We Are OASIS

July 2008       What is on your teenagers’ to-do list during these “lazy” days of summer? Chances are it includes catching up on much-needed rest, hanging out with friends, and some type of work, lessons, or camp. But does faith development make the cut? Summer can lend itself not only to physical getaways but to spiritual getaways as well. When sunshine beckons, it seems tougher to attend church and spend time with God. Your teenager might be going on a mission trip or other youth group outing, which can change lives and build faith. But summer also is a great time for your family to talk about God and deepen your relationship with him. Use travel time to spark in-depth conversations about kids’ beliefs. Pray together while exploring God’s creation, sing together at Christian concerts, and worship together at outdoor services. You might even visit different churches to spark teenagers’ thoughts about what they believe and why. Summer offers plenty of volunteer opportunities, too. As a family, help with your church’s vacation Bible school, assist with a local service project, or let kids pick a new charity you can support together. Use the ideas and insights from this newsletter to give kids a summer to remember—and a faith that lasts. Mission Camp Barnabas Yes...it's true...we're finally off to Camp Barnabas. Only thing is, while we're gone there's no OASIS. I am sorry about that, but I have tried, but keep finding out that I cannot be in two places at once. So OASIS for June 22 and 29 is cancelled and we'll be back and ready to RUMBLE on July 6. So come on out July 6 for some more fun and excitement. For all of you missionaries, mark your calendar for two VERY IMPORTANT DATES. First, our Barnabas Mission Wrap-Up Dinner is July 20. We'll be hosting all of our supporters for this time of sharing and remembering. We will have our trip presentation and some of you will be presenting your testimony about your service experience. Second, our Barnabas Mission Busch Gardens Trip is slated for July 25. While it's tentative as of yet, that looks like the best date available and it should work out. We'll meet at the church at 7:00 AM and be off for our day of fun and excitement. We can expect to return around 10:00 PM at the latest. SO MARK THOSE CALENDARS NOW! THERE'S NO GOOD REASON TO MISS EITHER OF THESE EVENTS! Even spiritually active teenagers are at risk for disengaging from Christianity when they become young adults. Consider these findings—and take steps now to prevent the same thing from happening to your kids: • 81% of teenagers say they’ve attended church for a period of at least two months. • 61% of young adults had attended church during adolescence but are now “spiritually disengaged” (not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying). • Only 20% of young adults have maintained a level of spiritual activity consistent with their high school experiences. (The Barna Group)

	What’s the state of your teenagers’ faith? Is it growing, stagnant, or somewhere in between? Use these questions to find out if your kids are standing firm or faltering: 1. How strong would you rank your faith right now, with “10” being strong and “1” being weak? 2. What’s the best part of your relationship with God? What needs work, and why? 3. What questions do you have about God and faith? 4. What are some ways you live out your faith? How easy or tough is it to put your faith into action? 5. What would it look like to have an “extreme” faith?		1. Your teenagers will use their summer wisely and grow spiritually. 2. God will be real to your kids and will speak to them through worship, prayer, and Bible study. 3. God will nurture your teenagers’ faith and keep it strong as they enter young adulthood. 4. Your teenagers will live out their beliefs and be comfortable expressing their Christian faith to others. Together In Christ - Operation Nursery On July 8 and 10 Together In Christ, our youth local mission program, is conducting Operation Nursery. What's that? Well our church's nursery is in serious need of cleaning, painting, and re-vamping and students have the drive and determination to do it! Each day we'll gather at 9:30 for a morning of service and fellowship. Then when we finish, we're off to lunch and an afternoon of hanging out with friends. Thursday we'll be going to Ci Ci's for4 lunch and an afternoon of miniature golf. Then on Thursday we're going to discuss what you want to do for lunch and then we'll partake in an afternoon of bowling. So don't miss these fun and fellowship days. That's July 8 & 10 starting at 9:30 AM.
	The new Live Bible (NLT) from Group Publishing not only builds teenagers’ faith but encourages them to express themselves. It’s filled with writings and artwork by kids throughout America. Sidebars challenge young people to write, draw, or try activities as they respond to God’s Word. Here’s an activity you can use this summer: Read Mark 2:1-12. The scene is crazy. Jesus is rock-star popular, and everyone in town is coming to see and hear him. The house he’s speaking at is jam packed, and people are lining up just to get a glimpse of him. That’s when a group of friends do something crazy. They tear open a roof just so their paralyzed friend can get an audience with Jesus. And when their friend does, he is healed! Find a mat, rug, or small piece of carpet (even a towel will do) and sit on it. In the space provided, list some of your friends who need Jesus. Next, list some of the creative ways you could get them to meet with Jesus. You could write a song or poem about what Jesus means to you and give it to them. You could draw a cartoon about your faith and see what they think. You could invite them to read through this Gospel—Mark—with you. Anything—just think outside the box! Then drop in at www.Group.com/RoughEdit and tell us what happens when your friends encounter Jesus. (Parents: Your kids can share their original artwork, photography, and drawings on Rough Edit, where creativity and Christ collide.)

	This page is designed to inform and educate parents and is not meant to endorse any product, music, or movie. Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your student listens to, wears, and sees!
	Background: Sarah Kelly, from Rockford, Illinois, began writing music when she was 5 and says she was born to worship. But during adolescence and early adulthood, she fell victim to self-hatred, leading to three abusive relationships. Finally Kelly broke the cycle and her self-imposed isolation. Her first two albums brought her Grammy nominations, many fans, and increasing mainstream interest. Kelly’s raw vocal style has been compared to Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge. Albums: Born to Worship (2008), Where the Past Meets Today (2006), Take Me Away (2004), What Parents Should Know: Kelly’s most recent album is more upbeat than her previous two. Born to Worship is almost like a worshipper’s journal, and listeners can hear the truth about the Savior. What Kelly Says: “My addiction was self-hate. I didn’t ask to deal with it. It just found me, and I gave in to it. I fell into a pattern of sin, thinking poorly about myself to an unhealthy degree. I wasn’t seeing myself how God sees me.” Discussion Questions: How do you view yourself? How does God view you? When people suffer from low self-esteem, how do you suppose that makes God feel? How might being a Christian change your perception of yourself? your attitudes? your relationships?		musicspotlight Albums: Rockferry (2008) Background: Welsh-born performer Aimee Anne Duffy, aka Duffy, began singing and writing lyrics at age 6. She left college to pursue music and built a following by playing in local jazz and blues clubs. Duffy, 24, signed with A&M Records last year, and her soulful vocals have drawn comparisons to Amy Winehouse. Rockferry is currently the U.K.’s top-selling album In America, Duffy is becoming a VH1 staple, and her songs have been featured on TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.” What Parents Should Know: Two songs on this album are autobiographical. “Mercy” is about sexual liberty and “not doing something somebody else wants you to do.” In “Stepping Stone,” Duffy sings about suppressing feelings for a person she fell in love with. What Duffy Says: “People keep talking about how all the other girls in the industry are wild and cool. But I’ve seen the really dark side of addiction, so it doesn’t float my boat, you know?” Discussion Questions: Why do many teenagers consider the “wild” lifestyle to be so appealing, despite its consequences? How might Christians be able to help change this mentality? What types of peer pressure do you think you’re most vulnerable to, and why? What are some ways you work to stand up against these pressures?
	filmwatch Hancock (releases July 2) PG-13 (for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, plus language) Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama Synopsis: Hancock (Will Smith) is an edgy, unconventional superhero who’s been irresponsible with his power. Although his heroics save lives, his careless attitude and actions cause incredible damage. The public is just about ready to get rid of Hancock, when he saves a PR executive (Jason Bateman) and discovers his vulnerable side. Discussion Questions: Is there a right or wrong way to use your God-given talents? Explain. What can happen if you’re careless or apathetic with your talents? Are you ever intimidated by the power God entrusts you with as one of his children? What are some ways to harness that power and use it for good, not evil?

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday     1   2   3   4   5   6 8:40 - doors open at The Well 9:00 - The Well 10:30 - Sunday School 4:00 - Youth Praise 5:30 - OASIS snack dinner & games 7:00 - OASIS ministry time 7   8 9:30 - Together In Christ - Operation Nursery 9 6:30 - Wednesday Nite Live Bible Study 10 9:30 - Together In Christ - Operation Nursery 11   12   13 8:40 - doors open at The Well 9:00 - The Well 10:30 - Sunday School 4:00 - Youth Praise 5:30 - OASIS snack dinner & games 7:00 - OASIS ministry time 14   15   16 6:30 - Wednesday Nite Live Bible Study 17   18   19   20 8:40 - doors open at The Well 9:00 - The Well 10:30 - Sunday School 5:30 - Camp Barnabas Wrap-Up Dinner 21   22   23 6:30 - Wednesday Nite Live Bible Study 24   25 7:00 AM - Barnabas Missionary Day at Busch Gardens. If you went on the mission trip, you're invited to go on this great day of fun and relaxation for being a missionary. 26   27 8:40 - doors open at The Well 9:00 - The Well 10:30 - Sunday School 4:00 - Youth Praise 5:30 - OASIS snack dinner & games 7:00 - OASIS ministry time 28   29   30 6:30 - Wednesday Nite Live Bible Study 31

Don't forget our awesome new program coming to First Presbyterian on August 31 - LAUGH ALL NIGHT COMEDY featuring Mike Williams. This a free event and a Love Offering will be taken for New Missions Ministries. Doors open at 5:30 and the laughter begins at 6:00.