THE LATEST FROM ENCOUNTER

PARENT NEWSLETTER

2010-10-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to get a monthly parent newsletter together for quite some time. Well, we finally did it! Hopefully it will have been worth the wait for you and will be another way for you to stay in the loop.

Anyway, if you've ever asked us to add you to the subscription list, then your newsletter should be in your inbox. If not, please just send us an e-mail by clicking the link in the sidebar to the right. Shoot us a simple request and we'll not only add you to the list, but send you a copy of the latest newsletter to your inbox.

Spread the word.

FALL RETREAT IS A DON'T MISS EXPERIENCE

2010-09-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

You definitely don't want to miss our fall girls and guys retreat.

If you're looking to have

a great bonding experience
deepen some friendships
connect with God and study your Bible in a very real way
spend the weekend way better than you could spend it at home

Then this retreat is for you!

The girls go to the beach front resort of the La Jolla Shores Hotel and spend 3 days and 2 nights bonding with the beauty of the ocean sunset as their backdrop. $175 makes this world class experience yours.

The guys go the desert rock front escape of the Ocotillo Wells area and spend 3 days and 2 nights bonding with the beauty of big fires and rockscapes as their backdrop. $125 makes the chance of a lifetime possible.

You can download the flyer with all the details here.
You can download a permission slip needed here.

SMALL GROUPS HAVE KICKED OFF

2010-09-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a great launch to some amazing small group experiences this year.

If you'd like to get in a small group and have not yet done so, you can email us at "encounter at journeycom dot org" or turn in a card on a Sunday in Encounter. It's not too late.

SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE FOR THE FALL IS AS FOLLOWS:

SEPTEMBER

15 small groups
22 small groups
29 small groups

OCTOBER

6 Worship night 7-8:30pm Student Ctr. A
8-10 Fall Retreat
13 small groups
20 small groups
27 small groups

NOVEMBER

3 Dodgeball: 7-9pm Student Ctr. A.
9 TUESDAY- CHANGE- ALL SMALL GROUPS GOING TO JOURNEY RALLY!
10 NO small groups
17 small groups
24 no small groups

DECEMBER

1 small groups
8 no small groups
10 BLACK & WHITE BALL
15 small groups

ALL GUYS SMALL GROUPS: meet in Student Center A on campus on Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm. We provide dinner and ask that you bring $4 per week to help cover the cost.

ALL GIRLS SMALL GROUPS: meet in various locations on and off campus close to church. For exact times and locations, contact your small group leader or e-mail us.

Lick for Literacy

2010-08-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wanna help some people learn to read, enjoy the gift of literacy, and change the world. Good news, you can do that one lick at a time by visiting The Yogurt Mill on 8158 La Mesa Boulevard, in La Mesa on August 12-14 and you'll be helping raise funds for travelingstories.org

PARENT ORIENTATION 2010/11

2010-08-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had an info meeting about student ministries after second service.

In it, we discussed 5 main things for parents of middle school and high school students:

Our philosophy of ministry and why we do what we do.
Our weekend plans for teaching.
Our small group structure and how to get you or your student involved.
Our events that are planned for this year with estimated costs so your students can be fully involved and you can budget time and money for your family.
Ways you can serve in our ministry.

In case you missed it, you can download the document we passed out and discussed with the above data in it here.

Let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.

BEACH BONDING

2010-08-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

BEACH BONDING THIS WED NIGHT! Bonfire. Volleyball. Frisbee. Bonding. BBQ burger dinner. Smores. 3-9pm. South Mission Beach.

Come bond with us! hit up directions here if you're not sure how to find South Mission.

PARENT 2010/11 ORIENTATION MTG THIS SUNDAY!

2010-08-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 8 from 12:30-1:15 pm in Student Center A we are having a parent/student orientation for the 2010/11 calendar year for Encounter HSM and our Riptide Middle School programs.

Regardless of if you have an incoming freshmen in high school or a seasoned veteran of our programs, you're going to love this meeting.

Here's the info you can get to help your family as you plan out your school year budget of time, money, and energy.

special event/retreat descriptions, dates and approx. costs for the coming year ways for you or your student to get involved in our programs.
offer feedback and ask questions.
get a better idea of what we do and why we do it.
find out how small groups work and what weekends will look like this year.

Hope to see you there and that this info meeting is a valuable benefit to you. Please spread the word and tell your friends with students in our programs too.

PROJECT DOWNTOWN

2010-07-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you love serving the poor and needy, then you're gonna love our 3 day experience called Project Downtown. We do it as an entire student ministry team of Middle School, High School, and College Age students from journey and take 35 of us total.

We leave on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 9am and return on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 8pm.

You can register and pay with a credit card online here or by check in Encounter on the weekends.

You can download the permission slip for journey here and the one for Horizon Urban Ministries that we will be partnering with here.

You can download the trip details brochure here.

SUMMER SERIES

2010-07-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

Wow... we sure did forget to keep this thing updated. Sorry.

The next few weeks, we're just doing one service at 11am ONLY in our new series called, Summer Lovin'. Come on by and join us: July 18, 25, and August 1. We'll share the love. :)

FINISHING UP OUR TALK TO ME SERIES

2010-04-29T21:05:00.003-07:00

This series has been GREAT! It's inspired conversations, helped us to think deeply, and changed each of us one convo at a time. So, come and enjoy the last half with us.

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 2, We interview college age students about faith and doubt. We all wrestle, come join us for the chat about the struggle.

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 9, We'll interview a very cool old guy named JOE! He's legit and you can learn a lot from a guy who has been there, done that, and got A LOT of t-shirts along the way.

FINAL SUNDAY FOR THE SERIES, MAY 16, will be interviewing some seniors. It's your chance for a live "formspring me" moment. Gonna be sweet!

SPRING BREAK BONDING... Just Cuz

2010-03-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Not going anywhere for spring break?

Perfect. Why don't you join us for some spring break JUST CUZ bonding

We have 6 opportunities for you. Do one, do them all, do just a few... totally up to you.

Here's the scoop. E-mail "encounter at journeycom.org" for sign up or just come by Encounter or the church office between this weekend and the next.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28

12:30 to 3:30pm. Student Servant Team lunch for those who serve in Encounter. Free.

MONDAY, MARCH 29

SEA WORLD.
First 40 people can go for $25.
Just bring $ for dinner/food in the park.
Meet at Journey at noon. Be back at 9:30pm after the fireworks.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30

MEXICO MISSIONS DAY TRIP TO TECATE.
$50. Must have passport and permission slip packet. Pick up packet at the office.
8am to 9pm.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31

BOWLING FOR ICE
4pm - 9pm.
Bowling in Viejas $7 for one game. $3.50 for ea. additional game.
Dinner at Food Court.
$5 for an hour of Ice Skating at the Kroc center in La Mesa.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1

MOVIE NIGHT: how to train your dragon in 3D
Meet at Parkway Plaza Mall Theatre at 6:40pm for 7pm show.
$15 for 3D movie
Come early and eat dinner in the food court with us.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2.

HOPE FOR YOU AND THE HOMELESS.
3:30-9PM.
Make PB/J sandwiches.
Go to the 5pm Good Friday service at Journey.
Go to downtown SD to pass our meals and talk with the homeless.

OGN 2010

2010-02-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents,

If you're looking for a great week to train your student how to understand, own, and live out their faith in Jesus, then look no further than the life changing week we call "OGN".

It's all about bonding, having spiritual conversations, learning how to articulate their faith, worship, and so much more. If your son or daughter chooses to get involved with this week, they will come away with a deeper understanding of what the Bible teaches and a serious chance to wrestle with what that means for their life. We have nothing in our ministry program that will challenge and inspire them more than this week.

In early April, our website with exact details will be up and running at www.ognsd.com But, in the mean time, you can save the date and start saving some money for this week with your student.

JUNE 29-JULY 5 @ Pt. Loma Nazarene college.

$445.

Sign ups, applications, and brochures will officially be available on Easter Weekend, 2010.

CHECK OUT "TO SAVE A LIFE" WITH US

2010-01-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

THIS WED, January 27, we don't have official "small groups", but we are meeting at Parkway Plaza Regal Cinema in the Parkway Mall in El Cajon at 4:45pm to catch a flick. Our movie starts at 5:05pm and we're going to see "to save a life".

Bring some money for the film and for dinner afterwards in the food court if you wanna hang out and eat and chat about the film with us. Film is 2 hours long.

Check out the trailer here:

See you there.

WE'RE GOING TO THE SNOW!

2010-01-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 21 ENCOUNTER is headed to BIG BEAR!

Wanna snowboard or learn how?
Wanna ski or learn how?
Wanna play and go tubing in the snow?
Wanna just get away and enjoy this strange thing called cold weather?
Wanna bond with friends and chat about life and faith and Jesus?

If so, then we have space for just 40 of us on our Encounter SNOW TRIP!

WHERE?: We're spending the nights at Pine Summit Christian Camp and then our days either at Snow Summit or around Big Bear.

HOW MUCH?: Base cost is $85 which covers: all your transportation, all but 2 of your meals, and all your lodging. You can then choose what you do from there.

