Parent Update: 11-16-09

Dear parents,

I had so much fun last night worshipping, playing games, and discussing the fact that God does extreme transformations in our heart just like the ABC team transforms homes for those in need on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It was fun watching the local episode with them last night.

We talked about God changing our hearts, attitudes, priorities, and lives. God has drastically changed my life from being a punk high school guy who tried to make out with every girl I could, looked down on others and on life, and had language that resembled that.  A cool activity that you could try to do this week is to think about how God has changed your life, and talk about it with your son/daughter. It may be a great conversation that they need to hear.

I am attaching the news and notes that I sent to students, and then I am also including the Real Parent Newsletter. Check them out. There is valuable information in it all. Thanks! – Tyler

Thanks to everyone for making Hoops of Hope uber successful. We raised over $2600 to help save kids orphaned by AIDS. That is so awesome. I’m hoping to show the video from it this Sunday at SWIFT!
Here are some things happening this week…
Tuesday- Support the JH guys in Forreston for basketball at 4. I can’t make this one, but if you get a shot, go on out and see them rock it.
Wednesday- FCA is at Forreston high school at 7 AM. Text me Tuesday if you need a ride!
Thursday- Pray for me as I teach a bunch of college students at Unite about Christians and alcohol.
Friday- The HS Girls basketball season begins! They play 7:00ish in the Forreston Tournament.
Saturday- Paper Drive from 9-11 AM. We really need some help for this. This is at the funeral home, and we make some money off of it to pay for SWIFT events.
Sunday- Sunday School at 9 AM
Worship at 10 AM
JH SWIFT at 5:00- 6:30 PM
HS SWIFT from 7:00-8:30 PM- This week at SWIFT, we’re continuing to look at the story of the Bible. This week, Jesus enters the picture, and we’ll see how His teaching shakes things up!
Other News…
Know what’s going on in December. Get the calendar at the link below…
http://swiftyouthministry.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/december-2-remember/
You don’t wanna miss out at Winterzone. Get the info here.
http://swiftyouthministry.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/winterzone-2009-2010/

Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Links to Learn From
4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

When God Changes the Plan

Does your family live and die by a schedule or is constant, spontaneous change of direction the norm in your household? Neither approach to life is wrong, necessarily, but we want to help our kids to learn both wise planning…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/when_god_changes_the_plan/

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/

2. Learn Their Lingo

Automagically = something that happens automatically, but that also has some mysterious, “magical” element to it. “Smart” appliances, features, etc. that do intelligent things with less help than you might expect
Mantrum = when a grown man throws a tantrum when he can’t have his way

3. Links to Learn From

Fort Hood Shooting: Five tips to help parents talk to their kids about violence in the news
http://www.examiner.com/x-14708-Toddlers-to-Teens-Examiner~y2009m11d6-Fort-Hood-Shooting-Five-tips-to-help-parents-talk-to-their-kids-about-violence-in-the-news
Teenage pregnancy does not discriminate
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=861929&category=OPINION
Hunger in America: Half of Our Kids on Food Stamps
http://chattahbox.com/us/2009/11/03/hunger-in-america-half-of-our-kids-on-food-stamps/

4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

SWIFT Update 11-16-09

Hey everyone!

I had a blast watching the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with you last night! It was really neat to see how they transformed that house near Lena. I was reminded this morning again of how God transforms our lives. Remember to live as a new creation, cause God has radically transformed all of us who have put our faith in Him!

Thanks to everyone for making Hoops of Hope uber successful. We raised over $2600 to help save kids orphaned by AIDS. That is so awesome. I’m hoping to show the video from it this Sunday at SWIFT!

Here are some things happening this week…

Tuesday- Support the JH guys in Forreston for basketball at 4. I can’t make this one, but if you get a shot, go on out and see them rock it.

Wednesday- FCA is at Forreston high school at 7 AM. Text me Tuesday if you need a ride!

Thursday- Pray for me as I teach a bunch of college students at Unite about Christians and alcohol.

Friday- The HS Girls basketball season begins! They play 7:00ish in the Forreston Tournament.

Saturday- Paper Drive from 9-11 AM. We really need some help for this. This is at the funeral home, and we make some money off of it to pay for SWIFT events.

