Flat Sandel

Our theme this summer is On Location. On Sunday mornings (beginning June 20th) we’re going to be highlighting different moments with God from around the world. As a part of it, we’re doing a fun little activity called Flat Sandel. We’re encouraging everyone to get pictures with Flat Sandel in the most fun, creative, exciting places you can. Get photos of Flat Sandel with you “On Location”

• Flat Sandel – Black & White
• Flat Sandel – Color

Pick up a copy in our Jr. High room or download one of the above links. Feel free to cut it out, color it in or decorate it and take it with you. Then make sure you take pictures with him wherever you go and either bring in your pictures for us to display or email us a copy of the picture at ChrisS@wschurch.org.

Peeps in Love

This weekend in Velocity we wrapped up our series on relationships called My Peeps.

Our lesson, Peeps in Love, talked about dating relationships in Jr. High. We all want to be loved and needed. However, only when we first find our love in God can we have incredible dating (and marriage) relationships. We looked at what true love really is (1 Corinthians 13:1-7) and talked about the benefit of just having great friends right now so we can keep our focus on serving and loving God (1 Corinthians 7:32-34).

To wrap up, we challenged students to make a list of qualities they hope to find in the person they eventually marry. We encouraged everyone to pray for that person but then we turned the tables. Instead of just hoping to run into the perfect person one day, the best thing we can do right now is begin becoming like the person we hope to marry one day. For example, if you want to marry a loving, funny, compassionate, kind person, you should work to become that kind of person yourself.

Parents – Dating can sometimes be a touchy subject with kids but sometime this week consider reading through 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (or possibly Galatians 5:23-24) and talk to your student about what kind of person they hope to marry one day. Ask them what they hope that person is doing now to become a great future spouse and then ask what they can do to begin becoming great themselves. To jump into the topic of marriage, you might have some cake while you talk and use that transition to a discussion about weddings and marriage.

My Parental Peeps

This weekend in Velocity we continued our series on relationships called My Peeps.

Our lesson entitled, My Parental Peeps, looked at 1 Samuel 20:24-34 and the story of Jonathan testing his father Saul about his plan to kill David. Just as Saul threw a spear at his son and burst their “trust balloon”, sometimes we pick up our own spears (lies, deceit, disobedience, etc) and destroy the trust that has been built up with parents. Instead, if we want a great relationship with our parents we need to learn to give and receive trust.

As a family this week, read over Ephesians 6:1-4 together. Then, to help build up trust, come up with some things you can commit to for each other (empty the dishwasher, talk over dinner together, do your homework first, etc). Then make sure that you follow through and earn the trust you’ve been given.

We also had students write anonymous notes to their parents so be on the look out for some of their thoughts soon.

Chillin with My Peeps

This weekend in Velocity we began a new series on relationships called My Peeps.

Our lesson entitled, Chillin with My Peeps, looked at 1 Samuel 20:1-4 and the story of David and Jonathan. We talked about how we build friendships that go beyond the surface level to become relationships that last a lifetime. To build deeper friendships we’ve got to find people we can build trust with whether it is people at school, in our neighborhood or in a small group at church. Ultimately, we all need friends who will speak truth to us even when it is hard, just like David did to Jonathan.

1. What is one way you can try to build stronger friendships this week?
2. Think about your friendships. Is there something you’ve needed to speak up about for a while now but have been holding back?
3. Next time a friend brings up something serious to you, how can you use that opportunity to build a closer friendship?

If you’ve had trouble finding friends who will be there for you no matter what and challenge you in your relationship with God, consider being a part of one of our V-Groups new students are always welcome so meet us in the gym THIS WEDNESDAY from 6:30-8PM.

Only Way To Travel

This weekend in Velocity we concluded our series called An Incredible Journey focusing on the life of Abraham.

This week we looked at Genesis 22:1-14 and he story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham showed us what life fully committed to God looks like. He was prepared to give EVERYTHING to God, even his only son. He lived his life with arms wide open rather than clinging to the things he valued most. He gave it all to God.

