the Christmas Cookie Cookout was super fun. The turnout was great, with many new faces and some returning from college for break! All the cookies were really tasty, but there were some that shined above the rest.
The First-Day-of-School classic (chocolate chip) - Chrissy
The Italian Bakery knockoff (non-chocolate chip cookies) - Deb
Hey! That's not a cookie! - Rachel S
Best Over-all - Katie
Thanks for coming out and joining us! And congrats to the winners - your cookies were super yummy.
-jen
12.19.2008
12.08.2008
Faith in Practice
If a brother or sister is without clothing or in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled' and do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so, faith if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:15-17
On Saturday, November 29, eleven of us from YAM went down to Camden for the morning to serve a hot breakfast to those in need. We also handed out coats, blankets, and warm clothes, painted ladies fingernails, and had the opportunity to talk and pray with many of those who came through the doors. What joy to be able to serve together.
On Saturday, November 29, eleven of us from YAM went down to Camden for the morning to serve a hot breakfast to those in need. We also handed out coats, blankets, and warm clothes, painted ladies fingernails, and had the opportunity to talk and pray with many of those who came through the doors. What joy to be able to serve together.
12.02.2008
What's a Christmas season without cookies? The First Annual Christmas Cookie Cook-off is an opportunity to show off your mad baking skills. On December 16, 2008, at 7:30 pm, bring your cookies to 105 Evans Rd, Marlton. We'll have a contest to judge who really makes the best cookies. If you don't bake, don't worry! It's a great time to learn, or to come and fellowship with other young adults and sample some of the greatest treats from around the Mt. Laurel/Marlton area.
I woke up yesterday morning to find myself in December. How did this happen? I cannot be sure. November could not have possibly been a full 30 days in length. Yet, as I glance at my calendar, I can't deny the facts. Turkey month is over.
The After-Turkey After-Party was super fun. And super relaxing. After desperately trying to win while playing a little Wii (and failing at my attempt), I joined in on the movie-watching fun. Elf was first on the agenda. I've decided that no matter how festive I feel, I don't think I could ever bring myself to eat spaghetti, syrup, and M&Ms at the same time.
We then watched Polar Express. It's weird. I realize you all might not agree, but it is. The elves...they are creepy. But it was entertaining.
It was fun to have some of the college kids that are normally away there to join us. As a recent graduate, it's strange (not bad, just strange) being on this end of things - getting excited about people coming home instead of being the one waiting for break to come so I can come back to NJ. Eventually I'll get used to it.
I enjoyed November. It went by way too fast, but life tends to do that. Perhaps December will go by a little more slowly. One can only hope, because I need time to do some shopping...
jen
The After-Turkey After-Party was super fun. And super relaxing. After desperately trying to win while playing a little Wii (and failing at my attempt), I joined in on the movie-watching fun. Elf was first on the agenda. I've decided that no matter how festive I feel, I don't think I could ever bring myself to eat spaghetti, syrup, and M&Ms at the same time.
We then watched Polar Express. It's weird. I realize you all might not agree, but it is. The elves...they are creepy. But it was entertaining.
It was fun to have some of the college kids that are normally away there to join us. As a recent graduate, it's strange (not bad, just strange) being on this end of things - getting excited about people coming home instead of being the one waiting for break to come so I can come back to NJ. Eventually I'll get used to it.
I enjoyed November. It went by way too fast, but life tends to do that. Perhaps December will go by a little more slowly. One can only hope, because I need time to do some shopping...
jen
11.17.2008
Flying Closer to the Flame
For those of you that are away for the semester, in class/working on Tuesday nights, or are new to our group (as well as for those of you who tend to doze off during Bible Study) we thought we'd post a general outline of the study we just completed. For the past several weeks we have waded through an abridged version of Charles Swindoll's Flying Closer to the Flame. Chapter 1
Three contributions the Spirit makes without which life is dull and gray
1) His Permanent Presence Within Us
2) His Unparalleled Dynamic Among Us
3) His Affirming Will For Us
Three forces of resistance that must be removed [as we study the Personhood of the Holy Spirit]
1) The Barrier of the Fearful Unknown
2) The Wall of Traditional Limitations
3) The Obstacle Course of Personal Excuses
1) The Barrier of the Fearful Unknown
2) The Wall of Traditional Limitations
3) The Obstacle Course of Personal Excuses
Chapter 2
Four transforming changes amongst those who have received the Spirit
1) Their human frailties were transformed into supernatural gifts and abilities
2) Their fearful reluctance was transformed into bold confidence
3) Their fears and intimidation were transformed into a sense of invincibility
4) Their lonely, grim feelings of abandonment were transformed into joyful
perseverance
Four transforming changes amongst those who have received the Spirit
1) Their human frailties were transformed into supernatural gifts and abilities
2) Their fearful reluctance was transformed into bold confidence
3) Their fears and intimidation were transformed into a sense of invincibility
4) Their lonely, grim feelings of abandonment were transformed into joyful
perseverance
Chapter 3
Four “things of the Spirit” reproduced in us and through us
1) Life and peace
2) Absence of fear and closeness to God
3) Inner assurance … doubts gone!
