Centreville Presbyterian Church » Middle School Students

NC Mission Project Tonight!! Taco Night at CrossRoads.

tracey — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:47:45 +0000

Middle 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.

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.

CrossRoads. This school year’s last large group ministry for 6th-8th graders, CrossRoads, will be meeting this Sunday, May 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring friends and your appetite for this full evening of games, faith messages, building relationships, and food. Taco Night!

Lamb Center. Middle School volunteers are needed for this month’s Lamb Center breakfast on Saturday, May 26. Please go here to sign up or contact Pam Murdoch at pam@centrevillepres.com for more information.

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.

The Great Escape Meeting Tonight and Rita’s Tomorrow! Don’t Miss It!

tracey — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:03:18 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates, 5.7.2012

Announcements….

The Great Escape. On Monday, May 7 from 7-8 p.m. we’ll have a meeting for all students participating in the middle school summer conference. At least one parent from each family needs to join them. Our agenda includes packing list, daily schedule, Q & A and “free choice” afternoon decision.

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 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. All team members need to attend.

CrossRoads. Mark your calendars! Our large group ministry for 6th-8th graders, CrossRoads, will be meeting on Sunday, May 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring friends and your appetite for this full evening of games, faith messages, building relationships, and food. Taco Night!

Middle School Sunday School. Be connected with one another! We would love to see all 6th-8th grade middle school students from 10-10:45 a.m. in room 206D. We will continue with “The Way I’m Wired,” helping us discover who God made us to be.

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!).

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.

Rita’s, CrossRoads, and The Great Escape. Oh My!

tracey — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:27:23 +0000

Middle 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!

CrossRoads. Mark your calendars! Our large group ministry for 6th-8th graders, CrossRoads, will be meeting again on Sunday, May 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring friends for this full evening of games, faith message by Pastor Michelle, and building relationships.

North Carolina Mission Trip. Our first 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.

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.

Who Did God Make You To Be? Maybe You Can Find Out….

tracey — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:35 +0000

Middle 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!

CrossRoads. Mark your calendars. CrossRoads will be meeting again on May 6 and May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m.

The Great Escape. Meeting for both students and parents on May 7 from 7-8 p.m.

North Carolina Mission Team. Save the Dates! Mission Trainings will take place on May 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. and June 4 from 7-8:30 p.m.

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.

Middle School Discover the Way You’re Wired!

tracey — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:43:36 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates, 4.16.2012

Announcements….

Middle School Sunday School. Be connected with one another! We would love to see all 6th-8th grade middle school students from 10-10:45 a.m. in room 206D. April 22nd begins a new session with “The Way I’m Wired,” helping us discover who God made us to be.

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!!

The Great Escape. On Monday, May 7 from 7-8 p.m., we’ll have a meeting for all students participating in the middle school summer conference. At least one parent needs to also attend. Our agenda includes packing list, daily schedule, Q & A and “free choice” afternoon decision. There are still slots available… if you have not registered or know another rising 6th – 9th grader who would to join in the week (July 31- August 4), check out the website info and sign-up today!

North Carolina Mission Team. Mission Trainings will take place on May 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. and June 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. All student and adult team members need to attend. Parents do not need to come but are welcome if interested!

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!

Middle School Students: Be Sure To Join Us For Fourth Quarter!

tracey — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:04:59 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates, 4.9.2012

Announcements….

Sunday Morning Ministries. All middle school students (6th – 8th grades) are invited to join us upstairs in room 206D for Sunday School (10-10:45 a.m.). We enjoy time together to discuss putting our faith into action. After class be sure to stay for a few minutes of fellowship and yummy snacks! This is a great way to get connected in the ministry and go deeper in your faith.

The Great Escape! Registration for our middle school summer conference, The Great Escape, is open to all students going into 6th grade through those completing 8th grade. Join other middle school students from around the country for a week of extraordinary fun and a chance to go deeper in your faith. We’ll stay in the dorms of Univ of Pittsburgh-Johnston, hear amazing speakers, play huge group games, and experience phenomenal worship! For details, dates and registration information click here.

NEW TIME for CrossRoads. Our next large group gathering is Sunday, May 6 (6-7:30 p.m.). With the craziness of Spring schedules, let’s try something new for May! Mark your calendar for May 6 and 20 for CrossRoads. Stay connected with the ministry on Sunday mornings at Sunday School!

