Student News
We had a super-fun time at the Fusion House Party this past Sunday! We had a great turnout, and the weather held off just long enough to get in a great game of waffle ball after our perfectly-grilled dinner (thanks to our amazingly committed cook crew). Our next special event will be a hike on June 22, so make sure you block that date off on your calendars…details to come very soon! Also, keep in mind that we’re promoting the rising-seventh-graders to Fusion on June 2nd. They’ll join us from then on!
Over the last two weeks, we have discussed what robs of us of PASSION while following Christ, and how we need to identify and address the causes (aka "the thieves of passion"). This week, we finished the three-week discussion by focusing on what CREATES AND SUSTAINS passion: JOY. Read the parent’s guide here!
GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY TO YOUR TEEN!
Mike Childress
Minister to Students
Men's Breakfast Canceled
The Men's Breakfast scheduled for Saturday, May 25th, has been canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.
Next Sunday, June 2, starts our Summer Children's Programs:
8:30 Service: Childcare is available through rising First Graders. Rising Second Grade and older worship with family in service.
10:00 Sunday School: Combined Rising First through Fourth Grade Class
11:00 Service: Childcare is available through Rising Kindergarten. Rising First through Fourth Graders will worship with their families and then be dismissed into Kid's Praise before the Sermon.
Please check out our Summer 2013 Children's / C56 Ministry Opportunities. Click here or see downstairs at the Children's Connection Center.
Masters Inn Overnight Camp will be August 4-9. Current 3rd-6th graders. Master's Inn is a high impact Christian adventure Camp in Altavista, VA. Forms and initial deposit due June 1. Please email me if you need forms - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost: $275.
Childcare provided Sunday evenings during the summer for Life Groups only.
Fun and Fellowship for the whole family at Eagle Eyrie, near Lynchburg, July 12-13. Lodging, pool, and lots of outdoor activities. It includes dinner Friday night, breakfast and lunch Saturday. $65.00 per adult, 32.50 per child, babies under 2 are free. Please contact Todd Meyer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to make your reservation.
Childcare will be available for 4 yrs. & younger from 6:45-8:30, but you must sign up for it by contacting Michelle Honaker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 772-4915.
Register NOW! VBS Gotta Move - June 24-28. You can register your kids and sign up to volunteer at www.CHSVBS2013.com or in the lobby on Sunday.
Passion: Choosing Joy in Every Situation
Over the last two weeks, we have discussed what robs of us of PASSION while following Christ, and how we need to identify and address the causes (aka "the thieves of passion"). This week, we finished the three-week discussion by focusing on what CREATES AND SUSTAINS passion: JOY.
But to discuss this practically, we must first understand where joy comes from, what is often confused for joy, and what is true joy.
So where does joy come from? True joy comes from hope in the midst of trouble..."Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3). Joy comes from the hope of Christ's righteousness being credited to us..."Then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness" (Job 33:26). Joy comes from even the simplest hope of salvation...David says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation" in Psalm 51:12. Joy comes from hope in the very character of Christ... "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).
So what is often confused with joy? Joy is often confused with happiness. Do you know the difference? Look at where joy comes from, and you will likely begin to discover the difference. Joy comes from the hope in eternal things: our receiving the unmerited favor of Christ's righteousness, salvation as a gift from God, and the unchanging character of Jesus Christ. I just gave away my third point...joy is the focused hope on eternal things...things that don't change day-to-day, or can be lost or snatched away.
A sunny day will make me happy. A long bike ride will always make me happy. A good steak will make me happy (preferably a medium-rare porterhouse). I like to be happy, and it is good to be happy. But being happy is not enough. Happiness comes from temporal things. It won't be sunny every day. Some days I don't have time to ride my bike, the weather is too nasty, or my bike is in need of repair. I can't afford to eat steak every night. We must choose JOY in every situation: to see beyond the presence of, or lack of, the temporal things that make us happy...we can't depend on happiness to fuel our passion in following Christ...that will make us spiritually-bipolar...prone to wild, unpredictable swings between mania and depression.
It may also be tempting to try to drum up some joy. But it doesn't work that way...Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." We must choose joy by focusing on, and hoping for, the eternal, and God will GIVE US JOY and MULTIPLY OUR HOPE.
Psalm 4:7 says, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound." Joy trumps happiness. Happiness can be gone in an instant, but joy can never be taken away. John 16:22 says, "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."
Choose joy as you seek to be a genuinely passionate follower of Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Where does joy come from?
Joy comes from the hope in eternal things: our receiving the unmerited favor of Christ's righteousness, salvation as a gift from God, and the unchanging character of Jesus Christ.