4) Inner awareness that “all things” are working together for the good of God’s
glory
Chapter 4
Four results in the Christian’s life when filled with the Holy Spirit
1) His filling affects our speaking
2) His filling leads us to melodious hearts
3) His filling makes us thankful people
4) His filling leads us to submit to each other
Four results in the Christian’s life when filled with the Holy Spirit
1) His filling affects our speaking
2) His filling leads us to melodious hearts
3) His filling makes us thankful people
4) His filling leads us to submit to each other
Three important reminders to believers regarding the Spirit-filled life
1) Abnormal experiences are not necessary to Christian maturity
2) The fullness of the Spirit is for all of us, as believers, to enjoy, but how it
works its way out in each person’s life is another matter
3) Let us seek to enjoy our vast common ground, rather than establish and
defend our own theological turf
Chapter 5
The Spirit’s sovereign working is far beyond what the human mind can ever imagine
o Isaiah 55:8-9
An Often-Overlooked Ministry of the Spirit -- John 16:7-13
Demonstrating God’s Unique Power -- 1 Corinthians 2:2-3
Paul uses three words to describe himself…
1. Weakness
1. Weakness
2. Fear
3. Trembling
The Spirit does not always lead us into places of comfort
We must look at life in light of eternity
The Spirit does not always lead us into places of comfort
We must look at life in light of eternity
Chapter 6
The “Anointing” of the Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 2:12-13
Why we have received the Spirit ??
o That we might “speak” the thoughts given to us by God
o That we might “appraise all things”
The “Anointing” of the Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 2:12-13
Why we have received the Spirit ??
o That we might “speak” the thoughts given to us by God
o That we might “appraise all things”
A Few Words of Warning
Balance is always preferred to extremes
Stay with the scriptures
Balance is always preferred to extremes
Stay with the scriptures
Chapter 7 – Those Unidentified Inner Promptings
Four biblical examples of the work of the Spirit
1) In times of loneliness and desperation, the Spirit prompts hope and encouragement.
2) In times of threatening fears, the Spirit prompts calm determination and courage.
3) In times of potential danger and disaster, the Spirit prompts inner reassurance.
4) In times of great sorrow and pain, the Spirit ministers grace to us.
Four biblical examples of the work of the Spirit
1) In times of loneliness and desperation, the Spirit prompts hope and encouragement.
2) In times of threatening fears, the Spirit prompts calm determination and courage.
3) In times of potential danger and disaster, the Spirit prompts inner reassurance.
4) In times of great sorrow and pain, the Spirit ministers grace to us.
Two Practical Suggestions
1) When you are not sure that something is from the Spirit, tread softly.
2) When you are confident that it’s of God, stand firm, even against other people’s doubts.
1) When you are not sure that something is from the Spirit, tread softly.
2) When you are confident that it’s of God, stand firm, even against other people’s doubts.
Chapter 8 – The Spirit and Our Emotions
Expressing one’s emotions is not a sign of immaturity. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Normal Feelings
o Joy & Cheer – 2 Corinthians 9:7
o Love – 2 Timothy 1:7 1 John 4:19 Romans 12:9-10
o Fear – Proverbs 1:7
Expressing one’s emotions is not a sign of immaturity. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Normal Feelings
o Joy & Cheer – 2 Corinthians 9:7
o Love – 2 Timothy 1:7 1 John 4:19 Romans 12:9-10
o Fear – Proverbs 1:7
Three Basic Warnings
1) Intellectualism – When we refuse to allow our emotions to serve their proper function.
2) Emotionalism – When we go to the other extreme, making emotions the heart and center of life.
3) Fanaticism – It occurs in a context of excessive and intense devotion to information that lacks
balance, discernment and wisdom.
1) Intellectualism – When we refuse to allow our emotions to serve their proper function.
