Just wanted to let you all know about something pretty cool…

Phil Wickham is a worship leader and musician from San Diego, and he just released a FREE worship album. It’s a live recording of a show of his from a couple months back.

If you’re interested in checking out more information or downloading it, go to his website.

I downloaded it yesterday and have been loving listening to it!

So, this past week (July 27-Aug.2) we went up to Hume for our summer camp.  Out of the dozen or so trips/camps/retreats that I’ve been able to help lead, I truly believe that this one stands out as the best.

Students’ attitudes were amazing, group unity was tight, maturity on behalf of the students and leaders was shown, and I could go on and on…

But the thing that struck me most was how serious our students were about growing in their understanding of who God is and how we can know him more intimately.  Discussion and devotional times were exciting to be a part of because of the questions asked, the thoughts shared, and the hunger in the hearts of our students to grow closer to God.

I was so encouraged to see our group bond at Hume.  Whether it was during Friday’s “church time”, the scavenger hunt/group games on Wednesday, or just throughout each day, I was so thankful for what I saw:  8th graders hanging out with 6th and 7th graders; older students setting great examples for younger students (and leaders); uplifting words being spoken; students flat out enjoying being around each other.

Some of my highlights from camp:

• After one of our students had a book she was reading wrecked, a group of our girls secretly pooled their money together to buy a new copy of the book for her.  Acts 2, anyone?
• Going on the high adventure course with a bunch of our students
• Seeing many students give their lives to Christ for the first time and others giving him more control over certain areas
• Friday’s church time - hearing from our students, “yarn encouragement”, and hugging it out
• Going to Victory Circle on Friday night and hearing a student say, “This week God taught me that it’s ok if I don’t fit in with other people because I know that I will fit in just fine in heaven.”

To everyone who went: Thanks for making it such an amazing week!
To those who didn’t: I look forward to being able to have experiences like this with many of you during this next year.

We’ll be going to Rancho Sordo Mudo in Mexico next month, so make sure you get signed up so you can be a part of a trip like this with our group!

Tori’s sad cuz camp’s over!

We got back from camp at Hume Lake and there are a ton of pictures at our flickr site.

More info on our week at Hume coming soon!

Click on the image below to check out our calendar for the month!

Some highlights:

Pizza Port - 8.5

Beach Day @ T Street - 8.12

Family Bonfire @ T Street - 8.19

On Tuesday, August 5th we’re going to Pizza Port.

We’ll meet there at 6 PM to eat some food, play some games, and hang out.

Bring $5 for pizza and money for a drink and games.

As always, bring friends and be ready to have a good time!

Go to our flickr site to see new pictures…

or Darren will forever haunt your dreams!

Seriously, do it.

Just a reminder to everyone that there is no middle school service this Sunday, July 27th at 9 or 10:45.  We will be at Hume Lake, so those of you who aren’t coming with should head into the main service in the auditorium.

This past weekend we looked at a couple verses in the book of Philippians (click here to read them again).  In the passage Paul encourages us to set our thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

We talked about how the source of those characteristics is God, so ultimately, we need to keep our focus on Him to make sure our thoughts are where they should be.

Remember my story about learning to drive?  I realized that wherever I was looking was where I would end up going.

I want to encourage you all to remember that the things we are focused on will determine the direction we’re heading in life.

Think about the TV shows, movies, music, friends, magazines, internet sites, language, and hobbies in your life…

Are all these things you’re surrounding yourself with helping you focus on God, or are they leading you away from Him?

My prayer for us all is that we would continue or begin to give God more control of our lives and all that we are holding onto.
I just found this picture and thought it was pretty cool…

SLIP ‘N SLIDE 2008

Tuesday — July 22nd — 6-8 PM –@ PCC –$2

Bring your swimsuit, bring your friends, bring your towel, and bring your skills.

The annual slip ‘n slide party is back, and boy, lemme tell ya - it’s back with fury!

Get ready for some food, drinks, soapy-wetness, and a little competition.

See you there at 6!