Oaks Mission Trip

Things are falling into place for our fourth trip to Oklahoma. We have secured the coach bus. We will be having a sports and art camp with Bible study instead of Vacation Bible School. We will be going to the Cherokee Museum this year as well.
Our work will include renovation of the Rock House, sheet rocking the Stone church/museum, painting, assembling benches, building a deck on the pastor’s house, and general grounds clean-up.
If my current numbers are correct we will have 42 attendees this year. We do not know of any special projects that we will be doing beforehand.
It is important that we continue to work on the fund raising at hand. You should have received your account balances at the last parents’ meeting. Another one will be passed out following the Plant Sale.
If you have not signed-up yet, or if for some reason you cannot go, please let me know. There are some other things that need to get done before we leave.

Clean Up at Zion, Summit

We have been invited to go to Zion, Summit to help clean up their unoccupied school building. Work will include washing down walls, washing pipes, kitchen cabinets and banisters. There will be some painting and taking down of banners and curtains.
The meeting time is Saturday, April 14, at 8:30 a.m. We should get back around 3:30 p.m.
Finger snacks, beverages and lunch will be provided.
The sign up sheet is in the Youth Room.

White Sox Game

The White Sox game is scheduled for Monday, June 18. They will be taking the field against the Florida Marlins. We will meet at Trinity at 5:00 p.m. and should return between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
I have purchased 36 tickets this year. We will be sitting in the upper deck on the first base side. The cost for your ticket will be $10. Once 36 people sign up, a waiting list will begin.
This is an event that you can invite friends to. When you sign up don’t forget to include them. If you sign up and back out you are responsible for your ticket.

Plant Sale

This is our biggest fund raiser and will conclude a busy week of Youth events. Plant order forms are located in the entrance to church and in the church office. If you can get friends, neighbors and relatives to order this would help boost our sales. Order deadline is April 22
The truck will be here at 6:30 a.m. on May 12 to unload. We will sort out orders for customers to come and pick up between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
We will have some breakfast items for you after the truck is unloaded. After we sort the orders, most of you will be able to leave. This is another event that we are being sponsored by our local Thrivent chapter. If we meet our goal they will match $1600.00. This would cover 4 people’s Oklahoma costs.

Feed My Starving Children

The Youth Group will be hosting a Feed My Starving Children packaging event on May 8-9 in the church basement. We are asking all youth to try to work two different time slots during the two days. The sign-up sheets are located in the entrance to church. Please sign those sheets.
We might be looking for some help in setting up on Tuesday, May 8 and breaking down on Friday, May 11. I will let you know when it gets closer.
Here is another chance for you to help others and reach out to those in need.

Worker Bee Weekend

The Worker Bee Weekend at Walcamp is scheduled for May 4-5. We will meet at Trinity at 4:30 p.m. and pack the vans. We will stop along the way for dinner (your responsibility) and arrive at the camp at approximately 8:00 p.m. You should be able to get by with $15.00. This will give you some money for the snack bar.
On Saturday we will work from 8:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m. We will head home and stop for dinner that the Youth Group will cover. We should arrive back around 7:30 p.m.
Please remember to bring clothes that you will work in as well as all your sleeping needs. You will need to bring all your toiletries as well as a towel.

Whirlyball

Our third annual trip to Whirlyball will be on Saturday, April 21. We will meet at Trinity at 12:00 noon and head over to the court in Lombard. We will have the court from 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. You will be put on a team with equal playing time.
The cost for this event will be $15.00. This will include Whirlyball, transportation, and pizza. You will be responsible for bringing money for your beverage.
Since we are limited on the number of people who can play at one time we are not opening this event up to friends. In order to save on transportation costs, we are in need of parent drivers.
Return time to Trinity should be around 3:45 p.m. Please contact Mr. Grady to sign up and to assist with transportation.

Easter Breakfast

Here is all the information you will need for our Easter Breakfast weekend.
On Saturday, April 7, we will meet in the church basement to set up at 9:30 a.m.
Please bring your three bake sale items at this time so that we can set this up and price them. If you are bringing a food item please bring it at this time.
On Easter Sunday, please be on time to work the shift you have signed up for.
This fund raiser will earn you money into your accounts.

September Events

Sunday, September 3, 6:30 p.m. We will be breaking down the tables and chairs in the church fellowship hall. We will also start removing the church pews from the pulpit side of church qas well as the carrpeting.

Saturday, September 9, 5:30 p.m. Our Miniature Golf/pizza outing is sceduled for this date. If it is raining we will sub in a bowling outing and still have pizza. Plan on $10 for this event.

Sunday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. Our Parent's Meeting is scheduled for this evening. We will be discussing the mjor trips and going over the Pumpkin Patch/Hallow Him Fest.

