Let's remember as we compete in olympics and other competitions such as volleyball that the Apostle Paul talks about the race that we run each day of our lives in Hebrews chapter 12. ... "let us run with determination the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus on whom our faith depends from the beginning to the end". As we play softball, run races, do limbo and Bible Trivia - keep our eyes "fixed on Jesus" and the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to the Godly success of His special calling for each one of us.
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Ariel, Kelly and Amanda Performing at Xmas Show 2007 |
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Christians Under the Stairs Goals So why are we called Christians Under the Stairs (C.U.T.S.) ? It’s simple … we meet in a basement and, during our get togethers, the group faces the stairs leading to our youth room, known as Down ‘n Under (go down the stairs and under the chapel to meet). And what are our goals? We have four: • To create a safe place for our young people to meet and develop lasting, trusting Christian friendships while having fun together. • To challenge our young people to learn more about their Christian faith. • To provide ways for them to put their faith into action. • To provide opportunities for our older young people to take a leadership role in guiding the younger members in their faith journey. So simply speaking it is Faith … Fun … and Friends! To learn ideas to establish these goals for your youth group gatherings, click on the following: Not the Same Old, Done-it-before Youth Meeting (the book) Tim |
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We at the Christians Under the Stairs Youth Group have several goals for the program. One is to take time to share our faith with our friends while having fun. FAITH ... FUN ... FRIENDS is one of our mottos at the Youth Group. So before our "Let's Ask God" discussion with the youth group at Bellmore Presbyterian Church on October 21 st we played a close volleyball match with them. So here are some pictures ...
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FUN ... FAITH ... FRIENDS Who Says Christian Youth don't have FUN?? BUT THEN, AGAIN ??
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Christians Under the Stairs Newsletter Excerpts Retreat Thoughts – Top Ten List Number 10 ... The Lemmings and what we learned about the dangers of conforming without thinking about what we are doing. Number 9 ... The wrestling match – Harris and Michael and sleeping bags. Number 8 ... The Lemon Squeeze and the fact that all who tried made it – with ease. Number 7 ... Having fun without a computer – yes, walking on a frozen lake, skimming rocks across it with friends is fun! Number 6 ... A candle ceremony and once again praying together on Sunday morning. Number 5 ... All kinds of good food and lots of it – thanks to Linda, Rick and Cathy, our chefs. Number 4 ... Amazing Grace – the song, the movie and the commitment to a seventeen year long journey before William Wilberforce arrived at his goal. Can we be so committed? Number 3 ... Music and talents at the Talent Show – after the wrestling match Vito and Stephen rap, Rick and Tim rock and Vicki croons. Dennis juggles and the two Dans perform – magic and, well, nose kicks ?!? Number 2 ... The Journey starts but does not end… we remember Stop Signs, Road Narrows Signs, One Way Signs and Dead End Signs. The lesson learned ... with the support of Christian friends and the Spirit of God, we will not falter but overcome each and every road block in our quest for truth. Number 1 ... “Lean on Me” – yes, we are not alone. We have supportive Christian friends and Jesus says when two or three of you gather together in my name I am with you.
GRACE, FAITH, FRIENDSHIP This was our topic not only at the Progressive Dinner but also was the treasure discovered during our treasure hunt on Halloween. “For by Grace are you saved through Faith … it is not by works.” Take time to think about this statement. It is not our good deeds that bring us close to God. It is our faith and our acceptance of the grace of God. Remember our definition of “grace”. It is a special favor, unmerited divine assistance. Important words for each of us to think upon. Our good deeds do not bring us close to God. It is God’s grace that, through our faith, motivates us to do the good deeds that please him. This is good news – God doesn’t expect us to be perfect – just to be faithful by opening our hearts and by inviting His Spirit in. The answers each car gave to the Grace, Faith, Friendship question will be posted on the web site at the beginning of the New Year as a new Youth Question of the Month. Tim |