Sometime this week, talk as a family about the things you value most. Ask yourself the question, “Is there anything that I wouldn’t be willing to give up if God asked me to?” It can be a hard question but it often helps us see if we’re really putting God first in everything.

More Than A Destination

This weekend in Velocity we continued our called An Incredible Journey focusing on the life of Abraham.

This week we looked at Genesis 15:1-21 and learned that God always keeps His promises. We looked at the incredible lengths God went through to reassure Abraham that he would keep His promises to him. Then we quickly looked at five promises God has made to us that we can depend on today.

This week, ask your student how they can depend on God to keep his promises (this week’s focus) and step out and trust God (last week’s focus) this week. If they said they had an idea of how they could step out in faith last week, follow up and see what happened.

The First Steps

This weekend in Velocity we kicked off a new series at our new time of 10:15AM. Our new series is called An Incredible Journey and it focuses on the life of Abraham.

This week we looked at Genesis 12:1-8. We saw how God had a plan to do great things through Abraham but as with every incredible journey, it had to begin with him taking that first step on faith. We talked about a few other simple people who stepped out in faith and allowed God to use them to do amazing things.

This week, ask your student how they can step out and trust God this week. If they haven’t thought of a way already try using a few of the following questions to spark their thinking:

1. If you really started asking God to use you, what is something you’re afraidHe might ask you to do?
2. What is so scary about that? What is holding you back?
3. Would you be willing to begin praying about how God could help you to do that?
4. What could happen (or not happen) if no one ever has the courage to do it?
5. Whatincrediblethings could God do through you if you found the courage to step out in faith in that way?
6. How can I (as your parent) help encourage you and pray for you in this area?

What’s Inside – Memory

This weekend in Velocity we wrapped up our teaching series calledWhat’s Inside: The Anatomy of A Church Service. We’ve been taking closer look at the different parts of a typical worship service.

This week we focused on “Memory”, talking about two final parts of many worship services, communion and baptism. When we remember what Christ did for us whenever we come together for worship, we can’t help but have our lives changed.

If you were challenged this morning to consider being baptized let Chris know. Also, if you’re still thinking about it but want more information, consider coming to WS101 on Sunday, April 18th. We’ve got a new version designed just for students that talks all about baptism and membership.

What’s Inside: Music

This weekend in Velocitycontinued our teaching series calledWhat’s Inside: The Anatomy of A Church Service.Leading up to Easter we’re taking closer look at the different parts of a typical worship service.

This week we focused on the Music. Every time we gather we have an opportunity to worship God through our songs. We focused on three main ways we can make sure we’re coming to God ready to worship with our whole heart.

1. Imagine you’re standing in God’s precense as you sing.
2. Make sure you’re focusing on the works you’re singing.
3. Express your thoughts/feeling to God as we worship.

We also challenged student to get some worship music so they can worship God at home with a CD or MP3 player. One way they can do that is through iTunes (or another online music store). If you’re looking for some worship songs, here are the ones we’ve done in Velocity over the last 6 months:

What’s Inside: Message

This weekend in Velocitybegan a new teaching series calledWhat’s Inside: The Anatomy of A Church Service.For the next four weeks we’re taking closer look at the different parts of a typical worship service.

This week we focused on the Message. Every time we gather God has a message for us if we will make sure we come ready to listen. We looked several scriptures, includingActs 17:11, and learned from the example that the Bereans set for us.

PARENTS: Some time this week, take a few minutes to talk through the following questions in response to this week’s topic.

1. Why do you think we have a “sermon” every week in church?
2. Can you remember any sermons that you thought were particularly good? Bad?
3. How can you begin taking advantage of the teaching you get when you listen to a sermon (take notes, write down something you want to change about your life, etc)

Also, encourage your student to follow through on our challenge to bring their Bible and take notes this week.