Kids Are Cooking - 01-26-15

Thanks to Melody & Kristi for another fun evening of Kids Are Cooking!  Apologies to Kristi, Marne' and Sarah for not getting a good photo of you three to post on here.  Super glad you were here to make cupcakes.

Raffle!

We are doing a raffle to raise money for our annual insurance which is up February 2nd.  Raffle tickets are $5 each.  If you cannot get cash to me or Nikki Lind, you can pay via PayPal, and I will put your name on a raffle ticket or 5. (wink wink)

Again...

Tickets: $5 each

Prizes:

1. 6 Month family membership at the Northshore YMCA.
2. A weekend at the Lunsford's newly refurbished cabin in Baring, WA.
3. $25 gift card to Uncle's Games.

Get your tickets today!  The prize drawing is Monday, February 2nd.

01-26-15 Announcements & Bible Session Notes

Announcements/Discussion

· Raffle – If you don’t have any raffle tickets to sell, please get some from me by the end of the night.  Tickets and collected money must be turned in to me or Nikki Lind by next Monday.  The drawing is next Monday night, so ALL tickets & money must be in.
· Seahawks 12^th Man Challenge – Bring your community service sheets in.  The Seahawks guy is giving us prizes to keep you motivated, but you have to bring in your community service sheets.

Bible Session Notes

Jeremy Drew Spoke on…

·       Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6

·       Jeremy shared a story about going to Discovery Park to walk around and do some photography. His friends had told him that they had seen Orca just a little while before, so he was watching hoping to see Orca.  He never saw any Orca, but he did see an amazing hummingbird and was able to photograph it eating!  He also saw and took pictures of a gorgeous bald eagle, a red tailed hawk screaming away and another hawk that flew by.  He was able to see and take photos of 4 amazing birds.

·       The point?  He went out looking for one thing – the Orca.  He could have been totally focused on the Orca and missed these other amazing things God had to show him.  Often we want one thing in our life and we are so focused on getting that one thing that we miss the great things God has planned for us.

·       Luke 5:4-7 – Simon trusted Jesus and the fishermen ended up with a ton of fish.

·       Just like Simon, we need to get unfocused on our own desires and follow God’s directions.

Raffle with Fantastic Prizes!

On February 2, we will be drawing the random winners for our first ever Insurance Fundraiser Raffle! 

Tickets are just $5 a piece and can be purchased from any of our staff or participants.

There are three prizes:

1. A weekend away at a cabin in Baring, WA near Stevens Pass.  Presented by Ben & Gloria Lunsford, this recently refurbished cabin is a captivating getaway near snow sports at Stevens Pass and within quick driving distance to the beautiful Bavarian town of Leavenworth.  Photos and a description of the property can be found at http://www.vrbo.com/659649
2. A 6 month membership at the Northshore Y or an associated YMCA location.
3. A $25 gift card to Uncles Games.

Contact me or any of our youth participants to purchase your raffle tickets today!

Bible Session Notes & Announcements from 1-19-2015

Announcements:

• Taco Time Fundraiser will start a little later.
• Seahawks 12th Man Challenge - Bring your community service sheets to me
• Next week: Jeremy is speaking & Kids Are Cooking

Bible Session:

A Broken Jar

·       Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

·       So, I’ve been reading this little devotional book called God Always Has A Plan B. Besides the fact that I’m really enjoying reading it, I have also found some pretty cool stories in it.  This one is about some jars, and I’d like to share it with you.

o   “Long ago, there were two jars.  Each was carried by a king’s water bearer on opposite ends of a long pole.  One jar was perfectly made, with no cracks or chips.  The other was unglazed earthenware with a long, jagged crack at its base.

o   Daily, the water bearer would walk to a river and fill both containers, then carry them to the king’s palace.  Once inside, the first jar offered its full contents into the king’s cistern.  The other had less to offer since most of its contents had leaked through the crack during the journey.

o   One day, the despondent cracked jar pleaded with the water bearer, “Please, sir, replace me.  I am a failure.  I spill so much that my offering cannot compare to what the perfect jar brings. I’m ashamed!”

o   The water bearer smiled in response.  “Take a look at the hill we climb each day,” he said.  The jar obeyed.  All along the path bloomed beautiful wildflowers.  “I’ve been planting seeds as I walk up this hill,” noted the water bearer.  “And those flowers you see have grown from your water, little jar.  Flowers that please the king and all his people.” 