2. What is often confused with joy? Why is happiness alone not enough?
Joy is often confused with happiness. Do you know the difference? Look at where joy comes from, and you will likely begin to discover the difference. Joy comes from the hope in eternal things: our receiving the unmerited favor of Christ's righteousness, salvation as a gift from God, and the unchanging character of Jesus Christ. I just gave away my third point...joy is the focused hope on eternal things...things that don't change day-to-day, or can be lost or snatched away.
A sunny day will make me happy. A long bike ride will always make me happy. A good steak will make me happy (preferably a medium-rare porterhouse). I like to be happy, and it is good to be happy. But being happy is not enough. It won't be sunny every day. Some days I don't have time to ride my bike, the weather is too nasty, or my bike is in need of repair. I can't afford to eat steak every night. We must choose JOY in every situation: to see beyond the presence of, or lack of, the temporal things that make us happy...we can't depend on happiness to fuel our passion in following Christ...that will make us spiritually-bipolar...prone to wild, unpredictable swings between mania and depression.
3. Who is the provider of joy?
It may be tempting to try to drum up some joy. But it doesn't work that way...Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." We must choose joy by focusing on, and hoping for, the eternal, and God will GIVE US JOY and MULTIPLY OUR HOPE. Psalm 4:7 says, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound." Joy trumps happiness. Happiness can be gone in an instant, but joy can never be taken away. John 16:22 says, "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."
Summer Adult Sunday School Class
This summer, John Furman will be teaching a class on the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah is an enjoyable Old Testament book dealing with a man with an impossible task, a hostile environment, and a work crew that was not exactly world class; however, God used this man and this group of people to accomplish a great task in the midst of adversity. Class begins Sunday, June 2nd, at 10:00am.
The Rescue Mission needs for the month of May are peanut butter, jelly, quick grits, and boxed cereals.
We accept donated items in the church's main office. Please do not leave items at any other location in the church building.
To contact the Rescue Mission, visit www.rescuemission.net, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 540.343.7227.
College and Career Events
Sunday School: 10am. M303. Hell Shall Not Prevail: A Brief Survey of Church History.
Life Group: Will not be held on Tuesday, 5/28.
Feast: Wednesday, 5/29 @ the Steinweg's. 6:30pm. Potluck.
College Summer Life Kick-off: Tuesday, June 4 @ 6:30pm. Cookout, Praise & Worship. Carlson’s house.
College Summer Retreat: June 21-22.
Feast at the Lake: July 26-27. Details soon!
Storytellers: Sunday, August 4, at Froth.
For more information, contact Justin Carlson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Facebook pages: 'Feast Roanoke' & 'COTHS College & Career'
Passion: Don't You Dare Fake It
Do you have any passion when it comes to your relationship with Christ? It is easy to lose your passion. It is also tempting to fake your passion. But we CANNOT allow ourselves to do either.
Last week we discussed thieves of passion – those things that rob us of passionately following Christ – the “cause” to the “effect” of passionless Christianity. Can you relate?
So when you aren't feeling passionate about following Christ, are you tempted to fake it? Do you fake it? Are you faking it right now? Should you "fake it 'till you make it?" Does faking passion ever lead to true passion? Nope. Without identifying and addressing the thieves of passion, we'll continue down the path leading us far away from a genuinely passionate walk with Christ.
My roommate contracted mono during our last semester of college. Most people know that mono's most notorious symptom is extreme fatigue. Well, Faith and I got married a week after college graduation, and we began our new life together. But despite my best efforts to be strong, and my self-assurance that I had avoided the mono-plague, I was "really tired" during the first couple of months we were married. I basically fell asleep anytime I became horizontal - even sitting down usually put me to sleep. It was just stress. It was the fact that I had a lot more down time now that I was done with the academy life, and I was feeling a long-forgotten relaxation. Faith thought that's just the way I was. But all of those reasons and attributions were based in denial, and a fear to examine what was truly causing my burnout...I was afraid that I'd hear the news I was dreading.
I was trying to "fake it 'till I made it." But it didn't change the fact that I was dealing with a case of mononucleosis. It finally took a massive sore-throat, painfully swollen glands, and crushing headaches to make me see a doctor. I waited until my symptoms had fully ravaged me to finally investigate their cause. My efforts to "fake it until I made it" just gave my symptoms time to strengthen, take hold, and lead me into further misery - I didn't prevent myself from heading further and further down the road I feared I was on. It certainly didn't lead me to a cure.
I don't think it is a stretch to say that our lack of passion is like a spiritual disease...it directly impacts our spiritual health, our desire to passionately run after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - to love Him well. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." If you are weary, then it is time to investigate the cause EARLY - once you recognize the signs of weariness in your spiritual life.
