Baggage Check...

While there will be no Student Ministries services the next two weekends, Dec. 23/24 and Dec. 30/31, beginning Jan. 6/7th we embark on a new journey. We will be starting a new series in Student Ministries called "BAGGAGE CHECK" to deal with the junk that we all carry in our lives, and together we will look to God to help, and heal us as we become real and authentic with each other. Please encourage your student and their friends to attend this powerful series as we discover the life that God has intended us to live, as we release our junk and check our Baggage into God's care.

Jan. 6/7 - "Who Me?" (Dealing with Denial)
Jan. 13/14 - "Above the Influence" (Overcoming Addictions)
Jan. 20/21 - "Re-Record the Tapes" (Escaping Emotional Baggage)
Jan. 27/28 - "I'm Not Special" (Overcoming Depression)

Vitals - Dec. 16, 17

42 (High School) - Dec. 16th
Message - "A Christmas Story" by Kurt and Katie
Discussion Questions:
"What is the worst gift you ever got for Christmas? The best?"
"When was the last time in your life that you were truly surprised?"
Key Points:
JESUS was the surprise Christmas gift.
Sometimes when things seem OUT OF CONTROL, we realize what is really IMPORTANT.
Our MISTAKES make room for God's MIRACLES.
Verses Referenced: Luke 1:28-30, Matthew 1:18-21
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Leah Banks
Attendance: 17 (13 students, 4 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Dec. 17th
Message - "A Christmas Story" by Kurt and Katie
Key Points:
JESUS was the surprise Christmas gift.
Sometimes when things seem OUT OF CONTROL, we realize what is really IMPORTANT.
Our MISTAKES make room for God's MIRACLES.
Verses Referenced: Luke 1:28-30, Matthew 1:18-21
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark Band
Attendance: 92
1st Service: 42 (32 students, 10 leaders)
2nd Service: 50 (41 students, 9 leaders)

Here Come the Snow Trips!!

Hey Students! We got two of our biggest events of the year coming up! Don't miss out on our winter extravaganza events! Be sure to sign up for either of these events at 42 on Saturday nights or at the Spark on Sunday morning! Be sure to get your parents to fill out the permission slips and put down the deposit. Invite your friends to jump in on the fun as well!

Here are the details:

Jr. High - SNOWFEST 2007
Feb. 23-25, 2007
Afton Alps in Minnesota
Cost: $199 ($50 deposit due at registration, entire balance due on or before Feb. 18th)
Come by the Student Zone for a registration form, and to get signed up!
Any questions call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133

High School - WINTERFEST '07
March 20-24, 2007
Winter Park in Colorado
Cost: $399 ($100 deposit due at registration, entire balance due on or before Feb. 18th)
Come by the Student Zone for a registration form, and to get signed up!
Any questions call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Jake at 515.987.9595 ext. 135

Vitals - Dec. 9,10

42 (High School) - Dec. 9th
Discussion Questions:
"What do you think is the real meaning of Christmas?"
"What comes to mind when you think about spiritual maturity?"
Message - "The Nightmare Before Christmas" by Kurt
Key Points:
KNOWING something is way less important that LOVING someone.
Jack learned about the Christmas EXPRESSIONS, but missed the Christmas EXPERIENCE.
You can have all the PACKAGING, and still the PURPOSE of Christmas.
Verses Referenced: 1 Corinthians 8:1, James 1:22-24, Luke 2:34
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: 27 (21 students, 6 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Nov. 26th
Message - "The Nightmare Before Christmas" by Kurt
Key Points:
KNOWING something is way less important that LOVING someone.
Jack learned about the Christmas EXPRESSIONS, but missed the Christmas EXPERIENCE.
You can have all the PACKAGING, and still the PURPOSE of Christmas.
Verses Referenced: 1 Corinthians 8:1, James 1:22-24, Luke 2:34
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark band
Total Attendance: 91
1st Service: 53 (46 students 7 leaders)
2nd Service: 44 (38 students, 6 leaders)

REGISTRATION FRENZY!!!

Starting this week, we have registration for three of our biggest events of the year!

Jr. High - SNOWFEST 2007
Feb. 23-25, 2007
Afton Alps in Minnesota
Cost: $199 ($50 deposit due at registration, entire balance due on or before Feb. 18th)
Come by the Student Zone for a registration form, and to get signed up!
Any questions call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133

High School - WINTERFEST '07
March 20-24, 2007
Winter Park in Colorado
Cost: $399 ($100 deposit due at registration, entire balance due on or before Feb. 18th)
Come by the Student Zone for a registration form, and to get signed up!
Any questions call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Jake at 515.987.9595 ext. 135

Jr. High & High School - BIG STUF CAMP
July 28- Aug. 3, 2007
Panama City Beach, Florida
Cost: $450 ($100 deposit due at registration, entire balance due on or before May 6th)
Come by the Student Zone for a registration form, and to get signed up!
Any questions call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133

