The Update

The last year has some wonderful experiences and a lot of great memories. From big trips we took to fun memories we shared at our normal meetings, there was a lot to remember Here are just a few I could remember (click the links to visit earlier posts):

• Becker Retreat – a powerful time where we talked about how to Go Deeper
• Spring Blitz – a massive plunger, throwing the Frisbee in the fountain, hanging @ the Lake
• 30 Hour Famine – because of schedule change we had 2 in 2008. 1 spent in the Northwest ‘Burbs, the other spent downtown at Urban Ventures
• Splash Camps – A great time with lots of memories, tons of new friends, and even a brand spankin’ new Christian!
• SonShine – loud music, big storms, and a kiddie pool, oh yeah!
• Minneapolis Mission Trip – Lots of painting and lots of amazing stories from people
• Photo Scavenger Hunt – Excuse me officer, can we take your picture?
• MEA Retreats – trips for the Junior High and Senior High with all kinds of random adventures and some pretty intensely powerful time as a community.
• Halloween Bonfire – Big fire = big fun!

Plus, there were a lot of really great times had a The Gathering, The Table, and on Sunday mornings. Simply put, it was an amazing year, and I’m looking forward to next year as we’ve got some great stuff planned, but more on that in the coming weeks.

What’d I miss? What was your favorite NSL memory of 2008. Leave it in the comments below!

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In this episode:

• Xmas & New Year’s Party info
• Change in Youth Group meeting times
• Video of the Week

Did you know that Northwood launched a blog to go along with the Share Your Faith series in November? There’s a post on their with a great video about what it means to follow God. The video has a great twist too, you’ll have to watch it. Hit the link and check it out!

http://sharingyourfaithncc.blogspot.com/2008/12/understanding-chrisianity.html

The Senior High Christmas party will happen tonight as scheduled. The weather was threatening to cancel, but the storm seems to be tracking mostly north of us, so we’re on!

It’s a little slippery out there, but we’re Minnesotans, we can handle it! So drive safe, and take the corners a little slower than usual, but we’ll see you at 6pm!

Need directions, check out the Xmas Party web page.

The NSL White Elephant Potluck Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties are coming up next week. Aside from awesome food and crazy gifts, it’s all about the gnarly sweaters that we’ll be sportin’.

For those still struggling, I found a scorecard for the Christawesomeness of your sweater over at the perpetually hilarious Stuff Christians Like blog. So here it is:

Official Point System of Sweater Christmaweseomeness:
  1. If your sweater has a nativity scene = +1 point
2. If your sweater has lights on it = +1 point
3. If your light is for Rudolph’s nose = -1 point
4. If your light is for the star of Bethlehem over your nativity scene = +4 points
5. If your sweater has actual bells and whistles from the Polar Express tied on by pieces of yarn = +2 points
6. If you can hear the bells = -2 points
7. If every time one of the bells rings, you get excited because an angel just got its wings = + 1 point
8. If your sweater has Luke 2 written out on it (the entire chapter) = +3 points
9. If it is KJV = +2 points
10. If it is actually a puff paint sweatshirt, which is really just a Christmas sweater wannabe = -3 points
11. If your sweater was knitted from the wool of a Bethlehemian sheep = +5 points
12. If you have more than 5 snowmen/women on your sweater = +2 points (+1 point for each additional snowperson)
13. If any of your snowmen are inspired by Calvin and Hobbes = +4 points
14. If it is a maternity sweater that reads “Mary is My Homegirl” = +10 points
15. If your sweater has stockings with your kids’ names on it = +1 point for each child
16. If the stockings are your kids’ used socks = -2 points for each sock
17. If it has a 3-D hologram of baby Jesus on it = +3 points
18. If it has candy canes on it = -4 points… I’m going to use this platform of SCL to take a stand against candy canes, a.k.a. carnage canes. Candy canes become sharp and dangerous once licked. It's like putting an ice pick in your mouth and poking it around. I'm sorry, but if I want the flavors of mint and blood to mix in my mouth, I'll go to the dentist. This injustice needs to stop now, so we're starting a boycott of candy canes effective immediately. I think it’s the Southern Baptist roots in me that really wanted to start a boycott. That’s why I started Humans Against Candy Knives, or H.A.C.K. Join the fight on the Facebook group I started.
19. If it has any other kind of cane on it= +2 points. This could be one of the wise men’s canes, sugar canes, or even hurricanes. Just as long as they’re not candy canes.

How did you score?
0-3 points= Sorry to break the news, but you might be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.
4-7 points= You’re rockin’ a mighty fine piece of holiday merriment, my friend. Just don’t wear your sweater and your light up reindeer antlers at the same time. That would be tacky.
8-10 points= “Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.” –Job 40:10
11-13 points= Bill Cosby called. He wants his sweater back.
14+ points= You are the embodiment of Christmawesomeness. There are probably three men coming from afar to shower you with gifts as you read this.
Less than zero points= Apparently you love candy canes.