DOWNLOAD THE REST OF THE INFO AND THE OTHER DETAILS HERE:

Grab the full brochure with all the details.
Grab the ridiculous amount of waivers and permission slips and such here.

DON'T MISS THIS PARENTING SEMINAR!

2010-01-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered why some students chuck the faith of their younger years and some students STICK WITH IT to build their lives around it?

If so, then we have a great seminar that will help you as a parent wrestle with the most recent research, and hear from some tried and true parents on how you can help your student's FAITH STICK.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 2 TO 7:30PM at Journey.

Hear how our ministries at Journey are structured to help a student's faith truly stick.
Ask your questions from a panel of people in the parenting trenches with you.
Key Note Teacher: Ed Noble: Teaching pastor at Journey, father of 3, and veteran youth pastor of over 20 years.
Key Note Teacher: Kara Powell: Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary, author, mother of 3, and youth ministry veteran of over 20 years.
Learn GREAT PRINCIPLES that will apply to everyone parenting toddlers to teens
Dinner provided.
Childcare for birth to 5th grade is available with pre-paid registration.
$15 for one adult. $25 for a couple.

You can sign up by e-mailing "office at journeycom.org" or you can meet us at our booth outside of the main worship center doors any weekend between now and Jan 31st.

DON'T MISS THIS GREAT TRAINING! INVITE A FRIEND!

BLACK AND WHITE IS COMING FAST

2009-12-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to get your ticket for the Black and White. It's like 10 days away.

If you're still not sure, Kiani and Bethany give you a few good reasons to go:

BLACK AND WHITE GOES TO ANCIENT ROME

2009-11-12T19:34:00.001-08:00

Hear Ye, Hear Ye... you are invited to join us for a night of extravagance, laughter, friends, and food on December 11, 2009 from 6-9pm in Student Center A like you've never seen it before.

An amazing dinner and desert.
A fabulous and fun filled program you'll never forget.
The mad skills of Aisea Taimani and his band.

The laughter of Isaac Improv.

What more do you want? $20 buys you a limited spot and a real Christmas Holiday celebration that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it.

So put on your nicest threads, bring a friend if you want, and get to Encounter for a night that will remind you why your life is worth living!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW IN ENCOUNTER. BUY YOURS TODAY BEFORE THE SEATS ARE GONE.

BRING IT!

2009-11-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

This sunday we launch a new series. We have an all new set. All new ideas. All new craziness. You aren't going to want to miss this.

It's called Fighting Words and it's all about conflict, relationships, and the power of words. Trust us... you need to be there. Your date, your siblings, your parents, your boss, even your future spouse will thank you! You'll probably even be less stressed. Seriously, this series is better than ice cream on a hot day.

Get to Encounter... or we might just bring the boxin' to your front door.

MEXICO DAY TRIP

2009-11-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

On November 11, there's no school. So we're going to go to Mexico for the day. If you'd like to come, we'd love to have you. You can sign up by e-mail through the contact info in the sidebar of this blog or by calling the office and talking to Brian.

WHEN? Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2009. Meet 7am at Journey. Return 8pm. One day round trip.

WHO CAN GO? Any adult or student with a valid U.S. passport.

WHERE? “His Ministries” in Tecate, Mexico.

HAS ENCOUNTER BEEN BEFORE? Yes, we go yearly to Mexico and serve with Jim and Linda Doss who run a daycare center in a suburb of Tecate about 20 minutes across the border.

IS IT SAFE? Yes and No. Yes, it is safe to travel. Jim and Linda Doss do it several times a week. No, we will not travel if safety is a ever an issue that should be of concern- we are not traveling through some drug war you hear about on TV. No, traveling anywhere, especially internationally is ever “safe.” Yes, Brian will be bringing his small children and making parent–like paranoid internationally safe decisions.

WHAT WILL WE DO? Depending on the size of our team. We will do some or all of the following: We will help at the daycare center. Do a few projects around the center. Repair a roof for a family. Hang out with the child we sponsor, Hector. Eat. Eat. Eat. Speak and learn Spanish. Play with kids. Bond. Etc.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT? Yes, we will provide you with clean, safe drinking water and food.

WHAT WILL IT COST? $45 and a U.S. PASSPORT

I WANT TO GO, WHAT DO I DO? Have your parent talk to Brian via the contact info in the side bar or on the papers we've been passing out in Encounter. You need a parent permission slip signed and notarized and Brian needs to speak with them, then you’re good to go.

SMALL GROUPS CHANGE UP THIS WED.

2009-11-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

This wednesday night we change some things up and the guys vacate Student Center A for individual group nights. Girls invade the place and have their girls night out. So, if you're a girl... don't go to your regular meeting spot, come to Student Center A from 7 to 9pm. If you're a guy, talk to your leader or contact Brian and we'll make sure you know where to go and what we're up to.

SATURDAY, HELP CLEAN UP A PARK

2009-10-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Some of us are joining the Middle School from Journey and teaming up on Saturday to make park benches brighter, the world a little greener, and just to generally help out. You can get the sign up waiver you need and a bit more info on our middle school blog here.

BIG WORD THEOLOGY

2009-10-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what them big words mean? Like, do you ever wish you could read your bible in like "get r done" slang? Well, if so, then we dun gotz a series for uze people.

THIS SUNDAY.... we're breakin' down BIG WORDS about God and stuff for the rest of us. Mostly cuz Brian is dumb and doesn't like big words either. Partly cuz you can't spell without that red line thing telling you what to fix.... but mostly cuz Brian is dumb.

Anyway.... here's the series. Bring a smart friend. Bring a dumb friend. It doesn't matter. Just come and bring some one and laugh and smile and stew and ponder stuff that'll make your head hurt.... sorta.

SERIES IS CALLED:

Here's the break down- for dumb and smart people:

THIS WEEKEND: The Omni-God: Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent.
NEXT WEEKEND: Anthropomorphism: expanding our view of God. (HA! That's a mouthful. u get bonus points if you knew what it was. Double bonus points if you pronounced it right on the first try)
THE WEEKEND AFTER NEXT: Sanctification: being and becoming holy.
THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SERIES: Hypostatic Union and the Trinity: thinking and rethinking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit thing.

9 or 10:45 am. You Pick.

FALL RETREAT DETAILS

2009-09-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER NINE TO ELEVEN.

Women are going to a lovely resort in San Diego for a weekend of encouragement, bonding, and connecting with God and one another. It is a life changing and super fun experience.

Men are going to the desert to shoot stuff, eat stuff, talk about stuff, hike stuff, and other stuff. It's legit. This weekend is the stuff God makes men out of... seriously. You'll be closer to the God and friends for making the trek to the desert.

Here's the brochure you can download with costs, packing list, and other details. You can also just swing by Encounter and get a hard copy too.

Here's the permission slip/medical waiver packet you'll need too. You can also just swing by Encounter and get a hard copy too.

Don't delay. Space is limited. Sign up today!!!

REALMS SERIES

2009-09-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday series is on one of the top things we get questions about when working with high school students: the spiritual realm.

Last week we kicked it off with a discussion about Heaven and Hell. Here's the whole schedule.

September 13: Heaven and Hell

September 20: Beings: Angels and Demons

September 27: Prayer: interacting with another realm

October 4: God and the devil

Don't miss a week. This series is sure to inspire you and make your head hurt a little too. All good stuff well worth marinating your brain on. 9 and 10:45 am on Sundays in Student Center A.

SMALL GROUPS ARE IN FULL SWING

2009-09-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

If you are not involved, you're missing some great times. Guys groups meet around tables in Student Center A on campus and girls groups meet around town, near journey in homes.

Here's the latest schedule for you. We meet for about 3 weeks straight, and then we change it up for a week or so, and then we dive right back in. Don't miss out!

FALL RETREAT IS COMING

2009-09-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE of OCTOBER 9, 10, AND 11 for this life changing kick off to the school year.

The men go to the desert and bond with fire and wind.

The women to a resort and bond with comfort and each other.

Both trips are amazing. Both trips are life changing. Both trips will change the way you view God and deepen your friendships. Both trips are even worth missing a game over. Seriously. It's that good.

Can't wait. Have details coming next week.

Right now though.... JUST SAVE THE DATE!!!!

SMALL GROUPS ARE STARTING

2009-09-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

WANNA JOIN ENCOUNTER IN OUR SMALL GROUPS?

Then you're in luck! Make sure you let us know your grade, name, and gender and we'll get you dialed in.

We start with a mixed gendered party/kick of on this Wednesday the 9th in Student Center A.

Then starting Wed. September 16th the girls will meet in small groups around town and the guys will meet in Student Center A for dinner ($4 donation), a Bible Study, and table group bonding from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Here's the small group schedule between now and Christmas

SEPTEMBER:

9th- kick off
16th- small groups
23rd- small groups
30th- small groups

OCTOBER:

7th- NO SMALL GROUPS
14th- small groups
21st- small groups
28th- small groups

NOVEMBER:

4th- GUYS MEET AS INDIVIDUAL GROUPS off campus AND GIRLS HAVE A "GIRLS NIGHT OUT" and meet together in Student Center A.
11th- NO SMALL GROUPS- Veterans Day- no school either.
18th- small groups
25th- small groups

DECEMBER:

2nd- small groups
9th- no small groups
16th- small groups christmas party
23rd and 30th- no groups during christmas/winter break

ARE YOU STRESSIN'?