Vitals - Dec. 2,3

42 (High School) - Dec. 2nd
Community Night
Total Attendance: 27 (19 Students, 8 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Dec. 3rd
Message - "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Kurt and Katie
Key Points:
The Grinch focused on the GIFTS, the Who's focused on the GIVING.
The joy of the Who's helped the Grinch to GROW.
This Christmas, it is better to give GRACE, than get GIFTS.
Verses Referenced: Matthew 16:19-20, Luke 2:16-20
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Leah Banks
Total Attendance: 106
1st Service: 64 (53 students 11 leaders)
2nd Service: 42 (36 students, 8 leaders)

"{Christ}mas Movie Makeover" Series

This weekend (12.2-12.3) we will officially be diving head first into the Christmas season! We will be beginning a 3-week series called "{Christ}mas Movie Makeovers" where we will be discovering how God wants to speak to us through the classic movies of Christmas. The students will learn how to find Jesus' presence in Hollywood. Be sure your students come out to all three weeks!

Dec. 2,3 - "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Dec. 9,10 - "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Dec. 16,17 - "The Christmas Story"

High School Service This Weekend...

If you are a parent of a High School Parent PLEASE READ THIS...

Due to a lack of connection within the High School Ministry, we feel that it is very important to provide some ways for the students to connect to each other, so instead of doing business as usual next weekend (12.2), we will be taking the students across the street to Warrior Lanes to go Bowling. The church will pay for this so there is no reason for your student to not attend. Please however, keep this a secret from your High School Student, but encourage them to attend. We will meet at church as if having a normal service, however we will go to Warrior Lanes. We will be back at the church at 6:40pm so to not impose on anyone's schedule. This is just to give you a heads up. If you have any questions please contact Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134. Thanks and again please DO NOT tell you student about this.

If you student would like to participate in the first installment of our Christmas Movie Makeover Series "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" please encourage them to attend both Saturday night and Sunday morning!

Kurt

Vitals - Nov. 25, 26

42 (High School) - Nov. 25th
Discussion Questions:
"What words would you use to describe your faith/religion/walk with God?"
"What comes to your mind when your hear someone say the word 'Risk'?"
Message - "Life to the Extreme" by Kurt
Key Points:
EXPECT great things from God.
EXPLORE God's track record.
EXPERIENCE God's best in your life.
Verses Referenced: 2 Corinthians 11:22-26, 1 Samuel 14:6
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: 22 (17 students, 5 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Nov. 26th
Message - "Life to the Extreme" by Kurt
Key Points:
EXPECT great things from God.
EXPLORE God's track record.
EXPERIENCE God's best in your life.
Verses Referenced: 2 Corinthians 11:22-26, 1 Samuel 14:6
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Leah Banks
Total Attendance: 83
1st Service: 44 (36 students 8 leaders)
2nd Service: 39 (33 students, 6 leaders)

Habitat for Humanity Service Project - Nov. 24th

This Friday, November 24th, we will doing a service project at Jordan Creek Town Center. We are partnering with Habitat for Humanity and will be wrapping gifts for free in the mall. We will be stationed across from GAP on the upper level of Jordan Creek.

We will have two sessions, 11:30a - 3:00p and from 3:00p - 6:30p. If your student serves in the first session , they will get a free lunch before they serve. If they serve during the second session they will get a free dinner. Here's how it works:

Session 1:
Drop-off: 11:30a at the Fireplace by Panera Bread
Pick up: 3:00p by GAP

Session 2:
Drop -off: 3:00p by GAP
Pick up: 6:30p at the Fireplace by Panera Bread

We hope that your student will be able to come and serve with us! Also, if you would like to come and help out and hang with us and with your students, we would love that!! If you have any questions, please call Katie at 515.577.9212. See you Friday!

Vitals - Nov. 18, 19

42 (High School) - Nov. 18th
Discussion Questions:
"What was the last thing that you spent a lot of money on?"
"Do you consider yourself a generous or sacrificial person? Why?"
Key Point:
God cares more about your attitude than anything else.
If you are not able to accept and connect with people that are different than you, you need to find another church...
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: 21 (15 students, 6 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Nov. 9th
Message - "Breaking the Bank" by Kurt
Key Points:
Realize that everything is a GIFT
It's all about your ATTITUDE, not the AMOUNT.
Trust God with you MONEY, and you will have more than you will ever NEED.
Verses Referenced: James 1:17, Matthew 12:41-42, Malachi 3:10
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark band
Total Attendance: 103
1st Service: 46 (36 students 10 leaders)
2nd Service: 57 (51 students, 7 leaders)

Parental Guidance

Attention Parents!

This weekend we are wrapping up our series called "Life 360" with a message called "Life to the Extreme" which is about risk, opportunity and making the most of the life God has called us to live. It is going to be an extremely exciting weekend! We are also giving away the Xbox 360 this weekend! Its going to be awesome!

In the message this weekend, we will be using a clip from the movie "Braveheart" to give a picture of risk. In our youth ministry, specifically in the Spark for Jr. High students, we have an unspoken rule that we will never show a clip from an R rated movie in a weekend service without letting the parents know first. So we are writing here to let you know that we will be showing a clip from "Braveheart" this weekend. The clip will be clean and have no language or violence. If you have any questions about this please feel free to call me at 515.987.9595 ext. 134. Thanks!

