InsideOut Youth Ministry

The World vs. Your Soul

It has been incredibly sad to watch the news reports over the last couple of weeks about the sad ending of the life of Anna Nicole Smith and the eventual demise of Britney Spears.  It seems like the media (and average people for that matter) are consumed with the goings-on of celebrities and the ups and downs--unfortunately focusing (gladly) on their downs.  Last night I watched new images of a bald Spears fill my TV screen as she was enraged over something gone wrong (yet again) in her life.  She has been in and out of rehab clinics the last week and from what I understand is back in rehab as of today.  As I watched what NEWSWEEK magazine recently called The Girls Gone Wild Effect, the look on Britney's face caught my attention the most.  I looked in to the eyes of someone so spiritually and emotionally lost and I was immediately reminded of the verse in Mark 8:36, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Oh, I pray some one will come into her life and speak truth in love about a God who created her wonderously beautiful and loves her passionately--unlike those who profit from her vulnerability.

MR

How do they do it?

I know it has been forever since I lasted wrote anything in this blog.  Sometimes I forget that I even have one.  I wonder how these so-called "bloggers" do it.  I guess if it's your job then it's easier to remember.  Nevertheless, I hope to do a better job at keeping up with my ramblings for the few that may be interested in reading it. 

Tonight is youth group and I am looking forward to being with the students again.  We had a break last week and it feels like I haven't seen some of them in forever.  Well, to whomever may be reading this or inadvertently stumbled upon this blog--have a great day!

Blessings,

Miles

Thanksgiving 2006

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is 4 days away.  It's also hard to believe that exactly one year ago today, my family and I embarked on a new chapter in our lives--coming and serving at FBC.  To say that this year has flown by would be a huge understatement, but this year's Thanksgiving reminds me of how grateful we are to be here and how blessed I am to be a part of your (youth) lives.  I look forward to many Thanksgivings here with you and seeing how God will mold and shape you all into who he desires you to be--if you let him.  To all the youth leaders, thank you for your service and your ministry to the students and to even me!  Thank you!

"I thank my God every time I remember you" (Phil. 1:3).

Miles

The Ups & Downs of Technology

Well, I have had it!  At least for today.  I spent a great deal of "valuable" time trying to learn how to "PODCAST."  Not only for the use of the youth ministry but also for the use of the overall FBC ministry--it's hard!  It would be great if someone I knew (hint, hint) knew how to do this and could give me a hand... or do it all together.  That would be AWESOME!  Anyway, I am attempting to do different things (cyberally-speaking) where we can use technology to our advantage to be able to communicate the Gospel message more effectively to the current generation of students.  So any thoughts and ideas are going to be greatly appreciated.  Until then...

Later,

Miles

FBC Podcast (11-5-06)

Download 01_the_guardian_2.m4a

Baptism

I'm sitting in a chair looking out my living room window while our baby is asleep and while Evan is playing (and Pam's off by herself--which she needs) thinking about youth ministry stuff.  I am having an interesting thing happen... Wednesday I emailed all our parents and asked them if they wanted me to talk to their students about baptism--since then I have been flooded with emails letting me know that their children are interested or that they would like for me to talk to their child about baptism.  It has been a wonderful surprise and I have decided that as we look forward to our baptism service on Nov 19th, that I will take advantage of our Sunday morning SURGE classes to teach on baptism, with the hopes that those of you students who are interested will learn what baptism is about and will make that commitment to follow Jesus' command and be baptized. 

Later!

Miles

Keep the comments coming!

I know some of you are starting to visit the youth ministry's blog--I am grateful for that.  I (and everyone who reads this) would love to hear your thoughts and/or comments, so keep them coming.  Also, keep checking back to see updated photos of the youth center, and other youth ministry pics.  Thanks!

Miles

Updated Breakaway & Quest Photos

Check out the updated photo albums of Breakaway & Quest!

Miles

Breakaway

WOW!  Breakaway was absolutely wonderful.  We had 21 sr high students and 7 leaders that traveled to beautiful Trout Lake in Pine River, MN.  The theme of the week was Faith Like a Child--so we played games that many of us played when we were children as well as challenged to have faith like the little children whom Jesus blessed.  To top off an already wonderful time with students, our kids won the hugely popular Breakaway Football Championship--first time for FBC.  Above all, our desire was to encounter God in a fresh way and have Him mold us more into becoming like His Son.  And a big thanks goes out to all the leaders and students who help make this weekend one to remember.  I loved it!

Miles

Youth Center Construction

Well, it has begun!  Construction on the New Youth Center started this past Friday (10/27/06) and it has brought excitement to the church, those of us who work with teenagers and of course the students themselves.  So as a result of the new construction and the desire to keep the excitement on-going, I have started a blog that will include updated photos of the construction as well as updated youth ministry information.  Enjoy!

Miles