Dear Church of God Teen,
Let’s start with two questions:
First, how would you like to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? This is not a trick question. This is not a joke. Read further down for more details.
Second, have you made plans to go to summer camp? If not, you may want to consider it. With God’s people so scattered, you might enjoy spending a whole week with other Sabbath-keeping teens. We have done some research and found the following Church of God camps that are available to you. Please consider hanging with some other really great kids. If you know of some other camps for Sabbath-keeping Church of God teens, let us know and we’ll be glad to put in a plug for those camps. Whatever you decide to do, have a safe and wonderful summer!
See the list of AREA YOUTH CAMPS AT THE END OF THIS ISSUE!
Finally, we are pleased to have an article from Jessie Blevin in this issue. We know you will enjoy it.
Back Talk – Tell us what is on your mind!
- What is your top concern for the future?
- What is your number one question about God?
- What scripture is most difficult for you to understand?
- What Bible story most inspires you?
- Who is the biggest influence on your life and why?
Email your responses to info@dynamicchristianministries.org
News From You!
We need your news. Let us know what events will be taking place and have taken place in your church with your local youth group. Share your news and pictures.
Your Thoughts and Opinions Count!
Why don’t you submit an article to Teen Connections? Tell us your thoughts. Your opinions are valuable. What are your ideas? What are you thinking? Don’t be afraid to share them with other teens. These pages belong to you!
Send your news and articles to us at info@dynamicchristianministries.org
FAST FIVE – Five key scriptures to support the seventh day Sabbath.
1. Genesis 2:1-3 God made the seventh day holy at creation.
2. Exodus 20:9-11 Commanded by God
3. Matthew 2:27 The Sabbath was made for man.
4. Acts 14:14-44 The apostles kept the Sabbath after Jesus’ death.
5. Hebrews 4:9 The word “rest” here is Sabbatismos – keeping of the Sabbath.
What would you like to learn about? Send your questions/ideas to info@dynamicchristianministries.org
Get Involved In the Journey By Jessie Blevins
I have personally been involved in the marching band program at my school for two years, but I have been around that environment since I was nine years old. Both of my brothers participated in marching band throughout their high school career as my sister and I supported them every step of the way. As we; young adults, excel in life, we have the tendency to develop an attitude of “It’s all about me.” We think to ourselves, how can I fit into this group or what do others think of me. Rather than thinking about ourselves, we should be thinking about what we can do to help other people. Getting involved in activities at school or church, especially being able to devote time to a cause greater than yourself is key to a meaningful teen and young adult life. That is what I have found in the Marching Band program at my school.
Marching band isn’t about an individual dot on the field, but about the two hundred and forty dots that make up the whole picture. Without every single person doing their part, the picture would look like a giant blob. Since being involved with band, I’ve realized that we need to look at the bigger picture in life. Band has helped me become a well-rounded person because it is everyone working together to achieve a common goal. It teaches us responsibility along with leadership and determination. My band director always says, “Never ever, ever, give up. It’s not about winning. It’s about having fun and working together.” His drive for the band to succeed helps the members see that he means what he says and that we would never be where we are today if it weren’t for everyone else involved.
Being involved in activities or clubs gives us an opportunity to share who we are with other young people. Sometimes I am ridiculed for how close my family is or how conservative I am in my values, but it often seems to be me who kids come to for advice. We don’t have to talk about our faith if we live it.
So it’s not about what other people think of us, but how we can find something to be involved in that requires teamwork, as well as providing an opportunity to set an example in leadership. This can build character and be there to help others. Throughout our lives, we will encounter obstacles that we may not be able to climb without the help of someone else; whether that is a parent, a friend, or even a teacher. It’s not about being popular, or what’s in it for us. Rather, it is how we get there that should be the key aspect in everything we do. Get involved in the journey.
Jessie Blevins 17 years old. She will be a Junior next year and a Drum Major for Marching Band next year. She is hoping to study some type of science in college, maybe a career where she can work outdoors. You can contact Jessie at ucmfamily@aol.com “Attention: Jessie Blevins.”
GOT TALENT? WANT TO USE IT TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL? READ THIS:
AREA YOUTH CAMPS:
