I mentioned last night at Club JV that I was going to post something new that we’re doing here at Parkside Middle School.  Starting today we’re working on reading sections of the New Testament together.  Once a week or so we’ll have someone who helps out at Club JV post on the passage for the day - things they noticed for the first time, what they learned, etc.  And then you can join the conversation and see what other people are saying too.  All you have to do is sign up for the plan and go ahead and read! Here’s a link to the reading plan we’re doing together.  It’s called the Outreach New Testament Plan.  I’m really looking forward to all the good discussion and all that we learn from the Bible this year.

I asked the Adult ministry Team leaders to led us their talents from time to time and tell us about what God is teaching them.  Our friend Courtney has been kind enough to do just that! She sent me this great piece on what God’s been teaching her about worship.  It’s really good.  When you’re done reading spend a little time thinking about ways that you can worship God this week, even in the everyday things.  Maybe you could even post one of your thoughts below.  Thanks Courtney!

It’s only been a couple days, but I still can’t stop thinking about this past Sunday’s lesson (To refresh your memory, it was Dan’s lesson about worship). The notes I wrote down, and the questions we discussed have been popping back in my head ever since that morning. I’ve been thinking a lot about what worship means to me, and how I can apply it to my daily life. It’s been a challenge, but one I can’t wipe out of my mind!

One of my most favorite things to do in my spare time is sing. And dance. Definitely dance. Granted, I am no professional in either, but my favorite way to pass the time is to let loose. ESPECIALLY when I have to do chores. It really lightens the mood (I recommend trying it!).

It was great to hear someone bring up dance at U-Turn on Sunday, and ways that they can better use it for worshiping God. But for me, I don’t dance like it’s a sport, or something I’d be on Broadway for, or end up as someone famous. But then there’s your non- Christian friends, who dance a way you know isn’t right, or criticize you for dancing too stiff, or too loose. So I keep asking myself, how do you fully devote yourself to worshiping God when the dance moves are something that can be ungodly and looked down upon?

You may think it’s impossible, but, according to the Bible, IT’S NOT!

What if I told you the Bible wants us to dance? That it’s possible to worship God and dance at the same time???

Check out 2 Samuel 6:12-14a.

“And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might.”

Did you see the words I italicized? David was so overwhelmed with joy and love for the Lord, he didn’t know what else to do but dance. Do you know what that feels like? If not, I sincerely pray and hope you experience that feeling, because it is the most exciting and breath-taking feeling in the world. I’ve worked at a camp where we stay up late the last night before campers go home, singing and dancing with joy as we rejoice in God’s amazing love for us. I even STILL get that feeling when I turn up the volume to my favorite Christian songs in the car, whether I’m on my way to Club JV, or driving to and from school.

Now I’m not saying that when you’re in “big church” for evening service, or in U-Turn on Sunday mornings, that you should run up and down the aisles waving your hands and screaming like a mad man. What I want you to realize is that when you’re lifting your head up high, closing your eyes, and jumping for joy at a really exciting song that opens you up, that’s when God looks down on you with a big smile for getting it. For completely opening up your heart to Him so He can come in and fill you with his overflowing love and compassion. And if you’re home, blasting a song that really opens your heart up to Him, and jerking a dance move (if you call it that) while you’re folding laundry, that’s awesome! You’re glorifying Him, and that’s what He wants.

I want to end with just one more passage, and a song for you to listen to. Read the lyrics as it plays. I pray that you’ve been thinking about the lesson you heard on Sunday, and that you try and apply it to your life, whether it’s completely silly like mine, or if it’s strengthening your habit of praying to Him. God loves your efforts no matter what!

Here’s Psalm 150…

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

David Crowder Band: Undignified

Just wanted to let you know that this Tuesday Jan 31st we will be having a parents night at Club JV.  What does this mean?  Beginning at 7:00pm we’ll spend the first half hour or so spending time with parents and students talking, playing games, and hanging out.  Then we will have a time of a few activities and worship.  Around 8:00 I’ll have all of the parents join me on the Loft side of the Warehouse while Tim Shaw, one of our pastoral interns, teaches the students from God’s word.  This night will be an opportunity for me as your student’s pastor to update you about what we have studied in God’s Word and what we will be studying in the coming weeks.  It’s also an oppotunitty for a time of discussion and questions.  I hope that this will be a time where we are challenged and encouraged as we seek to partner together in teaching youth about our great God.

