Friday, February 29, 2008
Tonight............
It will be the first Friday in months, that I haven't gone to Fuel. Ever since I was given the position of PR Liaison, I haven't missed a week! (That's been about three months now.) Even before that, I would go after work to fellowship with other Journey members. I wasn't always able to hear the message, but I wanted to spend time with the people who shared my love for God. So, tonight my husband and I have the "night off", and we decided we wanted to spend some alone time together. I'm looking forward to spending time with my husband, but somehow I still feel like something is missing. I feel like a part of me isn't being fulfilled, because I won't be at Fuel. I know it doesn't change my relationship with God, and it doesn't make Him think any less of me, but I feel lost! I feel the same way when I miss church on Sunday. I feel a small sense of emptiness, because even though my thoughts are with God, I'm not getting the fellowship with other Christians. I never realized just how important fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ can be. I know I'm never alone, because God is with me, but the Bible says we are to fellowship with other believers, and worship God together. The Journey is a part of who I am, and since I am unable to attend other Journey gatherings, Fuel is where I get that fellowship. I will truly miss Fuel tonight, and I'm looking forward to going back next week.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
It's Done!
I did my presentation tonight, and it seemed to be well received. My classmates were attentive, and I could see many of them nodding in agreement. The surprising part was that out of the 15 people that raised their hand when I asked "How many of you are 18-29?", only three of them raised their hands when I asked them if their churches offered a Young Adult ministry. (I hope I reached some of them, by letting them know they have another option for spiritual growth). It absolutely amazes me that so many churches miss out on the opportunity to reach their young adults. They leave them to wander alone, and just assume that their spiritual journey will happen naturally. Most churches figure that once you're out of high school, you should automatically become a part of the Main Church.
The problem is, it's not that simple. Once you hit 18, your brain doesn't immediately shift to "Ok, I'm adult now. Time for me to join in the Main church activities, with people my parents age (or older)." It's absolutely scary once you turn 18. You're no longer a child, and most of the time you "age-out" of the high school group. (Not always, but it happens too often.) So you're left wondering "Now what? I no longer have a small group of people I can relate to, and I don't have much in common with the people my parents know from church." Often times, this is when young adults wander from the church. They are usually working, going to school, or both. So they become lured out into the world, and find it harder to resist temptation. They no longer have their small group to hold them accountable, and help encourage them along their walk with God. They often lose their way, and make choices they wouldn't have made otherwise.
More churches need to offer Young Adult ministries. It would be a blessing not only to the young adults, but to the church as well. If more young adults are given continued guidance past their high school years, they are more likely to become stronger Christians. If they are able to continue worshiping, praying, and fellowshipping with people their own age, they will feel more comfortable as they transition into their spiritual adulthood. Young Adult ministry allows the members to ask questions they may be afraid to ask in church. They are able to relate to many of the other members who might be going through similar experiences. They may encounter members who have already been through what they're going through, that may be able to offer assurance and guidance through the difficult times. They have a continued sense of belonging, rather than feeling like an outsider.
That's why The Journey is here. We offer this sanctuary to any young adults in the Inland Empire who might feel lost, or are unsure of what their next step should be. We're here to offer a community of people who can sympathize and empathize with their struggles. Our wish is not that they leave their home church, but that we are able to offer something additional, whatever they may feel is missing from their lives. We want to "Be the Difference" for them, and help them become the difference in the lives of others. We hope to enrich their spiritual lives, and help them strengthen their relationship with God. The Journey is a supplement, not a replacement.
Anyone who has questions, feel free to visit www.towardtruth.com, and learn more about The Journey. We have a podcast available for anyone who wishes to hear some of the messages before they decide to join us on our journey of truth. God Bless!