Sunday- Sunday School at 9 AM
Worship at 10 AM
JH SWIFT at 5:00- 6:30 PM
HS SWIFT from 7:00-8:30 PM- This week at SWIFT, we’re continuing to look at the story of the Bible. This week, Jesus enters the picture, and we’ll see how His teaching shakes things up!

Other News…
Know what’s going on in December. Get the calendar at the link below…
http://swiftyouthministry.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/december-2-remember/

You don’t wanna miss out at Winterzone. Get the info here.
http://swiftyouthministry.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/winterzone-2009-2010/

Thanks guys! Have a great week!
Tyler

Winterzone 2009-2010

December 2 Remember

Online Devotions 11-16-09

Online Devotions- Luke Week 8

 

Day 1-  Read Luke 16:1-15

 

Jesus is teaching on greed here. A manager was wasting his master’s money. Some believe this manager charged interest too high, so that others can’t pay the master back. The manager would get the interest. The manager then gave up his payment when he told the borrowers to pay less than what was owed.

 

There are many interpretations of the parable, but Jesus’ teaching at the end is clear. You cannot serve both God and money. You can’t rank money as important as God.  There are three points my study Bible (NIV: Life application study Bible) makes:

1. Money belongs to God, not us; let us use our resources wisely
2. Money can be used for good or evil; let us use ours for good.
3. Money has a lot of power; let us use it carefully and thoughtfully. We must use our material good in a way that will foster faith and obedience to God.

 

Day 2- Read Luke 16:16-31

 

Jesus is again rocking the Pharisees world. The Pharisees believed that being rich meant that you had God’s blessings. This idea that a rich man be in hell and a beggar be in heaven is completely foreign to them.  Jesus didn’t condemn this man for being rich- this man was condemned because he did not help others. And he had not trusted in Christ as His savior.

 

Day 3- Read Luke 17:1-10

 

In this passage we see

 

1). We should forgive others when they sin against us.

 

2). With our faith in Christ, great things can happen. We just need to trust Him.

 

3). As servants of God, we should not call ourselves great when we do God’s work. Rather, we should thank God for the opportunity that He would call us to be His.

 

Day 4- Read Luke 17:11-17

 

We should be thankful to God for the many things He has given us. In the guy’s Bible, it lays down a challenge- Here it is (Revolution, NIV, p 1356)

 

To avoid making the same mistake the nine ungrateful ex-lepers made, here’s an exercise to try during your prayer time this week: Every day for the next week, write down at least ten things God has done in your life that you’re thankful for.   When you pray, thank God specifically for each one.  Here’s the catch: Each day’s list has to be completely different from the others; you can’t repeat any items from a previous day’s prayer. That means you’ll need to think of 70 different things that you’re thankful for. Does it sound like a challenge? It might be easier than you think.

 

Day 5- Read Luke 17:20-37

 

Jesus is teaching that His return to earth will be in days were things will seem to be normal.  It will happen when people least expect it.  It means that we should always be prepared, and when Jesus returns, we should not wish to remain here but be ready to be with Him.

 

V 37 may sound weird, but the saying relates to a familiar proverb of the time. A vulture eats off a dead body. If you see one vulture, you aren’t too concerned, but if there are many vultures, you can be sure there is a dead body. Likewise, if there is one sign of the end of the time- we should not panic. But if there are many signs (and there are now), then you could be sure that Christ’s coming is near.

 

Day 6- Read Luke 18:1-8

 

Jesus is teaching us some basic principles to remain persistent in praying and crying out to God. He teaches that even an unjust judge would give into persistence. The great God would definitely acknowledge it.  However, Jesus seems concerned that He won’t find faith on earth when He returns. Make sure that if you were on the earth when He returns, He would in fact find faith.

 

Day 7- Read Luke 18:9- 14

 

Jesus wants us to come to him with humility. We should not make ourselves proud before God. I have heard it said, “When we compare ourselves to others, we lose.” In fact, the Bible is pretty clear that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Come to God with the attitude of the tax collector.

Parent Update 11-09-09

Dear parents,

I want to take a quick moment and say that I’ve been thanking God for what’s been happening in SWIFT lately. We’ve had several new students check us out over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the return of some older faces, and over the last few weeks, we have had over 20 students (last couple of weeks it has been over 25) come out and experience God’s story.  Our times of worship have been full of energy, and students getting involved in discussion has been exciting.  I think God is definitely moving in our youth ministry, and I am asking that you help continue to lift our ministry up in prayer as we hope this continues.

