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PASTOR JEFF CHANDLER
What an amazing group of people God
continues to assemble at First Pres:
people with such a wide array of talents,
gifts and aspirations. Each one of you
has a story to tell and a part to play in the
unfolding work of God here in the life of
our church and in the life of our greater
community.
What always catches me off-guard are
the number of folks who believe they
have little to offer: little to offer God, the
church or anyone else. People conﬁde in
me, “Pastor, If only I could sing like…”
or, “If only my life were like…” or, “If
I made this amount of money…” and
these comments are always followed by,
“I could be a real asset for God.” This
perspective both surprises and saddens
me. It surprises me because I see so
many talented, amazing people in our
church. It saddens me because this kind
of thinking undermines the value and
power the Lord has given to each and
everyone of us.
I shouldn’t be shocked by this lie that is
so often repeated. This perception has
plagued the church for centuries. In
fact, it’s been with the church from its
inception. The litany of ‘if only’ hinders
all of us from becoming the force Jesus
imagined would be so strong even the
“gates of hell could not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 18:19)
I imagine this is why the Apostle Paul, as
he began to end his letter to the church
at Corinth, wrote this: “The body is a unit,
though it is made up of many parts; and
though all its parts are many, they form
one body...Now the body is not made up of one part but of
many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do
not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason cease to
be part of the body…’ As it is, there are many parts, but one
body.” (1 Cor. 12:12, 14-16, 20)
He wrote in direct deﬁance to the lie the Evil One loves to
propagate; that you, me, them… none of us are good enough,
qualiﬁed enough, or talented enough to serve and be used
by the Lord. In direct response to this lie, Paul reminds us
of the truth: the Body of Christ is made up of failed, broken
and in-process people and it needs all its parts to function
wonderfully and effectively.
As we approach Easter, I am profoundly aware Jesus did
not journey to the Cross only for the perfect, talented and
beautiful people of the world. Instead, knowing our collective
imperfections, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies, he opted for
the journey to reveal how HE can take what we have (talents
and trials, potential and pains) and use them to bless others
and to bless the world.
Your Brother In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Two Things:
1. Let me encourage you to take advantage of this year’s
special Holy Week experiences click cover for details). These
experiences provide a natural opportunity to invite a friend or
family member to join you.
2. As we will be having guests during these special events, let’s
seek to be excellent hosts. We can do this by being generous
with our greetings. And, if you’re able, opt to park off-site: on
the street or in neighboring parking lots (except the F.O.E. lot
on 17th and G).
Pastor Scott
Dickson
PASTOR SCOTT DICKSON
Dear Friends, As you may know, a major portion of my job has shifted from Christian Education to Membership
& Fellowship. I am excited help to develop this area so that it better serves the needs of our church and
community.
One area of Membership & Fellowship that will receive increased attention is in the area of Congregation
Care. In the next several months you will be hearing about a new care program coming to First Pres called
Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry can help our congregation in a number ways. Stephen Ministries equips
lay people (just like you) to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community
who are experiencing difﬁculties in their lives. It is a conﬁdential ministry. The identity of those receiving care
and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remain private. The Stephen Minister is not a counselor
and offers no solutions to difﬁculties. The Stephen Minister does provide spiritual and emotional support
(caregiving) as a person goes through a difﬁcult time or circumstance by listening, caring, praying, supporting,
and encouraging the one who receives care. Usually, the Stephen Minister and care receiver meet together
once a week as long as there is a need.
Stephen Ministry will help us better care for those in our congregation and community who are hurting or in the
midst a tough situation. Maybe you would make a great Stephen Minister. It requires both commitment and
the discipline not to try and ﬁx another’s problems.
We will be starting our ﬁrst Stephen Ministry training class in September. If you think this might like to learn
more about being a part of this ministry, please contact Shirley Byrd – byrdshirley@yahoo.com or 661-6549212; or me, Scott Dickson – scott@fpbchurch.com or 661-325-9419 x119. Or, visit the Stephen Ministry
website at www.stephenministries.org to learn more.