Sunday School Snacks. Thanks to the many parents that sign-up to bring the middle school students snacks each week. If you haven’t had the chance to do so, please go to volunteer spot now. There are still many available dates. Some students signed yesterday. Tracey will be contacting you all this week!

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.

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 Middle 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

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.

Middle School Students Matter at CPC!

sharon — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:37:50 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates, 4.2.2012

Announcements….

Welcome Tracey! Please join me in welcoming Tracey MacNamara to the Student Ministry Staff! She started in the office two weeks ago 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!! Tracey has all the answers! Contact her at tracey@centrevillepres.com.

Sunday Morning Ministries. All middle school students (6th – 8th grades) are invited to join us upstairs in room 206D for Sunday School (10-10:45 a.m.)… except this coming Sunday. We will not have Sunday School this week (Easter, April 8). We enjoy time together to discuss putting our faith into action. After class be sure to stay for a few minutes of fellowship and yummy snacks! This is a great way to get connected in the ministry and go deeper in your faith.

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!

Connect through Middle School Sunday Mornings!

sharon — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:16:27 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates 3.26.2012

Pastor Rob and Middle School students

So fun seeing many of you at last week’s CrossRoads! We enjoyed hearing Pastor Rob share about Jesus and Peter … we too need to trust and listen for God’s voice in our lives. Sean, Don and Rachel led our worship. Crazy Hair Day and the blended Happy Meal rounded out our evening!

Sean and Don

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!!

Sunday Morning Ministries. All middle school students (6th – 8th grades) are invited to join us upstairs in room 206D for Sunday School. We enjoy time together to discuss putting our faith into action. After class be sure to stay for a few minutes of fellowship and yummy snacks! This is a great way to get connected in the ministry and go deeper in your faith.

Blessings,

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

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.

Middle School CrossRoads THIS Wednesday!

sharon — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:52:26 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates 3.19.2012

Announcements….

CrossRoads THIS Wednesday! Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) will gather Wednesday, March 21 (7-8:30 p.m.). It’s Crazy Hair Night… so bring your best style!! Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food. Pastor Rob will also be joining us! See you soon!

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.

SPECIAL TREAT: The cast from High School Musical Jr. will be sharing a song or two at the Variety Show!! :-)

Blessings,

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

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!!

Middle School Ministry’s CrossRoads next week and Moe’s this week!

sharon — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:33:03 +0000

Middle School 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 Student Ministry international mission teams as we partner with Moe’s in Chantilly for a tasty dinner while supporting also our high school teams.

CrossRoads. Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) will gather next Wednesday, March 21 (7-8:30 p.m.). It’s Crazy Hair Night… so bring your best style!! Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food! We’ll see you on 3/21!

Sunday Morning Ministries. All middle school students (6th – 8th grades) are invited to join us upstairs in room 206 for Sunday School. We enjoy time together to discuss putting our faith into action. After class be sure to stay for a few minutes of fellowship and yummy snacks! This is a great way to get connected in the ministry and go deeper in your faith.

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! Special treat: High School Musical cast will perform!!

Blessings,

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

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.

MS CrossRoads Wednesday: Where faith and life connect!

sharon — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:21:07 +0000

Middle School Ministry Updates 3.5.2012

Announcements….

CrossRoads. Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) gather Wednesday, March 7 (7-8:30 p.m.). Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food! We’ll see you again on March 21 (7-8:30 p.m.)!

**Special Note: Early Bird registration for The Great Escape ends on March 15!!!**

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

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!

Blessings,

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

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.

MS e-Letter 02.28.12

nicole — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:44:02 +0000

February 29 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

March 7 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

March 21 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

THERE WILL BE NO NIGHT.FEST ON MARCH 28.

—-

A note from Nicole..
Thanks so much to my beautiful church family for a lovely reception. It has been so much more that a blessing to serve you. These past four years have truly been life changing. I will remember each one of you with fond memories and lots of smiles! Be blessed, ALWAYS!

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

**NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESS!** effective March 1, nicole@centrevillepres.com will no longer be working. Questions/concerns regarding the middle school ministry should be sent to cpc.middleschool.ministries@gmail.com or to sharon@centrevillepres.com

Register for THE GREAT ESCAPE! The Great Escape is open to all students going into 6th grade through those completing 8th grade. Join other middle school students from around the country for a week of extraordinary fun and a chance to go deeper in your faith. This is a trip that will impact your faith tremendously, a favorite among many students. For details, dates and registration information click here.