I love having so many conversations, txts, emails, and comments from so many of you. I truly feel valued by you, and I just wanted to say thank you for that.  That is the reason why I want to make sure that I keep you fully informed.

There was not a new update for the Real World Parent Newsletter, so I just wanted to express my gratitude and share the news that I shared with our students and sponsors. We have a busy weekend ahead, so please take note of it, and please contact me with any questions you may have. Thanks!

Tyler

Here’s what’s happening this week!
Wed- FCA is on Wednesday morning at 6:45 AM. Come for breakfast, hang out with friends, and discuss God’s word! It’s a great time!
Thurs- Forreston JH boys play at 4:00 PM.
Sat- Hoops of Hope starts at 11 AM.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=173425365543&ref=ts
Click on the link for more info. Share it with your friends.  Hoops of Hope really makes a difference in the lives of students. The one who raises the most money will win a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card. Raise money, save lives, hang with friends, make a differnce in the world, play ball, eat pizza, see people do the Single Ladies Dance if you raise enuf money, have fun. It’ll be a great day! It should be done by 1:30 PM.
Sunday- Sunday School at 9:00 AM
Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Godbearing Team around 11:15 AM
SWIFT Extreme Home Makeover Night from 5:00-8:00.  Come here for a night of great discussion, games, laughter, worship, and 2 watch the Lena episode on our big screen! Guys bring drinks. Girls bring snacks!
Other News…
This Sunday, we will pass out information for you to know about in December. Times for Christmas caroling, Christmas parties, SWIFT break, and end of year lock in.
There will be a paper drive on November 21 to stack paper and cans for a small fund raiser for SWIFT. We’ll need about 5 students to help out with this! If you can make it, please come! It’s from 9-11 AM.

SWIFT Update 11-09-09

Hey everyone!

I hope you are having a great day off of school and that you get to sleep in a little bit and rest up. I think you deserve it!

Veterans Day Contest- We celebrate Veteran’s Day for a reason. It was actually called “Armistice Day” because November 11 was the day that ended a big war. The first person who texts me (815-541-4291) with the name of the war will win either a music video DVD or cd of their choice. Include your name in the text if I don’t know it.

Here’s what’s happening this week!

Wed- FCA is on Wednesday morning at 6:45 AM. Come for breakfast, hang out with friends, and discuss God’s word! It’s a great time!

Thurs- Forreston JH boys play at 4:00 PM.

Sat- Hoops of Hope starts at 11 AM.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=173425365543&ref=ts
Click on the link for more info. Share it with your friends.  Hoops of Hope really makes a difference in the lives of students. The one who raises the most money will win a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card. Raise money, save lives, hang with friends, make a differnce in the world, play ball, eat pizza, see people do the Single Ladies Dance if you raise enuf money, have fun. It’ll be a great day! It should be done by 1:30 PM.

Sunday- Sunday School at 9:00 AM
Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Godbearing Team around 11:15 AM
SWIFT Extreme Home Makeover Night from 5:00-8:00.  Come here for a night of great discussion, games, laughter, worship, and 2 watch the Lena episode on our big screen! Guys bring drinks. Girls bring snacks!

Other News…
This Sunday, we will pass out information for you to know about in December. Times for Christmas caroling, Christmas parties, SWIFT break, and end of year lock in.

There will be a paper drive on November 21 to stack paper and cans for a small fund raiser for SWIFT. We’ll need about 5 students to help out with this! If you can make it, please come! It’s from 9-11 AM.

Thanks guys! Have a awesome week!

Tyler

Online Devotions 11-09-09

Online Devotions- Luke week 7

 

Day 1- Read Luke 13:1-17

 

V1-4 Jesus’ teaching can provide some comfort here. The Pharisees and leaders (and even people today) believe that bad and tragic things happen to people because they’re especially bad (For example, some people believe that God punished Northern Illinois by sending the shooter in to shoot those 20 people and kill 5). Jesus is saying no, we all are sinners. Those examples given were tragedies, just like tragedies we face. But He reminds us that we all must either own up to our sin, confess it to Him, and leave it behind, or we will perish unforgiven.

 

There was intense debate (and sometimes, there still is) about what we can and cannot do on the Sabbath (God’s day, day of rest).  The Pharisees felt that you could not do anything that resembles work, but Jesus taught that you must do good anytime. How can you show good to others today?

 

Day 2- Read Luke 13:18-35

 

V 18-21 Let me share with what my study Bible says (NIV, Life application study Bible, p 1704)- The general expectation among Jesus’ hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing the nation from Rome and restoring Israel’s former glory. But Jesus said his kingdom was beginning quietly. Like the tiny mustard seed that grows into an enormous tree, or the spoonful of yeast that makes the bread dough double in size, the kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed.

 

Jesus reminds us that many know about Him, but only few actually KNOW Him. Few actually acknowledge their sins to Jesus and trust in Him for salvation.  Few actually trust Him and love Him with everything have and their neighbors the same.  Few actually give their lives to Jesus. Are you one of the few? Pray to Him today and offer your whole self to Him.

 

Day 3- Read Luke 14:1-14

 

Jesus is teaching on humility at the Pharisee’s house? What are some ways to show true humility, according to Jesus in this passage?

 

 

 

 

Day 4- Read Luke 14:15-24

 

This parable explained by Jesus reminds me of excuses that we make at times.  We like the idea of being called and used by God, but we often give Him excuses to not do it. “I want to go on the mission trip, but I have to work.” “I’d like to worship and get in the Bible, but I’m too busy with my sports.”  “I want to pray, but this episode of Glee is just too good!” The things we may make ourselves busy for may be good, but is it healthy when we let it turn us away from God? According to Jesus in this passage, the answer is NO. If we are serious about following Jesus, we then have to drop the excuses and follow Him.

 

Day 5- Read Luke 14:25- 35

 

The term “hate” here seems really strong- especially in relation to the family. This a good time to look up the actual Greek word, which in this verse the Greek word written was miseo, which means to “love less.”  Jesus taught that God must be our first love- our first priority- over everything else-including our family and loved ones. We don’t hate our family and loved ones, we simply follow God first- no matter what.

 

Jesus is saying that there is a cost in following Him.  Like anything that you would purchase (a car, shoes, the new HSM DVD), you see if you are willing to pay the price. The price to following Jesus is pretty steep- you are surrendering your life and following Him- but the reward is eternal- it is eternal life in a loving relationship with God.

 

Day 6- Read Luke 15:1-10

 

Many of the words of Jesus are calling out the Pharisee’s. Jesus may come off as harsh and stern to the casual reader, but don’t miss it- the Pharisees were putting ridiculous rules and laws on people that were so hard and impossible that everyone felt distant from God.  Jesus was showing these leaders that God’s love is for everyone, and God is willing to reach out to the “sinners” and the lost.  Who should we try to be more like- Jesus or the Pharisees?

 

Day 7- Read Luke 15:11-31

 

This is one of Jesus’ most famous parables. It is an amazing story. To further catch the meaning behind it, check out songs like Jeremy Camp’s “I’ll take you back.”

 

Which character in the story- the son who left, the father, or the son who stayed did you connect with the most? Why?

 

What did you think about the father welcoming the son back? Helping the other son seeing the need to welcome the lost back in?

 

This story is obviously about God- reaching out to those who wander away, but also reminding those who stay that they are loved and part of His family always as well.  This is a tremendous story that shows the heart of God.

Parent Update 11-02-09

Dear parents!

I hope you are doing great! I know this school year already seems to be flying by as many students are already starting their winter sports and activities.  I’m hoping it looks like fall for a while longer though yet.  All of the information that you may need this week should be in the SWIFT Update and Real World Parent Newsletter. I am copying and pasting both.  Especially note that Hoops of Hope is coming up on November 14 at Forreston High School. We do have one sponsor, Char Stoehr, who has offered to provide a ride at 10:30 AM if students need a ride from Silver Creek to FHS. Thanks! Tyler

