CSYMatters

Heat

2011-08-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

Church signs have always been a great source of joy and laughter in my life. The clever sayings and funny quips that often adorn the lighted boards have sometimes cause me to turn my truck around just to get a second look. A recent sign I came across, though, was not from the comfort of my truck, it was a picture that one of my friends posted on Facebook. The church sign read, “Satan called. He wants his weather back.”

If you hadn’t stepped out of the front door in a while, let me let you in on something - it’s hot!!! It is weeks like these past few that have often reminded me of summer football workouts and how I am so glad not to be doing them. If there was one feeling that the heat brought on it was thirst. It always seemed like once my thirst was quenched it was not very long before I wanted to head back to the water bottles. The funny thing is that water was never as appealing to me than as it was on the football field.

It is this time of year, especially the present one, that Scriptures like John 4:14 take on a whole new meaning. “But whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.”

Unclean

2011-07-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

In Biblical times, contracting leprosy meant you practically experienced a living death. Not only would you feel the physical burden of the disease, but your social life was drastically effected. Because of the the diseases nature, the Law of Moses required a leper to live in isolation from the general population. Away from family and friends, a leper would suffer through many the diseases side effects - ulcers, scabs, deformities, decay.

On one occasion, a man with leprosy approached Jesus and said, “If you are willing, You can make me clean.” This simple statement shows the commendable belief of the leper. Notice he does not doubt Jesus’ ability. Instead, he petitions Christ’s willingness.

Touching a leper brought on it’s own difficulties (e.g. uncleanliness and defilement), but that is exactly what Jesus did and yet remained unclean. In His compassion Jesus reached out and touched the man and as a result he was healed. We too, must allow ourselves to be touched by Christ. In our sin and disobedience, we become unclean and infected by a disease that separates us from God. Do not doubt the Lord’s ability, He can forgive. Do not question His willingness, He is ready. Simply ask.

Scars

2011-05-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I recently discovered I had developed Melanoma on the side of my face, right on my right jaw line. The discovery of the cancer preceded a surgery to extract it and await a lab report to confirm that the cancer was totally removed. The report came back confirming that spot is Melanoma free. Praise God!!! Now comes a life full of diligent sunscreening with a constant reminder staring back at me every time I look in the mirror.

Whether visible or invisible, many of us have scars that remind us of tough times in our lives. They might be the visible scars from our football or cheerleading days or of the time we slipped while hiking. They might also be the invisible scars of a broken family, of a damaging habit,
of betrayal, of unfaithfulness. We all have our scars. We all have our reminders.

There is one set of scars I am thankful for. They are the scars of extreme love and devotion, the scars of obedience and of salvation. These are the scars Thomas asked to see and feel - the scars in the hands, side, and feet of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Whenever you reflect on the scars of you life, remember His and why He chose them. It is because He loves you. “Greater love has no one than this,that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

Wonder

2011-04-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

I wonder what it’s going to be like? The Apostle Paul, in a letter to the church in Thessalonica, spoke of this very issue - the return of our Lord. Paul writes that when Jesus comes back, he will “come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God” (1 Thes. 4:16). Again, I do not know exactly what that one instance will be like, but I think I can deduce something - it’s going to be LOUD!!!

To many people that loud noise will bring great joy because their Savior awaits them in the clouds to escort them to a land of complete perfection. Yet, to an even greater number of people, that noise will symbolize time running out on their decision to accept that Savior as the Lord of their life.

The people there in Thessalonica made the mistake of dropping everything, including what God wanted them to do, and, instead, did nothing but await that final day. Though that might also be our initial urge, what God wants us to do is to actively wait and continue His work here on earth. That is so when Christ does come back, those we love and, more importantly, those He loves will be able to rejoice with other believers when those trumpets sound and Jesus descends from the clouds. Whatever that day will be like, I pray we will spend our time now living expectantly upon its arrival.

Mike

2011-03-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

There is a simple passage in Scripture that gives us a little insight into the man we call Christ. John 4:6 says, “Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.” At first glance you might overlook the implications of this verse, but believe me, a great truth is there. In this verse we get a glimpse into who Jesus was. Just like me and you, Christ became tired. Tired from a long journey, Jesus had to take some time and rest. He had to prop His feet up and relax for a while. The fact is that Jesus, although fully God, was also fully human. He experienced life without special privileges and even struggled with temptations. Jesus Christ was just like us.

