We are sooo excited about what's happening here at SCC this week.

This place is a crazy swarm of activity.

Massive props are getting made.

Shiny signs are getting hung.

Dress rehearsals are going late into the night.

And it's all because of this little Easter Musical that we're gearing up to perform 4 days in a row.

It's called RESCUED, and it's inspired by the work of William Booth.

Now, if his name doesn't ring any bells, that would be a little bit ironic, because he was the founder of the Salvation Army...and we've all heard folks from the Salvation Army ringin' bells at Midtown Plaza around Christmas time, right?

This musical basically tells some of Booth's story...and is mirrored by Jesus speaking parables back in Bible times.

It's all pretty amazing! Kevin & Anne MacMillan wrote the whole thing (scripts, songs, scores, arranging)! I'm not quite sure how they managed to do it, but this isn't the first time that they've blown my mind!

Anyways, I just gotta say that YOU should totally come to a performance of this musical.

It's at Saskatoon Christian Centre. 102 Pinehouse Drive

The show times are Thursday, April 5th @ 7pm // Good Friday, April 6th @ 7pm // Saturday, April 7th @ 7pm // Easter Sunday, April 8th @ 10am // doors always open one hour before show time!

 

I made a little RESCUED playlist for before and after each showing of the musical. Here's how it breaks down...

1. Because He Lives - David Crowder*Band (This is a track off of the band's final album. Old school song...and a little raw compared to what Crowder usually does.)

2. Jesus' Blood - Oceans Above (This band one made one album, and it was mostly all covers. Quirky, electro, and lots of crescendos! This song was originally by Delirious.)

3. Between The Cracks - John Mark McMillan (A crushingly beautiful song about hope, from his album The Medicine.)

4. I Glory In Christ - Sandra McCracken (She is one of music's best kept secrets. From her gorgeous hymns album In Feast Or Fallow.)

5. Rising (isnt.) - Son Lux (This guy is extraordinary. Half electronic hipster, half orchestral composer. This track is off of his instrumental version of We Are Rising.)

6. The Love Of God - An Epic, No Less (I love when artists dismantle old songs and reinvent them into something new. Electro-pop in the vein of Owl City.)

7. Like A Lion - Daniel Bashta (The imagery in this song fires me up. Bashta captures the sound of a mighty and powerful King...who is surely alive!)

8. Sun Ray - MuteMath (One of the instrumental bits off of their excellent album Odd Soul.)

9. Dress Us Up - John Mark McMillan (Another anthem from this raw and gritty songwriter. I love that so many of his songs have a fascination with resurrection. This one is no exception. Epic length, too.)

10. When Death Dies - Gungor (Ghosts Upon The Earth is a modern masterpiece...and this song is a highlight.)

11. The Door - All The Bright Lights (JM McMillan's band. A post-rock project with epic guitars.)

12. It Is Well - Red Letter (A classic hymn played with reckless abandon. This Seattle-based church band is well worth checking out.)

13. Flowers (inst.) - Son Lux (There is a trippy, whimsical vibe going on here. I highly recommend Son Lux.)

14. Death In His Grave - John Mark McMillan (This might be the quintessential McMillan Easter song.)

15. For The Morning - All The Bright Lights (Their self-titled record has so many high points. Great ambient music!)

16. Rescue - Seabird (How could we pass this song up when making a playlist for RESCUED?)

17. Death To Life - Joe Day ( Another Seattle-based church artist. The theme of this song knocks me off my feet.)

18. The March - Josh Garrels (One of music's best songwriters. This little instrumental is a perfect atmosphere-setting piece. Off of Love & War & The Sea In-Between.)

 

So, last night we kicked off the Exelerate & 24/7 year with a talk all about how God wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

In case you missed it, or you want to revisit it...here are the notes that I used.

- mr j

(extra) O R D I N A R Y

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Big Idea: God wants to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways! God wants to use us to do some incredible things for His kingdom. We only need to be available, and action-oriented (obedient).

God wants to use you…despite your past, despite your excuses, and despite your obstacles!