Wednesday, September 20, Meet at your school flag pole for the annual See You At The Pole. (High School Youth) Check your school announcements concerning this event.

Sunday, September 24, 12:30 p.m. I encourage all of you to attend the Ablaze Rally at Northern Illinois UNiversity. We will be back around 6:00 p.m.

Your Youth Newsletter will be in your hands next week.

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

Oklahoma Follow-Up

A huge thank-you to all who participated in the trip to the Oaks Indian Center. I felt we accomplished quite a bit this year at various sites. Vacation Bible School was awesome. The children had a great time. I hope all of you look forward to going back next year. If you have pictures to share please bring them to the next meeting.

White Sox

Everyone who signed up for the White Sox game should have received something in the mail by Thursday. Just some friendly reminders: We will be leaving the school parking lot at 4:45 p.m. and returning around 11:00 p.m. Cost for the ticket to get in the game is $7.00. We will be taking two fifteen passenger vans. If you have a ticket but cannot attend please call me there are people on the waiting list.

Sunday Meeting

Meeting this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. for all Oaks participants. See you then

Plant Sale

Hello everyone - Just a reminder that you need to be here before 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Make sure you have eaten something. The weather might not be the greatest so dress appropriately. Most people should be able to leave around 10:00 a.m. I will need some people to stay until 11:30 a.m. See you then.

Plant Sale

Hello everyone - Just a reminder that you need to be here before 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Make sure you have eaten something. The weather might not be the greatest so dress appropriately. Most people should be able to leave around 10:00 a.m. I will need some people to stay until 11:30 a.m. See you then.

Happy Easter

I would like to wish you all a Happy Easter.

Just a reminder that you need to be at church on Saturday to help set-up for the Easter Breakfast. Please bring your Bake Sale items at that time (three per person).

If you have not signed-up to work one of the time slots please call Mrs. Fritschel and let her know when you are able to work.

See You Saturday.

Bulls Game

Just a reminder that we are leaving at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 1, for the Bulls/Celtics game. If you have not paid your $20 make sure you have it on Saturday. We should return between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

March/April Update

March 25 Whirlyball 6:00 p.m.
April 1 Chicago Bulls 6:00 p.m.
April 2 Open Youth Room 6:30 p.m.
April 15 Set-up Easter 9:30 p.m.
April 16 Easter Breakfast 6:00 a.m.
May 5-6 Worker Bee Weekend

Devotion

The Old has Gone, the New has Come

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Pet. 1:13-16
Two comrades decided to open a carpentry shop. Knowing nothing about the trade, each knew he needed to study, learn, and perfect woodworking skills to run a successful business. However, before they studied carpentry, they decided to make a table.
Unsurprisingly, the finished product had a lopsided top, feet that were too short, and wood that wasn’t sanded well. Of course, the carpenters noted their mistakes. After studying carpentry, when the time came to build another table, they were smart enough to study their notes so they wouldn’t make the same errors.

In today’s scripture passage Peter tells us to learn from our mistakes, from our former way of life before we knew Christ (v.14). In striving to follow God we should not act or speak or think the way we did before we knew Christ; when we lived in ignorance. Before a person has the knowledge of holy living he or she is not trying to accomplish holiness. The standard of doing the right thing and following God’s commands does not make sense to someone who has never heard them before (thus it is our job to tell them of the gospel!).

Once we claim the Bible as truth, however, we learn about these standards. Thus we need to live each day to try and follow Christ more and more—and not revert back to unholy living.

As we long to be holy (v.15) we need to take steps to accomplish this great goal: preparing our minds, reading the word, working on the characteristics that will result in the fruits of the Spirit, and setting our sights on Christ. Just as the carpenters needed to prepare by studying and learning the trade, so we must strive for holiness.

Traveling the Right Road

Peter was on the wrong road. He thought he was on the path that led to the Messiah. Peter had his own idea of how Jesus would become the political and maybe spiritual Savior of His people. His idea plan didn’t include any suffering or death for Jesus. How could Jesus even talk like that? “In fact,” Peter thought, “I better straighten Him out.”
I was on my way to pick up some stuff for my boss. I called and got directions and was on my way. But before long, I realized I was way off track. I finally learned that the road I was looking for was a different direction than I was going. It was the right road—I was just going the wrong direction.

Jesus makes it clear that the road He calls us to travel is cluttered with obstacles. For some this path may even include death. Nevertheless, He says to make no mistake. If we sign on as His travel companion, we are in for some hard times. But if we stick with Him, He offers rewards at the end.

Peter’s mistake helps us see that we must choose the right road. We have to decide whether to choose what changes the here and now for a little while, or whether to choose to follow the One who changes life now and forever. I choose now and forever more. How about you?