Jesus felt pain. Jesus felt joy. Jesus felt happiness. Jesus felt heart ache. This week we lost a great brother in Christ - Mike Ledbetter. Mike has meant a great deal to a lot of people. He has meant a lot to me. In the past, as you might know, Mike has had a key role in the youth ministry of the Center Street church of Christ. He was a great man who cared a lot about the Spiritual upbringing of our youth. Mike was a key player in my coming to Center Street as an intern and I can partly attribute to him where I am today. My life has been blessed by knowing Mike and I know if you knew him well you can say the same.

One thing we must keep in mind as we face the harsh reality of Mike's passing is the fact that Jesus is right beside us every step of the way. He is right there with us in our ups and downs. He experienced the love and pain of this life and He knows everything we are going through. He knows it because He has felt it before. He feels our pain right now as we mourn over Mike. He knows our heart ache and He shares in it. Lean on Him and He will hold you up.

Finished?

2011-03-27T19:36:00.001-07:00

One of the things the I find fascinating about the Bible story and about God’s work is the idea that death and what seems like utter defeat brings about life and great change in the lives of people. Imagine if you were standing in the crowd watching Jesus Christ die a horrible death ending on a cross, and then hear this man say, “it is finished” (John 19:30). You might just think it, in fact, was finished. You might just think that Jesus was dead and life would go on without Him. He was just another guy, right? Wrong.
We know that Christ’s death on the cross was not the end of the story. Yes, it was were He accomplished His mission. Yes, it was were victory was achieved over Satan, but Christ still lives and one day we will get to thank Him in person for what He did for us that day on the cross.
Behind the words, “it is finished,” lies something extremely powerful. Behind the words lies the moment in time that accomplished all that would ever need to be done in our fight against death and sin. There is nothing we can do to earn what He did for us. It was all Christ, and Christ is all we need. We must put our faith in Him and His work for us. Rejoice this week (and forever) in Christ’s work on the cross. He paid the price so you do not have to. Be Glad.

Difference

2011-03-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Shouldn’t there be a difference? Surely, a decision that important would merit some kind of change. Imagine committing yourself to something so amazing, so life-changing that you change absolutely nothing about the way you act or think. Now you might be thinking to yourself that this is not making any sense. Well, you are absolutely right.
It makes absolutely no sense that we commit ourselves to Christ and no one can tell the difference. Sadly, this is what so many people, especially young people, do today. When faced with the decision between hanging out with friends or going to a baseball game or going to a Bible study on a Wednesday night, the decision should be easy. Shouldn’t it? To be blunt, who cares if going out with friends is more exciting to you than going to church or helping with a service project. If you are truly committed to Christ, the decision is simple.
Another ugly truth is that teens do what their parents do. It is the ultimate (and eternal) game of follow the leader. If Mom and Dad are not actively participating in the Kingdom of God, then the kids, most likely, will follow suit. Parents, if you have not been officially welcomed to ministry, I would like to extend that to you now. Welcome. YOU are the primary youth minister in the life of your child. What impression are you leaving in their life?
This week I have recommitted myself to setting my priorities straight. Join me in putting first things first. Join me in making sure there is a visible change in our lives that lets people know we belong to God.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts and minds on things above[...]not on earthly things.” Col. 3:1-2

Rescue

2011-03-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

I was startled the other day when a 911 operator called my cell phone. My first inclination as to why I was receiving the call was shot down due to the fact that the cell phone was in my pocket, not in the hands of my 4 year-old. Alas, I was guilty of pocket dialing 911. Fortunately, that day I did not need a rescuer.
The harsh reality of our spiritual lives, though, is our constant need of rescue. Sin separates us from God (Isa. 59:2) and we all have sinned (Ro. 3:23). Because of our sin, we need rescue. We need to be returned into the safe and nurturing arms of our Lord. This situation, like most others, did not have a simple, easy answer. For one, we can’t rescue ourselves because nothing we can do can bring us back into that right relationship with God. Second, no other human could rescue us, for how can someone who needs rescuing be a rescuer. At first glance the outlook for our situation seems grim, but rest assured there is a silver lining.
Something had to be done because God’s love for us was too great for this tragedy to happen (Ro. 5:8). “God made the one who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus Christ can be your rescuer. Won’t you let Him?

CHRISTeens 2011

2011-02-28T17:50:00.001-08:00

Christeens 2011 from Derek Henderson on Vimeo.

Risk

2011-02-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

What is life without a little risk? Each and every day we are faced with choices. These choices are sometimes easy but sometimes hard and even risky. One thing that is certain is that risk is inevitable. We take a risk when we step out of the front door in the morning. We take a risk when start the car and decide to drive to work or school. We even take a risk when we sit down to eat in the evening. We take risks everyday. What risk a you taking for God?
Too often we sit on the sidelines not willing to get in the game for fear of failure and disappointment. Faith requires risk. Peter took a risk stepping out on the water. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego took a risk standing up for God when others did not. Paul and Silas took a risk singing and praying as they remained chained and is prison. Again I ask what risk are you taking for God?
What opportunity have you let slip through your fingers because of the risk involved? God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but has given us one of power (2 Tim. 1:7). Take Moses’ encouragement to the Israelite people as encouragement to you and, this week, take a risk for God. Step out on a limb and see what miracles God can work through the risks we take for Him. Deut. 31:6 “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid...the LORD your God will go with you. He will not leave you or forget you."

Helper

2011-02-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

In John 14:16 (ESV) Jesus comforts His disciples by telling them of a “Helper” that will be given to them after Christ’s earthly departure. This Helper, of course, refers to the Holy Spirit promised to each person upon their baptism into Christ (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27; 4:6). It is interesting though to look past the common translation of the original Greek word “Parakletos” to the English word “Helper” and look to the original’s meaning. Parakletos refers to someone who is called to one’s side or called to one’s aide. It is a pleader, a counselor, an advocate, an intercessor and an assistant.
The Holy Spirit is crucial in the life of a Christian and a Christian’s understanding of the Holy Spirit is crucial in their walk with our Lord. If we understand how the Holy Spirit works in our lives, we can more easily listen to His guidance and most definitely allow Him to help us in our times of need. The Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness in a way we cannot understand or communicate (Rom. 8:26).
Trust in the Holy Spirit. Look for His work in your life. If you do you might just be surprised when you reflect on each day and see how God has worked to comfort you, to counsel, you, to speak for you, to guide you. I know I am.

Another Message From Jake

2011-02-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

CSYM Family,

I wanted to give you all an update on the ongoing discussion surrounding the purchase of the 40/29 building. This Sunday (2/20) the Elders will be polling the congregation by asking if we all support or do not support purchasing the building. This will be done by giving each member a sheet to fill out and return Sunday morning. Tomorrow night, there will be an announcement regarding this.

This poll is extremely important in the Elders decision. In fact, the offer made by Center St. depends on the approval of the congregation. This poll determines that approval.

If you are unable to attend Sunday and want to have your voice heard please let know and I will get you a poll sheet or help forward your opinion to the Elders by way of letter or email.

If you have any questions concerning this please feel free to ask me.

In His service,
Jake Greer

A Message From Jake

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

CSYM Family,

I want to start off by sending my deepest thanks to all of those that helped out with Sunday Night Live last night. I was greatly encouraged by the number of people willing to give of their time and effort to help out. Thank you all so much for making SNL a great success.

I also wanted to remind you all about the opportunity that Center Street has to purchase the old 40/29 building (~6700sq/ft) that sits between Church and Locust. If purchased (and renovated) the initial proposal is to make the building the new home of the youth and college ministries and, possibly, the clothing room. If this were to occur, I believe it would be a great investment into this ministry and would open up the door to to many different ministry opportunities to teens and college students in this area.

I encourage you to voice your opinion (either in favor of or not) to each of our Elders as soon as you can and let them know how you feel about the opportunity of this purpose.

No matter what happens, of course, God will continue to bless this ministry and the Center Street congregation. Keep the ministry, this congregation and our Elders in your prayers.

Have a great week.

-Jake G.

SNL TOMORROW: We Need Your Help

2011-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody,

SNL is tomorrow night and we need your help.

1) We are going to need some servers to keep an eye on the food and make sure everyone gets some.

2) 2 or 3 to man the water (we are having cans but we will also provided water in cups).

3) We need help slicing the sandwiches tomorrow at 5. If you have a electric knife, that might work well.

4) We need one big cooler. Like around 150qts to hold can drinks. We have 2 already but need a third.

5) We will need help cleaning up afterwards.

6) ushers to help out if seating becomes crowded and to help direct the teens into the basement.

CSYM Announcement Update

2011-02-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Skate Night
Feb. 7. (weather permitting)
We will be going to Skate Night at Roller City every other month.
During the other months, another activity will be planned for the first monday night. (i.e. bowling, mini golf, game night, movie, etc.)
Sunday Night Live
Feb. 13 - 6:00pm
Coach Ronnie Huckeba will be guest speaker
Sandwiches for dinner
5:00pm We will need help cutting the sandwiches and setting up the basement.
After, we will need help serving and clean up.
Black Oak
Feb. 20.
Eat at Pizza Hut
CHRISTeens
Feb 25-27
9-12 grades
$25 plus cost of food
I need to know SUNDAY (Feb. 6) if you are planning on going.
Scholarships are available for those in need to assistance. There is a form in the teen room.
Devo Hosting Sign-Up Sheet
On bulletin board.
Sign up by Month and date will be determined between Jake and hosts.
CSYM Devo
Feb. ???
Anyone want to host???
Spring Retreat - the Ark
May 6-9
Center Street in charge of food prep.
Uplift - Harding University
June 11-16
Ages: Those entering 7th grade thru grad. senior.
Cost: It is my desire that the cost will be free to those who want to attend from our group. The cost did go up this year, but I believe with the funds available in the teen fund and the possibility to raise money we can make that happen. The cost per camper is $225 ($210 if registered before April 11).
GVBC - Session 3
June 19-25
Teachers
I am wanting to get a list of men together that are willing to teach the teen classes.
Let Jake know if you are willing and which age group you would prefer (High School or Middle School or both)
Sunday Night Live is every month in the school year on the 2nd Sunday Night.

ATTN: CSYM Family

2011-02-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

CSYM Family,

Due to the predicted weather, we are going to go ahead and postpone the Team Meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Instead, I will prepare a detailed announcement sheet this afternoon that I will not only email later today, but also post on the blog, and have hard copies available tomorrow at worship.

I would like to remind you of something - Sunday Night Live. SNL is scheduled for next Sunday night. Lord willing and weather permitting, we will still have SNL here at Center Street. We are going to need help with serving and cleaning up afterward so if you are able to stay and help out, your help will be greatly appreciated.

Keep an eye out for the announcement update.

Have a great day.

Generosity

2011-01-31T10:52:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed how big $100 looks when you are heading to church, yet how small that same $100 seems at the mall? Why is it we can be extremely generous towards ourselves, but when it come to God, we have to grin and bear it because we know it is the right thing to do?

Proverbs 11:24 tell us that as “one man gives freely, (he) gains even more.” Further, the next proverb states that “a generous man will prosper” and “he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” We must realize that selfishness leads to emptiness and generosity brings overflowing fulfillment.

Giving is an indication of what really matters to us. Do we give of ourselves to clothes and try to make ourselves look better? Do we give ourselves to nice stuff and try to make ourselves feel better? Or, do we give of ourselves to God because He is the most important thing in our lives? If we give, we will get. If we are generous, He will be generous to us. How will we be generous to God this week?

Sacrifice

2011-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

There are many things in life for which we make sacrifices. Sports require us to give up our time, our energy, and sometimes our favorite foods in order that we can work out and get fit. Learning a musical instrument or even a foreign language can require hours of practice to perfect our skill.
As we age, our priorities change and as do some of our reasons for sacrifice. Our family becomes a top priority in our lives and we sacrifice many things that once made us happy in order for our family to thrive and function in a way God wants it to. Of course, many people do not make those sacrifices, and in return, families become volatile and relationships seem distant. Sacrifice is needed in order to achieve something greater, something deeper.
Sacrifice is a dominant theme throughout the Bible, especially the Old Testament. The Israelite people, through their sacrificial system, acknowledged their sin and responded to it. Of course, those were not enough to bring them back into a right relationship with God. One more sacrifice had to be made in order for sin to be totally defeated.
I cannot fathom what it is Jesus Christ sacrificed for me. Sure, I know the words and the story, but wrapping my head around the meanings and the pain is hard to do. Jesus gave up heaven, lived a tough life, and then gave up that life for me and for you. What have we given up for Him lately?

Echos

2011-01-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Ridley Scott’s Roman epic Gladiator. Early in the movie, as Maximus rallies his troops, he says,“What we do in life, echos in eternity!” How true that statement is. Eternity might be something that is hard to grasp for most, much like the aspect of an eternal God, knowing no time constraints. Never-the-less, eternity is what faces us everyday. Each day we take one more step in the long line of our souls eternal existence. Though our bodies might not last, our souls will remain.

