Light of the World

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2

The world we live in is full of darkness: sin and those who live their life separated from God. When its dark its easy to feel scared and hopeless. In darkness we stumble around and do things our own way. This is not the way God intended and therefore sent light to the world. The light He sent was JESUS!

Jesus came into this world to deliver us from darkness. It is what Christmas is all about. Jesus and Him being the light of the world. The idea that Jesus is the light of the world is meant to be more than something that is just said or that we hear at church. It is something that should affect us, that should change us. God gave Jesus to be the light of this world so that we can be a light to this world. Jesus light should now shine through each of us, does He? Are you a light in the dark world, I hope so. I pray this Christmas the world sees the light of Jesus in you and that you have a very Merry Christmas!

Just A Reminder...

We will be having the party once again at the McKellars'. If you need directions please email Brad at brad@brevardcommunity.org. You do not want to miss this!!! See you real soon....

PAAAARRRRTTTTTYYYYYY!!!!!!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

DON'T FORGET THAT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY IS ON DECEMBER 11TH! MAKE SURE TO SAVE THE DATE!

Once Upon A Time...

Persistency! Often this is something we lack, which Jesus knew as well. Therefore He left us with this parable to encourage us to be persistent and to not give up. In Luke chapter 18:1-8 He tells the parable of the "Persistent Widow". His point was that if even a corrupt judge could eventually be persuaded by the persistence of a widow, someone without standing or influence in their day, how much more likely would the Lord be to respond to the persistent prayers of His followers?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. What does that mean? It means that our prayer life should come as naturally to us as breathing does. We must persist and continue to seek Him in all things we do.

“Ask and it will be given to you;” He said, “Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt; 7:7-11)

God will provide for our every NEED we just must continue to go to Him and ask. So do not lose heart, keep pursuing, in His perfect timing God is going to show up and off more than you could ever imagine!

Mark Your Calendars... Dec. 11th... MSM Christmas Party!!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

RODEO

THIS WEEKEND....

Don't forget the RODEO this Saturday at 7:00. Cost is only $15. Be sure to wear your best Cowboy/ Cowgirl attire. This year we WILL see the bulls. Parents we should be back by 11:30. Questions email Brad at brad@brevardcommunity.org.

SUNDAY NEW SERIES

This Sunday we start a new series all about the Parables of Jesus. This week we look at "The Pearl of Great Price". Other Parables we will dive into in this four week series are: "The Two Debtors", "The Persistent Widow" and "The Good Shepherd".

Last Fall Small Group

This Sunday Night from 5:30 to 7:00. Girls at my house as we finish up Philippians and Boys will meet at the Student Center as they finish up James. It truly has been so much fun and such a great time to dig into God's Word. Can't wait until we start back up in January.

More Answers... More Answers... More Answers...

We wrapped up the questions from the Mind of a Middle Schooler this week. An abundance of questions came flowing in on prayer. We focused on breaking down Matthew 6: 9-13. We can all agree that praying and understanding prayer is difficult, especially for a new Christian. Why we pray is to get to know God as our Father. Prayer is a time of remembering what God has done for us, it is a time that God uses to encourage us and to show Himself to us. We will never have the close and intimate relationship He wants us to have with Him if we do not pray.

Other questions that were brought up were about Adam & Eve, heaven, the purpose of life, and several questions about Bible stories and what teenagers should be reading in the Bible. We loved this opportunity to answer your questions, but don't stop asking questions just because this series is over. Brad and I and any of your leaders are here for you to help you out however possible.

Hope to see you next Sunday as we begin a new series... Once Upon a Time!

Answers... Answers... Answers...

After giving students three weeks to ask every question they have, Brad dived into starting to answer their questions. There were some random questions to some very serious questions (hence the how to make donuts video :) ).

We are excited to continue this Sunday with answering every question from the mind of the middle schooler... Hope to see you during first Worship at 9:30 to continue to get the answers to your questions....

It's time to hang out!!

We are headed to the Ag Center for the Rodeo!!! We will meet at the church at 7 and be back by 11:30. Cost is $15. Please don't forget we need permission slips as well. Hope you can make it. Give us a call at the church if you have questions 884-5932.

Self-Control

Have you ever reached your boiling point??? You know, that point where you have taken all you can take and stayed as calm as you possible can and you just lose all self control and blow up and do all sorts of things that you would not normally do. I can say I have hit my boiling point more times than I would ever like to admit.

The last fruit of the spirit we are going to talk about is SELF CONTROL, easily defined as control yourself :) It is more than controlling outbursts of anger, it is controlling what you say, how you do things, and not doing things that are wrong. So how much control do you have? Do you know the key to having more self control??? The key is to have MORE of God and less of us in us. How does that happen? It happens by spending time with Him, reading the Bible and going to places that will encourage and challenge you to grow in your relationship with Him. Check out the perfect example of Self Control: Jesus in John 8:1-11. Enjoy!

Questions.... Questions... Questions....

New Series coming October 31st! We want to know your questions. What do you want to know about God, Jesus, Church, Prayer, the Bible???? We want to answer the questions that come from you... hence the title of the series ----> From the Mind of a Middle Schooler! Let us know what's going on in your mind. Email Brad at brad@brevardcommunity.org today!

Patience

I want it now! I think we can all relate to that mentality more than we would like to admit. But the truth is that more often than not we have to wait on things to happen. We have to wait and endure before we get what we want.

As we walk with God and follow Him, He wants us to produce the fruit of PATIENCE. The definition of patience is the ability to endure hardships, perseverance, long-suffering, willingness to tolerate delay with calmness and self control. WOW... Can I just say that I fail to exercise patience all too often (how about you?)...

BUT let's look at God's Word and see why we go through hard times, why we endure, why we wait.. It says:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

God is more interested in our Character than our Comfort. We go through hard times to become more like Jesus. Gods way may not always be our ways, but He has purpose for everything we go through in life.

What's Your Life Producing?

This past Sunday we began a new series: Taste-What Kind of Flavor are you packing? Looking specifically at the fruits of the spirit. What are the fruits of the spirit? Well lets look at Galatians 5:13-24:

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

The fruits of the spirit are what come out of your life when you are walking with God. Paul encourages us to live in freedom and to serve one another in love. We waste our lives if we are not living out the love we are called to. Because of the sin in this world we must be very careful not to destroy one another, especially with our words.

Isn't it crazy how you are never taught to sin. It is just our nature. That is, it is our nature before we have a relationship with Christ. From then on it is the Holy Spirit that guides us. It is like our life's GPS. The Holy Spirit will NEVER lead us astray, however, when we do things our way we often go down paths He had never intended for us to travel.

Whether you are following the Holy Spirit or yours, both choices have results you can see in your life. When it is the Holy Spirit you are following you see the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. When you it's you you're following you'll see something completely different.

The question we ask ourselves now is: What is coming out of your life?

Strykes Again

Another great night out! Can't wait til next month! <3

Coming Up THIS WEEKEND....

This Sunday brings a new series to MSM - Taste:What Kind of Flavor are You Packing?

We will be diving into the fruits of the spirit - specifically - joy, patience, faithfulness, and self control.

We meet during first Worship in the student center at 9:30 for sixth thru eighth graders.

Also, don't forget about the Middle School Event. THIS Saturday we are going bowling at Strykes Again in Brevard. We will meet at the bowling alley. Cost is only $8.50 and covers shoes, bowling, and unlimited cokes. We will bowl from 6 to 8 pm. If you have any questions please call or email Brad at 884-5932 or brad@brevardcommunity.org.

Weekend in Review...

It was a beautiful day this past Sunday and everyone was pumped to finally be able to head over to the Oaks of Brevard. Many will admit it was way out of their comfort circles but as always extremely rewarding when taking those small steps of obedience. It was such a treat to be able to love on, talk with, and simply leave cards & more for the residence of the Oaks. We can't wait for our next visit...

October Hype...

Change of Plans...

Proverbs 16:9 rang true for us today: "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."

It was our plan to head over to the Oaks Sunday during MSM but God had one more step in store for us first. The rain put "our" plans on pause and gave us the opportunity to take time and make cards, sun catchers, book marks and more for our visit to the Oaks this coming Sunday, October 3rd.

It was a fun time for us to hang out and to start putting feet to our blurred vision of Love and to really put it into action. We are super excited about the opportunity that awaits us this Sunday, as we love on all the people at the Oaks. If you have any questions about our outing please contact Brad at 884-5932 or brad@brevardcommunity.org.

Blurred...

Sunday mornings you never really know what to expect...

We started things off with a game that was definitely not for those with weak stomachs ;) Alphabet Soup bravely played by Morgan MacDonald and Anna Carillo was a crowd pleaser...

After Blurry game funness Brad dived into our second week of our Blurred series. Challenging us on our view of love and the way we should love. Using Jesus' words in John--->

³⁴ So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34-35

We are called to love everyday the way that Jesus does. There are people all around us who are dying to be loved the way that He loves us. Are you willing to get uncomfortable and to LOVE ALL those around you? Is the love of Christ reflected in your everyday actions? James states:

²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:22-25

We must turn our words of love to actions of love. This Sunday we will be giving students the opportunity to do that. During first worship we will head over to the Oaks of Brevard. We will meet at the church and be back by the end of worship. Any questions please contact Brad.

MSM Got Their Skate On

Skaters choice was an absolute blast. For so many it was their first time which was proof by the number of times we saw them on their bottoms ;) BUT none the less it was good times for all, especially the limbo. We are excited to have our next outing in October.

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9th!

Skaters Choice

Bible Study

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9-11

One of my most favoritest things in the whole world is studying God's Word. And nothing gets me nearly as excited as getting others into God's Word. It is such a treat to be able to dive into the Bible with students and watch as God stirs a passion for Him and His Word.

We are so excited for the return of Sunday Night Bible Studies. We will meet the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm. We start this Sunday, September 12th and end November 14th. The boys will be meeting with Brad at The Frady's House and the girls will meet with me at my house. If you need directions please contact me (siobhan@bcsm,org) or Brad (brad@bcsm.org). Cost for the study is $10. If money is an issue please let us know. Here is a little more about the studies:

The boys will be doing a study on James. By faith we are reborn into the family of God, but God wants more than justified infants; He wants mature daughters and sons. This Bible study on the book of James is a challenge to Christians of every age to keep growing up.

Girls will be doing a study of Philippians: Secret Power to Joy, Becoming a Star, and Great Hair Days. It sounds like the headline from a teen magazine! I mean, why would God care about how you feel about your hair? Well, He doesnt necessarily care about your hair, but He cares a lot about how you feel and act. If you get into what God says in the Bible, you can learn to be like a star and feel like every day is the best hair day of your life. An innovative walk through Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, perfectly tailored to young girls -- leading students to understand the “secrets” of God’s plan for their lives; and revealing the spiritual power that can be theirs by the Holy Spirit. Readers will “join” Paul in his struggles and revelations; will examine God’s plan and their own responses; and will come to a deeper relationship with God and knowledge of His promises of empowerment.

Unlikely

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.

An Unlikely Person

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.

An Unlikely Place

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.

An Unlikely Response

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.

This Sunday we start a new series----> BLURRED... Join us first worship at 9:30 in the student center...

Summers End

WOW!

Yup that's the best word for it. Can you believe that summer is almost over. In just a little over a week everyone will be back in school. One things for sure it has been one amazing summer: the Beach, MADNESS, Bible Studies, the Bible in 90 Days and More!!! So many memories and so much FUN!

Here's a tiny recap of our last outing for the summer: BRAVES VS. THE DODGERS....

It all began bright and early at 10:30 in the student center...

Then We loaded up the bus and the vans and headed to the Varsity!!!

(mmmm mmmm grease... got to love it)

After the greasy goodness of the Varsity we headed to Turner Field.

When we first got there the black sky & high winds had us a little nervous...

But it all passed and then we headed in to WALK on the field...

Most excited of all would be none other than your Pastor Brad :)

After walking the field we headed to our seats....

It was oh so much fun and we can't wait to come back and do it all again in 365 days!!!!

Final Score: Braves - 1 Dodgers- 0

better luck next year LA ;)

Goodbye Pat "the Table Stacker". Patrick Will Miss You...

Today was our last day. It didn't start the way we planned but it all came together.

After all the "commotion" We settled down and had a group meeting. There we took turns telling each other encouraging, emotional thoughts of each other. As well as things God had taught us and things we want to change when we get back home. Just a few of the things we learned this week are: we are extremely blessed, love can go a long way, and we saw the true peace that Christ alone brings to chaos and brokeness. Our God is AMAZING and we love that He let us be His hands and feet this week in West Virginia and we know that doesn't end here.

After that we went with Pastor Norm to a nursing home and sang songs for the elderly people.

Next the kids came and we went to the pool. There we had a blast swimming, playing and eating freeze pops.

Through tears we sadly said goodbye to the kids.

I can't believe the mission trip has come to an end. Tonight we had our last laughs with the staff here fist pumping, putting Patrick to bed and more with Pat "the Table Stacker" ;) . Then cleaned up and packed and now we are all together hanging out and watching Finding Nemo :) Well I guess we will see you tomorrow! (Please pray for our travels back and that all we learned this week we take back with us and that we truly are forever changed).

Love,
bcsm