I will be sharing more about Stephen Ministry and other exciting things happening in the area of Membership
& Fellowship in the months to come. Please don’t forget to check the weekly bulletins for updates.
Blessings, Scott
Pastor Dave
Constance
PASTOR DAVE CONSTANCE
Instructable Classes Coming This Spring
Vince Lombardi, coach of the Green Bay Packers, insisted on his players knowing the basics of their sport
well. He would drill again and again on the basic techniques of the game. After his team lost to a signiﬁcantly lesser team, Lombardi is well known for opening the next practice by staring his team down and
saying, “Okay, we go back to the basics this morning…” He held a football high in his hand and yelled,
“Gentlemen, this is a football!”
We might not need a speech on the basics of football, but Lombardi was right, the basics are important. I
am excited to share with you an opportunity this spring in which you can brush up on the basics of your
faith. Our midweek adult classes will be offering ﬁve stand-alone “Instructable” workshops on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm. You are welcome to join us in Westminster Hall for one or more of these amazing
workshops.
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April 8 – How to Pray
April 15 – How to Read & Study Your Bible
April 29 – How to Share Your Faith
May 6 – How to Invest in Others
May 13 – How to Serve Here, There, and Everywhere
Holy Week
Chinese Christian Church
Dear Church Family ~
I am always amazed when our Lord blesses
the world through His people. In February,
CCCOB had two church-wide events. One was
our regular Friday Night Fellowship in which
we had a short message and then a hot pot
dinner together. Another was a potluck where
we celebrated the Chinese New Year. At each
event there were non-believers who came and
joined us.
This Spring we will continue to host outreach
events: A Movie on April 18 and Gold Panning
on May 16. We would love for everyone to join
us! Contact the Chinese Church at 325-9419 ext.
175 or wei@fpbchurch.com.
On April 5th we will hold an Easter Picnic to
celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Please
join us following our 10:30am worship service!
On the ﬁrst Friday of each month, we will
continue to meet for our all church fellowship;
on Wednesday evenings, we will hold our
regular prayer meetings. We do this because
we trust and believe that through our fellowship
and prayers lives will be changed for Christ
from the inside out. It is our hearts’ desire that
we strive to be the light of the Lord so that we
might bless the local Chinese community. In
this, we are constantly welcoming new people
of Bakersfield
to worship on Sunday mornings, believing fully
that God put us here to honor him and that He
will bless others through us.
We are so blessed to have faithful, committed
people who are passionately serving the church
and local community, loving one another as
Christ loves us. They do this because they know
that as Christians, our identities are founded
and built in Christ. I believe that CCCOB was, is,
and will continue to be the central light for many
Chinese people in and around Bakersﬁeld. My
prayer is that the Lord will keep bringing people
to us; that He will give our people strength
and courage to expand our reach beyond the
borders of our city for His Honor and Glory, that
the message of Jesus Christ’s salvation will be
heard by many.
~Pastor Wei Wang
Bon Voyage!
Our beloved friends, Dr. Sze and Chiuyee Ho
are moving to San Diego. Join us for a special,
bittersweet celebration on April 19 as they
share their 40-year Faith Journey and the birth
of CCCOB!
Deacons Corner
and Stephen Ministry
DEACONS’S CORNER
BY LORNA McWILLIAMS
We are busy in all areas of ministry; Ministry to
Congregation, Ministry to Families and Ministries to
Individuals. The Meals to Bless program is being revitalized so please look for information in the Sunday
bulletin and how this ministry works and how you can
get involved. Also, the 9:00 a.m. service is recorded and
CD’s can be requested each week. We are now offering
complete sermon series sets if anyone is interested.
Please just sign up at the deacons’ table located on the
church patio. Katie Feldstein volunteers her time each
week to make copies and Megan Loveridge from the
ofﬁce picks them up for distribution during the week.
Sermons are also available on line at www.fpbchurch.
com
“For I was hungry and you gave Me
something to eat; I was thirsty and
you gave Me drink; I was a stranger
and you invited Me in; naked and
you clothed Me; I was sick and
you visited Me; I was in prison and
you came to Me.”
