This week in CrosStone we are beginning a new series entitled, “The Good Fight.”  In this series, we will be teaching our students about something worth fighting for—your relationship with each other.

Week 1:   February 8
The Good Fight series exposes the truth about family life: All families fight. We just fight about and for different things, and we fight in different ways. Some families are very vocal; others quietly stuff their frustrations inside. But regardless of how families fight, every family decides what they are going to fight over. Fighting about rules and issues will always drive us apart, but there is another way. What if we began to fight for relationship? What if our sole objective was to know each other and to honor each other? The Good Fight encourages students to stay in the fight and never give up on their relationship with their parents.

Week 2:  February 22
When it comes to God’s intention for family, there are no ambiguities in Scripture. God desires for children and parents to turn their hearts toward each other and have a relationship. In order to have the good relationship God intends, we have to first learn how to change the fight. We have to stop fighting against “their way” and start fighting for a relationship. We have to surrender our right to be right and take up a new cause. We must prioritize relationship regardless of the cost.

Week 3: February 29
This week is the final conclusion to our parent series. The goal of this week is to help students see the responsibility that they have to pursue a relationship with their parents. Some students have been hurt by their parents and they are living out the cycle by seeking to hurt their parents in return. This week we will look at the life of Absalom, who having been hurt, used the remainder of his life for revenge. We will see the outcome of Absalom’s choice and raise the question: Is this really the best way? Can students begin to break the cycle by refusing to use their influence as sons and daughters to inflict pain on the parents who may have hurt them? Can they be the instruments of healing in our parent’s lives?

 
You probably noticed that we skipped February 15th; this was not oversight.  We have a “special” activity planned for that date, and will continue the series on the following Wednesday night, February 22nd.

We are all drawn to great stories—whether that’s on the big screen, small screen, in a book or elsewhere. But we may be completely unaware of one simple truth—that our lives are a story as well. The decisions we make every day are shaping the plot. The things we do, believe and trust determine what is being written. And for many of us, the story we are scripting could be so much more if we let God write, or even rewrite, our story. It’s the story we long for, the one our hearts truly desire.

Session One: A Bigger Story (January 11)
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who minimizes risks, we all long for a great story. A great romance. A great adventure. A great mystery. And it could be that the reason we yearn for something so big is because God made us that way. Believe it or not, a big story is unfolding around us, a story God is telling that started long before us and will continue to unfold long after we are gone. The things that draw us, that captivate us, that pull us in are the things that make God’s story great. The question is, are we a part of that story? Are we telling His story? In other words, are our lives reflecting something bigger?
Session One Parent Cue:
• What are some of your favorite stories (in movies, books, etc.)? What specifically about those stories do you love?
• Read Ecclesiastes 3:11. Do you ever wish your life was “more” than what it is now? If yes, why?

Session Two: Lost in the Story (January 18)
So if we all long for God’s story, then how do we settle for so much less? How does our story get so off track? It happens subtly. Oftentimes, without ever realizing it, the focus of our story shifts—God is moved from a place of prominence, to a place of convenience. But stay this way for long, and it is easy to see a story that has gotten off track. Small changes, seemingly harmless, can take our story to a place it doesn’t belong. Sometimes we think the story is better left in our own hands. But what if we allowed God the control, the freedom and the power He deserves? What if we allowed Him to tell the story? Where would His story take you?
Session Two Parent Cue:
• (This question is for the parent to answer.) Have you ever found yourself in a place in your life where you wondered, “How did I get here?” If you retraced your steps, what were the decisions you made that led you there?
• Each one of you take a decision in your life (whether good or bad) and track the steps that led you to the end result.

Session Three: Rewriting the Script (January 25)
If you find yourself living in a lesser story, how do you begin to let God rewrite your story? You follow Him. You follow His lead. And that path may sometimes be very clear, and other times it may feel very mysterious. But following Him wholeheartedly, regardless of what we may or may not understand as we go along, is the only way to allow God to write your story. Instead of taking the reigns, embrace God’s direction—join Him, get on board and embrace everywhere His story just may take you.
Session Three Parent Cue:
• What holds you back from trusting God completely?
• What would it take for you to surrender that reluctance?
• How might your life become a bigger story than the one you live now?

