February Speed The Light Challenge

If you have a student involved in Momentum you probably know what Speed The Light is. In case you don't, Speed The Light is an avenue through which students can give to missions. All of the money raised through Speed The Light is used to provide missionaries with vehicles, audio visual equipment, literature and much more! Last year our students gave almost $8000 to Speed The Light, which I think is amazing!!!!!

This year we have set our goal for $10,000! I realize that this is a sizeable amount but very attainable nonetheless. I've asked the students to do something to start 2010 strong. For the month of February I've asked that the students make some sacrifices, work a little extra, go without a few Starbucks lattes and try to meet an individual goal of $100 for the month. Many of the students have taken the challenge and I want to ask you to possibly take that challenge with them. Please encourage your students to do what they can for missions. Even if they don't reach their goal, just playing a part in reaching people for Jesus at home as well as world wide will have long lasting effect in their lives. We are so excited for what God is doing in our students and want to encourage each of you parents to keep praying for Momentum and we will be praying for you!

God Bless,
Pastor Scott

Here it is....The first installment Insight for Parens

What’s Up With Kids

At SimplyYouthMinistry.com, youth-culture expert Walt Mueller chats up social-networking sites.

Millions of teenagers now expose themselves, their feelings, and their thoughts in personal blogs (web logs) posted on one of the many social-networking websites. Public online journals have replaced hidden, locked private diaries. Today, both teenage girls and their male peers are openly sharing their "secrets" for anyone in the world with Internet access to see. Kids use blogs to vent and share commentary about every aspect of teenage life. They also post pictures of themselves, artwork, and personality profiles. Self-expression is encouraged, and the sites are highly interactive. Here are suggestions for dealing with this phenomenon:
First, know what your kids are doing online. Ask if they have their own blog page and if you can see it. Otherwise, spending some time online can usually get you to their online home. Register for free at the homepage of Facebook.com, Xanga.com, or MySpace.com. Then use the site's “search” capability to find your town or school. You’ll be flying through a Web of local kids’ sites with familiar names and faces. Eventually, you should find what you're looking for.
Second, read carefully without overreacting. You’ll probably find some things on these sites that are surprising and alarming. While some of it might be marked by exaggeration and embellishment, most depicts what’s going on in kids’ lives. Look for clues that will help you discover their problems, challenges, concerns, and struggles. Remember, you’re looking through a window into their world.Third, carefully and prayerfully prepare your response. Warn teenagers about Internet predators. Discuss what you’ve read with your kids. Assure them that your concern is motivated solely by your love and care for them. Most importantly, bring the light of God’s Word to bear on kids’ issues and struggles.

New for parents in 2010

Good Afternoon!!!!! I hope you all have survived the holidays and are ready for what the new year will bring!!!

2009 was an amazing year, not only for Kelly and I personally but for our student ministry as well! We have been able to see growth not only in numbers but IN the students that are a part of Momentum and we are believing for even greater things in 2010!

One thing that Kelly and I are excited about is the opportunity to partner with you in developing the spiritual and personal lives of your students. One of the ways we will do this is through sending you a current copy of 'Insight' via our parent link each month. 'Insight' is not a guide to parenting but it will, we hope, better equip you to deal with, understand and head off many of the issues that teenagers face.

We understand that parenting is not an exact science and that every situation can't have a cookie cutter answer. So our prayer is that 'Insight' will help you as parents stay informed and encouraged as you raise you kids!

You're all amazing parents and we love serving you and your students! Keep watching, the first 'Insight' update is coming soon!

God Bless,

Pastor Scott