The Amazing Race

Wow do we ever have talent at Southside. Mike Talley and Steven Walls have officially tried out for the next season of the Amazing Race. As promised, here is their tryout video.
Also in the news, Mike brought an awesome message from I Timothy last night.
Good Luck with the tryouts, as always, comments are welcome.

Free I-Tunes Gift Card

Well here is the quiz for this week. I know it's the middle of finals but here is just one more test for you. I hope all of you have a great summer and if anyone wants to go to lunch one day this summer, call me, e-mail, or respond to this post and we'll do it.

Here are the questions for this week.

1. How high was the jump at Jack's River Falls Mike jumped off of in his opening illustration?

2. What was the name of the teenage boy who jumped first before Mike would jump?

3. What two things are we supposed to devote ourselves to according to point number two of the lesson. This came from verse 13.

4. What is something we are not to neglect according to verse 14.

5. What state is James moving to?

Remember, leave a comment for this blog and be sure to add your name in the comment.
See you Sunday - Have a great week.
J. Ray

SUMMER CAMP

School is almost out! For students that's awesome . . .For parents you may have mixed emotions. For Student Ministry it means summer camp. We will be attending Chattanooga, TN again this year for Youth Alive. The dates are July 31-25. The early bird registration price $225. You must have your deposit paid by June 25 to receive this price. If you register after June 25 the cost will be $250. As a special one time offer, the first ten parents of High School students that respond to this blog will receive a $10 discount to the total of the price. Here is how you do it. Just click the "post comment" button and put your name and your student's name. We have a great line up of speakers and bands this year as well as a white water rafting option. You can pick up a registration packet in the foyer on Sunday

Thanks and have a great day,
Josh

Storm Watch Week 3

Hi there all my peeps, hope all is well with everyone. Well, if you happened to hang with us tonight, you would know we polished off our third week in the Storm Watch series, which as the name suggests, talks about the rough times in life we experience as Christians. This week, we focused on the aftermath of the storm, and how we should approach it with our attitudes and actions. As promised, I have included the questions that could earn you a glorious prize. Remember, You MUST answer them correctly in order to have a shot at the prize. In order to participate, reply to this post with the answers to your questions and make sure and leave your name in the post. The first guy and first girl to respond correctly will receive a $10 I-Tunes gift card next Wednesday night. (You must be present to win) Hope you paid attention and have a great week.

Here are the questions:

1. Which family member died in the intro video to the lesson?

2. Where is Paul headed when his ship encounters a massive storm?

3. Is J-Ray balding, or just trying to fit in with his fellow pastor buddies?

4. What does J-Ray say when he is surprised by something?
A. Gnarly!
B. Dag!
C. Woah!

5. According to the lesson, Where is God in the storms of our lives?

6. According to J.Ray, what is a very true and applicable verse that you probably shouldn't quote someone when they are going through a storm (such as the death of a close friend or relative)?

Give serving a try!!!!

Too often, I think we get caught up in our busy lives, and we forget how much a kind word or action can really turn someone's day around. This past Saturday, seventeen people from the high school student ministry spent a day at the Miracle League in Macon. As its name suggests, the Miracle League adds a miraculous twist to Little League. Unlike typical baseball games, spectator interference is encouraged. Each volunteer's mission is simple: make sure your player has a great time. Through the game of baseball, and with the help of volunteers, participants get to forget about mental and physical challenges and just have fun.
So what's the point. . . our group found out serving is a blast. Not only did they have a great time, they gave up half a Saturday to help someone else have a good time and realized the rewards of service. It's not about receiving money for doing a job, or "I'll help you out if you help me out." Instead, when we serve , it's a great feeling. More fulfilling than winning a big game, receiving the paycheck, or accolades form others. The book of Matthew tells us when we go out of our way to help others in need (least of these) we have done also unto Christ. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

Well if you made it to Renovate last night you already know we started a new series called Storm Watch. The gist of last nights message was God is in control. All of us are either heading into a storm and we don't know it - In a storm - Or just got out of a storm. No matter where you are, God is truly in control. We may not be able to see or understand all that is going on, but we can be assured He hasn't forgotten about us.
I like this series because it applies to everyone. Most of us have experienced some type of storm in our life. For me, looking back I see God's hand. Sure there were times in the storm I felt like God was no where to be found - but I guess hindsight is 20/20. God never left and He knew exactly what was going on all along. Bottom line is my faith wasn't as real to me as the circumstances around me. But hey - that is how our faith grows.
Have a blessed week and no matter what happens, God is in control.
J. Ray

Student Ministry Name?

The name of your student ministry says a lot about you. (Or at least it should) Anyway, it's time for a change. We have used RENOVATE for almost two years. It came with some cool wall graffiti that I will probably miss more than anything. Renovate means to make new again. That is exactly what Christ does in our lives. He makes us new again. The old is thrown out and we are restored and forgiven.
That brings us to a new era. With the desire to keep things fresh and not wait for something to get old, we need a new name. So here is your chance to make suggestions. We will most likely make the transition at the end of the summer. However, a lot goes into a name change of a ministry. So we need to begin the process now.
No idea is bad. All I ask is leave an explanation of your suggested name. We take funny or serious names. If you want to leave a suggestion you can do it anonymously or publicly. Reply to this blog or e-mail me at JRay@ssbcfamily.com

Have a Great Weekend,
J. Ray