One thing we do not have to fear in this eternal journey is death. For the true Christian, death is merely a transition into something greater, something deeper. The Hebrew writer tells us (2:14-15) that we should no longer be a slave to the fear of death because of Jesus’ sharing in our humanity and His death on the cross.

Do not let the fear of death or any other thing control your life. What kind of echos will you hear in your eternity? Echos of being afraid to step up and step out for our Lord? Echos of never fully trusting God and, in turn, fearing death? Or, will it be the echos of the saints singing beautiful praise to our Father in Heaven? You decide.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

CSYM Family,

What a busy week!!! This past week may have been busy but it has been a great blessing in my life as I hope it has been in yours.

It all started last wednesday night when some of our teens got together before class to fill the gift bags that were handed out at the Hillcrest Holiday Lunch. The recipients were very appreciative of the gift.

Move forward to Friday night. The college age and the CSYM traveled all around Fayetteville and Farmington caroling to some of our elderly members. I received many thank you's on Sunday morning and I, myself, also want to thank all those who went and caroled as well as the Hadley's for having the group over for refreshments. It was a great night!!!

Saturday night was our annual CSYM Christmas Party. Thank you so much Bryan and Lynette Hanna for hosting the CSYM in your home. It was a fun night and full of great memories. One of which being the reoccurrence of a certain white elephant gift (which will name nameless) that somehow ended up ablaze in the fireplace. Needless to say, I don't think we have seen the last of that "cherished" gift.

This past Sunday was our monthly trip to Black Oak. What a great night of fellowship and worship that was. It is always encouraging watching our young men lead in worship.

I hope and pray that everyone has a great Christmas break!

Jake

PS. It's not Christmas without Christ!!!

Dec. 12 Newsletter

2010-12-07T11:16:00.001-08:00

Cloudy with a Chance of Jesus

2010-12-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Busy! Busy! Busy!

It seems like for this time of the year "busy" is the main descriptor. Football season is over, but the more frequent Basketball games are picking up. It is the end of the semester, but projects and exams are due. It is the time of year to relax by a fire, but we have to bounce for house to house to see family and friends as we celebrate Christmas.

This time of year is busy for us. Things were busy for Joseph and Mary when as they approached Bethlehem to take part in the census. Not only were they busy, but stressed beyond measure. As we read in Luke 2, Joseph and Mary return to their families (the descendants of David) hometown of Bethlehem. Chances are they were going to run into a family reunion that they were not looking forward too. After all, they were unmarried and Mary was pregnant - that might not sit good with the relatives.

Resentful. Joyful. Unsettled. Anxious. Not only do these words describe the feelings of Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born, they describe the way many of us feel during this time of year. What crowds Christ out of our hearts? This coming year, stop. Make room for Him in your life as well as your activities.

March

2010-03-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

BLACK OAK - Sunday March 21. We will meet on the parking lot at 5:00pm and will return TO PIZZA HUT after service. Bring $3 for the pizza.
Spring Break:
- March 25 - Cookout and games hosted by the Baldwin Youth Group (more details to follow)
- March 26 - Game night at church building. 6:30pm. Eat dinner before. Bring desserts.
Pick up and return and Ark Registration card to me as soon as possible to save your spot for the retreat and to order the t-shirts.

February

2010-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!!! I hope you all have taken advantage of the snow and the weather and have had been able to have some fun this past week. February is here and its CSYM calendar is in the teen room...pick one up Wednesday night!!!! Here is a rundown of the month.

Feb. 12 We are going to go skating. I will let you know about costs and location on Sunday morning.

Feb. 14 SNL here at Center Street (6:00pm)

Feb. 21 Black Oak. If any of you young men would like to speak, let me know ASAP. Bring $3 for Pizza

Feb. 26-28 CHRISTeens Youth Rally. Sign up now if you would like to go. I need to know ASAP.

January

2010-01-05T12:37:00.001-08:00

WOW!!!! How behind am I!!!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts these past few weeks. We have had a busy December and I pray that it was as fun and encouraging for you as it was for me and my family.

This Sunday night we are going to head to the Southside church of Christ in Rogers for Sunday Night Live. We will meet in the parking lot at 5:00pm and will prpbably return around 9:oopm.

The following Sunday is Black Oak. Parking lot at 5:00pm...bring $3 for pizza. We will be AT Pizza Hut.

You all will be able to get a calendar this Sunday.

I hope you all have a great week and have taken advantage of your time in the Snow ans away from school.

God Bless.
Jake

2009-12-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!!! I want to direct you to the previous post for December's announcements.

To add...

This Wednesday night we will be staying for a short time after church to prepare the grocery bags for the Hillcrest Holiday Dinner.
We will also stay after the following Wednesday night (Dec. 16) to prepare the gift baskets that the care groups deliver to the widows and widowers.
The Mystery Party is this weekend at the Norsworthy's. If you need to ride the van, meet on the parking lot at 6:00pm.

2009-11-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Winter is finally here and we are planning some great events that we hope you all take part of.

1. There will be a game night here at the church building on Tuesday, Nov. 24 (aka Tomorrow Night) at 6:30pm. Eat before you come or you can bring something to eat.

2. December 12 we are having a Mystery Party at the Norsworthy's. The party will being at 6:30pm. There is a sign up sheet in the teen room for those who want to come. Try to sign up by December 6. If you are in need of a ride, meet on the church parking lot at 6:00pm.

3. We are going to be go Christmas Caroling on December 17. Meet on the church parking lot at 6:00pm. We should be one around 8:30pm.

4. There will be a Christmas Party on December 21 at the Hanna's. The party will start at 6:30Pm. If you need a ride, meet on the parking lot at 6:00pm. There will be a White Elephant gift exchange so bring a gift around $5.

5. We will also be going to a New Years Lock-In at the Springdale Youth Center on December 31. The cost is $10 per student. The event starts at 8:00pm and ends at 7:00am.

6. Mark your calendars now for the CHRISTeens Youth Rally in Russelville. The dates are February 26-28.

7. Our next trip to Black Oak is December 20.

Youth News

2009-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

1) There is a devotional this Thursday night at the church building. We will start around 6:30. Guys bring chips, girls bring desserts.

2) Game Night at the building. Nov. 24. 6:00pm.

News and Notes

2009-11-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody!!!

I hope you all had a great Sunday yesterday. Tasha and I had a great weekend in Oklahoma except that we missed seeing you all.

I am working out some details on the calendar, but I should have it ready Wednesday night.

Black Oak this Sunday. We will meet in the parking lot at 5:00pm bring $3 for pizza. We will eat at Pizza Hut after. Yes...at Pizza Hut!!!

Youth Matters

2009-11-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations:

Kaleb Vaughn was named one of the Northwest Arkansas Newspapers Players of the Week for his great performance in the Har-Ber Wildcats victory over the Fayetteville Bulldogs.

Thank You:

I want to thank everyone that helped with the Fall Festival this past Sunday night. This was the first time that I had been apart of this event and it proved very rewarding and fun. That being said, I have already started planning for next year as I have some great ideas to incorporate the whole family.

In the world of procrastination, I am king. This might sound contradictory to my previous statement that I have already been planning for next year’s fall festival, but do not let me fool you, I have a bad habit of putting things off until the very last minute. Ask my wife sometime about the many times that I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning (of not all night) trying to finish a paper or project that was due later that day. I would love to say the I am getting better at not putting things off, but can’t. I have a lot learn.

Christ dealt with procrastinators (Luke 9:59-62). Here we read of those who wanted to postpone or put off following Christ until it was best for them. Christ responds by saying that such people are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Why procrastinate in giving our life to Christ? Why put it off any longer? Besides, are we even promised a tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1)?

News and Notes

2009-11-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

I first want to say thank you to all those that helped make the Fall Festival a great success. You help was much appreciated.
Parents and teens - If you know of anyone who would need their yard raked and would not be able to do it themselves, please let me know. ASAP.

Fall Festival

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Parents!!!

We are in desperate need of finger foods and desserts for the fall festival. If everyone who can can bring a finger food that would feed around 20 people and a dessert, that would help a lot.

Also, I have asked the teens to meet back at the church at 1:00pm Sunday afternoon to decorate for the festival. This is to not interfere with the L2LL classes at 5:00pm.

October 26, 2009

2009-10-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Parents:

There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for those how would like to host a devotional.
Please sign-up to bring a finger food and/or dessert to the Fall Festival. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
I need to get a final list of those going on the trip to the Harding football game this Saturday. Let me know by Wednesday.
The teens are supposed to bring a bag of candy with them to class on Wednesday. If you would also like to donate a bag of small prizes, they are welcome.

