Jordan Jones

Day 3 Renew Thoughts

2011-04-27T01:08:00.000-04:00

I read v. Genesis 4:15-16 and remembered a C.S. Lewis quote: "To walk out of His will is to walk into nowhere." But did the reality that God still pursued/loved a murderer change your perceptions of Him a little bit as well?

Day 2 Renew Thoughts

2011-04-27T01:04:00.003-04:00

All sin is rooted in mistrust: that God is holding out on us, that He isn't for us, that He doesn't really love us, that He doesn't want our best, that what He promised us he won't come through on. Collide- please let the reality that Jesus loves you and longs to take you to the fullest life sink deep into your being. He can be trusted.

Have you signed up for Camp?

2011-04-11T18:06:00.001-04:00

I read this quote from Almost Christian by Kenda Dean that reminded me of the immense value of camp:

"Spiritually, it refers to the discipline that some medieval theologians called detachment. Modern psychological theory uses this word to designate damaged relational bonds, but in the Middle Ages detachment was a term used by the church. It simply meant disentangling ourselves from whatever distracts us from Jesus Christ, so all of our attention- and all of our lives- may be fixed upon Him. The effect of spiritual detachment is liberation, freeing us from lesser allegiances so we can entertain new possibilities that Christ presents for us and for the world."

I'm not the begging type...but I hope you realize the unheralded worth of camp. Get your sign-ups in!

Impact Tonight...

2011-02-02T13:24:00.003-05:00

...is officially canceled. See you Sunday!

Tomorrow Night's Impact

2011-02-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

We have received a ton of phone calls about whether Impact tomorrow is still going on. Here is where we are at right now for sure:

The Middle School "Ultimate" Event is going to move to Sunday from 1-3 pm. The doors will open right at 1 pm, so please do not expect to come in right after the 11 service gets out. If you typically are around for the second service, you may want to plan to go grab a quick bite to eat with the fam and come back at 1. We will only have snacks at the event...not a full meal. Everything will remain the same as if it was still on Wednesday...Inflatables, games, $2...etc. Please get the word out! (Bring your friends, too!)
We are still waiting to make a decision about whether to cancel Impact tomorrow night. If we have Impact (which we are currently putting at about a 5% chance- but you never know with Michigan weather!), it will just be an open gym night. However, you should assume that we won't be meeting tomorrow night, unless otherwise noted. Please check the main page of Trinity's website for the most updated info. I will also update this page if something major changes.

High School Ultimate Event on Saturday will be unaffected.

See you Sunday Impact!

Find a Rabbi.

2011-01-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

Parents,

This next week at Crosswalk and Impact (Jan. 16 & 19) we will be inviting all students to find a rabbi, to pursue a mentor as we look at the text in which the Rabbi Jesus invites Peter, James, John and Andrew to "follow Him". We believe that the presence of a mentor/rabbi in a student's life is one of the necessities for spiritual momentum. We are asking you to encourage your child in this.

Take a look at a quote by Reggie Joiner:

“Your children one day will seek affirmation and approval from adults other than you. Either you can become intentional about enlisting other trusted adults to influence your kids, or you can depend only on your limited capacity. You can leave them alone to discover random influences who will shape their character and faith, or you can help them proactively pursue strategic relationships for their lives.”

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity: Connect Your Family to a Wider Community (The Orange Series)

Put it on your calendar Middle Schoolers

2010-12-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

Middle School Students:

We will be heading over to Holland, MI on April 29 for an overnight conference, Believe.

Check out more here.

We will announce more as it gets closer (price, space, etc.) Registration begins in February.

Collide 2011 Summer Camps

2010-11-16T15:41:00.000-05:00

Ya, it's weird to start talking about summer camps when we haven't even had our first big snowstorm, but it's something to look forward to, right?!

I have 3 new things to tell you about camp for this next year that are noteworthy:

Each of the first 50 Trinity students to register for a Collide Summer Camp will be entered into a drawing to have all camp fees waived!
For each additional family member that registers, camp fees drop by $50. (For example, first child is $220, second child is $170, third child is $120, etc.) We know what kind of burden this can have on families, and we hope to at least lessen the blow with this price adjustment.
The cost for "unchurched" friends that you invite to camp is $176, which is 20% off the Early Bird Price of $220.

You're going to hear us talk a lot about that last one a lot this year. Our initial vision for camp was that it would be a natural place for you to bring friends that get antsy at the thought of coming to a church building, but are open to things of faith. There is no environment quite like camp for these type of students. But we have wandered from this original vision, and we want to get back on track...so to propel us toward this reality even more, we thought that discounting these students' price by 20% would help a little. However, it's on you to invite the friends though!!!

For a HS Camp Packet click here.

For a MS Camp Packet click here.

Collection for Bingham Elementary

2010-10-25T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Bingham Community Outreach Ministry is collecting children's outerwear to be given to families who come to the Christmas Journey. Boys' and girls' items in toddler through sizes 14-16 would be appreciated. Most needed are coats, mittens, hats and boots. Look for large black bins in the atrium in November. We also need volunteers to help organize and hand out the clothing (event is 12/4/10). Contact Steve or Angie Berg at 5bergs@sbcglobal.net.

Collide Student Ministries will be collecting this outerwear during our November gatherings. Look for the colored bins!

Tonight at Crosswalk

2010-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

This is a copy of an e-mail I sent out to parents this week...

Hey Parents,

I wanted to send you an e-mail to inform you about our topic of discussion at Crosswalk this coming Sunday night, as we wrap up our "You Asked For It" series. Pastor Marvin will be speaking on the true nature of sexuality, how sex was created by God and how its original design was beautiful to its core. In addition, Pastor Marvin will also pursue the reality that sin and the Evil One have attempted (and have often succeeded) to trash this beautiful gift that we have been given . So how do we treasure the beautiful nature of sex in its proper context, while being well aware of its ravenous tendencies when pursued in wrong contexts? We can’t just celebrate sex for what God made it to be; we have to fight what sin turned it into.

The reality is: Sex is serious. When we say that, we aren’t trying some kind of scare tactic on you or your student. Sex is serious because that’s how God created it. It just is. It brings pleasure. But it also is more than physical. It’s emotional and spiritual as well. It’s why sex ties you to another person even if you both walk away and no one knows what you’ve done. We will pursue this holistic picture of sex in the Scriptures on Sunday night.

Some of you might be concerned about the taboo nature of this topic. We understand your concern, but also believe that Satan hasn't been quiet about this issue and is pursuing your students to walk outside the rhythm of purity that God desires for each of their lives. The church cannot be quiet any longer. This topic was rated #1 by students as the issue that they desired for us to pour truth onto for a reason.

If you have an issue with your student being a part of this topic, please refrain from sending them to Crosswalk this Sunday. Either way, please join us in prayer for transformational discussion and that the Scriptures would reveal God's ultimate plan for sex in each of our student's lives.

You are loved and appreciated,

Jordan Jones
Student Ministries Director
Trinity Church

Pausing doesn't stop now...

2010-10-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

I know we are done with the Pause series, but our finality for the series doesn't mean silence and breathing should disappear from our radar. Check out this quote I read this past week:

"God is not real to most of us because of the condition of our consciousness. He is closer to our minds every moment than your own thoughts. He is nearer to our hearts than our own feelings. He is more intimate with our wills than our most vigorous decisions. If we are not aware of him, it is not because he is not with us. It is, in part, because our consciousness is so under the sway of other interest that it cannot turn to him with the loving attention which might soon discern him."

- Edward Albert Day

Series at Impact and Crosswalk this October

2010-10-04T18:22:00.003-04:00

October at Crosswalk (HS):

Last school year we asked what parents and students what they wanted us talk about the most in 2010. The response was resounding and the month of October will see us journeying through each of the three most requested issues: how to grapple with temptation (Oct. 10), what a real friend looks like (Oct. 17) & the true nature of sexuality (Oct. 24).

* Series begins Sunday, Oct. 10

October at Impact (MS):

We all want friends—even if we don’t want to admit it. We all want someone to hang out with, someone to talk to, someone who knows us. But friendship requires something from us. It’s not just what we get or what makes us feel comfortable or happy. There’s a smart way to do friendship, a way with intention, a way that will draw us closer to God’s heart—if we surround ourselves with the right people. That doesn’t mean our friends have to be clones of us or that we avoid the outcasts that we are called to love that surround us—but it does mean that we don’t enter into friendships for the purpose of selfish gain.

* Series begins Wednesday, Oct. 13

Mudfest is TODAY!

2010-09-12T09:16:00.000-04:00

We want to see all of you out at Trinity today for our Collide Fall Launch!!! It's looking like a beautiful day that compliments our nasty day yesterday- the mud is nice and soft and ready for Steal the Bacon, Dodge Ball, Freeze Tag, Tug of War Wars, etc.

Middle School see you there at 3 p.m.

High School see you there at 5 p.m.

(P.S. We will stop doing AMP events like MudFest the very day you stop inviting your friends to these events. It's why we created them!! These events are not solely for you...who are you bringing?!)

Main Website

2010-09-07T13:03:00.001-04:00

We've updated our main website, check it out here: http://trinitywired.com/ministry/student-ministry.

Getting away

2010-09-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

“As often as possible Jesus withdrew to the out-of-way places for prayer”

~ Luke 5:16 (The Message)

For the past year, I have been taking one full day away from it all every 1-2 months… days with Jesus, filled with solitude, study, and prayer. Honestly, it has completely revolutionized the way I see the world around me and has helped me survive the demands of ministry and life. This reality may seem impossible for you to embrace because of the demands of family, work, school, etc. but take one more look at Luke 5:16 (above). Of all people, Jesus had demands. People who needed him. Truth that needed to be shared. But He recognized something most of us don't: Solitude transforms us.

Check out this quote from Dallas Willard:

"Solitude is a process of inner transformation, a conversation initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to divine union. One’s way of seeing reality changes in the process. A restructuring of consciousness takes place which empowers one to perceive, relate and respond with increasing sensitivity to the divine presence in, through, and beyond everything that exists."

So here’s what I do if you are interested (adapted from what an old friend passed on to me!):

Before you go think through the following questions:

1) What do you need to experience with Christ during this day away?

2) Where have you been in the Word in the past couple of months and weeks, and where has God been speaking to you?

3) What are you “wrestling” with in this season of your life (specific circumstance, sin, relationship, etc.)?

During the drive to wherever you’re going:

Pray that the Lord would give you direction (Scriptures, a book to read, format for the day, etc.)… remember this is a “dynamic, fluid” day with Christ… not a rigid, hyper-formatted day.

When you get there:

1) Get the environment the way you need it… coffee, temperature, noise reduction (if there’s a clock that ticks really loud, it’s annoying, so remove the battery or move it to another room), and find the best place to really meet with the Lord… where you can stretch out in prayer, with books, etc.

2) Here’s a tentative time schedule that I use (once again, not too rigid)

7:30 Arrive and get situated

8:00 Prayer

I ask God to clear the noise in my head and heart, and in my life. It actually takes me about 20-30 minutes for this noise to clear… so be patient (this fruit of prayer does not yield itself to the lazy). I ask the Lord to meet with me… to give me a “vision” (not hyper-charismatic, but a picture or image of what He wants me to experience today… one time it was an open meadow in the mountains that represented His freedom… one time it was a picture of my father who truly represented faithfully the love of the Heavenly Father). I also ask the Father to let me know where He wants to take me today… Scripture… prayer… reading, etc.)

8:45 The Word.