Kurt

High School Service Next Weekend...

If you are a parent of a High School Parent PLEASE READ THIS...

Due to a lack of connection within the High School Ministry, we feel that it is very important to provide some ways for the students to connect to each other, so instead of doing business as usual next weekend (12.2), we will be taking the students across the street to Warrior Lanes to go Bowling. The church will pay for this so there is no reason for your student to not attend. Please however, keep this a secret from your High School Student, but encourage them to attend. We will meet at church as if having a normal service, however we will go to Warrior Lanes. We will be back at the church at 6:40pm so to not impose on anyone's schedule. This is just to give you a heads up. If you have any questions please contact Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134. Thanks and again please DO NOT tell you student about this.

If you student would like to participate in the first instalement of our Christmas Movie Makeover Series "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" please encourage them to attend both Saturday night and Sunday morning!

Kurt

Vitals - Nov. 11,12

42 (High School) - Nov. 11th
Message - "Broadband Beliefs" by Kurt
Key Points:
Jesus is passionate enough to THINK of us.
Jesus is passionate enough to get His hands DIRTY and TOUCH people's lives.
Jesus is Passionate enough to COME TO US.
Jesus has a BROADBAND PASSION for you!
Verses Referenced: John 17:20-21, Luke 5:12-13, John 3:16-17
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: 23 (16 students, 7 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Nov. 5th
Message - "Broadband Beliefs" by Kurt
Key Points:
Jesus is passionate enough to THINK of us.
Jesus is passionate enough to get His hands DIRTY and TOUCH people's lives.
Jesus is Passionate enough to COME TO US.
Jesus has a BROADBAND PASSION for you!
Verses Referenced: John 17:20-21, Luke 5:12-13, John 3:16-17
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark band
Total Attendance: 96
1st Service: 46 (36 students 10 leaders)
2nd Service: 50 (42 students, 8 leaders)

Parent Meeting Recap...

Well parents, if you are reading this then you have fond the website, which is the first step!

We are so excited that you cared enough to spend an hour with us this past Sunday! Thanks for the amazing opportunity to be with your students every week. We are so honored to work with them and bring the reality of God to this generation!

So we want to give you a recap so that you have it, so here it goes:

The next 3 months of teaching topics:
"Life 360" - 10.15 - 11.26
"[Christ]mas Movies" - 12.3 - 12.17
Christmas Eve - No Student Services (spend time as a family)
"Baggage Check" - 1.7 - 1.28
"Do you like me? Yes...No...Maybe" - 2.11 - 3.4
"Face the Music" - 3.11 -3.25

The next 3 BIG TRIPS:
- Junior High Ski/Snowboard Trip - February 2007
We will be heading up to Afton Alps in Minnesota for a full weekend of Snowboarding or skiing if you want. We will have two days on the mountain and have a blast getting to know each other and grow deeper together and we eat a bunch of snow. There will be more information on this trip coming up next week. Your student will not want to miss it! It will be the highlight of the winter! Don't let them miss out. There will be scholarships for families that send multiple students, or who need to aid.

- High School Ski/Snowboard Trip - March 2007
High school will be heading over to Colorado for 4 days, (3 days of skiing and/or snowboarding) for a cool version of Spring Break. If your student went last year, you know how much of a highlight this trip was. This year we want to step it up to another level. We know that this trip will be kinda pricey, around $425 per person, and we need 40 students to go, so please encourage your students to sign up and not miss this opportunity to have fun, hang out and meet new students and grow deeper spiritually and relationally!

- Summer Camp - July 2007
This summer, July to be exact, we are going to BIG STUF CAMP in Panama City Beach. It is going to be an amazing week of worship, growing deeper in friendships, connecting more intimately with God and playing at the beach! We know this camp is expensive and far away, but it is the #2 ranked Christian camp in the nation, and is staffed by some of the most sought-after speakers and musicians and staff in the world, and we want the best for our students. Also, we wanted to go to a camp that would enable us to spend as much time with YOUR STUDENTS, rather than worrying about putting on the program. The value of this camp will be much higher than anything we could do around here, and we want a valuable experience to really WOW your students and bring them back ready to change their campus for Christ. If you have any questions about this please contact us so we can walk through this together, but we are very excited about this camp and while it might be expensive and tense up front because its new, we think that YOU will be just as excited about it after we get back! Please dont let your student miss this opportunity.

It will cost around $450, but we will give a $50 break for each additional student per family, and there will be plenty of financial aid available, and we will be in Florida for a week towards the end of July. We will be renting a charter bus to drive down there and your students will have a blast! Again please check out the Big Stuf website and let us know how we can keep you involved. There will be much more information coming soon, but wanted to give you an early heads up!

Hope that helps you. Again please, please, please contact us and let us know how we can help and serve you and your students better! Thanks parents and have a great day!

