The River Church Community

Parents,

This last Sunday Chris lead our second lesson on Peacemaking "What Causes Conflict?" 

We began our time recapping last week's lesson on the slippery slope.  I asked the youth to remind me what the three major responses were.  Jesse knew them!  I mentioned that I wanted them to identify what type of response that they usually tend to lean towards when in conflict.  Without any type of prodding, one youth mentioned that they are an attacker.  It was great to see the youths' faces and reaction as she shared how she responds.  With that, a couple of other youth felt compelled to share what their general response is to conflict.

This last Sunday, Chris specifically lead the discussion about the choices we make and their relationship with conflict.  Chris and I acted out a story about a boy who wants to watch the latest movie with a friend, but him mom will not let him because of bad weather.  The story goes on about how the parent and son interact with each other.  Very quickly the youth located the parent and son on the slippery slope.  Not only did they identify one response with the son, but a couple! 
From this story and a series of questions, we determined that conflict comes from our good and bad desires.

During one period of our discussion, two people were arguing about conflict, and then they realized that they were in a conflict.  It was a funny moment that showed conflict can slip in because of our desire to be right.

Our scripture source was James 4:1-2.

We lastly discussed that there are many good reasons for conflict.  One youth mentioned that it's important to stand up for your Christian belief.  Although another person might not value a person's Christian beliefs, we talked about the value of talking about each others opinions in a respectful way, knowing that God will be honored.

Fundraising:
- See's Candies:  We will make 50% profit from this fundraiser.  The money will go to different youth events.  Please ask your student how they are doing in selling these.  If you can, take it to work!  LET'S SELL CANDY!  If you need a fundraiser order form, please email Jeanine McCreary or myself so that we can send you one.
Here are a couple important dates for the fundraiser:
    - The order forms must be brought back by Sunday, March 22nd so we can order them.  Only 1 1/2 weeks!!!
    - The youth will be selling Sees in the welcoming area until April 5th.

Upcoming Events:
- Sunday March 15:
    - Bagel Shop
    - Parent Meeting, March 15, 12:00 - 1:00.  This is our quarterly meeting to share about the upcoming months, answer questions, and to hear you out.  As always, lunch will be provided.   Please RSVP.

- Planet Wisdom Youth Tour, March 27 - 28.  Check out their link.  I'll have a budget this Sunday.

- Sunday March 29, Family Sunday: Kindness San Jose.  The purpose of this is to get them mixed in with other age groups in the church and to serve along side of them.  I am encouraging youth to sign-up in pairs or small groups.  Chris Hayes is currently signed-up for the car wash and I am doing the yard clean-up at the Heritage Home.

- Sunday April 12, Family Sunday: Easter.  Youth in church.

- Sunday April 19, Bagel Shop

- Sunday April 26: Beginning of a six week series on "Searching for the Truth."

Thanks,
Kyle