I listen to Jesus or sometimes pick a Scripture to reflectively study and meditate upon. Typically the Lord has led me to something and I spend the next 2-3 hours studying it, reflectively meditating upon it, journaling through it, praying through it. The point is to find an expression of this time with the Lord. Perhaps for you, write a chapter of a book, draw a landscape, write a song, write a poem, write a movie scene… whatever you need to do to integrate this is in with your passions and calling in life.

11:30 Prayer.

I spend some more time on my knees with the Lord asking Him to “cement” this into my heart and life.

12:00 Lunch and a drive to process more

1:00 This is the fluid part of the day.

Sometimes the Lord simply wants me to pray more… especially intercessory prayer. Sometimes I’ve prayed for the concentric rings outward from my life (Family, Ministry, Staff and Elders, specific people in the congregation). Sometimes I read a book. Sometimes I strategically plan ministry stuff. Sometimes I take a nap. Sometimes I go for a run or go on a hike. Whatever happens, I always feel that it’s very effective because I’m really connecting with Christ at this point… very actively and experientially… as if He’s right there with me (which He is through the Spirit).

I also typically leave with an “action plan” on things the Lord has impressed upon my heart that day… where to take it when I return to “reality” with family, ministry, life, etc.

I review these days away (and action plans) frequently to see how I’m doing with the things the Lord laid upon my heart during my time with Him that day.

4:00 Prayer for God to continue to integrate this more deeply into my life.

4:30 Pack up and drive back to home

Remember, this is not a formula… it’s a dynamic relationship. Hang out with Jesus! Remember to journal and write these things down… when you begin to get 2, 3, or even 4 days away over a year or two, it’s really cool to go back and see how Jesus is transforming you into who He desires you to be.

Collide Fall Launch

2010-09-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

The big day is fast approaching! Our big kick-off day with mud games (including tug-of-war, mud football, mud dodge ball, muddy steal the soap, yard games and snacks) is Sunday, Sept. 12 for both middle and high school students. Middle school will be at Trinity from 3-5 p.m. and High school from 6-8 p.m. Bring every friend you can grab!

Note: Please wear messy clothes. Please bring a change of clothes & a towel.

Mystery Bus

2010-08-13T10:29:00.001-04:00

Middle School: Wednesday, August 25
High School: Saturday, August 28

You will board the bus at 9 a.m. (so be here at 8:30!) without any clue to where you will spend the next 12 hours.

Sign up by August 22. Cost is $20 and includes all meals and activities. Eat breakfast before you come!

Palestine/Israel

2010-08-03T06:12:00.001-04:00

I might cause a little stir with this post...so just a friendly reminder that these views are solely mine and can not be applied to those of Trinity Church.

O and one more disclaimer...I am not trying to convince you of anything. That is not my role, but the Spirit's. I am merely outlining the turmoil that has existed in my heart for the last two weeks.

I have never had quite the experience as I have had the last 12 days.

We took 12 students & leaders to Bethlehem (actually a town right outside Bethlehem called Bet Sahour) which are both cities that are officially a part of Palestine, an occupied territory of the state of Israel. I have to admit...for how much history, geography & politics I like to pride myself of knowing, I was completely ignorant to what is going on in Israel right now.

I was unaware of the wall that has been constructed by Israel (labeled the "Separation Wall" by Palestinians and the "Security Fence" by Israelis), not on the border between Israel and Palestine, but as much as 20 km into the Palestinian border. The wall stands as tall as 25 feet in certain areas. In addition to the concrete wall and fencing materials used in the construction of the structure, sections of Israel's Separation Barrier additionally include electrified fencing, two-meter-deep trenches, roads for patrol vehicles, electronic ground/fence sensors, thermal imaging and video cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sniper towers, and razor wire. If Israel carries out it's current plans for the continued construction of the wall, this separation wall will be four times as long as the Berlin Wall and twice as high in some parts. (Click here for a picture)

We visited one home that was completely boxed in by the wall- their house literally stood 15 feet from walls on three sides. You could see bullet holes that dotted their rooftop...they will be shot at if they ever set foot on their roof. Why? Because they will be standing at the same level as the top of the wall. I think the residents just wished they were told this instead of having to find out on their own...

I obviously do not believe any sort of reconciliation can happen when a wall of this magnitude is created. Taking away even that factor, I cannot support the blatant disregard of UN resolutions and the Oslo Peace Accords by creating a wall, not on an agreed-upon border but smack in the middle of Palestinian lands. I was also dismayed to see Israel blatantly disregarding those two agreements by continuing in their practice of settlements in the West Bank (Palestine). Settlements are when Israelis forcibly remove Palestinians from their home to build a mini-community/city of just Israelis. These settlements were outlawed based on UN Security Council Resolution 446 in 1979:

"Determines that the policy and practices of Israel in establishing settlements in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967 have no legal validity and constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East."

I know what some of you might be thinking: Aren't the Jews God's chosen people? And weren't they promised this land?

I think there are doubts in my mind regarding the legitimacy of the Jews still being labeled "God's Chosen People" since Jesus' presence and sacrifice here on Earth. I am wrestling with this issue based on several key themes in the New Testament, including:

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
But God found fault with the people and said:
   "The time is coming, declares the Lord,
      when I will make a new covenant
   with the house of Israel
      and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
      I made with their forefathers
   when I took them by the hand
      to lead them out of Egypt,
   because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
      and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
      after that time, declares the Lord.
   I will put my laws in their minds
      and write them on their hearts.
   I will be their God,
      and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
      or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
   because they will all know me,
      from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness
      and will remember their sins no more."
By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. (Hebrews 8)

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. (Hebrews 7:18-19)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:28-29)

For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16)
* I do not believe this is referring to all Jews, but it is further evidence that Jews don't just have a "free" card to exert themselves in God's name.

The reality is, I haven't come to a conclusion on this issue (and probably won't). I do know that Scripture clearly outlines that God's chosen people are those who belong to Christ, whether they were once Muslims, or once Jews or agnostic or whatever.

But I also know that God deeply moans for justice. His Scriptures are dotted with His heart toward it. He demands it. And so why are the people that He created to be the "light of all nations" (if that's the title they desire to maintain)...why are they trampling on the God-given rights of others? What happened to loving our neighbor? I just can't believe God cares more about the dust and pavement of land more than the flesh and blood of his creation that he "made in his own image". Israel has become obsessed with the land (yes, that was promised to them), but at the mercy of people who God desires to bring back to himself. I am seeing a whole people group trampled on by the "people of God" and it turns me inside out, because I can't help but think that it is hurting the chance to reach them with Jesus.

I met Palestinian after Palestinian who weren't plotting the demise of Israel...just loving people who wanted to be able to go to the beach, who wanted to go the movies, who wanted to be treated as humans. People who immediately treated me as family. I pray that they see that God is running after them so hard and desires for them to be re-united with Him through the blood of Christ.

Here's the biggest stinger for me: Modern Israel is not a theocracy!!! Anytime God made mention of the reality of the state of Israel, it was always in the context of a theocracy. Modern Israel is nothing short of a humanistic, capitalist nation. There is not a Scripture that I have seen that denotes that this was God's desire.

A couple of websites that I am might push you to: http://www.cpt.org/work/palestine and http://www.shovrimshtika.org/index_e.asp.

You might mention the fact that my post is heavily one-sided. I would actually agree. Because I think most of us have heard decades of the other side...I just wanted to add a little more to the story.

Despite all of these hard realities that were pushed into the forefront of my mind and heart, it was glorious to see the Western Wall, Jericho, the birthplace of Jesus, the Dead Sea, and so on. I know countless Christians who will never have this honor...I don't take it for granted.

Wow...I could probably write for 2 more hours. But if you are still reading to this point, I am shocked and amazed at that! Thanks for reading the achings of my heart. I hope you venture into this issue with me as well.

Pool Parties Tomorrow Night

2010-07-21T00:13:00.001-04:00

Don't forget...Pool Parties tomorrow night at the Bytwerk's house (just east of Willoughby and Hagadorn). MS from 6-7:30 p.m. and HS from 7:39-9 p.m.

This is a change from the original summer schedule.

Don't forget...

2010-07-13T18:10:00.000-04:00

Family Outdoor Movie Night (both middle and high school) is TOMORROW night from 9-11 p.m.

The movie is a surprise, but I promise it will be cool for all your family (and they are ALL invited!) It will be outside right next to the volleyball courts.

Collide Summer Nights in July

2010-07-06T08:56:00.002-04:00

July 7- Game Night with your Fam

Sign-up with Shelly McGee (shelly.mcgee@trinitywired.com, 272.3841) by noon on Wednesday, July 7 to be a part of Collide's Game Night. This is a little different, but you as a family will play games together from 6-8:30 p.m. It can be whatever games you want...cards, board games, Wii, etc. If you signed up with Shelly, and we draw your family's name and we travel to your house and you are playing...the $50 gift certificate if yours to go out to dinner as a fam. I promise it's not as complicated as it sounds.

July 14- Movie Night (9-11 p.m.)

Sorry it's so late at night...since we are showing the movie OUTDOORS, we wanted to wait until it got a little darker! The movie is still TBA, but bring your lawn chairs and blankets (and probably bug spray!) to the area right next to the volleyball courts at Trinity. We will be showing the movie on the wall right next to the Prayer Room. We will provide lemonade and popcorn. All families are invited!!!

July 21- Lugnuts Game

VBS will have taken over the facilities, so we thought a Lugnuts game would be a fun thing to do off-site. Reserve tickets with Shelly McGee (shelly.mcgee@trinitywired.com, 272.3841). She also has more details.

July 28- MS Messy Games; HS- Softball Tourney/Home-Run Derby (both 6-7:30 p.m.)

Messy Games from 6-7:30 p.m. at Trinity for all Middle School students. Please wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and a change of clothes!

Softball Tourney/Home-run Derby from 6-7:30 p.m. at Lansing Christian School for all High School students. Please bring whatever baseball/softball stuff you have: gloves, bats, balls, etc.

High School Students...Need a little money?

2010-06-29T09:04:00.002-04:00

Mark Nickel, a Trinity attendee, is looking for 2 or 3 strong, reliable young men to help him move on the morning of July 9^th. He said there is heavy lifting of furniture, etc. It will be for 3 or 4 hours starting at 9 am and it pays $10.00 per hour. If you are interested, please give Mark a call at (517) 694-4154.

Camp Reflections/Missions Comissioning

2010-06-29T08:26:00.000-04:00

Wow, camp was unreallll. I would undeniably say that this year's middle and high school camps have been the apex of my four years here. Why? What stands out in my mind is the last night of each of the camps when we invited our students to share stories of how God had ripped them open the past week and ways he had healed them.

And how the floodgates opened.

Just a few testimonies we heard that night:

"I used to react in pure revenge when others would make fun of my skin color. Not anymore. The chains are gone- my identity is from Jesus."

"I have been crippled with shame and fear. But Jesus has freed from that...now there is nothing left to do but praise."

"The last thing I wanted to do was come to camp. Now the last thing I want to do is leave."

"I'm ready to identify with Christ through baptism" (which we heard 15 times!!!)

"I feel like this was my last hope for church and solidifying if I even have faith in God. Well, I want you to know that my faith is now firmly placed in Christ."

"I had no friends here at Impact and it almost made me never want to come back. But I now have 5 or 6 friends that I would die for if I had to!"

Transformation is the name of the game for Collide Student Ministries. We are desperate to create a culture of life-change. This week solidified that goal as the ultimate mission. Thanks for all who were involved- it will never be forgotten in my spirit.

We also want to reflect (and celebrate!) all that happened at camp. If you were at middle school camp, we have a reflections night tomorrow (Wed. night) from 6-7 p.m. The high school camp reflections will be from 8-9 p.m. In between those two will be a missions commissioning for our 3 student mission trips from 7-8 p.m.