Let’s all get excited about living in God’s story–the one He has written with YOU in mind!

After such a busy time, our new series is quite timely.  This week we will begin our teaching entitled ”Pause”.   Here is an overview of what we’ll be talking about. Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help you talk with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well. 

Series Overview

Ever feel like life is moving, or rather, rushing forward at an unsustainable pace? It seems like more often than not, that is just the way things are. But in effort to keep up with everything and everyone around us, it may be that we are missing out on experiencing God’s presence. What would it take for you to pause? To stop? To just “be,” long enough to take note of the living God in the midst of our spinning world?

Session One: Breathe (November 2)

What’s on your “to do” list today? A big test? Practice after school? Work? What about breathing? Have you scheduled time to just stop and breathe? “Uh, sure,” you’re thinking, “I am going to breathe today. What kind of question is that?” But what if you took time today to pause and really enjoy the moments you are in? Instead of thinking about whatever is next, you decide to really “be” where you are and soak up every second. What if you decided to pause . . . and then breathe?

Session One Parent Cue: How do you “pause”—and how often do you do it? What benefits do you see afterwards?  

Session Two: Search (November 9)

The Bible says that God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at all times. Sometimes we are in such a rush, we don’t even notice Him. But what if life became a big search? What if, as you went through every day, you paused and looked for God to show up everywhere you went? And what if you realized that no matter where you go or what you do, He is there? It might completely change the way you look at life—even the most mundane, ordinary parts of your day. So today, pause . . . and then search.

Session Two Parent Cue: Have you “seen” God lately? Where did He show up? Were you surprised to see Him where you did? Why or why not?

Session Three: Discover (November 16)

Last week, we talked about how God is everywhere and if we pause and look, we can find Him. But sometimes that’s really hard to do, isn’t it? Sometimes life gets really hard. Sometimes life hurts a lot. Sometimes pain and disappointment seem pretty intense and God seems really far away. But even in those moments, God is there. In fact, God is known for taking even the worst situations and bringing something good out of them. We just can’t always see that until we pause . . . and then discover that God is closer than your breath.

Session Three Parent Cue: Have you ever seen God during a really tough time? If so, explain.

CROSSTONE FALL RETREAT

FINAL INFORMATION 

We are SO excited that your child will be attending the CrosStone retreat this weekend!

Our guest speaker for the weekend is Marc Santom.  By way of introduction, Marc is a ’92 English Education graduate of Geneva College (Beaver Falls, PA) and an ’02 graduate of the Regent University School of Divinity (M.A. Practical Theology). Formerly the National Student Ministries Director for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) denomination, he is now in the process of completing his Master of Divinity here while working for the School of Divinity as the Associate Director of Admissions and Recruiting. Marc currently resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, Tina, and two children, Rachel (7) and Ethan (5), where they are members of Kempsville Presbyterian Church.
Marc will be teaching on the deeply interconnected relationship between loving God and loving others–and how the Greatest Commandment is incomplete without both aspects of this commandment of Jesus.

Our worship leader for the retreat is Clay Orander.  Clay is a freshman at Anderson University in Indiana.  To quote Clay, “I just want my life to be defined by Jesus and how much he loves me… which is a TON!  There’s nothing I want more in life than Him.”

Please plan to arrive at Triple R Ranch by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011.  Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. 

According to MapQuest, it should take approximately 25 minutes to drive from the Church to Triple R Ranch.  I would suggest allowing a little more time due to Friday afternoon traffic.  Directions to the ranch are contained on the attached page. 

Directions To Triple R Ranch (3531 Bunch Walnuts Road, Chesapeake, Va.) from Greenbrier Church parking lot:

     1.   Start out going EAST on VOLVO PKWY toward BROOKSIDE LNDG.  0.1 mi    

     2.   Make a U-TURN at BROOKSIDE LNDG onto VOLVO PKWY.  0.3 mi  

     3.   Turn LEFT onto GREENBRIER PKWY.  1.8 mi  

     4.   Turn RIGHT onto KEMPSVILLE RD/VA-190 W.  1.3 mi  

     5.   Turn LEFT onto BATTLEFIELD BLVD N/VA-168-BR.  1.5 mi  

     6.   Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto JOHNSTOWN RD/VA-634.  6.0 mi  

     7.   Turn RIGHT onto BENEFIT RD.  0.4 mi  

     8.   Turn LEFT onto BUNCH WALNUTS RD.  2.1 mi  

     9.   3531 BUNCH WALNUTS RD is on the LEFT. 

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO TRIPLE R RANCH

• Sleeping bag and pillow (or sheets and a blanket)
• Towels and toiletries
• Casual, comfortable clothes and shoes
• Jacket for cool evenings
• Flashlight
• Snack to share with the group (cookies, brownies, chips, etc.)
• Bible and notebook
• Small amount of money if they wish to make snack purchases at the Ranch store

 Do not bring:

• Electronic devices (Ipods, games, etc.)
• Camping  “tools” (pocket knives, axes, etc.–we’re not roughing it–all food and firewood are provided!) 

Cell phones will be permitted only for contact with parents.  Students should not be texting or talking with friends during the retreat weekend.

Should you need to reach us during the retreat, our cell phone numbers are listed below:

            Debbie Carlucci                      201-0601

            Jeff Carlucci                            201-0596

Thank you for allowing your child to participate in our annual retreat.  We look forward to spending time with your child and are prayerful that he/she will be blessed as a result of the teaching and fellowship of the weekend.  If.you have not completed the medical release form, you may print out the copy shown below and bring it with you to Triple R Ranch.

                                                                                    Jeff and Debbie Carlucci, CrosStone Youth Leaders

Medical Authorization Form

Medical Information

Insurance:

            Triple R caries normal insurance for liability.  Your coverage is primary for accidental injury and illness. 

            In the event of injury, Leaders are responsible to determine immediately if EMS services are necessary and act accordingly.  For minor injuries requiring medical attention, a member of the ranch staff must be notified before transportation is initiated. 

            We strongly recommend that each participant have a “permission to treat” form, signed by their parent or guardian, on file with the retreat leader.

———————————————————————————————————

Medical Authorization Form

Participant’s Name:_______________________________________Age:________

Address:____________________________________________________________

Home Phone:__________Parents’ cell:______________________Work:________

Medications/Medical Problems:  (Please label all medications clearly with name and dosage requirements.)

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Medical Release:  In the event that I am unavailable at the time, I hereby give my permission to the physician which my child’s retreat leader chooses to perform any emergency medical treatment as may be necessary.

Effective Dates:  November 4-6, 2011

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian:________________________Date:_________

October Teaching Series in CrosStone:

We are excited about our new teaching series, Unlikely, which will begin on October 5.   The following is an overview of what we will be discussing.  Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about each session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.

Series Overview:    If you haven’t noticed by now, we’re going to clue you in on something big about God—He doesn’t exactly operate like most of us. What we mean is, He chooses the most unlikely people to work through. He shows up in the most unlikely places. And then He asks us to respond in ways that are unlikely and go against our normal response. And what it all boils down to is this—you and I are unlikely people God uses in unlikely places to respond in unlikely ways.

Session One: An Unlikely Person (October 5)

Sometimes we think that everyone else is more qualified or likely than we are to be a part of God’s story. But even though we may feel insignificant, unimportant or unworthy, God says we are not only valuable—we are wanted! Even though we, or even others, would declare us unlikely, God says we’re not. He declares the unlikely, “likely.” Because what God wants is people who are available—He always picks availability over ability.

Session One Parent Cue: Describe a time when you felt unlikely.

Session Two: An Unlikely Place (October 12)

At youth group. At a retreat. With Christian friends. Those are the likely places we expect to find God. But the funny thing about Him is that He doesn’t like to be boxed in. God shows up in the most unlikely places. Just look at how Jesus came into the world—in relative obscurity. And if we look at some areas of our lives, we would probably say that God would show up anywhere but here—whether “here” is homeroom, the hallways at school, your job bagging groceries or even your home. But remember that God shows up in the most unlikely places.

Session Two Parent Cue: Have you ever sent glimpses of God at work in unlikely places or circumstances?

Session Three: An Unlikely Response (October 19)

If someone hits you, you hit him back. Or if someone says something mean about you, you say something mean back. Be cool with people who are cool to you and dislike people who are not. Now, some of us wouldn’t come right out and say we agree with those statements. But behind closed doors or in our heads, most of us would agree with it. This week, we’re going to take a look at some Jesus’ words, words that called for some very unlikely responses to those around us.

Session Three Parent Cue: Jesus calls us to respond in unlikely ways. What are some ways that you can respond in unlikely ways to the people you encounter each day? (bless those who curse you, forgive, etc.)

The following is an overview of what we’ll be talking about for the next three weeks.  Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help parents dialog with their child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by parents, but to be responded to by BOTH of you.  Families can use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching their CrosStone student, and allow the CrosStone student to see what God is teaching his/her parents as well.

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Doesn’t it seem like there should be more to prayer than just our typical “Help me, bless me, protect me, give to me” prayers? Prayer has to be more than just talking to God—because He knows our thoughts, right? It has to be more than just us making our requests known to God—because doesn’t He already know everything that’s going on in our lives? It’s like there’s some secret, some mystery we hope to unlock so we can “get through” to God. If we could just say the right words, maybe we can break the code and get a “yes” to all our requests. But what if prayer was something much bigger than that? What if prayer went beyond us getting what we wanted, and became about how to grow closer to God’s heart instead? What if prayer wasn’t just about changing our present situation, what if it was about changing us?

Session One (September 7)

Have you ever noticed how relationships seem to drift apart when we don’t get to spend time together? There’s just something significant that happens when we intentionally carve out time to connect with a friend or a family member. We get to hear what’s on their minds and hearts. We get to see the person beyond just what he or she can do for us, and see who he or she really is. That’s the heart of prayer—it’s our chance to connect with God in a way that goes beyond “Help me, bless me, protect, give to me.”

Session One Parent Cue: Do you have time every day or every week when you intentionally carve out time to spend with God? How do you guard that time? What are some challenges in keeping that time?  

Session Two (September 14)

If we spend time with God intentionally, if we make time for Him, then what do we say to Him when we get alone with Him? What are the things we talk about? After all, He knows everything about us, our lives and our world. It’s not like we have any “news.” It’s not like we have to give Him an update on how things are going. So what do we talk about? In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus focuses on three things, and leads us through a process that will not only change our perspective about what is going on around us, but also our perception of God.

Session Two Parent Cue: How does spending time with God put things going on in my life into perspective? How can we do a better job of honoring this time and making it a priority?

Session Three (September 21)

We can’t talk about prayer without addressing the obvious question—what happens when God doesn’t answer? Jesus has a surprising response to that—you keep asking. Because if something is that important to you, if something has captured your heart that strongly, then it’s something that you can’t let go. It’s something you can’t simply walk away from. So keep asking. And Jesus says that maybe, just maybe, God will honor your persistence.

Session Three Parent Cue: Is there anything on my heart, anything that I feel so strongly about, that I would keep asking God about . . . even if He doesn’t answer for a long time?

We have heard it said that it is your direction, not your intention, that determines your destination.  This is where many of us get lost.  We have great intentions, but the paths we choose lead us to a different destination than we ever intended!  Arriving at our ultimate destination, whether in relationships with others, college choices, or career choices,  doesn’t just happen.  We make choices, choose paths, and head in directions that will most definitely lead us somewhere, but will those choices and paths lead us to where we really want to go?

This is what we will be talking about in CrosStone for the next four weeks.  The following summarizes each week, and is followed by a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.

ROAD SIGNS:

Session One (March 30)

You can’t get to the south beach by driving north, and you can’t get to the top of the mountain if you are walking down it. Why? It’s because our direction always determines our destination. While we all know this basic rule for navigating the roads we drive, we sometimes forget how the same rule is true in our lives. You can’t lose weight by shoving down quarter pounders and watching five hours of TV. You can’t have deep relationships by ignoring the living, breathing people around you. You can’t grow closer to God by shutting Him out of your everyday life or failing to make the effort to know more about Him. So what is the destination you desire for your life? Are you even on the right path to get there?

Session One Parent Cue: Is there something in your life that you wish was different than it was, something that is realistically in your ability to change? What would it take for you to change your direction to meet your desired destination?   

Session Two (April 6)

When we’re behind the wheel, most of us stop if we see a street sign that says “danger” or “dead end.” We put ourselves on alert if we see a “caution” sign. But when it comes to our daily lives and the choices we face, sometimes we ignore the warning signs completely. We trudge right through the “don’t say that” sign and deeply cut someone close to us with a wounding remark. We plow right through the “don’t date that girl” sign because we believe that having someone who’s not great for us is better than not having someone at all. The Bible warns us that when we see danger to take action, because when we don’t, things can get really ugly.

Session Two Parent Cue: What are some cautions that you’ve had in past? Did you pay attention to them or ignore them? What happened as a result of your decision?

Session Three (April 13)

Everyone makes stupid choices—even smart people. Why? Because we’ve all had moments when we know the right thing to do, we have the right information, and we ignore it. We know we should order the fruit cup, but we order the mega-size fries. We know we should not spend all our money on that one shirt, but we do it anyway. We know we should avoid that one relationship, but we just keep coming back because it’s comfortable. So there has to be something more to it than just knowing the right thing to do. It’s not just about knowing the right choice, it’s about actually taking that first step. It’s the difference between knowing the right choice and trusting that the choice will lead you to a better path. It’s the difference between information and submission.

Session Three Parent Cue: Concerning the “destination” where you want to arrive, how will it require you to yield? What would you have to change or give up?

Session Four (April 20)

Have you ever been walking down the street, deep in thought, but oblivious to what was going on around you—that is until you snapped out of it and realized that you passed your destination two blocks ago? Your attention was elsewhere. Your mind wasn’t focused on what you were doing. The reality is this: what you give your attention to determines your direction. When something captures your attention, it will alter your direction and eventually lead you to a predictable destination—for better or worse. This week, we will wrap up the series by helping your child take a look at the things that capture his or her attention. We will challenge them to be intentional about paying attention to the things that will ultimately lead them in the direction they want to go.

Session Four Parent Cue: What are the distractions along the way to reaching your “destination”?

In the video, he quotes Jesus, “In THIS world you WILL have trouble,” and goes on to explain how to deal with the troubles that come your way.  According to Louie, “Life isn’t easy.  We experience problems and setbacks every day.  But during the hardest parts of life, when the bottom seems to fall out, where do we turn for peace?  God offers Himself and His cross as an anchor of hope no matter what we face in life.  The hope we find in Him allows us to leverage our darkest moments for His fame.” 

While we don’t like to think of our teens having difficulties and times of hurt and dissappointment, we know that inevitably, one day they will.  And at CrosStone, we want to know that the kids will be prepared and ready to deal with it.

Tickets are only $5 per person, and can be purchased from CrosStone youth or at Church this Sunday morning after each service.

Series Overview

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—but it does mean that they at least help us move in the right direction.

These days, it’s not uncommon for our kids to have literally hundreds of Facebook “friends.”  Sometimes they accept as “friends” people they have never even met!   Somehow, I don’t think these random acquaintences really constitute friends! 

Webster defined a friend as, “One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy.”  These are the kinds of friends we all desire to have and to be, and that’s what we’ll be talking about at CrosStone this month.

Parents, please be sure to take the opportunity to discuss the Parent Cue questions with your CrosStone child.

Session One: Accept? (February 9)

Having friends is great. Whether you want one, or you already have one, there’s just something about having other people in your life who you can count on. For many, friendships just happen. A new friend is in the right place at the right time. And while friendships may start out randomly, there is an intentionality about who we allow close to us—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because the people who are closest to you have influence on your life. They help shape who you are. So who are the friends closest to you . . . and how are they influencing you?

Session One Parent Cue: Who are some of your closest friends? Why are these people so important to you?

Session Two: Respond? (February 16)

Someone to listen to my problems. Someone to do stuff with. Someone to talk to constantly. Someone to hang out with. When you make a list of what qualities you want in a friend, how many of the things on your list involve what that person can do for you? Most of us would have to admit that it’s a lot. But the best friendships are ones that are not just about what the other person can do for you—the best friendships also involve how you can be there for someone else. How you can listen, instead of always talking. How you can give someone space when he or she needs it, or just hang out when your friend needs that too. In other words, the best friendships are not centered solely on you—and that’s a good thing.

Session Two Parent Cue: What are some ways you’ve been able to help out your friends?

Session Three: Ignore? (February 23)

Relationships=conflict. It’s natural. It’s part of two people relating to one another because at some point, you’re not going to agree. One person will do something the other person doesn’t like. One person will let the other person down. One person will say or do something stupid. It happens. And at some point, it happens to us—either we’re the person making the mess, or the one who is feeling the effects of the mess. So how do you navigate your way through the drama? Do you just ignore it and hope it goes away? Do you just drop that friend? Or do you find a way to work it out? The choice is yours.

Session Three Parent Cue: What is the biggest fight you’ve ever had with a friend? What was the outcome?

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Don’t forget the Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.   Be sure to invite your friends, family and neighbors!  It will be a great time of fellowship over a hearty pancake breakfast.   Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from CrosStone students, at Church on Sunday mornings, or at the door.   We’re looking forward to a full house!

We are excited about what 2011 holds for the youth in our CrosStone group.  It is amazing to watch these kids continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord and are thrilled to have so many awesome kids meet weekly for praise and worship, teaching, and fellowship with peers.  We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with parents in helping their children establish their lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. 

For the month of January, we are teaching a series entitled “The Invisibles.”  The following is an overview of the weekly sessions.  

THE INVISIBLES:

We are surrounded by the invisibles. These are people who simply want to know someone cares, someone notices—people who want to know God cares. Some of us would even say we feel that way—invisible to an entire world, daily passing us by. Whether that feeling is a familiar one or not, the reality is that each one of us has felt invisible at one point or another. But we didn’t stay that way. God saw us. He sees the invisibles. And because God took notice of us, we are able to open our eyes to see those around us.

Session One: Can You See Me? (January 12)

Last week at CrosStone, we taught our first lesson in this series, entitled ”Can You See Me?”  We talked abouth how sometimes you can stand in a room or walk down a hallway or sit in a chair and no one notices you. It’s not that you have some type of special ability that makes you invisible—people just don’t see you. They know nothing about you—nor do they seem to want to know anything about you. It’s like you’re not even there, even when you are physically in the room. You’re invisible. The good news is Jesus sees invisible people—even those who never realized they were invisible.

Session One Parent Cue: Describe a time when you felt invisible.

Session Two: In Focus (January 19)

Some people go unnoticed. There are people in the background of our lives we never see. Maybe it’s the guy at the gas station or the girl at the coffee shop. Maybe it’s the girl sitting in the lunchroom, or the guy hanging out in the back of the youth room. There are people all around us who we treat as invisible. But because of how God has seen us, because of what we’ve experienced personally, our vision is changed. How can we begin to see the people in our lives every day that may normally go overlooked? How can we see the people halfway around the world that go unnoticed? What can we do to bring those around us in focus?

Session Two Parent Cue: Who are some people that are consistently in the background scenery of your everyday life?

Session Three: Seeing Beyond the Seen (January 26)

Sometimes what we really want isn’t what we are asking for. Sometimes what we really need is invisible to us. Thankfully Jesus sees us, really sees us. He sees the obvious physical needs and the more subtle spiritual ones too. And not only does He see them, He cares enough to do something about them both. When it comes to reaching out to the invisibles, when we provide friendship, water, help—sometimes it just isn’t enough. There’s a deeper, spiritual need that can only be met through Jesus Christ. And because of that, we do both—we help with the physical need but point them to Jesus Christ for the spiritual one.

Session Three Parent Cue: Identify someone who is invisible in each of your worlds. What do does he or she need? How can you help with that need? How can you also point them to Jesus Christ?

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Back by popular demand is the Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser!  On Saturday, February 19th, the CrosStone Youth and their parents will be hosting this great event at the Applebee’s Restaurant on Battlefield Boulevard.  We will raise funds to be used by our youth for either the Fall Retreat or a missions trip sponsored by Greenbrier Church.  You’ll be hearing more details in the weeks to come, but mark your calendars!