Vitals - Nov. 4,5

42 (High School) - Nov. 4th
Message - "Wireless Connections" by Katie
Key Points:
God invites us into a GREAT LIFE, which is lived in the context of RELATIONSHIPS.
Keys to Connection: HUMILITY, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE, FORGIVENESS.
INVITE your friends in the areas of life that are most IMPORTANT to you.
Our FRIENDSHIPS with people, reflect our RELATIONSHIP with God.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 4:1-2, John 13:34-35,
Worship led by Jake Nelson
Attendance: 18 (10 students, 8 leaders)

The Spark (Jr. High) - Nov. 5th
Message - "Wireless Connections" by Katie
Key Points:
God invites us into a GREAT LIFE, which is lived in the context of RELATIONSHIPS.
Keys to Connection: HUMILITY, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE, FORGIVENESS.
INVITE your friends in the areas of life that are most IMPORTANT to you.
Our FRIENDSHIPS with people, reflect our RELATIONSHIP with God.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 4:1-2, John 13:34-35,
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark band
Total Attendance: 102
1st Service: 54 (42 students 12 leaders)
2nd Service: 48 (38 students, 10 leaders)

Vitals - Oct. 28,29

42 (High School) - Oct. 28th
Message - "Character Creation" by Kurt
Key Points:
Character is who you are when NO ONE is looking.
Your CHARACTER is based on who YOU think YOU are.
Am I living to please OTHERS, or am i living a life of CHARACTER?
Your character is who you REALLY ARE.
Verses Referenced: Romans 5:1-5, John 15:1-4
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: Total: 28 (22 students, 6 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Oct. 29th
Message - "Character Creation" by Kurt
Key Points:
Character is who you are when NO ONE is looking.
Your CHARACTER is based on who YOU think YOU are.
Am I living to please OTHERS, or am i living a life of CHARACTER?
Your character is who you REALLY ARE.
Verses Referenced: Romans 5:1-5, John 15:1-4
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the Spark band
Attendance: Total: 93
First Service: 46 (34 students, 12 leaders)
Second Service: 47 (38 students, 9 leaders)

Parent Meeting - Nov. 5th

Attention Parents!

Next Sunday, November 5th, at 12:30p in the Student Zone (Theatre) we will be having a parent meeting. If you have a student in Student Ministries or if you would like them to be involved, please attending this meeting. We will try to keep it to only an hour, and we will be letting you know of all the cool things that will be happening in the next few months in Student Ministries... including a very important Summer Camp announcement that you will want to be there for. If you have any questions, call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133. See you at the meeting next Sunday!!

Vitals - Oct. 21,22

42 (High School) - Oct. 21th
Message - "Hearing God in Surround Sound" by Kurt
Key Points:
To hear from God we have to DIE TO SELF.
There are things that God wants to do IN and THROUGH you, if you would just listen to Him.
What is your ATTITUDE and RESPONSE to what God has to say to you?
Verses Referenced: Deuteronomy 5:24-27
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 band
Attendance: Total: 22 (15 students, 7 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Oct. 21th
Message - "Hearing God in Surround Sound" by Kurt
Key Points:
Some ways that we can hear from God:
READ THE BIBLE PRAYER
COME TO CHURCH PARENTS
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS PERSONAL SILENCE
Verses Referenced: Deuteronomy 5:24-27
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Leah Banks
Attendance: Total: 103
First Service: 39 (28 students, 11 leaders)
Second Service: 64 (56 students, 8 leaders)

New Series Starting in Student Ministries!

Hey everyone! Don't miss out on the new series in Student Ministries starting this Sunday, October 22nd at both the Waukee and Ankeny campuses!!

Life 360 will be a powerful series on life, friendships, money, risk, identity and faith. Be sure your students attend all six weeks to get your raffle tickets for a chance to win an XBOX 360 and other sweet prizes! Thats right! Every week that they attend, they will receive a raffle ticket for the XBOX 360. If they bring a new friend and they will receive an extra ticket that week, and their friend will receive 5 tickets! So the more friends that they bring the more tickets you earn!!

We hope that you will help up encourage your students to attend this life-changing series! Even if they don't win the XBOX 360, they will learn about themselves, their friends and God and be able to experience Him in a more real way, so you don't want them to miss it! Hope to see your student this weekend! It's going to be amazing!

Could your Student Help with the Fall Festival??

Hey parents! What are your students doing on October 27th?

We would love for them to come and help out with the Fall Festival at Point of Grace! The Fall Festival is a community outreach event for families with elementary age children and we need your help! Your students are needed to run the carnival games (the real deal!) for the kids from 6:30-8:30p. Also as a thank you we will throw an outrageous Halloween Party for the Student Ministries on Halloween Night! They won't want to miss out on it because it will be so much fun!

If you could help us get them involved, either email Kurt at kurt@pointofgrace.com or have them sign up this weekend at 42 or The Spark.

They will need to show up next Friday night, October 27th at 5p for pizza dinner and instructions and then the Festival starts at 6:30p. We will be done around 9 p.

Please have your student attend dressed up in costume, however we ask that what they wear is appropriate for little children, so nothing gross, scary or scandalous. Thanks so much. We appreciate your help and we will see you at the Fall Festival!

Parents! We need your feedback!

