Refuge Youth Weekly Update
January 7th, 2015
Identity // Purpose
Sunday we began a two week beginning-of-the-year message series: Identity // Purpose: We're asking the huge questions: Who am I? and Why am I here? The new year gives us a great opportunity to pause and reflect on what we've been through and where we've come over the past year as we also look ahead at where we want to go. For many that looks like making a new year's resolution. But one of the most important things to do before we look ahead, set goals, etc. is to really reflect on our identity. This past Sunday we did just that: Who am I?
To talk about our identity we looked at the life of King David in the Old Testament. David was a man chosen by God to lead Israel as King, even though he was the youngest of his brothers. God appointed, set apart, David for this incredible task of leadership and also set apart his offspring, Jesus himself, to be the savior of the world. David comes from humble beginnings, just a young shepherd boy, but went on to defeat the giant Goliath, lead the nation of Israel, and was described as "a man after God's own heart." God had a plan and a purpose for David; and David, though he did not often understand everything the future held for him, always knew who he was: a child of God set apart for a purpose. And that is what we are.
It's so important that we remember who we are in Christ, and what Jesus did to make our relationship with Him possible, and from there we can discover our purpose. In a relationship with Jesus we find not only our identity but also the purpose for our lives.
Here are just a few key parts of our identity that we discussed this past Sunday:
We are children of God! (1 John 3:1)
We are created in His image! (Genesis 1:27)
We are chosen, set apart for a purpose! (1 Peter 2:9)
We are a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17
We are saved by God! (Titus 3:5)
We are guilty in sin, but ultimately forgiven! (Ephesians 1:7)
Be encouraged this week by these passages, and rest assured knowing that you are a child of God and will be taken care of by your good Father!
Quick Updates:
-Winter Camp: details below! Remember that the registration deadline for Jr. High Camp is 1/14, and I am still looking for parent drivers/volunteers for that weekend!
-Board Game and Dessert Night: January 17, details this Sunday!
This sunday // slug 9am & Ignite 6-8pm
Middle School Winter Camp
This will be an incredible experience for our middle schoolers (6th-8th graders). We join several area churches and hundreds of middle school students on the mountain in Challenge, CA at Woodleaf Retreat Center where there will be a guest worship band, guest speaker, crazy games and activities, and a chance to grow in your faith! This weekend could literally be life-changing!
For more details check out the registration form here. Registration for Middle School Winter Camp is due by January 19th. Journey Church's Parental Consent form is also required for this event, find the current '15-'16 year form here.
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help lead and be drivers during this awesome weekend! Talk to Matthew if you're interested!
High School Winter Escape
Winter Escape will be an awesome weekend for all high schoolers (9th-12th grade). Part retreat, part ski trip, Winter Escape is a time to disconnect from everyday and spend some time connecting with God through worship and with each other. Enjoy a cabin near Lake Tahoe, times of great worship, and a full day on the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort. Spots are limited, sign up soon! The cost is $155 per students and includes lift ticket and rentals for the weekend.
For more details check out the registration form here. Registration for High School Winter Escape is due by February 14th. Journey Church's Parental Consent form is also required for this event, find the current '15-'16 year form here.
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help lead and be drivers during this awesome weekend! Talk to Matthew if you're interested!
Guy's Bible Study
We have just began a mid-week Guy’s Bible study; this study is geared toward High School guys and is a great time for us to get together and study God’s Word together. It’s never too late to join, we've just finished a study through the book of Galatians. Meet at the Peet's Coffee inside Raley's at 25025 BLUE RAVINE ROAD.
Refuge Student Ministries
Email: refuge@journeychurchhome.org
Website: journeychurchhome.org
Location: 450 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA, United States
Phone: (916) 983-4648
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Refuge-YM-at-Journey-Church/153825327973387?fref=ts