The problem is, it's not that simple. Once you hit 18, your brain doesn't immediately shift to "Ok, I'm adult now. Time for me to join in the Main church activities, with people my parents age (or older)." It's absolutely scary once you turn 18. You're no longer a child, and most of the time you "age-out" of the high school group. (Not always, but it happens too often.) So you're left wondering "Now what? I no longer have a small group of people I can relate to, and I don't have much in common with the people my parents know from church." Often times, this is when young adults wander from the church. They are usually working, going to school, or both. So they become lured out into the world, and find it harder to resist temptation. They no longer have their small group to hold them accountable, and help encourage them along their walk with God. They often lose their way, and make choices they wouldn't have made otherwise.
More churches need to offer Young Adult ministries. It would be a blessing not only to the young adults, but to the church as well. If more young adults are given continued guidance past their high school years, they are more likely to become stronger Christians. If they are able to continue worshiping, praying, and fellowshipping with people their own age, they will feel more comfortable as they transition into their spiritual adulthood. Young Adult ministry allows the members to ask questions they may be afraid to ask in church. They are able to relate to many of the other members who might be going through similar experiences. They may encounter members who have already been through what they're going through, that may be able to offer assurance and guidance through the difficult times. They have a continued sense of belonging, rather than feeling like an outsider.
That's why The Journey is here. We offer this sanctuary to any young adults in the Inland Empire who might feel lost, or are unsure of what their next step should be. We're here to offer a community of people who can sympathize and empathize with their struggles. Our wish is not that they leave their home church, but that we are able to offer something additional, whatever they may feel is missing from their lives. We want to "Be the Difference" for them, and help them become the difference in the lives of others. We hope to enrich their spiritual lives, and help them strengthen their relationship with God. The Journey is a supplement, not a replacement.
Anyone who has questions, feel free to visit www.towardtruth.com, and learn more about The Journey. We have a podcast available for anyone who wishes to hear some of the messages before they decide to join us on our journey of truth. God Bless!
Monday, February 25, 2008
My Presentation........
The presentation that I was supposed to do last week, was postponed to this week. I get to do it on Wednesday. I believe I am second to go up. It will be about The Journey, since the group is something I'm passionate about. I'm a little nervous, because I don't like getting up in front of people. It's a fear of mine, that I am currently working through. Please pray again for me, that it goes smoothly, and that God helps me reach those young adults who are searching for a community of people their own age that love to worship God. I pray that God gives me the right words to say, and gives me the strength to do whatever He has sent me to do. May God give me wisdom and grace for this presentation!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I Just Signed Up For The Walk!
I just signed up to be on the Centerpoint Church Team for the Coachella Valley Autism Society Walk on March 29, 2008, to help B.E.S.T. Services raise money for Autism. I'm looking forward to participating in this cause. If you would like to help B.E.S.T. Services with a donation, you may do so by writing a check to B.E.S.T. Services and give it to me or one of the other walkers. Or you can go online and donate with a credit card or PayPal on the B.E.S.T. Services website, www.bestautismservices.com. Or you can join our team! Go to the website, and click on the link for the walk. Click "Join a Team", and enter in our teams ID number. Enter in your information, and you will be added to our team. Thank you for helping in the fight against Autism.
Centerpoint Church ID: 34
Centerpoint Church ID: 34
Last Night's Fuel Gathering
It was great. Pastor Shawn spoke about bitterness, and how it can truly affect your life. I never thought of it in the way that God revealed it through Shawn. I began to see the uselessness of being bitter. Here are some of my notes from his message (paraphrased):
Bitterness is keeping a record of wrongs, it boils up into Rage, which is uncontrolled passion. If you lose control, it can turn into Anger, which is a violent emotion. Anger can escalate into Brawling (fighting, punching), and become Slander (speaking ill about someone else). Any type of Malice, which is wanting to do harm someone or see them suffer, is wrong. Don't let Bitterness become part of who you are! Bitterness is an OPTIONAL response to bad things that happen. We deserve God's wrath, but He gives us grace.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32
When I heard these words, they truly hit home for me. How can I expect God to forgive me for my wrongdoings, if I can't forgive someone else? Who am I to judge the actions of someone else? I need to let go of all the wrongs that have been done against me, and forgive those who committed them. I am the one who is choosing to let these things continue to bother me. I am the one who chooses to be angry. I need to ask God to help me forgive them. I need to give my anger and frustration up to Him. I need to stop being bitter, because all it's doing, is eating away at me. It's tearing me up inside, and will eventually affect my entire life. As I sit here, typing this, I offer up my bitterness and resentment to God. I pray that He helps me to become a more forgiving person.
If you would like to hear Pastor Shawn's message, go to www.towardtruth.com, and click on The Journey's Podcast.
Bitterness is keeping a record of wrongs, it boils up into Rage, which is uncontrolled passion. If you lose control, it can turn into Anger, which is a violent emotion. Anger can escalate into Brawling (fighting, punching), and become Slander (speaking ill about someone else). Any type of Malice, which is wanting to do harm someone or see them suffer, is wrong. Don't let Bitterness become part of who you are! Bitterness is an OPTIONAL response to bad things that happen. We deserve God's wrath, but He gives us grace.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32
When I heard these words, they truly hit home for me. How can I expect God to forgive me for my wrongdoings, if I can't forgive someone else? Who am I to judge the actions of someone else? I need to let go of all the wrongs that have been done against me, and forgive those who committed them. I am the one who is choosing to let these things continue to bother me. I am the one who chooses to be angry. I need to ask God to help me forgive them. I need to give my anger and frustration up to Him. I need to stop being bitter, because all it's doing, is eating away at me. It's tearing me up inside, and will eventually affect my entire life. As I sit here, typing this, I offer up my bitterness and resentment to God. I pray that He helps me to become a more forgiving person.
If you would like to hear Pastor Shawn's message, go to www.towardtruth.com, and click on The Journey's Podcast.
Monday, February 18, 2008
This Week....
Wednesday, February 20th- I will be doing a presentation in my Business Communications class, that will introduce the What, theHow, and the Why of The Journey. I hope to reach some of the young adults in my class, and offer another place for them to worship God. The Journey's goal is not to take young adults away from their church, but to add to what they already know about God. We offer worship, prayer, and fellowship to all young adults that come to our weekly meetings. For those of you that are in my class, I hope that this piques your interest about my presentation, and please pray that it goes smoothly. For those of you not in my class, pray for me that this goes well, and that I don't make a complete fool of myself!
Friday, February, 22nd- Fuel will be meeting back in the Children's Ministries Building! (Last week, we met in the Sanctuary.) This week's message will be about Bitterness, and how we can overcome it. Pastor Shawn will be speaking, and will be offering the wisdom that God sees fit to bestow upon him for this particular message. As usual, we will be meeting for dinner at 6pm, and worship starts at 7pm. Come join us for prayer, fellowship, and community enjoyment. If you have any questions about The Journey, or need directions, go to the website at www.towardtruth.com. God Bless!
Friday, February, 22nd- Fuel will be meeting back in the Children's Ministries Building! (Last week, we met in the Sanctuary.) This week's message will be about Bitterness, and how we can overcome it. Pastor Shawn will be speaking, and will be offering the wisdom that God sees fit to bestow upon him for this particular message. As usual, we will be meeting for dinner at 6pm, and worship starts at 7pm. Come join us for prayer, fellowship, and community enjoyment. If you have any questions about The Journey, or need directions, go to the website at www.towardtruth.com. God Bless!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
B.E.S.T. Services
Behavioral and Educational Support Team Services, Inc.
The Journey will be participating in the Coachella Valley Autism Society Walk on March 29, 2008, along with B.E.S.T Services to help raise money for Autism. So far, they have raised $2,500, but their goal is $25,000! If you would like to help with a donation, you may do so by writing a check to B.E.S.T Services and give it to one of the walkers. Or you can go online and donate with a credit card or PayPal on the website www.bestautismservices.com. If you are interested in walking with us you may join our team. All are welcome! To join, go to the B.E.S.T. Services website and click the link for the walk. Click on the "Join a Team" link, and enter in Centerpoint Church's ID number. Enter in your information, and you will be added to our team!