So much of scripture teaches us to continually assess ourselves, in light of Christ. God's word requires that we take stock of how open we are to the sanctification process here on earth, which will show fruit if we're allowing the Holy Spirit to work. As always, it's not about us motivating ourselves to "be passionate" or "do good things" of ourselves - that's another dangerous thief of passion. 2 Peter 1:8-9 says, "For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins."
When I first noticed my unusual, mono-related fatigue, I should've taken stock in the likely cause. I would have been able to prevent so much sickness. I wouldn't have given my symptoms the chance to devastate every aspect of my life.
If you're feeling spiritually dry, I'll bet you can tell me exactly why...but the reasons are likely hard to admit, and difficult to fix. It is easier to ignore. It is easier to just fake it. But are you going to fake it or let God fix it?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Has anyone here ever had mono, or a sickness that has just really sapped your energy?
2. Do you ever feel tempted to just "fake it 'till you make it" in your spiritual life?
3. What is so deceiving about trying to "fake it 'till you make it?"
Faking it won't lead you to a cure. Faking spiritual passion is a spiritual disease...it directly impacts our spiritual health, our desire to passionately run after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - to love Him well. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." If you are weary, then it is time to investigate the cause EARLY - once you recognize the signs of weariness in your spiritual life.
MASTERS Ministry Upcoming Events
- Volunteer for VBS - Our VBS curriculum is designed to remind children that our God is Faithful and will give us everything we need to walk with him. As children learn directly from scripture, we pray that they will be eternally impacted by God's truth and the gospel. We are expecting @ 300 kids, so are in need of lots of volunteers to walk alongside the children during this week. So, this is where you come in!! Our goal is to begin the placement process by the end of this week, so if you could sign up by this Sunday, May 26, it would bless us greatly!! Please let us know if you have any questions - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click here for a volunteer sign-up sheet.
- Visit the D-Day Memorial - The MASTERS will be going to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford on D-Day, Thursday, June 6th. We will meet in the church parking lot and carpool to Bedford at 9:00 AM. There will be tours and special events that morning at the memorial. Please let John Furman know if you are interested or have any questions by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- Attend the League of Older Americans Fundraiser - The MASTERS will be attending the LOA "LETS DO LUNCH" annual fundraising event to help support the Meals On Wheels program on JUNE 21. Tickets are available ($15) and can be ordered by calling LOA (League of Older Americans) at 345-0451 (Tell them you are with the MASTERS group at Church of the Holy Spirit). We will be carpooling or you may drive on your own. If you wish to carpool, meet at the CHS parking lot. We will be seated as a group. Lunch @12:00 Noon at the Kazim Temple on Campbell Avenue. Tickets must be ordered before June 14.
Deepen: Christian Community
"The more genuine and the deeper our community becomes, the more will everything else between us recede, the more clearly and purely will Jesus Christ and his work become the one and only thing that is vital between us." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
If I've learned anything through leadership, it is that the intelligent leader will patiently assess a situation before bringing any change to an organization. In the three months as your minister to students, I have been overjoyed to see the love our small group leaders show to the teens who attend the student ministry activities here at Church of the Holy Spirit. This love is the foundation of genuine Christian community, and without it, our sense of community would be an illusion built on a shaky foundation.
We are truly blessed to have genuine Christian community here. It is an unspeakable gift of God.
We now have an immense opportunity to deepen this genuine community among our middle and high school students. Thankfully, this opportunity does not involve a fix to a broken system, but instead, a chance to take the next step toward a community steeped in relationship with God and each other.
Our Sunday morning student activities – the breakfast, and large and small group discussions – provide an opportunity for fellowship. This fellowship is one of the two main group dynamics that are so important in student ministry: the identity of the entire group, much like the congregation enjoys on Sunday mornings.
The group in fellowship has Christ as its center. "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22). What a joyous reason for celebration! This is why we cannot discount the value of fellowship.
The second group dynamic is that of the small group, also known as a "Life Group." Life Groups go beyond the communal, and they advance into the relational.
Fellowship, the shared identity of Christ among the entire group, has incredible value. But fellowship is not what breeds relationship.
Living life together, as Christ modeled with the twelve disciples, is what breeds life-changing relationship. Jesus spoke the truth to thousands, but he poured himself into these twelve men who (save one) became the leaders of the early church.
The Bible provides numerous examples of Christ withdrawing from the crowds to focus on his twelve chosen disciples. One that comes to mind is Matthew 13:36: "Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." Jesus did not mix the distractions of fellowship with relationship. Instead, he created a comfortable space for honest dialogue with his disciples, a place where they could ask questions and be vulnerable. Jesus dug deep with his disciples – far deeper than he went with the crowds.