2) Emotionalism – When we go to the other extreme, making emotions the heart and center of life.
3) Fanaticism – It occurs in a context of excessive and intense devotion to information that lacks
balance, discernment and wisdom.
Chapter 9 – Thinking Theologically About Sickness & Healing
Possible sources of “Phenomenal Events”
1) The manifestation could be self induced.
2) The source of the manifestation could be highly charged, emotional meetings.
3) The source could be satanic.
4) The source could, in fact, be God.
Sometimes it is not God’s will that we be healed. James 5:13-16
Possible sources of “Phenomenal Events”
1) The manifestation could be self induced.
2) The source of the manifestation could be highly charged, emotional meetings.
3) The source could be satanic.
4) The source could, in fact, be God.
Sometimes it is not God’s will that we be healed. James 5:13-16
Chapter 10 – A Biblical Case for Healing
Four practical principles to claim
1) Confession of sin is healthy – employ it.
2) Praying for one another is essential – practice it.
3) Medical assistance is imperative – obey it.
4) When healing comes from God – claim it.
Four practical principles to claim
1) Confession of sin is healthy – employ it.
2) Praying for one another is essential – practice it.
3) Medical assistance is imperative – obey it.
4) When healing comes from God – claim it.
Chapter 11 – When the Spirit brings a Slow Recovery
For most people, healing is a slow, arduous process. It takes time.
3 Possible Responses
For most people, healing is a slow, arduous process. It takes time.
3 Possible Responses
11.13.2008
11.04.2008
Pumpkin month at a glance
Well, it's official: October is over. And for many of us, it went by quickly and with little rest.
The month started with a great weekend at the Harvest Crusade. Greg Laurie is an exremely gifted speaker with a way of putting the cookies on the bottom shelf and not beating around the bush. And the worship time was awesome!
October 10th was the church-wide trip to West Africa. Sort of. It was the West Africa Market Night. And I got to dress up and act like a flight attendant. Now, this might not seem like a big deal to most, but I've always thought it would be super fun to be a flight attendant. And I was right - it was fun! Throughout the night, I came to many different conclusions regarding West Africa.
1) They make some super awesome juice. Pineapple/lemon/ginger juice. "ginger?" you ask. Yes, and it was so good.
2) I do not look good in a head wrap. And i was not alone in this.
3) Americans are missing out by not painting our faces with cool designs.
4) Be thankful for your bed and the lack of malaria here.
5) Praying for those serving in West Africa is important. Vitally important. So do it.
5) Praying for those serving in West Africa is important. Vitally important. So do it.
Overall, I thought the night was quite the success, fun, and educational.
creation fall flood nation 4000 years ur persian gulf salt sarah abraham lot tara tigris euphratis haran tara dies sea of galilee jordan river dead sea mediterranean ....and that's all I got for now.
Walk thru the Old Testament = good times
The Fantastic Fall Festivus!! Again, the weather really didn't want to cooperate, but once again, we were stubborn. And it was a great time! The pumpkin carving was super entertaining. Congrats to everyone who won!
The Phillie's pumpkin won best overall. It was a sign.
Speaking of the Phillies, many of us didn't get much sleep throughout the month due to October baseball. It is a rare occasion that most of us in the Philadelphia area pay attention to the postseason, but this year we paid very very close attention.
So congrats, Phillies. We were watching all the way.
10.30.2008
In case there are drought conditions
A quick overview of the lovely month of September.
Have you ever wondered what the perfect cure for a drought is? Well, we've figured it out.
Plan a YAM event.
In September we had great plans to go to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari. It was September 6th, to be precise. Well, Tropical Storm Hannah was not in favor of that idea. The weather station mentioned that the rain was going to be rather enthusiastic, so we scratched the Six Flags plans. They were right. It rained....really...hard. BUT we are not so easily discouraged.
The perfect cure for ruined Six Flags plans? Bowling. Whoever thought to throw a really heavy ball at a bunch of pins was brilliant. I'm completely serious. And only slightly less brilliant (but still rather genius-like) is the person who thought up adding pizza and soda into the mix. Needless to say, we had a good time.
Sept 27th was our next date for Six Flags awesomeness. The forecast - lots of rain. All day. The weekends between the 6th and 27th? Beautiful. Bother all. But wait! Since it wasn't supposed to be any lightning, we proceeded with our plans, and God was incredibly gracious and held off the rain. I think it only rained (which was more of a mist) for about 15 minutes in the afternoon. The rest of the day was clear.