Hey parents!

As a staff team we are making some decisions about the possibility of summer camp. Yeah, I know we haven't even had the first snow yet, but we need to start thinking about summer camp. We are getting really excited about a couple different camps and so we wanted to put it out to you as parents to see what you would like for your students!! Please post a comment to this post, or you can email Kurt at kurt@pointofgrace.com and let him know what your opinion is about camps!

Ok, so here are the options:
1. Big Stuf Camps
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Cost: Approx. $450.
Website: http://www.bistuf.com

2. Kamp Kanukuk
Location: Southwest Missouri
Cost: Approx. $350
Website: http://www.kanukuk.com

3. Hidden Acres Camp
Location: Dayton, Iowa
Cost: Approx. $325
Website: http://www.hacamps.org

We have talked to many other church leaders in Iowa that take their students to Big Stuf camps in Florida. Its is an amazing camp (Ranked #2 in the nation) with amazing worship bands, world renowned speakers and an incredible setting (duh!) However we understand that it is a long drive and an expensive camp, so we wanted to run it by you parents first. We would love to take the students there but we need to know that 50 students would be able to go. So let us know what you think. Also for those families with multiple students, there will be a $50 cost break for each additional student that you sent to camp. We do what we can. Thanks parents.... Hope to hear from you soon!

Vitals - Oct. 14,15

42 (High School) - Oct. 14th
Message - "Faith" by Katie
Key Points:
Faith is the Spiritual word for TRUST.
Our ABILITY to fully experience God has been BROKEN.
Faith is a NON-SENSE, and we are the proof.
Verses Referenced: Hebrews 11:1, Exodus 33:19-20, Luke 17:20-21, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Worship led by Stephen Ites and the 42 band
Attendance: Total: 18 (14 students, 4 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Oct. 14th
Message - "Faith" by Katie
Key Points:
Faith is the Spiritual word for TRUST.
Our ABILITY to fully experience God has been BROKEN.
Faith is a NON-SENSE, and we are the proof.
Verses Referenced: Hebrews 11:1, Exodus 33:19-20, Luke 17:20-21, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Worship led by: Leah and Stephen
Attendance: Total: 75
1st Service: 28 students, 6 leaders
2nd Service: 36 students, 5 leaders

Going to the Movies?

With a lot of new movies that your students will want to see, like Employee of the Month with Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson, however, there might actually be one that promotes Christian values and a radical faith in Jesus. Facing the Giants is a film made by two pastors from Georgia, and was actually picked up by Sony Pictures and had done very well in test markets, somewhat surprising due to its very upfront Christian message. It is still showing at Jordan Creek, so go see it this week with your family. For a review of the movie from pastors.com check out this link.

Vitals - Oct. 7,8

42 (High School) - Oct. 7th
Message - "Elevate" by Kurt
Key Points:
Worship --> Honor --> ELEVATE
Whatever you VALUE the most, that is what you WORSHIP.
You can worship God ANYWHERE.
Get ELEVATED from your ordinary life.
Verses Referenced: Romans 12:1-2, Luke 4:6-7, John 4:21, Acts 17:23
Worship led by Jake, Stephen and Justin
Attendance: Total: 23 (18 students, 5 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Oct. 8th
Message - "Elevate" by Kurt
Key Points:
Worship --> Honor --> ELEVATE
Whatever you VALUE the most, that is what you WORSHIP.
You can worship God ANYWHERE.
Get ELEVATED from your ordinary life.
Verses Referenced: Romans 12:1-2, Luke 4:6-7, John 4:21, Acts 17:23
Worship led by: Stephen and the Spark Band
Attendance: Total: 96
1st Service: 41 students, 7 leaders
2nd Service: 43 students, 5 leaders

LIFE GROUPS KICK OFF PARTY!

Hey Parents!
Your student will not want to miss the Life Group Kick Off Party!! It's this Wednesday night, at 7 pm in the Student Zone! There will be free food and games and worship, and they will find out who is in your Life Group! They will not want to miss it! If they have not signed up for a Life Group yet, ITS NOT TOO LATE! There is still time to get plugged in and invest in their spiritual life. We really hope that you will partner with us and ask your student to get in a Life Group because we believe that spiritual growth happens best in community and we want all of our students to get connected!!

Again here are the details:
LIFE GROUP KICK OFF PARTY
Wednesday, October 4th @ 7 pm
Student Zone @ POG
Don't let them forget to bring their sign up card with a Parent signature or Drivers license number!

Hope we see your son or daughter there!

