A few weeks ago we had a great discussion at Uturn JH about the topic of respect and honor. Earlier we posted some thoughts that came from that discussion. This week I wanted to post some thoughts from the youth pastor you rarely get to hear from, April Nault. Usually I get the microphone to share, but she wanted to share some thoughts about this topic too.
"When I think about respect at Uturn, I think about remembering someone's name, not talking while someone else is, or listening to what Sean has to say, but what I realized is that these are secondary issues. What should be my primary focus at Uturn? It should be respecting God. Yes, we want to cut down on disruptive talking or playing with our cell phones, but our heart should be "God, I came to Uturn to worship you and learn more about you." This can be hard. Sometimes our days get filled with drama with friends, a fight with mom or dad, homework stacking up, or ___(fill in the blank)____. This requires me to say, "Okay God, what do I need to check at the door or give to you so that my attention is on YOU and not distracted by something else?" We shouldn't cover up, mask, or even diminish what's going on in our lives, but we need to take the personal responsibility to surrender our anxieties, stresses, and issues so that we can better focus on Jesus. My heart for Uturn is tha we would be characterized as people that show respect to each other, but first and foremost to God."
I hope this is an encouragement to you. Would you partner with us in making Uturn JH a place where we honor God and people to the best of our abilities?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Jr. High Winter Camp 2011
Jr. High Winter Camp January 7th thru 9th, 2011
Cost: $50
Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, WA
We'll be spending a weekend in the snow for some quality time of building friendships and growing in our relationships with Jesus. The $50 cost will cover transportation, food, lodging, and activities (sledding, snow football, games, movie night, and much much more). We'll be having times of worship, Bible study, and a guest speaker for our teaching times.
This year there is the option for an afternoon of SNOWBOARDING/SKIING for an additional cost. If you choose not to participate there will be plenty of fun and free activities back at camp.
Camp capacity is limited so get signed up soon. This is a great opportunity to invite friends that don't already go to a church.
ATTENTION PARENTS: We need 10-15 carpool drivers, please let us know if you're available to drive.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Culture of Respect: Part 1
Uturn Jr. High took a Wednesday night in November to discuss the topic of respect and honoring each other. Amidst joking and kidding around there can be a lot of disrespect occurring within a large group of people. The leadership of Uturn JH had really been praying that God would bring a shift in our youth group's culture. No longer would we be consumed with degrading others for the sake of a laugh, interrupting someone while they're talking, texting during service, or valuing ourselves above others.
In Romans 12:10, Paul encourages the early church in Rome to, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Uturn JH is praying that during this school year we would make an effort to have our group characterized by the qualities described in that verse. When a student brings a guest to come check out Uturn JH we want them to experience the same respect, unconditional love, and honor that Paul wanted to see in the Roman church.
During a discussion regarding this topic an 8th grade student, Salina Atsemet, stepped out in boldness to share her thoughts about creating a culture of respect in Uturn JH. Here's what she had to say:
"For me church is and was always about growing with Jesus and building your faith. Church is supposed to be a spiritual place where we come to learn. When I first came to Uturn, I realized that a lot of people here were focused on drama, who was going out with who, or going to the bathroom and never coming back. This made we wonder what we came to church for; just to hang out with friends, to have immature Jr. High fights, or learn and absorb the sermons and build your faith. Uturn has three rules: Respect God, Respect Others, and Respect the Stuff. Sean has told us these things over and over again. As an outsider I think we need to follow these rules by staying within the boundaries, not starting rumors, respecting our parents, focusing on the lessons, not texting during services, and giving our full attention for the hour we're there. The majority of us focus on friends more than we think about God. I know I'm going to try and respect Sean and the other leaders at Uturn, and I hope you will too."
I'm so thankful for Salina's courage to share her thoughts with her peers, as I know it could have been very scary to do so. I believe God is speaking through her to help correct and encourage the entire Uturn JH group to strive to live lifestyles that ooze respect and honor for others.
In Romans 12:10, Paul encourages the early church in Rome to, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Uturn JH is praying that during this school year we would make an effort to have our group characterized by the qualities described in that verse. When a student brings a guest to come check out Uturn JH we want them to experience the same respect, unconditional love, and honor that Paul wanted to see in the Roman church.
During a discussion regarding this topic an 8th grade student, Salina Atsemet, stepped out in boldness to share her thoughts about creating a culture of respect in Uturn JH. Here's what she had to say:
"For me church is and was always about growing with Jesus and building your faith. Church is supposed to be a spiritual place where we come to learn. When I first came to Uturn, I realized that a lot of people here were focused on drama, who was going out with who, or going to the bathroom and never coming back. This made we wonder what we came to church for; just to hang out with friends, to have immature Jr. High fights, or learn and absorb the sermons and build your faith. Uturn has three rules: Respect God, Respect Others, and Respect the Stuff. Sean has told us these things over and over again. As an outsider I think we need to follow these rules by staying within the boundaries, not starting rumors, respecting our parents, focusing on the lessons, not texting during services, and giving our full attention for the hour we're there. The majority of us focus on friends more than we think about God. I know I'm going to try and respect Sean and the other leaders at Uturn, and I hope you will too."
I'm so thankful for Salina's courage to share her thoughts with her peers, as I know it could have been very scary to do so. I believe God is speaking through her to help correct and encourage the entire Uturn JH group to strive to live lifestyles that ooze respect and honor for others.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Sign up Today: Mexico 2011
When:
April 1-9th, 2011Cost:
$950
(includes everything plus winter camp)
We've already begun the application process for our Mexico Mission trip next April. This annual trip to Rosarito, Mexico is life changing not only for those in Mexico, but also the team members. We do a combination of dramas, skits, service projects, and worship to show the love of Jesus and spread the Gospel. Click here to download the application packet.
Applications and a $100 non-refundable deposit are due November 21st.
Monthly Newsletter: November 2010
Be sure to download and print off a copy of our monthly newsletter so that you can stay informed about all of the latest and greatest Uturn JH stuff. This month's newsletter has details about Friday Night Hang Out, a Christmas tree fundraiser, the Mexico Mission trip, and even Winter Camp 2011. Click here to download.Thursday, November 4, 2010
Greg Laurie Seattle Harvest Crusade
This Saturday, November 6th500 Queen Ann Ave N. Seattle, WA 98109
After grabbing a burger we'll walk over to Key Arena.
The Greg Laurie Seattle Harvest starts at 7:30pm and should last about 2hrs.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and money for food/souvenirs.
What is the Greg Laurie Seattle Harvest?
It is a three day outreach event full of great concerts, a relevant message about the Gospel, and lots of fun. Check out their website for more info. Uturn JH is attending and we're encouraging every student to bring along a friend. Whoever brings the most friends will win an autographed Gungor CD.
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