I’ll bring the coffee and snacks, looking forward to our time together.

Thanks!

P.S. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have, especially if you are unable to make it  jcameron@parksidechurch.com

I saw snow today - even if it was only a little bit of snow it was still snow!  I’m sure you know what snow means, yes it does mean that it’s cold, but more importantly it means that Mogul Mania 2012 is on the way.  It’s gonna be two days full of good times.  Day one involves a day at the waterpark, games, food, and fun.  Day two is all about hitting the slopes and finding some fresh powder with some good friends.  So invite some friends and sign on up.  It’s gonna be awesome! If you’d like to register online you can do that here –>  Register Online.  Or if you like things old school and wanna print out the flyer and mail that in you can do that here –>  Download Printable Flyer.  either option will get you as much fun as two skis or one snowboard will allow.

See you then!

We don’t usually plug things on the website that aren’t related to Parkside Church directly but I just wanted to let you know about an excellent Christian Summer Camp if you’re looking for one - I was a camp counselor there for a few summers during and after college.  There’s an information meeting this Sunday in room 227 (above the commons) at 5:30pm.  Here’s the info below if you’re interested!

Summer’s Best Two Weeks

The SB2W Camp Movie Trail is coming to Parkside!!  On Sunday, December 4th, Kent Biery, SB2W Director, will be showing the 2011 SB2W Camp Movies at Parkside starting at 5:30pm in room 227.  There are currently some openings available for the summer of 2012, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear about an amazing Sports and Recreation camp just an hour east of Pittsburgh, PA.  For 46 years, Summer’s Best Two Weeks has been committed to creating the Best Two Weeks of the year for kids ages 8-18. While they’re at SB2W they’ll grow new friendships, be challenged physically, develop athletically, grow in relationship with Christ, and learn to live out the “I’m Third” lifestyle (putting God first, others second and themselves third).  Check out SB2W and download an application at www.sb2w.org.  If you have questions about the movies please contact Jon Cameron. If you are looking for a quality, affordable Christian Camp to send your kids to this summer, don’t miss this opportunity … See you at the movies!!

Hey everyone - the thanksgiving box project is almost here!  here’s the info so you can ride along with us.

On Saturday, November 19 the middle school Powerhouse groups will deliver Thanksgiving boxes in the Cleveland area. Parents, be ready to go at the warehouse at 9:00 AM (The Warehouse is located at 31200 Solon Road, Solon Ohio). We will eat lunch at McDonald’s on our way back to the Warehouse, so be sure to bring money! We will be returning around 3:00, but please check the website , or twitter @parksidems for updated arrival time.

See you there!

Hey Guys!

Friday October 28th we’re going to have a Pumpin-Krazy (a.k.a. PumpKrazy) kind of night @ the warehouse.  What does that mean - glad you asked - games, board games, pumpkins, crazyness, etc.  Soo - invite your friends, dress up if you’d like and get ready to carve some pumpkins, eat some good fall food (donuts, apple cider etc.)

Here’s some details for you so you know whats going on.

Who: You and your middle school friends

What: A fun night at the warehouse

When: 7:00-9:00pm Oct. 28th

Where: The Warehouse (31200 Solon road, Solon Ohio 44139)

Why: Why not!

See you there!

Hey September is almost here and with it comes the trip to Cedar Point.  Top Thrill Dragster, Millenium Force, Power Tower, Skyhawk – What’s your favorite?  The new Windseeker??  Either way i’m excited to ride as many rides at Cedar Point as possible - it’s gonna be OFF. . . THE. . . CHAIN!  Want to come and enjoy the fun times?  You can register here:  Cedar Point Registration.  If you come with a friend you save $10.  It’s $35 by yourself and $25.00 each if you bring a friend along.  Here’s the details:  We’re leaving the warehouse at 8:00 am on the 5th of September and returning that evening at 10:00 pm.  I can’t wait - it’ll be a great time to hang out with friends and enjoy the day.  ALSO - whoever brings the most friends along with them will get a free lunch at Cedar Point complements of Dan and myself.

See you there!