Activity Update

Saturday, March 25 Whirlyball 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 Chicago Bulls 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 15 Set-up Easter Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 16 Easter Breakfast 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Friday, April 28 Walcamp Worker Bee Weekend
Saturday, May 13 Plant Sale
Saturday, June 10-11 Youth-led Worship Weekend
June 12-16 Vacation Bible School
July 8-14 Oaks Mission Trip
Monday, July 24 White Sox

Meeting Update

Just a reminder that both groups are meeting this coming Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m. We will be discussing the following events:

Gameworks February 18
Lenten Supper March 8
Whirlyball March 25
Walcamp Worker Bee Weekend April 28-29
Oaks Mission Trip July 8-14

Hope to see you all there.

Who is the Greatest?

The hotel lobby was full of youth pastors and youth groups all trying to get the best rooms. Some had even pushed others aside so they could get to the front of the line, their “WWJD” bracelets waving in the air.
That scene reminded me of when Jesus and the disciples were invited to dinner, and Jesus watched people vying for the seats of honor. He began to talk to them about humility and servanthood. He explained that when people grabbed for the best seats, they might be asked to move if the host had another seating arrangement in mind. He advised them to take the seats with the least honor, and perhaps they would be asked to sit in a better spot.

In the same stream, Jesus encouraged His audience to not simply befriend, or extend invitations only to those who were similar to them or from whom they could benefit. The kingdom of heaven includes no social climbing or “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” Instead, Jesus called His disciples, and us, to invite those who are poor, disabled, marginalized, and those who can offer nothing in return.

How often have we befriended someone simply because we can benefit from knowing him or her? Kids with impressive parents? The people who can advance a career or help us get scholarships? These kinds of motivations turned Jesus’ stomach. Instead of trying to make ourselves look good, we are called to take the posture of a servant. We are called to find the poor, the unlovely, the wounded, and even the annoying and treat them like they are unique and special. We are called to embrace them with love, just as Jesus does. Let’s leave it to Jesus to exalt us – it’s His job. Ours is to serve.

Events Update

This Friday, January 27, is the deadline to sign-up for the UIC basketball game. Call me, e-mail me or stop by to sign-up. Cost is $5.00

February 19 is the sign-up deadline for the Bulls game on April 1. Friends are invited to attend. Cost is $20.

The Whirlyball event date has been switched to March 25. The court in Lombard was not available on the 18th. Cost is $15. Friends are welcome.

Don't forget to sign up for Gameworks on February 18.

There will not be a meeting for the High School Group on February 5.

What a Waste

Imagine owning an X-box and thousands of games. Add to this dream a 96 inch flat screen plasma TV with Dolby 10.0 theatre sound complete with a power bass sub woofer. Picture it all sitting in a room with the most comfortable couch positioned for perfect viewing and hearing. It’s all yours, ready to be used anytime. Would that be awesome or what?

Oh, I forgot to tell you something. While you can see it, touch it, smell it, hear it, and even turn it on, you don’t play it. After carefully considering the room, you turn around and walk out. What a waste, right?

James believes that’s how God feels we handle His Word sometimes. We hear a good message by our youth pastor, or we hear how God is working in the life of a friend, or we make a commitment at a retreat, but then we just walk away and come home. These actions are no less a waste than the dream above.

Here are some suggestions from James about how we can apply and understand God’s Word:

• Keep yours eyes in God’s Word. Look intently into the perfect law (v. 25)
• Listen before you speak (v. 19)
• Control your anger (v. 19) and your tongue (v. 26)
• Watch what you feed yourself (v. 21 and v. 27); get rid of the filth and humbly receive the Word
• Remember those who don’t fit in (v. 27)
God is waiting for us to pick up the controller and take on the challenge of living for Him.

Schedule

January 22 Middle School Open Youth Room
January 27-29 Middle School Youth Encounter
February 4 Both Groups UIC Basketball
February 4 Both Groups Chris Tomlin Concert
February 5 High School Open Youth Room
February 12 Middle School Open Youth Room
February 18 Both Groups Gameworks
February 26 Both Groups Open Youth Room
March 18 Both Groups Whirlyball
April 16 Both Groups Easter Breakfast
April 28-29 Both Groups Worker Bee Weekend
May 13 Both Groups Plant Sale
July 8-14 Both Groups Mission Trip

Bull's Game

I am looking into going to the Bull's game on Saturday, April 1. They will be playing the Boston Celtics. The cost for a ticket will be $22.00. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Youth Room and in the classrooms. The sign-up deadline will be February 5. Friends are welcome to attend.

