The Kingdom Experiment--SLYM SUNDAYS!

Hello SLYMers,

We will be entering into a new 8 week series through the Beatitudes.  The beatitudes are 8 statements made by Jesus in which explains how the blessed life truly looks.  These promises and truths mark the beginning of a great message Jesus delivers to his disciples.  Matthew (chapter 5) records Jesus as saying,

 ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

It is our joy to study these truths as a youth group family, and spend our time in living out our lives in a way that falls inline with the beatitudes.  So, be in the basement at 10am and bring your Bible!  If you are interested in a copy of "The Kingdom Experiment", we will be selling them for $5 each.  We will be selling them until February 13th.  We look forward to having you join us!

                                                                                                        Pastor Koby

Youth Group Officially Begins!

For the last 1 1/2 years, we have endured the youth room renovations, moving from place to place, and many work nights.... but it appears that we have arrived!  We have now arrived at the new school schedule, the anticipated 'Normal Wednesday Night'!  I dont know if we have become normal (whatever that is..) but a routine schedule, regular times of community, and a designated place is nice to have!

This job has always been a source of great joy for me, and I very much enjoy the friendships that are cultivated at Student Life Youth Ministries.  I hope that this new season of life for our youth family will be one of great health, stability, power, and FAITH!  Please partner with me and many others in doing whatever the LORD asks of us!  Let us respond in faith and obedience like Isaiah.

 ^"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
      And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6)

It is our joy to serve the Lord and it is our joy to do His will together!  So, collectively let us allow the Lord to send us.  Ask Him to use us.  Ask Him to give us a new refreshed spirit.  Ask Him to lead our church family in righteousness, truth, and love. 

Blessings on you!  See you soon!

Koby

Before.

Update on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 1:30PM by Koby Padilla

here are a few 'before' shots, and when all of the dust settles...we will post pics of the changes!

Youth Room!

Yes, its true!  We now have the permit which will allow us to make all of the necessary changes to the youth room!  You can expect to see new doors, new door locations, new lighting, new paint, new carpet, new monitors for video work, and several renovations that will make the youth room handicap accessible!  Woo Hoo!  We can expect to be in the youth room in a couple of months (no official date deteremined) and I am so excited!  To be home again is going to be so nice!

I know that I will appreciate this youth room more than ever now.  You dont know what you have until you lose it.  I am very thankful to the crew of people that are making all of these changes happen for us!

Anyways, I hope you you all come out tomorrow and bring your working attitude and gloves to tear out the flooring tomorrow (March 24th)!  We are making progress!  Love you guys!

Koby 

To the summit!!!!

Mt. St. Helens
Snowshoe to the top (Lord willing)!

To begin with, I have to say that I’m very excited to be taking this group up the mountain! Please understand that this trip will be a summit attempt, which means a few things 1.) We’ll be trying to maintain a steady snow-shoeing pace (so if you don’t consider yourself to be in decent/fair physical condition, you might reconsider attending) 2.) Although it is our goal to make it to the top (the rim), note that it is an “attempt,” meaning that we might not make it due to time, weather, or other safety restrictions.
While summiting is the apparent goal of the trip, there are a few other goals that are equally (if not more) important. First, I’ll be teaching some mountaineering skills along the way up. Some will include; use of an ice ax, roping-in, and snowshoeing technique. Second, this trip will be centered on bringing glory to our Father in Heaven and the Creator of all that we’ll be enjoying!
Well will be meeting at Starting Grounds on Saturday Feb. 13th at 5AM, this way we can hit the mountain at sunrise and have the best chance of making it to the top. We’ll drive to Marble Mountain Sno-Park and heading out from there. Expect to be back around 7PM of the same day.
Here’s a list of essential things you’ll need for the trip. If you don’t have any of the items below, borrow them from a friend or me. I have very limited gear, so first-come first-serve on my stuff.
• Snow jacket and pants (waterproof)
• Gloves and Hat
• Layered clothing, long-johns, fleece jacket, etc. (as we climb, we’ll be getting hotter, so plan on shedding layers)
• Extra clothing (hope for the best, plan for the worst. Bring extra socks, gloves, underwear, and dry stuff in case of emergency)
• Boots (high-top and waterproof, if available)
• Backpack, medium sized (school backpack is an example of the smallest size you’d want for this trip, acceptable, but not ideal)
• Sack lunch (bring more extra food, you’ll be burning a lot of calories and you’ll need the extra food. Granola bars, fruit snacks, extra sandwiches, etc.)
• WATER WATER WATER!!! (at least two quarts per person)
• Sunscreen (yes, you can sunburn in the snow)
• Medical release form
• Snowshoes *** (we’ll be renting from REI, price is $20)
• A good attitude!
***I’ll handle all the rental logistics. All I need from you is your name and your money.

Here’s a list of things that would be to your benefit to bring, but aren’t required. In other words, if you have anything listed below –bring it, if you don’t –don’t go buy it.

Trekking poles *** (available to rent from REI, $5), Ice Ax, Climbing harness (for demonstration), Avalanche snow shovel, Map and compass.

The leaders on this trip will include me (Randy Bister), Brandon Marten (mountaineer extraordinaire), Koby Padilla, and Scott Bargaehr (guest mountaineering/ climbing expert).
I’m way stoked about this trip, as I hope you are! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have 360.909.7559 or randybister@gmail.com
Sign up by calling or emailing me (Randy) or Koby Padilla. Last day to sign up is Sunday Feb. 7th.

A few things to consider:
1. It would be to your advantage to take yourself on a few conditioning runs or walks to help prepare your muscles for the trip.
2. Drink lots of water daily leading up to the day of the trip
3. Eat well at least 2 nights prior to the trip. Lots of complex carbs!
4. Go to bed early Friday night.