2009-08-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

We all do from time to time... and with summer over for some and almost over for others, stress seems to be in the air. Whether you're crazy pressured to get all you wanted done this summer or worried about junior year exams or the fear of the unknown freshmen year or how you're going to get a date to winter formal..... Stress has taken up residence in the center of high school life.

But good news for you... starting this Sunday, August 16th, we're taking 4 weeks to kick stress to the curb and manage it well. So join us at 9am or 10:45am for some help dealin' with the stress from this little thing we call life.

BBQ'in CUZ WE LOVE FRESHMEN

2009-08-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

REFUSING TO ACCEPT THE END OF SUMMER... THE NEW FRESHMEN... AND THE FACT THAT WE LOVE A GOOD LUNCH... are at least 3 great reasons for us to BBQ.

So, everyone - FRESHMEN OR NOT- is welcome to come and eat with us and bond for a free BBQ right after second service on Sunday, August 23rd right here directly outside of Student Center A.

Freshmen eat first and get a Jone's Soda too... so there ya go. Don't miss Sunday August 23rd and you'll be kickin' off your school year with serious good times.

STUDENT MINISTRIES 2009/10 SCHOOL YEAR ORIENTATION

2009-08-08T17:33:00.001-07:00

Calling all students and parents of middle school and high school students in the 2009/2010 school year!!!!

want to know:

when are the retreats and events and what will they cost?
when do small groups start?
how do I stay informed on the latest updates?
what can I do to serve?
what topics will be covered on the weekend?

If so... then you're in luck. Come to Student Center A for a brief but very thorough meeting from 12:20pm to 1:20pm on Sunday August 16th and you'll get all the info you need and be able to ask all the questions you want.

A NEW MINISTRY WE'RE DOING: PROJECT DOWNTOWN

2009-07-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

We're trying something new this year as a way for all of our student ministries to work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus among the needy. We're partnering with a ministry downtown called "Horizon Urban Ministries" and working with a guy who cut his teen in minsitry at Hope For The Homeless here at Journey.

The plan is to walk from church to the trolley station on Sunday August 9th.

Then we'll take the trolley into town, serve in a soup kitchen, and spend the week reading, praying, walking in town, working with the needy, and experiencing a different side of the San Diego City scene than most of our students ever do. Should be a great week.

You pack light in a backpack and carry all you need. We'll provide your lodging, public transportation, and food for 3 days. Cost is $130.

You can pick up the details in a brochure on Sunday in Riptide, Encounter, or New Format... since we're all 3 doing the trip together. Space is limited to the first 50 participants, so sign up quick.

Here's a pdf of the brochure.
Here's a medical/liability waiver you'll need to fill out from Journey
You will also need a liability waiver for Horizon Urban Ministries as well.

BEACH FRIDAY

2009-07-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

This Friday is Beach Friday. I think we're goin to OB. Should be good times. Sign up for a ride on Sunday during service or contact us at the office. 10am to 3pm. Meet at student Center A. Bring $ for lunch and whatever you need for a fun day at the beach.

BEACH BONDING BONFIRE

2009-06-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT we're bonding at the beach with a big ol bonfire! Come join us at south mission for food, fun, and friendship. Cost is free. 5-9pm. We meet at South Mission near the grass and the volleyball courts, not at Journey.

CALL AND RESPONSE

2009-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Journey is hosting a film this Saturday night, June 6 at 7pm in the main worship center that will inspire, challenge, and change you. It's called call and response.

Check out the trailer:

Here's the official description of the film from their site:

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

It's definitely worth a listen. Come and check it out this Saturday, 7pm!!!

"MY LIFE UNFILTERED" STARTS THIS WEEKEND

2009-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

New Series in Encounter starts this weekend. It's gonna rock. Come join us at 9 or 10:45 am all month.

New Series in Encounter starts this weekend. It's gonna rock. Come join us at 9 or 10:45 am all month. Here's the amazing breakdown of good times... with special guest appearances by your fun and talented peers. Good times await all who come.

MAY 3: My junk and Jesus (Luke 7:36-50)
MAY 10: I won’t shut up about it: I need Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52
MAY 17: I hurt. Jesus heals. (Mark 5:24-34
MAY 24: Jesus changed my life (Luke 19:1-10)

HELP US HELP YOU

2009-05-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Calling all students, families, and locals around Journey. WE BOTH WANT TO HELP YOU AND NEED YOUR HELP.

Our Annual Student Ministries HELP US, HELP YOU day of serving and loving on our community and neighbors is upon us. In just 2 weeks, on Saturday, May 16th, we'll be doing 3 things on a donation only basis. All funds raised go directly to help Journey with the Journey Up expenses and to help Scholarship kids to camp.

Here's the scoop.

CAR WASH: on campus at Journey from 7am to 3pm, Saturday, May 16th.

SWAP MEET: on campus at Journey from 7am to 3pm, Saturday, May 16th we'll be selling all kinds of used goods we've collected. If you have something to donate, we can come pick it up or you can bring it by any day to the office between now and May 15th.

YARD WORK: we'll be taking teams of adults and students around our community to do yard work all over the place.

If you have goods to donate, time to serve, or a car to wash, please contact us at journey ASAP.

What a great day to serve. Please Help Us, Help You.

DRIVE THRU CHALLENGE

2009-04-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ok... so here goes. $20 per person off your OGN registration for a team of 2 who does the best one of these... ok... I'll even throw in $20 for whoever is your video person.

We will show the top 2-3 videos made when we kick off our God at the Movies series on May 31st. The crowd will then vote for the winner.

Any drive thru is fair game. 3 minutes maximum for the whole video. Bonus points if you can throw in the phrase "We're going to OGN with Encounter" in there too.

ALL COMPLETED ENTRIES DUE BY SUNDAY, MAY 24TH.

Good luck!!!

OGN 2009

2009-04-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Calling all students who want to stretch and challenge and grow their faith in Jesus.

Search no more... June 30 through July 6 this summer is OGN. It has been amazing. It is amazing. It will be amazing again. So... do yourself and your soul a favor and join us for a week of training to understand the faith, challenges to communicate your life with Jesus to others, and a great time of bonding and enjoying God together.

Cost is $399 for a life changing and world altering week. Flyers available in Encounter starting this weekend. $100 holds your space.

You can hit up the website for OGN for more info and downloadable applications and such.

WE'RE GONNA ROCK IT THIS WEEKEND

2009-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

We have a band joining us this sunday at both 9 and 10:45am. It's gonna be sweet. You can check em out at here.

Bring a friend and rock it at journey with us this weekend!

EASTER SERVICES

2009-04-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yep, for the first time in a long time, Encounter is hosting Easter for high school students. Come join us at 9:30 or 11am in Student Center A, this sunday. Can't wait to see you.... let's celebrate this great day of faith together.

LATEST SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE

2009-03-11T15:02:00.001-07:00

Hey, for those of you who are looking for the latest and the greatest in our small group schedule, here's the scoop:

TONIGHT: there are small groups and both girls and guys are meeting on campus!!!

WE HAVE SMALL GROUPS ON March 18 and 25th.

DUE TO SPRING BREAK AND OUR SPRING RETREAT: we do NOT have small groups on April 1, 8th, and the 15th.

SMALL GROUPS ARE BACK: on April 22 and 29.

WORSHIP NIGHT: we'll be going to a worship night together on May 6th.

SMALL GROUPS FINISH UP OUR SCHOOL YEAR: May 13, 20, 27 and June 3rd.

SPRING RETREAT

2009-03-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL MEN AND WOMEN WHO WANT TO HAVE THE TIME OF THEIR LIFE AND WORK ON BECOMING THE CHILD OF GOD YOU WERE CREATED TO BE.....

You don't want to miss the time of your life. It's our annual SPRING RETREAT.

The guys go to the desert and eat like kings and shoot guns and be men. Cost is $120 per guy.

The women go the beach and live like queens and enjoy the finer things in life. Cost is $160 per gal.

You can download all the paperwork you need right here.

So don't miss out and join us for the time of your life. Space is limited. So sign up today. You'll seriously regret missing this one.

PARENTING SEMINAR AT JOURNEY

2009-03-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

Journey Student Ministries is hosting our third annual Parent Training Day. This is a fantastic event is designed for both current and soon to be parents of teenagers.

Saturday, March 14th from 9am until 1:30pm we will have the privilege of hearing from Ed Noble and Mark Oestriecher, both fathers and veteran youth pastors. Ed Noble is the preaching pastor here at Journey and Mark Oestriecher is the president of Youth Specialties.

Brian Berry, the Student Ministries Director and Christina Robertson will be sharing along with them valuable current information about "Constantly Changing Needs of Teenagers" and how our student ministries can help. This is a great even to invite any parents of teenagers you may know. There will be a time to answer your specific questions about teenagers.

Cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple and includes lunch. If you are interested in attending please email aundrea here.