Love to see you there!

Summer Camp Rallies...

2010-06-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

...are tonight!

Middle School: 6-7:30 p.m.

High School: 7:30-9 p.m.

Make sure you are there to find out your counselor, your team name, who is in your group, your skit song, etc.

Fast Food Fridays

2010-06-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

Our first Fast Food Friday is this week from 12-1 p.m. at the Taco Bell at the corner of Okemos and Jolly. Join other students (middle and high school!), staff and leaders for a quick bite to eat. You need to bring your own money for food! See you then!

Pool Parties Next Week

2010-06-03T10:26:00.000-04:00

It's time for some poolage, grubbage and volleyball action next Wednesday. If it's raining, we will be meeting at the church instead. If it's cold, we will still meet at the Bytwerk's...there is plenty else to do (bonfire, volleyball, etc.)

The party will be at the Bytwerk's. Their address is:

2865 Willoughby Rd, Mason, MI 48854‎

‎

Just a reminder: the middle school party is from 6-7:30 p.m. and the high school party is from 7:30-9 p.m. We will have Smores at both.

(If you are going into 9th grade- it's up to you which one you want to go to. But you can only go to one of them!)

Here are directions from the church to the Bytwerk's.

Summer Schedule Change

2010-06-01T10:37:00.001-04:00

Starting this Wednesday, our gathering times will change for both Impact and Crosswalk!

Both Impact and Crosswalk will now both be on Wednesday nights.

Impact is from 6-7:30 p.m. We ask that you leave right at 7:30 p.m. to allow Crosswalk to come right in.

Crosswalk follows right after from 7:30-9 p.m. We ask that you don't arrive earlier than 7:30 since Impact doesn't end until then!

We are so excited for this change...it will be nice to have a break mid-week for both groups and Crosswalk peeps will be more likely to make it since it doesn't fall on the tail end of a weekend (when most people are still out of town during the summer).

More details about the summer schedule can be found here. All summer long I will be updating the blog for Summer Collide nights that require a little more detail.

Love you guys!

6th Grade Transition

2010-05-24T09:18:00.002-04:00

We've had a lot of questions from incoming 6th grade families about the move-up to Impact. Hopefully you received the letter we sent in the mail a month or two ago, but if not here is the abbreviated version:

Current 5th graders/Incoming 6th graders can begin attending Student Gatherings on Wednesday, June 2, when we begin our summer schedule. You can still attend Children's programming on Sunday morning until September if your family so chooses. Past that- you are officially a part of our Impact community.

We will have a 6th Grade Parent Orientation that same night, June 2, during the gathering (6-7:30 pm). During this time, we would love to share the vision of the student ministry, how certain gatherings & events coincide with that vision and give you the opportunity to ask questions of us.

Incoming 6th Graders are also eligible to attend Impact Summer Camp (June 19-23). More details can be found here.

Update on the Home Front

2010-05-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

A copy of the letter I am giving out to families this week...

May 13, 2010

Dear Collide Families,

I just want to start off by thanking you for your willingness to trust your children to my spiritual leadership this past year. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow I have been overwhelmed by your support and encouragement. However, I have not been shocked by the transformation God has led our community through this year. It is the story God has been writing since the Fall of His beloved creation: drawing men back to himself. I could speak for hours about the culture of transformation we have desired to initiate within the Student Ministries, but my chief aim in writing you today is to share parts of my heart and where God is guiding me and how that collides with my Trinity family.

Colossians 3:17 illuminates the Christ-followers mission: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Translation: Our lives are about making the name of Jesus famous. That somehow because of our interaction with people, both in the things we say and the things we do, the people that surround us will crave Jesus himself. I tell our students all the time: let the unique passions God has implanted into you be a billboard for the name of Jesus to be made more famous.

When I think about our families here at Trinity, I see God painting a canvas of distinctive passions and gifts in each of us that all come together to create a beautiful portrait of the advancing Kingdom. However, the colors of that portrait are dulled when we run from visions and dreams God has placed deep in our hearts.

I write to you today with a sad, but enlivened heart. Beginning next fall (2011), I will be pursuing a law degree with an emphasis on human rights. I truly believe this will allow me to embrace more fully the dreams God has already placed in my heart. With that in mind, I will be stepping down as the Director of Student Ministries here at Trinity in August 2011. Undoubtedly, I will miss being a part of the transformation God is initiating among our students. The last four years have humbled, stretched, liberated and at times confused me. Words don’t suffice. However, I have not been able to shake the passion of social justice that God has embedded deep in my soul. Please know this was a gut-wrenching decision and one in which I relentlessly pursued God and trustworthy counsel.

I understand numerous questions abound from a revelation like that. The fact that this is still a year away allows the ministry to have a more natural transition of leadership. Currently, the plan is for me to continue in leadership over both middle and high school ministries with our present staff staying in tact. We plan on beginning a search for the individual who would take my place beginning in December of this year. Our desire is to have this individual in place by May 2011 so we could have a few months to work side-by-side. Please persistently pray that Satan wouldn’t use this to disrupt the momentous transformation God has been commencing in the last 6 months, because that transformation certainly isn’t about me.

With a heart of appreciation,

Jordan Jones

Student Ministries Director

Movies Showing at this Week's Movie & Popcorn Nights

2010-05-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

We will be watching The Blind Side tonight at Crosswalk. It is rated PG-13, but we think it is a great conversation-starter movie and is worthy of our time.

On Wednesday night, we will be watching UP.

Character vs. Comfort

2010-05-10T23:52:00.000-04:00

"God is more interested in our character than he is our comfort." - Jon Weece

May at Collide Student Ministries

2010-05-05T10:22:00.003-04:00

Impact (6:30-8:30 p.m. still)

May 5- 8th Grade Celebration & Last night of small groups until the Fall

May 12- Worship Night

May 19- Movie & Popcorn Night

May 26- HOPE World Missions Night

Crosswalk (6-8 p.m. still)

May 9- No Crosswalk (Mother's Day)

May 16- Movie & Popcorn Night

May 23- HOPE World Missions Night

May 30- No Crosswalk (Memorial Day)

Let it rip you to pieces...that way God can put you back together.

2010-05-04T13:58:00.000-04:00

You were not meant to carry the weight of it all.

You don't have the power.

And really...if you were honest...you ain't that good. You don't have that much skill.

John Eldredge, in his book Wild at Heart, declares that we are made to depend on God; we are created for union with him and nothing quite works the right way in us if we forsake that bond between God and ourselves.

We get out of rhythm.

Jesus even declares in John 15 that, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Sobering.

No better yet, freeing.

Check out this quote from C.S. Lewis: "A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other."

Jesus + Nothing.

Pranks...

2010-05-03T15:45:00.001-04:00

...are sweet.

I loved being a part of them in high school. There are a few that I still don't talk about because they have remained anonymous and I like it that way!

But...there are lines. And we have had a few pranks around here in the last few months that have crossed those lines. I'm not here to be mean cop and I'm not going to get into much more detail than that...I'm just here to ask you to actually think through the prank past the initial reaction and humor that will come from it...sometimes there is more going on than just that.

But, I trust you guys more than you can imagine. Just wanted to put it on your radar.

Love serving you all.

-Jordan

Mother's Day

2010-05-03T09:46:00.000-04:00

I came across this quote by Abraham Lincoln this morning:

"I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother."

How thoroughly true. Mother's Day shouldn't be a one-day mission to let our moms know how much they mean to us...it should merely be a culmination of appreciation that has swelled throughout the year.

But it's still nice to celebrate the day: so spend this next Sunday showering your moms with hope, love, appreciation of who they are and the sacrifices they make daily for you. No- they aren't perfect. But they certainly try.

Just a reminder: there is no Crosswalk on Sunday night. Spend time with your fam!

SUMMER CAMP!

2010-05-03T09:41:00.001-04:00

I haven't talked about it in awhile, but an important date is coming up this weekend...

Price for Collide Summer Camps 2010 go up $20 after Sunday! So get in your registration packets with your $44 deposit by May 9.

MS Camp Details here.

HS Camp Details here.

Youtube Channel

2010-04-17T12:27:00.002-04:00

We updated our Youtube Channel. Check it out here.

If you do anything today, please check this out...

2010-03-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.collidemagazine.com/blog/index.php/1793/dont-be-afraid-of-them

Fight.

Sunday Night Thoughts

2010-03-29T14:44:00.000-04:00

I hate to minimize what happened last night to a few bullet points, but I'm not sitting across from your sipping coffee like I wish I could be.

Last night was one of the highlights of my 3+ years here at Trinity. I saw broken people celebrating the reality that God has been restoring them the last few months. I saw a fire that I have never seen. I saw creativity come out in students in fresh ways.
It was fun leading side-by-side with Zach last night- that guy continues to push me to a place of awareness of what God is up to, how much Satan is pissed at what God is up to...and if our ministry is causing a stir in the battle of good and evil that is in our midst. Thanks dude.
A few people asked what the names of the songs we did last night were, so here you go:

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Shipwreck by Starfield

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Revelation Song by Jesus Culture

Come Thou Fount

You Won't Relent by Jesus Culture

You Deserve by Hillsong United

Freedom is Here by Hillsong United

We had a ton of students turn in Mission Trip Applications...right on! I'm so pumped for the transformation that will happen in our lives, but more importantly the love and service we pray will be infectious to everyone we come in contact with throughout the trips.
Don't forget that we won't have Crosswalk next Sunday night because of Easter. Trinity's Easter Services are this Saturday at 5 and 7 p.m.or on Sunday morning at 9 and 11 a.m.

Love you guys. Love my job. Love seeing what God is doing among us. Don't take it for granted.

Quote

2010-03-22T12:33:00.000-04:00

“The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve him in this world. That is, of course, if it’s the real Jesus you’re looking at. Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a ‘Jesus’ for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn’t challenge them, doesn’t suggest they get up and do something about the plight of the world. Which is, of course, what the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing.” - N.T. Wright

Please pray for...

2010-03-10T13:46:00.001-05:00

our very own Shelly McGee. Shelly is traveling overseas to check out a potential Level 3 Mission location for a future partnership with the Student Ministries here at Trinity. Pray that God would infuse clarity into the landscape of that potential reality and that even this prelim trip would show her and the team a small taste of what He desires.

Also, for me! I am heading home for 8 days tomorrow morning.

Level 1, 2 & 3 Mission Trips

2010-03-05T16:53:00.005-05:00

New Vision for Student Missions

Level 1 Trip- Cincinnati (July 11-16)

Level 2 Trip- Chicago SEMP (July 5-10)

Level 3 Trip- Will be announced at Crosswalk on March 21

Level 1 Trips- The Starting Place

Your presence during a mission trip speaks more than a thousand words through your simple love and willingness to serve. We believe in stories – in telling Jesus’ story, in listening to other’s life stories and in bringing our stories together to transform hearts; a Level 1 mission trip is the perfect time to tell those stories.

Past Level 1 Trips:

Niagara Falls, Toronto, Rutland (Vermont), Milwaukee, etc.

Pre-requisites:

You must have at least completed 7th grade.
A desire to serve a community in whatever way they need!

Level 2 Trips- The Growing Place

Level 2 trips are not for all students. This mission event is designed specifically for students who cry out for a deeper relationship with God and are serious about sharing their faith with their friends. This event will be a holistic equipping experience that will stretch, challenge and prepare you for peer ministry.

Past Level 2 Trips:

Chicago SEMP

Pre-requisites:

You must have at least completed 8th grade.
You have been on either a Level 1 (see list above) or Level 2 Trip (SEMP) in the past.
A desperation for others to see Jesus as vividly as you have!

