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CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS! |
December 2011 | |
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God's Love Reflected In The Gift Of Children
Gifts come in many shapes, sizes...and ages. Micah and Natalie are three year old cousins and they just happen to be two of the greatest gifts in my life! During this Christmas season I have been reflecting on how these gifts from God have reminded me of God's great love for us and the Holy Gift that He gave us.
 Micah, who we sometimes call Bubba, greets you like I hope Jesus greets me some day when I get to heaven! Seriously - I actually thought of Jesus one day when Micah was showering me with hugs and kisses after I arrived at his house. During that instance, he was definitely living up to his name, which means "Who is like God!" Who am I, to deserve the unconditional love of this little person? This is like the love God has for us!
Natalie, whose name means "Birthday of Christ" is a sweetheart! As I get ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ, who came to earth in a miraculous way, I am reminded of the miracle that Natalie is. Before Natalie turned two years old she had three heart surgeries and I am extremely thankful for every "Birthday of Christ" that we get to spend with her!
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." James 1:17
On a recent shopping trip with Mommy and Grandma Kelly, Natalie suddenly exclaimed, "I like shopping!" This might not sound like a profound statement, but I'm thinking it was not so much the actual "shopping" that sparked Natalie's remark, but the time she had spent that day with two people who loved her.
Spending time with our grandchildren is a "perfect gift from above" and I think it is a glimpse into how much the Father loves us and longs to spend eternity with us, so much so that He sent His only Son to die for us. Max Lucado put it so beautifully and powerfully with these words...
In an act that broke the heart of the Father, yet honored the holiness of heaven, sin-purging judgment flowed over the sinless Son of the ages.
And heaven gave earth her finest gift. The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
"My God, my God, why did you abandon me?" Why did Christ scream those words?
So you'll never have to.
Praying that everyone's Christmas is filled with those "perfect gifts" from our Father and that you remember that Gift that our Father gave us on the first Christmas! Christmas Blessings from Jeff and Lori to you all!! |
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Attention College Students!
Are you looking for a summer job?
Every summer TeenServe hires a number of college-aged students to work on our summer staff team. Working as a TeenServe Summer Staffer will involve hard work and long hours, however it is fun and immensely rewarding. If you think you are up for the challenge, please check out the Summer Staff Webpage and apply today.
We are currently taking applications and will hire our staff within the next 1-2 months. |
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Do you know what happened to your TeenServe wristband? by Dan Schewe, Youth Pastor of Faith Lutheran, Monticello, Minnesota
It was your pass to an amazing week of life-changing experiences last summer, but what became of it after the trip? Every year I run a contest for our students who attend our TeenServe trip. The student who can keep their wristband on the longest gets a prize from the TeenServe store.
In past years our contest had lasted a month or two, but much to my surprise, our contest has just ended! Of the 17 students participating in the game, three of them kept them on into November. One tragically broke off on November 28th...Sadly, another followed by releasing its hold on a student's arm on December 1st. So now we have our winner! Congratulations to Lynsey Kissinger, a freshman at North Dakota State University. I wouldn't be surprised if her wristband lasted until next summer's trip!
 | | TeenServe Wristband - Still on after all of these months! |
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2012 Dates & Locations
There are still spots in all of our locations! Register today!
Route 66 WorkCamp
Pontiac, Illinois
June 10-16, 2012
Cedar Valley WorkCamp
Waterloo, Iowa
June 24-30, 2012
Wild Rivers WorkCamp
(In partnership with Wild Rivers
Habitat For Humanity)
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
July 8-14, 2012
Holcombe, Wisconsin
ServeCamps for 6th-8th Graders
July 2-7, 2012
July 16-21, 2012
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TeenServe is on Facebook
TeenServe wants to be your friend!
Stay up on all of the latest news, and tag us in your photos from last summer! |
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Are you looking for a summer mission trip for your 6th to 8th graders? A ServeCamp may be the answer!
 What is a ServeCamp? A unique mission trip that combines "serving" with a summer camp experience. You will experience helping a resident with needed home repairs, plus fun times of swimming, canoeing, volleyball, softball, mini-golf or maybe Frisbee golf! And every evening there will be a program featuring pictures, crew stories, worship and an uplifting message!
Join us July 2-7 or July 16-21 at Christian Harbor Camp in Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin! Cost is only $325.00 per person. Space is limited, so please register early. Click here for more information! |
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CHECK OUT OUR 2011 WORKCAMP LINE-UP!!
 Phil Joel, the former bass player for the Newsboys is very excited to be leading worship at all three TeenServe WorkCamp Mission Trips next summer!
Joel Johnson
started preaching when he was 14. Since then he has ministered in over 20 nations and in hundreds of churches. As a teen, Joel surmounted the challenges brought about by poverty, a broken home, and abuse. His inspirational stories and teaching have helped thousands to find freedom from the wounds of a broken past.
Phil and Joel are very excited to serve the Lord with us next summer! They want to meet you all!!! |
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Contact TeenServe
888-59TEENS (888-598-3367)
www.teenserve.org
info@teenserve.org |
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