Bull's Game

I am looking into going to the Bull's game on Saturday, April 1. They will be playing the Boston Celtics. The cost for a ticket will be $22.00. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Youth Room and in the classrooms. The sign-up deadline will be February 5. Friends are welcome to attend.

Chris Tomlin Concert

I am looking into getting concert tickets for Chris Tomlin, a well-known Christian musician. He is playing at Wheaton College on Saturday, February 4. We will meet at Trinity at Trinity at 6:15 p.m. The return time is up in the air. It will probably be around 11:00 p.m. I am able to get a group discount if we can get at least 10 people to go between the two groups. Sign-up deadline will be Sunday, January 15. If you have any questions call me.

Schedule for January

January 8 High School Open Youth Room 6:30 p.m.
January 13-15 High School Ski Retreat 5:00 p.m. leave time
January 22 Middle School Open Youth Room 6:30 p.m.
January 27-29 Middle School Youth Encounter 5:00 p.m. leave time

Bulls Game

Due to a lack of participation we are going to have to cancel the Bulls outing on December 31. I think there was too many conflicts with the date. I will look to see if there is another possibility. The only downside will be an increase in ticket price.

Youth Newsletters

Welcome back to the old format of Youth Newsletters. These newsletters will once again be sent out on a monthly basis with up-to-date information.
It would be wise to continue to check the church website, in he church bulletin, and the youth group blog at:
http//:robgrady.bfblog.com

If you have any comments or questions you can reach me at 708-839-1200 ext. 5.
I am hoping to add articles in the Torch. This will open up a minimum of five different ways that you can find out about what is coming up in youth group activities.

Possible Upcoming Events

Here are some events that we will be looking into for the coming calendar year:

Whirlyball, Navy Pier Outing, Snow Tubing, Worker Bee Weekend, Plant Sale, Easter Breakfast, Lenten Supper, Gameworks, Youth-led Worship, Oaks Mission Trip, and Great America.

Devotion

WHAT IS GOD WAITING FOR?

The people of Judah belonged to the Lord. He had created this nation and called them His own children. Through the prophet Isaiah He was sending the message loud and clear that they had really messed up. They had broken His law and they had violated many promises they had made to Him. In fact, the Lord was about to send the same judgment on them that He sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Do you remember that story from Sunday School? It was the story when Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt and those two cities were destroyed under God’s judgment.
In this scripture God wants to help His children to think this through. At that time, the nation seemed strong and wealthy. But God had shown Isaiah signs of a very real and present danger. People were using their power to harass the poor. Men went around drunk; women cared more about their clothes than about their neighbors' hunger. Others were just going through the motions in worship and were just putting on a good but empty show of religion. God was not happy with them at all.

God’s patience with us humans always amazes me. In the middle of His intense and stern warning, He invites his children to come to Him and find forgiveness and freedom from their guilt and sin. He is still doing the same thing today with you and me. It reminds me of a similar scripture in 2 Peter 3:9-11. In that scripture, Peter tells about the great and terrible Day of the Lord when everything will be destroyed and God will forever establish His kingdom. But, if you will take a few minutes to read there you will find this amazing statement; "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

When things look hopeless to you and you wonder what God is up to while you go through your tough times, don’t ever forget that He is going to make things right in his time. And when He does there will be no doubt left that He is in charge. If you stay humble and trust in Him you will be kept safe.

Devotion

Brian leaned over and whispered, “Jon.” After getting no response he whispered, “Jon, your shirt’s on fire.” That got Jon’s attention—and the attention of everyone else in the crowded living room. Even though the announcement came in the middle of a prayer of thanks for the food we were about to eat, a flurry of activity began. Jon had backed up against a candle and had caught himself on fire. Fortunately we extinguished his shirt and he suffered no injuries. We told the story often over the next few weeks and even hung the shirt with the large hole burned in it on our youth room bulletin board. Now, we’re careful when Jon and an open flame are in the same place!
Wouldn’t it be awesome if the people around us could see that we were on fire? Not physically, of course, but spiritually. Don’t you think it would bring a lot of happiness to God’s heart if we, His people, lived in such a way that all could see us burning with the fire of God inside us? We’re called to be a light. If we are on fire for God we’ll do just that!

Devotion

The Inviting Jesus

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28 RSV)

Alongside many streets and highways in South India there are stone slabs resting on stone pillars—all about an average adult’s height. They are supports that are placed so people bearing heavy burdens, usually on their heads, to or from the marketplace can slide their loads onto the support, rest a while, then comfortably resume their burden and journey.
Christ is our load support because He relieves us of the burdens of our sin and sorrow—not only for a temporary rest but permanently. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4 RSV). He did away with our sin and guilt with His sacrifice on the cross. "With His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5 RSV).