Sunday Morning Ministries. All middle school students (6th – 8th grades) are invited to join us upstairs in room 206 for Sunday School. We enjoy time together to discuss putting our faith into action. After class be sure to stay for a few minutes of fellowship and YUMMY snacks! This is a great way to get connected in the ministry and go deeper in your faith. CHECK IT OUT!

CrossRoads. Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) will regather TOMORROW, February 29 (7-8:30 p.m.). Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food! Save the dates for March 7 and March 21.

There will be NO HOUSE PARTIES this season.

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–

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.

MS e-Letter 02.16.12

nicole — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:24:56 +0000

February 25 Lamb Center Breakfast (7-8:30pm)

February 29 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

March 7 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

March 21 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

THERE WILL BE NO NIGHT.FEST ON MARCH 28.

—-

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

CrossRoads. Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) will regather in a couple weeks, February 29 (7-8:30 p.m.). Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food!

There will be NO HOUSE PARTIES this season.

Lamb Center Breakfast. If you have an interest in missions and a heart to serve, please join us on February 25 as we go to serve breakfast to the guests of the Lamb Center. If you can’t make it, no problem, perhaps you can send a casserole instead. We need the following donations: egg casseroles, hard boiled eggs, bananas, apples, oranges, small yogurts. If you would like to donate please email Pam Murdoch at snpmurdoch@aol.com to arrange pick-up/drop-off. We need a few volunteers to help serve. Thanks!

“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 or in the lobby today!!

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–

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.

MS e-Letter 02.08.12

nicole — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:11:33 +0000

UPDATED CALENDAR…(see ANNOUNCEMENTS for more information)

February 8 CrossRoads (7-8:30 pm)

February 15 CrossRoads (7-8:30 pm)

February 25 Lamb Center Breakfast (7-8:30pm)

February 29 CrossRoads (7-8:30pm)

—-

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

CrossRoads. Our middle school ministry’s large group (6th- 8th graders) gathers this Wednesday and next, February 8 & 15 (7-8:30 p.m.). Bring a friend and join us for an evening to go deeper in your faith amidst laughter of friends and feast of great food!

There will be NO HOUSE PARTIES this season.

Lamb Center Breakfast. If you have an interest in missions and a heart to serve, please join us at the end of February as we go to serve breakfast to the guests of the Lamb Center. If you can’t make it, no problem, perhaps you can send a casserole instead. More information coming soon!

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–—

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!

MS Great Escape Registration

blackcml — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:55:04 +0000

I want to take a few seconds of your time to spotlight this year’s summer conference – The Great Escape! The Great Escape is for all rising 6th-rising 9th grade students (and their friends). The middle school ministry invites you to join us for this week-long event filled with fun, games, worship, sleep and friends!

When: July 30-August 4
Where: The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Cost: Save $39 if you register before March 15- $369. After March 15, cost is $405. Full payment is due by July 8th.

Space is limited. Please register now and mail the forms below to CPC, 15450 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA 20120. Online registration is available here!

Forms needed:

Permission Form for Great Escape
Medical Release
Parent Form (if you’ve never traveled with us before)

Sharon Hoover will be the point of contact for this event. Please send questions or concerns to sharon@centrevillepres.com.

MS e-Letter 01.25.12

nicole — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:10:05 +0000

CALENDAR…(see ANNOUNCEMENTS for more information)

February 2-4 High School Musical, Jr.

February 8 CrossRoads (7-8:30 pm)

February 15 CrossRoads (7-8:30 pm)

February 22 House Parties (7-8:30 pm)

February 25 Lamb Center Breakfast (7-8:30pm)

February 29 House Parties (7-8:30pm)

—-

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

CrossRoads & House Parties. Our enjoyable evening ministries return in February. Mark the dates on your calendars and start inviting your friends for the high energy, crazy, and adventurous CrossRoads nights, and in-depth discussions at House Parties.

High School Musical, Jr. opens in 8 days! 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,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–—

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.

MS e-Letter 01.11.12

nicole — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:52:59 +0000

SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT…

The Project Experience is Coming! Hosted by the high school international mission teams,The Project Experience, comes to CPC next weekend. 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.

CALENDAR…(see ANNOUNCEMENTS for more information)

January 11 SIMPLE TEAM

January 13-14 Snowcomotion

January 18 SIMPLE TEAM

January 21-22 The Project Experience (see spotlight)

February 2-4 High School Musical, Jr.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUMMER MISSION PROJECT-LAST DAY TO REGISTER, January 15. The Middle School Summer Mission Project (combined with high school students) will be July 9-14. We will travel to Charlotte, NC to serve with Travis and Jessica Jones (2010- SMP Niagara Falls Mission Participants) with Missionary Athletes International. More information available here. To register, please fill out this registration application and return NO LATER than January 15.

