For tonight, I did a special one for the youth service. So, I'll share it here.
Back to School Youth Bash
August 2nd, 2011
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT
So Happy You’re Here
Thank you for joining us to magnify and worship the Lord for this special service. Here at Monroe CH Church, we are a family of believers. We want to capture the hearts of every generation and join together in pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). If you don’t already have a home church, we would love to have you with us each week. Along with our mid-week service on Tuesdays, we also have small groups on Tuesdays. We are certain that we have something suited for you. Also, follow us on facebook: www.facebook.com/monroechchurch.
Encouraging Scriptures
When you don’t know which way to turn: Psalm 32:8 ”The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
When people let you down: Proverbs 3:5-6 ”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
When sadness knocks on your heart: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ”Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
When you feel like the world is against you: Romans 8:31 ”If God is for us, who can be against us?”
When you feel alone: Joshua 1:9 ”Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Words for Life
The verse that I quoted as the heading, 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT, has been one of my favorites for a long time, especially when I was a teenager. Young people sometimes get a bad rap. You can find statistics that say “teenage pregnancy is on the rise,” or “the number of high school dropouts is the highest it has been in 20 years.” Sometimes those reproachful headlines really hurt. Don’t you want to scream, “Not all teenagers are like that!” There are some positive headlines out there too; they’re just not as abundant as the bad ones. But don’t be discouraged by that. You are not alone in your walk with Christ. According to a poll by the Barna Group, teenagers are the most spiritually active demographic in America. Also, 78% of young adults claim to be Christians. Tough situations will happen. Peer pressure will show its ugly head. So, be sure that you have a circle of friends who are believers also. Live your daily life so that you are a good example of a Christian. As you return to school, think about your purpose for being exactly where you are. Psalm 37:23 NLT says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Pray for God to use you as a witness. Maybe you think that evangelism isn’t your calling. But, the strongest tool you have as a Christian is your daily life. You don’t know what the person sitting beside you in your English class (or at work) is going through. You are there for a reason.
Special Thanks
Thanks so much to everyone who had a hand in making this night possible. Tina Baldwin- for coming up with such a great idea and making sure it came to fruition; John Belangia and New Haven youth-for taking the time and putting forth the effort to be a part of this service; Kisha Michael, Lisa and Leslie Pearson, Jo Tew, and all the drama team members-for the hours of practice and patience to get the reunited drama team back on track; Denise Parish and Rachel Cobb-for their work with Children’s Church; and, everyone who donated door prizes and/or food for tonight. Many, many thanks to each of you for giving of your hearts. You may never know how much you’ve changed hearts and lives.
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