Day Three

The week just keeps getting better and better! We had an incredible session last night as we heard from Jared again and learned how to live in rhythm with other people and the importance of asking for and giving forgiveness. Many of our students and staff decided that they needed to let people who have hurt them, know that they now forgive them. The theme of rhythm has so many implications and I am so excited to see where they will take it next! We are having a great time getting to know each other better as well as we hang out in the water and on the beach, eating laughing and worshiping together. This morning we has an eye-opening session about how to love the world as Jesus does. We learned about the things that BigStuf is involved in, like the 410 Bridge which aids communities in Kenya to give them clean water, education, food and shelter as they tell them about Jesus., as well as Compassion International, and already many of our students have pledged to sponsor a child in Kenya and make their life better. It is amazing to see the difference that these students are dedicated to making. They want to live a story bigger than just being an average middle schooler or high schooler, and they are getting an opportunity to be Jesus to the world, and put their faith into action. The band taught us a new song based off of Micah 6:8 which catalyzes the movement here at camp! Its been awesome. Tonight's session is going to be rad... the Big Stuff staff let Katie and Kurt get a little preview of tonight session which has a very funny guest, but we have to keep it a secret, so we will fill you in more tomorrow. See you then!

Day Two

We had an incredible night last night and an amazing session this morning! We are learning how to live in rhythm with both God and ourselves, and then tonight we are learning about how to live in rhythm with other people. Last night after the main session we got to meet as a church group (we are one of the bigger groups here) and talk about what the student caught from the message. Jared Heard challenged them to live a life that puts God in the center so that everything else flows in its natural rhythm. Many of our student opened up about what they were struggling with and what needed to change in their life. It was a great starter! Many of them were still chewing on what we learned two weeks ago back at POG, about who we are trusting more than God. It was really cool to see that they are catching the things that God is doing and speaking into their hearts. Tonight after the session we will meet again and split up into guys and girls and go deeper in to how we can practically love ourselves and others. I cant wait! We are having a blast and the students are being blown away by the speakers and the music and all the cool stuff, like the ocean! We are loving it! Look for more updates tomorrow! :)

Check this out!

Here is a sweet video from the Big Stuf opening session last night. The theme for the week is "Rhythm" so they started off with a stomp type thing.... but then they took it to the next level!! Check it out!

We're Here!

Just wanted to let you all know that we made it here safe and sound and are having a great time in the sun and sand! We will be posting more updates as the days go on!

Vitals - July 22nd

The Spark (Jr. High) - July 15th
Message - "Stories: The Helmet of Salvation" by Kurt
Key Points:
How you THINK determines how you ACT.
NEW LIFE means you get a fresh start. You are FORGIVEN for your sins and mistakes.
Salvation is to be SHARED not STORED.
Knowing that Jesus forgave your PAST, gives you freedom to live for Him in the PRESENT.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13,17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Acts 13:47, John 20:31
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and The Spark band
Attendance:
Total: 71
1st Service: 32 (22 students, 10 leaders)
2nd Service: 39 (29 students, 10 leaders)

42 (High School) - July 15th
Message - "Stories: The Helmet of Salvation" by Kurt
Key Points:
How you THINK determines how you ACT.
NEW LIFE means you get a fresh start. You are FORGIVEN for your sins and mistakes.
Salvation is to be SHARED not STORED.
Knowing that Jesus forgave your PAST, gives you freedom to live for Him in the PRESENT.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13,17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Acts 13:47, John 20:31
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and The 42 band
Attendance: 42 (35 students, 7 leaders)

Vitals - July 15th

The Spark (Jr. High) - July 15th
Message - "Stories: The Shield of Faith" by Kurt
Key Points:
The Shield of Faith helps us from getting DISTRACTED from what we are designed to do.
Do you have faith in GOD for only the things you can't CONTROL?
Faith helps me LIVE like Jesus, in my LIFE, here and now.
Faith isn't just for FUTURE LIFE in heaven, it gives us a FULL LIFE, starting right now.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13-16, Luke 17:5-6, Galatians 2:19, Matthew 9:13
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and The Spark band
Attendance:
Total: 87
1st Service: 38 (27 students, 11 leaders)
2nd Service: 49 (39 students, 10 leaders)

42 (High School) - July 15th
Message - "Stories: The Shield of Faith" by Kurt
Discussion Questions:
What is the importance of faith? What difference does it make in your life or the life of your friends?
Do you ever feel like you aren't a "Good Christian"? Why?
Key Points:
The Shield of Faith helps us from getting DISTRACTED from what we are designed to do.
Do you have faith in GOD for only the things you can't CONTROL?
Faith helps me LIVE like Jesus, in my LIFE, here and now.
Faith isn't just for FUTURE LIFE in heaven, it gives us a FULL LIFE, starting right now.
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13-16, Luke 17:5-6, Galatians 2:19, Matthew 9:13
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and The Spark band
Attendance: 36 (25 students, 9 leaders)

Parents... We Need Your Help (again)!

On Thursday, July 26th, we are taking a trip to OCEANS OF FUN Water Park down in Kansas City, Missouri, and we will need some help from you! We expect about 40-50 students to come with us on this trip, so if you are willing to drive, or if you have an van or SUV that we could borrow for the day, please let us know! We are leaving Point of Grace at 8:00a and returning to church at 11:00p. The trip costs $40 and includes your student's admission to the park, transportation and lunch at the park. They can bring spending money for souvenirs and other food on the way back. Please email us at katie@pointofgrace.com or kurt@pointofgrace.com if you would be willing to drive or let us borrow your vehicle. (All drivers are completely insured.) Thanks a ton!

Midweek - BOWLING!!

This Wednesday we are having Midweek at Warrior Lanes (right across the street from Church, behind the Dairy Queen). We are meeting at 6:00p and we will be done at 8:15p and it will cost $7 which includes X-treme bowling, shoes rental and pizza! Hope your student can make it! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 515.987.9595.

Vitals - July 8th

The Spark (Jr. High) - July 8th
Message - "Stories: The Shoes of Peace" by Katie
Key Points:
Peace is not a lack of CONFLICT, it comes from knowing GOD.
People will know that you follow God by: The things you SAY, and the things you DO.
The more GIVE, the more you LIVE.
Wherever you GO, what do you BRING with you?
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13-15, Romans 10:13-15, Matthew 25:40
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and The Spark band
Attendance:
Total: 91
1st Service: 39 (29 students, 10 leaders)
2nd Service: 52 (42 students, 10 leaders)

42 (High School) - July 8th
Message - "Stories: The Shoes of Peace" by Katie
Discussion Questions:
What do you think of when you hear the word "Peace"?
What was the last act of compassion that you had a part in?
Key Points:
Peace is not a lack of CONFLICT, it comes from knowing GOD.
People will know that you follow God by: The things you SAY, and the things you DO.
The more GIVE, the more you LIVE.
Wherever you GO, what do you BRING with you?
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 6:13-15, Romans 10:13-15, Matthew 25:40
Worship Led by Kurt Duggleby and the 42 band
Attendance: 34 (25 students, 9 leaders)