Hey all I am passing on a great review of a new “reality” show that MTV is producing called “Skins”. You may have heard about this show as it is stirring up lots of controversy, and rightfully so, for what it depicts as the normal teenage life. I will say I have not watched an actual episode yet but am relying on Walt Mueller for his expert opinion on this show. From what I do know about Skins it is NOT accurately portraying the life of most teenagers, except for the fact all teenagers live in pain and abandonment. Here is a link to the article, http://youthministry.com/files/skins_-_3d_review.pdf, and I encourage to be informed about what some of your teen’s friends, or maybe even your teenager, is watching. Please know I am here to help you navigate the world of media with your teenager so don’t hesitate to ask me any question.

Lastly, if you are on facebook please “like” the CREW Student Ministry page here and stay on top of the latest information and calendar issues. As always this email will be put on the church website so you can always find out the latest thoughts on the CREW and our community.

This past weekend was the CREW Lock-in and by most accounts it was a huge success. Around 40 teenagers, some new to the CREW and church in general, had a blast at Gameworks in Newport, the Church, Northwest Lanes for bowling, and then back to the church for more games. I am also deeply grateful to the adults who helped out this year: Chris Metzger, Stacy Dickman, Angie Inloes, Shelly Lakes, Aleesha Spence, Ginger Spence, Jan Smith, and Mike Gipson.

Even though we had a lot of fun we also talked about how because we are created by God we have value. Our value is not because of what we do or do not do but because who God is and what he has done for us. We started in Genesis, moved to Psalm 139, on to Jesus in John 3:16 and finished with the promise of Revelation. This was a challenge to some and later conversations helped to make it “real” for them. This is why we do the Lock-in: to help students know there is a group of people, FBC and God, who cares about them and loves them for who they are.

Thanks for all who prayed, helped out, and send their student. Also, we had quite a few scholarships given to those for this event and if you would like to give to help out please let me know. We use our CREW budget for this event so please don’t worry about it.

If you would like to see photos please find our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/CREW-Student-Ministries/147594568611631 or by clicking on the “facebook” button on the side.

Loving teens with God’s love,
Jeremy

Hey all this is the article which appeared in the latest Courier but I wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to see it. Let me know if you have any questions.

In my article last month I started to talk about the “New and Improved CREW that will begin on January 19. If you don’t remember what was mentioned in that article, lost your Courier, or recycled your Courier since then please visit www.firstbaptisthamilton.org/student to read the article.
The questions that now must be answered is this, “What will the new and improved look like?” And, “Why is this necessary?” It is my goal to answer both of these questions in this short space but I do encourage you to ask me any questions you may still have. I also hope to flesh out this article on the CREW blog found at the above address in the next couple weeks as well.
The first question is probably the easier of the two to explain and understand. Starting on January 19 we will be splitting our Lifeline time between our 7th and 8th graders (Jr. High) and our 9th-12th graders (Sr. High). Each will have a unique and own Lifeline time but it will be held on different days. For instance, Wednesday nights will be the Lifeline night for our Jr. High CREW members while our Sr. High CREW members will be in their small groups. Starting on Sunday January 23 our Sr. High CREW members will experience Lifeline while our Jr. High CREW members will be in their small group. The only difference between the new and improved CREW and our current set up is what we offer on which ministry night. Both our Jr. and Sr. High students will have Lifeline and small groups, just maybe not on the same night as previously.
This also means we will need to start on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm so we can spend time together as one large CREW family (both Sr. High and Jr. High together) so we do not lose our connectedness. On Sunday nights we will be starting at 5:30pm to do the same thing; intentional time of CREW connectedness and hang out time. During these large group times we will be able to give announcements and participate in activities while allowing our younger CREW members to connect with older CREW members and vice versa.
The second question is one that we CREW leaders prayed hard about and challenged each other. In short, we believe by going to this new format we will be able to better disciple and engage our students in their faith. It allows for a more pointed and intentional ministry to occur because of the differences between Jr. Highers and their Sr. High peers. It is because of our desire: to help students grow in their relationship with Christ, encourage Christ-like relationships with others, and find their place in the Church by the time they graduate high school that propels and motivates this decision.
We believe this allows us to accomplish our mission and vision more effectively, efficiently, and biblically. It is also our desire to be obedient to where God is calling, and how God is asking us to minister, to students at First Baptist Church for this season. This does not mean we weren’t doing well before but that we feel God is asking us to go on this path for this time.
We also know that this format works well for the school year but during our summer months the CREW will be one large group for our weekly gatherings. Also, know that we will be even more intentional about our large group times and what we need to provide so that all CREW members see themselves connected and the unity of the CREW is not compromised.
So what does this mean for you? As parents we hope you will encourage your teen to actively be a part of the CREW and invite their friends to do so as well. We hope that you see how valuable this will be for your family and help to keep your teenager actively a part of the CREW. Hopefully, it will help your teenager grow and mature in their faith as well. For the church members without someone in the CREW this means that you can know the CREW Ministry is being intentional on how to reach students for Christ. For teenagers this means you will have time for just your respective age group allowing more pointed conversations on the issues important for you.
Lastly, I hope you will pray for the CREW leaders and me as we follow the will of the One who called us to minister to His teenagers.

Be God’s,
Jeremy

The past couple months the CREW Leadership Team consisting of: Mike and Dale Braun, John and Ruthie Wallace, Aleesha Spence, Linda Wallace, Linda Cain, Jan Smith, and Ryan Inloes, and myself have been meeting to pray about what God wants next in the CREW ministry.  We have enjoyed our time of prayer together and are excited about what God is doing here in the CREW and among FBC at large.  Over the months of December and beginning of January you will be hearing about the vision God has given us to improve our ministry to students and their families.  I hope you will continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord to make sure we are following His path and not our own.

However as we start to improve our ministry we must realize there will be some things that cannot be improved on.  First off, the Word of God will not, cannot, and must not be “improved” because it is God’s Word alone and did not and does not originate with us.  2 Peter 1.19-20 states, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  The CREW will also give the Word of God as the only source of authority and life.

Secondly, we will always be about relationships.  Regardless of the format and ‘how’ we do CREW ministry relationship with students, their families, Christ, and the larger church will be emphasized.  We will make sure there is appropriate and sufficient time for our students to interact with others and the larger church.  The CREW will always remain a part of the larger picture and strive to connect our students into the church not just youth ministry.   In improving how we do ministry we are able to create better environments where life-changing relationships with Christ can be formed and deeper and healthier relationships with peers can also be developed.  Solomon while writing Ecclesiastes reminds us “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (3.12).  We are creating more effective ways to strengthen our students.

Lastly, we will always reach out to other teenagers in our lost and hurting community.  The CREW has been and will continue to find ways to try and share the love of Christ with others because we realize that being a CREW member means sharing God’s story, as seen through our life’s, with our peers, classmates, family members, and neighbors.  The new CREW ministry will be providing better ways to help our students share their story.  Whether this is comes in the form or targeted events, more pointed lessons and conversations, or providing more caring adults it is because we realize that our mission is not just to the church kid but to those who have yet to interact with the church.

Ready for the new and improved CREW Ministry?  The CREW Leaders and I are but the implementation of what God has told us in still a month of so away.  I hope you will eagerly wait and anticipate how much better things will be when things happen in January.  As one of my favorite songs, God of This City, proclaims: “Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city. Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.”

Be God’s,
Jeremy

Just a reminder that the CREW will be going to Niederman’s Farm on Saturday for their corn maze and then out to the Braun’s home for a bonfire. You will need to bring $5 per person, 2 canned goods, your medical release form if I don’t have one, a flashlight, and a friend or two. We should get to the Braun’s by 8:30pm at the absolute latest and then return to the church by 10:15pm. CREW members may also be picked up at the Braun’s if you would like. Call Jeremy with any questions.