BRINGING SEXY BACK

2009-02-15T01:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend we kick off our annual dating and sexuality series. This year it will be 4 weeks long and is called, "Bringing Sexy Back."

It's sure to be relevant to the world that students live in today, be Biblically sound, and be packed with memorable moments and some great reminders. Here's a summary of some of what is to come for those who want the inside scoop:

VALENTINES DAY WEEKEND: Bringing Sexy Waaaaaaaay Back. A look at God's original design for sexuality and "good sex".

FEB. 22: I'm Too Sexy for You. A look at what makes us truly beautiful and attractive.

MARCH 1st: If You Got It... Thinking and Re-thinking modesty, mystery, and sexual expression.

MARCH 8th: Mirror Mirror on the Wall.... Finding peace in our sexuality and healing the wounds we sometimes inflict upon ourselves.

ok... well bring a friend and bring your brain... this series is gonna help us think smart as we invite God to shape our whole life, soul, mind, and body into what God desires.

ENCOUNTER WINTER SCHEDULE

2008-12-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

Encounter will not be meeting much during break. We do meet this Sunday as we finish off our "Emmanuel" series with a message about "God through us".

For obvious reasons, we will not be having small groups on either Wednesday of Christmas Eve or New Years Eve. We also will not have service on the weekend of December 28th. Head over to main service with your family.

We start back up again on January 4th with a new series and at our normal times of 9 and 10:45 am.

We will also kick off the new year with a night of dodgeball on January 7th from 7 to 8:30pm. We'll post rules and such in a post soon.

Have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and join us in 09 for a great new year!!!!

THE HUNT IS BACK ON

2008-12-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

So, we dreamed up the plot to steal, hide, and then give a bounty for a "lawn ornament" as Sarah calls them. I just call it a lighted deer. Anyway, watch the videos below.

This one is the challenge.

This one is the rules and the first clue

However, the clue was too easy and within hours a student had figured out that "1/2 way between Jesus and a dizzy family" was on mount helix on a trail 1/2 way between a large cross and famous house that actually rotates.

So... I got the deer back and I re-hid it.

Here's the deal:

Same rules.
in the city of La Mesa
I will not pay a ransom should you find it and hold it hostage and doing so will forfeit the prize
You may not dismember, alter, or otherwise jack with the deer. Doing so will forfeit the prize.
You must be in both services on Sunday, Dec. 21st to claim your prize. Prize however is now $40 cash plus $40 off either OGN or the Spring Retreat. That's an $80 prize.
Code to unlock the deer is the same.
New updates everyday the deer is not found. They will add up to the location of the deer. No, it will not move. No, I will not be offering another ransom when this one is done.

Now the clue:

Is here on twitter or in the side bar. Good luck.

BLACK AND WHITE BALL IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!

2008-12-06T23:11:00.001-08:00

BLACK AND WHITE BALL- DECEMBER 12TH!

2008-11-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

Less than 2 weeks from today, is your chance to Get dressed up in your best duds and come to encounter on December 12th from 6:30 to 9pm for a great time. You'll get a first class meal, the unstoppable and unpredictable comedy of Issac Improv, and a night to never forget.

Buy your ticket in advance in Encounter. Seating is limited to 150 and the cost is $20 per person for this no-regrets night of your life!

Walk the Red Carpet
Eat Well
Laugh Often
Enjoy some new and old Friends.
It's gonna rock.

IT'S THE ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE BALL!

NEW SERIES STARTS THIS WEEKEND

2008-11-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to ask God a question? Well, this series is based on ones you turned in and we have some great surprises in store for you with some fun and thought provoking stuff. Here's the line up by weeks and some of the questions that inspired them:

November 16: Dear God, who are you really?

If you love everyone, why don’t you let everyone into heaven?
Why do some people hear your voice and they don’t truly want to hear it and when people need to hear You they can’t?
Why is satan’s voice louder and easier to follow than God’s?
I feel like many things about walking with you are just becoming cliché. So many statements on t-shirts, cheesy emails …you know. So how do I get past the sermons I’ve heard ten times, the “fully rely on God” statements, the “Jesus freaks.” I feel like it’s all been done before. Can you show me things I’ve never seen? The fresh, the different, the new…not the cliché?

November 23: Dear God, why am I me?

Why did you make me the way I am?
What do you want me to do to live for you? Where do I need to be? How can I be your servant?
Help!?
Why am I a middle class white boy in America and not a 12 year old African girl in charge of raising my family?

November 30: Dear God, what's the deal with sex and sexuality?

Why would you give us sexual urges at this age and then say no sex?
Why am I so confused? Why does the bible say you’ll always love us, but then it says that you don’t love same sex pairings? Does this mean you don’t love me?
Why is sex so bad? It’s a natural thing so I’m just wondering.

December 6: Dear God, why do people suffer?

Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Is it related to the concept of “free will?”
Why are you making life so hard for me? Is this a test? Please dear Lord, I need some help!
Why don’t you just end all the pain and suffering? I know your suck an awesome God, You can do it.
How come my friend was killed and I wasn’t?

Deember 13: Dear God.... ?

this week will be decided during this series as more questions come in. Special guest speaker, Scott Berglin will be here this weekend. It's gonna rock.

MYSPACE IS BYE BYE SPACE

2008-11-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

After a student leader meeting discussion on Sunday, we have canceled our myspace account.

There are 3 reasons:

#1. SIMPLIFY: We are communicating through e-mail, text message, myspace, facebook, twitter, and this blog with students and parents. This is too many inputs and some had to go. We decided myspace is the first to go.

#2. EASE AND RELATIVE PURITY OF FACEBOOK: We decided that facebook is cleaner and easier to use. There are no crazy backgrounds to navigate around, all the pages look the same, they are just as "private" if not more so than myspace, and we don't get ads like this one on facebook. This was in the sidebar of our encounter myspace page as I canceled it. Ridiculous!!!! Can we make a lie look any more sexually ridiculous than this one?

#3. LACK OF USE: We had not logged into or updated Encounter's Myspace page since last June and only received two complaints in 4 months.

SO......

if you want some social networking and get pictures of events and announcements via message with us. TRY OUR FACEBOOK GROUP HERE.

If you only want simple announcements via text, JOIN US ON TWITTER HERE.

If you enjoy this kind of information, keep coming back to our blog or login via an RSS reader of your choice. I like Bloglines.

MEXICO

2008-10-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wanna join us for 3 days of serving in Mexico? Well- good news, you can! Here's some FAQ's

WHEN? Sunday afternoon Nov. 9- Tuesday evening Nov. 11, 2008

WHERE? His Ministries Day Care center in Tecate Mexico.

WHAT ARE WE DOING? We'll be playing with the kids, building a new ministry sign or two for them, helping some local families, providing some great lunches, and bonding as we serve.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT? Officially you will be required to have one by the government in June of 2009. Before then, you may continue to cross with a photo id and an original copy of your birth certificate.

WHAT DOES IT COST? The 3 days will cost you $100.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION? Sorta. There is some paperwork you need to grab and get notarized. So if you haven't already done so, please come on by our high school room and pick it up ASAP.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Brian by clicking here.

PARTY TIME

2008-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Encounter people,

we have a sweet weekend in store for you on Sunday, November 9, 2008. We are teaming up as a student ministries and bringing in a great comedy team- ductape comedy. They'll make you laugh and maybe even cry- but only cuz your gut hurts. It's going to be a fun weekend and we'll have a great challenge for you as we finish up our series called "regeneration". So bring a friend and join us in Student Center A at either 9am or 10:45am. IT'S FREE!

NEW SERIES AND NEW SERVICE TIMES THIS WEEKEND

2008-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

We're kicking off a new series this weekend in high school and we're going to two services. Here's the details:

1. HIGH SCHOOL HAS 2 SERVICE TIMES STARTING THIS WEEK:

9am
10:45 am.
pick the one that's best for you and join us- bring a friend.

2. WE ALSO KICK OFF A NEW SERIES:

It's all about our passion to see a generation think and re-think what it means to follow Jesus. We're "inviting a generation to understand, own, and live out a life changing faith in Jesus" for the next 4 weeks.

DON'T MISS THIS SERIES. It's going to be awesome and we're praying that it will inspire and encourage you as you strive to both become and live more like Jesus.

SEMINAR SUNDAY

2008-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Anyone can talk like they live for Jesus. Some can even fake it in the way they behave, but start asking questions and the real truth comes out:

there are way too many non-thinking “christians” in this world.

Well encounter is here to change that. Join us for an afternoon of thinking and re-thinking this thing we call faith on a day we call seminar sunday.

We have 3 classes for you to choose from. Pick one and sign up. You’ll be glad you did.

THE ESSENCE OF IT:
Whether you are just starting out your life as a follower of Jesus or if you’ve been trying to serve God for a while, this class is a great way to reinforce the basics of the faith. We’ll interact with your questions and cover the following essential topics: how to know you are “saved”, how to get the most out of church, the value of helping others connect with God, the power of prayer, and more. This class will help get you grounded in the essence of what it means to follow Jesus.

WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
Ever wondered: Where did the Bible come from? Where did denominations come from? When did people first start talking about the doctrine of the trinity? Who are the saints you hear about in Catholicism? if, so then this class is for you. A long time pastor and college professor named James Smith III is going to be here to answer your questions and challenge your level of normal. You’ll leave this class both smarter and filled with more questions too.

WALKING AND TALKING WITH GOD:
Want to read your Bible but just don’t know where to start? Wish you could connect with God but need some help?
Want to grab some new ideas to take your personal
devotional life of prayer to a new level? If so, then this class is the one. You’ll learn some new and experience some tried and true methods that have helped people truly serve God all through the centuries. Take your understanding of prayer and the Word to a new level.

WANNA TWITTER?

2008-10-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to get announcements over twitter or if you'd like to receive them over text message then you're in luck.

Encounter is now updating a twitter account with small group info, event details/reminders, and information on the weekend.

You can read our posts or sign up for an account via twitter here.

Also, if you don't want to check a twitter account, you can just simply follow twitter via text message. All you do is sign up for a twitter account, under devices sign up for data updates by entering your cell phone, and then go in and select which accounts that you are following that you want sent to your phone- IE: say yes to Encounterhsm for data updates!!!

Then BAM. You have instant cell phone texts of the latest data from encounter for FREE. You only pay whatever your cell phone charges for a standard SMS text message.

SO FOLLOW US NOW! AND TELL A FRIEND!

We also added a twitter feed in the right column of this blog and you can subscribe to us by clicking the "follow me" on twitter there too.

OCTOBER SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE UPDATE

2008-09-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Our small groups operate on a rotation during our school year. They meet for about 3 weeks and then take a brief, one week break where meeting is optional or more casual. Some groups take a much needed break. Others plan a movie or starbucks run or whatever.

So, this Wednesday, October 1, is the first of such days during our school year where there are no official small groups.

HERE'S THE OCTOBER SCHEDULE:

October 1: NO GROUPS- check with your leader to see if you're meeting.

October 8: GUYS MEET IN STUDENT CENTER A. GIRLS GROUPS MEET ON JOURNEY'S CAMPUS FOR A GIRLS NIGHT OUT (a new thing where once every 3 months our girls groups are meeting together all in one place for friendship and teaching together.)

October 15: NORMAL SMALL GROUPS

October 22: NORMAL SMALL GROUPS

October 29: NO GROUPS- check with your leader to see if you're meeting.

WANT TO SEE OUR VIDEOS?

2008-09-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

If you've ever wondered where some of the videos we show in encounter end up- the ones we've made and such... well, you can find several of them here on youtube.

We'll add some more soon. But drop on by and enjoy the ones we have there.

A BUCK A WEEK

2008-09-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hey encounter. A buck a week is all we ask.

If you can muster up a buck each time you join us on the weekend, then you can help us seriously change the world.

Last week there were 157 people in our weekend service. If everyone brought a buck, it'd be... drum roll... 157 bucks. We know. Our math skills are amazing. Sadly, there was only 37 bucks in the piggy banks. Seriously. $37.

What would we do with $157 you ask? Answer:

Well last week we sponsored walk their walk for $150. (not all from that weeks offering obviously- our math skills are not miraculous you know)

We sponsored the following 3 children living in poverty around the world, which costs about $100 a month for all 3 of them combined.

We also sponsor an orphanage in Uganda called Welcome Home that some of our students visited this last summer for about $50 a month.

SO, MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. A buck a week. It's all we ask.

SMALL GROUPS FALL RESTART

2008-09-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hey students,

our small groups restart for the fall TOMORROW!!!!

If you're a guy, then they meet at Journey in Student Center A from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and you bring $4 for dinner. If you're a girl, then they mostly meet in homes from 7 to 9pm, but it kinda varies a little.

But either way, small groups ROCK. Please come and join us for a great year of friendships, deepening our faith, and building memories.

Please contact us ASAP if you'd like to get involved.

STUDENT SERVANT TEAM BBQ

2008-09-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

Calling all high school students who want to serve in some significant way in Encounter this year. It's that time of year and we're accepting applications for one of 6 teams you can join this year.

You can pick up an application in Encounter or even download one here.

We are looking for people for the following teams:

PEOPLE: help greet, write visitor cards, pass out Bibles, help with game supplies, just generally love on those who come to our weekend services.

PRAISE: join our band and lead out with your voice or another insturment. They practice thursday nights in Encounter.

PROGRAM: Help us plan out our weekend services and review the past ones. We meet every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6pm.

PRODUCTION: help us with sound, lights, and computers in our student center.

PLANET: help us with our recycling program as we strive to raise funds for sponsor children and for camp scholarships as well.

PRAYER: we are looking for a group of students with a passion to pray who can dive in and help us plan a few annual prayer and worship nights in our ministry as well as pray over our ministry on a weekly basis as a team.

IF ANY OF THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU, then fill out an application and join us today! Our kick off BBQ is from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Brian's house. Directions will be available in Encounter this weekend and next.

NEW WEEKEND SERIES

2008-09-03T13:48:00.001-07:00

Our Sunday's are busting at the seems these days. Come and join us. We're starting a new series of teaching this weekend called "everybody matters". It goes for the next 6 week and we're serious... EVERYBODY MATTERS.

And yes... that means you too.

Come join us, this Sunday at 10:45am. We'd LOVE to have you.

SUMMER DAY TRIP CALENDAR

2008-06-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the general list of what we're planning for this summer.

You can download a printable version here. More details will be available in our high school weekend service.

All students, incoming freshmen through graduating seniors are welcome to attend any of the items below.

BEACH BONDING AND BONFIRE DAY:
Wed. June 18: 10 am to 10pm. $5 for gas and dinner.
South Mission. Bring the stuff you want for the beach and
either a lunch or money for lunch.

Monday, June 23: Beach Monday.
Meet at Encounter. We’re going to Pacific Beach.
10am to 3pm. Bring $ for lunch.

Wed. July 9: Worship and prayer night.
Student Center A. 7-9pm

Monday, July 14: Beach Monday.
Meet at Encounter. We’re going to Mission Beach.
10am to 3pm. Bring $ for lunch.

Wed. July 23: Movie Night
Student Center A: 7-10pm. Free food.

Monday, July 28: Beach Monday.
Meet at Encounter. We’re going to Ocean Beach.
10am to 3pm. Bring $ for lunch.

Wed. Aug 13: Padre Game.
$20 for trolley/game seat. Bring $ for grub.
Buy your tickets soon. Families welcome.

SUMMER SERVICE TIMES

2008-06-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last October we launched a new plan to try and reach students we were missing at the 6:30pm time slot. We decided at 8:30 am was way too hard to get students up for and our production team was arriving at 6:30 in the morning to set up. So, we decided to cancel our 8:30am service to try an evening service.

Well, it was lots of fun and we enjoyed it this school year. Our 10:45 service was a hit and grew in energy and numbers by nearly 50 students. But after 8 months of giving it our energy, we decided that it was not working as well as we thought it might. So yesterday, June 8th was our last Sunday night service.

As a result, for the summer- from fathers day and through august, we will be offering just one service for high school students at 10:45am. We'll see where we go from there, but for now, we're going to be pouring all our energy into making one amazing space and time for your teen to laugh, think, experience some new friendships, and enjoy exploring their faith in God with their peers.

So, join us at 10:45 am this Sunday and through summer.

ONE FINAL NOTE: We will not be having a service on Sunday, July 6 as our team is away at our OGN trip listed in the post below.

OGN IS COMING JULY 1-7

2008-05-28T19:22:00.001-07:00

OGN or (Operation Good News) is just around the corner. It's a great summer experience for a high school student who not only wants to build new and deeper friendships among students in our group, but who also wants to take their ownership and depth of the faith in God to a whole new level.

Check out all the details, watch a promo video, and get the latest details on the official OGN website here. Then drop on by Encounter and fill out an application and get ready for a life altering experience.

SMALL GROUPS

2008-05-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our small groups are now done for the summer. Our official re-start of them will be the Wed after labor day. September 3, 2008.

GOD AT THE MOVIES

2008-04-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

After taking a week off on April 27th due to being at our spring retreat, we'll be re-starting, Sunday, May 4, we'll be starting our own high school version of God at the Movies. It's a series where we go looking for the God moments in some popular recent stuff many of our students have already seen in the theater. The main service will be doing it's own version of this series, something we actually stole from them anyway.

Here's the line up.

May 4: JUNO

May 11: BOURNE ULTIMATUM

May 18: DAN IN REAL LIFE.

May 25: I AM LEGEND

JUNE 1: ENCHANTED

SPRING RETREAT IS THIS WEEKEND

2008-04-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are going to take 42 young women and leaders to the beach front retreat of the dana for a weekend of bonding, spiritual discussion, and good times. A group of 45 men are going to the desert for a weekend of team building, food, bonding, explosions, and seeking God like Moses did. Both trips are sure to be life changing.

The girls trip has just 1 spot left and costs $175. The guys trip has about 4 spots and costs $125. If you're interested, contact us at journey for more info.

Here's the trip t-shirt logo just for fun.

ALSO, AS A REMINDER, THERE ARE NO SMALL GROUPS THIS WEEK ON WED. APRIL 23 AND THERE ALSO IS NO ENCOUNTER THIS WEEKEND, ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH EITHER.

