The Update

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.

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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