Level 3 Trips- The Stretching Place

The Level 3 trip will bridge it all together. Our main goal is to partner with an international church or organization to mentor and train youth in evangelism and outreach with practical, yet engaging learning opportunities.

Past Level 3 Trips:

Costa Rica

Pre-requisites:

You must have at least completed 9th grade.
You have been on both a Level 1 (see list above) and Level 2 Trip (SEMP) in the past.
A passion to see other people make disciples & embrace Kingdom work.
Only current exceptions: you are a graduating senior or a middle school small group leader.

Application packets and more details can be found at our Student Deploy page.

2 Summer Internships Available

2010-03-05T16:40:00.003-05:00

Collide Student Ministry is seeking 2 enthusiastic, passionate, creative, Christ-pursuing individuals to serve on the student ministry team. We are looking to fill 2 full time intern positions during the summer months. The compensation is a $600 honorarium plus love offering given at the end of the summer. We will also set each intern up with a host family for lodging, if needed.

The primary focus of this position will be on building relationships with students in grades 6-12 that help lead to and nurture a relationship with Christ. The secondary focus will be to assist the staff team with the planning & implementation of the following "Kingdom-heart" events: weekly Wed. night gatherings; Mission trips to Cincinnati, Chicago and soon-to-be-announced international location; a Middle & High School Camp; and a intern-led weekly bible study. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on skill set and the gifts and graces of the person hired.

Official time commitment is from June 1- August 10 (10 weeks). However, if you need to be done at the end of July- we are open to that discussion.

Please send resumes to jordan.jones@trinitywired.com.

AMP Nights off-site this week

2010-03-01T15:11:00.000-05:00

Both Impact and Crosswalk will be off-site for our monthly AMP Nights this week.

Impact

EDRU in Holt (on Cedar St.)

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $5 (skates included)

Crosswalk

Bowling Classic- Sky Lanes (Jolly & MLK)

6-8 p.m.

Cost: $5 (shoes included)

* Don't forget that the purpose of AMP nights are for you to bring friends that you have been sharing the Constant Gospel with- so that can be introduced to the community you are a part of here with Collide!

Food Drop

2010-02-19T10:41:00.002-05:00

Student Ministries has adopted an apartment complex downtown where we will deliver 200 boxes on Sunday during the Food Drop. We have filled all of our slots for families serving in this role. Right on!

Crosswalk students: We will still have CW on Sunday night. We will be serving dinner from 5-6:30 for those who arrive back from various spots in the city and need a little grub. We will start the gathering a little later on Sunday night: 6:30 p.m.

Just talk to anyone who was here last week...this is unlike any series we have done here at Crosswalk. Don't miss Week 2.

Retreats

2010-02-19T10:38:00.002-05:00

Last day to sign-up for retreats is Sunday!

Don't forget that we lowered both retreats' prices to $50. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to go can go!

Winter Retreats Update

2010-02-16T23:54:00.000-05:00

We have heard the financial need! We desire that every student that wants to go on this weekend to see God can go. So we have lowered both retreats to $50 apiece.

If you have already paid the full price, we will be willing to offer you the difference in price, but would also ask that you prayerfully consider maintaining your current payment so we can use more resources to scholarship other students. Actually, maybe you would be interested in sending in more money to support this weekend?

Sunday Night Thoughts

2010-02-15T09:24:00.003-05:00

God doesn't base success within the same parameters that man does. This reality collided into me last night.

Let's look at what man would typically describe as a "unsuccessful night":

We only had 50 students present. Everyone else either had a hot date or was out of town.
We had 10 leaders that were unable to make it.
It seemed as if whatever could go wrong, did go wrong: Brandon was sick, internet was down so we couldn't pull up the night's schedule or find the videos we wanted to play during the night, a few members of the band didn't show.

And then God did His thing. His thing being restoration, transformation, revealing that brokenness is appealing.

A few thoughts on the night:

Still can't get enough of Hosea 1. I think the thing that hit me most this time through was the children's names and the strong connection Zach made between Israel and us.
It was fun to strip down the band and just get back to the basics.
I heard more stories of honesty and vulnerability among the 50 students that were here last night than I have in 6 months. Seriously. God is a God who pursues.
The gospel declares to us that God hasn't given up on us. Not as if he needs us, but as if he can't bear to leave us to our bowls of beans, to those things that won't satisfy us in the end, but those things that are so easy to grab. The gospel reveals that there is hope.
Wow! What a night.

Join us next week for Week 2 of Out of the Dark. We will look at Hosea 2. If you are participating in the Food Drop, we will provide food for you in the Student Cafe at 5 p.m.

Matthew 6

2010-02-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

⁵"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (NIV)

⁵"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
⁶"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
^7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. (MSG)

I've been searching out what God's intended beat and rhythm of prayer is. Because I feel as though there are not too many things more misunderstood, more maligned, more of a cause of frustration & confusion than prayer.

No reason to get defensive to that. I talk with numerous middle and high schoolers every week. There is a common consensus: Why is it so important? Why can't I hear God speaking back to me? What the heck does prayer look like?

Is it merely me saying thanks?

Is it getting on God's lap and reading off a wish list like we do with Santa?

Or could it be to engage a relationship?

To interact with the One we were created by and for?

I believe this more and more each day: prayer is designed to draw us into a more complete, more dynamic relationship with our Creator.

Think about it...if I spent at least one hour with you every day one-on-one and called you at least once an hour...there's a good chance we are going to see our friendship/relationship progress, right? And experience tells me that I will start acting like you a little too.

Like using those little unique phrases that only you do. And reacting to things like you do. And getting passionate about some of the things that I never even noticed before we became so close.

Is the picture getting clearer?

Prayer is dynamic communion. Relationship.

Not hype. Not formulas. Not wish lists.

Love.

Winter Retreats

2010-02-01T23:42:00.000-05:00

Middle School is heading to Spring-Hill Camp in Evart, MI

High School is heading to Grace Adventures in Mears, MI

Both are during the weekend of Feb. 26-28.

Prices go up after Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

Registration forms can be found at our main Student page: www.trinitywired.com/ministry/student-ministry.

February AMP Nights: The Ultimate

2010-01-30T11:57:00.000-05:00

MS Edition: Saturday, Feb. 6 from 7-10 p.m. (please be picked up sometime between 9:45-10 p.m.!)

Some things to look forward to: Squirrel Jump in the Gym, photo booth, Blacklight Dodgeball, Human Joust, Open Game Room, Cookie Decorating, Prizes, Giveaways, etc.

HS Edition: Sunday, Feb. 7 from 6-10 p.m. (Cost $2)

Some things to look forward to: Squirrel Jump in the Gym, Madden tournament, photo booth, Food served all night, Canvas art, the big game on the big screen, Blacklight Dodgeball, Human Joust, Open Game Room, Cookie Decorating, Prizes, Giveaways, etc.

Wednesday Night Thoughts

2010-01-27T23:13:00.001-05:00

I haven't forgotten about these. Ok, yes I had.

But I plan on starting them back up to allow parents who weren't at the gathering & students who missed the gathering to read a little about what happened at Impact!

I think it was fitting that we talked about how God uses but children to allow his kingdom to forcefully advance, on the night that I was almost trembling because my stomach hurt so bad. I can't describe it any other way- the teaching time was a fog...I pray the Spirit said what He wanted!
Luke 10:1-24. I see something new every time I read it.
Hosea 11 changes everything.
The closing reality of this series: God is relentlessly pursuing you. It's evidenced by the first three words out of the mouth of God that echoed through the Garden after His creation was cowered in shame after thinking something could fulfill them more than himself: "Where are you?" Those three words echo throughout the Earth even today. 1 Peter declares that God desires that no one would perish. He is running after you. He is not letting go. He won't relent until He has your all. It's what you were created for.
It was amazing to have parents join us tonight, even if just to get a glimpse into how a "normal" night at Impact looks like- if there is such a thing.
Don't forget to sign up for Winter Retreat by Feb. 14 for the Early Bird price. The sign-up form is at the Trinitywired site.
Last reminder- we don't have Wednesday night Impact next week. We'll see you from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6 for The Ultimate.

I love what I do. I am constantly reminded of this.

Don't lose sight of why you were created.

Peace.

Family Nights at Impact & Crosswalk

2010-01-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that this coming Wednesday and Sunday (Jan. 27 & 31) we are hosting Family Nights at our gatherings. So parents and families are invited to join us for the music, teaching, a parent forum (while your student heads off to small group time) & connection time with small group leaders & the Student Staff Team after things wrap up.

We see this as an integral event, as you will receive a taste of what a "typical" night looks like & have the opportunity to further get-to-know your child's small group leader.

See you there!

Wild at Heart HS Rooted Group Update

2010-01-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

We are extending the registration for the Wild at Heart Rooted Group until this Sunday. Make sure to sign up by completing a commitment card and dropping it into the Student Ministries drop box or calling Shelly, our Ministry Assistant, at 272-3841.

This is going to be a momentous group and opportunity. Really pray and consider this throughout the week.

Check it out.

2010-01-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

Worthy post to read from our Crosswalk Summer Camp Speaker, Jordan Dowell.

Last post on Rooted Groups for awhile...

2010-01-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that Rooted Group sign-ups are due on Sunday!!!

Out of the Dark Series at Impact

2010-01-12T23:25:00.001-05:00

We start a new series tomorrow night at Impact embracing the book of Hosea for the month. I know I say this all the time, but you just can't miss Wednesdays in January. The Spirit has overwhelmed me the last week about what He is going to do through this series.

OVERWHELMED ME.

I recognize that Scripture tells us that Satan is in the business of plucking away seeds of truth and revelation or that certain people don't have ears to hear or some do, but choose their selfish desires anyway. However, if anyone joins us on this journey the next 3 weeks with any semblance of an open heart and mind- the Spirit has confirmed that you won't walk away unchanged.

A bold statement- yes.

But honestly...should we expect any less?

It's the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.

It's what He does.

The better question is: why don't we expect it more?!?

Hosea 1 tomorrow night.

See you there.

Last Day to Sign up for Rooted Groups is...

2010-01-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

...this Sunday! Make sure to drop your commitment card into the Drop-box!

HS Rooted Group #4: Two C.S. Lewis Works

2010-01-09T11:57:00.003-05:00

Location: Trinity

Time: Every Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 24

This group will venture through two of C.S. Lewis' works: The Four Loves and The Great Divorce.

The Four Loves describes (surprisingly enough) the four natures of love. The fact that there is only one word for such an expansive reality as love in the English language was one of the reasons Lewis wrote the book. Lewis describes the first three (Affection, Friendship, Eros) as the natural, or "creation" loves. The fourth love, Charity, or... Agape/Godly love, is the love of God and holds it's proper place as the overseeing, balancing, Love over the first three loves. It takes preeminence and thereby brings the first three loves to their fullest expression.

Notable quotes from The Four Loves:

"The gnat-like cloud of petty anxieties and decisions about the conduct of the next hour have interfered with my prayers more often than any passion or appetite whatever."

"Now Eros makes a man really want, not a woman, but one particular woman. In some mysterious but quite indisputable fashion the lover desires the Beloved herself, not the pleasure she can give. No lover in the world ever sought the embraces of the woman he loved as the result of a calculation, however unconscious, that they would be more pleasurable than those of any other woman."

"Love's proper place is to God himself. To love at all involves risk of heartache, but far better this than to lock up our hearts in a coffin where they grow cold and hard, irredeemable. We trust it is God's wisdom to prune, and not to destroy, that which He planted in our hearts and therefore we embrace the learning of His love."

