Two upcoming events and WBS

You should have all received the calendar and letter for the first half of the year. Let me know if you did not receive one and I will get that out to you promptly.

We have two upcoming events:

GM-Pottery Painting
This will be a time for the girls to come together, make pottery and paint it. It should be a blast. Should cost around $20 for supplies. Expect an email from Lindsay with all the details and how you and your daughter can be involved.

So Cal Retreat
This is a really unique event that it is led by high school students from across Southern California. The student leaders plan and implement the small groups, facilitate worship, and share their lives in speaking sessions. This should be an amazing weekend of spiritual growth for our group. Cost is $110 due by March 20, 2009. If your family needs financial help sending your child, please talk to Dan. Forms are on the Y&F Ministry table.

If you have any questions on either event please email or call Dan.

Weekly Bible Study
I have been reading through the book of Luke the last few weeks and I came across this scripture:

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Exalt–verb (used with object)
1.to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate:

You've heard it said that "pride comes before the fall."

Jesus basically says that the "fall" leads to exaltation. That when we lower ourselves, we will be raised up. I can think of times in my life where I was prideful or arrogant and I can look at time where I show humility.

I can say that I have never seen blessings from the former, but I always see blessing from the latter.

I challenge us to evaluate our lives.

In what ways are we prideful?

Do we need to learn humility?

I pray that humility would be a Godly characteristic that we all possess.

May God bless you in your walk with Him this week,

Dan

Weekly Bible Study

Hey Everyone,

Hopefully you were at church on Sunday and heard the message. I believe that God is calling our church to amazing things. I believe that he wants to do transformational things in our life, our families, and this church. I hope that you and your family will be in prayer over that.

I hope that you have had a great beginning to your week. I am spending my first three days of this week in beautiful Ventura, being blessed through planning and prayer over YouthWAVE, which is one of our week-long events during the summer. Whenever I am a part of planning an event I am reminded of the importance of community in our walk with God. It is through the strength of this community that God can continually work on us and through us.

I pray that this Weekly Bible Study will be a blessing in your life.

Weekly Bible Study
"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." -Mark 9:35

When you think of leadership, what comes to mind?

Is it someone who is out in front of others?

Someone who is outgoing? Extroverted?

Is it someone who we view as more talented than others? More gifted?
Someone who is in charge? Someone who is older or more wise?

The picture that we get from Jesus is one of servant hood. His example and lead was through service! How contrary to what we sometimes believe!

Here is my challenge to us all. Who can you serve tomorrow?

The next day?

This week?

Maybe you serve your waitress by talking with her about her day and encouraging her. Maybe you serve your boss and tell them that you are thankful for them. Find someone to encourage. Find someone to serve.

I pray that we can lead like Christ.

Through service!

Have a blessed, service-filled week

-Dan