Youth Ministry: October/November News

Sorry folks, I completely forgot to write this up for this month! So to make it up to you all, here’s a double feature with all the news for the rest of this month and for November. There’s a lot going on these two months. We just celebrated Thanksgiving, we have the federal elections coming up on Monday (don’t forget to vote!), there’s Halloween and Reformation Day at the end of this month, then there’s Missions Month for our church in November, and then Black Friday at the end of that. That’s a lot going on.

I’ve always found the contrasting events of October and November to be thought provoking. In October, you have both Halloween and Reformation Day falling on the 31st. Halloween stands for an evening of predominantly secular celebration. Reformation Day marks the beginning of the Protestant movement and focuses on returning to biblical foundations. Then in November, we spend an entire month focusing on the need to go into the world and die to self in order to bring the gospel to the unreached. Yet, at the end of the month, we have a day of pure consumerism where all the biggest sales of the year happen and we get caught up in deal hunting instead. How do we as Christians balance these contrasting moments?

For me, this is an absolute reminder of the tension that we continue to live in as Christians sojourning through a fallen world. I’m reminded of the words of the Elder John in his first epistle:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

It’s so easy for me (as I’m sure it is for you too) to slip into the temptations of the world. I have to constantly remind myself of the things that are of eternal worth. Yet, it’s rather difficult. But here’s where the Christian comes to realize that that strength to remain faithful doesn’t come from within. Yes, there are certainly disciplines that we must uphold in order to strive for the faith. But in the end, it’s Christ our Saviour who’s really the one that’s holding us fast to him. We’ll always face ongoing trials and temptations in this world, but as we’ve been preaching through Hebrews, praise God that we have a brother in Jesus who’s able to not only sympathize with our struggles but actually give us strength to endure.

So as we traverse through these seasons of contrasting values and temptations, may I encourage you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of Jesus and to ask him to hold on to you in every trial you face in the days ahead.

Vacation Notice
On a personal note, I’ll be away from October 28 through November 18. Jackie and I will be going to Hong Kong to visit relatives and then also swinging by Vietnam for some authentic pho and other good eats. Please pray for us especially as we go through Hong Kong. But more importantly, please pray that we would have a fruitful time with our relatives there and that we would be a faithful witness of Christ to them.

Apart from that, here’s what’s happening for the rest of this month and November!

* Nov 29 – Committee Training for Themelios Committee members

YOUTH EVENTS

Guy’s/Girl’s Night – November 1, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm @ TBD
For those who have never been to one of these before, this is a night for both our fellowships where we split off by gender. This is a night to hang out with others of your gender for some good bonding. Locations for the two groups to be determined. Please look out for consent forms for more information.

Themelios Retreat – December 27 – 30 @ Countryside Camp
For all high school students. It’s still a while away but mark your calendars for it! Details to follow in the months ahead.

CHURCH EVENTS

Missions Night –  November 22, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm @ CCAC
This is our church’s annual missions night. This year we’ll be hearing from Henry and Wendy Chuang. They’re international workers with our denomination, serving in Japan. There will be a Cantonese program in the sanctuary and an English program held in the basement. All are welcome, come hear their story!

Blessings,
Pastor Darren