He also gives rest—rest for weary souls in a hectic world, rest from the terrors of sin in a Christ-based peace of conscience, the rest of a soul resting in God. This is the rest in Jesus Christ that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9); it begins in grace here and is perfected in glory in the hereafter.

We are weary and heavy laden, Lord. Give us the peace and rest that surpasses all human understanding. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pumpkin Delivery

Just a reminder that all youth and parents need to be here Saturday at 8:30 a.m. to help unload our pumpkins. Our goal is to have the truck unloaded and the patch set up by 11:00 a.m. Make sure you have a pair of working gloves and clothes that might get a little dirty. We will have some refreshments, but you might want to have a little something to eat before you come. Also, bring your money because you will have first dibs on the pumpkins as they come off the truck.

Parent's Meeting

A reminder of the Parent's Meeting this SUnday at 6:00 p.m. The meeting should last about 45 minutes to and hour. We will meet in the church baasement and will discuss the Pumpkin Patch, Hallow Him Fest and all the major trips coming up.

Devotion

Angels—His Mighty Ones

Bless the LORD, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His Word, hearkening to the voice of His Word.
(Psalm 103:20 RSV)

Today is St. Michael and All Angels Day. On this day we think especially about God’s angels, who serve as His messengers and "do His Word." God has used angels in the past to announce good news to His world. An angel told Mary she would become the mother of the promised Savior. Angels announced to the shepherds the Savior had been born. An angel told the women at the tomb Christ had risen and was alive.
Angels also have brought protection and help from God. An angel protected Daniel from vicious lions. An angel brought comfort and encouragement to Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. An angel brought deliverance from prison to Peter.

God’s angels continue to carry out His will and to help His people in ways that are not always obvious to our physical sight. Yet we know that angels are present and active in serving us, the heirs of salvation. They are interested in our welfare. The good news of our salvation, writes St. Peter, is something "into which angels long to look" (1 Peter 1:12 RSV). As a final service, angels will carry the souls of dying Christians to Abraham’s bosom, or heaven, as Jesus tells us.

Father, continue to bless us through the ministry of Your angels, the mighty ones who do Your will. Amen.

Update

Tomorrow at High Schools SEE YOU AT THE POLE

Saturday Middle Schoolers at Laser Quest We will leave at 6:00 p.m. and return around 10:00 p.m.

Sunday Open Youth Room for High Schooler 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bring your school calenders

Devotion

Moving Ahead Without God

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kings 1:5-31

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you decided to go for it, even if the timing wasn’t right?
Nicole did that. She was still a senior when she turned 18. But she wanted freedom—more than her parents were giving her. And God wasn’t exactly doing what Nicole wanted Him to do, so she dropped her relationship with God. Nicole, who’d been her youth group’s worship leader, moved in with her boyfriend and his roommate.

Within weeks, every penny Nicole had saved for two years was gone—she paid the guys’ bills, and her boyfriend kept stealing her debit card. Nicole ended up overdrawn, disillusioned, flunking out of school, and afraid she was pregnant. She quickly faced a bunch of consequences for not being willing to wait for the right timing.

In the scripture today, Adonijah, one of King David’s sons, decided he wanted to be the next king. Instead of waiting for his father to name him king, he just decided, “I will be king” (v. 5). After all, he was handsome and thought he was pretty great. He even celebrated his self-proclaimed king-hood.

But he underestimated his father’s plans—and God’s plans. David officially proclaimed Solomon as the next king. Imagine how disappointed—and stupid—Adonijah felt.

We all have dreams and goals. The challenge is not being so determined to get our own way that we rule out what God wants for our lives. This week, let’s do some serious thinking and praying—and make sure we don’t move ahead of God!

Pumpkin Patch Update

October is not that far away and neither is our Pumpkin Patch. The pumpkins will arrive at some point on October 15. We will not know what time the truck will arrive for a couple of weeks yet. Last year the first delivery was at 9:00 a.m. and the second one was at 4:00 p.m.
The patch will be down in the field once again. We will need parents and youth group members to work the patch from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. each day. The pumpkin Patch will open on October 16 and will close on Monday, October 31.
You might want to bring a pair of gloves when we unload. Make sure that you have work clothes on since some of the pumpkins might be damaged or rotten.
The Hallow Him Fest will be on Saturday, October 29. It will be a day filled with a bunch of activities and a meal. Set-up will begin at 12:30 p.m. The fest will run from 3:00 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. Trunk-or Treating will begin at 5:30 p.m. and then the clean-up will begin. Sign-up to work this event in the Youth Room.