Matthew 25:35-36.
STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING CLASS
BEGINS THIS FALL
Did you know that Houchin Blood Bank has an account
of donated credits for First Pres members? These credits
help patients save money on their hospital bills. If you
are in need of blood services, please contact the church
ofﬁce to be directed to the correct person to release the
credits. The requirement is that patients have to be in
a hospital in Kern County and you will have to provide
the hospital name, the date of the transfusion and the
number of units used.
WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?
Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through
people.
The Deacons’ Board would like to thank the congregation
for their support of the “Share the Warmth” clothing
drive in December. This was a successful event with
29 families being blessed and 50 bags of clothes being
collected for the Homeless Shelter. The Deacons Board
thanks Laurie Collom and Carolann Wooton for their
many hours of planning and organization to handle all of
the donations and disperse them to those in need.
Hurting people receive quality Christian care
and deepen their relationship with Jesus. Gifted
caregivers grow in faith as they use their gifts in
ministry and see God working through them to
touch the lives of others.
Finally, an Agape Dinner will be served on Maundy
Thursday, April 2nd beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by
a program, including communion. Dinner will be catered
by “Flame ‘N Skewers” and the cost is $5.00 until March
29th. Just sign up at the deacons’ table or in the church
ofﬁce.
If you are in need of any Deacons’ services, look for us
at the Welcome Center every Sunday before and after
services. We look forward to serving the congregation in
many ways. If you have any questions, please contact
the church ofﬁce and they will direct you to the proper
person for more information.
Stephen Ministry multiplies the number of caregivers
by equipping lay people to provide high-quality
Christian care.By meeting many of the needs for
care, Stephen Ministry gives pastors more time to
focus on other areas of ministry.
Our congregation will have a powerful tool for
bringing Christ’s love to the inactive and unchurched
during times of great need. And, our congregation
becomes a warmer, more loving community as
more people are equipped to care and more lives
are touched by Christ’s love.
God’s word tells us to:
• “Love one another as I have loved you.” John
13:34b
• “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you
will fulﬁll the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
For more information about Stephen Ministry please
contact Pastor Scott Dickson (325-9419) or Shirley
Byrd (219-4523).
Connect Groups
CONNECT GROUP NEWS
KENDRA GREEN, COORDINATOR
The Scoop with Connect Groups…
The purpose of Connect Groups at First Presbyterian Church of Bakersﬁeld is to develop faithful followers
of Christ by providing vital small groups experiences that connect members with God through scripture,
with each other through loving relationships, and with the world through service.
Currently we have 28 traditional Connect Groups with just over 300 people involved. We also had nine
new six-week Connect Groups meeting during Lent with almost 100 people involved. Our hope is that
those who participated enjoyed a positive, short-term, small group experience.
We are very excited to have developed and trained a new team of 31 Curriculum writers. This new team
shares the responsibility for writing the inductive Bible studies for the sermon series study guides for use
in Connect Groups.
We also recently had a Connect Group Leader’s ReFuel Gathering. After a delicious baked potato bar
lunch, we talked about building real friendships in our small groups. This included the importance of
fostering friendship through service and celebration, opening our hearts by being vulnerable with one
another, and sharing ownership together in our groups.
Our Connect Group Ministry Team is here to serve you. Walt Johnson and Emily Bema provide leader
care. Jeff Winther helps with communications, Phong Han is our training coordinator, and Kim Tiner is
our curriculum coordinator. If you have questions or ideas regarding small groups at First Pres, give me
a call!
It is a joy to help you GET CONNECTED!!!
Kendra Green
Connect Group Coordinator
Are you wanting to GET CONNECTED?
If you are not currently in a group and want to get connected…
• Contact me @ 321-0536, kendra@fpbchurch.com, or at the info table on Sunday mornings.
• Ask someone you know who is in a group already if you can be in their Connect Group.
• Gather a group of people and start a Connect Group of your own! How exciting would that be!!!
