I know you missed our update last week.  You'll have to forgive me!  I was in Honduras where the connection was iffy and time was limited.  But we're back after a great time training Honduran pastors.  So encouraging to see God moving outside of what we typically see!  Sometimes we get caught sitting still or perhaps so busy and we often forget that this amazing God we serve is much bigger than what we can see.  He is moving and at work all around the world.  In the physical things we can't see and in those "life things" we can't see.  He is over all and all we see and don't see is underneath Him.  God is big, it's time we believe that and apply that to our lives.  Smiles would be much easier to come by with thinking right?  Joy and Peace are found here, knowing that God knows, is in control, is continually working things for the good of those who know and love Him and He is not surprised by anything.
(forgive me there, a little sneak peak into Sunday night's sermon.)

Last night we finished up our series "What in the World."  This series is needed, helpful, and encouraging.  Why?  Because as a 45 year old man I still struggle with identity, worth and purpose.  I'm sure you do too.  It seems we constantly are surveying our lives and asking "What in the World?"  We get a minute of rest and we ask questions like "what am I doing with my life?"  and the like.  This is no way to live life.  And for as much as we are asking these questions I firmly believe students are continually seeking to know what their purpose is, where their value and worth are found and they are often seeking this out and finding these things in everything other than God.  So again, this series is needed, helpful and encouraging.

God has not left us without information, details on how to live a life that is GREATER than we could ever pull off on our own.  We don't have to ask the questions "what in the world" without quickly recalling the answer.  There is much joy, hope and purpose to be found in Christ and we see all this from His Word to us, the Bible.  

The sermon notes are attached, pray it encourages you and informs you as to what we're leading your students through. 

OK, a little change in our Hangout this week. Listen up for the details and feel free to text, call or email with any questions.

WHEN - This Saturday from 3:30p to 9:00p 
Let's say NO LATER THAN 9PM.  Students can come and go at anytime.  This is not a be here at (time) and it's over at (time.)  This is a "we'll be swimming, eating, hanging out, watch football from 3:30p to 9:00p so feel free to come and do that with us.  Bring a towel for swimming, food for sharing (girls) and drink for sharing (guys).  Not swimming?  Represent your team!

WHERE - The Altman Home (10 Logan Ridge Drive, Carrollton, 30116)
Please do not park in the road.  This makes traffic a little dangerous coming into the neighborhood.  Feel free to park in the grass and then if necessary the road at the bottom. Just be sure you get half your car in the yard if parking at the bottom. Safety First!  No need for Meg Wilson to have to work on Saturday by filing your claim!  

WHAT - Swimming, Eating, Watching, Hanging

We have to postpone for the last few weeks due to other events but we're going to be out in the foyers for this Sunday ONLY.  What does that mean and Why should you come see us.

1. We want to meet you and see you.
2. We want you to meet those leading your students.
3. We want to get your information. (email)
4. We want to give you an opportunity to sign up for the Winter and Summer Retreats.

ANYONE PLACING A SUMMER CAMP DEPOSIT WILL GET A REDUCED PRICE.
So please come see us at both the upper foyer welcome desks as well as the CAFE.  We'll have workers ready to meet you and connect with you.

Know someone who is attending, with students, and not yet connected?  This would be a great time for you to share this email and the fact that they can meet us.  WE WANT TO MEET THEM.  Can you help us?  See ya Saturday and then Sunday!

Slow down.....take a breath.   Now repeat.
I'm not ultra techie but I do love me some gadgets!  So naturally I took some time yesterday to watch Apple's keynote where they unveil all the latest gadgets.  One thing I learned. The watch will recognize when you need to take a breath and relax.  Are you kidding me?  Will this now replace the father in the delivery room?  Just asking?  I love the idea by the way....of a watch that can help better our lives, not the watch replacing the father!

The crazier thing is this.  No matter how much our world advances in technology nothing will ever match or overtake the beauty of personal relationship, specifically our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  The day Jesus died, was buried and rose again is the day that He became our High Priest.  He is not interceding for us and is our advocate with the Father.  No app, no tech advancement, or gadget is better than that.  We don't wait for updates or better internet.  Buffering is not a problem in the line of communication and intercession we have with the Father.  I'm thankful for the advancements and things that can make our life better and more enjoyable but NOTHING will ever match or overtake the best thing we have going.

Speaking of something the best thing going!  Last night we talked about ways for us to communicate the "best thing."  We're in a series called "What in the World?"  This series looks at our purpose on this planet.  We often struggle with that don't we?  We lack identity or purpose or drive or ambition.  It's helpful to know the truth about who we are and why we're here.  This all start with understanding who it is that put us here.  Once we know that we can gain a better understanding of the why and how.  Last night we looked at Evangelism and Ministry are two of the reasons we are here.  Alex did a great job of helping us see this.

So in short...one reason we're here is to show people and tell people about the best thing going on in this planet....the love of God to us through Christ Jesus.

We'll have the sermon attached later but for now here are some questions to follow up with your kids about what they heard at The Rock SM!

• What is ministry?  How did Jesus give us an example of this?
• What is evangelism?  What is Roman 10:11-15 all about? 
  
• How did Penn & Teller have anything to do with last night?

Good morning, afternoon or evening!  Never sure when you'll actually read the updates!  Hope everyone is doing good and that your joy and outlook is not like every college football fan.  You know their view right?  If they win opening week the national championship talk begins, if they lose it's going to be the longest season ever!  Don't allow your current situation to determine if you have joy or not.  God is bigger than your situation.  In fact, He's over it!

Here are some things that are coming up that you really need to know about.

• September 15th - Ministry opportunity at the Roopville 5k and Parade.  More specific details next week.
• September ___ - Hangout Tailgate - We're still working out a date but this night is full of games, food and football.  We'll have several games on tv's and big screen and have some other fun going out here on the Campus.  We'll get a date out as soon as we know.
• DEVOTIONS - DEVOTIONS - DEVOTIONS:  If you haven't heard we kicked off the new year with a devotion book filled with content straight from our own youth leaders.  Each month we'll offer a devotion for Monday - Friday all built around the series for that month.  The devotion book offers a simple 5 minute devotion with the option to join us in a Bible reading plan.  This month it's all about our "What in the Word" series.  You are free to join us on the journey!  Devotions in print can be found at The Rock and the online version can be found here.
• MEET & GREETs - beginning next Sunday (16th) we'll have some youth workers stationed at each exit to meet you, sign your student up for the Refuel Trips or Summer Camp or just to put a face with a name.  Our Summer Camp signees (with a $20 deposit) we'll receive a small discount.  So look for the Rock Logo and come say hello!

That's it for now!  Hope you all have a great weekend and I'll look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue our walk through Philippians (AM) and Proverbs (PM).  We also have something for the entire family during Sunday School.  See you at Roopville Road Sunday!

​Chris