In The Beginning: 2010

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Genesis Youth begin "The Organic God" Bible Study

Genesis Youth Group has officially begun "The Organic God" study by Margaret Feinberg. Tonight's lesson went extremely well and the Youth are very excited about the study series.

The evening began when Nicole invited everyone to get a plate of snacks. There were lots of options available: fruits and vegetables, chips, cookies, and drinks. Genesis Youth discovered that organic can be defined as "natural...pure...and essential." Organic can also have the connotation of being expensive and labor intensive.

Genesis Youth quickly realized that the parallels between organic produce and an organic relationship with God are very familiar. While we want our relationship with God to be natural and pure and without additives, it will require each of us to make sacrifices and seek wisdom to discern God's will - which will cost us.

Genesis Youth immediately connected with Margaret and her down-to-earth personality in the video; her soothing voice and passion for worshiping God is inspiring. Margaret's spiritual intensity is contagious too. The next several weeks are going to be adventurous as Genesis Youth embark on this journey of spiritual reconnection to God without additives and pollutants.

If you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you search with all your heart and soul. ~ Dueteronomy 4:29

...Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Luke 11:9-10

Your challenge this week: eliminate the barriers, or excuses, that get in the way of your relationship with God. Lose the distractions and focus on an organic relationship with the Creator of the universe. Remember the promise in Luke: anyone who asks will receive and anyone who knocks will find doors open.

Genesis Youth, I challenge you to read your "Organic God" workbook each day and answer the questions that we did not finish during fellowship. Remember, this is about your own personal journey to reconnect with the Organic God; study Scripture and ask God for spiritual hunger.

Below are several questions for Genesis Youth to answer. Share your thoughts by submitting a comment below.

What are your thoughts on Margaret Feinberg and "The Organic God" Bible study?

Natural. Pure. Essential. We learned tonight that these words describe "organic." What would an organic relationship with God mean to you?

What did you learn or discover about yourself tonight?

Read Acts 17:27, how does this Scripture make you feel?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

FUN DAY @ Museum

Members of Genesis Youth enjoyed a day at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History:

Genesis Youth sporting some super-cool 4-D glasses.

According to Dr. Giraffe, Carren is 5-foot-2......and that made her very happy!

Watch out! Here comes Courtney and Carren in the am-bu-lance!

awwww.....Dulce Jr. and Nicole are cute in their 4-D glasses!!!

Emily and Kaitlyn are posin' with their Dino Friends: Dynamo and Barney

Six members of Genesis Youth can stand in one dinosaur's footprint - AMAZING!

Matthew decided to lounge in the dinosaur's footprint.....it looks like a mini soaking tub!

Very cool exhibit at FWMSH.....and Leonardo was amazing.

Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait

Leonardo da Vinci - inventor of the catapult

Conceputualized helicopters.....

....invented parachutes

pulley systems....

....pool floaties

and water skis!

This is called a "water tube" and it looks VERY uncomfortable.....but Leo was going for something that would allow a person to breath underwater - he succeeded with this. The man was GENIUS!!!!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Youth Sunday 2010

Senior High Mission Team - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Junior High Mission Team - Edna, Texas

Genesis Youth hosted Youth Sunday at First UMC Joshua on August 15. They performed at both worship services (8:30 and 11:00 am) and did an incredible job. The songs were great, the children's time was fun, and the speakers provided a spiritual experience like none other. Many congregation members complimented Genesis Youth Group on their work - - GREAT JOB, Genesis Youth!!!!!!!

The "young" children of First Joshua learned the "Llama Song" during children's time. It was a big hit and even the adults joined the fun. Five youth spoke during the worship services and did an AMAZING job.

K.F. spoke on her experience with Miss Patsy, her client with MS, that left an imprint on her heart that will forever impact her spiritual walk and faith.

C.P. invited more youth to participate in the group's activities and encouraged everyone to step outside their comfort zones to experience new opportunities.

C.W. said this mission trip was his favorite because he really felt the Holy Spirit living and working through Him to accomplish unbelievable things on mission trip, as well as other church activities.

A.M. spoke about his trust and faith in God (everything is possible through Jesus Christ) and goals can be accomplished when everyone works together.

C.F. spoke about her love and appreciation to First UMC Joshua and members of Genesis Youth Group. She most enjoys the time of fellowship with her friends and growing in relationship with God. C.F. also reminded everyone that Genesis Youth will begin a study on "The Organic God," a book by Margaret Feinberg, next week.

Genesis Youth responded to God's call to serve and love others in the name of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter if we attend mission trip or volunteer at Vacation Bible School, we are all in mission and ministry together for the transformation of the world. We are all important to God's kingdom; and, we are each a thread in His tapestry.

Whatever kind of action we do in God's name, it is action filled with love and His spirit. Those actions are all verbs and we are all challenged to incorporate more action (verbs) into our daily lives. As a reminder, Genesis Youth will display verbs associated with God in their meeting room........inspired by Margaret Feinberg and "The Organic God."

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Snowcones and Goal-setting

Another great evening of fellowship with Genesis Youth Group at FUMC Joshua and a special trip to the local snowcone stand. Everyone "chillaxed" with a Hawaiian shaved ice and some really funky flavors, including the California Surfer (pineapple and coconut), Tiger's Blood (that just sounds gross), homemade vanilla ice cream (yum), wedding cake (hmmm?) and pina colada (non-alcoholic, of course!). Nicole ventured outside her comfort zone and added a splash of cherry to her banana snowcone. She's getting adventurous!!!!!!

What's your favorite snowcone flavor?

Tonight's lesson and discussion focused on goal-setting. Youth created a time-capsule of sorts by responding to three very though-provoking questions:

Three goals I have for this year are:
I will accomplish these goals by:
Where does God fit into my goals?

After writing their responses to these questions on a notecard, they signed and sealed the envelope and will open the cards August 8, 2011 - one year from today. It will be fun to see where we are in a year and what goals we've accomplished.

Scripture Lesson

James 4: 13-16 - Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money," Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (NIV)

It is good to have goals, but goals will disappoint us if we leave God out of them. There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist, because the future is in his hands. What would you like to be doing ten years from now? One year from now? Tomorrow? How will you react if God steps in and rearranges your plans? Plan ahead, but hold your plans loosely. Put God's desires at the center of your planning, he will never disappoint you.

What are your goals? Do you have plans for the future? Where does God fit into your plan?

Please respond by leaving a comment. Our next gathering for fun and fellowship is Wednesday, August 11 at 6:00 pm. Also, if you would like to donate money towards the purchase of school supplies, give your donation to Nicole by Wednesday. She's matching the amount raised!!!

Blessings,
Your Youth Director

Thursday, August 5, 2010

$25.00 and counting...

Hey Genesis Youth!!!

Thank YOU for contributing to the school supplies bash fund...so far you have raised $25.00 towards the purchase of school supplies for school-age children in Joshua ISD. Keep it coming, we can buy a lot of supplies for these students!!!!!!!

Remember, the amount collected will be MATCHED by Nicole. Be sure to bring your money to church, Sunday School, or to youth meetings by August 11.

Next meeting: Sunday, August 8

Also, be sure to contact Nicole to reserve your FREE workbook for our next Bible study, based on "The Organic God," a book written by Margaret Feinberg. The study begins Sunday, August 22; please RSVP before August 18.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Galactic Blast Praise VBS has begun....

A new record at FUMC Joshua tonight: 147 children (K-6th grade) attended VBS and more are expected throughout the week! Wow, God is good and worthy to be praised.

The youth are doing a FANTASTIC job as group leaders and activity assistants. YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!

The Genesis Five performing for the crowd!!!

Austin and Collin - the Space Cadets!

Kaelyn and Kaitlyn with the 3-year-old class.

Troy with the Pre-K kiddos.

The two Jamie's being silly.

The manly crew at snack supper.

...and the girls at snack supper.

...and Nicole showing off her color-inside-the-lines artwork.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

School Supplies Bash @ FUMC Joshua on August 14

First United Methodist Church of Joshua is hosting a school supplies bash on Saturday, August 14 at 9:00 am and Genesis Youth Group is invited to participate by making a monetary donation to purchase supplies for students in need. New and gently used clothing items will also be collected at the church for distribution at the special event.

Nicole Hutchison, Genesis Youth Director, will MATCH the amount that Genesis Youth Group collects for this mission outreach project. Donations must be submitted by Thursday, Aug 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the community and help those in need as the new school year begins.