Kurt and Katie

Vitals - Sept. 23, 24

42 (High School) - Sept. 23rd
"Dust" - Nooma Video by Rob Bell
Worship led by Justin Willis
Attendance: Total: 13 (9 students, 4 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Sept. 17th
Message - "Construct" by Kurt
Key Points:
Discipleship --> Grow --> CONSTRUCT
Spiritual growth is a JOURNEY, not a destination.
Healthy habits are to help you grow STRONGER, not SMARTER.
God care most about your HEART condition.
Verses Referenced: Matthew 28:19-20a, Luke 2:52, Luke 11:46, Proverbs 4:23
Attendance: Total: 95
1st Service: 31 students, 7 leaders
2nd Service: 44 students, 6 leaders, 7 high school students

Vitals - Sept. 16,17

42 (High School) - Sept. 16th
Message - "MERGE" by Kurt
Key Points:
Fellowship --> Connect --> MERGE!
We need to grow LARGER and SMALLER at the same time.
Spiritual growth happens best in a COMMUNITY
Join a Life Group!
Verses Referenced: Matthew 22:39-40, Luke 15:4, Acts 2:44
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Stephen Ites
Attendance: Total: 31 (25 students, 6 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Sept. 17th
Message - "MERGE" by Kurt
Key Points:
Fellowship --> Connect --> MERGE!
We need to grow LARGER and SMALLER at the same time.
Spiritual growth happens best in a COMMUNITY
Join a Life Group!
Verses Referenced: Matthew 22:39-40, Luke 15:4, Acts 2:44
Attendance: Total: 93
1st Service: 23 students, 10 leaders
2nd Service: 52 students, 8 leaders

CRUD WARS Recap

Thank you parents for allowing us to play and have fun with your students! CRUD WARS was a HUGE success! We had 73 students total and 10 leaders/parents helping out! We also had 36 new students at CRUD WARS or on Sunday morning, which was awesome! It was an unbelieavbly fun/gross time!

As a staff team we have set up strategic "Wins" for the different events that we do and programs that we have so that they can be evaluated on how they fulfill their purpose. Our win for ENTER (Evangelism) events like CRUD WARS is to have students say, "Wow I didn't know that I could have this much fun at a church thing. I can't wait to come back!" And we had multiple students say things very similar to that on Sunday night! So thanks for supporting us and our ministry and allowing your students to participate and bring friends to CRUD WARS! Please encourage them to bring friends to the Spark and 42 in the future as well! Thanks!

P.S. Watch for pic to be posted soon, and a video this weekend at The Spark!

Big Week For Us...

Check this out...


This was a big week for Point of Grace! We were featured in an article in Des Moines "CityView" Magazine on megachurches in the MidWest. Jeff Mullen, our lead pastor was interviewed and there were a ton of pictures, all but one, of our church in the article. You can view the article here. Super cool!

Also, the Student Ministry was featured in Waukee Today and The Dallas County News showcasing our ministry for young families in our area. Pretty sweet for the first two months! Its exciting that the community is seeing us as a movement of hope for students and families in the Des Moines area. Nothing like some free publicity!

CRUD WARS! - Sept. 17th 5-7p

Your students will not want to miss this big event! For those of you who don't know, CRUD WARS is a huge, team-based food fight! They need to bring clothes that they (and you) don't care about getting dirty... because they will get dirty!! When we are done with the food fight, we will rinse off and serve them a pizza dinner. This event is designed for them to invite friends that do not usually attend Point of Grace. We are so committed to this, Crud Wars is free with a new friend, or cost $5 if they come alone. You can get your permission slip at church or at the event, but they cannot participate without one. And it must be signed by the student's parent, not a friend's parent. Sorry...


CRUD WARS!!
Sunday, Septmeber 17th 5:00 - 7:00p
@ Point of Grace Church
$5 or free with a new friend

Got more questions? Call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133. See you Sunday Night!

Vitals - Sept. 9,10

42 (High School) - Sept. 9th
Message - "Enter" by Kurt
Key Points:
Jesus actually believed that we could have a RELATIONSHIP with God based on LOVE.
God focuses on the LOST.
Lost = valuable, important, loved, searched for.
Verses Referenced: Matt. 22:36-38, Luke 15:4, Luke 19:10
Worship led by Jake Nelson and Stephen Ites
Attendance: Total: 43 (33 students, 10 leaders)

The SPARK (Jr. High) - Sept. 10th
Message - "Enter" by Kurt
Key Points:
Jesus actually believed that we could have a RELATIONSHIP with God based on LOVE.
God focuses on the LOST.
Lost = valuable, important, loved, searched for.
Verses Referenced: Matt. 22:36-38, Luke 15:4, Luke 19:10
Attendance: Total: 94
1st Service: 44 students, 11 leaders
2nd Service: 38 students 8 leaders (1 new)

NEW SERIES STARTING SEPT. 9th & 10th

Sept. 9/10th - ENTER
Sept. 16/17th - MERGE
Sept. 23/24th - CONSTRUCT
Sept. 30th/ Oct. 1st - ACCESS
Oct. 7/8th - ELEVATE

We will be discussing why we do what we do. There will be great music, fun activities and FREE FOOD throughout the series, so your students will not want to miss any of the five weeks!

Vitals - Sept. 2,3

The SPARK - Jr. High
Message - "Igniting Creativity" by Katie
Key Points:
We are most like God when we CREATE.
True creativity is motivated by LOVE.
Verses Referenced: Isaiah 40:28, Galatians 6:5, Matthew 5:13
Worship led by Stephen Ites the Ignite Band
Attendance: Total: 64
1st Service: 26 students, 7 leaders
2nd Service: 38 students 5 leaders

42 - High School
Message - "Igniting Creativity" by Katie
Key Points:
We are most like God when we CREATE.
True creativity is motivated by LOVE.
Verses Referenced: Isaiah 40:28, Galatians 6:5, Matthew 5:13
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 Band
Attendance: Total: 31 (23 students, 8 leaders)

Want More Student Ministries?

