Doubting Thomas

Hey Friends,

Hope those of you on break are enjoying some R&R. Things are pretty quiet around church this week, too, which gave me some time to browse my latest web discovery, http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/. Its a website out of California - they put together movies and video clips for churches to use. They do a really good job.

Below is a clip they put together to illustrate the story of "doubting Thomas." Thomas was the disciple who wouldn't believe Jesus had been raised until he put his hands into Jesus' wounds. But the best part of this clip is the montage of images at the very end- as if to say: "We've all seen the reality of God - its all around us!"


I'm guessing you'll see more stuff like this in future posts.

As I mentioned in my latest email, there's been a slight change of plans: 8th-12th graders are invited to come bowling with me this Friday night from 9-11 at Playdrome - bring $12 for 2 games plus shoes. However, There will be no lock-in. Sorry about that- maybe next time.

Sunday night is youth group for 6th&7th graders only - 5:30-7pm.
See you soon!

Holy Week

We are about to enter into the most significant season of the Christian year. Holy Week is a time not only to remember Jesus' cross and resurrection, but a time to think about why that journey had to take place - that a perfect savior took on the brokenness of a broken world, to make us whole again.

I like this little clip. It puts words, music and imagery to the journey of Holy Week. For those of you who aren't so into sermons, check it out...


This Sunday we have regular youth group, and we'll be celebrating Easter a little early. That's because next Sunday there is no youth group (go eat some ham).

The following weekend is the 8th-12th grade bowling/lock-in from Friday March 28th-Saturday March 29th. More details to follow- plan on being there and bringing your friends!

I Saw What I Saw

I don't know about anyone else, but I had a HARD TIME fasting for 30 hours. Not that I felt so hungry, but other things... no energy, throbbing headache, feeling impatient and cranky, etc. And I noticed that a lot of us lost patience as the hours went by. We weren't as nice to each other as we would have been on a full stomach.

So then I began thinking about the third world. About what happens when people are hungry chronically... it must affect everything.

I recently came across a great music video on youtube. Its a song by Sarah Groves, reflecting on a trip she took to Rwanda. It's called "I Saw What I Saw." She talks about being changed by the trip, and not being able to go back to who she was before. That's my goal for us as well, that as we see and feel this stuff- the 30-hour famine, the Lakota reservation, the poverty in North Chicago, etc. etc., those experiences will form us as Christians and as people- that they will become a part of who we are and how we live, all the time.
So check out the song, and tell me what you think...


This week we have regular youth group in the youth lounge Sunday night. We'll have some time for reflection, as well as the usual good times and zany games. see you soon.