for an automatic reminder. Thank you in advance for contributing to this critical piece of ministry!

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Faith Works: Be Disciplinable

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Here’s a hard idea: God disciplines His kids. That includes you and me. Listen close, though — God does not punish His kids for their sin. Jesus has already been punished for our sin. The punishment for sin is death and hell. God has zeroed out that debt for those who have trusted in Christ for their salvation.

But God does discipline His kids — and, yes, that is a huge difference. His discipline seems to involve allowing enough pain to come our way to get our hearts back in line with Him, to get our feet back on the path He has called us to.

Not all kids take being disciplined very well. Some get angry and resentful. Others rebel even more. Some get discouraged and want to give up at the very thought that they aren’t perfect, after all.

Faith that works says, “I was wrong. God loves me and is right to correct me or discipline me. I will accept that and move closer to Him by obeying Him.”

Think: How do you receive being corrected, rebuked, or disciplined? Why is it so hard to take it well? How is correction and discipline evidence of God’s love for you?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to resent His discipline or correction, but to received it well because you know He loves you.

Do: Read more about God’s discipline in Hebrews 12:1-13.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Natural Selection [Christianity Today]
21 Jump Street [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Contrary to popular beliefs, chocolate does not cause acne.

HS Variety Show Fundraiser is Sunday! (plus more HS news…)

sharon — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:43:45 +0000

Student Ministry Updates 3.19.2012

Many thanks to everyone for joining us for CPC Night at Moe’s on Wednesday! Next: Tropical Smoothie on April 17!

Many thanks also to the Zambia mission team for last night’s feast of nshima, greens, chicken, salads and more! What a wonderful taste of southern Africa to share with everyone.

Announcements….

The Variety Show is Almost Here! Song, dance, instrumentalists and a Silent Auction are lining up for what promises to be the best night of entertainment this month! The high school international teams will host a Spring jamboree of talent on Sunday, March 25 (7:00 p.m.)! Please join us for an elegant evening of live entertainment as we conclude our fundraising efforts for missions. Cost: $5 suggested donation.

Zambia Mission Team. A gentle reminder that your second payment was due this past Friday, March 16 ($1,500). Online payment is available through the CPC website. Thank you for your attention to this due date.

Lamb Center breakfast. Zambia Team is serving breakfast at the Lamb Center on Saturday, March 24. I sent the food sign-up list to everyone’s email inbox. See you at 7:00 a.m. in the CPC parking lot!

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Sunday Morning Ministries. Join us for Life Groups (9th – 12th grades) every week at 10:00 a.m. in room 206. We begin the new season as we discuss having a missional lifestyle…including the joys and the struggles!

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Faith Works: Remember & Obey

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Do you ever wonder what it means to “trust God” or “have faith”? Those are kind of squishy words that can mean all kinds of things to lots of different people. You can say to yourself, “I will start trusting God . . . now.” And then what?

Get practical with Proverbs 3. It is full of wisdom from a father to a son (and from God to us) about what we should do to trust God. How do we put faith into action?

Step one, says the wise father (and God), is to remember. Remember His teachings. Remember the words and commands of God. And then store them permanently in your heart so you can obey them. That’s bottom line wisdom: “Remember and obey God’s Word; it leads to good things!”

Want to get practical about your faith? Find a way to keep from forgetting what God teaches and to do it. More tomorrow.

Think: Do you do anything on purpose to try to get God’s teaching into your head so you never forget it? Practically speaking, what could you do to make that happen?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to forget His teaching and to keep His commands in your heart.

Do: Install a couple of God’s commands in your heart right now by memorizing (or brushing up on) Proverbs 3:5-6.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

John Carter [Christianity Today]
A Thousand Words [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness
During his lifetime, artist Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings.

Glasses and dental supplies needed

blackcml — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:53:23 +0000

The Guatemala mission team is collecting eyeglass and dental supplies for this summer’s ministry with Servants 4 Him. They need:

New reading glasses (usually found at a big box store for between $1-$5)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (can be sample packets from your dentist)
Doctor gloves and masks

The team will be hosting an eye clinic along with dental wellness encouragement. A collection box is in church lobby. Items needed by April 29. Thank you!!