If you would like to recieve periodic emails updating you on the environments, experiences and antics for your student to participate in through Student Ministries at Point of Grace, then please email Kurt at kurt@pointofgrace.com and he will put you on the list! Thank you!

42 MOVES TO SATURDAYS STARTING THIS WEEK!

No Wednesday Night Meetings!

This Wednesday we will not have any meetings! With the first full week of school and the big STUDENT MINISTRY LAUNCH coming up on the Septemeber 2nd and 3rd, we wanted to give students and families time to relax and get their schedules worked out.

42 will be on Saturday night September 2nd starting at 5:30 pm and Jr. High Small Groups are taking a break until October. Repeat, there will be no meetings this Wednesday night.

Vitals - August 20th, 23rd

The SPARK - Jr. High
Message - "Beyond the Yearbook: Making Lifelong Friends" by Kurt and Katie
Key Points:
Learn to GIVE more than you TAKE.
Find friends who are going in the same DIRECTION.
Verses Referenced: John 15:13, Ecclesiasties 4:12
Worship led by Stephen Ites the Ignite Band
Attendance: Total: 67
1st Service: 29 students, 6 leaders
2nd Service: 28 students 4 leaders

42 - High School
Message - "Beyond the Yearbook: Making Lifelong Friends" by Kurt and Katie
Key Points:
Learn to GIVE more than you TAKE.
Find friends who are going in the same DIRECTION.
Verses Referenced: John 15:13, Ecclesiasties 4:12
Worship led by Jake Nelson and the 42 Band
Attendance: Total: 34 (28 students, 6 leaders)

Vitals - August 13th, 16th

The SPARK - Jr. High
Message - "Beyond the Yearbook: Don't Be a Loser" by Kurt
Key Points:
God wants you to dream BIG.
Don't just dream, DO.
Include others in your DREAM.
Verses Referenced: Joel 2:28, James 1:22, Philippians 1:4
Worship led by Stephen Ites the Ignite Band
Attendance: Total: 63
1st Service: 27 students, 7 leaders
2nd Service: 24 students 5 leaders

42 - High School
Message - "Beyond the Yearbook: Don't Be a Loser" by Kurt
Key Points:
God wants you to dream BIG.
Don't just dream, DO.
Include others in your DREAM.
Verses Referenced: Joel 2:28, James 1:22, Philippians 1:4
Worship led by Jake Nelson and 42 band
Attendance: 36
(31 students, 5 leaders)

This Week's Activities:

Here are the "End of Summer" Events we have planned for you students:



MIDDLE SCHOOLERS (6th-8th):
Pool Party at the Scott's!
Friday, August 18th - 4:30 - 8 PM
FREE FOOD, GAMES AND POOL TIME!
Dress in your favorite Luau costume and don't foget sunscreen!
(New freshman may attend this event as their last event with the Middle School Ministry...)

Directions to the Scott's: 9505 Catalina Circle, Johnston
Take the NW 86th Street exit for Johnston, pass the Wynsong Theaters and continue to head north for approximately 4 miles. Pass NW 62nd Street (road closed sign) and continue on passed Beaver Creek Elementary School on the left (or west) side of the road. Go to the entrance for Green Meadows North housing development, which has a brick entrance with a sign, and turn left (west) off of NW 86th St. onto NW Newgate Dr. It is a curvy road, and follow it up until you see NW 95th Court on the right and the next left is NW 95th Street. Turn left (or south) on NW 95th St. and the next stop sign is Catalina Circle. The house on the corner of NW 95th St. and Catalina Circle. Look for signs and balloons along the way!

Contact:
Kurt's Cell 949.254.0231
Katie's Cell: 805.705.7250
Scott's House: 515.986.4118




HIGH SCHOOLERS (9th-12th):
Iowa State Fair Trip!
Wednesday, August 16th - 10:0 AM - 6:00 PM
Meet at the church at 10 am and be ready for some fun!
It's special Midway day!
$25 get you into the fair and free rides all day!
Bring extra money for food and any other carnival games!
We will be back in time for 42 at 7:00 PM...

If you have any questions about these events, call Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.987.9595 ext. 133 or email at kurt@pointofgrace.com and katie@pointofgrace.com. See you there!