Thank you so much for helping us in the fight for autism, and God Bless!
Centerpoint Church ID: 34
The Journey will be participating in the Coachella Valley Autism Society Walk on March 29, 2008, along with B.E.S.T Services to help raise money for Autism. So far, they have raised $2,500, but their goal is $25,000! If you would like to help with a donation, you may do so by writing a check to B.E.S.T Services and give it to one of the walkers. Or you can go online and donate with a credit card or PayPal on the website www.bestautismservices.com. If you are interested in walking with us you may join our team. All are welcome! To join, go to the B.E.S.T. Services website and click the link for the walk. Click on the "Join a Team" link, and enter in Centerpoint Church's ID number. Enter in your information, and you will be added to our team!
Thank you so much for helping us in the fight for autism, and God Bless!
Centerpoint Church ID: 34
Jess and Karilee's Message on Autism
On Friday, February 15, 2008, Jessica Cox and Karilee Jones spoke at Fuel. Their message was about Autism, and the children that they tutor. These two ladies are very special people, because they help Autistic children learn to communicate with others. I was very moved by their message, and by the fact that they were chosen by God to help these children.
What is Autism? It is a severe developmental disorder, that begins at birth or within the first two and a half years of life. It is usually diagnosed by the age of three. A less severe form is known as Asperger's Syndrome. Children who have Asperger's are higher functioning than children who are Autistic.
Statistics: 1 in 150 children in the U.S. are diagnosed per year. 4 in 10 boys are diagnosed, but only 1 in 10 girls are diagnosed. For whatever reason, Autism is more prevalent in boys.
If you would like to know more about Autism, go to www.towardtruth.com, to hear Jess and Karilee's message on The Journey's Podcast, or visit the B.E.S.T Services website at www.bestautismservices.com.
What is Autism? It is a severe developmental disorder, that begins at birth or within the first two and a half years of life. It is usually diagnosed by the age of three. A less severe form is known as Asperger's Syndrome. Children who have Asperger's are higher functioning than children who are Autistic.
Statistics: 1 in 150 children in the U.S. are diagnosed per year. 4 in 10 boys are diagnosed, but only 1 in 10 girls are diagnosed. For whatever reason, Autism is more prevalent in boys.
If you would like to know more about Autism, go to www.towardtruth.com, to hear Jess and Karilee's message on The Journey's Podcast, or visit the B.E.S.T Services website at www.bestautismservices.com.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
To all of you young adults: Hope you guys and gals have a great day and evening. It's Valentine's Day, and whether or not you are part of a couple, go out and have a good time. If you're single, go out with your friends or do something by yourself. Don't let the fact that you're single get you down. Enjoy it! Be yourself! Have a good time! Be young and exciting! If you're dating, keep it fun and simple. If you're engaged, try a nice dinner at a restaurant and maybe a romantic movie. If you're married, how about a romantic dinner at home, a rented movie, and snuggling on the couch?
Wherever you are on your journey of love, be careful, and always make the right choices. Be honest with yourself (and your partner, if you have one). Don't try to be something you're not. Don't let anyone compromise you into something you don't want to do. Be upfront, and don't be afraid to set up boundaries. You have a right to say no to whatever someone asks you to do. God Bless you on your endeavors!
Wherever you are on your journey of love, be careful, and always make the right choices. Be honest with yourself (and your partner, if you have one). Don't try to be something you're not. Don't let anyone compromise you into something you don't want to do. Be upfront, and don't be afraid to set up boundaries. You have a right to say no to whatever someone asks you to do. God Bless you on your endeavors!
Reminder!
This Friday's Fuel, will be taking place in the Main Sanctuary of Centerpoint Church. The Church is located on the corner of 7th and F St. in Colton. For all regular attendees, you guys know how to get there. If you would like to join us for the first time, and need directions to Centerpoint, visit the church's website at www.centerpointcolton.com. Fuel still starts at 7pm, but feel free to join us at 6pm for dinner.