Episode 6.

For more information on The Update: Video Edition, including how to subscribe in iTunes, visit the web page here.

We spend a lot of time doing a lot of things. Each week we spend hours and hours online, watching TV, getting ready in the morning, eating meals… we even spend over an hour each week deciding what to do!

But one thing that we never seem to have time for is “God Time.” The bummer is, there are some pretty sweet side effects to regular time spent hanging out with the Big Guy. Sweet perks like:

• Peace
• Joy
• Truth
• Help to Overcome Sin
• Direction in Life

That’s not a shabby list. Over the next couple weeks we’ll be looking at the importance of regular God Time, and working to make it a priority in our lives.
(Hey, just in time for New Year’s Resolutions, sweet!)

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Did you miss the Famine? Did you go, and you can’t wait to relive the memories? Either way, we’ve got a visual tour of memory lane ready for your viewing. So check the video from last weekend’s 30 Hour Famine.

[E-mail and RSS readers, there’s a video embedded, so visit The Update: Online to check it out]

Update: Dan & Jess Anderson collectively sent me the 3rd e-mail for the iTunes gift card. Thanks to everyone who sent a message (and some sweet videos & pictures & such). We'll be doing more giveaways in the future, so stay tuned.

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There are new pictures online! You can head over to our Flickr group and check out pictures from Junior High MEA Retreat, Senior High MEA Retreat, and the Halloween Bonfire. Enjoy! 

The Update: November 11, 2008 from NSL on Vimeo.

Note:
E-mail and RSS readers, you’ll have to go here to watch the video.

-by Luke Trouten
This week our country elected it’s next President. A look at the popular vote reminds us that the country is basically split in half politically. (53% Obama vs. 47% McCain). There is a divide that widens whenever we elect a new leader, and a resentment that arises on the losing side.

This stems from too many people relying too heavily on the influence and actions of our nation’s leader.

The words “hope” and “change” practically grew on trees this year, as candidates in dozens of races evoked them as the new standard for political progress. Entire campaigns were based on the idea of restoring hope and bringing change.

The obvious insight is that we are a country that desperately needs hope, and deeply desires the change it would take to have that hope restored. The problem is many spent Tuesday waiting around to see if the result of the election would bring them the hope they want.

“We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.)” That’s Romans 8:24. There is nothing that a new president will bring to our world that can overshadow the things that a relationship with Jesus already provides. While every president faces a time when citizens are disappointed by his decisions, “… this hope will not lead to dissapointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” [Romans 5:5]

And that love, not a political party, will be what brings the change we hope for in our world. Every political issue has already been addressed by Jesus.

The Economy
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [2 Corinthians 9:8]

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
[Matthew 6:25]

Caring for the poor
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. [2 Corinthians 9:7]

National Security
We have been rescued from our enemies
      so we can serve God without fear, [Luke 1:74]

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! [Matthew 5:43-44]

Crime and Punishment
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. [2 Peter 2:9]

And it could go on.

The point is this, despite who you rooted for or what you think needs to happen in Washington, the purest and most reasonable shot we have at providing hope and bringing positive change does not come from filling in a circle on a ballot, but from living the way Jesus asks his followers to live.

Failing at that makes us a useless lamp [Matthew 5:15]. Sending politicians instead of light into the dark parts of this world. It makes us meaningless.

Attempting it makes us the salt of the earth that Jesus spoke of [Matthew 5:13]. Battling the decaying world and becoming the spice that brings flavor to life. It creates a force for good that will overshadow any legislation ever passed, speech ever given, or political movement ever organized.

Don’t wait for an elected official to bring change. Don’t use elections as your only source of hope. Don’t blame politicians for our lack of effort.

So when you want to get in-the-know about all that’s hip and happening at Northwood Student Life there are a whole bunch of ways to get informed. You can check out the

· NSL Website
· The Update: Online (the blog where you are right now)
· The Update: inbox edition
· The NSL Facebook Group
· NSL Flickr Page
· NSL YouTube Channel

And now we’re proud to add to this collection, the weekly video update.

The Update: Video Edition is the newest way to stay up to date with the latest and greatest at Northwood Student Life. We thought it would be an interesting new way to share information with you. So each week we’ll put out a new video, and with any luck it’ll be an even better way to keep up with everything you need to know.

So without further adieu, here is the first episode:

The Update: November 4, 2008 from NSL on Vimeo.

Let us know in the comments what you think and how we can improve future episodes.

Which would be worse?

Being jealous or being angry.