·       There are several “take aways” from this story.

o   Was the broken little jar useless?

§  No.  And neither are any of us.  We all have a purpose, and we are all made by God.

§  Romans 9:20-21 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?’ “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

§  Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

o   Could the broken little jar be useful on his own?

§  No.  He needed the water bearer to carry him and he needed the water bearer to plant the seeds.

§  Just like the little broken jar, we need others to help us along.  You can look at the water bearer as your friends and family who sometimes have to carry us and sometimes need to plant the seeds.  Like Jonathan and David or Daniel and his three friends, you can have close friends who not only stick by you in hard times, but help you to pursue God’s plan for your life.

§   You can also look at the water bearer as God who says:

·       Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 

·       Psalm 118:7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.

·       Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”

·       The Lord is our helper.

o   And finally, do your job well with whatever God has given you to work with.  Because the jar continued to be used by the waterbearer despite his cracks and leaks, he helped to create a beautiful landscape for those all around him.  If you work faithfully, you will one day see the flowers of faithfulness around you.  Not because you were perfect, but because you kept on working.

§  2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

§  Galatians 6:9 Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Announcements & Bible Session Notes from Monday Night - 01-12-15

Announcements:
1. Taco Time Fundraiser.  Ordering 150 coupon books.  If all are sold, we'll be having an Ice Cream Party.
2. Seahawks 12th Man Challenge.  Everyone needs to turn in their sheets, so I can update the Seahawks. 
3. Why are we here? Making a difference in our community through Christian outreach in a fun and safe environment. Our primary purpose is to expand the knowledge of Christ among youth by setting a positive example and providing a safe place for recreation.

Bible Session:

Jesus Leads by Example

Luke 22:39-46

·       Read Entire Passage – Luke 22:39-46

·       Example 1 – Pray as usual

o   Before Jesus was taken captive and led to his ultimate death on the cross, he went “as usual” to pray at the Mt. of Olives.

§  Note – He prayed.

§  Note – “As Usual” – This means this wasn’t a “911 prayer.”  This wasn’t a “I never talk to you God, but please help me now.” kind of prayer.  “As usual” tells me that this was his standard practice, something he did often.  He went to the Mt. of Olives to pray.

·       Example 2 – Pray your heart’s desire but God’s will

o   Jesus’ prayer, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

o   Note – He REALLY wanted there to be another option, but he also wanted to do God’s will.  Crucifixion on the cross is known as one of the most painful ways to die.  No one in his right mind would choose to die this way.  Remember Jesus was fully human and fully God.  So although he had the God ability to remove himself from the pain, he could not do that and fulfill the required sacrifice for our sins.  He had to feel all the pain fully as a man.  So, of course, he would want to ask if there was any other way.  He also knew that God’s will reigns supreme and he wanted God’s will over his own.

o   Note – Jesus was without sin.  He prayed “take this cup from me.”  When things seem too hard, I think it is ok to pray this same prayer.  The key is to also pray and be willing to accept “God’s will be done.”

·       Example 3 – Remember to pray & remind others to pray

o   In vs. 40, Jesus told the disciples to “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

o   In vs. 45, Jesus returns to the disciples and finds them sleeping.

o   In vs. 46, Jesus again tells the disciples “Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

o   These are Jesus’ closest friends.  These are the men who have travelled with him and watched him do miracle after miracle. These are his disciples! And yet, he tells them not once but twice to pray so they do not fall into temptation.

o   What do you think Jesus would say to you tonight?

Kids Are Cooking Update

Kristi Baines & Melody Drew are returning in 2015 to lead our Kids Are Cooking classes held once a month.  The classes will be starting in January and running through June. Stay tuned for more information.

Bible Session Notes - Monday, January 5th

A Discussion Time with the Youth

·       What was your favorite part of the MAD Skates & Rec Center Christmas party?

·       What are some of your ideas for the 2015 Christmas party?

·       What was your personal favorite gift that you received from anyone this Christmas?

·       What is your personal favorite family tradition and did you get to do it this year?

·       What is your best memory from Christmas 2014?

