Crossroads Youth Group : October 2016

Oct 23, 2016

Setting Up To Serve

Tonight we talked about Operation Christmas Child...a project we will work on in early November. Then we set out to decorate 3 doors for the Harvest Festival. Our Crossroads group will be passing out candy to kids from all 3 doors-be sure to check out the doors they've create. The pictures below are at the very beginning of set up, so as not to spoil the final product.

Reminder: NEXT WEEK October 30 we meet from 6-7:30 for an at church service project.

Oct 18, 2016

Temptations

We talked about temptation this week which was great, since middle schoolers are in the thick of being tempted on a daily basis. We watched a small snippet from Francis Chan on his sermon "When Sin Looks More Enjoyable Than God". He displayed, using a creative hat, just what it can feel like on a daily basis. From being tempted by money, sweets, alcohol, technology, and cheating to name a few; we could then talk about how to not sin after being tempted. The act of being tempted isn't a sin, the choice we make after being tempted can turn into the sin. Keeping our eyes focused on God, like an archer on his target, can help us make wise choices. When we sin, we are turning our focus away from the target (God), and it gets harder and harder to stay focused on the "right" things.

What temptation can feel like each day for a middle schooler.

Kids acted out skits showing how they are tempted by friends; things like lying to parents, cheating on homework, stealing from others were some of the common things they face day to day. We also played a few games were I tempted them with food and money...and a few bailed on their teams to selfishly take the food and money.

Oct 9, 2016

Integrity

Integrity is TOUGH stuff!

Have you ever told a white lie? Elaborated the story a bit? Counted in your favor? Ignored the rules when nobody was looking? Told your parents you did your homework when you didn't? It's so easy to make a small bad choice, but after that it get's easier. Then the medium sized lies seem smaller...and the ginormous lies, well those will just happen this one time...right?

We played a game where everyone knew the rules, but how many still cheated? Let's just say there were some cheaters in our group. We talked about how sometimes friends can talk us into a bad choice, yet we want friends that don't lie. Ummmm how does that work? Each day we have to think about our story as a recording...if every action we make is recored, would we be proud to show our kids someday?

Tonight we played a pretty simple game, with simple rules and learned a little bit about what can happen any time we are given a chance to "win" a game. Some people may have cheated, yep even at church. We talked about how easy it can be to cheat, and many of us do it daily; integrity is tough. As tough as it is we need to strive each and every day to be people of integrity. Do the right thing, and encourage your friends to do the same.

Prepping the balloons and listening to the rules.

Don't cheat...

It's tough to be honest...and follow all the rules. Shhhh...no talking, or eye contact, and keep the balloons up.

Oct 2, 2016

Let' Do This!

"Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. INVOLVE me and I will understand."

Tonight was about seeing how it's all done. How do the microphones work? Where to the singers see the lyrics? Who adjusts the sound or changes the slides on Sunday morning? We have discussed the huge amount of work and volunteers it take to make worship happen on Sunday. This is "our" church, the middle schoolers' church; a place where they can step in and be involved. Our goal throughout this year is to have them step up, shadow in a few areas, and finally be a vital role in the service. We look forward to having them, parents please help encourage them to join in!