Come out to LHCC from 9 am-12 noon on Saturday, May 25th for a fundraising car wash for Avanell Brock!

The FoY Teens are washing cars to help Avanell Brock raise $3,000 for a missions trip to NYC this summer. Through the Christian college ministry InterVarsity, Avanell is working with a documentary team filming the New York City Urban Project’s fight against sex trafficking and labor slavery. Every dollar counts!

Can’t Make It? Donate online to Avanell’s missions fund!

https://donate.intervarsity.org/donate/to/17333

1. Learn more about human trafficking:
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/sex-trafficking-in-the-us

2. Watch the NYCUP video:
http://youtu.be/U68IHzeH5bc

3. Learn about NYCUP’s work:
http://nycurbanproject.com/about/

4. Read Avanell’s blog about the project:
http://avanellnycup.blogspot.com/

5. See some of Avanell’s photography:
http://www.avanell.com/

Please share this event on your Facebook walls, and invite your friends!

https://www.facebook.com/events/542547879120368/

Tonight we started a 2-parter on forgiveness! If you weren’t there, you can get caught up here:

Ask:

1) Raise your hand if a) you find it hard to forgive others; or b) you can only forgive others when certain conditions are met (like an apology)
2) What happens to relationships when we don’t — or can’t — forgive?
3) What effect does a lack of forgiveness of someone who’s offended you have on other relationships you share? In groups? In churches? In families? In shared friendships? At work?

Read: Matthew 18:21-25

Talk about how God gave Israel ceremonial, civil, and moral laws (for example, what to eat and not eat, how to conduct their lives and relationships, how to worship, etc.) that set them apart from everyone else in the world. God wanted to reveal Himself to the world through them. They were His chosen people, and were considered “peculiar” because of the way they lived.

He has given Christians “kingdom life” commandments that do the same: they reveal Christ in us, they reveal Christ in the world, and they set us apart from the world. We live differently. We love differently. We forgive differently. We are literally Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). How then shall we live? By kingdom principles. In this particular instance, by forgiving others…over and over and over again.

Dig in:

1) What’s the worst thing anyone ever did to you?
2) Rabbis of that time taught that if a man offended you, you should forgive him 3 times. But if he offended you a 4th time, he did not need to be forgiven. What was Peter expecting of Jesus when he asked how many times he should forgive someone? What does Jesus’ response say about forgiveness in the kingdom?
3) Reading the parable of the servant, how do you think a servant whose great debt is canceled then treat others who owe HIM? Yet – how did the servant in this parable treat someone who owed him even less than he had owed the king? What was the king’s response?
4) What’s the difference between forgiving someone because I want to be forgiven by God, and forgiving because God has given me a forgiving heart? Think of the parable of the servant — How would he feel toward the one who owed HIM if he only forgave a debt so HE would be forgiven his? Now, how would he feel toward the one who owed HIM if he was truly now a man of mercy, because of the great mercy that had been shown him?
5) What happens in our heart when we forgive only so God will forgive us, and then the person offends us again…and again…and again? On the other hand, what happens in our hearts when we are truly forgiving because of what God has done, and then the person offends us again…and again…and again?
6) Is there a sin that besets you, one that you want to stop, but can’t seem to? How does God treat you despite your continued offense against Him? What does this say about God? How should His forgiveness change you, and change the way you forgive others?

Next week: What is “counterfeit forgiveness”?

Watch the video: The Bondage of Unforgiveness

“Apologetics is the branch of Christianity that deals with the defense and establishment of the Christian faith. Christian Apologetics is something every true believer should be involved in, even if it is only a little.” (http://carm.org/apologetics)

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Peter 3:15).

Coming up at Exeter Chapel on May 10th and 11th for Teens, Parents, and Youth Leaders:

Seven Questions Every Teen Needs to Answer

During this event, you’ll be invited to answer 7 vital questions:

1. Without the Bible, how do we know that Jesus ever existed at all?

2. Is the New Testament reliable as history?

3. Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Is Jesus really God? Or was he just a good man?

4. Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Or did the disciples make up this story?

5. Is Jesus really the only way? What about other religions? How can Christians be so narrow-minded?

6. Why is there evil and suffering in this world? If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why doesn’t he stop all the pain?

7. Why is there so much hypocrisy in the church? Why are there good nonChristians and terribly acting people who call themselves Christians?

Where: Exeter Chapel in Exeter RI
When: May 10th and 11th, 2013
What Time: 7:00 -9:00 PM on Friday, 9:30-12:00 PM on Saturday
Cost: Free (Donations of $5 or less are welcome)
Pizza served Saturday

More info at http://theapollosproject.com/seven-questions-every-teen-needs-to-answer/

Sign Up at the Fountain of Youth display by Sunday, May 4
if you want me to register you with our group, or register yourself at the link above.

April 21, 2012 at Living Hope Christian Church

A Q & A Discussion About Homosexuality, Same Sex Marriage, and the Challenge to the Church

• What does the Bible really say about homosexuality, and by proxy, same sex marriage?
• What are the pro-homosexuality arguments against the mainstream Christian views on homosexuality and same sex marriage?
• What about gay Christians? What do they have to say?
• Why do people use Leviticus to defend the Biblical teachings about acting on homosexual desires, when there are other Levitical laws we don’t keep?
• How should we live as Christians in a world that says we’re bigoted and hateful if we believe the Bible is God’s Word?
• Is it possible to reconcile our values as Americans living in a free society with our identity as Christians?
• What about divorce? Since so many Christians get divorced, but the Bible says God hates divorce, isn’t it hypocrisy to then make homosexuality and same sex marriage an issue?

These are the challenges presented to Christians today, no matter what we might personally feel and believe about marriage, divorce, sexuality, homosexuality, and same sex marriage. As the lines are drawn and divisions arise, we remember the prayer of Jesus Christ for our unity as believers. We seek to both obey God and love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (The “first and second greatest commandments” – Matthew 22:36-40)

Please join us at Living Hope Christian Church directly after our Sunday worship service on April 21, 2012 for a Q & A about the topic of homosexuality and same sex marriage.
Our Sunday worship begins at 10:00 am and ends at 11:30 am. You are always welcome to join us then as well!

Pastor Peter respectfully requests that all who plan to attend listen to the following two sermons from July 2011.

In them, you will hear the most common arguments for and against homosexuality from both sides of the debate, and be prepared ahead of time for the discussion. In addition, to help with preparation, please send questions to Pastor Peter ahead of time at pastorpeter@LHCC.info, or call him at 401-667-0775.

Date: 07/17/11, Pastor Peter Atkin
Listen: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality? A Look at Both Sides (Pt 1 of 2)
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 18:16-29; Ezekiel 16:49-50; Leviticus 18:19-23; Leviticus 20:13; Matthew 19:11-12

Date: 07/24/11, Pastor Peter Atkin
Listen: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality? A Look at Both Sides (Pt 2 of 2)
Scriptures: Matthew 19:1-12; Hebrews 12:1-4; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

For a very important teaching on marriage and divorce in the Christian church:

Date: 05/15/11, Pastor Peter Atkin
Listen: The Two Attacks on Marriage in the Sermon on the Mount — Gospel of Matthew, Pt 22
Scriptures: Matthew 5:27-32; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Please feel free to leave sincere and civil questions in the comments below, or on Living Hope’s Facebook Page.

May God bless us with truth, wisdom, faithfulness, discernment, courage, and compassion as we carry out the ministry of reconciliation we have been called to as Christians.

Click the image to see our full-size Winter Retreat Flyer:

Teen Winter Retreat at LHCC

Starts at 10 am, Friday, February 22, 2012 • Ends at 10 pm, Saturday, February 23, 2012

Cost: $25 per student. Make checks payable to Living Hope Christian Church. $25 covers 5 meals, all refreshments, and Tubing on Saturday at Yawgoo.
Register: by Sunday, February 17 at LHCC
Ages: 12-18
Sleeping Arrangements: Stay overnight at LHCC (guys and girls will be separated at 11 pm, lights out at midnight), or have parents pick you up at 11 pm and return in the morning for breakfast at 8 am. Saturday activities begin at 9 am sharp.

What to Bring

• Warm clothes, gloves, hat and boots for outdoor activities
• Sleeping bag or sleeping roll and pillow for sleepover
• Modest pajamas, robe, slippers
• Hygiene Stuff (Toothpaste and toothbrush, towel, washcloth, soap, deodorant, brush/comb)
• Bible, Notebook and Pen
• Any medication you need. Please let us know on permission slip.
• Permission Slip (available at LHCC)

What to leave at home

• Please leave all electronic devices, gaming systems/devices, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, iPods, etc. at home. You can do it! (And if you’re already freaking out, you need this!)
• Cell Phones are fine, but only to be used in an emergency. Please keep in your pocket at all times.
• No energy drinks or similar food/beverages. (Ask if you’re not sure.)

