Crossinator

What is our part in the world today? As Christians we are called to a "Higher Calling" than our neighbors, but what does that mean?

I know that those are some of the questions I struggle with at different times.  I really wish I could have heard the message at Church on this topic, but I was busy doing a run through for our new student-focused Sunday service called Aftershock. 

This is a new Sunday morning experience designed specifically for middle and high school students.  It will be very high energy, with teens playing in the worship band and taking part in the drama.  This is a big step for the 3 year old ministry of The Bridge Community Church. Our hope is that kids from across the area will come check out this event that occurs each Sunday at 11:27 at a local high school (our entire church meets there).

This weekly service will be supplemented by, what look to be, great small groups that will meet in place of our mid-week gathering.  I am very excited about this new adventure, I have been with the student ministry for 2 1/2 years.  It is an interesting time in my life since I am looking for a job and moving away.  It is hard to know how much to invest and what commitments I can make while at the same time wanting to invest my energy into helping impact our communities youth.  It has been a struggle. I would like to be a part of the small groups, but know that it wouldn't be a good idea to "abandon" them at a crucial point in the development cycle of the groups.  So I have taken a more "behind the scenes" approach and offer support for everyone and just provide my presence and continue building relationships with some of the kids who have been there since the beginning (many of them know I am planning to move).

I have enjoyed this as My Part of serving Christ and learning more about youth and youth programming.  There is more from the service, based on what my wife and others have said. 

The synopsis from the journaling sheet says:

This week, Chris shared about the horror of "if only" and the miracle of our presence.  These are simple yet profound things to not just think about but to grab hold of with great intent.  As we prioritize our lives, we need constantly ask ourselves whether or not the way we live is fulfilling the part that we play in this life before we leave this place.

I was told he talked a lot about "self-talk" and both positive and negative self-perceptions can impact our reliance on God and His provisions.  We may put ourselves down too much and feel useless, or we may be prideful and forget why we are positive.

He also talked about our part being holier than our neighbors.  Not in a negative "holier than thou" way, but in an internal "how should I react to this situation in order to honor and please God" type of way. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33 NIV

For this series they provided journaling questions:

• Do you see yourself as having something valuable?
• What would it take for you to see every moment as gold?
• What moments will you face today that you need to seize?
• Who has been there for you in the critical moments of your life? Did they fully know their impact on your life at the time?
• Miracles are all around us - do you see it? Are you a part of it? How do you know?
• Write a prayer to God about your desire to do your part.
• Write about what you have learned about God and yourself this week.