Velocity

Velocity blog has moved.

2011-05-26T10:42:00.001-04:00

The Velocity blog has moved its base of operations to Facebook.
Please search for Covenant of Grace youth ministry on Facebook to find more information about the COG youth ministry.

MS Retreat!!

2010-10-19T14:32:00.004-04:00

MS Retreat – Fri Nov. 13th – Sun Nov. 15th
Where? Skycroft Resort on Appalachian Trail
What? Fun, Games, Friends, Seminars, Worship!
Cost? $159. Partial Scholarships available if needed.

Deadline: Mon. Oct 25 or Sunday Oct. 31st

Applications are in the Folder Box of the Youth Bulletin Board & at youth group

OR Right copy and paste this link into your web browser:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/Retreats/Middle%20School%20MtnFest.Info.Application-%202010.doc

VBS was a BLAST!! Now onto Youth Group!

2010-07-16T12:54:00.003-04:00

VBS Week was great!!

We had 26 kids and the theme of the week was "HEROES IN SERVICE" We learned that God uses people of all ages, traits, personalities, to others and Him!
Please ask your student how they can be heroes who serve.

Picture of the week! Katheryn has a little bit of shaving cream on her face.

The next Middle Youth event is the Welcome back to Youth Group party on Sunday August 15th at the Woodens Farm. Pay more attention for more details to follow.

Then our weekly middle school youth group starts up on Monday August 23rd at 6:30pm at Covenant of Grace Presbyterian Church.

Dreaming for your kids.

2010-04-08T11:44:00.001-04:00

Dreaming For Your Kids

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Joel 2:28

We hear Joel 2:28 in church and think about how revival needs to come to the younger generation. But, instead of concentrating on that part of Joel 2:28, I want to draw your attention to the "old men will dream dreams" phrase.

I used to overlook that part of the verse most of the time, because I was so excited about the young people part. I thought, "I'm not going to be old for a long time yet, so I'm not going to talk or think much about the old men dreaming dreams." But it is the older people in our society who dream dreams for the younger generation; and so it must be the parents who dream dreams for their children.

They Didn't Ask for This Garbage

Looking at the culture barrage hammering our teens, whether it's the things being sold to them, what is being written to them--movies and music--or the point-and-click pornography that's available to them, there is one thing we can all agree on: Our children are not the ones who invented these things.

Just about every one of these social influences, whether it's media entertainment, technological inventions or opportunities on the Web that is destroying kids, have been dreamed up by the older generation. In many ways, these older dreamers prey on young people because they have plenty of money to spend. They appeal to young people's most corrupt desires to get them to empty their pockets. But the fact is, the kids didn't ask for this garbage; they were sold this garbage by people trying to take advantage of them to make a lot of money without any thought to moral consequences. Of course they will tell us, "If people didn't buy it, we wouldn't make it" as if it's a moral obligation to sell people things that will destroy them just because they will buy them.

As a result, kids think, "I want my MTV." Is it really "their MTV" or is it somebody else's MTV that they are told to find their identity in? Young people say, "I want those pants. I want that music. I want that new CD." Somebody else has made them feel important by making it seem like the company is doing something "just for them." As a result, teens absorb and digest lyrics, values, and a lifestyle that totally and completely destroys them.

Here's the question for us: Are we not dreamers? Cannot we, the people who love God, dream a dream for the young people in our churches? Can we not dream a dream for the young people in our communities? Is it only the secular culture that has a dream for our children?

You can protect your kids from the disaster of being shaped by a confused generation of adults selling media, but it will take deliberation. It will take sweat. It will require emotional and mental engagement with your kids, starting when they are at a very young age.

Dream for Your Kids

Dream a dream for your kids. Do you want them to be entertainment oriented or service-to-others oriented? Ask for an entertainment-oriented person, and you'll get someone who is constantly appeasing the flesh and desiring the next thing to engage and tantalize them. Where are the servant-oriented people--those men and women who lay down their lives as a sacrifice for others? It is our choice as parents to determine what kind of young people we want and what it will take to produce them. As you dream for your kids teach them how to think critically and pursue growth in their relationship with the Lord. Dreaming for them does not mean dictating their lives and living vicariously through your son or daughter. Let them know you are behind them 100% when they make godly decisions. If you dream a dream and roll up your sleeves and go for it, I'm confident that you will raise the kind of child you will be proud of for many years. If you sacrifice now, you'll reap a blessing for the rest of your life; and the world will never be the same.

Not only must we be the dreamers, but we must also teach our kids to be the dreamers for their own generation. Note this passage of Scripture: "Your young men will see visions" (Joel 2:28). Our young people need to have a vision of how God could use them to change their generation and make a difference in the world. Yet, every time we allow our kids to watch, see, feel, touch and embrace this culture, they become a part of a dream belonging to someone else. The fact is, we must either be the dreamers or we will be a part of somebody else's dream.

Merely giving birth does not make you a parent. Sacrificing while your children are small, laying down your "deserved" freedoms and deeply thinking about how you're shaping your children will ensure their lifelong freedom from the chains of slavery to our culture. It's work, and it's called loving your children. It's called being a parent.

This article was adapted from Ron's book, Re-Create: Building a Culture in Our Homes That Is Stronger Than the Culture Deceiving Our Kids. Look for it at your nearest bookstore, or visit www.battlecry.com for more information.

Ron Luce is the president and founder of Teen Mania Ministries, a Christian organization reaching millions of young people worldwide. He passionately declares the Gospel through Acquire the Fire TV broadcasts, youth events, camps and media resources, challenging teens to take a stand for Christ. www.teenmania.org

Prayer

2010-03-16T11:52:00.002-04:00

Everything requires fuel. Some are more powerful and more
combustible than others. Serious damage can result from
using the wrong type of fuel. So the key is to use the right
fuel with the right tool.

James 5:16b - "The earnest prayer of a righteous person
has great power and wonderful results."

Prayer is a high octane fuel of the Spirit led life. Ask the
class to share some of the results of their prayers.

Prayer brings the power of the Almighty against
the problems of mankind.

That’s the kind of fuel we need to feed our lives. We need
God’s power flowing through us. The way to connect with
that power is through prayer.

This is the kind of prayer we talked about in our lesson on Monday. If you would like to review the lesson and go over some of the points with your students then please use the below link.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/FaithfulLiving.James.5.Prayer.doc

Philly Missions Trip

2010-03-09T13:38:00.004-05:00

The Philly Missions trip was tons of fun and a great spiritual encouragement to us and a great help to the homeless who we served. Here are some pics from the trip.

This is us with the city in the background.

On our Prayer Tour through the city.

Our group with Roy in the middle. Roy is a Christian homeless man who chooses to be homeless because God has called him to homeless ministry. He had some great lessons to teach us and greatly encouraged us.

The guys chilling outside the Kenningston Ministry site.

Singing at the Red Door Ministry.

Sorting clothes to be handed out at the Red Door Ministry.

If you have facebook then you can see al 71 pictures on our group page. Just search for Covenant of Grace Youth Ministry and join!

Lesson on Patience

2010-03-02T12:46:00.003-05:00

So last night we did a lesson on Patience from the book of James.

It was very ironic because our blessed Middle School students were not as patient during the lesson when it came to talking! ha ha. It was eerily similar to our "Quick to Listen" lesson. Very funny stuff. : )

Patience. First a funny story about patience:
---------------------------------------------------
Gladys and Rhonda walked along the sidewalk after church. They were on their way home, thinking about meals planned for later that afternoon and casually discussing the morning service.

"That was a great sermon on patience," remarked Rhonda.

Gladys replied, "Yeah, but he went five minutes long."
---------------------------------------------------

Please take this opportunity to browse over this supplemental material we have for you to continue on the talk of patience at home this week.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/FaithfulLiving.Patience.HO.doc

Helping Teenagers Strive for Purity

2010-02-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here is an excerpt from Parentlink's 2009 February Newsletter concerning purity.

Help Teenagers Strive for Moral Purity

Thanks to pop singers, purity rings have become a hot trend. Many young people are publicly announcing their intentions to abstain from sex until marriage. For some kids, these rings mean even more. About his purity ring, Syracuse University freshman Stephen Chang says, “It also means that I won’t drink, smoke, or date until I know I’m ready to date for marriage. It’s a symbol of me saying that I want to live a life that’s more pleasing to God.”

Maintaining a pure, God-pleasing lifestyle in our sinful world is tough. Kids are tempted to enjoy immediate pleasure rather than wait for long-term rewards. As parents, you play a vital role in your teenagers’ moral decision-making. Not only do kids look to you as examples, but they want you to listen and be available to talk. Surveys show that kids crave moral information from their parents. Research also shows that kids whose parents had talked with them about tough topics were more likely to turn to their parents first in difficult situations.

Kids crave control over their lives, and the quest for purity is one area they can control. It’s also an area where kids can assert their individuality, think for themselves, and not follow the crowd. So encourage your teenagers to make a commitment to a morally pure lifestyle. Even if you don’t give them a purity ring, you can let them know that Jesus, who died to make them pure, expects sexual integrity from his children. Just as importantly, when we mess up, Jesus offers forgiveness and the chance to renew our commitment to live for him.

Contrary to what’s seen in the media, not all teenagers engage in premarital sex. Consider these stats from a variety of online sources:

·More than half (52%) of high school students have never had sexual intercourse. ·87% of teenagers don’t think it’s embarrassing for kids to say they’re virgins. ·Of teenagers who have had sexual intercourse, 63% say they wish they had waited. ·82% of teenagers desire to have one marriage partner for life. ·When the Barna Group asked 1,000 U.S. parents about the most important outcomes of raising their kids, the top answer (39%) was “getting a good education.” Only 4% answered “helping to establish appropriate moral values.”

Great Questions to Ask Your Kids Use these discussion starters to help kids open up about purity and sex:

1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “purity”? What are some ways, besides sexual abstinence, that people can stay pure?
2. How much control do you have over your own purity?
3. What are the biggest temptations that can thwart a pure lifestyle? What are some ways to resist them?
4. How do you think God views sex? How does your view compare to God’s?
5. What are the pros and cons of making a public commitment to purity? Do you want to take that step? Why or why not?

Velocity Cancelled Feb 15

2010-02-15T17:10:00.001-05:00

Velocity Cancelled Monday Feb 15th

Due to snow and possible bad roads youth group is cancelled tonight, Feb. 15th.

Valentines Dinner Cancelled.

2010-02-11T16:33:00.001-05:00

The Valentines Dinner Fundraiser this Saturday has been cancelled.
A new date for the dinner fundraiser will be sometime in April or May.

A Poetic Prayer to God.

2010-02-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

Make sure you have no distractions around you when you listen to this video, you can even close your eyes and let the words soak in. Its a beautiful prayer to God.
Hope this encourages you as it did me.

Velocity Cancelled Feb 08

2010-02-08T14:18:00.001-05:00

Due to the snow, and possible icy driving conditions tonight Velocity is cancelled tonight, February 8th.

How to Win the War Within

2010-01-26T13:54:00.003-05:00

On Monday night we talked about selfishness. We read from James 4:1-10.

The first part of the passage basically shares that is from our selfish desires of getting what we want is what causes discord in our lives. What we learn by the end of the passage that it is only by being humble that we actually are lifted up. Which is ironic, when we seek to put ourselves first we mess things up...but when we seek to put God first, it naturally occurs that we put others first and God lifts us up!

James 4:1-10.
1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Here is a link to the whole lesson:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/Faith%20FULL%20Living%208.How%20to%20Win%20the%20War%20Within.pdf

Here is a link to an abbreviated and supplemental material you can go over with your student:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/FaithfulLiving.8.Supplemental.doc

Upcoming Events and Mondays Lesson

2010-01-19T13:35:00.004-05:00

Be sure to check out the info and forms for our Philadelphia Missions and Snowfest.
Forms and Applications are due very very soon! Having them both by this next monday the 25 is the absolute last deadline.

Just scroll down blog.

And for those 8th graders going on Montana summer missions trip. There is a parent, student meeting at 5:41 pm at youth annex. It will be an important one as we set out our fundraising agenda for the year. Having at least 1 parent there would be great!

Last Mondays lesson was on wisdom and taken from James 3:13-18.

Like everything else in life, wisdom is multidimensional. The definition changes according to the situation and need. Monday we studied godly wisdom and how it relates to the way we treat others.

For the whole lesson click here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/Faith%20FULL%20Living%207.How%20to%20be%20a%20Wise%20Guy.pdf

For an abbreviated lesson you can follow up with your kids:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/FaithfullLiving.7.doc

FaithFULL Living: Taming the Tongue

2010-01-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

A quick version of our lesson with questions and thoughts to carry on the lesson at home:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/Faithfull.Living.%20James.6.doc

The full version of our lesson:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MS.Lessons/Faith%20FULL%20Living%206.How%20to%20Tame%20the%20Tongue.pdf

Last Monday night Velocity went through our sixth lesson in our series called FaithFULL Living. We went over James 3:1-12 about how and why we are to tame the tongue. Ironically the kids were the most chatty we could remember for some time!

That being said it was definitely a hard hitting lesson as James really extorted us to control what we say for we will be judged by what we say. Just as a tiny spark can start a whole fire so too can the tongue be a flame to a fire that can set our whole life on fire! James calls the tongue restless, evil and full of deadly poison.
But it can also be used to bless and praise our Lord and Savior.

So how do we make sure that our tongue is a blessing to God and others rather than a curse?

If you want to tame your tongue as I do then let me encourage you to think about some speech therapy. Before you speak something that may be harmful ask yourself these five questions:

First, IS IT TRUE? Is what you’re going to speak the truth? If not, STOP.
If it is, second, IS IT NECESSARY? Jesus said you’re going to be judged for every careless word. Bite your tongue more often. There are so many things that we say that are not necessary.
Third, IS IT BENEFICIAL? Is what you’re going to say going to build someone up or tear them down? Is going to
do good or is going to hurt someone?
Fourth, ask yourself, DO I HAVE PERMISSION TO SHARE IT? I’m sure you all know people
who you consider friends who you can tell anything to, because
you know it will stop there. But we also all know people who are the first to spread that news all over town. Before you speak think about what kind of friend you’re being.
Finally, ask yourself, IS MY MOTIVE PURE? Why are you saying what you’re saying? Most of the time our gossip is for selfish purposes. We want something to talk about. We want others to think we’re
important. Do you know that need you have to gossip, it comes from sin. Give it up.

Philadelphia Missions Trip Info/Form and SnowFest Forms

2010-01-07T14:47:00.004-05:00

SNOWFEST!
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowtubing! A great time to come up and learn as we are going for a half day and getting group rates.

When? Saturday Jan 30th. Meet at Church at 3pm to caravan up.

Who? Open to all families, students and friends. More the merrier! But remember there will be limited rides as most families will need to caravan.

Where? Liberty Ski Resort at 78 Country Club Trail Carroll Valley, PA 17320

Cost? $30 Lift Ticket only. $54 for Ski's/Snowboard Rental with Lift ticket and optional lesson. $45 Learning to Ski or Snowboard package with rental, lesson and access to beginner slopes only.

We need parents signatures on the following forms:

Skiing/Snowboarding:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/RentalForm0910.pdf

Snow Tubing:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/RELEASE%20Tubing%20release%20doc%2009-10.pdf

--------------------------------------------------------

MS Missions Trip to Philadelphia

Velocity Missions Trip – March 5-7
Where? Philadelphia with CSM. www.csm.org
Who? MS students. Minimum age 12.
Cost? $145 (Don’t let cost be an issue, we can raise funds if needed)
- There are nine spots available. First come first serve.
- Applications and $55 deposit is due Monday Jan 18th.
- Service may include food banks, homeless shelters, nursing homes, children’s centers. Etc.

Parent and Student Informational Meeting is Monday January 11th from 6 - 6:30 pm.
Application and $55 Deposit Due January 18th
Full $145 due February 1st.

Application for Missions Trip:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/MissionsApplication2010.MS.Philadelphia.doc

This Year will be Different

2010-01-05T16:04:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!

So can you hear that noise? Thats the sound of New Years Resolutions being broken already! Isn't that the way it always seems to go? I know I have already broken a couple I've made to myself. The problem is I rely to much on myself and I am prone to mess up. We then feel unhappy with ourselves and with life. So how do we have happiness and contentment?

When it comes to any resolution and spiritual ones especially the only way we can follow through is by relying on our relationship with God. In life we do a great job of compartmentalizing things. We put on our at home self, our at work self, our at school self, our with these people or with those people self, our at church self. The problem is, we don't always act consistently in all the different compartments and arenas of our lives. We think we can be Godly only during quiet times and church times or with other Christian times but we forget that God is King and Sovereign over all of our life. Why not put God first during a soccer game? During work? Walking in the hallways at school? Driving on the interstate? We get so busy with filling up our lives with ultimately unimportant things that end up dictating how we feel and act. A car cuts us off, an opponent fouls you, a schoolmate mocks you, a boss mistreats you, you join classmates in cheating....whatever it is....we join the world of our moment rather than allow the God of eternity reign supreme in our everyday life. And what happens is we feel angst, we feel separated from something important. That separation is from God.

How about a New Years resolution this year to allow God to reign supreme in your everyday life. Throw up an arrow prayer during the middle of work, school, or play? Filter your everyday deeds, thoughts and environments through God. Talk to him like you talk to a friend throughout the day. Perhaps then you will have the right perspective on resolutions....for its only by following God first that all those other things fall into the right place. Be Resolved to Put God first in all things. That only comes through humbly asking him for his grace to achieve such end. And in doing so you will bring God glory! It wont be self-centered resolutions but God centered.

I think this resolution made by Jonathan Edwards is a good one to take on as one's own.

"Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it."

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T11:56:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Hope the holiday season is a wonderful time spent with friends and family. And that you remember the reason for the season! The incarnation of Jesus on Earth!! Who brought salvation to all mankind. Its easy to simply read over that but pause to think about it. God came to earth in the form of a human in order to be the sacrifice for our sins. Thats pretty cool. And it really is and was the climax of all of history. The Old Testament looked forward to it and now the Church looks back to it. The life of Jesus...his birth, and more importantly his death and resurrection!It brings Gods elect back into a restored relationship with God the Father.

Watch this hilarious and heartwarming mockumentary that tells the story of an actor performing in a living nativity who takes his role way too seriously.

You can click on the play button over the video or copy and paste this website into your web browser to go to the YouTube website to watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_sM6jbBRQ

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and remember, Youth Group starts up again on Sunday January 4th

FaithFULL Living: How to be blessed by the Bible.

2009-11-24T16:28:00.002-05:00

Some Christians feel that being part of God’s family automatically
creates a blessed life. Actually, some followers of
God feel like their life gets worse because of the gospel. How
is that possible?

Believe it or not many who claim Jesus as Savior don’t even
read the Bible. Without getting in the word a teen cannot
know what will bring blessings and what won’t.

On Monday we learned from James the importance of reading our Bibles, actually reflecting on it, implementing what it says and how it can transform our lives.

Check out the below link for the lesson:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/Faith_FULL_Living_3.How_to_Be_Blessed_by_the_Bible%5B1%5D.pdf

FaithFULL Living: Temptation

2009-11-11T14:15:00.002-05:00

Our Second lesson in our FaithFULL Living Series taken from James deals with Temptation:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/Faith%20FULL%20Living%202.temptations.pdf

Read I Corinthians 10:13
• Name as many encouraging things as you can from this verse.

Read James 1:12-18
• What is the difference between trials and temptations?
􀂆 What is God’s purpose in our trials (remember last week’s lesson)?
􀂆 What is Satan’s purpose in our temptations?
• God is never the source of temptation to evil. Of what things is he the source (1:5, 16-18)?

• Explain sin’s progression in verses 14-15 using today’s fishing analogy.
􀂆 The bait is dropped (Satan knows our inner-desires)
􀂆 I am attracted to the bait (deceived)
􀂆 I bite the bait (disobedience)
􀂆 I am hooked and fried (death)

• At what point in this progression does it become sin?
• What does understanding the truth of verse 17 have to do with withstanding Satan’s deception?
• How does the word of truth give us a new birth? What does this tell you about the importance of Bible Study?

REFLECT:
1. When you fall into sin who or what are you tempted to blame? How do you avoid responsibility?
2. Briefly discuss the problems we face as a culture with immodesty. What can you do in your home and in our church to address this issue?
3. What “bait” is Satan putting on the hook to draw you away from God?
4. To face this temptation and be victorious which of the following steps from today’s message do you need to take?

Be realistic- Be honest and open about your susceptibility to temptation.

Be responsible- Stop making excuses for your sin and stop shifting the blame to someone or something else.

Be ready- Stay alert to the Devil’s tactics and sins progression.

Be refocused- Get your focus off your weakness and onto….truth, God, scripture, spiritual friendships, serving others.

Be reborn- I need a brand new start through the power of the Holy Spirit.

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow.” (James 1:16-17)

FaithFULL Living

2009-11-03T14:21:00.004-05:00

We have started a new series called faithFULL Living. It is taken from the book of James and will help encourage youth on how we are to live faithfully for God. Our first lesson dealt with how we deal with problems and trials in our lives. (Which coincidently fits with our last series of lessons)

Check out our first lesson here:

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Faith%20FULL%20Living%201.pdf

A quick synopsis of the lesson is below and is also page 5 of the download above.

How to Profit From Your Problems

OPEN: What do you do to cheer up when you are down?

READ: Read James 1:1-12

• James says “when” we face trials, not if we face trials? Why is it important for us to understand that trials are inevitable?
• What happens if you don’t understand this?
• How does James tell us to respond to trials?
• Why should we respond like this? What progression in Christian maturity does James describe in verses 3-4?
• Does perseverance here imply active overcoming or passive acceptance? What is the difference?
• In the middle of discussing trials, James mentions wisdom. What does wisdom have to do with facing trials?
• Why should we pray for wisdom and not just perseverance?
• When we ask for wisdom, we must believe something about God. What must we believe (5-8)?
• Why does God allow trials in our life? What is the purpose? Why is this so hard for us to see?

DIG: If you have time, look at some of the following cross-references. What do they teach us about trials and suffering?
Matthew 5:11-12 Romans 5:3-5 Hebrews 2:10 Hebrews 12:11 I Peter 1:6-7

REFLECT:
1. How do you normally feel and respond when you face trials?
2. Share a trial you endured earlier in your life and how God used it to mature you. What did He teach you? What trial are you encountering today? Which of the following steps do you need to take to allow God to use this trial for your benefit?

The APPLICATION:
How do we put this lesson into practice?

Request- Ask God for wisdom to see this trial from His perspective and know what he is trying to teach you.

Resolve- Make your mind up to persevere and trust God in the middle of this trial. Don’t be double-minded or swayed by Satan.

Relax- Know that God will deliver you at the right time and that He is right now maturing you.

Rejoice- Praise God in the middle of the trial before you know the resolution because you know God is working.

PRAYER TIME: Pray for wisdom in your specific trial.

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3

Why We Need Strong Parents

2009-11-02T15:40:00.000-05:00

This blog is a great resource for all things concerning our youth group but one of the driving forces behind starting it up was to equip parents with the tools necessary to minister to their youth. To meet that goal helpful articles will be posted each week.

This is an article I came across recently and its makes some good points on why we need strong parent involvement in our teens lives.

Why We Need Strong Parents by Paul Evans & Al Millergren

1. Develop In Your Teen A Personal Faith In God. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might…” Certainly raising our children and developing spiritual relationships is the ultimate “whatever.” Parenthood is one of the most pressure-packed vocations a person can experience, so “all your might” is not an option, but a requirement. Tie each moment to God and not to a phrase like, “Because I said so.” Explain and model the spiritual significance of your decisions.

2. Families Are Collapsing. Families are falling apart at a rapid rate. Children are being neglected because of parents’ jobs, abuse, and divorce. Many families no longer communicate as in previous decades because of media, music, and microwaves, just to name a few. How firm is your household's foundation? Is there serious rotting among your relationships? Study the structure of your family. How much time do you share together? When was the last meal that brought the entire crew to the table? Set aside a minimum of one night per week to eat and discuss your relationships.

3. Teen Sexuality. Teens seem to no longer be afraid of diseases or pregnancy. Many girls give their bodies to the nearest “I love you.” Guys forfeit their virginity to prove their manhood, and all of this is wrapped in the heated hormones of adolescence. Teach teens the reason behind God’s rules of purity. Read Ephesians 5:3 & I Corinthians 6:19-20 together and talk about God’s desires compared to the heart’s desires.

4. Teen Substance Abuse Is On The Incline. The University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research reports that 54.3 percent of students had used an illicit drug by the time they reached their senior year of high school. Each year more and more teens become alcoholics, and nicotine & drug addicts. They use these substances to escape life, to end life, or to live up to the expectations of their peers. Inform yourself about substance risks, then inform your teen without accusing him or her. Log on to http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDAHome2.html for information and statistics about teens and drugs.

5. Unhealthy Media Overload. We are parenting the first wireless generation as proven by the comic strip Zits. Jeremy texts his mom from upstairs to ask what’s for dinner? No one has to meet face-to-face, or even voice-to-voice. Texts, Emails and chat rooms replace personal interaction most of the time. First, talk and listen. Even if it’s just to ask, “How was your day?” Second, regulate the media influences by getting unplugged. Set aside specific periods each week where the television, radio, computer, will be unplugged and use that time to share your lives. Never allow people or events to come into your home via media that you would not have in person. Also, consider blocks on your computer to keep certain sites out of your home.

6. Morality Is On The Decline. If sitcoms and teen nighttime soap operas reflect the values of today's young person, we can assume that premarital sexual activity, binge drinking, and hurting others to get ahead have become the new standards. Create on paper a set of core values for your family. What areas as a family, not just for your teen, will you refuse to compromise? What standards will become nonnegotiable?

7. Peer Pressure Will Always Be An Issue. Acceptance and love remains the number one longing of today's young person. The need to fit in can be so overwhelming that teenagers will lower their virtues in order to match a certain peer group. Guide your teen toward God-esteem instead of self-esteem. Explore Romans 5:6-8 with your child.

8. Teen Violence Is Increasing. The massacres at Columbine High School and other institutions uncovered the eyes of society in relation to teen brutality. Even more shocking is the recent incident involving the rape of a four-year-old girl by an eight-year-old boy. Increase your awareness of your children’s activities without prying. Do you know the names of their friends? Do you know where they spend their time? Are you aware of the influences that touch their lives? Do you know where they are gong via the internet?

9. To Provide A Safe Haven. Teenagers are prone to adopt an “everyone is against me” attitude. Their friend’s tend to gossip. Dating relationships dissolve. Cheerleading and sports don’t always deliver the popularity they promise. Home needs to be a place where teens know they won’t be judged wrongfully, or be expected to live up to some unattainable expectation.

10. Society's Spiritual Exploration. That sounds positive, doesn't it? The danger is that our culture is exploring every form of spirituality from crystals to angel worship. Spirituality is on the rise, but Christianity is not the fastest growing spiritual group. Stress relationship over ritual. Many methods of spirituality focus on freedom rather than faith. The Father desires followers who trust in Him, not those seeking fulfillment through their own power (Read Hebrews 11).

For a Print Out Version of this Article Please click below:

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Why%20We%20Need%20Strong%20Parents.doc

MS Retreat Deadline this Monday, Oct. 26

2009-10-22T10:15:00.009-04:00

Mountainfest is November 13 - 15.

Here is a link to the registration application & more information:
You may need to copy and paste it.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/RetreatApplication2009.doc

Attention Middle School Students! We're going to the Skycroft Resort center on the Appalachian trail near Frederick, MD .....hangin' out, eating, singing, worshipping, playing, learning more about God, relaxing, hiking and more! Bring your friends, neighbors, cousins, or come by yourself and meet new people. Were going to have an awesome time!!

Our theme this year is "Unmasked: How the gospel redefines us before God". Basically we are playing off of the idea that students are always trying to define themselves by trying on different personalities...the cool kid, the jock, the emo kid, the popular girls, the tech nerds....which one fits and how does the gospel give us a greater identity in Christ? And you better believe we will have some masked men running around...you know like super heroes!

Application & money is due Monday October 26th

Destination: Skycroft Retreat Center
Dates: November 13th – 15th. Leaving Church at 5pm back by 4
Cost: $149 – For all food, 2 nights, transportation and other costs. Make check payable to Covenant of Grace.
What to Bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, bath towel, Bible, journal, pen, recreation clothes for gym time and outside, spending money $15-20, warm clothing, toiletries, and a stuffed moose.

Worshiping God through Prayer

2009-10-20T13:13:00.005-04:00

At Velocity we had a night devoted to worshiping God through prayer. The whole evening went well as the kids took turns reading scripture and praying over Gods attributes. The below lesson gives you at home the scripture and format to worship God at home.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Prayer.Lesson.doc

Montana Summer Missions Meeting this Monday

2009-10-15T16:12:00.001-04:00

Informational Meeting for Students and Parents

8th Graders & Parents –
Monday October 19th 6:00pm

DETAILS

WHERE:
BlackFeet Indian Reservation, Montana
Near Glacier National Park

WHEN:
July 17 – 25/26 of 2010

WHO:
Students going into 9th grade in fall of 2010 – Exiting Seniors
Upper classmen get priority of available spaces. There are 28 spaces for the trip.

God will Never Abandon You

2009-10-14T16:44:00.005-04:00

Our last lesson on Monday was titled, God will Never Abandon You.
It was the last lesson in our series on how to have faith during hard times.

Please check out the lesson here.
Students feel free to review it. Parents feel free to read over it to discuss with your children.

You will have to copy and paste this link.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Is.God.in.Control.Keller.1.doc

Living by Faith in Troubled Times

2009-10-01T15:00:00.013-04:00

Dear parents and students,

Every week I am going to post a quick recap of the previous nights lesson with a Word document attached where you can download the lesson's outline and questions so you can carry the conversation further at home with your youth. The purpose is to equip the families with material to further spiritual growth in the lives of their children.

We have been going over a series in Velocity called, Living by Faith in Troubled times. Its a sermon series from Tim Keller from Redeemer Church in NYC. Below is a quick recap of the introduction to the series.

The study is going over the little explored Old Testament book of Habakkuk which might sound really obscure but it is really relevant for our times today! Habakkuk is writing during a time when his country is dealing with violence, economic crisis, wars, injustice, suffering and trials.

We decided to study this because it our times are pretty difficult too. We turn on the TV, the internet and see reports of evil and injustice, wars and crimes, and hard economic times. Thus having a study on how to have faith in troubled times is very important for everyone these days.

So the book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God. In fact its a prayer by Habakkuk and God answering him. Habakkuk starts out by complaining to God about all the hard times. Hab. 1:2,3 "How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? ... Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? " So Habakkuk is pretty honest and frank about his feelings but the one thing we learn about Habakkuk is that even though he doesnt understand and even though he questions God it was never a choice for him to leave God...to find answers somehwere else. He was faithfully wrestling with God. And that kind of unconditional faithful wrestling produces maturity, wisdom and grace.
If we never struggled or went through hard times or if we always knew what God was up to then we really wouldnt need God. It was never an option for Habakkuk to walk away from God and he faithfully prayed and stuck to his relationship with God.

The problem is we all have this assumed omniscience....we think we know how things should end up and if they dont that upsets us. We need to realize we dont have the control of every outcome and we need to learn to let go and trust.

Habakkuk learns this throughout this book and we reflect on living by faith in troubled times in this series so wonderfully put together by Tim Keller.

If you would like to read more and actually download the lessons we've down the last several weeks, I have included the first lesson here and will have the next lesson up next week. My goal starting next week is to have the lesson from Monday night posted on this site on Tuesday so you can read it for yourself or use it to create dialogue with your children.

Week 1 Lesson on Living by Faith in Troubled Times.
You will have to copy and paste this link just as it is and it should open up a word document.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Habakkuk.1.doc

Something to keep in mind about this lesson is, it may seem on an adult level but I really use it as a guide for me and definitely teach it at a middle school level.

I also recommend listening to Tim Kellers sermon titled:
"The Problem of Suffering and Evil" Its an excellent sermon by one of the best preachers in America today.

This is part one of a four part lesson, the other parts can be found on YouTube.com or when the first one finishes you can scroll on the bottom of the video screen for parts 2-4. Its really worth listening to!

Serve The City Review

2009-09-30T11:35:00.004-04:00

Serve the City Day was exceptional!!

We went to Patterson Park in Baltimore first to register, eat breakfast and then pick up our free serve the city t-shirts. Then we headed off to the Samaritan Village. A Christian organization that is in the process of building their ministry.
They are renovating two very old and very cool mansions on the largest tract of undeveloped land in Baltimore city, 23 acres! The one home was built in the 1890s and had 23 rooms and 8,000 square feet! It was the summer home of a wealthy bachelor who owned a tugboat company in Baltimore. And he only lived in the house for 3 months out of the year! Wow.

In 1910 or so the home became a Sanatorium. A house for addicts and the nervous, in modern language, an Insane Assylum! There are lots of creepy stories about the house including that they used the dark basement to shackle and use shock therapy on the unlucky patients!

Our group helped sand the walls, paint, sweep, scrap wood and lead off different areas of the house. Once renovated it will be the home for battered women and they will also be taught a vocation, culinary arts! They will use the large and expanding vegetable garden next to the house to contribute to the program and also grow the food to donate to Baltimore area missions and shelters.

The second house on the property was built in the 1910's and is being renovated for church and group events which will be catered by the women! So the Samaritan Village has some great ministry goals and we got to help out. We also had some folks work in the garden/farm and we had a lumberjack crew who carried, split and chainsawed logs! Briah K. was our chainsaw expert! Ryan H. was our machete guy and Anna P, Grace, Tim H., fearless Papa Greg were our lumberjacks.

We will be going back as we look to make a long term partnership working with the folks at the Samaritan Village. Its neat to get in on the ground level and watch how the ministry comes to completion and grow into its ministry.

Demolition Derby and Fireworks!

2009-09-04T15:03:00.003-04:00

Demolition Derby and Fireworks

Saturday September 12th!!

4pm - Dark

Everyone is welcome, friends and family.

Adults: $12 Kids 6-12: $6 5 and Under: Free

Bring a lawnchair and/or a blanket. Food.drink is available. Please check to see if bringing in food is allowed.

Presented by Arcadia Volunteer Fire Company

The Derby is on Route 30, 6 miles north of Reisterstown and 3 miles south of Hampstead.

Go to Arcadia Road and follow the signs.

PLEASE MEET us at the Derby.

We have very limited seating for those who absolutely need a ride. White van is leaving church at 3:30 pm.

More Information? http://www.arcadiavfc.org/

Click on Events.

Y2 and Hershey Park

2009-07-01T10:07:00.003-04:00

HERSHEY PARK!!! SIGN UP AND PAY BY SUNDAY JULY 5th.
Saturday July 11th. Meet at church at 8:30 am. Get back around 9:45 pm.
Cost is $35. Let Jordan know soon.

Y2 Starts this Thursday at the McLaurins.
2-4pm. Pool and games and hang out time!

Call Jordan for details.

Victory Jam Details

2009-06-18T15:47:00.008-04:00

Everyone must bring their Health Form and Permission Slip.
The below link should take you to a page you can print the document. This form will be good for Victory Jam and the calendar year of youth group activities.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=1235468
This link should take you to a new page where you need to click "download now" to access and print the form.
If this link does not work, please pick up a copy on Sunday in the black file box on youth bulletin board.

Remember. We leave this Monday June 22nd from the Church at 10 am. And return around 3ish on Friday June 26th.

Remember to pack lite...no huge bags please! The camp provides bedding and pillows but if you want to bring an extra pillow thats fine.

What to Bring: -Sunscreen - Bible -Towel
-Beach Gear -Cash for Snack Bar & 2 travel
meals -Swimsuit (girls, one piece) - journal and pen

What Not to Bring: - Bad Attitude - Weapons - Shaving Cream/Balloons – Cells kept by leader – No hand held games/ I-pods

Upcoming Events

2009-06-18T15:19:00.005-04:00

WET and WILD VELOCITY PARTY
Monday June 29th 6:30 –8:30 pm
A night full of outdoor games involving water; water balloon volleyball, wading pool kick ball, so bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet; shorts and shirts.

(May want to bring a change of clothes, but you can always choose not to play but watch the excitement)
There will also be an Ice Cream Sundae Bar open! Plus other great snacks & treats because admission is one dessert, snack from home

This is our LAST VELOCITY till our welcome back party on Aug 16.
BUT we do have Y2 on Thurs. afternoons at the McLaurin’s home from 2-4 pm. Hang out & fun! Awesome pool, volleyball, b-ball, frisbee golf & more!
Dates: July 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th, Aug 6th & 13th. McLaurin’s address is
444 Bear Branch Rd Westminster MD 21157

Hershey Park!!

This Amusement Park has it all, chocolate, coasters, a zoo, & an awesome water park.

Saturday July11th 8:30 am – 9:45 pm

This is a joint HS and MS Event. Cost is $35.
(Will need some parent chaperones)

Sign up and pay by Sunday June 28th or at Velocity on June 29th

Sign up sheet at Ministry Bulletin Board or email the names and number of people going to velocitycog@gmail.com

Questions? Ask Jordan by calling or emailing. Thanks!

Welcome!

2009-05-28T13:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Velocity Blog!

This will be your place to view anything you need to know about Velocity at Covenant of Grace Presbyterian Church!!

Upcoming Events, Dates, Calendar, Announcements, Cool Articles, Lesson Topics, Links to cool sites and so much more.

Feel free to write responses to articles and ask questions about events by leaving comments or emailing. This website will be updated weekly if not daily.

Thanks! And Enjoy!