This Week:

We will be going to Harding's Homecoming football game on October 31. There is a sign-up sheet in the teen rooms for those who would like to go. Please sign up so I can plan accordingly.
We are extending the trick or treat season one day. The Fall Festival will be on Nov. 1 after church on Sunday night (~7:15pm). We are in need of candy and small treat donations to fill treat bags and for prizes. For more information see Jake. Stay posted for more details.
November/December calendars are almost ready.

Not So Halloween Halloween Party

2009-10-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

We (Center Street) have been designated to bring a dessert to the party. To be more specific we need to bring stuff for smores. This includes:

Graham crackers

Chocolate bars

Marshmallows

We are expecting about 40-50 people so if we could get split up on what to bring it would be great. I was think way be 3-4 people on each. Let me know what you are going to bring. Either send me a message, comment on this post, call me, or email me (jakegreer@centerstreet.org). We will talk more about this during class on Wed. night.

Also, bring a lawn chair with you to the Halloween party if you can.

October 19, 2009

2009-10-19T09:41:00.001-07:00

Parents - there is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for those how would like to host a devotional.

This Week:

On Mon., Tues., and Thur. night (Oct 19,20,22) there will be a Teen Event in conjunction with the Lecturship going on at the Johnson coC. There will be a time of worship and some activity to follow. The theme is "Faith,Hope, and Love". 7:oopm-8:00pm. For a ride - meet on the parking lot at 6:00pm.
Saturday (Oct. 24) the teens we will be having a "Not So Halloween Halloween Party" at the Vanlandinghams. There will be a cookout, games, bonfire, a hayride, and a costume contest. (Costumes are not required) The party starts around 4:30pm and goes until 8ish. Meet on the church parking lot at 4:00pm.
This Sunday is Black Oak. We will meet on the parking lot at 5:00pm and return for pizza at CENTER STREET not Pizza Hut. Same pizza, different place.

Near Future:

We will be going to Harding's Homecoming football game on October 31. There is a sign-up sheet in the teen rooms for those who would like to go. Please sign up so I can plan accordingly.
We are extending the trick or treat season one day. The Fall Festival will be on Nov. 1 after church on Sunday night (~7:15pm). We are in need of candy and small treat donations to fill treat bags and for prizes. For more information see Jake. Stay posted for more details.
November/December calendars are almost ready.

Prayer Emergency!!!

2009-10-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Koby Keen has gotten really sick over the past couple of days and he and his family are needing alot of prayers right now.

The Doctors suspect that H1N1 is the culprit and he is being taken to Children's Hospital in Little Rock tonight.

Pray for healing. Pray for comfort. Pray for guidance. Pray. Pray. Pray.

News and Notes

2009-10-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

This week:

The devo scheduled on the calendar for this Tues. night is canceled. Just to let you know...our devos will be on Sunday nights during the school year. The next devo will be on November 1st. (details to come)

Next Week:

Sunday night (Oct. 18) is the areawide worship at the Springdale High School auditorium. singing starts at 5:15pm.
On Mon., Tues., and Thur. night (Oct 19,20,22) there will be a Teen Event in conjunction with the Lecturship going on at the Johnson coC. There will be a time of worship and some activity to follow. The theme is "Faith,Hope, and Love". 7:oopm-8:00pm
Saturday (Oct. 24) we will be having a "Not So Halloween Halloween Party" at the Vanlandinghams. There will be a cookout, games, bonfire, and a hayride.

Near Future:

We will be going to Harding's Homecoming football game on October 31. There is a sign-up sheet in the teen rooms for those who would like to go. Please sign up so I can plan accordingly.
We are extending the trick or treat season one day. The Fall Festival will be on Nov. 1 after church on Sunday night (~7:00pm). We are in need of candy and small treat donations to fill treat bags and for prizes. For more information see Jake. Stay posted for more information.
November/December calendars are almost ready.

WELCOME!!!!

2009-10-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Center Street Youth Ministry Blog. I have decided to use this blog as a means of communication between myself and anyone who supports or is apart of this ministry. I believe it will better aid in getting announcements known and also allowing some feed back opportunities.

My plan is to post announcements at least every Monday with scattered information through out the week. This could range from something I thought was interesting, videos, devotionals, "thank you"s, etc.

Notice that you can post comments on each entry. I encourage you to utilize this in order to start conversation or to ask me questions. I will try to write back as soon as I can.

Thanks for checking out our blog. Feel free to stop back by anytime (hopefully often) and see what's going on with the youth ministry here at Center Street.

In Christ,

Jake