"If any man come after me and hate not his father and mother and wife and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." To hate, in this sense, is to set ourselves against anything, any other love even, that would try to position itself higher than God's type of love or love for God. To obey God, rather than our nearest and dearest friends, family or lover may indeed be perceived by them as hateful. When two agree, as in man and wife, to place Charity above the other loves then they need not oppose each other's obedience to God's love. Divine love, Charity, desires what is best for the beloved. God loves us who are unlovable, not attractive to God in the least, it was He who first loved us.

In The Great Divorce, it appears that only C.S. Lewis can write a story like this. A man takes a bus ride through Hell, then Heaven and witnesses the choices made by others in their lives.

The vivid stories within the story show that indecision is still a decision... it underscores the petty things in our lives that we allow to dominate us, things that will still plague us in Hell for eternity if we don't abandon them.

Lewis' concepts (fantasized, of course) of the substance of spirit versus the substance of flesh and blood are incredibly thought provoking. There are mental images I got from reading this book that I will never forget.

It is basic truth - you choose life, you choose death, or you choose not to choose. You will either give up the things that are holding you down (whether they be bitter resentments, anger, material gain, control, etc.) or you will cling to them until they become your master and you their slave.
T
he book presents these concepts in such a non-threatening way that you've gotten a life lesson that you don't realize until you've finished this short, yet vibrant book.

Notable quotes from The Great Divorce:

"'Nothing, not even what is lowest and most bestial, will not be raised again if it submits to death.'"

"There have been men before … who got so interested in proving the existence of God that they came to care nothing for God himself… as if the good Lord had nothing to do but to exist. There have been some who were so preoccupied with spreading Christianity that they never gave a thought to Christ."

Summer Camp Packets...

2010-01-08T13:02:00.003-05:00

...can now be found on the Trinity website.

Just check out our main student ministry website for both middle and high school camp packets: http://trinitywired.com/ministry/student-ministry.

(Click on the camp logo for the specific camp you are interested in)

HS Rooted Group #3: Book of 1 John

2010-01-08T12:57:00.003-05:00

Location: South/Central Lansing

Time: Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. beginning Jan. 26

The book of 1 John is a book of love and joy. It explains the fellowship we have with others and with Jesus Christ. It differentiates between happiness, which is temporary and fleeting and true joy, which 1 John tells us how to achieve.

The apostle John knew Christ well. He is telling us that we can all have that close intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. We have the witness of men who had direct and personal contact with Him. The Gospel writers present their solidly based testimony on a historical reality. Now, how does that apply to our lives? It explains to us that Jesus came here as the Son of God to create a union with us based on His grace, mercy, love, and acceptance. So many times people think Jesus is off in some faraway place and that He doesn't really concern Himself with our daily struggles, issues, and concerns. But John is telling us that Jesus is right here with us in both the simple, mundane parts of our lives and in the complex, soul-wrenching parts as well. John testifies as a witness of his personal experiences that God became flesh and lived among men. That means Christ came here to live with us and He still lives with us.

As He walked the earth alongside John, so does He walk through each and every day with us. We need to apply this truth to our lives and live as if Jesus were standing right next to us every second of the day. If we put this truth into practice, Christ will add holiness to our lives, making us more and more like Him.

HS Rooted Group #2: Re-Understanding Prayer

2010-01-07T11:04:00.003-05:00

Location: South Lansing (by the Oak Park YMCA)
Time: Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 25

What if, after having logged countless hours within the walls of the Church, you woke up one day feeling completely brain-dead about prayer? What's the purpose? How does it work? Why even do it? A few years ago, Kyle Lake — a pastor — found himself in this very predicament. Tired of the clichés. Annoyed with the vacant banter. And suspecting that a simple word like prayer failed to express the fullness of our interaction with God.

So he set out to "reunderstand" prayer. Here, Lake deconstructs the wrong ideas of prayer that handicap our conversations with God, including Prayer as Drama, Prayer as Social Dance, and the All-Too Hip and Relevant Prayer (just to name a few).

He seeks answers to a few of faith's most pressing questions:

How do you hear God?
How do you know God's voice from your own?
How do you deal with seemingly unanswered prayers?

(re)Understanding Prayer is the first step on a journey toward a more authentic, personal, and powerful prayer life.

Synopsis:
Lake offers a healthy approach to prayer by attacking prevailing misconceptions of God and destructive approaches to prayer like prayer as taskmaster, then unpacks the essence of conversation.

Bring your Bibles...

2010-01-07T10:52:00.003-05:00

Hey all,

I know you hear us say this all the time...but maybe you didn't know if we meant it...

But I am asking each of you who owns a Bible to bring it every Sunday & Wednesday night that we are in a specific series. It's sad how few students actually do this. Not that it's a rule or mandate, but because it should be a joy to explore Scriptures while looking through your own copy of the text! And- we want you to be able to check anything that a teacher says...you should never just take their word for it...no matter how much you trust them. And you can't check the Scriptures they are using without a copy of them yourself!

Check out what Luke wrote in Acts:

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." - Acts 17:11

If the Bereans examined what Paul said against the Scriptures...

HS Rooted Group #1: Wild at Heart

2010-01-06T11:33:00.005-05:00

Location: Bath (off of 69 & Webster Rd.)
Time: Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 28
* Note: For HS Guys Only

Every man was once a boy (maybe you still think you are still a boy...). Regardless, every little boy has dreams, big dreams: dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys, of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams, too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up into a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty.

But what happens to those dreams when we grow up? Walk into most churches, have a look around, and ask yourself: What is a Christian man? Without listening to what is said, look at what you find there. Most Christian men are...bored.

In Wild At Heart, men are invited to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. Eldredge explains how a man can be true to his inner self, live life more fully, and grow within the freedom of a Christian life.

This group is led by true warriors, Tim Spaulding and Gary Seelye. Spending time with these guys as they point you to a relentless God in a room they call the 'Man Cave' might be just what your soul needs.

Rooted Group Books are in...

2010-01-05T09:37:00.003-05:00

...well most of them.

You can purchase your Rooted Group book/journal in the Trinity bookstore starting this Wednesday. You will not pay any money for your study directly to Shelly...it will all go through the bookstore!

The bookstore hours are as follows:

Sundays
10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Wednesdays*
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. &
6 – 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays
7 – 8 p.m.

A few other reminders for Rooted Groups:

You can only choose one rooted group per semester.
You must turn in a completed commitment card into the Student Ministries Drop-box right outside of the Gym by Jan. 17!
Please purchase your book and/or journal by Jan. 24.

MS Rooted Group #4: PRAY

2010-01-05T09:31:00.002-05:00

Location: Student Center Loft
Time: 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 24

It can be intimidating to think about talking to the most powerful being in the universe. But that's what God wants from us. God created us to be in relationship with him, and what better way to build a relationship than by a conversation? This engaging study will start us on a journey discovering what God thinks about prayer, what it's all about, why to pray, and how to pray.

MS Rooted Group #3: 1 Peter

2010-01-04T15:09:00.003-05:00

Location: Cafe
Time: 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 24
* Note: This group is an open group, meaning anyone can join week-to-week.

Peter's concise confession - "You are the Messiah, the Christ" - centered the faith of the disciples on Jesus as God among us, in flesh, carrying out the eternal work of freedom and salvation. Peter seems to have been a natural leader, commanding the respect of his peers by sheer force of personality. In every listing of Jesus' disciples, Peter's name is invariably first. Interesting since Jesus used words like 'fool' and 'Satan' to describe him (to be fair he also used 'rock').

Nevertheless, in the early church, his influence was enormous and acknowledged by all. By virtue of his position, he was easily the most powerful figure in the Christian community. And his energetic teaching, passionate prayer, bold healing, and wise direction confirmed the trust placed in him.

But here's the deal: the way Peter handled himself in that position of power is even more impressive than the power itself. He stayed out of the center, didn't abuse that influence, and maintained an unyielding subordination to Jesus. That he didn't become one who strived to promote himself (like so many spiritual sadly do), is a compelling witness to what he himself describes as "a brand new life, with everything to live for."

Sounds like a breath of fresh air doesn't it?

(Part of this taken from the introduction to 1 Peter from The Message)

MS Rooted Group #2: Dangerous Devotions for Guys

2010-01-03T14:13:00.002-05:00

Location: Gym
Time: 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 24
* Note: For MS Guys Only

Who knew you could combine science and building stuff with learning the amazing story God has authored us into (and maybe even throw a couple explosions in there).

I guess we were just tired of "safe" devotions for guys. This book features the technique Jesus used when he taught his small group of disciples. He didn't ask them to read a scroll and come back a week later to discuss it. Jesus taught visually- and with amazing and unexpected results. He used inventive object lessons. Water into wine, the coin found in the fish's mouth, walking on water, calming the storm, and the withering fig tree.

So we're taking a similar approach to this Rooted Group. Each group time will involve every guy in the process. Guys in the group won't watch Greg do something cool- they'll be doing it with him, experiencing everything for themselves, and then discovering how what they're doing applies in their own lives.

Jesus didn't play it safe, so we're not feeling that either.

Proud

2010-01-02T15:55:00.002-05:00

I walked into my office on Wednesday from being out of town for 2 weeks to the sight of 5 giant boxes of stuff that students & leaders brought in for Kids of Iraq.

I know that's only a small offering, a tiny sacrifice, but I am proud of you for thinking about others for even just a moment, because once God grabs your heart in that moment and you become aware of the beauty of thinking of others before yourself...I am convinced that those moments become realities in our lives.

Just wanted to say I am proud of all of you.

MS Rooted Group #1: In Pursuit of Jesus

2010-01-02T14:32:00.004-05:00

Location: Breakout Rooms in the Student Auditorium
Time: 9:15-10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 24

You can understand the truth about Jesus in a lot of different ways—just as you can understand the truth about your spouse or best friend in different ways. Not all of these ways have to do with hard facts; many have to do more with your “heart knowledge” of the person. The reason you marry someone or hang out with someone has as much to do with your emotional experience (your heart knowledge) as your “factual” assessment of who someone is.

Don't believe me?

Think about your greatest friend. Not the most popular or richest or smartest or most athletic. The one who is there for you like no other. The one who you would die for if you had to.

When someone asks about your friendship/relationship, how do you describe them?

She has blonde hair.
He lives at 1658 Glendale Rd.
He drives a beat-up Corolla.

No.

You speak from your emotions.

She helped me through my struggle with cutting.
He shows me God through his sacrificial love.
She has never given up on me.

Your emotional experience is just as weighty as your factual assessment.

So the goal of this Rooted Group is to see and experience Jesus himself, not just through the lenses of factual information and propositional truths (black and white truths), but to run to Jesus himself.

Because we believe that true transformation comes when you get closer to Jesus. The aim of this pursuit isn’t just to get closer to Jesus, but to be consumed by him. To move him from the fringes of everyday life to the bull’s-eye of everyday life.

Rooted Groups this Spring

2010-01-02T14:27:00.003-05:00

I will be doing 8 straight posts the next 8 days giving a small glimpse into each of the 8 Rooted Groups Collide Student Ministries will be offering this Spring. I will start with middle school then move on to high school.

I can't express how crucial these groups are. They take all of the places you are seeing God work (whether through a Sunday or Wednesdsay gathering, church service, your small group, Campus Life, Young Life, your daily coming and going, etc.) and allows you to process all of this as well as focus in on a key area of faith.

It's vital.

And I'm not just promoting it because it's my job...it honestly was my favorite thing I participated in all Fall. Hope you really think and pray about it.

Much love.

Summer Camps

2009-12-23T17:45:00.002-05:00

Update on our 2010 Collide Summer Camps:

Impact Summer Camp (Middle School)

Dates: June 19-23
Cost: $220 (includes: lodging, food, speaker/band, free time options including lake, blob, outdoor pool, high ropes course, etc., camp t-shirt, camp CD, recreation and much more!)
Teacher: Marvin Williams will be returning to Summer Camp!
Worship Leader: Zach Seelye will be too!

Sign up by the end of February for a 5 month plan of $44 per month. Scholarships are available, but we ask that you at least pay the deposit and join us in our fundraising efforts in the Spring!

Crosswalk Summer Camp (High School)

Dates: June 23-27
Cost: $220 (includes: lodging, food, speaker/band, free time options including lake, blob, outdoor pool, high ropes course, etc., camp t-shirt, camp CD, recreation and much more!)
Teacher: Jordan Dowell, Student Pastor at Willow Creek Chicago and Crosswalk Alum
Worship Leader: Zach Seelye

Sign up by the end of February for a 5 month plan of $44 per month. Scholarships are available, but we ask that you at least pay the deposit and join us in our fundraising efforts in the Spring!

I Love This

2009-12-14T12:01:00.004-05:00

How riled up do you get when you read this?

And for what reasons?

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/12/14/this-sh_t-is-awesome/

Tacky Christmas Dinner at Impact

2009-12-14T08:55:00.005-05:00

IMPACT- One last reminder to wear your tacky garb when you come to the Christmas Dinner this Wednesday. We will have special prizes and VIP seating for the tackiest.

Also, don't forget your gift for Kids of Iraq. Nothing is too small to bring...even if it is "just" a pack of pencils.

Wednesday is a Discover night so bring your friends as I will be sharing how the Christmas story really is a never-ending one...a tale that shouldn't merely shape this season, but should re-position our life and journey.

See you on Wednesday!

Kids of Iraq

2009-12-10T13:12:00.003-05:00

Students- don't forget to bring a gift for the Kids of Iraq donation we are collecting at each of the Christmas Parties.

I was tempted to say if you bring a present we will put your name in a drawing for a gift card. But- I don't think I should manipulate you to give. It's the call of every Christ-follower. Just listen to that call, not what you are going to get out of it.

Want to know what you can bring? Check out www.kidsofiraq.org.

Matthew 5- Part 8

2009-12-10T11:36:00.009-05:00

¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹⁰ They are blessed who are persecuted for doing good,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

¹⁰"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

I'm telling you...this Naked Gospel book is wrecking me.

Literally.

Pieces of guilt...

of shame...

of religion...

of misconceptions...

flying off me.

In the book, Andrew Farley, makes a distinction between flesh, sin and the old self. The Bible is clear that when we come to Christ our old self is eradicated. Colossians 3 says that "you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Our old self is dead. Period. So I don't want to hear this "It's my sinful nature that made me do it" crap. You're spitting in the face of the God's holiness if he would allow you into His kingdom with your old nature in tact. To deny this or to water it down is to miss the power of the message all together.

So why do we keep sinning then?

Here's the deal...Christians are new creations at heart, no matter where we allow our feet to take us on our journeys, no matter what lies we buy about what is going to truly satisfy us.

Christians are in the Spirit.

But the flesh is still desiring us to be captivated by lies in every moment. But the flesh is not the old self. It's not us, but it is with us.

The choice rests in our hands to depend on the flesh or the Spirit on every step of our journey.

Farley says that "when we walk after the flesh, we're not being ourselves. If we rely on intellect, strength, or physical appearance to gain purpose and fulfillment, we're walking after the flesh. But again, this is no indication of our nature. In fact, depending on the flesh goes against our nature. We're designed for dependency on Christ. Walking after the Spirit is our destiny. We'll never be content with talking after the flesh or fashioning an identity outside of Christ. We can do it, but it won't fulfill."

When we pursue the flesh, the Spirit of God within us and our new self cry out to be heard.

Check out another quote: "We know from Romans 6 that it's our responsibility to not let sin ruin our lives. Paul admonishes us to resist this rogue force and not allow it to take control. Clearly, there's a choice. We're urged to recognize the presence of sin and say no to it: 'Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.' (Romans 6:12)

Notice to whom the evil desires belong, namely, to sin. If we give in to sin, we're buying into the lie that we want to sin. Yes, we're not yielding to God. But we're also not yielding to our own selves. Instead, we're giving in to thoughts that didn't originate with us. They're coming from a sinister sources, and for that reason they will never fulfill.

We can allow sin to have its way with us, but what benefit will we really get? Sure, there may be a temporal and fleeting sense of fulfillment but only at a base (flesh) level. In the believer, this feeling will eventually give way to a sense of our higher calling."

Doing good is pursuing that higher calling.

And realizing that it might get messy.

And even if we are really doing it right...it means we will get persecuted for it.

Matthew 5- Part 7

2009-12-07T23:47:00.004-05:00

"They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God's children."

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

Work for peace?

Ok, Jesus I expected the pure in heart stuff.

And the merciful stuff.

And even the meekness stuff.

But peacemaker?

That wine you drank must be less diluted than all those Bible commentators claim.

But throw away your idea of peace for a second.

When we hear the word peace we usually associate this to mean an absence of war or strife, right? However, the Hebrew meaning of the word shalom is very different. Shalom has a more literal meaning of being in a state of wholeness or with no deficiency. The common phrase shalu shalom yerushalayim (pray for the peace of Jerusalem) is not speaking about an absence of war (though that is part of it) but that Jerusalem (and by extension all of Israel) is complete and whole and goes far beyond the idea of "peace".

The verb form of the root word is shalam and is usually used in the context of making restitution. When a person has caused another to become deficient in some way, it is the responsibility of the person who created the deficiency to restore what has been taken, lost or stolen. The verb shalam literally means to make whole or complete.

To restore.

To bring back to the way it was always meant to be.

Jesus is inviting us to sift every decision, thought, action, word, moment through: "Is this restorative or fracturing?" Will I be pointing others around me back to the way things were supposed to be? Or more appropriately, will I be pointing others around me forward to the way things will be (check out Revelation 21).

What could this look like though? Check out what Donald Miller writes in his book Blue Like Jazz about the process of being partners in this work in a way that seeks restoration:

What's up, man?" Dude sat himself on the chair with a smile on his face. He told me my pipe smelled good.

"Thanks," I said. I asked him his name, and he said his name was Jake. I shook his hand because I didn't know what to do, really. "So what is this? I'm supposed to tell you all of the juicy gossip I did at Ren Fayre, right?" Jake said.

"No."

"Okay, then what? What's the game?" he asked.

"Not really a game. More of a confession thing."

"You want me to confess my sins, right?"

"No, that's not what we're doing."

"What's the deal, man? What's with the monk outfit?"

"Well, we are, well, a group of Christians here on campus, you know."

"I see. Strange place for Christians, but I'm listening."

"Thanks," I said. He was being patient and gracious. "Anyway, there is this group, just a few of us who were thinking about the way Christians have sort of wronged people over time. You know, the Crusades, all that stuff …"

"Well, I doubt you personally were involved in any of that, man."

"No, I wasn't," I told him. "But the thing is, we are followers of Jesus. We believe that he is God and all, and he represented certain ideas that we have sort of not done a good job at representing. He has asked us to represent him well, but it can be very hard."

"I see," Jake said.

"So this group of us on campus wanted to confess to you."

"You are confessing to me!" Jake said with a laugh.

"Yeah. We are confessing to you. I mean, I am confessing to you."

"You're serious." His laugh turned to something of a straight face.

"There's a lot. I will keep it short," I started. "Jesus said to feed the poor and to heal the sick. I have never done very much about that. Jesus said to love those who persecute me. I tend to lash out, especially if I feel threatened, you know, if my ego gets threatened. Jesus did not mix his spirituality with politics. I grew up doing that. It got in the way of the central message of Christ. I know that was wrong, and I know that a lot of people will not listen to the words of Christ because people like me, who know him, carry our own agendas into the conversation rather than just relaying the message Christ wanted to get across. There's a lot more, you know."

"It's all right, man," Jake said, very tenderly. His eyes were starting to water.

"Well," I said, clearing my throat, "I am sorry for all that."

"I forgive you," Jake said. And he meant it.

"Thanks," I told him.

He sat there and looked at the floor, then into the fire of a candle. "It's really cool what you guys are doing," he said. "A lot of people need to hear this."

"Have we hurt a lot of people?" I asked him.

"You haven't hurt me. I just think it isn't very popular to be a Christian, you know. Especially at a place like this. I don't think too many people have been hurt. Most people just have a strong reaction to what they see on television. All these well-dressed preachers supporting the Republicans."

"That's not the whole picture," I said. "That's just television. I have friends who are giving their lives to feed the poor and defend the defenseless. They are doing it for Christ."

"You really believe in Jesus, don't you?" he asked me.

"Yes, I think I do. Most often I do. I have doubts at times, but mostly I believe in him. It's like there is something in me that causes me to believe. I can't explain it."

"You said earlier that there was a central message of Christ. I don't really want to become a Christian, you know, but what is that message?"

"The message is that man sinned against God and God gave the world over to man, and that if somebody wanted to be rescued out of that, if somebody for instance finds it all very empty, that Christ will rescue them if they want; that if they ask forgiveness for being a part of that rebellion then God will forgive them." Blue Like Jazz, 122-23

For parents...

2009-12-04T00:10:00.001-05:00

Worthwhile read from Pastor Perry Noble about marriages....

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/12/01/seven-reasons-why-marriages-fail/

Stuff to look forward to...

2009-11-29T19:34:00.005-05:00

The Winter/Spring Calendars are available to be picked up at the wall racks outside of the Gym (if you didn't receive one in the mail).

Or you can check it out on the website:

Crosswalk (HS) Winter/Spring 2010 Calendar

Impact (MS) Winter/Spring 2010 Calendar

Also, we have finalized all the Rooted Groups for the Fall. I would suggest you already start praying through, thinking about what group you would like to be a part of (groups start the week of Jan. 24).

Crosswalk (HS) Rooted Group Commitment Card- Spring 2010

Impact (MS) Rooted Group Commitment Card- Spring 2010

Pastor Marvin's blog

2009-11-23T12:51:00.001-05:00

Check out Marvin's blog at: http://marvinlwilliams.org/.

Sunday Night Thoughts

2009-11-23T00:04:00.002-05:00

1. It was good to have a good friend back around...Ryan Jennings. The thing I love about Ryan is he doesn't over-complicate things...he just lays things out and invites others into a greater reality. The Kingdom is advancing...will we join with it?

2. Yes, we do have Crosswalk next week. It's going to be an amazing night of worship. Zach will be leading the night!

3. Turn in Summer Camp Packets by the end of February to get in on the $44 per month for 5 months payment plan. Good stuff.

4. We should be finalizing Level 3 Mission Trip stuff by Christmas. Level 1 and 2 Mission Trip Packets are both available in the wall racks outside the Student Center. Don't forget: you are only eligible for a Level 2 trip if you have been on a Level 1 Trip (i.e. Milwaukee, Rutland, Lansing Project, etc.) or Level 2 Trip (i.e. SEMP) before. If not, we ask that you start off your missions experience with the Level 1 Trip to Cincinnati in July.

5. Exciting news around our community today- Marvin Williams was brought before the church to be considered for the role of teaching pastor. Beautiful stuff. Praying for his family, his congregation and God's kingdom to reign in this process. Excited.

The Naked Gospel

2009-11-21T15:09:00.004-05:00

I don't do this very often, but I am half-way through The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley and I want to encourage everyone I know to go out and buy it.

It is honestly freeing me of years and years of religious baggage...pointing me to Scriptures that are opening me up even more so to the reality of the New Covenant.

Here are a few passages from the book:

"God never gave us permission to divide the law into our favorite pieces so that we could select how much we're under. He delivered us from the entirety of the law by fulfilling it through Jesus Christ. Now we don't have to fulfill any of the law.

But how do we live upright lives if we don't use the Ten Commandments as our guide? After hearing that believers have no need for the law, this is a natural question. The short answer is this: The Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us when we believe, and he is enough! The fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit within us is enough. And "against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:23).

The New Testament teaches that those who are led by the Spirit are not under the law. The law is poor substitute for the counsel of the Holy Spirit. We may think that placing ourselves under the Ten Commandments is a good way to clean house. But law-directed living has the opposite effect. The only sensible choice is to allow Christ to be himself through us. This is God's way of impacting our lives and placing his life on display...choosing "morality" can even prevent a Christian from depending solely on Christ."

"Imagine encountering a man's body lying by the side of the road. You decide to pull over to check the man's condition. As your car comes to a stop, you jump out and run toward him. Reaching down to check his pulse, you realize he has none. He's dead and gone, perhaps due to a heart attack. What can you do? Based on his appearance, you deduce that the man may have suffered heart failure due to a lifetime of poor eating habits. Instantly, you leap to your feet, rush to your car, pull out a diet book, and begin screaming important information from its pages as you head back toward him: "Chapter 1: Eating for Health and Heart!"

Stop to examine the absurdity of this situation. No amount of information on eating habits is going to resurrect this man. He's already dead. The only real solution would be for him to somehow obtain a new lease on life. In the same way, no amount of education will change the heart of a spiritually dead person. Life is the only solution to death:

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature (flesh), God made you alive with Christ. - Colossians 2:13

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace that you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5

God knew our real need. And through Christ he met that need by offering us life. The law or any other system of morality could never offer us this life. Although some may think the law solves their problems, realistically it only brings more awareness of death."

"It appears that the only people who angered Jesus were the religious rulers of his day. Why? Because the law teachers were not being honest with themselves or others. First, after watering down the potency of the law so as to concoct a palatable mixture, they painted the illusion of spiritual success under law. Second, they added in their own regulations and beat their chests as they touted themselves as the spiritually elite. Jesus hated hypocrisy, and the law only breeds two things: defeat if you're honest and hypocrisy if you're not.

Through his resurrection, Jesus would eventually offer his Jewish contemporaries genuine life. The religious zealots of his day were working against him as they pretended to already possess life.

The source of life himself saw right through their charades."

And for those of you who are offended by the fact that naked is in the title of the book...you are exactly the person who needs to read this.

Schedule at Crosswalk until the end of the year

2009-11-21T12:03:00.003-05:00

Sunday, Nov. 22- Week 2 of the Upside Down Series

Sunday, Nov. 29- Hosea 6 Worship Night

We know a lot of you will still be out of town, but if you're around we have a sick night of worship through music, prayer, teaching, confession, etc. planned. The Kingdom of God is a present reality, not just a future truth- let's experience it. No small groups tonight.

Sunday, Dec. 6- Off-site AMP Night with small groups
If you don't know where your group is meeting...please contact your leader asap. There will be nothing at the church tonight except The Journey.

Sunday, Dec. 13- Off-site service projects with small groups
If you don't know where your group is meeting...please contact your leader asap. There will be no Crosswalk at the church tonight.

Sunday, Dec. 20- Crosswalk Formal Christmas Dinner
Don't forget to wear your nicest- we'll have a photographer all night to snap a few pics of your snazzy selves! Also, don't forget to bring at least one item for the Kids of Iraq donation we are collecting. Great night to bring friends as well.

Sunday, Dec. 27- No Crosswalk
Hope that your Christmas and New Year's are a perfect time for you to slow down and take in all that God has done in you this past year.

Schedule at Impact until the end of the year

2009-11-21T11:53:00.009-05:00

Wednesday, Nov. 25- No Impact

Wednesday, Dec. 2- Off-site AMP Night with small groups

If you don't know where your group is meeting...please contact your leader asap. There will be nothing at the church tonight as the church gears up for The Christmas Journey.

Wednesday, Dec. 9- Off-site service projects with small groups
If you don't know where your group is meeting...please contact your leader asap. There will be nothing at the church tonight.

Wednesday, Dec. 16- Impact Tacky Christmas Dinner

Don't forget to wear your tackiest Christmas attire- ugliest sweater contest winners at the beginning of the night get VIP seating for dinner! Also, don't forget to bring at least one item for the Kids of Iraq donation we are collecting. Bring your friends!!!

Wednesday, Dec. 23, 30- No Impact

Hope that your Christmas and New Year's are a perfect time for you to slow down and take in all that God has done in you this past year.

Matthew 5- Part 6

2009-11-16T14:36:00.005-05:00

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.

There is this thread throughout the Scriptures where God continually proclaims that our fleeting flesh, this momentary skin, this transient outer shell we call our bodies are fleeting. They appeal for a time, but they will fade.

In 1 Samuel, we see God's character illuminated when it is declared, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

In this circumstance, we see that God declares that leadership should not be based on the possession of power, the presence of beauty, the holdings of wealth, but a pure heart. Interesting.

If this reality applies to one of the most important themes in the Scriptures, leadership, can we reason that it applies to other situations as well?

It seems like Jesus would point to that being the case.

Check out Luke 6 when Jesus says, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Translation: It all stems from the heart...fall in love with me and you will begin to see your evilness in comparison to my holiness and the natural outcome will be my Spirit working in you and diminishing your desire to trade Creator for created. But the Gospel is not mere moral uprightness- a focus on proper behavior- it's a shift in motivation!)

I know our natural tendency is to focus on the outside. TRUST ME. It is hard-wired into our very DNA. It's called sin- it sucks. However, there is this greater reality- the Kingdom of God that is continuously inviting us into the way God intended things to be. And this is clear in the text concerning the way God designed things: the inside of a person is the greater reality.

But we so easily fall into the pattern of elevating outward appearance to highest pursuit, sometimes at the forfeit of our soul.

Jesus said, "What is it to gain the whole world, but lose your soul?"

9th grade guy translation: Is Megan Fox really hot enough to allow you to forfeit your heart in the process by elevating her outward appearance so high that she is causing you to masturbate? (Let's not be so naive to think that Satan doesn't play a part in this...)

(And yes I said the "m" word...Satan desires that we keep topics like these in the darkness, not allowing Jesus' light to transform us...do you really want to be a part of Satan's plans just because we haven't talked about it in the past because of our religious rituals?)

10th grade girl translation: Is getting your body noticed by others really more important than being consumed by your Creator and his love for you?

Pursue a pure heart today.

No let me re-phrase that: Pursue Jesus today. And then let him clean your heart.

You may want to check out a similar post I wrote back in June.

Fall Retreat Cancelled

2009-11-09T11:38:00.004-05:00

Hey all,

Sad news on our front today. We have to cancel this weekend's retreat because of low numbers (and not being able to meet our estimated attendance). I have heard everything from cheerleading, dance, sports, hunting weekend, homework as reasons for not being able to attend... You are a busy bunch of students!!!

Since the retreat is no longer happening, we are encouraging all of our students and families to attend the Walk Thru the Bible Seminar here at Trinity on Sunday. For more details, click here. For this reason, Crosswalk is still cancelled for the night of Nov. 15.

I am wildly disappointed...we had an amazing weekend of both rest and challenge planned, but I am trusting that God is working in us even while we are not gathered together.

But this also means...get your registrations in for the Winter Retreats (both on the weekend of Feb. 26-28)!

Sunday Night Thoughts

2009-11-09T11:29:00.002-05:00

I want to share my thoughts about last night a little differently. I want to add some commentary around our topic for the night.

There is this constant confusion around the Kingdom of God. And sadly- rightfully so. In the teaching last night, we discovered that for early Christ followers it would have been unfathomable for them to hear about those who proclaimed to be disciples of Christ who did not understand and orient themselves around the Kingdom of God. Why? Because Jesus constantly talked about it. A few examples:

“The time has come,” [Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV).

“The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you” (Mark 4:11 NIV).

[Jesus] sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick (Luke 9:2 NIV).

“Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).

There was a constant reality of the Kingdom of God, the place where God had complete reign and control.

Check out these verses from a widely known passage of Scripture:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10 NIV).

You can’t necessarily see this from the English translation, but in the original text, Jesus used a really interesting literary tool. Now, before you exit out of this tab because this sounds too much like a grammar class, hear me out. He uses something we call parallelism. Basically, parallelism is like saying the same thing twice but using different words. It was a really common practice in the ancient Middle East.

So Jesus was saying, “Your Kingdom come = Your will being done.” Basically, someone’s will and someone’s kingdom are linked together; God’s will and God’s kingdom are connected. That statement would have meant that God’s kingdom coming is the same as God’s will being done here in this world. All of those verses we looked at referring to God’s kingdom actually mean God’s will. In other words, God’s will is near, God’s will is what we seek, etc.

Jesus’ message was, “I am bringing God’s way of doing things into a world where things have gone terribly wrong. God’s way is coming.” Essentially, Jesus Himself was a walking example of what God’s kingdom would look like. By living a blameless life, He was saying, “If you want to know what God looks like, it’s Me. If you want to see what God’s kingdom looks like, watch Me.”

And when Jesus came to the world, He was in the business of restoring wholeness to people—be it physical, mental or spiritual. All of the things that were broken in the garden because of sin, Jesus came to restore. He restored sight to the blind because blindness was not part of God’s original plan. He healed the sick because sickness was not part of God’s original plan. He comforted the hurting because sorrow was not part of God’s original plan. But most importantly, when Jesus came He restored our relationship with God. His life and His death became the bridge for us to have an ongoing relationship with the Creator of the universe. What was destroyed in Eden was restored on Calvary.

Jesus restored what was broken; that was the purpose of His kingdom then and that is how His kingdom comes now. So basically, if we had to sum up God’s kingdom with one word, it would be restoration. But here’s where things start to get messy. Very rarely are your kingdoms and my kingdoms about restoration. If most of us were honest, we would admit our own personal kingdoms really are centered around that whole “King of the Hill” mentality—we push anything and anyone away that messes with us ruling our kingdoms. And while the idea of Jesus’ kingdom sounds good in theory, it starts to lose some of its appeal when our personal kingdom is at risk.

It feels so opposite from how most of us are wired. See, our kingdoms, in an effort to profit ourselves, often involve a lot of breaking, a lot of fracturing and a lot of damage all for the sake of “me.”

So where is your kingdom? The church answer would be “I live in God’s kingdom,” but you and I both know that we all have those places where we want God to take His hands off our lives and let us function how we want to operate, not how He wants us to live. We all have ways of thinking, grudges we hold on to, habits we feed, relationships that are too intertwined, things we want to say, places in our lives where we know what God wants to do, and we just say, “No thanks.” We would rather be in the business of preserving our kingdoms. If your kingdom is your iPod, what is on there that is influencing you more than you’d like to admit? If your kingdom is your relationships, what guy/girl has such a grip on your heart that you really don’t care what God says? If your kingdom is this group, what are you so afraid of? What causes you to avoid new people who come here? If your kingdom is your own comfort, why are you afraid to do something that you know will stretch you and help you experience God in a new way by serving others?

Following Jesus is not easy. Our will often wants to coerce, manipulate and be greedy. To invite Jesus’ kingdom to come into our lives, our worlds, means we invite Jesus to be king instead of us. We invite His way of doing things, His will, to take precedence over ours. We get out of the way.

