The River Church Community

Parents,

Last Sunday Martin and Meredith taught on "Solitude", our second lesson leading up to the Advent Retreat on December 5 and 6. 

In this lesson, we wanted the youth to experience a glimpse of what solitude is.  We looked at scripture to see where Jesus was in solitude and then we practiced it.  For our scripture reference we looked at Jesus example of solitude in Mark 1:35-39, 6:45-51, and 14:32-43.  For the application of solitude the youth were given a guide.  Here were some of the things that they were asked to focus on:

- Consider what's important in life.  What really matters?  How do you spend most of your time and energy?  How should you spend most of your time and energy?  What needs to change in your life?
- Consider your relationship with God.  What's good about that relationship?  What about that relationship is not healthy?  What's missing?  What are you thankful for?
- Read a favorite scripture passage or the ones we read earlier.  What does God want to say to you through this scripture?
- Don't think about others - just be alone with God. 

For Quiet Time the youth should be working on the Solitude section of their journal.  In their practice of solitude they can use the above guide to help them.

Small Groups:
Girls:
The girls' small group was great on Sunday!  Lauren led us in worship, and then we had a hearty discussion of the differences between Jesus, Mohammed, and Buddha. We made a chart about each one to compare, and then we had a very open talk about how Jesus is the only way to God. The girls had a variety of questions, ranging from questions about meditation (we were talking about how both Islam and Buddhism have a lot of meditation), to questions about people who never hear of Jesus ("it's unfair for them" and "I think people who are good but never hear about God can still go to heaven." and "what about babies?") I was really glad to have such an open discussion, where they really felt free to ask some of these questions and discuss. We ended the discussion with Acts 4:12 on our hearts: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Jesus is the only way to heaven, even if someone is the best Muslim person or Buddhist person.

I also asked them to memorize Jesus' words in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We wrote the verse down on a card. On the other side of the card, we wrote a country to pray for (realizing that Jesus died for all people, and so the unfair ones are us who are not praying for or sharing the gospel with others), and a person (they all chose a friend) to know about Jesus.

Please let me know if you have any questions about what we discussed.

Thanks!
Kristy

Guys:
At the guys small group we discussed Buddha, Mohammed, and Jesus.  We began our time by sharing what words came to mind with each religious leader and then Steve and I shared about each religious leader and how they influenced their religion.  As we compared the different religions we shared about the differences between them and that Jesus is the only way to know God.  Many of the boys new someone who was Buddhist or a Muslim but never had a conversation about it with them. 

Upcoming Events:
- Sunday, November 9th - Sunday, November 14th: Kindness San Jose.  This last Sunday, I asked the youth to sign-up for one event.  There will be a volunteer or myself at each event.  This will be a great opportunity for them to meet other people in the church and to serve the community around them.  Please let me know if they are interested or they can sign-up at church.  MANY YOUTH HAVE SHOWN INTEREST BUT NONE HAVE SIGNED UP.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THESE WORK WITH YOUR FAMILY SCHEDULES.

- November 23rd: Bagel Shop Sunday

- November 30th: Family Sunday  All the youth will be in church.  Some youth will be helping with the Advent candle and with Kid's Community kids.

- Sunday, December 5th and 6th: Youth Advent Retreat.  We are doing this retreat with the adults, but will have separate break out and activities for the youth.  You can register the youth through me.  Here are the details:
- Friday 5th, Starts with dinner at 7pm
- Saturday 6th, Ends with dinner at 5:30pm.
- Why the youth should come:  Dreading the frenziness of December, end of school, and the business of the holidays. and want to find rest, peace, and deeper significance of the season of waiting.
- What to Bring: Bible, journal, pen, warm clothes, a ready heart.
- Where: Mission Springs Conference Center, 1050 Lockhart Gulch Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
- Cost: $84 per person for a quad.  There are scholarships available.

- Sunday, December 7th: Parent Meeting after church.  Lunch will be served at 12:00 and the meeting will be over at 1pm.  More details to come.

- Friday, December 19th: Youth Christmas Party, More information to come

- December 22 - 31: I will be on Holiday in Minnesota visiting Amy's family.

- Wednesday, December 31st: New Years Eve Party, More information to come

Kyle Guerrero

"Give up your small ambitions." - Francis Xavier, missionary to East Asia, 1506-1552