Catechism - Question 1

Read

Overview: The Catechism

A catechism is a summary of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present. Catechisms are doctrinal manuals often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized.

Memorize

Catechism Question 1: What is the chief purpose for which man is made?

·         Answer - The chief purpose for which man is made is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Pray/Reflect

·         Scripture Readings (All): 

Scripture 1: Psalms 86:9 

Scripture 2: Isaiah 60:21

Scripture 3: 1 Corinthian 10:31

Scripture 4: Luke 2:14

Post

Application of Scripture (Discussion): Authorities have charged two high school football players with abusing a 16-year-old girl at a party last August. This case has gotten tremendous attention around the country and, in fact, the world, not just for the underlying allegations, which are ugly enough, but what has brought this case to the attention of the nation and the world is how word of the alleged crime spread through social media. Tweets, a photo and video were posted online from the night in question. And all of this made us wonder how social media may or may not factor into the way teens behave. – Excerpt from National Public Radio (1/15/13)

Let’s discuss social media from a perspective of a young person who loves God, and has committed his/her life to sharing God’s love with everyone you encounter. 

In light of what we’re studying, can you serve God and still participate in social media? Be sure to use the scriptures above as the basis for your response.

May 20th - Catechism Lesson 1

Read

Overview: The Catechism

A catechism is a summary of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present. Catechisms are doctrinal manuals often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized.

Memorize

Catechism Question 1: What is the chief purpose for which man is made?

·         Answer - The chief purpose for which man is made is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Pray/Reflect

·         Scripture Readings (All): 

      Scripture 1: Psalms 86:9 

Scripture 2: Isaiah 60:21

Scripture 3: 1 Corinthian 10:31

Scripture 4: Luke 2:14

Post

Application of Scripture (Discussion): Authorities have charged two high school football players with abusing a 16-year-old girl at a party last August. This case has gotten tremendous attention around the country and, in fact, the world, not just for the underlying allegations, which are ugly enough, but what has brought this case to the attention of the nation and the world is how word of the alleged crime spread through social media. Tweets, a photo and video were posted online from the night in question. And all of this made us wonder how social media may or may not factor into the way teens behave. – Excerpt from National Public Radio (1/15/13)

Let’s discuss social media from a perspective of a young person who loves God, and has committed his/her life to sharing God’s love with everyone you encounter. 

In light of what we’re studying, can you serve God and still participate in social media? Be sure to use the scriptures above as the basis for your response.

May 13th - Seek God Always

Read

Should you resist or run from the difficulties in your life? Scripture tells us no. If God is all knowing then these situations in your life are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that God allows in your life, trusting Him to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on God.

When you start to feel sad, worried, angry, jealous or stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for God. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Him and increased closeness between you and God. Although self-reliance is admired in the world, reliance on God produces abundant living in His kingdom. Thank God for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the arrogance of self-reliance.

Meditate/Pray

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

- Romans 8:28

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

- John 15:5

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Ephesians 5:20

Post

First, write about what each scripture means to you. Next, share an example or situation where each scripture would be helpful (i.e. someone at school is spreading hurtful rumors about you or a teacher is verbally discouraging to you). Be sure to specify which scripture applies to which example. 

Before sharing, check to see if your post includes the 3 interpretation of scriptures and 3 examples for when each scripture would be helpful. 

THE FUNCTION - All-Nighter

The all-nighter was a success!  What did you learn about God, yourself, and/or your peers? Share your thoughts.

You surrendered your cellphones and unplugged.

You studied and created iMovie's focused on Psalms 23.

You challenged yourselves about what it meant to 

completely rely on God.

You bonded.

Who can forget Taboo! 

And yes. Some of you even slept.

THE FUNCTION 2013

4/29 Engaging Your Faith

Engage 

1. What is most important to you? (family, popularity, etc.)

2. What can you not live without? (food, friends, etc.)

3. What are the things you find yourself thinking about most? (money, grades, boys/girls etc.)

Get a piece of paper and make a list for each question above. This is a private list for your eyes only, so be honest with yourself. When you have thoughtfully considered each question, added everything you can think of, and all three lists are complete , fold it up and set it aside.  

Meditate
Philippians 4:4-9 (New International Version)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer

Last weeks lesson helped us to consider the power of our minds and the importance of submitting our thoughts to the Holy Spirit. This weeks scripture reminds us not to stress over anything, and to pray about everything. So now I want you to unfold the paper with your three lists, look over the things that are written, and pray about each thing on the list. If these desires are true, noble, admirable, and general good things, pray that God would grant you patience and the ability to make good choices on your path to those things. If they are desires that would not honor or please God, pray that God would help you to avoid such things and that your mind would be cleansed of such things. 

Post

Share your thoughts on this process of seeking God through prayer regarding all things.

April 22nd - Devotional & Scripture

Devotional - let god control your mind

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The mind is the most restless, unruly part of humankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue and remaining silent, your thoughts continue to work against your will to be obedient. If your thoughts are working against your will to be obedient they may cause you to act against God. Man is the highest of God's creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. God risked all by granting you the freedom to think for yourself. This is a privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. He made you in His image.

Though His blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last stronghold of rebellion. Open yourself to God's radiant Presence, letting His Light seep into your thinking. When God's Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.

Pray

Genesis 1:26–27

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Post 

Share your thoughts that came to mind after reading the devotional and prayerfully reflecting on the scripture. this week I would like to hear your unprompted thoughts. 

April 15th - Devotional & Scripture

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Devotional - Jesus Calling
Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.

While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

                      Pray

Psalms 71:5-8

5For You are my hope, O Lord God;

You are my trust from my youth.

6By You I have been upheld from birth;

You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.

My praise shall be continually of You.

       7I have become as a wonder to many,

But You are my strong refuge.

8Let my mouth be filled with Your praise

And with Your glory all the day.

Post

Do you believe the plan for your life has already been decided by God? Do you think God allows good and bad things to happen to you? If so explain.

Youth posts are due no later than Wednesday night. Post your response then read, reflect, and comment on the posts of others. 

New Hope Youth Serve at Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids

Check out how the youth and parents got involved and supported the 2nd Annual Long Beach Walk for Kids event on April 7th, 2013.

New Hope Presbyterian youth joined with students from Long Beach Poly High School & Wilson High School to ensure the Kid Zone ran smoothly.

Up in the morning before the sun began to rise but ready for the task of helping make a difference in the lives of children & families. 

Came for the driving, stayed for the service! Thankfully coffee was available to all.

The family that serves together, can pretty much do anything else together. Volunteering puts a beautiful smile on Dominique's face. 

Lauren & Danielle saved the day along with some Long Beach City College students at one of the water stations.

New Hope Presbyterian youth are the best!

One of our youngest Zyrah sharing her "You Matter" spirit with the community.

After an assignment at one of the water stations, Makeda and her friend Alannah returned to lend a hand in Kid Zone with fellow NHP youth. 

Who said community service can't be fun? Amir sports his balloon hat and Wes is all smiles while working!