SAVE THE DATE! THE GREAT ESCAPE SUMMER 2012, July 30-August 4

2012 SNOWCOMOTION. All participants should have received a confirmation email. Please check to see if you need to fill out any additional forms. Eat dinner before you come on Friday night. We’ll see you at 6:30 p.m.

Hungry?? Genghis Grill Fundraiser! Please join the high school mission teams for their fundraiser at Genghis Grill (near Chantilly Costco) on Tuesday, January 17 (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.

SIMPLE TEAM Join us tonight, 7:00-8:30 and again next Wednesday 01/18/11 as we prepare and plan for the upcoming winter season. We will discuss our nightly themes, and much more! All 7th-8th graders that have attended CrossRoads and House Parties in the past are welcomed to attend.

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.

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

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Self-Control Week: Letting It Go

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.“

(Proverbs 17:9)

How powerful is the period on the end of this sentence? “I forgive you.” Your answer to that question will have buckets-full to do with the quality of your relationships for the rest of your life.

Someone did wrong to you and it lead to a fight. You both agree they were wrong. They say “sorry.” You say, “It’s okay; I forgive you.” And it’s done forever, right? Well, not always. It takes a lot of self-control to let it stay finished, especially when the next fight comes around.

Today’s passage says love grows out of our ability to “cover over” an offense by letting it stay finished, by practicing powerful forgiveness, by keeping the vault closed.

Friendships can break when the period at the end of “I forgive you.” doesn’t do its job.

Think: Why do you think even good friends sometimes have trouble not bringing up past hurts and sins again and again? Have you ever lost a friend because one or the other of you couldn’t let something go?

Pray: Ask God to help you to promote love in your friendships by covering over offenses with forgiveness and mercy when it is wise to do so.

Do: Pay attention this week for anyone who brings up offenses in a way that damages relationships.

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

W ar Horse [Christianity Today]

The Devil Inside [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Hummingbirds can’t walk.

MS e-Letter 01.05.12

nicole — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:51:11 +0000

ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!

SUMMER MISSION PROJECT Register Now to Guarantee your space. The Middle School Summer Mission Project (combined with high school students) will be July 9-14. We will travel to Charlotte, NC to serve with Travis and Jessica Jones (2010- SMP Niagara Falls Mission Participants) with Missionary Athletes International. More information available here. To register, please fill out this registration application and return NO LATER than January 15.

SAVE THE DATE! THE GREAT ESCAPE SUMMER 2012, July 30-August 4

REGISTER NOW! 2012 SNOWCOMOTION. All 6-8th grade students (and friends) are invited to join us on January 13-14 for a lock-in and a day on the slopes. We will travel to Whitetail Ski Resort in Mercersburg, PA for a day of tubing, skiing, snowboarding and fun! Click here to download registration form. For online registration, click here.

White House Ornaments. Many thanks to everyone who helped support our high school mission teams through their purchases of ornaments!! There are a few more ornaments left (as well as the CPC Christmas ornament that is beautifully etched in glass) if you still need to fill in your collection.

High School Musical, Jr. opens next month! Tickets will soon be available online or in the church 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.

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

–

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Live Different: Be Done with Sin

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)

Several years ago, before Apple was the most powerful company in the universe (exaggeration?), they ran an ad campaign called “Think Different.” Especially back then, they wanted people to consider the possibility that their “Windows” on the world wasn’t the only way to see things.

God’s Word tells Christians to “think different,” as well. And having our minds renewed is a big part of what it means to become like Jesus. But we’re not meant to stop at thinking different(ly?). God calls us to live different from the world in very specific ways. In fact, it’s one key to becoming as powerful in Christ as God means for us to be.

Peter will help us to understand what that means this week, but it does start with taking on a Christ-like attitude toward sin. In short, as people who are willing to die for Christ, why would we want to waste our lives living for sin? Living different starts with not letting our physical appetites make the decisions for us.

Living different means living to say yes to God.

Think: Is your goal in your natural self to stand out from the crowd or to fit in? Is your goal as a Christ-follower to do either of those things? According to today’s passage, what should be your goal as a Christ-follower?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to waste your life living for sin but to live for the will of God, instead.