SPRING RETREAT

2008-04-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

The Spring Retreat is upon us. We're taking our men to the desert and our women to the dana in beautiful mission beach. This is a time for fun, bonding, and some serious God moments. It seems like every year we do this trip our youth group takes a notch up or two in commitment and the "get it" factor. The vulnerability, relevance, and community that are natural parts of gender specific retreats, coupled with some amazing locations, and some great teaching turn an average weekend into a life changing three days.

Cost is $125 for the guys and $175 for the girls. A deposit is required to save your space and the trip is limited to the first 25 guys and 25 gals who sign up.

If you'd like to download the brochure and permission slip, all the data is here.

SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE

2008-04-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our new small group schedule is out. You can download a PDF of it here. We meet for the first 3 weeks in April and the first 3 weeks in May too. If your son or daughter is not in a small group with us, this is a great time to get started. Contact us at the encounter@journeycom.org

NEW SERIES

2008-04-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

We have a new series on our weekends in high school called "$ave the Green". Here's a summary of what we'll be talking about.

It’s super trendy to care about the planet these days. Companies claim to be “green”. Food products are better if they are “organic”. We are told to conserve gas, electricity, plastic bag usage, and to go green with our green money. We recycle everything from our coffee grounds to newspapers. There’s no question that today it’s hip. But is it Biblical? What does the Bible say about this world God created and what is our responsibility to care for it and at what expense? Does your life affect the world around you and the planet too? Is your money yours to spend and do with as you please or is there a deeper, more communal responsibility we have to God, the planet, and all it’s inhabitants to use our money and resources responsibly? This series will take what is so 2008 cool and see if it’s really so 2008 BC old school but somehow we’ve been missing it.

Lots will be changing in Encounter through this series- pray with us as we seek to invite students to think and re-think how they live in our world today.

MEXICO BOUND

2008-03-01T08:24:00.001-08:00

We're headed to Mexico this spring for 3 days. March 27-29th to work with a church in Tecate Mexico. It should be an amazing experience where we will help a local church, aid and encourage their teens, and help expand the hearts and minds of our students who live just 3o minutes from them, but in a whole different world. We may also be able to meet with Hector, the little boy we sponsor each month as a ministry to provide for his needs through our weekend offering in Encounter. So fun. Cost is $150 and we're taking sign ups now for this trip if you'd like to go.... pick up a packet in Student Center A and let us know ASAP.

THIS WEEK

2008-03-01T08:10:00.001-08:00

This Sunday we continue in out dating series with services at 10:30 am and 6:30pm with a message on dating and while it may seem like a long way off- the implications it has on marriage someday. Should be lots of fun and we hope and pray it makes students really think.

We have small groups this Wednesday too. Guys meet in SC A and the girls meet in various houses. E-mail us at the address in the side bar if you have questions and we'll get your son or daughter dialed in.

NO ENCOUNTER THIS WEEKEND

2008-02-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

We're away in the snow and such this weekend, Feb. 10. So there's No encounter. See you on Feb. 17th as we continue our dating series. It will be awesome!!

UP AND DOWN RETREAT

2008-02-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

We're going to the snow and to Universal Studios the weekend of Feb. 9 and 10. This weekend is the last weekend to turn in your stuff. Also, reminder- for those not going, we also will not have high school group on Feb. 10 due to the fact that we are gone. Join us for an awesome weekend and don't miss out. Brochure and all the permission slips are available in high school.

NEW WEEKEND SERIES

2008-02-01T13:50:00.001-08:00

We start a new series this weekend in Encounter. It's called "hooking up" and it's about dating and sexuality and God's design for relationships. You don't want to miss this series. It always rocks. Join us at 10:30 am or 6:30pm this sunday, Feb. 3.

SMALL GROUPS MEET THIS WEEK

2008-02-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

Guys meet in SC A from 6:30 to 8:30pm this Wed, February 6, 2008. Bring $3 for dinner. Girls meet in homes. Contact us if you're not already in a small group and we'll get you dialed in.

NO HIGH SCHOOL ON THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

2007-11-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend come and bond with your family. We'll see you on Sunday Dec. 2nd. at 10:30am OR 6:30pm. Happy Turkey Day!!!

TURKEY OLYMPICS

2007-11-20T10:35:00.001-08:00

This wed is pretty much a food fight. Come and bond with us if you like. Any high school student is welcome from 7-8:30. Everything from turkey bowling to mash potato sculpting. Should be fun. Should be crazy. See you there.

SMALL GROUPS CANCELED

2007-10-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

In light of the current Fire Emergencies around our county. WE ARE CANCELING small groups for Wednesday night, October 24, 2007.

If you have needs yourself or as a family, please notify the office and we'll do our best to help your needs or e-mail me: brian at journeycom.org and I'll do what I can.

Next week is still currently our 80's party as planned and our small groups will resume as normal on November 7 unless otherwise noted.

You're in our prayers.

HELP NEEDED ON HALLOWEEN

2007-10-20T00:25:00.001-07:00

This October 31st from 6-9pm. Journey's high school ministry is in charge of watching two jump houses during the Fall Festival at Journey. Normally we uses students to do this. Problem is, this year we're trying to reach out to our non-christian high school students and providing an outreach for them. So, we need some parental help in the gaps.

Can you man a jumpy house for an hour for us so our students can reach their friends instead of watch over the jump houses? If so, please contact Aundrea in the office by dialing 619.464.4544 and asking for her and signing up. Thanks!!!

Oh.. and here's some details for your students if the want come to our 80's night. Just give the flyer below a click and it will be readable and have all the info you need.

thanks for your prayers and helping hands.

HELP, MY KIDS ARE ONLINE- ALL THE TIME

2007-10-03T21:41:00.001-07:00

Two articles of note came up today and as I head home after youth group, I thought I'd take 5 minutes a just point you to them before I forget.

Josh Treece, our middle school pastor, had heard a lot of feedback from parents about what to do to help protect your teen online. He found a helpful article and posted it here. You should check it out.

Then tonight I noticed this article on myspace by Josh Griffin. Here's an excerpt:
The simple fact is that, like it or not, your students are online. They are going to be gathering where their friends are. They will log into MySpace, Facebook or AOL (and whatever’s next) before most of you have had your morning coffee. With that in mind, how can you help students navigate the world of online social networking?

UPCOMING WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

2007-10-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Our next 4 Wednesdays are like this:

OCTOBER 3- Small Groups. Guys are from 6:30 to 8:30pm in student center A... and cost $3 for dinner. Girls groups meet in homes from 7-9pm for the most part. Let us know if you want to get your student involved and we'll get you the info on directions and such to make sure your student can be with us!

OCTOBER 10- Small Groups!

OCTOBER 17- GLORIFY: A worship/communion/prayer night in student center A from 7 to 8:30 pm. Any high school student who wants to join us from this night is welcome.

OCTOBER 24- Small Groups!

SEE YOU AT THE CROSS

2007-09-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday there are no small groups because we are meeting at Foothills Community Church in El Cajon to join several hundred students from all over East County for a night of music, prayer, and a challenging message. Please drop your students off at Foothills no later than 6:55 pm and then pick them up at 8:30pm. It should be a great night and you as a parent are welcome to join us if you like.

Our theme is "Pray For Change" and we'll be challenging students to pray this night and every week of this school year for change in four areas:

in me
in my friends
in my campus
in my world

NEW SERIES STARTING THIS WEEKEND

2007-09-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

The series is about our core values or purposes. It's called, "... and I meant it." and we said, "It's going to be Awesome... and we meant it!!!" Here's the breakdown for the next 5 weekends.

Week one: "I said I'm living for an audience of One... and I meant it."
Week two: "I said I love you.... and I meant it."
Week three: "I said my lost friends matter to God... and I meant it."
Week four: "I said I want to be like Jesus... and I meant it."
Week five: "I said it's better to give than receive... and I meant it."

Join us for this series on SUNDAYS AT 8:30 AND 10:30 AM in Student Center A.

RIDE TO CHURCH FROM JAMUL

2007-09-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hey parents,

Anyone know a family that comes to Journey from Jamul? We have a high school girl who wants to serve on our worship team but has trouble getting to church on the weekend. She's looking for a ride on Sundays and even Wednesday nights if that's possible so she can attend a small group. If you know someone who might already be headed to La Mesa from Jamul, perhaps we can create some carpool love.

Shoot brian an e-mail to encounter@journeycom.org if you have some connections.

THANKS!!!

CHANGES TO SUNDAY MORNING 8:30AM HOUR

2007-09-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

SUNDAYS IN HIGH SCHOOL AT JOURNEY COMMUNITY CHURCH

OUR SUNDAY MISSION:
To provide a worship service for high school students in East County that is practical, relevant, engaging, and fun while challenging them to fully devote their life to following Jesus.

WHEN WE CURRENTLY MEET TO DO THIS ON THE WEEKEND:
Currently we meet at 8:30 and 10:30am on Sundays.

THE PROBLEM THIS CREATES WHEN TRYING TO FULFILL OUR MISSION:

Most high school students and their peers are asleep during those hours. The 8:30 hour was not designed for a high school target.
The most common excuse we get for students missing church on the weekend is, “I slept through it.”
Our student leadership team must arrive at church at 6:45am to help us prepare and practice to put on a quality program for their peers.
Visitors: the only way a visitor comes to journey in our high school program is if someone spends the night at a peer’s house and then comes in the morning with them or if their whole family is visiting. Those two scenarios make up almost 90% of our visitors.

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION WE WANT TO TRY:

We would stop our 8:30am service, and as of October 28th, begin to offer a program at 10:30 am and at 6:30 pm instead.
This would allow us to still provide a weekend service that is parallel to other Sunday programs and a service that is at an hour which is more conducive to high school cultural norms, thus allowing our students to invite their peers, much like the adults already do at journey.
Our 6:30pm service would also offer a significant change in “atmosphere”. We will run our normal Sunday program for an hour and a half from 6:30 to 8:00pm. However, we will also offer some “hang out time” before and after by opening our doors and encouraging students to come as early as 6pm and stay as late as 9pm if they’d like to hang out in our café, play some games, or just meet some new friends.

WHAT SHOULD AN 8:30 AM ATTENDING FAMILY DO? Well, there are a multitude of reasons someone chooses the 8:30 am service for their family. We don’t want to hurt them, we’re really trying to help students and their peers follow Jesus in this change. Here’s some possible solutions.

Become a 2 service family. Come at 8:30 am and serve in children’s ministry or in the café or usher or wherever during the 8:30 hour and then send your high school student to us at 10:30am and you go to main and meet after.
Sleep in and become a 10:30am family.
Stay an 8:30am family, but allow your high school student to catch up on sleep so they can come to our 6:30pm service instead.
Stay an 8:30am family, but allow your student to serve in children’s ministry etc. during the first hour so they can come to our 6:30pm service.
Stay an 8:30am family and have your student join you in the main service and then they can come to our 6:30pm service.

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK AND RIDES?

We find that students will make time for what they value. Some students have a habit of doing homework on Sunday night. This is something they would have to change if they were to make Sunday night a viable solution for them. Perhaps it means doing it Sunday afternoon instead.
As for rides, students seem to manage to carpool their way to all kinds of activities. Our hope is that students will do the same for Sunday night- much like they might for a movie or something.

WHY NOT FRIDAY NIGHT?
We seriously considered this option (it would be better for our high school pastor Brian too) and even did an experiment with it last year with our student leaders. We had meetings set up for every 2 weeks before the Friday service where we had dinner together and then we would attend the Friday service together. After trying to make it work for 3 months, we had to give up. This is not a good time for a program at church, simply because of so many other options available to students in our area during that same time. Saturday has the same problem.

WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE GROUP?
Currently the college ministry meets in the high school room on Sunday nights too. Starting on October 28, college will be utilizing another room on campus.

OUR CONCLUSION:
No change is easy and no change is perfect for everyone. Our hope and desire is to help students grow in their faith while giving them a realistic chance to invite a friend too. We hope we lose no students and that this transition is one where as a team (both high school ministries and the families represented with in it) we will make the necessary sacrifices and changes to see this transition be a success over the long haul.

Questions or concerns: Please don’t hesitate to ask our high school pastor, Brian Berry- by phone at 619.464.4544 ext. 237, by e-mail at brian@journeycom.org, or by appointment.

SMALL GROUP KICK OFF

2007-09-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Small Groups Start tomorrow night in Student Center A from 7 to 8:30pm. The cafe will be open for drinks and nachos and stuff if you want to send a few bucks along for grub. We will meet as a large group- all the girls and the guys together and spend some time finding out who will be in what small group, setting some small group expectations, and playing some get-to-know-you type games.

If your son or daughter wants to be in a small group, this wed. is the night to start. Then on Sept. 12 and 19 we'll have small groups in homes for the girls and in Student Center A for the guys. Directions will be sent home on Wed night and available from our church office as of Thursday this week.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

2007-08-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

This wed. night from 6 to 8:30 at Brian's house is the student servant team school year kick off. We have 4 teams: a production team (weekend sent and program), a praise (read music) team, a tech team (read sound and lighting and videos), and a people team (greeters and cafe).

If your student wants to get involved, they should have already gotten an application from us. If not, they can pick one up and you can e-mail Brian @ brian@journeycom.org for directions to his house. Students who have already turned in an application should already have the information e-mailed to them by Tuesday.

BE A KID AGAIN

2007-07-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

On Sundays, we're in a fun summer series about kid stuff. The first week was on DREAMING BIG, last week was on LAUGH OFTEN, this weekend is BE CURIOUS, and next week is FORGIVE QUICKLY. It's been tons of fun and we'd love to have your student join us. We meet at 8:30 and 10:30am on Sundays in Student Center A.

DODGEBALL

2007-07-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday is Dodgeball. We meet in Student Center A at 7pm and we'll be done by 9pm. No you don't have to have a team. Yes you can come and just watch. $5 is the cost for prizes and ice cream we're giving to everyone.

IS THIS HELPFUL

2007-06-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello parents,

As you can tell, this blog has not been updated in about 2 months. I have received very few complaints about this, so I'm wondering how helpful this resource really is in the first place. I think having a place on the web where you can come to get information about our youth ministry would be helpful, however it appears to be not very useful.

for a while, I was posting all my message outlines and such so that parents could see what students were learning in our high school group, but I think that was a lot of time very few people seemed to enjoy. So I stopped.

I'm thinking about using this site as an updated announcement section, where I could post regularly the calendar issues you might be concerned about, like upcoming events, some praise reports, maybe a photo re-cap, etc.....

So, if this sounds good or if you have thoughts as the value of this web blog. Please comment on this post or e-mail me at "brian@journeycom.org". I'd love to hear from you if you 're a parent of a high school student at Journey.

WEDNESDAY- ONE NIGHT OF PRAYER

2007-05-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

This Wed, May 2nd we are not meeting in normal small groups. We instead are joining high school students from all over East County for an evening of prayer and worship. It is the night before the "national day of prayer" when our nation is challenged to spend the day, praying that God will move amongst us and thanking him for the ways he already has.

We're meeting from 6:45 to 8:30pm at El Cajon Wesleyan Church. Please drop your student off directly at 1500 East Lexingon Avenue, in El Cajon, 92019- NOT at Journey. Click here if you need a google map from Journey to El Cajon Wesleyan.

ALL IN- WEEK 1

2007-05-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our student ministries version of the JOURNEY UP series started this last weekend and will run parallel to the main service on Sundays.... finishing with our own Student Ministries version of the Big Event on Sunday, May 27th. Ours is called, "All In" and we're challenging students to decide to bet all they have on God. To go "All in- all for God, all the time"... kinda like someone who is willing to risk it all in a game of poker. Instead, we're willing to and challenging students to bet their whole life on God.

This week we looked at 2 very famous passages of scripture... one called the "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and another when Jesus quotes it in Matt 22:34-40.

The main premise we worked from was this:

LIVING ALL FOR GOD, WILL CHANGE ALL OF ME.

We concluded that this requires we wrestle with 2 questions:

#1. DO I WANT ALL OF GOD OR JUST THE PART OF HIM I’M COMFORTABLE WITH?

#2. DO I REALLY WANT GOD TO USE ALL OF ME, AND CHANGE ALL OF ME?

We then discussed 5 main areas where we will see change and drew a parallel to the 5 purposes we are challenging students to embrace with their whole lives as the foundation of Encounter.

LIVING ALL FOR GOD, CHANGES MY AUDIENCE. (GLORY)

I no longer live for myself, or to please people, I live for God.

LIVING ALL FOR GOD, CHANGES MY PERSPECTIVE. (GO)

I no longer believe that it doesn't matter if people live for God or not. Their present and their future is very valuable to God and what they bet their personal life "chips" on matters to God and thus it matters to me.

CHANGES MY BEHAVIOR. (GROW)

This is not so I begin to please God, it is because my focus has changed. Change is the natural result of a life connected with and directed to God.

CHANGES MY COMMITMENTS. (GIVE)

When I'm ALL IN for God, then that means ALL in. It will affect how I spend my time, my money, my resources. All of me.

CHANGES MY TEAM VALUES. (GET TOGETHER)

Neither the Shema nor Jesus' summary in the greatest commandments were given to individuals. They were given to the "community of believers." We have not been called to follow God alone, we've been called to do so as a community. We all rise and fall together. This task we call "journey up" is not going to be accomplished by one individual. It is only possible when the community of faith gathers around. We are part of that community.

INTERNET POSTING ADVICE

2007-04-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey parents,

Here's a MUST READ article you should grab a beverage and some undivided time to look over with your son or daughter. It is well worth the read on what should, and should not be, posted on the internet or myspace or a blog or whatever. It also has two VERY effective commercials imbedded in it you should watch together.

The website the above article is on looks good to me. I'd recommend you give it a look and a regular read... especially with this internet savvy generation.

Working with you to raise Godly, wise teens...

Encounter

TALKING WITH YOUR TEEN ABOUT THE SHOOTINGS

2007-04-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Just last night my 9 year old ran into a news cast about the Virginia Tech shootings. He responded like a 9 year old. More amazed by guns than aware of the tragedy. We had to debrief this event together in light of what he'd seen and heard at school.

High school students will have a very different response with a variety of emotions. If you find yourself struggling with what to say, this might help. Our middle school pastor, Josh, posted a link to a great article on our junior high ministry website that will fit with students of all ages. You can find it here.

SPRING RETREAT REVIEW

2007-04-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great Spring Retreat last weekend. We took about 30 guys to the desert and about 35 girls to Coronado. The guys went through a book called, "Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes" by Brennan manning and the girls went through a book called, "The Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge. If you want to read what we talked about, both books are written and applicable to adults and students alike.

As a quick summary, we challenged the guys to be Real, Secure, and Devoted. We challenged the girls to realize that they are Loved, Called, and Complete. It was a spiritually moving time for both groups.

In addition to that, the girls got their nails done, hung out at the beach, enjoyed the Coronado sights, went on a ferry ride, and even saw Gwen Stefani shopping!! The guys built a trebuchet (huge thing that throws big rocks like 200 yards), went hiking, had huge bonfires, and learned how to safely shoot a gun and explode stuff. Great memories all around.

Here's a picture of the guys trip. We'll add one from the women soon.

EASTER AND THE WEEKEND AFTER

2007-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

EASTER.... we have main church services at 7:30, 9, and 10:30 am. HIGH SCHOOL WILL ONLY BE MEETING DURING THE 9 and 10:30 hours.

NEXT WEEKEND.... We're on our spring retreat. SO, THEREFORE there will be NO ENCOUNTER on Sunday the 15th.

We'll be back in full swing with SMALL GROUPS ON WED. THE 18TH and on WITH ENCOUNTER ON SUNDAY THE 22nd.

DATING/SEXUALITY Q AND A

2007-04-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday in Encounter we had an all Q and A morning. We were finishing our dating/relationships/sexuality series that we do once a year for our high school students. This year it was called, "He loves me, she loves me not." It was the final of 4 weeks.

We had a grip of questions that were turned in on cards from the weeks before. I answered every one of them in a booklet we gave the students that morning which we encouraged them to read and use as a follow up bible study during the week. One of the few mornings where my outlines didn't fill the trash cans!!

I offered some of those same written thoughts- verbally- to hopefully spark some interest in them to read the whole thing later at home. Instead of a formal adult leader panel discussion up front on these same questions, we had leaders speak from their table where they were in the room to the entire group as Sarah and I facilitated the discussion. We were trying to engage their questions in a conversation with them. Not preach our dissertation to them. I think it worked.

I also interviewed a girl in our ministry who has been coming every week during this series who is 8 months pregnant. You could have heard a pin drop. It was both hard to hear her story and a GREAT testimony to the grace of God for a young woman who is trying her best to turn around mistakes she says she's made and some that others have made around her that have HUGE consequences for her. I was SO proud of her. I was so PROUD of our students for clapping in support of her keeping this baby and staying in youth group. It took GIANT guts to share what she shared and in her own words- no notes- just her heart, which allowed me to share mine with our group and remind all of us to create and embody a place where ALL students are welcome to seek Jesus and embraced here by God's people.

It was a day where I was proud to be a youth pastor. I felt like we touched on real needs, challenged students to consider where God can meet them, and let their voices be heard.

Here's the questions they asked. They speak volumes about the world teens live in today. We broke them up into 3 categories: Relationships, Sexuality, and Christian dating. [If you want the answers I wrote to them...you can come by Encounter this Sunday and pick them up.... or just look at the contact info in the sidebar and shoot me an e-mail and I'll send you a PDF of them... it's too much to post here (18- half page's worth). ]

RELATIONSHIPS

In the 7th and 8th grade my best friend ever was having an intense sexual relationship with a senior in high school. I was there for her through all the pain. Every night she would cry to me on the phone about their problems and how she loved him. I suffered a lot of pain through their relationship and I can imagine many people are going through or gone through this. How can you help out a friend who is going through this and help yourself?
Why do you think people cheat?
Best way to get over a guy/girl?
How do you stay proud to be single when all your friendships are in “relationships”
How is it that people don’t realize that relationships, at this point in our life, are just NOT NEEDED?

SEXUALITY

If we have already had sex, should we stay out of relationships till we’re married because we might be too tempted to have sex again. Only if I wanted to stop!
Is it true that it is harder to be pure when you’ve had sex before than it is when you’ve never had sex before? Why? -Curious.
How do you tell your homophobic grandma you’re bi or maybe homosexual? This may not go with the lesson, but I would like help.
I’m a girl. So is it immoral to want to have sex, and possibly fall in love with another girl?
If I was raped when I was 14, am I still a virgin?
If you are raped and get pregnant, is it ok to get an abortion?
After being raped, I have never really gotten the help I need. What are some things I could do to overcome this pain, anger, and frustration?
How far is too far?
If you say no to sex, is it wrong to say yes to other things?

CHRISTIAN DATING QUESTIONS

What does equally yoked mean? And when do you know two people are? The person I’m dating became a Christian a couple of months ago. We both have prayed about dating and we both didn’t get clear answers.
When or how do you know you are equally yoked? I find it hard to be serious and pray with my girlfriend but we are fine praying alone about whatever… any advice?
Why is sexuality in our society so twisted by the media?
I always hear the bible verse, “do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” How do I know when it desires?
How do you glorify God while dating?

DATING SERIES #3- DRAMA FREE LOVE

2007-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

This week we talked about how to make a relationship Drama-free. This means a relationship that doesn't have a bunch of gossip, regret, and selfishness at it's core. One that is healthy and encouraging and fun is the goal. As we entered our discussion, here's some things we reminded the students were "premises" we held to that shaped the discussion.

Premise 1: My sexuality and my soul are inseparable.

Premise 2: Dating leads to marriage. Prediction: Someday, you will marry someone you dated. None of you will end up in an arranged marriages.

Premise 3: Dating, involves sexual attraction. Biblically speaking, sex, and most of what leads to it, was designed by God for marriage, not for dating.

Premise 4: The Bible has ZERO uses of the word “dating” in its pages.

Premise 5: If you want principles on dating from the Bible, your only option therefore is to examine texts that deal with pre-married individuals, or couples with sexual attraction in the mix, and apply it to dating.

Premise 6: The “relationship drama” that is common to dating and even marriage, can be avoided by following a Biblical model for relationships with sexual attraction in them.

After clarifying those statements, we then discussed the following 5 observations we got from Proverbs Chapter 5 on relationships:

1. LISTEN TO THE GOD FOCUSED VOICE OF EXPERIENCE- IT WILL SAVE YOU A LOT OF HEART ACHE AND DRAMA. (prov 5:1-2, 7)

QUESTION: Who or what influences my dating choices?

Rate the following from 1 to 10. 1 being most influential, 10 being least.

Friends
TV, Movies, Music
Ads and Magazines
Bible or Faith
Godly couples
Parents
My own experiences
Fear of STD’s or pregnancy
Other cultures around the world
Internet, myspace, online groups

2. GUARD YOUR SEXUALITY. DATE THE PERSON WHO GUARDS YOURS TOO. RUN FROM THE ONE WHO SEPARATES YOUR SEXUALITY FROM YOUR SOUL. (prov 5:3-6)

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

QUESTION: How much of my self worth is tied to the image I have of my body? How much sexual expression do I want to save for marriage? How much do I hope my future spouse has saved? Is this my plan I hope God likes or His plan that I’m choosing to embrace?

3. BE DISCIPLINED IN YOUR DATING HABITS. SAY NO OFTEN. USE YES WISELY AND CAREFULLY. YOUR REPUTATION WILL SPEAK FOR YOU. (prov 5:8-14)

QUESTION: What kind of history and reputation do I want my dating life to create? If my dating life starts to get ungodly, am I prepared to dump my date?

4. REMEMBER THE GOAL IS A GREAT, GODLY, SATISFYING, MARRIAGE AND SEX LIFE. HOLD OUT FOR IT. (prov 5:15-20)

QUESTION: Will I wait for Godly sexual intimacy or will I give it away in the “public square” of dating?

5. DRAMA FREE DATING IS DONE IN FULL VIEW OF GOD. SEEK TO HONOR GOD IN EVERY DATING EXPERIENCE. (prov. 5:21-23)

QUESTION: Is my dating life moving me closer to, or farther from my relationship with God? If I am disconnected from God, why would my dating life be any different? What do I need to do to get/stay connected with God?

SPRING RETREAT

2007-03-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Spring Mens and Womens Retreat for high school students is coming up fast. It's the weekend after Easter, April 13-15 and our students are excited. We're taking 25 girls to home in Coronado and 25 guys to the desert. There will be lots of fun, bonding, great spiritual discussions, and an overall life changing experience as we try and help these teens embrace their full potential to be young Men and Women who embrace their full potential to live a god honoring life. Full brochure and details are available in Student Center A. Cost for girls is $135 and for guys is $110. $50 non-refundable deposit saves your son or daughter's spot. Feel free to e-mail us if you have questions at the e-mail in the banner to the right.