·       Did anyone celebrate the birth of Christ in a unique way?

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and merriment of the season and forget what this holiday is really all about for those of us who believe in Christ.  At the heart of everything we do during the holidays, Christ should be the focus and the reason for what we do.  He was the greatest gift ever given.

As we start 2015, what are your personal goals for the year? 

Is Christ not just a part of but the LEADER of your goal setting and plans for this year?

I leave you with this verse:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

A review of the past few weeks and a look into the future.

November 10 - We did not have Skate & Rec Night for two main reasons: I was supposed to be out of town for my 40th birthday & Veteran's Day was the next day.  We thought some families might take the long weekend and do a short trip.  I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy each others company.

November 17 - We had a guest speaker, Scott Yamamura.  I was extremely ill and was unable to attend and my brother, Robb - a key volunteer, was also out on vacation.  Nikki Lind, Jeremy Drew, Melody Drew, Jeff Porter, and my husband stepped up to fill in all the gaps.  I was sad to have missed Scott Yamamura, but I heard he did a great job and the students really had a good time.

November 24 - We celebrated Thanksgiving with turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cooked carrots followed up by some pumpkin pie with whipped cream. 

December 1 - Last night our guest speaker was Dr. Matt Angove.  He talked about the difference between the Olympic champion Usain Bolt and the 6th place runner being separated by only 1%.  He really challenged the students with "What's your PMA?" PMA - positive mental attitude.  What are you feeling?  He wanted the students to see that surrounding yourself with positive people is extremely helpful in having a positive outlook.  He also challenged them to truly have a PMA versus just showing it on the outside.  He discussed how many people who come to see him appear to have a PMA but when they are alone they do not.  So, how do you have a PMA?  He gave them a few ideas on how to have a  PMA including changing their perspective on getting ahead in the world and being competitive.  In competition are you working hard to succeed or focusing your emotions on wanting those ahead of you to fail?  He used an example from his own collegiate basketball days to show the students how wishing and hoping for others to mess up so you can get a spot on the team doesn't work very well.  He told them to be the one who makes the difference by cheering for the team to do well, encouraging the other players, and praying for your everyone to play their best. 

Pray for those ahead of you, change your heart attitude, and see what happens! Life is so much more enjoyable! Work toward your whole team winning and those you compete against doing well.

Additionally last night was Kids Are Cooking, and Melody & Kristi nailed it again making cookie kits for the kids to take home.  Even some of our skaters got in on the action.


COMING UP!

Dec 8 - We will be discussing community service, local outreach, and missions while making our choices on where to send our tithe this Christmas.  Please have your students bring their 12th Man Challenge pages, so I can mark down where everyone is at right now and see what we can do to get these completed.

Dec 15 - MAD Skates & Rec Center Christmas Party. This party is for the students and their families!  This is NOT just for the students.  Please RSVP ASAP.  We run the Christmas Party during regular Skate & Rec Night hours.  There will be food for everyone, games for adults and students, gifts for the students, and even a skate competition.  We sincerely hope to see you there.

-Brett Elizabeth Spore
President

Bible Session Notes from November 3rd - Guest Speaker - Karina Woodruff

These are my notes from the guest speaker we had on November 3rd.  It is always a pleasure to have Karina Woodruff visit us and speak to all of us. 

Acts 4:8-13

Characters in this story:
Peter
John
Talk about Jesus

In Chapter 3, they see a paralyzed man who begs at the gate every day.  They say silver and gold we do not have, but what we have, we give to you, be healed.  And the man was healed.

Now Peter & John are in trouble.  How did they heal this man?

How is Peter:
-One of Jesus' friends/Disciple
-Wrote 1 & 2 Peter
-Very gun ho!  Faith is there in full force, and then faith is completely lacking.
-His real name is Simon which means pebble.  In Mathew 16:18 Jesus renames him Peter which means ROCK and tells him he will lead the church. 
-Jesus saw in Peter something Peter did not see in himself.

Keys:
-Jesus sees something different in Peter
-Peter & John saw this paralyzed  man through a different lens.  Who is in your lens?
-Peter wasn't alone when he went to pray for this man.
-Out of Peter's faith/unfaith - Jesus used Peter's weaknesses to serve Christ.