There’s something about God who sees things inside of you that you’ll never see…

Key Verse: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Tale of the Three Trees

 

Once upon a time, three little trees stood on a mountaintop and dreamed about what they wanted to become. The first tree said, “I want to hold treasure and be filled with gold and precious stones.” The second said, “I want to be a vessel that travels on mighty waters and carries powerful kings.” The third little tree said, “I don’t want to leave the mountaintop at all. I want to grow tall so that when people look at me, they raise their eyes to heaven and think of God.”

Many years passed, and the trees grew. One day, three wood-cutters climbed the mountain and saw the trees. The first wood-cutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is perfect for me! I will make it into a beautiful chest to hold treasure!” And with a blow of his axe, he cut the tree down. The second wood-cutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is perfect for me. I will make it into a mighty vessel that can travel any waters. It will serve as a ship for mighty kings!” And he cut the tree down.

The third tree felt his heart sink when the last wood-cutter approached. He tried to look tall and point toward heaven. But the wood-cutter, without even looking up, simply muttered, “Any tree will do for me,” and felled the third tree.

The first wood-cutter brought the first tree to his carpenter’s shop, but instead of making it into a box for treasure, he fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. Instead of holding gold and precious gems, the tree was coated in sawdust and filled with hay. The second wood-cutter brought his tree to a shipyard, but instead of fashioning it into a mighty vessel, the tree was made into a humble fishing boat, too small and weak to sail a river, much less an ocean. The third tree was brought to a lumberyard and made into beams. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountaintop and point to God,” he said.

Many days passed, and the trees eventually forgot all about their former dreams. Then one night, a young woman placed her newborn Baby into the feed-box that had been fashioned from the first tree. “I wish I could make a cradle for Him,” her husband said. His wife squeezed his hand and replied, “This manger is beautiful.” Suddenly, the first tree realized that he was holding the greatest treasure in the entire world.

One evening, a tired Traveler and his friends crowded onto the fishing boat that had been crafted from the second tree. The Traveler fell asleep, and as the boat sailed out onto the lake, suddenly a mighty storm arose. The little tree knew that he did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely to the other side, but then the Traveler awoke and said, “Peace.” The storm quieted immediately. Suddenly, the second tree realized that he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.

One Friday morning, some men yanked up the beams of the third tree from a woodpile. They carried them through a jeering crowd, and then soldiers began to nail the hands and feet of a Man to him. The tree felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But then, on Sunday morning, when the sun arose and the earth trembled with joy beneath him, the third tree realized that God’s love had changed everything. He knew that now, every time people thought of him, they would also think of God. And that was better than being the tallest tree in the world.

We may think that God wants to use us in BIG ways…to change the world single-handedly…but the reality is much simpler than that.

God is simply looking for people who will be available and obedient to Him.

God is not looking for the biggest, the best, or the brightest.

He’s looking for ordinary people…just like you and me…who will place themselves in His hands to be used.

Ever heard of the word “recycling”?

It means to turn something that seems useless into something that is useful.

And God is in the business of recycling hearts and lives!

God chooses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work!!!

1. GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR PAST!

Remember Moses?

1. He was a guy who had quite a past. (Exodus 2:11-15)
2. God knew all about Moses’ past.
3. God was seeing something in Moses that Moses didn’t see in himself. In spite of everything, God still chose to use him.
4. God sees your past. He sees something inside of you that you may not even see.
5. In spite of your weakness and failures, He still chooses you – He wants to use you!

2. GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR EXCUSES

1. God calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-10)
2. Instead of jumping for joy at being called to serve God, Moses voiced doubts and offered excuses (3:11-13, 4:1-13)

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (3:11)

“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (3:13)

“What if they don’t believe me?” (4:1)

“I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech and tongue.” (4:10)

“Please send someone else to do it.” (4:13)

3. Moses was fearful and doubtful of his own abilities – just like us!
4. Yet all the time, God just told Moses to focus on who He was and what He could do.
5. Even after all of Moses’ excuses, it didn’t change how God felt about him or disqualify him from what God wanted to do.
6. We’re just like Moses!

3. GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR OBSTACLES

1. Moses returned to Egypt, not knowing what obstacles would be in his way (Pharaoh’s hardened heart, Egyptian solders, even the Israelites).
2. God was faithful to Moses. He removed all the obstacles and worked through Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
3. The Red Sea was a pretty big obstacle – 1,200 miles long. 130 to 230 miles wide, and, at the deepest part, 7,200 feet deep! Not a small puddle!
4. God, don’t fail me now! (Exodus 14:10-16)
5. There will be many obstacles in our lives.
6. But God is bigger than any obstacle we have in our way. He is willing to part the sea to use us!!!!