But before you can even begin to seek God’s kingdom, you have to find your own. You have to identify that area or those areas of your life where your kingdom rules, the areas where you exert your will. So today, start there. Find your kingdom. Before you can surrender all your kingdoms to God, you have to start pinpointing what those are, and looking at what it would take to make that surrender happen. It will require something more from you than a simple prayer. It will require you living and even thinking differently. We’ll talk more about on the 22nd, but for now, ask yourself, “Where is my kingdom?”

Sunday Night Thoughts

2009-11-01T22:30:00.002-05:00

1. Sign-up for the retreat sometime this week. I'm not asking anymore- just instructing. Embrace God's command to be still.

That's all you get tonight...because you should spend the time you would have spent reading the rest of my post to fill out the retreat form!!!

Fall Retreat (Nov. 13-15)

2009-10-31T12:15:00.002-04:00

You have 9 days left to sign up for the Fall Retreat. We are sculpting the weekend to be a chill, restful escape from the busyness and craziness of all of our schedules. I know- it's weird. But we truly believe this what God desires...so sign up and see God move.

You can find the sign-up form here.

It wouldn't hurt to read Acts 17 before the retreat...we will be there all weekend long!

AMP nights this next week

2009-10-30T14:21:00.003-04:00

Every first Sunday and Wednesday we host "AMP" nights where we encourage all of our students to invite at least 1 of their friends who they have already had spiritual conversations with so they can be introduced to our student community here at Trinity. Those are coming up this week! Here are the details.

Crosswalk (HS): Bonfire Blitz (Sunday, Nov. 1)

We will meet in the Student Center and then head over to the woods behind Trinity. We will have 5 different groups of students/ leaders who will travel around to each of the 5 bonfires (almost progressive dinner-esque). I won't tell you all of the foods that we will have available to cook, but here are a few to wet your appetite: shrimp, marinated fruit, smores (with some new options!).

Impact (MS): Bowling Classic (Wednesday, Nov. 4)

We will not be meeting at Trinity on Wednesday! You can meet directly at Sky Lanes (5141 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Lansing, MI 48911-3537) at normal Impact time (6:30 p.m.) We will end at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per student which includes at least 2 games of bowling and shoes. However, if you have bowling shoes or any shoes that have clean, white soles...please wear them! Not a bad deal, huh?

Wednesday Night Thoughts

2009-10-29T22:21:00.002-04:00

1. I said this last night, but it truly never gets old to see Jesus move and do His thing.

2. 20 kids were baptized...how refreshing to see students respond to Jesus through simple obedience.

3. The coolest story of the night for me: Two kids who came to Christ at Impact Summer Camp back in August brought two of their closest friends from school. One of the friends came to Christ last night AND was baptized. No holding pattern or lesson in the five spiritual laws. Just Jesus and the simple command to be baptized. I see it throughout the early church- come to Christ and be baptized. Repent and be baptized. It's just sad we're so shocked when it happens in front of us- this was never meant to be crazy or unusual. We're the crazy ones for not expecting God to move in shocking ways.

4. There is a reason that Jesus calls us to child-like faith: it's raw, fresh and malleable.

5. Jonah 1:1-6. One question: Is your ship sinking and you don't even know it because you are asleep spiritually?

6. God is not a Yankees fan. There is no way around it.

Love you all. Love being able to serve the families here at Trinity. Keep running to Christ.

Parent Survey Reminder

2009-10-27T23:32:00.003-04:00

Parents don't forget...

We want to hear from you! So we have set up a short survey for you to share both your greatest glories and greatest trials as parents...and to help us devise ways to better partner together to disciple your children. Thanks for 15 minutes of your time!

Also, please spread around our desire to have every parent fill out this survey...we want the most complete picture we can get. Thanks for your help in this!

-Jordan

Note: This survey can also be found at the top of our main Student Ministry webpage.

Summer Camp Dates

2009-10-27T23:14:00.002-04:00

In case you haven't heard, our 2010 Summer Camp dates are officially set! (I promise!!!) We will be going to Camp FaHaLo, right outside Jackson. It's a beautiful camp (and we're excited about how close it is to the church!)

Put the dates on your calendar!

MS Camp: June 19-23 (Theme: Whatever...check out Philippians 4:8-9)

HS Camp: June 23-27 (Theme: Greater...check out 1 John 4:4)

Hole in our Gospel

2009-10-26T23:14:00.002-04:00

In his book, The Hole in Our Gospel, Richard Stearns writes, “There is so much at stake. The world we live in is under siege—three billion are desperately poor, one billion hungry, millions are trafficked in human slavery, ten million children die needlessly each year, wars and conflict are wreaking havoc, pandemic diseases are spreading, ethnic hatred is flaming, and terrorism is growing. Most of our brothers and sisters in Christ in the developing world live in grinding poverty. And in the midst of this stands the church of Jesus Christ in America, with resources, knowledge, and tools unequaled in the history of Christendom. I believe that we stand on the brink of a defining moment. We have a choice to make. When historians look back in one hundred years, what will they write about the nation with 340,000 churches? What will they say of the Church’s response to the greatest challenges of our time—AIDS, poverty, hunger, terrorism, and war? Will they say that these authentic Christians rose up courageously and responded to the tide of human suffering, that they rushed to the front lines to comfort the afflicted and to douse the flames of hatred? Will they write of an unprecedented outpouring of generosity to meet the urgent needs of the world’s poor? Will they speak of the moral leadership and compelling vision of our leaders? Will they write that this, the beginning of the 21^st century, was the Church’s finest hour? Or will they look back and see a church too comfortable, insulated from the pain of the rest of the world, empty of compassion, and devoid of deeds? Will they write about the people who stood by and watched while a hundred million people died of AIDS and fifty million children were orphaned, of Christians who lived in luxury and self-indulgence while millions died for lack of food and water? Will schoolchildren read in disgust about a Church that had the wealth to build great sanctuaries but lacked the will to build schools, hospitals, and clinics? In short, will we be remembered as the Church with a gaping hole in our gospel? More is at risk than the lives of the poor and orphaned. The heart and soul of the Church of Jesus Christ, the very integrity of our faith and our relevance in the world, hang in the balance.”

Sobering. Trinity students I love you because I know you sense what is at stake. Don't love with mere words, love with your determined will.

Zach Seelye has talent.

2009-10-26T23:12:00.002-04:00

Check out this video of Zach Seelye (our high school Teaching & Creative Arts Intern).

Sunday Night Thoughts

2009-10-26T11:27:00.004-04:00

1. I am not going to lie. What God asked me to teach on was not easy. I know I might be a pansy, but speaking with that much authority (or presumed authority) took a lot of Spirit dependency.

2. I am learning that you can't successfully speak with authority (at least without coercive power) unless those you are speaking to have witnessed sacrificial acts of love and service on your part (why do you think everyone listened and respected a little, fragile old lady from Calcutta when she spoke?!?)

3. Umm...wow. When the Spirit of God speaks restoration into a human heart, the aftermath is undeniable. Thank you for showing me that the deepest thing you can do spiritually is simply obey. It's amazingly refreshing.

4. I have heard some rumblings that I am unapproachable, that some students and parents see me as someone that it is not easy to come to and talk through an issue, problem, etc. A couple things I want to share. First, I can completely understand that sentiment. I am pretty intense about most things, my passion is both my greatest glory and greatest curse. I often become very defensive. This is not exactly the ideal circumstances for open dialogue. However, please know my door is always open. Students, parents and leaders walk through it all the time (both literally and figuratively). I desire to walk through your journey with you. It's why I'm here. I am sorry for the times that I have communicated otherwise with my actions.

5. See you next week for our November AMP, the Bonfire Blitz! You won't believe the kinds of foods we will be grilling over fires in the back woods. It's going to be sickkk. And to the weather complainers- Supposedly it's not supposed to be that cold either (and you will be outside all night for Halloween, one night before!!!) Don't forget to bring your friends...it's the reason we do these kind of nights!

6. I know I say this a lot...but I love my job. Heart transformation never gets old.

Baptisms this next week for the end of the Deep Series

2009-10-22T21:02:00.004-04:00

Join us on Sunday night (Crosswalk- HS) and Wednesday night (Impact- MS) for baptisms. All families (parents, children, etc.) are invited for the night. We will be in the Main Auditorium. You can meet there directly at 6:30 (6 for HS on Sunday).

For the first hour, we will meet together to worship, hear testimonies, rip open the Word and celebrate baptisms. We will also extend the option for both parents and students to respond to Christ in obedience and even be baptized each of the two nights! For the next 30 minutes, students will head to small groups while parents will stick around in the Auditorium for a parent's forum with "been there, done that" parents (translation: not me.) We will meet back together in the Cafe for the last part of the night to eat some cake and celebrate those who were baptized.

It's shaping up to be a sickkkk night.

Read the book of Jonah this week- you'll have a head start for the teaching.

Don't forget to invite your families!!!

See you then!

Wednesday Night Thoughts

2009-10-22T18:50:00.007-04:00

1. Philippians 3:7-11. Could change everything for you. "You study the scriptures because you think in them you possess eternal life, but you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life."

2. We have 10 middle school students signed up to be baptized next week! Shoot me an e-mail if you want to, but have yet to sign up (jordan.jones@trinitywired.com).

3. Constant Gospel Challenge. The Gospel has never been a situational adage, but a continuous story. We are called to live in the restoration of the Gospel always. We are just inviting you to see it that way with your friends, family and classmates. If you weren't with us last night, we gave every student and leader an index card, asking them to write 5 people that they have a strong sense in their Spirit don't know Jesus. Then on the back we gave 6 ways to serve and captivate them into finding Jesus. Obviously we recognize that only God can draw anyone to Jesus (that was actually #1!), but we also have seen from the first week of our Deep series that God uses us in His story to restore others (check out Acts 8- Philip & the Ethiopian). You'll be hearing a lot more of this in the future. Jesus mission was to seek and save that which is lost: this is our role through Christ in us.

Wednesday Night Thoughts

2009-10-15T23:43:00.002-04:00

1. Revelation 3. No commentary needed: Would God say He wants to spit you out of His mouth?

2. I am convinced that Sydnie Yates should be leading our music teams. Affirm and encourage her in that!

3. This was one of the most fulfilling nights at Impact that I have ever been a part of. Wow. God just blew through that place. But that's the easy part- what if we let him blow through our lives until next Wednesday?!?

4. Water + Vinegar + Salt + Soap + Apples = Beautiful.

5. If you are interested in being baptized (On Oct. 28) and didn't sign up at Impact...you can sign up next week or e-mail me at jordan.jones@trinitywired.com and let me know.

Sunday night Thoughts

2009-10-11T22:45:00.008-04:00

1. Check out Ezekiel 33. Intense. Who are the watchmen in your life? What are they challenging you to that you have been ignoring? Who has God divinely placed in your life for you to be watchmen over?

2. Church should never be normal. You should never walk away and have more "natural" things to talk about like whether the band played well, if the talk was entertaining than supernatural things. Situations and circumstances that can only be explained by, "It had to be God."

3. Who did you serve at Crosswalk tonight? Who did you love? Who was sitting off to the side that you brought into the mix?

4. I can't apologize for speaking the greater reality of the Scriptures. It's a little heavy I know, but I just can't get that picture out of my head of God seated on His throne receiving all the glory right now- I will stand before Him and I want to proudly say we pursued Jesus with all that we had. Not just got together and started to love each other a little more and felt good each week- but we loved Jesus and others relentlessly. It's a scary thing, but it's the reason why we were created.

5. The band blew it out of the water tonight. Great job...I was lost in worship!

6. You aren't going to want to miss next week! Zach is speaking and I promise no matter where you are at the theme will be radically relevant to your life!

7. If you are interested in being baptized, please e-mail me at jordan.jones@trinitywired.com or sign up at the back table in the Little House (Student Auditorium) next week.