Contact me for more training and details on this...
Mission Family
Update
MISSION UPDATE: THE RICE FAMILY IN PERU
March ‘15 Prayer Update
PRAISE GOD FOR:
• We made it home safe with only a few bumps along the way.
• We had 1 man give his heart to Jesus, whose daughter he brought to our team to pray for because she
had malaria (who two days later was up and walking around healthy!!) and another young man, Romelio,
get baptized while in the community.
• God has given us more direction on our long term plans here in Peru.
• We met some veteran missionaries, Paul and Liz Ghent in Santa Clotilde, Peru, on one of our stops
along the way. We really hit it off and are looking for ways to partner.
• Our last piece of paper work came in so we can ﬁnally get an appointment for our long-term residency
cards.
PRAY FOR:
• Our teammates, Catherine and Hilary, who we left in the community of Ingano for 2 1/2 more months of
ministry. Pray for their health, their safety, for their language learning (they will be learning more of the
Kichwa language while there), and for the love of Christ to ﬂow through them.
• For the over 100 communities all along the Rio Napo; currently, there are only 2 churches along the river.
• Pray for the Word of God that was planted during our trip to begin to grow.
• Pray against the bondage of alcoholism which has bound this indigenous group, along with so many
others, for such a long time.
• Pray for the children of Ingano, who are often left for the entire day alone while their parents are working
their gardens; the majority of them are drastically malnourished and sick and often suffer from very treatable medical issues, like pink eye.
• Pray for Cessie who will be ﬁnishing out the school year teaching middle and high school English; pray
for diligence to give the best education in an area/grade level she’s not taught at length.
• Libbie hurt her foot while in Ingano; pray that it will heal properly.
Mail Needs:
• We’ve been incredibly blessed by care packages lately!!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! The needs we
currently have are hand-me-down clothing for the children. Oh, and some Jelly Bellies wouldn’t be bad. :)
Address:
Aron Rice o Franchesca Rice
Apartado 601
Pucallpa, Perú
Grace and Peace,
Aron and Cessie
Groups & Events
SCHOONERS
Keep your eyes peeled for details about an event happening this Fall!
BLOOD DRIVE
Giving blood saves lives, just ask Jesus! Donate at the next drive in the FP parking lot on April 11 from
9am-12:15 pm.
Sign up by e-mail with Catherine Waldon: cwaldon@bak.rr.com
CLIPPER CLUB
A social service group that meets once a month during the program year at FP. Join us for great programs,
fellowship, and delicious food! Our next meeting is April 10th.Punch Bowls begins at 6:15pm; dinner at
6:30pm catered by Mossman’s. Cost: $15 per person. Program: Sheryl Chalupa from Goodwill Industries
will be speaking. RSVP is a must! To reserve your spot or for more info, call Ricki Jagger at 835-1983.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Mark your calendars: June 14
Details coming in May!
FP COLLEGE
GROUP
Meets Thursday Nights in the
FP Cafe from 6-8pm
COFFEE
DINNER
BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Ministry
MEN’S MINISTRY UPDATE
WITH BOYD BINNINGER
Many exciting things have taken place and our
scheduled to take place with the Men’s Ministries
at First Presbyterian Church of Bakersﬁeld.
Men’s Ministries continues to meet the second
Wednesday of the month for a Men’s Breakfast.
We have been averaging around 30 attendees at
each Breakfast. The Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM
and is over usually by 7:30. You are welcome to
leave earlier if you have somewhere you need
to be. Come join us for a good hearty breakfast,
good fellowship, and a message to start your
day. Bring a friend.
FPC Men’s Ministries helped to sponsor and put on God, Guns and Grubb on February 21st.
There were 100 men present to view the movie “GOD IS NOT DEAD”, Share lunch together
that consisted of Salad, bar-be-queued beef and pork, rolls, and homemade beans. After
lunch they were on the sporting clay range testing their skills as marksmen. A good time was
had by all. There were 20 attendees who came from the Kingsburg area.