Code of Conduct

• No PDA between romantic partners (hugging, holding hands, kissing, etc.)
• Teens are expected to respect authority and one another at all times.
• Teens must stay indoors unless they are outside for an adult-led activity.
• No sharing of any medications with other teens. This includes OTC medications (Tylenol, etc.).
• From 11 pm – 8 am, guys and girls will be separated for the night, with one group in the sanctuary and the other on the classroom side of the building. Sanctuary doors will be closed for the night, and teens must stay on their side of the building until 8 am. No exceptions.
• Lights out and quiet time from midnight Friday until 7 am Saturday morning. Night Owls, please respect the Early Birds’ need for sleep by keeping noise down, lights dim, and voices to a whisper.

Questions? Concerns? Email Michelle Quillin, Living Hope’s Teen Ministry leader, or call her at 401-447-9403.

The Wednesday before the party, we’ll have a Wrapping Party during youth group to wrap and tag all the gifts!!

The teens and the College and Career group will run the whole party, with food, games, activities, and a telling of the Christmas Story. All of Living Hope is invited to attend, and just enjoy the fellowship.

Click the image below to see the full-size invitation we’ve sent out to the families at Crossroads!

Pastor Peter has offered to take our youth group teens to Superbowl 2012! You’ll be leaving LHCC at 6 pm Friday, 11/16 and returning early the next morning at 7 am. Cost is $43.00 per student. Sign up at LHCC at the Fountain of Youth Display and pick up your permission slip there! Registration, permission slips, and $43.00 is due to Michelle Quillin no later than October 24.

From the Word of Life Superbowl website, where you can learn more:

“The Word of Life SUPERBOWL is an intense, all-night, action-packed adventure centered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ occuring in cities around the country each fall.  This night is geared for your middle school and high school students and provides an opportunity to have an incredible experience, but also to here a clear and compelling presentation of the Gospel.  Right now, students all around the country are on a journey toward faith in Christ.  They may have taken steps on this journey through meetings in your youth group or through conversations with their friends or through searching on the internet.  Through Superbowl, we bring those steps to one pointed opportunity to ACT!  To DECIDE! To put their FAITH and TRUST in Jesus Christ.  Each year, God blows us away with how many people he draws to himself at that moment.  Be a part of this Gospel centered event and bring friends that still need to take that final step in their journey.  We’ll see you at Superbowl this fall!”

With fear-challenging games, unusual (haha!) foods, and Halloween History Trivia, each activity you complete and trivia question you answer correctly will earn you points — and you may win one of our cash prizes at the end! We’ll also have a costume contest, with winners for Most Elaborate, Most Creative, and People’s Choice. So get creative!

Deadline to sign up is October 24th, 2012. You’ll find the sign-up sheet on the table in the lobby at Living Hope, or at youth group on Wednesday nights.

Please bring ONE bag of  candy for our Giant Candy Bowl. We’ll give you a shopping bag to fill up and take home.

We’ll be leaving the LHCC parking lot at 8:00 am Saturday, September 9 and returning that night at 11:00 pm. Pastor Peter will be transporting us  in the church’s 15-passenger van.

Cost is $48 per teen and covers your Six Flags ticket, lunch in the park, sandwiches in the parking lot before we head home, and a refillable sports cup. Six Flags will refill your sports cup for free all day long, and on return trips, for 99 cents per refill.

Teens must be regular attendees of the Fountain of Youth teen ministry to attend this out-of-state trip, with exceptions for teens who attend LHCC and are known by Pastor Peter or Michelle Quillin.

Permission slips are available at youth group or on the sign-up table at the church.

Any questions? Contact Michelle Quillin!

Last night at Living Hope Christian Church’s teen ministry, we talked about the Aurora, Colorado shooting. First we talked about how the teens felt when they heard the news, how they found out, and what their thoughts are now.

Next, we looked at what the Bible says to expect as the day of Christ’s return approaches (2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Matthew 13:24-30 and 36:43), and finally, how Christians are to live in the meantime (Matthew 24:42-51 and Matthew 18:18-20).

One of the girls talked about the boyfriends who died saving their girlfriends’ lives. The following video montage of interviews with young women who were given life by the sacrifice of their boyfriends reminds me of the Gospel. As I listened to the heartbroken girls in the video talking about the young men who died for them, I just kept hearing and seeing Jesus’s life and death for us illustrated in their stories.

{Jesus said} “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

Watch this video and see if you don’t see Jesus in these young men’s last acts of love for others.

~Michelle Quillin, LHCC Teen Ministry Leader

Beautiful Sacrifice – 4 Boyfriends Lay Down Their Lives For Their Girlfriends in the Movie Shooting from sharethemessage on GodTube.