Pumpkin Patch 2005

The pumpkins will arrive on Saturday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m. I will let you know if things have changed when the date gets closer. The patch will open Sunday, October 16, at 10:30 a.m. and will close at sundown. We will have the patchopen until October 31 from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

A parents meeting will be scheduled for October 9 to go over the schedule and the responsibilities.

Devotion

SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 11:24-30
Baseball is one of my favorite sports. Imagine for a moment that you are the manager of a Major League Baseball team, and you decide that your players aren’t ready for their game. So you bench them, grab your glove, and attempt to play all the positions yourself. It sounds ludicrous, but as leaders we can find ourselves doing this in our ministries.
Likewise, Moses was overwhelmed by leading the Israelites, so God provided him with 70 Spirit-filled elders to assist him. This filling was evidenced by their prophesying as they stood around the Tent of Meeting. But their prophesying was only temporary; they did not prophesy again after they returned to the camp. However, two elders who had not gone out to the Tent of Meeting also received the Spirit and began prophesying among the people.

How would Moses respond to these two elders who were getting all the attention from the people? Would he feel that his leadership was threatened?

The answer was no. Moses exhibited no envy toward the two men. Rather, he wished that all the Israelites would receive this gift from God. This is the sign of a great man! Moses had his days of discouragement, as we all do, but this illustrates that he was a true man of God.

As leaders, we can choose how we handle those who minister around us. Will we control them, or will we empower them to serve? Our insecurity, fear, and jealously can limit others from serving to their capacity. Conversely, our trust in God’s wisdom and purposes can free us to let others use their spiritual gifts in our ministry.

Reflect on how you are treating those who minister with you. First, deal with any insecurities that are preventing you from empowering your partners in ministry. Then brainstorm what would encourage your ministry partners to use their spiritual gifts, and put your ideas into action.

When the Holy Spirit enables others to serve our youth, we must empower them to minister.

Plant Sale Follow-Up

A huge thank you to all youth and adul;ts who helped with the plant sale this past weekend. Once we get the matching funds from Thrivent we will have raised close to $5100. This will make a big impact on our ministry.

Devotion

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 24:44-53
I’m sure Jesus grew weary of repeatedly proving himself to His most trusted companions. How many times do you need to show off your battle scars before your family believes you were in the fight of your life?! Patiently, however, Christ rolled up His sleeves once more to show the disciples the wounds on His hands and feet. He let them touch Him once again so they would know He was real, He was alive, and not just a figment of their imagination, or worse, a ghost.
As they still stared in disbelief, Jesus once again ate with His friends. I cannot imagine the ups and downs they experienced in those moments. Their thoughts probably asked, Is it real? Is He real? Is He really alive? Am I going crazy? Wow! It is Him? He is alive! And at some point, the risen Lord became real to them. They let their hearts and minds embrace the fulfilled promises in the Lord standing before them. And, believing in His promise to rise again, they could believe in His next promise: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised…” (v. 49, NIV). Undoubtedly, this is the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the might and power of the Lord Jesus Christ inhabiting the body of every believer.

After promising to send the Spirit, Jesus ascended to heaven, never to appear again to those disciples. But the last promise He made, it came to be just as He said! So, now we live without the bodily presence of Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, and in anticipation of that final redemption of the world. His return has been promised and His track record of keeping His promises is perfect! Bank on it!

Devotion

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 24:44-53
I’m sure Jesus grew weary of repeatedly proving himself to His most trusted companions. How many times do you need to show off your battle scars before your family believes you were in the fight of your life?! Patiently, however, Christ rolled up His sleeves once more to show the disciples the wounds on His hands and feet. He let them touch Him once again so they would know He was real, He was alive, and not just a figment of their imagination, or worse, a ghost.
As they still stared in disbelief, Jesus once again ate with His friends. I cannot imagine the ups and downs they experienced in those moments. Their thoughts probably asked, Is it real? Is He real? Is He really alive? Am I going crazy? Wow! It is Him? He is alive! And at some point, the risen Lord became real to them. They let their hearts and minds embrace the fulfilled promises in the Lord standing before them. And, believing in His promise to rise again, they could believe in His next promise: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised…” (v. 49, NIV). Undoubtedly, this is the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the might and power of the Lord Jesus Christ inhabiting the body of every believer.

After promising to send the Spirit, Jesus ascended to heaven, never to appear again to those disciples. But the last promise He made, it came to be just as He said! So, now we live without the bodily presence of Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, and in anticipation of that final redemption of the world. His return has been promised and His track record of keeping His promises is perfect! Bank on it!

Devotion

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 93
One of the ancient world’s most feared forces was water. Oceanography as a science did not exist. To the Hebrews, and others around them, water provided life, but also death. So, for the Psalmist to believe that God was more powerful than the waves is quite a statement of faith! I’m not sure we can understand the amount of trust and power conveyed in these words.
We might understand that God is more powerful than an AK47 rifle. Or, He is more powerful than a pack of hungry lions. He is more powerful than some of the tyrants and vigilante rulers in our world. He is even more powerful than nuclear bombs. Now that’s power!

Evil is all around us. Destruction surrounds us day and night. Sometimes the destruction is natural, like tsunamis or hurricanes or earthquakes. At other times, destruction and evil come from humans. So the realization that the world is full of evil and destruction might be a frightening thought for us sometimes. But the Lord reigns over that evil and seeks to protect our lives. We can cling to that reassurance no matter how scary the world may become.

May the Lord protect you and your loved ones today, and may you believe He is indeed more powerful than wind and the rains.

Six Flags

Get ready for some summer excitement as we plan a day at Great America on Wednesday, July 27.
There will be a sign up sheet in the Youth Room. I will need to know how many tickets to purchase by June 12. If you have a season pass or a free ticket from somewhere else write that you have a ticket on the sign up sheet.

If you need a ticket it will cost $25.
We will leave at 8:00 a.m. and will not return until 11:00 p.m. You can either purchase your meals in the park or have them put in a cooler that will be in one of the vehicles.
Friends are invited to attend, but must be on the sign-up sheet by June 12. You are limited to one friend per youth group member.

Vacation Bible School

Once again I am asking that all youth group members going to Oklahoma work this summer’s Vacation Bible School.
You will be doing work similar to the work you will be doing in Oklahoma during the Vacation Bible School time.
This opportunity will also be a benefit in working with children that will come to hear the Good News of Jesus.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20-24 from 9:00 a.m.—11:45 a.m.

Youth-led Worship

The Youth Groups will lead worship the weekend of June 11-12. We will be involved with leading the singing, Children’s Message, reading, greeting, alcolyting, and ushering.
We will be looking for individuals who want to serve in one or more of these areas.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the youth room. Please specify what part of the service you would like to do.
We might also add a skit to the service. You will be notified if this is a possibility.

Plant Sale Pick-Up

The Plant Sale has been a huge success already. We exceeded our goal of 450 units sold and are looking at a fund raiser that will bring in $5000 which includes a $1600 matching fund donation from Thrivent.
Work on this event has not ended. On Saturday, May 7 the plants will arrive at 6:30 a.m. You will need to be here no later than 6:15 a.m. We will sort the flowers and then sort them by orders.
Pick-up will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 12:00 noon.
We will have some breakfast items and other snacks and drinks.
The hope is that things run as smoothly as they did last year. We need all youth going to Oklahoma and their parents involved with this days events.

Worker Bee Weekend

Our second annual trip to Walcamp will be April 29-30. We will leave following the musical Friday and will return on Saturday around 7:30 p.m.
You will need to bring work clothes (including gloves), all toiletries, sleeping bag and pillow. Try to remember to bring some insect repellent. You do not need any electronics or a large sum of money. All meals will be provided. You might want to bring some money for the snack bar.
We will load the vehicles before the musical. Please make sure you limit the size of your luggage because space is limited.

Food Drive

Our annual spring Food Drive will be on Sunday, May 15. We will gather for lunch in the Youth Room and then head out to the community in an effort to collect non-perishable food items that the Food Pantry can pass out to those in need.
We will be in the neighborhoods near Trinity from about 1:00 p.m.—2:30 p.m. We will then return and sort the food into different boxes for Immanuel to pick up.
Friends are invited to attend.

Oaks Mission Trip

There are a couple of important things coming up in preparation for our mission trip to Oklahoma.
Our first planning meeting will be this Sunday, April 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will also be meetings on May 22 and June 12. Everything will need to be packaged up for Vacation Bible School by mid-July.
The Commissioning Service will be on Sunday, July 3 in the 8:30 a.m. service. We are also scheduled to be greeters on that day.
On Friday, July 8, we will meet at the home of David Jung for a going away dinner. We will go over final details and have some fellowship time together.
We will depart bright and early on Saturday, July 9. Plans are to be on the road by 6:00 a.m. This should put us in Oklahoma, after we eat dinner, around 5:30 p.m.
All other details will be shared at the meetings listed earlier.

April Birthdays

April Birthdays

Kevin Bruns April 1
Craig Conoboy April 6
Jessica Simon April 13
Joe Kern April 13
Katelyn Wunglueck April 17

March Birthday

Kelsey Keating March 11
Mary Michaelsen March 5
Lisa Hutcheson March 29
David Kluge March 23
Sara Michaelsen March 17

Worker Bee Weekend

in serving Walcamp on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30.
Because the Trinity School Musical is that evening we will be leaving after its conclusion. We will try to load the vehicles beforehand so we can head out as soon as possible.
Last year the staff at Walcamp was impressed by our hard work in replanting trees, cleaning windows and screens and spreading bark on the trails. The jobs could be very similar this year.
A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Youth Room. Please sign up so that we can make plans for transportation.
There is no cost for this event and friends are invited to attend.