Eat with a purpose: CPC Night at Moe’s on Wednesday!

sharon — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:28:13 +0000

Student Ministry Updates 3.12.2012

Announcements….

Welcome to Moe’s! Eat with a purpose on Wednesday, March 14 (5-8:00 p.m.). Join the international mission teams as we partner with Moe’s in Chantilly for a tasty dinner while supporting also our high school teams.

HomeFront. Many thanks to the Yucatan mission team who hosted last night’s HomeFront! The tacos were most excellent! Want evidence of a miracle?? Ask one of the team members about the lettuce!!! This Sunday, March 18 (7-8:30 pm) is our next high school large group gathering (hosted by the Zambia team)! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

NOTE to Zambia Team: Thank you, in advance, for hosting HomeFront this coming week (March 18). Arrive at 6:30pm to open walls and set up. And, we look forward to the tasty snacks you bring to share (nshima, chicken, greens??). Plan to stay about 15 minutes late to close the walls and re-set the room. THANK YOU!!

Zambia Mission Team. Next payment is due Friday, March 16 ($1,500). Online payment is available through the CPC website). Thank you for your attention to this due date. We also look forward to serving breakfast at the Lamb Center on March 24. More details to come…!

It’s a Variety Show! Song, dance, instrumentalists and a Silent Auction are lining up for what promises to be the best night of entertainment this month! The high school international teams will host a Spring jamboree of talent on Sunday, March 25 (7:00 p.m.)! Please join us for an elegant evening of live entertainment as we conclude our fundraising efforts for missions.

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Sunday Morning Ministries. Join us for Life Groups (9th – 12th grades) every week at 10:00 a.m. in room 206. We begin the new season as we discuss having a missional lifestyle…including the joys and the struggles!

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Pray Big: Kneel to the Father

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” (Ephesians 3:14-15)

Most of the Christians I know — including me — have a prayer problem. Not only is prayer hard work and easy to skip, we’re often only half-convinced that it even matters. We believe God hears and answers prayer, generally speaking; we’re just not sure sometimes that our prayers are worth putting out there.

Sound harsh? If you and I really believed we were talking to the God of the universe — the God with unlimited power and unlimited patience and love and forgiveness for us in Christ — how often would we talk to Him?

Our small faith leads to small prayers. When we do pray, we usually ask for little things that have to do with money and health and travel and relationships. Yes, God cares about all of those things with us — but we can also pray much, much bigger.

Spend some time this week, trying to “kneel to the Father” along with Paul and copycat his giant prayers for his Ephesian readers. What he asks God for is, frankly, a little startling. I hope we’re not afraid to ask the same things for ourselves and those we care most about.

Think: Do you think it matters what position your body is in when you pray? Why do you think Paul made a point to say he kneels when praying here? How does kneeling or bowing or closing our eyes help us to pray more meaningfully?

Pray: Ask God to help you to approach Him respectfully when you pray and to be glad to call Him Father.

Do: Paul offers another great-to-copy prayer for the Ephesians in 1:15-23. Check it out.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax [Christianity Today]
Project X [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Astronauts cannot burp in space.

Want to join High School Students for the Media Fast??

sharon — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:10:27 +0000

Student Ministry Updates 3.5.2012

Last night’s HomeFront crowd decided to begin a media fast. We have many different versions underway: no social media, no ipods, limited texting, etc. Some of our students will be fasting for a week and some for an entire month. Our purpose is to replace our media time with ministry time. Join us as we seek to better serve the people around us!

Announcements….

HomeFront. Many thanks to the North Carolina mission team who hosted last night’s HomeFront! The BBQ, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, banana pudding, and brownies filled our room with most excellent aromas…then to have sweet tea to wash it done!? A perfect evening!! This Sunday, March 11 (7-8:30 pm) is our next high school large group gathering (hosted by the Yucatan team)! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

NOTE to Yucatan Team: Thank you, in advance, for hosting HomeFront this week. Arrive at 6:30pm to open walls and set up. And, we look forward to the tasty snacks you bring to share (tacos??). Plan to stay about 15 minutes late to close the walls and re-set the room. THANK YOU!!

Welcome to Moe’s! Eat with a purpose next Wednesday, March 14 (5-8:00 p.m.). Join the international mission teams as we partner with Moe’s in Chantilly for a tasty dinner while supporting also our high school teams.

Children’s Ministry Needs. This summer will be an exciting one for our younger children! Director of Children’s Ministry Jenny Cudahy is planning a summer of awe and wonder for our Vacation Bible School (pre-K through 3rd graders) and for our Planet Adventure week (4th – 6th graders). Want to join the adventure? We’d love your help! If you missed signing up with Jenny yesterday, please email and let her know you are interested.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Sad but Stubborn: Thirsty for God

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

How often do you feel sad? Sadness can be a fleeting feeling in the middle of a busy day, or it can overwhelm us for weeks and months. We’re going to talk about sadness (or depression or “feeling down”) this week — but we’re not going to talk about how to fix it.

Psalm 42 is a song about sadness apparently intended to be sung in public. The writer admits to being deeply “downcast,” but he responds to his sadness in a weird way. More on that later in the week.

He starts the song with the picture of a thirsty deer looking for a stream. It might be easier for us to imagine a dog coming in from a long walk and making a bee line for it’s water dish. The writer’s point is that he was thirsty for God like that — needy, eager, desperate.

Think: Do you ever feel so lonely for God that it feels like a thirst, like you’re desperate? Would it be weird to feel sad because you can’t be with God?

Pray: Ask God to help you to increase your thirstiness for Him.

Do: Think about being needy for God in your soul next time you feel physically thirsty.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Act of Valor [Christianity Today]
Good Deeds [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Think of any number. multiply it by 2, add 10, divide by 2, and subtract the starting number. The answer will always be 5.

Project Experience

blackcml — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:15:23 +0000

Thank you to the Student Ministry for bringing Project Experience to CPC.

The poor and disadvantaged of the world deal with harsh realities. Some of the topic matter in the video is disturbing and would be difficult for children to understand – Parental Guidance is strongly recommended.

CPC Student Ministry is serving in Guatemala, Yucatan and Zambia this summer. See the project teams here.

High School Connections through HomeFront, Moe’s, and Missions

sharon — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:36:08 +0000

Student Ministry Updates 2.27.2012

Announcements….

HomeFront. Many thanks to the amazing Guatemala mission team who hosted last night’s HomeFront! Phenomenal authentic cuisine was enjoyed by ALL!! This Sunday, March 4 (7-8:30 pm) is our next high school large group gathering (hosted by the North Carolina team)! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

NOTE to North Carolina Team: Thank you, in advance, for hosting HomeFront this week. Arrive at 6:30pm to open walls and set up. And, we look forward to the tasty snacks you bring to share (BBQ??). Plan to stay about 15 minutes late to close the walls and re-set the room. THANK YOU!!

Guatemala and Yucatan Teams. Payment was due this past Friday, February 24. If you have not paid, please do so asap. Online payment is available through the CPC website). Thank you for your attention to this need!

We Morphed!! It’s a Variety Show! The high school international teams will host a Spring jamboree of talent on Sunday, March 25 (7:00 p.m.)! Instead of an art auction, join us for an elegant evening of live entertainment, snacks, and Silent Auction. Stay tuned… more details to come!

Sunday Morning Life Group Snacks. We have a few more weeks on our snack schedule for the Sunday morning Life Groups. For the remainder of the year, I have created a sign-up through Volunteer Spot. Love the new technology! Here is the link to sign-up. Thank you so much for contributing to this critical piece of ministry! :-)

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Grace for Sinners: Unearned

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We’re digging into the impossibly simple and gigantic idea of grace this week. Specifically, we’re going to listen to Paul tell us about God’s saving grace in his own life, but we’re starting with today’s famous passage to put a handle on the concept.

Boiled down, grace is “unearned good.” In the case of our relationship with God, that good thing is the most impossibly fantastic thing ever in the universe — eternal life in heaven finally living as we were meant to with God and with meaning and without any death or mourning or crying or pain.

Today’s verses tell us three key things about that grace:

1) It’s how we are saved.

2) It is a gift from God.

3) It is not worked for or earned by us in any way. At all. Period.

Think: Do you believe in God’s grace in your head? Do you believe in your heart that He saved you for free and not as a result of anything you have done or ever will do? Why would someone have trouble believing in God’s grace to sinners?

Pray: Thank God for the gift of His saving grace because you could never have saved yourself.

Do: Read Ephesians 2:1-10 to see how these verses fit into Paul’s longer thought.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Secret World of Arrietty [Christianity Today]
This Means War [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body.

HomeFront, Winter Retreat pics, and Devotional

sharon — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:11:49 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 2.21.12

Thank you for your prayers and participation in this past weekend’s Winter Retreat! What an amazing group of students and adults! Check out the pictures on our facebook page. We even had participants in the evening’s Torch Run at Whitetail!

High School Winter Retreat 2012

A special shout-out to our adult leaders: Cathy B, Jenn D, Tim L, Ashley and Philip W.! I am so deeply grateful for your commitment to the students. Thank you for giving of your time and your life to discipling and being witnesses of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Announcements….

HomeFront. This Sunday, February 26 (7-8:30 pm) is our next high school large group gathering back to room 206! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

NOTE to Guatemala Team: Thank you for hosting HomeFront this week. Arrive at 6:30pm to open walls and set up. And, we look forward to the tasty snackss you bring to share. Plan to stay about 15 minutes late to close the walls and re-set the room. THANK YOU!!

Guatemala and Yucatan Teams. Your $800 payment is due this Friday, February 24. If you prefer paying with a check (instead of online through the CPC website), you may bring a check on Sunday, February 26. Please put your check in the white registration box hanging next to my office door.

“Art for Hope” Auction. The high school international teams host CPC’s first art auction on Saturday, March 24 (7:00 p.m.)! Join us for an elegant evening of art, hors ‘d oeuvres, and live entertainment. The event features art in various mediums and price ranges, along with silent auction, door prizes and raffles. Admission: $20 per person, $35 per couple. Tickets available from mission team members !!

(REALLY Important) Sunday Morning Life Group Snacks. We have a few more weeks on our snack schedule for the Sunday morning Life Groups. For the remainder of the year, I have created a sign-up through Volunteer Spot. Love the new technology! Here is the link to sign-up. Thank you so much for contributing to this critical piece of ministry! :-)

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

What Jesus Said: Don’t Judge

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

This might be one of the most often quoted verses in the New Testament by people who don’t often read the New Testament. We’re dropping in on the middle of Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount” this week, kicking off with a verse many of us have attempted to use like a “get out of jail free” card when we’ve been caught in sin.

“Hey! You’re not supposed to judge me for killing kittens! Jesus said so! What is wrong with you? Don’t you ever read your own Bible? Now leave me alone; I’ve got a lot of kittens to get through before supper time.” It goes something like that.

Of course, if you read on to the next verse, Jesus is not saying we should never have an opinion about what is right and what it wrong—or even that we should not lovingly correct each other. He does seem to be saying one of two things. One: It is God’s job to be the judge, not yours. If you try to do His job, you’ll receive from Him the same judgement that you try to pronounce on others.

Or, two, He might be making a wisdom statement about human nature: We all tend to feel and act judgmentally toward people who are judging us. And we tend to give more grace toward those who show us grace and mercy. Either way: If you don’t want to be judged, don’t volunteer to judge others.

Think: Why do we sometimes feel so compelled to judge people who are obviously doing something wrong? How do you decide when it is right to confront a friend about sin and when it is right not to?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to wrongfully judge others and for the wisdom to know when it is right to offer loving and helpful correction to a friend or family member who is sinning.

Do: Think about this verse in light of what you read in James 5:19-20.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Vow [Christianity Today]
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Approximately one-third of the population can’t snap their fingers!

Chick-fil-A tonight, HS Retreat on Friday, and Art…coming soon!

sharon — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:28:38 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 2.13.12

Announcements….

Chick-fil-A Fundraier TONIGHT! Join us for dinner and friends at Chantilly’s Chick-fil-A between 5-7:00 p.m. tonight (February 13)! All proceeds go toward the high school international teams. See you at dinner! :-)

Winter Retreat 2012. Space is still available!! We return to Rhodes Grove Conference Center in Pennsylvania for our February 17-19 weekend! Discussions of faith (theme this year: The Resurrection and Lent), connecting with others, great food and lots of games will fill our hours. On Saturday we’ll go to Whitetail Ski Resort to tube, ski, snowboard, or just hang out in the lodge. Download the flier for costs and the permission slip from our “Events” sidebar. Fliers also available outside the Student Min office.

Parents of Winter Retreat Participants. Please join me in room 101 on Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 pm. I’ll returnearly from the retreat to share feedback about the discussions and weekend highlights! Students and fellow leaders will return by 3:00 p.m.

HomeFront. Sunday, February 26 (7-8:30 pm) is our next high school large group gathering back to room 206! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

International Summer Mission Teams. If you are interested in serving on one of next summer’s international teams and have not registered yet, please contact me as soon as possible. The Guatemala team is full, but the Yucatan (June 30-July 7) and Zambia (July 17-31) teams have space available. Info sheets and applications are on our website.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

When Plans Change: Need Rest?

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ ” (Mark 6:30-31)

How do you handle it when your plans get changed, even for good reasons? Does it stress you out? Do you feel disappointed, angry even? We’re going to learn along with Jesus’ disciples this week some big ideas about how to handle an unexpected change of plans.

Being one of Jesus’ disciples was a crazy life. They were worn out, too busy from ministry with Jesus among the huge crowds to even find time to eat. Jesus saw the problem and said, “Let’s get away; we need rest.”

I’d guess that sounded really good to them. They’d just come back from a mission away from Jesus; they probably felt like they needed some time with him that didn’t involve hordes of needy people. You might feel that way sometimes. Time alone with God is important. Rest is essential. We’re not built to just keep going — even in serving God — without stopping until we fall over.

So the plan was to get a break — but the break didn’t happen. Come back tomorrow.

Think: On a scale from 1 to 10, how busy has your life been, lately? Have you been busy doing good things — or just doing? Do you ever get too busy to eat properly? How are you at resting and taking some time to just be alone with God once in a while?

Pray: Ask God to help you to be busy in your life doing things that are worthwhile. Ask Him, too, to give you enough times of rest and being alone with Him to keep from getting too worn out.

Do: Plan some restful time alone with God in the next week or so.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Woman in Black [Christianity Today]
Chronicle [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
8 million pounds of guacamole is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday.

High School News: Missional HomeFront Kicks off this Sunday

sharon — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:38:19 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 2.5.12

Announcements….

Guest Speaker in Life Groups. The next week (Sunday, Feb 12) we welcome guest speaker, Marcia Montenegro, back to Life Groups for a second week (10-10:45 am in 206). Her discussion yesterday generated good conversation and questions. If you missed last week, be sure to come this Sunday!! Through her ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age, she has impacted many lives. Marcia offers valuable insights to the truth of the gospel while shedding light into the distortions of the New Age and eastern traditions.

HomeFront. Next Sunday, February 12 (7-8:30 pm) brings the high school large group gathering back to room 206! The 2012 missional focus will challenge us to live out our faith daily. Worship, snacks, and rowdy games are included as well! All mission team members need to attend.

SAVE THE DATE: March 24 (7:00 p.m.) Art for Hope art auction to help send the international mission teams to Guatemala, Yucatan, and Zambia

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Bigger Grace: The Same Sosthenes?

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes.” (1 Corinthians 1:1)

We’re trying to wrap our minds around the huge idea of grace week. Let’s look at Paul’s pen man for his letter to the Christians in Corinth. Scholars guess this might be the same guy — with the same name — who dragged Paul in front of a Roman court in Corinth in Acts 18 trying to get him jailed or killed for converting so many people to Christianity.

That Sosthenes was the Jewish “synagogue ruler” who had his case thrown out by the Roman judge and then got beat up by an angry Gentile mob of people who hated the Jews. That’s the last we hear of him, lying beaten on the street while Paul goes back to spreading the good news about Jesus.

Then this verse quite a while later. What an amazing story if this is the same guy. It would mean that, like the synagogue leader in Corinth before him, Sosthenes also believed in Jesus, putting all of his hope in the grace and forgiveness of God instead of following the Law — and went to work with the same apostle he tried to get arrested.

God’s grace works like that, converting enemies into family members, granting the highest privileges to the worst of sinners, offering forgiveness in exchange for simple belief. Stay tuned.

Think: Do you know anyone who lived the worst kind of life — even hating God — before finally coming to faith in Christ and the promise of heaven? Does that bother you or excite you?

Pray: Ask God to help you to better understand His grace this week.

Do: Read the whole story of Paul and then Sosthenes in Acts 18:1-17.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Man on a Ledge [Christianity Today]
The Grey [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
The faster a kangaroo hops, the less energy it burns!

High School Retreat: Place to Connect with God & Friends

sharon — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:51:30 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 1.25.12

Many thanks to everyone who helped with the Project Experience! Our interactive exhibit brought the reality of poverty, hunger, human trafficking, and the desperate needs of developing countries to our attention. If you missed the Experience, check out this overview.

Announcements….

Winter Retreat 2012. We return to Rhodes Grove Conference Center in Pennsylvania for our February 17-19 weekend! Discussions of faith (theme this year: The Resurrection and Lent), connecting with others, great food and lots of games will fill our hours. On Saturday we’ll go to Whitetail Ski Resort to tube, ski, snowboard, or just hang out in the lodge. Download the flier for costs and the permission slip from our “Events” sidebar. Fliers also available outside the Student Min office.

High School Musical, Jr. opens next month! Get your tickets online or in the church office for a wonderful show of hope and encouragement. Showtimes are February 2 and 3 (7:30 p.m.) and Feb 4 (4:00 p.m.). All proceeds help to support our middle school mission team serving in Charlotte, NC this summer.

Super Bowl Sub Sandwich Sales. Order your Super Bowl Subs and let the North Carolina Mission Team cater your Super Bowl meal! Order one, two, or twenty 6” sub sandwiches for only $4.00 each! Menu options will include ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, and deluxe (variety of meats and cheeses). Orders may be made on Sunday mornings or by calling the church office! Last day to order is January 29.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

“To which of the angels did God ever say, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14)

Angels serve humans? What a wild idea that those awesome, powerful, fiery creatures of the wind who worship Jesus and obey His commands would be sent to serve the humans who will “inherit salvation.”

That tells us something about the purpose of angels, but it also tells us something about Jesus and the humans who are trusting in Him for their salvation.

First, we see again — once more — that Jesus is above the angels. He sits in the seat of power and victory at God’s right hand. But what does He do with that commanding position? How does He put His angel army to use?

He sends them to minister to the people He loves, the people He died for — including those being persecuted for their faith in Him. He spends His power, in part, to serve His people.

Think: Have you expanded your picture of powerful King Jesus as God this week? Has that changed in any way how you feel about Him, how you might choose to worship Him?

Pray: Praise Jesus that He sits in the victory seat at the right hand of God.

Do: Today’s passage quotes from Psalm 110. Check it out to see the picture it paints of the conquering King Jesus.

2. POTENT QUOTABLES

He who laughs last didn’t get it.
~ Helen Giangregorio

Love is like pi: natural, irrational, and very important.
~ Lisa Hoffman

3. UH, THAT’S FUNNY?

Q: What do you call a sheep with no legs?
A: A cloud.

The Project Experience, Winter Retreat, Life Groups!

sharon — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:26:23 +0000

High School Ministry Updates 1.17.12

SPOTLIGHT:

The Project Experience is HERE this weekend! Hosted by the high school international mission teams,The Project Experience, opens at CPC on Saturday. The exhibit is open to all ages (Saturday, Jan 21 at 1-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, Jan 22 at 10am – 2:00 p.m.). Participants will gain a better understanding of the needs of impoverished nations through this interactive experience.