The men have meeting on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM in the “Loft” to study “Life Questions”
this is a study that anyone can join at any time and be a part of. We hope to see you in the
Loft.
Women’s Ministry
WOMEN”S MINISTRY WITH RHONDA DICKSON
Women’s Retreat – Take a walk with
God through every season of life at
“Garden Getaway” on April 17 & April
18. This year the Retreat is being held
at First Pres and the cost is only $60,
which includes dinner on Friday night
and lunch on Saturday! Registration
has begun and a $25 non-refundable deposit will save you a spot. Garden Getaway is a Biblebased retreat reﬂecting the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, where we learn about God’s
timing in our lives. Please call Alice Abril @ 333-5043 with any questions.
Spring Luncheon – On Saturday, May 9, we will enjoy a wonderful time
of fellowship, friendship, family and food at our annual Spring Luncheon
at Hodel’s. Our theme is Chocolate Chip Cookie Friendships, with
guest speaker, Melissa Maimone. Melissa’s desire is to teach women
everywhere that, like the smallest of sparrows, God’s eyes gaze upon
them with grace and gentleness--even when they are at their weakest.
Tickets are $20 each ($15 for young ladies 11 and under) and they go
on sale April 19. Please watch for details about being a table hostess.
Saturday Night Bunco – This
fun game is quickly becoming
an
extremely
enjoyable
Women’s Ministries event. We
will meet on July 11 from 6:30
to 8:30 pm. to share fun and
food with dear friends, new and
old. Save the date and watch
for more details in June.
To ﬁnd out more about Women’s Ministries at First Pres, please come to a Women’s Ministry
Team meeting, usually held every other month after church or call Rhonda Dickson at 805-0695
for more information.
Preschool
Dear FP Family ~
As we Learn, Laugh, and Grow in Preschool, we want our families to see the light of Jesus that shines through us (students
and our staff). Many families in our program either do not know
the Lord or may not be fully walking with Him daily. Many are
also asking for prayer due to circumstances that they are in.
Some are also struggling in their marriages, with parenting,
schedules, health and death in the midst of their day to day
activities. Please help our Preschool be HIs shining light in
these families’ lives by praying with our staff for the 38 families
we have in our program.
Looking ahead:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Easter Break ~ March 30 – April 6, 2015
Open House and Fall Registration Day ~ Saturday, April
11, 2015
Preschool Highlight Sunday and Bake Sale Fundraiser for
Scholarships ~ Sunday, April 19, 2015
Tea with Moms ~ Friday, May 1, 2015
End of the Year Program ~ Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Last day of Preschool ~ Friday, May 22, 2015
Summer Fun Camp ~ June 2nd – 4th and June 9th – 11th
LIFT ~ Ladies In Fellowship Together
•
•
Morning Meeting is the 2nd Thursday of every month
10am – 12 noon
Evening Meeting is the 4th Thursday of every month
5:30pm – 7:30pm
We are Studying The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie
Omartian
~Marci Fleischer, Director
Little Ones Preschool
Children’s Pg 1
Great Adventure Sunday School Info:
Easter Sunday 4/5/15
• 9:00 am: Sunday School for Babies—Age 5
• 10:30 am: Sunday School for Babies—Age 5
• 1st—6th Graders attend “big church” with their family.
Memorial Day Weekend 5/24/15
• 9:00 am: Sunday School for Babies—Age 5
• 10:30 am: Sunday School for Babies—Age 5
• 1st—6th Graders attend “big church” with their family.
5/31/15: Summer Sunday Extravaganza Begins!
• Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events, summer
fun, and much more!
FOLLOW US!
Never miss out on news, photos, reminders and ideas!
Facebook: Great Adventure Children’s Ministry at FPB
Twitter: @GreatAdvKids
Instagram: fpgreatadventure
Christian Ministries Training Association
2015 Impact Convention
Fri. May 1—Sat. May 2 at the Pasadena Convention Center
10 Ministry Tracks of Training including:
• Early Childhood
• Elementary
• Family Ministry
• Women’s Ministry
• Youth
• Technology
• Outreach
• Leadership
More than 120 workshops & TONS of exhibiters for shopping
and networking! Register online at www.cmtaconvention.org
or Contact Carol for a group rate discount!