(answer in the comments)

The greatest thing that you have to give is your story… share it!

Our story shapes who we are, how we think, what we do, and what we’ll become. It is the center of everything we experience in life. And it is the best thing you can share with someone.

FaithStories are an important part of our culture at Northwood, they encourage, explain, and excite our idea of having a relationship with God.  Our new Sunday Series starts up this week. “Share Your Story…” is a group experiment in storytelling. Ever single student in NSL will have a chance to share their stories, because everybody’s story has something to offer.

More info @ northwoodcc.org/bonfire

Yesterday we went through a list of Bible verses about prayer as we wrapped out “Connect” series on communication with God. Matthew 26:41 says:

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

That’s a pretty cool idea, but during our conversation one of the students put it in their own words:

Prayer PWNS Temptation

Yes it does. I think with meal times, youth group meetings, and other routine forms of prayer we sometimes forget that prayer is a very powerful thing. It isn’t just “Thanks for this food.” But it can be a way to fight the “little Devil on your shoulder encouraging 100 poor choices a day.”

Forgetting the power that prayer actually has is probably one of the most common ways that Christ followers get beat. We forget that when hard stuff comes our way we can go straight to prayer, and we can trust that prayer will make a difference in what’s happening.

---

Like the button? Now you can add it to your flair board on Facebook. While you’re there, check out the Northwood Student Life Facebook group and the Northwood Church Facebook group.

What is the most confusing part of the Bible you’ve read so far?

(answer in the comments)

Hey, the NSL Halloween Night Bonfire is in just 1 week! Everyone will be there, will you?

Probably not, unless you know how to get there. So here’s a direction love for all of you planning to join us for some food, some fun, and a whole lot of fire!
(click the fire symbol for direction options)

View Larger Map

Which would be better?

Failing to Climb Mt. Everest or successfully climbing a smaller peak?

(answer in the comments)

Tomorrow night Pastor Brian will be joining us at The Gathering to talk about the church, the Bible, and whatever else comes up.

So join us for some crazy games and some great conversation, and bring your questions! We’ll see you at The Gathering!

Burn, baby, Burn! Halloween Night we’re going to have a huge Bonfire at the Bergren’s place in Otsego.
(We’ll get a map out soon).

There will be food, night games, candy, and a big ol’ bonfire! And of course, it’s FREE!

We're doing a bonfire instead of a hayride this year for a few reasons, but the one I'm most excited about is that it's a great event to invite friends to.

We're gonna have some food to cook, some night games to play, and a HUGETASTIC fire. At one point we're going to take just a couple moments to share about the HOPE and LIFE that a relationship with Jesus can bring. (The whole point we do anything!)

It's a simple way to follow through on the whole reason that Jesus was around, that people can "believe in the one [God] has sent." (John 6:29)

So send out invites, call your friends, and when someone asks what you’re doing for Halloween tell them “I’m going to a HUGE bonfire, you should come!”

We’re going to try and keep track of who’s coming, just so we know how much food and stuff to bring. So please e-mail studentlife@northwoodcc.org if you’re coming and each time a friend says yes!

PS> Costumes are encouraged!

Halloween Night Bonfire
6:40pm – 9:30pm
Halloween, October 31st
Bergren’s Home in Otsego (map coming soon)
Free Food Fire and Fun!

The date for 30 Hour Famine has moved. The event will be held 1 week later, on November 14-15. We will begin by meeting @ the Maple Grove Community Center at 6pm on Friday, November 14.

In addition to the date change, we’ve also been able to reduce the price. Here is the new pricing:

1 student - $10
Bring-a-friend – you and the friend(s) all come at $5/each

So sign up and join us for:

• Service Projects
• Overnight @ the “Urban Hub” in South Minneapolis
• Movies
• Skate Park
• NSL Worship Band (woo-hoo!)

You can sign up by visiting the 30 Hour Famine page  on the NSL Website or by sending an e-mail to studentlife@northwoodcc.org

This Sunday night the Senior High will be joined by Pastor Brian for a night of discussion. The topic will be Ecclesiology (the theological understanding of the church’s purpose), but as always we’re free to venture into other areas as the conversation evolves.

So bring your questions about the church, Christian life, the Bible, theology, or whatever else you might want to discuss!

We’re excited to have Brian spend some time with us and get a first-hand look at what it’s like at The Table.

We’ll see you there!

What was a time that your prayers were answered?

Prayer is a colossal and confusing part of the Christian life. How can we communicate with the great Creator of all things, but still feel like we are talking to our close friend? Does prayer actually change anything? What does God's voice sound like?
The sad truth is that even though prayer is one of the best gifts God gives to us, our confusion about prayer often keeps us from communicating with God the way he intended. So join us, and get ready to learn things about prayer that might shake up the way you view God.