So, to put in simple and plain…this is our part…

BE AVAILABLE.

BE ACTION-ORIENTED (OBEDIENT)

A few questions to ask yourself in light of this talk…

1. Moses didn’t have the perfect past. In fact, Moses wasn’t perfect at all. Why do you think God chose to use him for such a great task?

2. Do you ever wonder if God has anything great He would like you to do? If so, why?

3. If God chose to use you to do something great for His kingdom, what would you say?

4. What are some of the excuses that you give God when faced with being used for something great, or with something small?

5. What gifts, talents and abilities do you think you have to offer God?

6. What can you do this week to use your talents, gifts, and/or abilities for the kingdom of God?

7. If you could do something great for the kingdom of God, knowing you’d never fail, what would you want to do?

Ordinary guys, twin brothers, 16 years old. 2005.

Told by their dad one summer not to complain about being bored and having nothing to do, gave then a big stack of books to read.

Getting inspired to do something with their knowledge and zeal…the brothers starts a blog to encourage other teens.

It became the most trafficked youth blog in the world. Well over 15 million unique hits…and that stat is 4 years old…

Exelerate and Twentyfour-Seven will not have classes on December 21st and December 28th. Have a Merry Christmas and see you in the new year!

We've got a party coming up and what better way to kick off the holiday season than to party! On Wednesday, December 7th we're going to all meet at 164 Rupert Drive (aka The Rugg's House). We'll have hot chocolate, snacks, a bonfire and some awesome outdoor games. Oh yeah, we might do a little sledding too...that is if we can get some snow! 

 

Parents, below are the details you will want to know:

Date: Wednesday, December 7th

Time: 7:30pm - till 9:15pm (please plan to drop off and pick up your teen at these times)

Cost: $2

Teens should plan on wearing outdoor gear and to bring sleds.

We just want all the teens, pre-teens and parents to know about the service schedule for the rest of November:::

 

If you were at church last Wednesday (November 9th), then you know that all the teens & pre-teens were in the Worship Centre. Pastor Johnson began a 4-part Wednesday night series called AUTHORITY ISSUES. This series continues through the end of the month.

However, we will actually be having Exelerate & 24/7 tonight (November 16th), and next Wednesday night (November 23rd)!!! Exelerate & 24/7 services will be combined, and the services will be in the Exelerate (lunch) room.

Teens & pre-teens will not want to miss this! We are in the middle of a series called THE WAY I'M WIRED, and I know that in these 2 services, we'll be getting into some pretty cool and interactive stuff. Things kick-off at 7:30pm as always, so don't be late.

On the last Wednesday of the month (November 30th), Exelerate & 24/7 will be in the Worship Centre again to hear Pastor Johnson finish up his series.

And after that's all over...we'll be putting up Christmas lights and gearing up for our favourite time of year!!!

See ya tonight,

- mr j//

This Saturday, October 29th, a crew from Exelerate will be headed to Rider-Ville!!!

Here's the low-down:::

 

* Our 15-passenger van will be leaving the SCC parking lot at 9am sharp!!! So make sure you come early...and maybe bring something to munch on for the roadtrip to Regina.

* The kick-off (Riders vs. Ti-Cats) is at 1pm...and we plan on getting to Mosiac Stadium by around noon, so we have some time to soak in the pre-game Rider pride!!!

* After the game, we will head over to Chili's (in Regina) for some post-game supper...then we'll wave goodbye to the Queen City and start driving north, homeward bound, of course...

* Our estimated time of arrival back home (the SCC parking lot) is 9pm!!!

* The cost for the Rider party was only $50!!! This price included your game ticket, and transportation. The $50 does not cover your eats...so make sure to bring extra cash!!!

* If you are one of the teens who signed up...please get your $50 in to Exelerate ASAP. Drop it off at the church office, or bring the money to youth!!!!!

* Who signed up to go? Well, here is the list of teens confirmed to attend the party::: Daniel R, Michael S, Micah F, Cole A, Owen A, James H, Jon H, Fraser K, Isaiah B, Zack K, