Student Life

Art of the Heart

2012-02-01T13:54:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone! We are kicking off a relationship series tonight called "The Art of the Heart". Our main focus is how to have healthy relationships, how to choose the right person to date, when to date when not to date, how to break up well, and how to start a relationship on the right foot. We will talk about sex, pornography, and other assorted things but it wont be the "main thing". Please join me in praying for this series and the implications it can have on our students.

Questions you can ask: (If you dare)

What kind of guy/ girl are you interested in?
If your student doesn't shut down or run away from you make sure you listen well. Dont react overly positive or negatively. Dating can easily become a way of pleasing or acting out against parents. Also your student may not answer right away, but actually think about this one and come back to you. Be ready for it, but don't hold your breath. Dating is to often seen as something that has to be done behind the backs of parents this is dangerous! (That my friends is really where babies come from)

What are the attitudes about sex at school, friends, and what is their thoughts?
What do they think is expected of them in a relationship?

Tips:
Do Ask plenty of clarification questions and rephrase things with "What I hear you saying is"
Do Turn your cell phone off when having this conversation or better yet purposefully ignore a phone call or text because of your conversation with them. The will feel valued and important. Don't tell them to turns theirs off. It will make them defensive and the conversation won't happen. If they get pulled away fine but dont let it be you. They will see that you are genuinely interested in this area of their life and be more likely to open up later.

Grace and peace

Jarad

This Wednesday Night

2011-10-18T14:17:00.000-04:00

This week we will be talking about an interesting issue that teens face. We will be talking about paranormal activity. Basically Ghost Stories. I wanted to make you aware of this topic. I will be showing a skit from a Christian crew called Skit Guys as part of the teaching. It is mildly scary, but hey Ghost Busters was scary for me. With Halloween coming up I thought it would be a great time to discuss this topic.

The Scripture for the Night will be Acts 19

I am including some discussion question for you to ask. PS. In this instance the answer is the sunday school one. Jesus is the answer. The name of Jesus is powerful, prayer is powerful! Jesus is more powerful than anything you and your family come up against weither it is medical, psychological, or spiritual.

I will be talking about how much of the things we are scared of we make up.

The things on TV are fake

Sometimes what we are dealing with are medical or psychological problems that people have.

But from time to time there might be a spiritual condition that needs to be addressed. My goal for the night will be to address all three of these.

1. How did this video make you feel? Were you scared?

2. Why do many humans love to be scared?

3. Do you believe spirits and demons exist today?

4. Do you believe witchcraft, warlocks, Ouija boards, and séances are gateways for demons to work? Why or why not?

5. If there is a spiritual realm, how can you connect more closely with God in your daily life?

6. Have you ever felt supernaturally “attacked”? If so, describe your situation.

7. How does prayer help in your daily walk with God?

8. Have you ever been in a situation that just “felt” wrong—perhaps even a bit evil? If so, how did you respond?

9. Can Satan grip humans’ lives in ways that leaves them paralyzed with fear or paranoia?

10. If demons clearly believed in Jesus’ authority, how does it make you feel when we deny Christ and his word and his authority?

Lisa Easton

2011-09-22T16:48:00.000-04:00

So excited about this weekend. Lisa Easton and Family will be leading us in worship. Her new Album is also coming out this weekend! We are so blessed to have help with worship at Fusion and BridgePointe.

Our Dream Team Rocks and Rolls

2011-08-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

Today I am reminded how blessed I am to have so many dedicated people give so selflessly to the Student Ministry at BridgePointe. I have begun referring to them as the Dream Team because honestly thats what they are. I am a starting my third fall here at BridgePointe. I think of all the stress, the late nights, the worry of "if this is going to work?" of that first year and then I look at the ministry now. How it runs so amazingly well. With people stepping up into roles that we have dreamed together about. Adults investing into young people knowing there names, birthdays, and truly care about their lives. I am so blessed to be able to work with these men and women of God. It is one of their birthday's today. This reminded me of how blessed I am to have such talented people to gain wisdom, knowledge, and insight from. Thank you for caring and investing in the Kingdom of God.

Im going to use this word and I don't want to...

2011-08-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

For the past couple of weeks things have, as the great theologian Ron Burgandy said, "Boy, that escalated quickly". Student Life is experiencing something I have only dreamed about, something that I am hesitant to even talk about. The word is Revival. There has been such an outpouring of the Spirit in our times together. It is unlike anything I have ever seen and to be honest I have hardly ever read about it. The prayer time of our student's is powerful. This past Wednesday I watched as our students led worship, led in praying for each other, and led in stepping out in faith. I am amazed at how God is using them. I am scared of using the word Revival. It makes me seem outlandish or crazy, but for this moment, for these students, something special is happening and am so excited to be apart of it. It is a revival in there lives and I pray that it takes hold in their families, school, and in this community. Please join with me in prayer and fasting for this movement in the lives.

Something is happening

2011-08-23T13:40:00.000-04:00

So in the last couple of weeks we split the Student Ministry into Fuel (Middle School) and Fusion (High School). The biggest complaint I have heard is from a middle schooler saying they wanted to be fed during the middle of the week too! (Btw that is awesome) I love it when students want more Jesus! In my time here at BridgePointe I have never had a student say I wish we had more games, its always we want more worship, more praying, more Bible Stuff! These are complaints I will gladly deal with.

In the last couple of weeks we have had an outpouring of the Holy Spirit at our times together. Things are happening, lives are being changed and the presence of God is being felt in the room with us. God is honoring the longing of our hearts to see God move and to feel Him with us is. I am blown away at the way God is meeting us. I am always thinking about how can we come up with the next cool thing and then I realized I don't have to. Nothing can compete with the presence of God. No Xbox, no TV show, no sport, nothing can compete when God decides to show off.

So please join me in praying that God would continue to show Himself at Fuel and Fusion because something is happening here and I want to be apart of it and I think you do as well.

Fuel Kicks off this week

2011-08-09T16:07:00.000-04:00

This Sunday night 6:30-8:00 we kick off a new chapter in Student Life at BridgePointe. "Fuel"starts off! This ministry will be for all Middle School students! These nights will be specifically formed with Middle Schooler in mind. I can t wait to see you all there. Chasing Lions will be leading worship for the first two weeks of Fuel and you never want to miss that!

Pool Party

2011-07-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

You want a free event for your student to go to? Okay done!!

This Saturday at the Arnold's house we will be having a Middle School only pool party form 6:00-8:30 food will be provided. This would be a great time to introduce your friends to the group. 5 graders going into 6th are welcome.

The Arnold's

Arnold

613 Ashwood Ct.

Woodstock, GA 30189

(770) 575-1284

This Tuesday night we will be having a High School Only Pool Party 6:00-8:30 at the Fragnoli's Food will be provided. 8 graders going into 9th are welcome!

Fragnoli's

Fragnoli

Falls of Chrerokee

409 Morgan Falls Chase

Canton, GA 30114

(770) 294-6111

water wings are for Pastor Keith

2011-07-13T17:01:00.000-04:00

Here it is the new look of Student Life! It kinda looks like a carbon chain and its supposed to. Carbon is the building block of life, just like I believe participation in Student Life is the building block for you Spiritual Life. All of the main ministry aspects of Student Life are represented in the logo, Student Life, Fusion, Fuel, Elements, Depth, and Leap. Check out the our website to see what each hexagon means!

ReBranding, ReLaunching, ReTooling

2011-07-12T10:46:00.000-04:00

Latter this week we will be launching all the new logos and even a completely new ministry in Student Life at BridgePointe. Its pretty exciting actually and nerve racking. Questions come up like: How will parents receive the changes, will students show up? Does anyone care that we spent hours racking our brains about what all this will look like for this school year? Will it work? Will the Kingdom of God grow because of these efforts? Just because something looks good doesn't mean it wont be a colossal failure. But its important that we go to the effort of this Relaunch. The new logos are meant to give everything the same feel and look, to make our ministry seem more purposeful instead of a collection of things to do.

Here is the point I am working on this morning. ReBranding is an important part of life. We reinvent who we are all the time. Especially at this time of year with students getting ready to go back to school or moving from Middle School to High School. This is an opportunity to rebrand yourself. You dont have to be the person you were last year. Most of the dumb stuff you did has been forgotten, the bad haircut you got has grown out, and you got contacts instead of glasses.

This year you can rebrand yourself, get better friends, try a sport or quit a sport, actually do your homework this year. Start praying for the strength to be the person God wants you to be. Go for it. Sure you might fail but safe is boring.

Motion is Coming

2011-07-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

Today we have been working on Motion. Motion is a conference experience that is put on by Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL, the fastest growing church in America. It will be an amazing weekend for our students, with artists like Starfield and Leeland leading the worship experiences. I can't wait to see God move in our students at this event. Motion will be July 28-30 and cost $155 per person. Sign up by July 10. We have intentionally stepped down our summer programming to make it easier to afford this experience. Instead of spending $20 here and there we want to focus the resources on an event that will have the most return on the investment. That is how much we believe in Motion. It is easy to sign up your student at the Motion Signup Form. Feel free to contact Jarad with any questions. Medical forms are available at www.bridgepointesudents.com

*Michelle Troche will be in the Lobby to take sign ups this weekend as well as you can use bridgepointe giving to pay the registration PAY HERE

Leap 2011-2012 Sign Ups

2011-06-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

Leap End of the Year Trip Video
Leap is designed to help Student jump to the next level in their relationship with God. Students will learn first hand how to build community, how to lead well, and how to serve the church and community. This program is geared to train students to be effective for the Kingdom of god in whatever environment they find themselves in after high school.

Fill out Applications Here

Application is due by July 21

Indy Cars are like Churches

2011-05-23T15:04:00.000-04:00

So my wife loves the Indy 500. We grew up an hour away from Indianapolis and her Dad sells auto parts. Its kinda in her blood. So over the years I have learned a lot about Indy cars. They used to have different chasis, engines, tires, all kinds of fun stuff. Now they are pretty much the same, same chasis, tires, engines. To me, BORING! Basically every car is the same except for driver and his or her skill. Cool if your the driver but to the guy who wants to see cars go faster and set new records its lame. The reason for the sameness is for safety. A good reason but for 100 years the Indy 500 is been about innovation and creating new things to go faster. But they have gotten away from innovation in favor of safety and the ratings are getting lower and lower ratings article here .

Instead of making everything the same why not innovate better safety equipment. (My imagination has huge blow up balls that cover the cars bouncing around the race track after a wreck.) We don't do that? We retreat to safety instead of moving forward to innovation.

Our churches are like the Indy 500 (not mine of course, just yours hehe) we have gone away from the innovation, the creativity to set new records because we want safety. Think about it. When was the last time you walked into a church and said Woah! Now you probably heard the same Chris Tomlin songs and Hillside United (if you prefer a contemporary service) or the same Gaither songs (I don't want to talk about it). Yeah it may be hard, dangerous, and down right scary but what happens when we push the boundaries. What happens when better systems are put in? How is the kingdom of God effected with drastically different worship, service, and spiritual formation ideas? I am not speaking just to worship styles, but to the way in which we lead the congregation and teach the scripture. Is anyone else tired of Andy Stanley or Rick Warren clones? They are great preachers awesome communicators but I am not them and neither are you. (I tried to be Rob Bell once I even have dark rimmed glasses it didn't work out well)
If the Indy 500 went back to innovation instead of safety ratings would sky rocket. If churches got back to innovating the Kingdom of God would be made present here on earth.

Prom is this Saturday

2011-05-20T14:40:00.000-04:00

So Prom is this weekend... So many things to say about that but I don't know how awkward to be in a blog post. So let me say this. Be classy Woodstock. Be classy.

By that I mean. This is prom it can be a great night, memorable night, a night that you remember fondly for years to come. Or it can be terrible, horrible, no good bad day and a night that you want to forget for the rest of your life. So which do you want?

This is a legacy night. For seniors this is one of the last memories you will have of high school. How do you want to remember it? As a night that was wasted with alcohol or inappropriate sexual situations. I mean seriously Prom should be about something other than getting drunk and seeing how far you can get. So what should it be about then?

How about a night to build great memories with your friends or your significant other. What does prom look like if you go with the mindset to have fun and enjoy each other. So my tip to have fun this Prom is, go without expectations. Drop the pretenses of "I have to dance with this person every dance". Sit down during the slow songs, act goofy on the fast songs. Don't take yourself seriously, do the Electric Slide, you know you want to, For heaven's sake don't grind on people, its just wrong, and nasty, and gross, seriously don't do it.

Be the group of Students that everyone else wishes they were in because of the insane amount of fun your having. So like I said Stay Classy Woodstock, Stay Classy.

If you get into a situation where you need help or somewhere else to go my home is open to you and my phone will be on. Much Love!

Fondue is food for the Soul

2011-05-18T10:17:00.000-04:00

My wife and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary last night. Which is a pretty big deal if you know me, you might ask how could anyone want to be with that guy for eight years but alas she is amazing and patient... So in honor of the occasion we went to Dante's down the Hatch ,a wonderful fondue restaurant, that features live jazz music. It is also has a full size 19th century ship in the middle of the restaurant (which is awesome).

Now for the the point. We ate Fondue. This is not something you can rush. If you do eat it to fast, you wind up burning an assortment of appendages or just undercooking your food. By taking your time with it, handling with care, slowing down, and taking care that each piece is cooked just right ensures the best possible result. In my marriage both of us work extremely hard and we have twins, a night in which we slow down and just enjoy each others company is rare and beautiful. As I think about how great this night was for our relationship, I wonder how to implement this in my relationship with others and with God? Do I eat from the fast food line in all my relationships? What has that been doing to my friendships? Am I scared of slowing down? What are my reasons for going so fast?

We enjoyed the experience so much that on the way home we stopped at another fondue restaurant for desert.

The Toast

2011-05-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

My best friends in the world are all together this weekend for a wedding. We laugh, we cry, we tell stories, we laugh, we cry, we do something stupid and the cycle continues until we have to sleep or settle down for the wedding. It is amazing thing to be apart of. At each wedding we have a tradition. We give a toast the night before the wedding. The toast is as important as the wedding. Many guys make it for the toast but not the actual ceremony. We sit up late and go around in a circle of how the groom is going to make a great husband, how he is a great man, how he has brought value into our lives. It is a rare moment of complete transparency. It is beautiful. I am convinced the the community that is created in those moments is what God had in mind for Christian brotherhood. I am left wondering why cant I live my live in this kind of community and transparency? How can I foster this authenticity in my relationships and in those that I lead? I do know this the community I experience is life giving and I know God is active in it. I urge you to pursue community with reckless intentionality.

Rising Above

2011-05-03T16:10:00.000-04:00

So its the end of the year. Which means Prom, sports, finals, senior project, graduation, looking for a job, and trying to breathe. Life is a little hectic huh. It is at times like these that you have to remember Sabbath. To rest in God and know that He is God. I know I want to run around and fix all the problems of the world. Make everyone happy and do great at everything I touch. The truth is I disappoint people and I kill flowers. Why? Cause Im not God. I can't do it all. When I realize that God is the one in control. The pressure to perform slips away. Resting in God become a place of renewal instead of tension. Sabbath goes from something I have to do to something I get to do.

Working on Reveal

2011-01-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

I sit in my office alone right now writing 4 messages for this week and doing all the other administrative stuff. I could be lonely, I could be cranky, but I am not. Why? Miranda Strong is doing the video's and promoting this thing like a champ!, Tyler Moura designed the shirts, Daniel Boerner is exercising his creative muscle and pulling a great set design together, Pierce Drake getting a amazing worship[ band together, Taylor Vassey is working on all kinds of details, Jake Bell makes a sweet video that I didn't even have to ask for, Michelle Troche is buying all the food I need, and I keep getting interrupted by people who want to help. This is awesome. The Body of Christ working towards bringing students to the feet of God. Everyone exercising their own gifts and God given talents in a beautiful harmony. I could be overwhelmed by the stuff to do but I am overwhelmed by the Body of Christ!

Reveal is Friday night 7-9:30
Sat 10Am -3 pm
$10 at the door gets you lunch and the sweet T-shirt

Snow Days

2011-01-12T11:26:00.000-05:00

To be honest I think I needed the Snow Day. It was a moment of stillness that I didn't want, didn't think I wanted, and definitely ask for. But here it is and we are forced for a couple of days to do nothing. Have you noticed how uncomfortable you are with nothing. In a life that is so busy all we want is a day of or vacation or to skip school but once it is here it is uncomfortable. We focus so much time and energy and the things of our life we have forgotten how to be with each other how to slow down and talk to each other. Or slow down and actually be with God. So today as we settle in for another snow day. Spend some time with God. Turn off the Ipod, TV, Facebook and XBox. And be with God. It will amaze you with what can happen in your heart.

God's Calling

2011-01-05T11:26:00.001-05:00

Come join us at Fusion for the start of our new series called God's Calling this week. We will be working through what it means to be called by God and how that shapes our life and the lives around us. Tonight we are talking on Nathanael's call John 1:45-51.

Reveal Student Conference

2011-01-04T14:26:00.001-05:00

The Reveal Senior High Student Conference is coming up January 28-29. This year we are talking about how God is revealed to you, How you reveal God to others, and how you are revealed to God. I am really excited about all the student participation that we have in this event. We have amazing worship bands coming and some very special guest speakers. The cost is $10 and that includes the amazing shirt designed by our very own Tyler Moura.

Leap Service Retreat

2010-11-08T15:12:00.000-05:00

Leap did an amazing job at this event serving the community. So proud of them!!!
Check out the pictures at http://www.umchildrenshome.org/newsandevents_updates.php?p=2041

Fasting as Discipline

2010-10-23T21:15:00.003-04:00

Fasting is a spiritual discipline and honestly it is hard. I would much rather read my Bible where the only discomfort is if I get a paper cut. But the beauty of Fasting is its ability to be a gateway to other disciplines. If you are willing to commit to fasting how hard is it to pray, meditate, read, or experience silence? Maybe your wondering what to do when God calls you to himself in fasting how do you react what do you do in those times of hunger? How should you get the most out of your fasting experience? The following are introductions to two different ways of including other spiritual disciplines in your fasting regimen. If you can include these you will be on the road to a more fruitful experience.

Bible Reading

Read a section of scripture 3-7 verses not to big not to small

Pray that God would show you the words he wants to tell you. (highlight them or write them down)

Read the same section for a second time

Pray about the meaning of those words

What is God telling you through them?

Read the same section a third time

Pray about how you are supposed to apply them to your life

What is God calling you do to do in response to His Word?

For more information on this type of reading look up Lectio Divina

Silence

Sit in silence (maybe you have to buy headphones to make this possible)

Get comfortable, put your hands open on your lap and both feet flat on the ground

Close your eyes, breathe in deeply, exhale, breathe in, exhale

Silence your mind and wait on God. Just wait on God, don’t think!

Journal any ideas, thoughts, people that are brought to mind

Use the experience of Fasting as an opening to a deeper walk with God.

If you are interested in learning more of spiritual disciplines

The Sacred Way, Tony Jones

Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster

The Life You always wanted, John Ortberg

http://marshill.org/teaching-resources/spiritual-practices/

Fasting as Worship

2010-10-22T10:22:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you put 170 students in a room designed for 100 with a kickin’ band, fog machine, crazy lights, and amazing energy. You might think chaos, odd smells, and stress. I think of Worship. Every Wednesday night at the Outback the room is alive with the anticipation of God’s glory to be shown and for the Holy spirit to make Himself known in the room. I am awed by the corporate worship of our students, the fervor, the unashamed way they go about it. I am humbled by the respect they show each other and the dignity they conduct themselves with. It blows my mind and I can’t help but be swept away in the passion of a room of students chasing after God’s heart.

Combing that passion with a call to fast is a privilege and challenge. One that will set our student ministry on a new and amazing course. As we deepen our passionate worship to include fasting. Fasting is an intimate and private of way to worship, it effects our corporate worship as well. Where we raise our voices in praise on Wednesday’s or Sunday’s, fasting is done in the stillness and the quietness of our souls. It brings our hearts and minds to the sacred. Fasting is Worship just as singing is. Where singing is an active proclamation with our mouths of the adoration of God. Fasting involves our minds and wills to say God is great and in control. Fasting is a lifestyle worship not an event driven worship. Combine the two together where our minds, our bodies, our will, our tongues, our community are all focused in worship of God. Lets just say I can’t wait until next week…

Actions Step Read Isaiah 58: 1-14

How does fasting and worship work in you life?

Are we guilty of any of the dangers Isaiah warns us about?

Do we bring worship and glory to God in our fasting?

Take a look at you fasting history are there changes that need to be made?

Journal your thoughts!!!

Fasting as Excitement

2010-10-21T08:41:00.002-04:00

Today I’m excited! Excited about this new season for our church. So many people are fasting and praying together. It is like God is opening our heart and shining his glory into each one of our lives. As a staff we have experienced new levels of togetherness and new insights together. We have already seen miracles happen and this has only been going on for three days! God is moving in ways we have been praying about for months. So I’m excited. I’m looking for all the new ways God is moving in our people, among our staff, in our community. I am prepared to be amazed, baffled, perplexed by the glory of God.

Today let the distraction melt away and concentrate on what God is going to do in our body (the church). The passion He has given our students, the talent He has given our worship Team, the purpose He has given our staff, I can’t be anything but expectant of miracles. Honestly, I am excited to be apart of this move of God. It brings joy to my heart, purpose to my steps, and direction to my day.

So what has fasting got to do with the excitement? For me it removed the day to day grind. The distractions of the mundane, of the to do list, of the normal. Fasting has brought the move of God back to the forefront of my mind. Maybe today you need to see God at the front of your life not the side or the back but in Hid rightful place as the divine driver. Often I forget that God is driving this thing, not me, not you, or someone else. That this is God’s body not mine. Its simple really but oh so exciting!

Action Steps:

How is God opening your mind to new things in this season?

What are you most excited about in the future for BridgePointe?

Where have you seen God moving in this season?

Journal it!!!

Fasting as Clarity

2010-10-20T09:43:00.002-04:00

I never have really thought about how much clutter food is in my life. I mean I just enjoy eating. I enjoy the smell, taste, texture, of good food. But to achieve that culinary bliss there is a lot of work that goes it to it. I think about what I’m going to eat, where to get it, do I have a coupon, do
I make it or pay someone else to make it, and how many calories does it have in it. I’ve noticed this is not so much work but clutter. As we fast there are moments, these wonderful moments, of clarity, inspiration, and insights that I never have while not fasting. Maybe it is the decluttering, maybe it is the removing of something that takes so much of my time, energy, thought. that opens the door for God to be more present in my life. Because now that I am on this fasting journey I in moments of concentrated prayer or meditation a thought will bloom I my mind, heart and soul. A totally transformational thought that has reverberation throughout my whole life. The kind of clear directional thoughts that you know can only come from Holy Spirit. Maybe one of the things that God is teaching us throughout this experience is that when we remove the clutter He is there. When we remove the daily grind of food preparation we get to see God more clearly. So that brings to mind a bunch of other questions for me. What do I clutter my life with on a daily basis? If the removal of something as simple as food from my life can offer such insights and deeper revelations of God in my life how much more if I turn off the TV, Facebook, Cell Phone, Twitter, Blog Feeds (Not this one), Fantasy Football, and Email.

Action Step:

What clutters your life?

Can you remove anything in your daily regimen to bring simplicity to your life?

Have you experienced clarity I thought in your fasting? If not don’t give up give yourself to prayer. Don’t give up!

Journal it all!

Fasting as Rest

2010-10-19T10:41:00.000-04:00

Think about all the appliances you use during the day. The coffee maker, toaster, microwave, stove top, coffee maker again, dishwasher. Those I use just to get the kids ready for the day. With the thought always in the back of your mind what’s next for lunch or dinner, do I need to go to the store.

Now multiply that feeling a thousand times. That’s what it must feel like to keep kosher. Kosher is the adherents to all the Old Testament food laws. There are regulation on what you can eat, how you can cook it, what pots and pans it can touch. My anxiety goes up just thinking about trying to feed a family that way. If you want to explore Kosher more check this out http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm

This made me think about the rest that would take place during a fast for ancient followers of God. During the fast they wouldn’t have to deal with the weight of the food laws on there minds. In this sense Fasting is a release of mind to focus on God. We can open our minds to all that God has for us because we don’t have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. We know it is a spiritual meal from God.

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

“Come to me all you who are wear and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle an humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

As we draw closer to God in this time of fasting and praying please don’t make the mistake of looking at is as something else you have to do. During this time ask God to give rest to your soul. That He would nurture your spirit with supernatural food in ways that food can never do. Bask in the rest that fasting gives you. Savor the flavor of God in your life. Delight in the presence of God in your daily life. Relish the lingering taste of communion with God.

Actions Steps today

Journal your thoughts today. Where are the areas you are hungry in? Where do you need God’s rest to flood over you?

If you have time take a walk with God today and listen for his voice don’t talk just listen.

Are you hungry?

2010-10-18T09:59:00.002-04:00

The journey of fasting is a beautiful one. Fasting takes a body that is full and makes it hungry and spirit that is hungry and fills it. Fasting is a concentrated effort to deny oneself to grow closer to the heartbeat of God. As we start this journey of fasting. Prepare your motives for Fasting. Ask yourself a few questions.

Why are you fasting?

Have a specific goal and purpose behind it. Tailor your prayers and Bible reading for the subject you reaching for.

Who knows you are fasting?

The scripture is very clear that Fasting is a private act and not something that is used to draw attention to yourself .

Matthew 6:16-18 (New International Version)

16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Tell your spouse or whoever makes your meals your intention but after that no one needs to know.

Fasting is not something to make you a super Christian or a badge of honor. It about you bringing your heart closer to God’s heart.

Fasting is not a hunger strike to try and manipulate God. It is a way in which you can become laser focused on what God is saying to you and has for you in this season.

How long are you going to fast?

Have a clear time limit. Set realistic goals this is incredibly important if you are new to fasting. Headaches are normal your body is accustomed to all kinds of chemicals and caffeine. Drink plenty of water and that should limit the discomfort and help you get rid of the toxins in your system. If fasting for more than a day have a plan of what to eat when you come of off the fast. Hint: No greasy foods and stay away from high acidic foods.

Action Step

Write down your motives for fasting in a journal and keep the thoughts that God gives you written down so that you can refer back to then and see how God has changed you through your experience.

Radiant!

2010-10-13T15:16:00.006-04:00

Attention Fusion ladies!

Do you have a facebook? If so, take a minute to join "Radiant", a group just for you. It is the perfect way to stay connected with your friends, and updated on girls' events that are happening. Check it out, invite more people to join, and stay tuned for more information!

If you don't have a facebook but you still want to be updated, shoot me an email: Emily.Hunt@bridgepointechurch.org

Blessings!

-Emily

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=145070998870299&ref=ts

Elements

2010-10-05T14:34:00.000-04:00

I am really excited about Elements starting this Sunday night. Elements is our Student Life small group opportunity. In Elements Middle School students will learn the basics of faith. Who God is, what it means to follow God, how to share your faith, etc. High School will be learning about how to the put there faith in practice in the personal time with God. They will cover Bible Study, Fasting, Prayer, Journling, and Worship. These lessons have been written by our leaders for our students. I am incredibly proud of our team and the effort that has gone into this material. These meeting take place the next 6 weeks and go from 6:30-8 on Sunday nights

6th grade

The Weiss's
906 Laurel Crest Dr
Woodstock Ga 30189

7th
The Waters
407 Raven Mocker Lane
Woodstock Ga 30189

8th
The Jamieson's
810 Brookside Court
Woodstock Ga 30189

9th
The Boerner's
1618 Clark Lake Drive NW
Acworth, GA 30102

10/11th
The Troche's
702 Standing Turkey Court
Woodstock, GA 30189

12th
The Walker's
304 Parke Court
Woodstock, Ga 30189

Meet Emily

2010-09-24T11:06:00.000-04:00

    Hello! My name is Emily Hunt, and I am the new Girls Ministry Director “Dudette.” I’ve been helping lead worship for a little over a year now at Fusion. (Yes, I am the blonde with the pink capo and pink guitar strap and pink sticker...that’s me.) I am excited to finally have such an opportunity to connect with and serve the students I’ve gotten to know over this past year. The driving force behind me is God’s heart for these girls, His passion and purpose for their lives. And lucky me! I get an excuse to hang out with awesome young women who love their Jesus.
    A couple facts about me: I am twenty years old. My birthday is January 17th, and I am a fan of the color pink. I work a part time job as a Barista at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee in Roswell. (Yes, I am a total coffee nerd.) I met many of the LEAP students at Bridgepointe last summer when I was an intern at the Journey Church in New York City and went on the Indiana Mission Trip this past summer. After spending a week with that team, I knew where I would be the first Sunday I was back home in Georgia.
    I am really looking forward to this new season, and all I ask is for prayers that God will use me to make a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of those God puts in my path. Thank you and have a great day!

How's your fruit, How's your health

2010-09-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else get a guilty feeling every time a speaker talks about doing something. Like you all need to bear fruit or wind souls or quit gossiping or whatever topic they are talking about. I do I could have not gossiped in a year and I still feel guilty about that I have no idea why but I do. The scriptures do this to me sometimes. As I think about it... that's okay. I am not perfect, I can always use a reminder of stepping up in whatever area of my life. The scripture that is constantly spinning around in my head is Matthew 7. When Jesus talks about Fruit what does he mean? Am I bearing fruit? I know I don't want to be cut down? Does this mean I need to work harder, read more, talk more, prepare more????? Maybe those are the wrong questions.

Matthew 7:16-20 (New International Version)
16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

I honestly don't know what this means for my life yet, I don't know what it means for yours either. As I think about fruit though and trees producing it. Things need to be right internally. The roots and leaves have to be healthy to bear fruit. So I have to ask how are my roots? Is my faith deep in good soil? How are my leaves? Does my outward actions match my inward faith? If those are healthy the fruit will be come in season. I think sometimes I get thinking about why fruit isn't being produced in my life and honestly it just isn't the right season.

Let your self off the guilt trip, concentrate on being healthy. Truly healthy, Take a walk. Pray alongside a river or lake. Read the Bible in a different version than you are used to. Get healthy and in your season you will yield a huge harvest.

Pandora or I Tunes

2010-08-31T10:40:00.000-04:00

How much time do you spend with your ipod? Do you spend hours creating the perfect set list? Or do you put it on shuffle and let it ride? Recently I discovered Pandora and enjoyed listening to it. Its a great free way to make your own radio station. But there is something missing. I don't have ownership in the music. I have no buy in to the experience with the music. Because it is all random and thrown at me even though I choose the artists and genres.

I think our relationship with God is the same way. We choose the time to pray or read. We even choose the book of the Bible to read (often by the point and shoot method). But we don't have buy in we don't develop a relationship with the scriptures. So therefore we get frustrated and lose interest in reading. We say the Bible is boring or I don't understand it. I can say the same thing about music that I don't understand or don't feel. When we develop a plan or a goal in reading the scripture we are going on a journey with it. This is when it become alive to us and we can experience what God is teaching us through His word. You can check out all kinds of reading plans on Bible Gateway. You can look at reading the Bible in Time order, or a little Old Testament little New Testament. You can read through your favorite characters or discover new ones. You can take a Proverb a day. Mix and match, make it your Playlist, your plan. Take ownership in your encounters with the scripture. It will change your life.
http://www.pandora.com/
http://www.biblegateway.com/

Don't worry your not cheating

2010-08-25T14:43:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been talking to a bunch of different students about their reading in the Bible. Several of them have told me how they are reading from a different translation then they usually do. Then they look at me like is that okay? Is he going to be mad? Is the Bible Im reading a real Bible? Am I cheating on God?
The answer of course is its okay your not cheating on God. God doesn't care if you are listening to His word, reading in the old KJV, even older Greek, older Hebrew, newer NIV, or even newer NLT. God wants you to read His love letter to you!

I am so excited that our students are excited about the Bible and what God has to say the them through it. What an amazing thing to be apart of. Of course when you read the scripture you will have questions. So ask them. No question especially when asked about the Bible is a dumb question!

Compartments

2010-08-24T16:08:00.000-04:00

I have been talking in conversations with people and thinking about being holistic about our lives. The Leap program this year is a complete leadership paradigm. The new small group ministry Elements is set up to help you experience God in a complete way. Fusion is transforming not to just be about the people who come but what to do with our faith once we have it. As I explore this idea of being holistic in minstry I can't help but think about our faith journey. To often we talk about our spiritual lives, work life, home life, or social life. But we aren't living several lives at once we are one person, living one life, with one opportunity to live once on this planet. Our tendency to compartmentalize our lives hurts us in the faith area the most. When we put our life in catagorize we can rationalize sin. Because this sport, activity, relationship isn't about God. But that is fundamentaly flawed. It is all about God. He doesn't want a few hours of our time or 15 minutes a night before you go to sleep. He wants your life, all of it.

If you are in love with someone you don't just want to be around them ever once in a while. You want to know them deeply, fully, passionately. The same goes for God. God wants to know you completely and work through your life completely. When we start living like God is active with us all the time not just when we worship or pray or read the Bible but with ever breath that we take and every step that we take our lives will be changed. Evidence of our faith will pour out. The world will know that we are madly in love with Jesus by our words, our actions, the way we drive, speak, dress by everything that we do and are. Because when we get serious about faith it takes over all of us. When the compartments come down, we tear down the walls down that keep us from bearing fruit and being know for faith. Because that is who we are a person of faith in Jesus Christ.

Indiana Mission Trip

2010-08-24T13:05:00.000-04:00

What an amazing time we had in Indiana working for God. This trip was the end of the year trip for our Leap Program. We worked at YCL youth camp and the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. Thank you Cody for putting it all together.

The Power of Team

2010-08-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

In the last few weeks something has been changing in the midst of our student ministry. It is a subtle change but an important one. We have released leaders to do what they do best and it is having a huge impact. From our students stepping up into new roles of leadership and responsibility to some volunteers giving days of there week to the ministry. This started with Miranda Strong stepping up and owning the pre worship music and taking over some of Britt's role, it moved forward in Cody Rodgers making videos for us, Steven Black coming straight from school in Cobb county to set up, progressed in Daniel Boerner owning the production aspect of the night, Alyse Tucker, Shane Buquet and James Cagle faithfully cleaning up and pouring into the students. (There are at least 10 other people I could mention in this list but I'll brag on you latter.) Instead of the student pastor being responsible for everything it has become a team atmosphere. In this team everyone plays different positions but they are all vital to the success of our ministry. Since developing this team we have seen more students come to know Jesus than in the last six months. The Team is effective, the Team is enlarging the Kingdom of God, The Team is getting souls a place in heaven. I am reminded of how the early church go out in teams to do ministry or when the Apostles develop Deacons to help them. I feel like we are catching a wave that God has brought our way. It is going to be one crazy ride!!! This Wednesday after Fusion we are having an adult volunteer meeting. If you are interested in riding this wave with us make sure to be there.

Check out Acts 6 or Luke 9 for your Jesus Time on the idea of Team

Changes are coming!

2010-08-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

In the coming weeks all kinds of new things will be happening. Some of the new things will be: new band members at Fusion, Bible classes, different teachers, new lighting, a different stage, and new volunteers, not to mention a whole new Leap program. Plus all kinds of stuff that is too top secret to share. I am really excited about all the changes about to happen. Fusion is rocking with more than doubling our attendance in the past three weeks. There is an incredible energy in the room and because of that, Wednesday's are my favorite day of the week. I hope that this momentum that God has given us will carry on and we can continue to change people's lives through our incredible experiences. Last week my facebook inbox was filled with people telling me how there lives were changed. That makes my day, month, year when that happens. Get ready for the changes, get ready for the crazy roller coaster that awaits us. I can't wait to see you all at Fusion!

God Talks Back

2010-08-18T10:06:00.000-04:00

In your prayer life do you ever feel like you are talking to a wall? I know I do and I'm a Pastor (as if that makes me special). Seriously though prayer can be very frustrating. You pour out your heart, your problems, desires and more often than not you get back....nothing. Its kind a like when you are on a cell phone call and the other person drops but you don't know and you continue to talk for five minutes to yourself. Sometimes if Im honest I feel like that is my prayer life.

Until something happens like this morning. I was praying during my morning routine, really not expecting a life changing encounter just kinda going through the motions, and BAM! POW! WACK! God showed up. After about 10 seconds of prayer God answered my questions and put words on my lips. I get so used to offereing prayer after prayer and feeling like it is my duty that I get jaded to the fact that God is alive and active and wants to talk to us. I was caught so off guard by the experience that I am embarrassed to admit it. But its the truth! I had to stop myself and actually think in my hazy morning stupor, that's God answering my prayer huh, wait WOW! That's God answering my prayer!!!!

I write this not to brag about my God encounter but to encourage you! God will talk back. Are you ready to hear from Him? Are you so used to going through the motions that you don't recognize His voice anymore?

Holy Wait

2010-08-17T20:49:00.000-04:00

This summer we had some amazing experiences at Fusion. Things happened that I had very rarely experienced before. Maybe you had never seen those things happen. The Holy Spirit moved in our midst changing lives and healing bodies. The whole time all this was happening I new this wasn't the end it was only the begining.

Our students are not just on a spiritual high from Motion or the Baptisim Bash. I believe they are making choices that will define this year and their life. I am thrilled at the excitement level at Fusion each week. The anticipation before the night begins amps me like no other. In the spirit of that anticipation. I want to encourage us to do something I call "Holy Wait". I personally am so tempted to force Holy Spirit moments. I want to jump ahead of what God is doing in our midst. But what I need to do is wait on God. I need to make sure that the moment is of God not of Jarad. I want to encourage each of us to prepare our hearts for God's move not our emotions. When we bring our friends and want them to experience God not a emotional high. So before Fusion ask God to prepare your heart and your friends heart's. Ask God to show Himself to you. Come with anticipation and a prepared heart.of God moments but not a desperation of an emotional high.

Desperation leads to spiritual attacks. Preparation leads to God moments .

Slow you heart to seek after God. Embrace the "Holy Wait"

Parent Opportunities

2010-08-17T11:39:00.001-04:00

We have a couple of terrific opportunities for parents.

The first is this Sunday Night there will be a parenting growth group at he Outback from 6:30-8:00pm led by Mike Downey. Last week was a great time of sharing and learning about how we can all be more effective parents. I recommend that all our parents come to this community building time.

The Boerner's let us know about another opportunity coming soon.

Saturday, August 28th 9:00 - 2:30

Cherokee Christian Schools

Cost: $30 for Individuals

$50 for Married Couples

Speakers: Joel Teague from Faith Community Church in Woodstock, GA

Tim Keeter from Grace Community Church in Huntsville, AL

Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 22nd

You may register online at www.faithcommunitycounseling.org

Please Pray For Jarad

2010-08-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

Alright gang! I have a serious problem. I had four wisdom teeth pulled and now I have dry sockets. Which is basically the kiss of death. I need prayer. Pray that my mouth will heal, Pray that I can think straight enough to let God use me at Fusion. Pray that I can be nice to my family. I know there are a bunch of prayer warriors out there and I need it.

This week's set list!!!

2010-08-15T21:49:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to Bring it!!!!

One Way
Rise And Sing
Beautiful Jesus
I Lift My Hands
Healer
You Alone Can Rescue
With Everything

You may want to bring a water cause we will be worshiping hard core! Last week was amazing! Remember to invite all your friends!!

Welcome to Student Life

2010-08-14T19:36:00.001-04:00

As school starts back up. We are rethinking the way in which we communicate with everyone about the happenings of the Student life ministry at BP. Do we need to txt, email, blog, send letters home? What are the effective ways in which to communicate with parents and students. To start off we decided to integrate this blog into our communication flow. Hopefully by subscribing to this blog you will be subscribing to a even flow of information that will equip you to be fully involved in Student Life. I look forward to developing this into an avenue for all sorts of helpful information.