Walk through CPC rooms transformed to represent homes, cooking needs, lack of medical care, and other challenges facing developing countries. Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the experience. The exhibit concludes with the Response Room where you can write letters to orphans, pick-up brochures to learn more about missionaries, sign up for a mission project, as well as prayerfully and financially support this summer’s international teams.

Announcements….

Winter Retreat 2012. We return to Rhodes Grove Conference Center in Pennsylvania for our February 17-19 weekend! Discussions of faith, connecting with others, great food and lots of games will fill our hours. On Saturday we’ll go to Whitetail Ski Resort to tube, ski, snowboard, or just hang out in the lodge. Download the flier for costs and the permission slip from our “Events” sidebar. Fliers also available outside the Student Min office.

Genghis Grill Fundraiser! Please join the high school mission teams for their fundraiser at Genghis Grill (near Chantilly Costco) TONIGHT (Tuesday, January 17 between 5-10:00 p.m.). Please tell your server that you are there to support our mission team and we will receive a percentage of the sales.

Class of 2012. Jashemski Scholarships provide financial assistance for students of outstanding intellectual ability as evidenced by prior academic performance, and significant religious commitment as evidenced by formal membership in a religious body, regular participation in its worship life, and active involvement in its service ministry. Ordinarily recipients will be young people (17-25 years of age) who demonstrate in their thought and action the broad religious sensitivity characteristic of Stanley and Wilhelmina Jashemski; have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5; are active members of a Christian church; are pursuing liberal arts studies; show evidence of social and civic concern; have financial need. Applications can be found here are due February 15. Please send questions to Jashemski@takomaparkpc.org.

For Parents: Weekly Sunday morning Adult Education opportunities are resuming (10-10:45 a.m.). The Study of Daniel continue (new participants are always welcome). The 8-week Hurried Family class offers valuable discussions to ponder ways to balance the busyness of life and the health of our family.

Blessings,

Sharon Hoover
Director of Student Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 17

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Praise Week: Get Loud

“Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!” (Psalm 66:1-2)

King David had a volume issue. He had this expectation that people praising the God of the universe should crank it up to 11 sometimes. He wanted to hear joyful shouting and loud singing — but not just noise. He wanted it to be both loud and “glorious,” excellent, good.

We’re tuning in to Psalm 66 this week to think about what it means to praise God. Sometimes we think of praising God as doing whatever the worship leader tells us to do for the 20 minutes before the preaching starts. Read the screen and follow along.

We’ll see, though, that David praised with a purpose. There was a method to his glorious worship shouting. We’re going to look at a few ways we can learn to praise and worship our glorious God on purpose, as well.

Think: How often do you shout with joy? Sporting events? Concerts? How often do you shout for joy to God? Does your church get loud and excellent when praising Him? How could you make it even better?

Pray: Ask God to help you to shout with joy to Him when the time is right and to sing the glory of His name and to make His praise glorious.

Do: Find the right time and place this week and do what today’s verse tells us to do.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

Contraband [Christianity Today]
Joyful Noise [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails.

What if you could make a difference…

sharon — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Can the vicious cycle of poverty be stopped?

Can one person make a difference?

Can one church impact a nation?

What if it we could?

What if you are being called?

Our high school international mission teams are hosting a unique experience
on January 21-22 at CPC…

Join us at the interactive exhibit, The Project Experience, to explore ways to make an impact.

All ages are invited to go through the exhibit stations to learn more about lack of water, medical needs, human trafficking, AIDS and other challenges facing developing nations.

Note to parents: we will route the younger children around the rooms focused on human trafficking.

Exhibit Hours:
Saturday, January 21 1-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 22 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Please allow about 30 minutes to walk through the entire exhibit

The final room in the exhibit includes ways to respond. Write letters to AIDS orphans, jot a note to full-time missionaries in Nepal, pick up information about International Justice Mission’s work to free enslaved children, prayerfully and financially support this summer’s international mission teams.

Yes… we can make a global impact!