Also, don't forget this week's message is about Autism. Jessica Cox and Karilee Jones will be speaking about it. If you have any questions, or would just like to know more about Autism, come join us. Both ladies work with Autistic children, so they have plenty of knowledge that they were willing to share with us. Come join us, and hear what these ladies have to offer!
Also, don't forget this week's message is about Autism. Jessica Cox and Karilee Jones will be speaking about it. If you have any questions, or would just like to know more about Autism, come join us. Both ladies work with Autistic children, so they have plenty of knowledge that they were willing to share with us. Come join us, and hear what these ladies have to offer!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tonight at Centerpoint Church
Everyone's welcome!
Whether you are a young adult or not, join us! Do you "want to know more of what's between the covers of your Bible?" If so, join Pastor Dane Aaker as he goes through each book of the Bible. "Thru the Bible" starts at 6:30 pm, in the Basement of the Main Building at Centerpoint Church. We have worship, which is lead by Kevin Krogstad, then have Pastor Dane's lesson, and then we break up into smaller study groups to discuss what we learned. If you are a young adult, join Kevin and Laura in The Journey's small group, and be with people your own age who probably have similar questions to yours. (Sometimes, the group goes for dinner afterward).
If you have children, join Pastor Pam and Ellie Clark in the Main Sanctuary of Centerpoint Church for "Family Stuf", also starting at 6:30 pm. Every month, they teach about a new virtue of God. It's a great place for families to "worship and grow together". Feel free to join in the fun!
If you have Junior High or High School students, they meet in the Student Ministries Building, which is right across the parking lot. "Switch" (Junior High) and "Ignition" (high school) do "teen-age stuff" and find out more about God. It's fun and educational! Come join in!
Whether you are a young adult or not, join us! Do you "want to know more of what's between the covers of your Bible?" If so, join Pastor Dane Aaker as he goes through each book of the Bible. "Thru the Bible" starts at 6:30 pm, in the Basement of the Main Building at Centerpoint Church. We have worship, which is lead by Kevin Krogstad, then have Pastor Dane's lesson, and then we break up into smaller study groups to discuss what we learned. If you are a young adult, join Kevin and Laura in The Journey's small group, and be with people your own age who probably have similar questions to yours. (Sometimes, the group goes for dinner afterward).
If you have children, join Pastor Pam and Ellie Clark in the Main Sanctuary of Centerpoint Church for "Family Stuf", also starting at 6:30 pm. Every month, they teach about a new virtue of God. It's a great place for families to "worship and grow together". Feel free to join in the fun!
If you have Junior High or High School students, they meet in the Student Ministries Building, which is right across the parking lot. "Switch" (Junior High) and "Ignition" (high school) do "teen-age stuff" and find out more about God. It's fun and educational! Come join in!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
College-Age Group
If you are 18-23, and live in the Inland Empire, you are more than welcome to join the bible study and fellowship group tonight, in Grand Terrace. The group is run by Adda & Evan Dahlke, at their home, from 6:30pm on (ending probably about 8:30-9pm). For more information about the group, visit The Journey's website at www.towardtruth.com, and click on "Journey Groups". You can also get directions to the Dahlke's house. If you want, you can also e-mail Adda with any questions at adda@towardtruth.com. We hope to see you there!
Monday, February 11, 2008
This Week's Fuel Gathering
Attention! This Friday, February 15: Fuel will be meeting in the Main Sanctuary, instead of the Youth Building. Centerpoint's Junior High Leaders will be getting the High School room ready for Anti-Camp on Saturday, so The Journey will be having worship and our message across the parking lot, in the church. Anyone who attends Centerpoint regularly, knows where that is. Those of you that don't, it's really easy to find: it's the big, white building on the corner of 7th and F streets (in Colton), with "Centerpoint Church" painted on the side. We welcome all newcomers, as well as all regular attendees.
This week's message will be shared by Jessica Cox and Karilee Jones. They will be speaking about Autism, and how it affects both the children and their families. Both ladies work with Autistic children, so I'm sure they have much wisdom to share. Here at The Journey, we look forward to whatever Jess and Kari have to offer us. So please come join us, and hear more about Autism. We hope to see you there!