Check out cmtaconvention.org for much more information!
Become A Special Needs Buddy
Did you know that parents of Special Needs children (even
children with mild autism) often feel they need to skip church
because they aren’t sure churches will welcome their child, or
they fear that no one at the church will be able to handle their
child?
Did you know that the stress of raising a special needs child
results in a higher rate of divorce and desertion, and that the
ﬁnancial burden of having a family member with a special needs
heaps additional stress on an already high-risk family? Did you
know that being a sibling of a special needs child is sometimes
lonely, frustrating, and discouraging,
because of the amount of attention
parents must focus on the special needs
child?
These are just a FEW of the reasons
our Children’s Ministry at First Pres is
looking for older teens or adults who
would be willing to receive TRAINING
and GUIDANCE in order to become a
Special Needs Buddy.
What is a Special Needs Buddy?
• Someone who will give love and
acceptance to a child “just as they
are.” Someone who can display
energy, creativity, and patience
when working with a special needs
child.
• Someone who is motivated, excited
and enthusiastic about being with
and learning from these special
children.
• Someone who is willing to form a
one-on-one relationship with a child
in order to help him/ her along their
faith journey to Know Christ, Love
One Another and Bless the World
by being a shadow/buddy during
Sunday School, Critter Land or Kid
University.
• Someone who can show integrity,
conﬁdentiality, and ﬂexibility while
working with special needs children.
• Someone who is willing to attend
training and is willing to learn!
• Someone who is at least age 16
and is willing to submit a volunteer
application form, which includes a
background check.
• Someone who can give at least 2
Sundays OR Wednesdays a month,
depending on the child you are
matched with.
Please contact Carol Scheevel at Carol@
fpbchurch.com for more information, or
call 325-9419, ext. 132.
Children’s Pg 2
Pinewood Derby
Cars go on sale: March 25th | $5.00 each
Need help with your car? Dr. Levins can cut out your car for you!
Draw the style you want on your car in pencil and drop it off at the
Welcome Center on Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. Make sure
your name is on the car. Dr. Levins will pick up and cut your car for you, then
return it to the Welcome Center.
LAST DATE FOR DROP-OFF TO HAVE CAR CUT BY DR. LEVINS: SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH
Cars will be returned no later than April 15th.
TWO WORKSHOP NIGHTS AT DR. LEVINS’ HOME: FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH OR 17TH
Come with your parent and make your car in Dr. Levin’s workshop! Bring your car with you!
6pm at the Levin’s home (211 Moon Ranch St 93314; Near Stockdale & Heath Rd.)
PINEWOOD DERBY NIGHT: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22ND in the First Pres Activity Center
5:00 pm:
Dinner available (in the Activity Center)
Check in your cars
Fix any problems your car may be having. (All cars must
be weighed in and pass inspection before they can race.)
6:00 pm:
CritterLand Races; followed by CritterLand awards
6:30 pm:
Kid U, 1st – 3rd grade races; followed by awards
7:00 pm:
Kid U, 4th – 6th grade races; followed by awards
7:30 pm:
Open Division (7th grade through adult); and awards
Please Contact Carol Scheevel, if you have any questions at 431-1971 or carol@fpbchurch.com
Jr. High: COLLIDE
Dear FP Family -8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come
upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
(ESV)
34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)
As I have conversations with junior high students, they talk a
lot about study groups, sports groups, music groups, friends
and family. I realize that students are so busy! All of their
activities don’t even take into account that they are at school
7 hours a day.
This got me thinking about what we can expect from junior
highers when it comes to their faith in Christ. It seems like
their faith can just be another thing to add to their already
busy schedule. That’s not how it should be! It should be part
of every activity of their life.
Two of my favorite verse are Acts 1:8 and John 13:34-35.