30 Hour Famine is in 5 weeks and the sign up is now online!

Changing lives and serving others, that's what we're all about here at Northwood Student Life.
Which is why 30 Hour Famine is one of the best things we do every year.
30HF is a 2 day event where we not only help others, but we also experience some of the hardship that millions of people experience by not eating.

On Friday, November 7, we stop eating at Noon. That night we head to South Minneapolis and Urban Ventures, where we'll spend time serving the Philips Neighborhood through different ways. Then we gather together with our families on Saturday night to break our fast, share a meal, and talk about our experiences.

An experience like none other and a chance to make a difference in other’s lives. 30 Hour Famine has it all. It’s also a great event to bring a friend (plus it’s cheaper!)

Head on over to the 30 Hour Famine Website and Sign up!

Here is the cost breakdown for this year:
Sign up by 10/20 - $20
Sign up after 10/20 -$30
Bring a non-Northwood friend - $15/each

More music available on the NSL Jukebox. In preparation for their album release tomorrow, we bring you Anberlin’s last effort, Cities.

This alternative rock band has been around for quite a while on Tooth & Nail Records, but they are getting ready for their first release on a major label, and it’s about time.

The skillful use of unique sounds and the emotional outpouring through instrument and voice are the cornerstone of Anberlin’s unique sound. They’ve spent their time touring around with the Warped Tour where new fans are made at each stop. This is great background music for a drive or when you’re just hanging out, so go and check them out.

*If you need instructions on how to use the NSL Jukebox, you can find them here.

Tomorrow is the last day of the "Early Bird" registration for the MEA Retreats. So far, here is who is signed up.

Junior High MEA:

Senior High MEA

A couple quick notes on the sign ups,

• There is a minimum number of students needed for each trip which has not been met.
• We consistently say "Money should not be the only reason you can't attend an event." Contact Luke with any questios about this. 

So head over to the MEA website and  sign up before it's too late!

Each week we ask a question here on The Update and ask the NSL Community (students, leaders, parents, etc.) to respond with their thoughts. The goal is to spark a conversation or offer some insight into the things and ways others are thinking about life, God, the world, and more.

So join the conversation. Respond to the answer below by clicking on “comments” on the bottom of each post.

 

Who is one of the most important role models in your life?

Be ready for your outside clothes because this Sunday is “Clean Up The Park” day at NSL.

Northwood Student Life has adopted a park in Maple Grove as a small way to serve our city and those around is. Twice a year (each spring and fall) we head over to the park to pick up garbage in the area and tidy up. This Sunday, September 28, is that day.

So when you come this Sunday be ready to be outside for the day. We’ll see you there!

All this talk about the upcoming MEA Retreats got me thinking, “Where are all our pictures from last year?”

The Junior High ones have been up since last fall, but I couldn’t find the Senior High ones anywhere… until now.

We’ve found the pictures from the Senior High MEA Retreat 2007, and have put them online at the NSL Flickr Page. That brings the total number of pictures to over 2,100!

So head on over and check them out, including my personal favorite… a tree falling on the Senior High boys.

This is a reminder that Luke will be on vacation next week. He and Katie are heading up to the North Shore to do some hiking.

All youth events will continue as scheduled with the super awesome amazing fantastic youth leaders taking the helm. 

So The Table, The Gathering, and Sunday morning will all happen as planned, and Luke will be back at church on September 28.

Have a great week!

So you may not remember, but you’re invited to submit your own videos to NSLtv. Then we get them up on the NSL YouTube Channel. Cooper did just that during his time working in Colorado this summer, demonstrating his new way to cool off. So I’m very pleased to present you with Cooper’s Big Splash…

Atta boy!

Earlier this year we announced that NSL would soon begin accepting online payments for youth trips and events. The feature is now active on our website. We have launched this feature to correspond with the sign-up for MEA, which also launched today.

We are using Google Checkout as our payment gateway due to their favorable rates for non-profit organizations. Google Checkout allows your to either set up an account for repeated visits or enter credit card information for one-time transactions.

By offering online payments we aim to:

• Bring added convenience to event registration
• Simplify the process of event payments
• Streamline processing by NSL staff
• Improve record-keeping abilities

You can read a bit more about the process here.

We strongly encourage you to give it a try when signing up for the MEA Retreats. Thanks!

The websites for the Junior High MEA Retreat and Senior High MEA Retreat are now online. You can find them on the NSL Website under Info & Events>Upcoming Events, or click “Visit the Page.” Here’s a quick description of each of the trips taking place MEA weekend (October 15-19).