This week's message will be shared by Jessica Cox and Karilee Jones. They will be speaking about Autism, and how it affects both the children and their families. Both ladies work with Autistic children, so I'm sure they have much wisdom to share. Here at The Journey, we look forward to whatever Jess and Kari have to offer us. So please come join us, and hear more about Autism. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations!
One of our Journey couples just got engaged! They've been together for 2+ years. For more details, check out their blog page! Congrats, you two! http://gettinglostwithpaulandjess.blogspot.com
So Far This Month....
We've had five new attendees at Fuel! That is fantastic! We're excited that people are coming to check us out. One of the new attendees has already been back once, and we hope to see him again next week. We hope that the others feel free to come back and join us whenever they want. We're glad to become a part of their spiritual journey. We feel blessed that they have decided to add to The Journey's spiritual development.
I also heard that we had a few new people joining in on Wednesday night's Through the Bible (bible study) at Centerpoint Church. They came to hear Pastor Dane's lesson, and then they joined The Journey's individual discussion group afterwards. This is all great news! We look forward to seeing more new faces in weeks to come!
I also heard that we had a few new people joining in on Wednesday night's Through the Bible (bible study) at Centerpoint Church. They came to hear Pastor Dane's lesson, and then they joined The Journey's individual discussion group afterwards. This is all great news! We look forward to seeing more new faces in weeks to come!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Parents of Young Adults (18-29)
Feel free to mention The Journey to your children. They are more then welcome to join us, and if you're the one who has visited this page tell them about the group! Let them know about this page, so they can link to The Journey's website, or just let them know about the other links. We are just looking for young adults that want (or need) a small group of their own, to worship God. Many local churches don't offer young adult groups, so we welcome any and all young adults who want to be part of one! They don't need to leave their home church, just join us and have ANOTHER place to fellowship, worship, and pray (with people their own age). Put the word out!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Attention Young Adults!
The focus for the month of February: Our Struggles Within
The entire month, we will have messages on struggles that we may have in our lives. Some are spiritual, some are psychological, and some are emotional.
Last week, we learned about Depression: what many of the symptoms are and how to cope with them. Our guest speaker was Dr. Mark Cox, and he offered a lot of suggestions for people who struggle with depression and their families. Dr. Cox's message offered much to those who needed to hear what he had to share. If you missed it, you should be able to catch it on The Journey's website at www.towardtruth.com, on our PodCast.
This week, February 8th, the message will be about Self-Worth. Shawn Candelaria, our young adult pastor will be speaking. Come join us and hear God speak through Shawn on this subject.
Next week, February 15th, the message will be about Autism. Our worship leader, Jessica Cox, and one of our long time members, Karilee Jones will be speaking on the subject. Both ladies are tutors of autistic children, so I'm sure they have much to offer. Come join us and learn more about Autism.
On February 22, we will learn about Bitterness, and on February 29, we will learn about Anger. Stay tuned for more information!
The entire month, we will have messages on struggles that we may have in our lives. Some are spiritual, some are psychological, and some are emotional.
Last week, we learned about Depression: what many of the symptoms are and how to cope with them. Our guest speaker was Dr. Mark Cox, and he offered a lot of suggestions for people who struggle with depression and their families. Dr. Cox's message offered much to those who needed to hear what he had to share. If you missed it, you should be able to catch it on The Journey's website at www.towardtruth.com, on our PodCast.
This week, February 8th, the message will be about Self-Worth. Shawn Candelaria, our young adult pastor will be speaking. Come join us and hear God speak through Shawn on this subject.
Next week, February 15th, the message will be about Autism. Our worship leader, Jessica Cox, and one of our long time members, Karilee Jones will be speaking on the subject. Both ladies are tutors of autistic children, so I'm sure they have much to offer. Come join us and learn more about Autism.
On February 22, we will learn about Bitterness, and on February 29, we will learn about Anger. Stay tuned for more information!
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