Gameworks

This is a reminder that we will be heading to Gameworks by Woodfield Mall this coming Saturday, March 5.
We will leave Trinity at 12:30 p.m. and should return around 4:00 p.m.
Cost for a two hour game card is $15.00.
Friends are invited to attend. Please call me if you are coming to this event by Friday.

February Birthdays

Congratulations to the following who celebrate Birthdays in February:

Sarah Cermak February 24
Brigid O'Brien February 25

February Birthdays

Congratulations to the following who celebrate Birthdays in February:

Sarah Cermak February 24
Brigid O'Brien February 25

Great America

Our trip to Great America is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15. Please put this date on your calendar so that you are ready for a fun filled day of amusement park fun.
Also, start looking for discounts or free tickets through Book-It.
Friends are invited to attend.
There will be a sign up sheet in the Youth Room. We will need to figure out transportation in the near future. Please sign up as soon as possible.
Last year we stayed all day. We left at 8:00 a.m. and didn’t return till 11:00 p.m.

Worker Bee Weekend

We will be using our talents in serving Walcamp on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30.
Because the Trinity School Musical is that evening we will be leaving after its conclusion. We will try to load the vehicles beforehand so we can head out as soon as possible.
Last year the staff at Walcamp was impressed by our hard work in replanting trees, cleaning windows and screens and spreading bark on the trails. The jobs could be very similar this year.
A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Youth Room. Please sign up so that we can make plans for transportation.
There is no cost for this event and friends are invited to attend.

Oaks Mission Trip

Our second trip to Oklahoma is just around the corner and we need to start laying the ground work for the trip.
Forms were handed out to all members of The Focus. If you have not turned in your form to reserve your spot please do so as soon as possible. Remember that we are limited to the first 36 people to sign up. This includes both youth groups and adult leaders.
At our upcoming meetings we will start planning the three days of VBS that we will conduct while we are there. We will also discuss our work projects and some other import information.
Friends are invited to attend but it would be nice if they would show up for a number of youth events before we leave on July 9.
Cost for the week is $75.

Lenten Suppers and Easter Breakfast

We will be hosting the second Midweek Lenten Worship Service. Ma Fritschel will be preparing the meal (spaghetti, salad, bread and drink). We will need to set up , serve and clean up.
Be in the church kitchen by 5:00 p.m. on February 16. You will be done by the time church begins at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Breakfast is Sunday, March 27, beginning at 7:00 a.m. We will discuss setup and shifts and what you need to bring for the breakfast at upcoming Open Youth Rooms.
Please check your Spring Break schedule to see if you will be in town for Easter Sunday.

December Birthdays

Happy Birthday to
Mary Beth Bahlmann December 2
Chris Biagini December 10
Jay Cermak December 31
David Jung December 18
Brad Bohac December 19

Oaks Indian Center

Our return trip to serve the people at Oaks Indian Center is scheduled for July 9-15. They are holding 36 spots for us. These will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. The cost for the trip will be $75. There is a sign-up sheet in the Youth Room. We wii be holding some special meetings after Easter for this trip.

Christmas Party

All youth group members are invited to come out to our Christmas gathering on Sunday, December 19. We will have dinner together in the church basement and then play some organized games before we have some open youth room time and possibly open gym.

We will not have a gift exchange, but we will collect items to send to Pastor Bob and the troops in Iraq. I will give you more nformation on this in the near future.

Sign up today and bring a friend.

Food Drive

We will be collecting food in the area to help support the Immanuel, Downers Grove food bank on Sunday, November 21. We will meet following the 11:00 a.m. worship for lunch down in the Youth Room. Following lunch we will be heading out to area homes right after lunch. We will begin collecting food from 12:30 until 2:30. We will then return to Trinity to sort the food.

The sign up sheet is in the Youth Room.

DCE Field Worker

Welcome Mark Brandt.

Mark will be our DCE Field Worker for the next two years. He is from Saginaw, Michigan and is a sophomore at Concordia, River Forest.

Mark has interests in reading, writing, music (He plays guitar) and Jesus.

His major project will be forming a Youth Praise Band.

He will be working with both youth groups, teach Sunday School and work in some other educational areas as needed.

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following Youth members:

Anthony Driscoll September 5

Jonathan Diamond September 13

Zachary Schmidt September 22

Maddy Rohner September 23

Bianca Thompson September 23