Junior High MEA Retreat – October 15 & 16 [Visit the Page]

 

Take NSL:jh, (some of the craziest 7-9 graders we know) and put them together at a camp where they can enjoy some group challenges, chill time, devos, Prayer, Worship, and a high ropes course suspended in the trees, bake for 2 days. Do you smell what's cookin'? The Juinor High MEA Retreat!

 

Senior High MEA Retreat – October 17-19 [Visit the Page]

Jesus was a busy guy, crowds in the thousands following him around and wanting a bit of his time. He understands the stress that comes from too many people wanting too many things from you at once. The way he dealt with it was to go into the wilderness for prayer.
There is an important need in everyone's life to get away from the day-to-day things and recharge, relax, reconnect, and retreat. That is why we have the Senior High MEA Retreat each year, a chance to refresh and grow without the normal distractions of everyday life.

New music is available on the NSL Jukebox from Kids In The Way.
Apparitions of Melody is the sophomore release from Kids in the Way. It offers the same post-hardcore flavor that they have become known for, with a delicate mix of melodic vocals and hardcore screaming.
This rough and driving album offers some insightful lyrics and great music for you just need it to be loud. Check it out!
*If you need instructions on how to use the NSL Jukebox, you can find them here.

Three new albums are available on the NSL Jukebox. Some great stuff from David Crowder Band.
David Crowder Band puts out some of the most fun worship music you can find. A electro-geeky sound mixed with over-the-top praise and hard driving anthems. It's a safe bet that there's something for everybody on one of these three albums.
Head to the NSL Jukebox now and you'll find:
Remedy - The latest release from DCB, played regularly at NSL Events
A Collision - The previous release, with some funky hoe-down style.
Illuminate - The infamous release with many of the Band's most popular tracks. Chances are that you've sung some of these songs in church before.
So head on over and check it out.
*If you need instructions on how to use the NSL Jukebox, you can find them here.

  A little housekeeping to take care of, a new health form is required for every student each ministry year. That means it is time for the 2008-2009 health forms.
These forms serve as a reference for medical information and emergency contact information as well as a permission slip for all NSL Events over the next year. There are places where both students and parents must sign.
You can download the health form here.
Bring the completed form to Sunday Mornings, The Table, or The Gathering. Otherwise you can mail the completed form to:

Thanks!

Inspired by this morning’s lesson @ NSL, we are starting a new weekly feature here on The Update.

This morning we talked about the importance of having meaningful connections with one another. We also talked about how spending all your time talking about trivial stuff tends to create weak bonds, and that making the effort to find out what people really think about relevant things in their life is a good way to build each other up and grown deeper bonds to one another.

We’re hoping we can help out with that by posing a question each week here on The Update. The questions will be a little more serious than the “What’s your favorite food group?” ones you used to find on the NSL Homepage, they are meant to get you thinking.

So when we post a question, then you go ahead and respond by leaving a comment below. Just click where it says “0 comments” or “4 comments” or whatever the number is. It’s a great way to share what you think and get to know what others think to.

And remember, you can always head to the NSL Forums for even more in-depth conversation.

So that’s the deal with the “Question of the Week.” Let’s get started. This week’s question is…

“If you could ask God one question what would it be?”

Last night at The Gathering we talked about creating a masterpiece.

The conversation was from Ephesians 2:10 which says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)

A paraphrase would be, “You are an example of the best work of your Creator. He took the mess and junk in your life and painted over it, so now you are free to start a new picture, full of the colors and shapes that God likes.”

I had the opportunity to watch a guy paint a picture once. He started making marks here and there, large bold splatters of paint as he dipped his bare hands into the paint can and used them in place of his brush.

As he kept painting, I struggled to figure out what he was making, what it was going to look like when it was all done. I couldn't tell if he was painting a person or a place or just making abstract smears across the canvas.

He kept going, and with each mark I thought the picture would come clearer, but instead I just grew more confused. Soon, the entire canvas was covered and I still had no idea what this guy was painting.

Then, in the course of about 30 seconds, he took some black paint and drew a simple outline around the different groupings of color he had made, and then, as clear as could be, I saw the face of Jesus. A crown of thorns, a cross to carry, and a hauntingly simple expression of painful determination.

It was all clear.

My life works like that. There are smears of color going all over the place. I make an effort to follow God each day, but at the end of those days I am often confused by what exactly it is we are painting. I'm pretty sure that I was working with God, but I can't tell what it is we are making. There are bright colors from fun things that I enjoyed, dark smudges from difficult things that made the day seem darker. Shapes of times I knew what I was doing and scribbles from times that I was confused and unsure about my steps.

And you end up with this big chaotic mess. A mess that doesn't make sense. A mess that reminds me of all that has happened without answering the giant, "WHY?" behind it all.

And then, every once in a while. God comes in and takes the black paint and draws a simple outline around the different groupings of color we have made. And clear as could be, I see the face of Jesus.

The black outlines come in different ways, times of crises in my life or times when a friend discovers their own relationship with Jesus or times of sitting and reflecting on all that has happened. I never know when it will all finally become clear, so I just have to keep painting.

And once I see that face, it is time to hang that particular picture in the gallery of my memories, a reminder of how everything in my life still came together to show the beauty of my Artist. Then we pick up another canvas and start smearing bright colors all over it as we paint the next masterpiece.

Wednesday nights are back. The Gathering (the midweek meeting for Junior High students) starts tomorrow night!

We are meeting at our new location, the Cases’ home in Maple Grove. We meet from 6:30pm – 8:30pm each week for great conversations and a bit of a ruckus. It’s a blast!

For directions to the Cases’ and more information just head on over to The Gathering website,
northwoodcc.org/thegathering

It’s Labor Day weekend, a time of rest, relaxation, and recreation. If you aren’t sure how to spend your Sunday afternoon yet, might we suggest poolside?

The Stillman family is inviting students, parents, leaders, families… pretty much everyone from Northwood, to hang out at their place in Rogers after church on Sunday. If you’re looking for the perfect place to kick back with friends and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, this is it.

Here’s the invite & info:
We are having a BBQ/Potluck at our house on August 31^st @ 4:00 pm and would like to invite you, and anyone else from church. All ages are welcome! Bring your own meat and something to share. If you want to swim, bring a suit, towel & sunscreen!

And of course, here’s the map.

It’s the last weekend of summer and it looks like it will be a gorgeous one. Weather in the low 80s, sun shining down on us, the Troutens taking over the service at Northwood.

Wait what?

Yep, it’s a Trouten Trifecta with worship, FaithStory, and the message all including Northwood’s only best youth pastor and his wife.

Katie Trouten will be on the Worship Team this Sunday, as well as sharing her FaithStory. Luke will be dishing up some Bible goodness by delivering the message.

All this means two things.

1) There will be no youth group this Sunday, it’s Labor Day weekend and we’re giving the youth staff a well earned break before school starts.

2) You won’t want to miss church!

See you on Sunday!

 

Part 3 in our “Coming This Fall” series is Junior High Wednesday Nights.

Just 2 weeks from today we are kicking off at our new location, the Case’s home in Maple Grove. Wed. Nights is the craziest weekly event we have. The chaos of wild activities mixed with some pretty flippin’ sweet Jesus Stuff (+10 points) is always a winning combination.

For a better explanation of what Wednesday Nights are all about, check out this page on the NSL website.

2 weeks and counting… are you excited?

Second up in our “Coming This Fall” Series is The Table. 

The Table is the weekly evening meeting of the Senior High at Northwood Student Life. It is one of the most unique things we do in Northwood Student Life. It is a wide-open opportunity to wrestle with the tough questions that life and faith bring with them. It meets on Sunday nights from 6pm-9pm at the Kraemer's House (visit the NSL Map for directions).  This is the place to bring your questions, bring your friends whoa re wondering about this God stuff, or bring your struggles.

We kick off on September 7, we’ll save you a seat at The Table!

Summer is drawing to a close, and while we won’t say the dreaded “S” word, it is time to start thinking about a few other things that are also starting up again in just a few weeks.

This week we’ll be looking at some of the up and coming things that you should know about. Starting with the NSL Parent Meeting.

On Wednesday, September 3, all parents of NSL students are invited to a meeting just for them. From 7-8:30pm we’ll be going over the calendar of events, giving pointers on using NSL Online, and answering questions. It’s a great time to meet other parents and get an idea of what to expect this year at Northwood Student Life.

Click the image above for more details.

This Sunday, August 24, is the end of our Faith In Action series, and what better way to finish it off than to actually put our Faith into Action? (I know, clever, right?)

NSL will be painting some hallways at the Maple Grove Community Center. So bring your paint clothes (something that can get dirty) when you show up.

We’ll get started at 10:50am.

There is no youth group for Senior High at 9:30am, so sleep in or go to breakfast with friends, or come and hang out if you really want.

Contact Luke with questions, otherwise we’ll see you on Sunday!

Hey Senior Highers!

The Table is moving to Sunday nights starting September 7th, from 6pm-9pm.

The Table is the weekly meeting for Senior High students in NSL. We share a meal, and then we share our questions and thoughts about whatever is happening in our lives. It’s a great time to talk about what it means to be a Christ-follower, and often results in new ways of seeing the world, for students and leaders both!

We are moving from Monday nights to Sunday nights to bring a better balance to the programming week and in hopes of avoiding many conflicts that were arising on Mondays.

The Table will still meet at the Kraemer’s home in Maple Grove, check out the NSL Map for directions!

So mark your calendars, September 7th is the return of The Table!

*This album hit store shelves today! How’s that for fast service?

It’s finally here, the long-awaited sophmore effort from NSL favortie Family Force 5. “Dance or Die” is an 80s-riffic romp of rock, with enough synth to make Van Halen blush. (I don’t know if anyone under 20 even gets that reference.)

If you’ve been around Northwood Student Life you’ve probably heard some of the popular tracks of the Family Force 5 album including “Luv Addict” and “Drama Queen” among others.

This album brings a better sounding punch to the raw rock of their first release. The lyrics are playful and impressive, and the party atmosphere lives on through singles like “Fever” and “Wake the Dead".”

The album is available to listen to over at the NSL Jukebox.

*If you need instructions on how to use the NSL Jukebox, you can find them here.

VBS in in full swing as Outrigger Island had it second day today. A whole bunch of NSL students are helping out (which is flippin’ sweet!) so be sure to keep up with what they’re doing over at the VBS Blog. Cowabunga!

 

Hey Shutterbugs!

If you’re in Junior High you are invited to the first ever NSL Photo Scavenger Hunt this Saturday from 6-9pm!

A Photo Scavenger Hunt is where the group divides into teams and tries to photograph as many things as they can from a list. The more you check off, the more points you get. Most points are Kings of the Hunt!

We will meet at the Maple Grove Community Center at 6pm this Saturday. Bring $10, and as many friends as you can!

We need to plan, so if you’re coming then please sign up below! Thanks!

 

It’s tricky to find an album as eclectic as Polarity from southern rockers The Wedding. Now available for listening on the NSL Jukebox!

The album starts out with brass horns, and rocks until the end with piano-driven tracks, post-hardcore screaming, melodic pop-punk throwbacks, and a surprise ending that honors their Arkansas roots.

This one holds something for everyone, and is a fun listen all the way through. So head on over the NSL Jukebox and check it out!

Need a reminder on how the Jukebox works? Get it here.

A short story by Kirsten Stillman (Grade 12)

 [Read Part 1 & Part 2]

“Why did you do it?” he asked.

“Because you sounded like you needed a friend,” she answered softly.

“You probably want to chew me out now,” he braced himself.

She took a deep, slow breath, then let it out quietly. “No.”

He looked at her in surprise. “No?”

“You’ve heard it before and if I did it now, it still wouldn’t change anything. It’s something you’ve come to expect. I’m not going to waste my breath.”

“Why?” His voice seemed as confused as he looked. But he was listening to her now. Something he hadn’t done in a long time.

“You tune everyone out, Matt. We all try to help you, but you don’t listen. What is going to change that now?”

He considered that for a moment, then sighed and ran his hand through his short, messy hair.

“Can I ask you something?” She said after he didn’t reply. “Why did you call me?”

“I don’t really know…” Matt stared unseeing out the windshield. “I suppose… it was because I realized that I really didn’t want to be there anymore and… I knew that if I called anyone else, they wouldn’t come.” He hesitated. “Jazz, I can’t… I don’t want to live like this anymore. I feel so tired. Like I’ve reached an all time low. There has to be more to life than just this…”

Jasmine looked over at her friend with smiling eyes as she put the car in park in his driveway. How long had she waited to hear him say those exact words? She had tried to help him before, but had gone about it in all the wrong ways. Matt used to be a great Christian. But somehow in the years that are called high school, he had gotten turned around. He had turned to partying as a sort of bandage for the wounds of life.

“God still loves you, Matt.” Jasmine said softly. “He’s still waiting for you to talk to him.”

Matt sighed guiltily. “But I’ve screwed up so badly.”

“That’s the beauty of it, Matt. He is unconditionally and irrevocably in love with you. All he’s waiting for is for you to run back into his arms. He wants to catch you before you hit the bottom. All you need to do is let Him take care of you.”

“I don’t know how He could still love me after everything I’ve done,” Matt’s voice broke with the pain of his burden.

“‘For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.’ God sent His one and only son to come down to earth to die a horrifying and excruciating death so that we – you and me – could be forgiven in times exactly like this. He knew that we would fall at times, but He also promised to pick us back up and dust us off so we would be ready to face the world yet again. He promised to love us, Matt. He loves you so much that he sent His son to die for you.”

Matt choked back a sob. Jazz reached out and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Are you ready to turn back to Him, Matt?”

He nodded. “Jazz, would you pray for me? I don’t… feel like I can.”

She smiled and nodded. They bowed their heads. “God, I know that the love you have for each and every one of your children surpasses our comprehension. I would ask that you wrap that love around Matt right now so he could feel your love as he returns to your arms. Thank you for protecting him and I ask that you keep him safe in the times of trial ahead. I know you have great things in store for Matt in the years to come. Let his story shake the very foundations of the earth. Amen.”