They talk about the fact that our purpose and mission as followers of Christ is to go out into the world and be witnesses
of God’s love to others. We are called to minister to others
in all parts of our lives whether that’s your job, your family
or friends. For most junior highers this is their sports teams,
schools, bands and any other activity they are involved in.
Their faith isn’t just something else to add onto their already
full list of activities, but it is integrated into every part of their
lives.
So I have a challenge for you. The next time you see a junior
high student, instead of asking them about how their relationship with God is, or what their learning at church, which are
all great things, ask them how they are showing God’s love
to the people around them? How are they being God’s witnesses in every activity of their lives? Let’s encourage them
that their faith in Christ isn’t something to keep just for themselves, but their mission and purpose is to share that faith
with the world around them.
Steve Gold
Director of Junior High Ministries
Upcoming Events
• March 29-April 3 – San Diego Mission Trip
• April 1 – No Youth Group
• April 5 – Easter (No Sunday School)
• April 8 – God Party - Passover
• April 12 – Youth Sunday (No Sunday School)
• April 24-25 – 8th Grade Grad Trip
• May 3 – First Sundays (No Sunday School)
• May 8 – Splatter Games
• May 10 – Mother’s Day (No Sunday School)
• May 17 – Summer Parent Meeting (For current 6th & 7th
graders)
For more info on events, visit www.collidejh.com
Meeting Times
Sundays -10:30am service (Go to the sanctuary with your
parents for worship, then we will be dismissed)
Wednesday Nights - 6-7:30pm - In the Jr. High Room
San Diego Mission Trip
On March 29-April 3 the junior high ministry is going on a
mission trip to San Diego. We will be serving in the City
Heights neighborhood, which is home to thousands of refugees from Afghanistan, Somalia, Uganda, Iran and many
other countries from around the world. We will also get an
opportunity to support organizations who are ministering to
the homeless and hungry in San Diego. Please join us by
praying for us during the week of March 29-April 3. Thank
you so much for your support!
Sr. High
It has been a decade since Hurricane Katrina hit the City of New Orleans.
Since then, the number of homeless men, women and children in New Orleans climbed from 6,000 to over 21,000. New Orleans now has the highest
homeless per capita rate for any city in the nation. There are great needs
in New Orleans, and many of the ministry leaders we partner with in New
Orleans have experienced personal loss and trauma as they faithfully serve
where God has called them to be his light. We have the opportunity to come
along side of them and help the ministries that God has called them to in a
unique and challenging mission ﬁeld. We have an opportunity to serve the
homeless, impoverished kids, displaced families, and those in need. We will
be partnering with Vieux Carre (Old Square) Church in the French Quarter.
Our high school students and leaders have been raising money to go and
serve the city of New Orleans. We will be departing at 4:30am on March 29
and will be returning at 8pm on April 3. On March 22 we will be commissioned
in both of our services, and will be providing some details on the mission
and give you an opportunity to pray for our experience and the area of New
Orleans. You will have opportunity to see some images and hear testimonies from students as our students lead services on Youth Sunday (April 12).
Thank you for you prayers and continued support for the student ministries at
First Pres.
In Jesus,
John K & the 2Twenty Team
SR HIGH DATES TO REMEMBER
March 29 – April 3: Mission trip – New Orleans
April 5: No Youth Group (Easter)
April 12: Youth Sunday
Our student will be leading in worship at both services.
Come and hear testimonies from our Junior High mission
to San Diego, and our High School mission to New Orleans.
April 12: Youth Group – 6-8:15pm
April 19: Youth Group – 6-8:15pm
April 26: Youth Group – 6-8:15pm
May 3: Youth Group – 6-8:15pm
May 10: No Youth Group (Mother’s Day)
May 17: Baccalaureate – Graduate celebration
May 24: No Youth Group (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 31: All- Church Celebration event
June 7: Summer Kickoff!
June 14: Pool party (location TBD)
June 21: No Youth Group (Father’s Day)
June 28: Youth Group – 6-8:15pm
Guy’s summer sports night and Bible study starts on June 9
Girl’s night/Bible study starts on June 9