The mission of the student ministry is "to lead and teach students to become passionate and fully committed followers of Christ, developing young disciples who make disciples as they grow and mature." As Jesus did by creating disciples who led the early church, so we are also committed to "developing young disciples who make disciples as they grow and mature." This is done through relationship...living the Christian life together...having a comfortable space for honest dialogue...a place to ask questions and be vulnerable.
Beginning June 3, 2012, we will use our Life Groups to separate deep relationships from the distractions of fellowship; our leadership team is committed to living the Christian life together with our junior and high school students...creating a comfortable space for honest dialogue...a place to ask questions and be vulnerable. "The more genuine and the deeper our community becomes, the more will everything else between us recede, the more clearly and purely will Jesus Christ and his work become the one and only thing that is vital between us."
This focus on deepening genuine community among our middle and high school students will require some changes to the structure of evening student ministry activities – and these changes bring the benefit of nearly unlimited flexibility and customization for each Life Group. Your teen's Life Group leader, based on your input and the input of your teen, will be able to select the meeting time, place, and subject of discussion. Many of the leaders will open their homes, while others may choose a local coffee shop, etc. to create a comfortable space for honest dialogue...a place to ask questions and be vulnerable. Without having to consider the schedule of each individual in the entire student ministry, Life Groups will have the flexibility to meet whenever best serves their specific group. This does mean that beginning June 3, 2012, Life Groups will no longer be meeting in the student center for the purpose of separating deep relationships from the distractions of fellowship.
My small group relational experiences are what have shaped me as a Christian, along with many other COTHS student ministry alumni I have spoken with.
In addition to leading a Life Group, I will be entirely committed to supporting, encouraging, and equipping your teen's Life Group leader.
GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY TO YOUR TEEN!
I am always available to each of you.
Mike Childress
Men's Softball Schedule
Thursday, May 23 6:30 pm Wasena Park – Ball Diamond 1 COTHS vs. Belmont Christian Church
Tuesday, May 28 6:30 pm Wasena Park – Ball Diamond 2 COTHS vs. Saints
For information about cancellations due to weather, call 540.853.1196.
Straight Street in Need of Tutoring Volunteers This Summer! If you have one or more days available, please contact Jeri Harris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more and get involved.
Student Ministry Vision
The CHS Student Ministry seeks to lead and teach students to become PASSIONATE and FULLY COMMITTED followers of Christ, developing young disciples who make disciples as they grow and mature.
Our mission is a foundational, deeply-rooted commitment to Biblical discipleship and mentorship. We will place a high priority on regular relational contact by myself and our great team of student small group leaders. And while the church has a vital role in leading and teaching our youth, the most powerful force in a young person's life is family. We are here to help you disciple your teen. But just as a church service must be to be undergirded with personal immersion in scripture and prayer throughout the week, your teen(s) will greatly benefit from the loving instruction, encouragement, and exhortation of family throughout the week. Quigg and I were both raised by only our mothers during the teen years, so we know the tremendous influence even just one parent can have.
To support this family-based student ministry model, our student ministry team will keep you informed, encourage you, and partner with you in ministering to your teen by providing:
Information: Upcoming Events
Our monthly Enewsletter will provide an overview of upcoming events, along with a web link to a dynamic calendar that will contain all of the most up-to-date events, when they will occur, locations, and the details of that event. We also will provide a paper copy of semester offerings in August and December.
Tools: Weekly Teaching Summaries
Every Monday, I will email you a brief summary of the topic(s) we discussed with your teen on Sunday. This will also include some discussion starters and additional, related topics that are easily connected to the primary lesson. This serves several purposes:
- These discussions can connect you to the spiritual lives of your teen, allowing you to deepen their understanding of who God is, answer their questions, and nurture the spiritual growth of your teen.
- To relieve the tension of parallel influences: you will not be competing with, or excluded from the spiritual training your teen is receiving at church. This is your ministry to your teen.
- You will know what spiritual matters may be on the hearts of your teen. This may provide context for your daily discussions with them, and allow you to know what's on their minds.
- To give parents who may not know how/where to start an avenue to begin engaging with their teen about the practical application of truly knowing God. Our example is so incredibly vital! Quigg and I both strongly encourage all parents to equip themselves by engaging in daily Bible reading, Sunday School, and/or a Life Group.
Engagement, Encouragement, and Support
Our team is here to do the good work of supporting you in your ministry to your teen. This means engaged leaders, providing encouragement and exhortation to both kids and parents alike, and providing support while you impress God's commandments on your teen.
I personally can not wait to meet and get to know you and your teen, be available to you, and partner in answering the call of Deuteronomy 6:5-9:
5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Mike Childress (CHS Student Ministry Alumnus)
