Youth Ministry: April News
These are challenging and unprecedented times we’re facing. Let me start by addressing this — I know that there are those among us who are going through a much more difficult time compared to others. Perhaps your family has seen lay-offs. Perhaps you’ve seen this sickness, or another, up close and personal. Perhaps you’re facing some other emotional or mental hardship that’s being amplified by this pandemic. Whatever your situation is, if you’re struggling to manage or if you need help in any way, please do not hesitate or be embarrassed to reach out. Both myself and the church are here to serve and help and we’d be happy to do so with the utmost discretion. (Even if it’s just help with picking up some groceries!)
I want to encourage you to persevere in this time and to find your hope in Jesus, especially as we enter this Easter season. Jesus is sufficient to save us and secure us through every hardship that this life has to offer. God is good and he’s still in control.
From the church’s perspective, we’ve been working to press on and persevere as well. Even though we’re no longer able to gather physically, the church is resilient and so we’ve brought many of our ministries online. I hope you’ve been able to join us for some of these ministries. If not, let me encourage you to do so this week! There’s no time like the present to join us, we’re all figuring this out together.
So in these bizarre times, here’s what we’re going to try to do.
| Date | 412 Fellowship | Themelios |
| Apr 3 | — | Chill |
| Apr 10 | Good Friday @ 10:00 am | Good Friday @ 10:00 am |
| Apr 17 | 412 Hangout | Book Talk |
| Apr 24 | — | Bible Study |
| May 1 | — | Grad Night |
GRADE 12 TRANSITIONS: SMALL GROUPS!
Every year, we transition our Grade 12 students over to join our post-secondary small groups ministry ahead of their actual graduations. One of the main reasons we do this is to bridge our graduating students to those who are already ahead of them in the post-secondary world. This offers a chance for our graduates to familiarize themselves with the next stage of life and also to receive some informal mentorship which will help prepare them for the change ahead.
In previous years, we made this happen in May. But, these are unprecedented times. With the situation at hand, many of our post-secondary are already back in town so there was a need to kick-off this ministry early for them. With that, our new small group for these students is already open and running.
So, I’d like to invite all Grade 12 students to join us in this small group on Saturdays starting at 8:00 pm. Go to livestreams.ccac.church and scroll to the bottom for the Zoom link to join. Also join our Facebook group for details!
GRADE 7-8: 412 ONLINE LAUNCH
Next week (April 17), we’re going to try to launch our Grade 7-8 ministry of 412 as well. This will also be held over Zoom and it’ll be a great chance for the group to connect again and even invite friends. This kick-off night will be a chance to chat and also play some online games. More details to come regarding this launch.
OTHER MINISTRIES
Even as the world may be brought to a stand still. The Church presses on in resiliency by the grace of God. Join us in these online ministries. Again, go to livestreams.ccac.church for all the links (I hope you’re seeing a pattern by now for where to get the latest info!).
A GOOD TIME TO GROW
On the flip side of things. If you’re finding yourself with ample amounts of time on your hands now, why not consider really working out your spiritual life? Perhaps this is a good time to go deeper. Perhaps this is a time to reset your disciplines. Here’s my suggestion for developing a good spiritual discipline.
Step 1. Pick a time, use the same time everyday (or let’s even just start off with Monday to Friday). This doesn’t have to be a long block of time. Just start with 10-15 mins even if you haven’t done this before. You’ll grow this time over time.
Step 2. Open with prayer. Ask God to speak to you.
Step 3. Read the Bible and follow a good Bible reading plan like the ones here.
Step 4. Write down some thoughts. Writing helps to solidify thoughts and it also makes for a nice journal over time. I like to ask myself three questions.
- What does this text reveal to me about God?
- What may God be calling for me to change or grow in through this passage?
- How have I been since my last devo time, what has God been doing in my life?
Step 5. Close in prayer, thanking God for the time and praying as he leads you to.
That’s it! There’s no time like the present to build up our spiritual disciplines. We don’t know how long this season is going to last so there’s no reason not to get started today!
For those who want to do some extra reading, John Piper actually just released a new book today called Coronavirus and Christ. Yes, he wrote a book about this already. It’s all available for free and it even comes with an audio version where Piper himself reads it to us. Check it out here.
CHURCH EVENTS
Good Friday Service – Friday, April 10, 10:00 am @ livestreams.ccac.church
This year, our Good Friday service will be streamed online in partnership with a few other Alliance churches. For those wanting to watch it live, join us at 10:00 am. Otherwise, the stream will be made available online afterward for those unable to join the premiere broadcast.
Blessings,
Pastor Darren