It's a general misconception that giraffes are herbivores. I say misconception because under further investigation, we found they do indeed like plants, but they also are quite fond of metal. I have no idea how they feel about meat, but metal? Huge fans. They tried to eat our cars while we drove through the safari. There's nothing quite like huge giraffe lip marks on your window.
Another misconception - not having to wait in line at all for rollercoasters in the ideal situation. Well, maybe not being forced to wait is great, but not waiting can be argued against. The park was pretty much empty - fantastic. We went on a bunch of coasters more than once in a row, and it was fun...until we realized that one's brain is not accustomed to handling such G-forces without having time to regain equilibrium between coasters. I was not the only queezy one.
But it was so much fun! So many coasters, and we were back by 5pm! We hit every coaster (including the runaway train - not meant for people with long legs) except the scream machine. Because honestly - our heads and stomachs did not need that many flips and shakes as the Scream Machine would provide. The whole day was sweet.
And that's September
Have you ever wondered what the perfect cure for a drought is? Well, we've figured it out.
Plan a YAM event.
In September we had great plans to go to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari. It was September 6th, to be precise. Well, Tropical Storm Hannah was not in favor of that idea. The weather station mentioned that the rain was going to be rather enthusiastic, so we scratched the Six Flags plans. They were right. It rained....really...hard. BUT we are not so easily discouraged.
The perfect cure for ruined Six Flags plans? Bowling. Whoever thought to throw a really heavy ball at a bunch of pins was brilliant. I'm completely serious. And only slightly less brilliant (but still rather genius-like) is the person who thought up adding pizza and soda into the mix. Needless to say, we had a good time.
Sept 27th was our next date for Six Flags awesomeness. The forecast - lots of rain. All day. The weekends between the 6th and 27th? Beautiful. Bother all. But wait! Since it wasn't supposed to be any lightning, we proceeded with our plans, and God was incredibly gracious and held off the rain. I think it only rained (which was more of a mist) for about 15 minutes in the afternoon. The rest of the day was clear.
It's a general misconception that giraffes are herbivores. I say misconception because under further investigation, we found they do indeed like plants, but they also are quite fond of metal. I have no idea how they feel about meat, but metal? Huge fans. They tried to eat our cars while we drove through the safari. There's nothing quite like huge giraffe lip marks on your window.
Another misconception - not having to wait in line at all for rollercoasters in the ideal situation. Well, maybe not being forced to wait is great, but not waiting can be argued against. The park was pretty much empty - fantastic. We went on a bunch of coasters more than once in a row, and it was fun...until we realized that one's brain is not accustomed to handling such G-forces without having time to regain equilibrium between coasters. I was not the only queezy one.
But it was so much fun! So many coasters, and we were back by 5pm! We hit every coaster (including the runaway train - not meant for people with long legs) except the scream machine. Because honestly - our heads and stomachs did not need that many flips and shakes as the Scream Machine would provide. The whole day was sweet.
And that's September
Lets start at the very beginning...
Fellowship Baptist Church began their newly redesigned Young Adults Ministry at the end of May 2008. Under the leadership of seven individuals, YAM set out to provide an avenue for the young adults to connect with each other, grow in their relationship with Christ, and serve the church and community.
Much has happened in the past five months. Detailing everything would take way too much space and time, but here's a quick overview.
Bible Study on Tuesday nights has been such a blessing from God. Recently Lee's been leading because Javan's been overseas and we've been learning about the Holy Spirit and Charle Swindoll's book Flying Closer to the Flame.
About every month, we have a cookout on Sunday afternoon. These are mainly a time to connect and socialize with each other - and get a free lunch!
We've also been having big activities every month or so. I'll write more about that later.
Overall, it's been so much fun to be a part of this ministry. Everyone is so fun! And it's been awesome to grow in the Lord and watch people around me grow too.
Much has happened in the past five months. Detailing everything would take way too much space and time, but here's a quick overview.
Bible Study on Tuesday nights has been such a blessing from God. Recently Lee's been leading because Javan's been overseas and we've been learning about the Holy Spirit and Charle Swindoll's book Flying Closer to the Flame.
About every month, we have a cookout on Sunday afternoon. These are mainly a time to connect and socialize with each other - and get a free lunch!
We've also been having big activities every month or so. I'll write more about that later.
Overall, it's been so much fun to be a part of this ministry. Everyone is so fun! And it's been awesome to grow in the Lord and watch people around me grow too.
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