Matt lifted his head, his face practically glowing. His shoulders looked as if they had had a great weight lifted off of them. He took a deep breath, smiling a smile that would have dazzled the heavens and made the angels sing a hallelujah chorus. “Jazz, I did it. I recommitted my life to Him. I feel… well, I haven’t felt this good in years. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she smiled back rejoicing in this moment with him. “So what does this mean for you now?”

He smiled. “Going to church on Sunday again; I haven’t been to church in… well, too long.” His smile turned worried for a moment. “And I have some people to beg forgiveness from.”

“You don’t have to beg,” Jasmine smiled as his eyes looked repentantly at her. “I forgive you.”

She thought of all the times she had watched him turn away from her. She had suffered as she watched him slowly party himself to more intoxicating levels each time. She had been convinced he would get into a car and kill himself and someone else simply because he misjudged a distance while he was drunk or high. Or he would finally drink himself to death one of these times.

She pushed those thoughts away, and buried them with the old Matt.

“Friends?” Matt asked with a relieved smile.

“Friends,” Jasmine leaned over and hugged him. “I missed you, Matt. I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too,” he chuckled. “Me too…”

a short story by Kirsten Stillman (Grade 12)

[Read Part 1]

She knocked tentatively, then opened the door and walked in. An overpowering smell that both reeked and turned her stomach at the same time hit her and made her gag. She put her hand over her mouth and nose and picked her way past the drunk and high bodies lying passed out all over the floor. She searched as quickly as she could for Matt.

She scanned every face of her classmates. They were passed out, but who know for how long. She had heard stories of incidents that happened during these parties. The ending usually involved a hospital stay. She practically held her breath as she tiptoed around the drooling bodies. She peeked into a room and grimaced. It was a sight that no one should ever see, much less describe. She tiptoed down the hallway, careful not to trip over the bodies strewn haphazardly across the floor. Her nerves seemed frayed and stretched tight as she listened for any sound that would indicate someone stirring into consciousness.

Her anxiety grew with each moment that passed. Where was Matt and why had he called her? She tried to still her pounding heart and listened, standing still for a moment despite her urge to run out of the house. It was only then that she heard a noise that made her gag. She swallowed convulsively and followed the noise warily to the bathroom. It was there that she found Matt, hunched over the toilet.

She composed herself and reached out to steady him as he retched. Her stomach churned and threatened to revolt. She concentrated on helping and when Matt was done, wiped his face off as best she could, though there was no help for his pale color. She slung his arm over her shoulders and tried to support him as he staggered towards the door with her, tripping over bodies as he went.

She prayed fervently that the unconscious bodies would stay were they were until she left. She knew how mean some of her classmates could get when they were drunk. She shuddered at the thought of confronting a violent classmate with hardly anything to protect herself with. She only had a very basic knowledge of self-defense that her uncle had taught her. She was sure it wouldn’t do much good with a mean drunk.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she made it out the front door with Matt still stumbling along with her. She somehow managed to get him into the passenger seat of her car, then drove away from Pat’s house with a heartfelt prayer of thanks whispered on her lips.

She drove in silence for a small amount of time before stopping the car back at her house. She turned the car off and turned to face a pale, but much better-looking, Matt. He sighed and cautiously looked at her. She said nothing, even though she had told him so much more only weeks ago about his behavior. She studied his face for a moment, then got out of the car.

“Come on,” she said before she closed her car door.

“Where are we going?” He asked cautiously.

“Inside to get you cleaned up. Then we are going to go eat food made by the best cook in the world.”

He followed her silently into her house, where she took an extra toothbrush, which was luckily still packaged, and handed it to him with toothpaste and pointed to the bathroom. He ducked his head and went into the bathroom, while Jasmine went into her older brother’s room to raid his closet for clean clothes.

Ten minutes later, both were back in her car and headed for her aunt’s house. Neither of them mentioned what had happened earlier. Matt was greeted enthusiastically by her aunt and uncle, as well as by her mom, dad, and older brother. Her older brother stealthily evaluated Matt’s outfit, then raised an inquiring eyebrow at Jasmine, who only raised an eyebrow in reply.

The evening was filled with laughter and good spirit. Jasmine relaxed when Matt seemed to take to the company easily, as if there had not been a distancing of their friendship and he had been invited places with her the whole time.

It was only when the evening had ended and they were back in her car that Matt turned to look at her profile. Jasmine concentrated on the road, seeming not to notice.

“Jazz?” He finally broke the silence in the car.

“Hmm?”

“Why did you do it?”

[to be continued…]