Hey everyone!
Happy November 2nd! Did you know that today is digital scrapbooking day? Go on and make your facebook digital scrapbooks…or get excited for tomorrow, November 3rd, as it is National Sandwich Day! Go get a $5 footlong at Subway to celebrate that!
Actually, here are some real things going on this week…check ‘em out!
Tuesday- Forreston choir concert at 7:30. Cheer your singing friends on!
Wednesday-
FCA at Forreston for HS students at 6:45. Get your breakfast and Bible discussion on!
Forreston band concert at 7:30. Cheer your tooting friends on!
Friday-  Talent show starting at 7:00 PM at Forreston- Cheer your talented friends on! (Not necessarily implying that you aren’t talented)
Sunday- Get your Sunday School on at 9 am
Get your Worshiping God on at 10 am
JH Get your SWIFT self on at 5:00 PM
HS Get your SWIFT self on at 7:00 PM
This week- We will look at the fact that many things are calling us for attention and time. In the midst of this, do we seek out God’s call on our life?
Other News…
Hoops of Hope is coming up QUICK!! Keep your fund raising on as we want to raise a total of $2,500 to help kids orphaned by AIDS. If this happens, you will see the basketball coaches and myself participate in a “Single Ladies” dance! People can donate online. Send them this website!
http://www.firstgiving.com/forrestonhighschool
Put that site in your facebook statuses, myspace, twitter, email, wherever, and people have been donating.  There are prizes for people who raise the most money and for people who make the most shots in the free throw drive.  By participating, you can win itunes gift cards, free stuff to mcdonald’s, free movie passes, t-shirts, and so much more!
Extreme Home Makeover SWIFT/discussion/viewing party is Nov 15 from 5-8 PM. Come on out for an unique night!
We will host a papaer drive at the Genandt Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov 21 from 9-11 AM.
Don’t forget to get your SWIFT t-shirt this weekend! Suggested donation- $10. Or whatever u can.
Thanks guys! Have a great week!
Tyler
p.s. Hope you didn’t eat too much candy this weekend! We don’t want you looking like this!

---

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Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Links to Learn From
4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

What Are You Going to Be?

It’s the question of the week for some kids. The answer often reveals a child’s current hero or role model and their desire to be that person, at least for a day. All kids—all of us—find patterns to follow in…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/what_are_you_going_to_be/

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/

2. Learn Their Lingo

Last Texter = That friend that always sends you a meaningless text after the obvious end of a text conversation, just to get the last text.
KPC = Text shorthand meaning “keep parents clueless.”

3. Links to Learn From

Up Close & Personal with Lisa T. Bergren
http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/2009/sepoct/upcloseandpersonal-lisatbergren.html
Study Reveals More Details About The iPhone Mom
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/26/study-reveals-more-details-about-behavior-of-the-iphone-mom/
“Say Aah” …and, “What’s in Your iPod?”
http://www.thesource4ym.com/youthculturewindow/article.asp?id=99

4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
- Thomas Paine

SWIFT Update 11-02-09

Hey everyone!

Happy November 2nd! Did you know that today is digital scrapbooking day? Go on and make your facebook digital scrapbooks…or get excited for tomorrow, November 3rd, as it is National Sandwich Day! Go get a $5 footlong at Subway to celebrate that!

Actually, here are some real things going on this week…check ‘em out!

Tuesday- Forreston choir concert at 7:30. Cheer your singing friends on!

Wednesday-
FCA at Forreston for HS students at 6:45. Get your breakfast and Bible discussion on!
Forreston band concert at 7:30. Cheer your tooting friends on!

Friday-  Talent show starting at 7:00 PM at Forreston- Cheer your talented friends on! (Not necessarily implying that you aren’t talented)

Sunday- Get your Sunday School on at 9 am
Get your Worshiping God on at 10 am
JH Get your SWIFT self on at 5:00 PM
HS Get your SWIFT self on at 7:00 PM
This week- We will look at the fact that many things are calling us for attention and time. In the midst of this, do we seek out God’s call on our life?

Other News…
Hoops of Hope is coming up QUICK!! Keep your fund raising on as we want to raise a total of $2,500 to help kids orphaned by AIDS. If this happens, you will see the basketball coaches and myself participate in a “Single Ladies” dance! People can donate online. Send them this website!
http://www.firstgiving.com/forrestonhighschool

Put that site in your facebook statuses, myspace, twitter, email, wherever, and people have been donating.  There are prizes for people who raise the most money and for people who make the most shots in the free throw drive.  By participating, you can win itunes gift cards, free stuff to mcdonald’s, free movie passes, t-shirts, and so much more!

Extreme Home Makeover SWIFT/discussion/viewing party is Nov 15 from 5-8 PM. Come on out for an unique night!

We will host a papaer drive at the Genandt Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov 21 from 9-11 AM.

Don’t forget to get your SWIFT t-shirt this weekend! Suggested donation- $10. Or whatever u can.

Thanks guys! Have a great week!

Tyler
p.s. Hope you didn’t eat too much candy this weekend! We don’t want you looking like this!

---

Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now.

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