Do: Today’s verse starts with a “therefore.” Read 1 Peter 3:8-22 to see what it’s “there for.
Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo [Christianity Today]
We Bought a Zoo [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
Bacteria that cause tooth decay, acne, tuberculosis, and leprosy can be cured with cashews.

MS e-Letter 12.07.11

nicole — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:32:54 +0000

Looking for meaningful ways to spend time with your teen this Christmas season? Talk as a family to choose some nights to be together. Stay at home or venture out… just do something together! Consider going to Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights, enjoying a night of bowling, or catching a movie together. Check out additional ideas here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!

SUMMER MISSION PROJECT Interest Meeting THIS FRIDAY. The Middle School Summer Mission Project (combined with high school students) will be July 9-14. We will travel to Charlotte, NC to serve with Travis and Jessica Jones (2010- SMP Niagara Falls Mission Participants) with Missionary Athletes International. Our interest meeting will be held on December 9, (6pm). Please attend if you plan on joining the team, or would like more information first. We have limited space available this year, so be sure to register ASAP! If you plan on attending night.fest there is limited space available on the shuttle to the bowling alley. Make sure to let Nicole know if you plan on riding.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT.FEST THIS FRIDAY!! NEW LOCATION! If you joined us last time for Night.Fest then you know this is a blast of fun that you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends to AMF CENTREVILLE LANES on December 9, 7-8:30 p.m. to win some cool prizes. Cost is $20 due upon arrival. Please RSVP to Nicole so that we can plan accordinly. For questions, contact nicole@centrevillepres.com

“Parent’s Night Out” . Do you know any parents of young children who would like a night out?? The high school international mission teams will host a “Parent’s Night Out” fundraiser THIS Saturday, December 10 (4-8:00 p.m.) for all infants and children through 5th grade! Our teams have a fun evening planned for the children (including pizza for dinner). Children can join us for part or all of the evening.

Parents need to reserve a space on the sign-up sheet in the Lobby or email me. Cost: any amount of donation. All donations received will go toward our 2012 summer mission projects.

Student Ministry Brunch. We are hosting a brunch for all middle school and high school students along with our high school alums (!) on Sunday, December 18 at CPC (upstairs in Room 206) at 11:00 a.m. It’ll be a great way to reconnect with one another and enjoy great food. We’d love help with the food and fixings! Please check out the Volunteer Spot for opportunities to be a part of the event.

White House Ornaments. Support our high school mission teams!! Please purchase your White House Ornaments from our teams. The current year ornament is $20; all back year ornaments are $18. They make great gifts to friends, relatives, co-workers, and teachers! On sale in the church office, from a team member, or at Manassas Mall on Fridays (5-9:00 pm) and Saturdays (9 am – 9 pm) beginning November 11.

Do you Tweet? Follow us on twitter @CPCStudent for event updates, weather changes, retreat check-ins, and more. Then “like” the CPC Middle School Ministry facebook page for even more details!

Blessings,

Nicole Paullin
Director of Middle School Ministry
www.centrevillepres.com
703-830-0098 ext. 18

==============================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Faith to Feelings: Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

How big is the gap between what you say you believe and how you’re feeling emotionally? That’s the question we’re going to tackle this week as we dig through part of Philippians 4.

Paul wrote a lot about trusting God all the way into our emotional state of mind. Does it make sense for someone to say that the God of the universe is also the Father who loves her best — and still feel depressed? angry? anxious? bitter? sad? giddy?

The Bible answers yes to some of those and no to others, depending on the source of the emotion and the depth of our faith. Today’s verse, for instance, is not a command to feel shiny happy all of the time, no matter what. God doesn’t want us to paste smiles over what we really feel.

It is a command, though, to actively tell ourselves that being in Christ — having God as our Father — is always, always cause for celebration. No matter the ups and downs of our daily lives, exercising our joy response — whether that involves singing and dancing or just quietly remembering that we’re loved and okay in Him — is a rational response to being a child of the King with a secure, prosperous, and eternal future.

Think: How would you describe your emotional state of mind today? How does what you believe about your relationship with God through Jesus impact you emotionally? Do you let it change how you feel? Can you stop it from changing how you feel?

Pray: Ask God to help you to rejoice in the Lord always. Then ask Him again.

Do: Ask five or so Christians you know how they choose to “rejoice in the Lord always.” What does that mean to them?

Get More Daily Devotionals at PlanetWisdom.com.

2. Surf Report

The Descendants [Christianity Today]
My Week With Marilyn [Plugged In]

3. Random Randomness:
In 1659, it was illegal to celebrate Christmas in Massachusetts.