Vitals - August 6th, 9th

IGNITE - Jr. High
Message - "Beyond the Yearbook: How to Look Good" by Kurt
Key Points:
Three things the Bible says make us attractive:
1. Kindness
2. Joy
3. Confidence
Verses Referenced: Titus 2:10,11
Worship led by Stephen Ites the Ignite Band
Attendance: Total - 72 1st Service: 25 students, 6 leaders 2nd Service: 37 students 4 leaders

42 - High School
Discussion - "Beyond the Yearbook: How to Look Good" by Kurt
Worship led by Jake Nelson
Attendance: 19 (17 students, 2 leaders)

Vitals - July 30th, August 2nd

IGNITE - Jr. High
Message - "Why I Follow Jesus" by Kurt
Key Points:
1. Jesus always makes room for the LEFTOUT.
2. Jesus always chooses the path of LOVE.
Verses Referenced:
Luke 19:1-7, Luke 15:3-11
Discussion Questions:
1. What can you do this week to make room for someone that is leftout?
2. What is one situation where you can choose to love, to value people, over what the world says might be "cool" or "right"?
Worship led by Stephen Ites and the Ignite band.
Attendance: Total - 62 1st Service: 29 students, 7 leaders 2nd Service: 21 students 5 leaders

42 - High School
Message - "Why I Follow Jesus" by Kurt
Key Points:
1. Jesus always makes room for the LEFTOUT.
2. Jesus always chooses the path of LOVE.
Verses Referenced:
Luke 19:1-7, Luke 15:3-11
Discussion Questions:
1. What can you do this week to make room for someone that is leftout?
2. What is one situation where you can choose to love, to value people, over what the world says might be "cool" or "right"?
3. Who is Jesus according to the Bible, which might be different that you think...
Worship led by Jake Nelson and th 42 band.
Attendance: 25 (20 students, 5 leaders)

Volunteer Training Meetings

If you are interested in being on the volunteer team for Student Ministries, please make plans to attend this interactive meeting where you will learn how your are gifted to make the maximum impact in Student Ministries at Point of Grace! For more information contact Kurt at 515.987.9595 ext. 134 or Katie at 515.98.9595 ext. 133. Participation in one of these meetings is mandatory to be a Student Ministries voluteer. Lunch will be provided.

Clarification...

Hi Parents!
Just wanted to be very clear that the changes in programming for students will not occur until the first weekend in September when we do our Student Ministy Launch for the new school year. Until then, 42 will continue to be on Wednesday nights, Jr. High small groups will remain on Wednesday nights as well. The first Saturday night 42 will be September 2nd and will be a blast! If you have any questions dont hesitate to ask! Thanks again!

Kurt and Katie
515.987.9595 ext. 134

Student Ministry Philosophy

Hello Parents!

While this information was presented in greater detail at the parent meeting, we thought we would put it up here as well so that those of you who couldn't make the meeting would know how the Student Ministry will run things... for the most part...

Purpose Statement: "Point Of Grace Student Ministries exists to create environments that help students ENTER new life in Christ, MERGE lives with other Christ followers, CONSTRUCT healthy spiritual habits, and give them ACCESS to ministry, while they ELEVATE God."

ENTER - Door:: [Evangelism]
Through creating fun, creative, relevant and authentic environments, where students are comfortable bringing their friends, we strive to capture the attention of students and get an open door for sharing the Gospel.


Student Relationship: GUEST
Key Program: REACH NIGHTS

MERGE - Freeways:: [Fellowship]
Relationships are the goal and the means of our ministry. Everything we do is designed connect students to other students. We are better together and growth happens best in the context of friendships.



Student Relationship: FRIEND
Key Program: LIFE GROUPS

CONSTRUCT - BUILDING:: [Discipleship]
We want to build into students and help them develop spiritual habits that provide the foundation for impacting the world. Teaching students how to live out their faith and think critically about what they believe helps them become the person God has in mind.


Student Relationship: APPRENTICE
Key Program: H.A.B.I.T.S.

ACCESS - KEYS:: [Ministry]
We want students to know that they each have a unique blueprint and key (spiritual gifts/talents) that God desires them to use to serve others in the church and outside of it. We don’t want them to just attend church; we want them to be the church.


Student Relationship: SERVANT
Key Program: DISCOVERY CLASS

ELEVATE - ELAVATOR:: [Worship]
We want the entire process of our student’s lives to be a journey of experiencing and falling deeper in love with Jesus. We want to develop students who strive for His renown, rather than their own personal fame.


Student Relationship: LEADER
Key Program: WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICE

We plan on running everything according to this philospohy. So if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask! You can email us: katie@pointofgrace.com or kurt@pointofgrace.com or call the Church office at 515.987.9595 ext 133 (Katie) or ext. 134 (Kurt).

Thanks so much for yours prayers and support and if we can help in any way please let us know! God Bless!

Parent Meeting

Hi Parents!
For those of you that have found this site you know that it is your connection hub to the Student Ministries staff at Point of Grace. We want to help you stay connected!

Wanted to let you know that there will be a informal, but super important parent meeting this Sunday, July 30th at 12:30 PM (after second service) in the Student Room. We promise it won't be a waste of your time like this:


We look forward to being able to get to know you and letting you get to know us. We will also discuss the plans we have for Student Minstries and have options for you to get involved if you wish to do so. Cant wait! See you on Sunday!

Kurt and Katie

Hey Everyone!

Hey everyone! We are moving out to Iowa next week! We can not wait to see you and meet you all when we get there! May God Bless you this week!

--- Kurt and Katie

P.S. Here is what we look like: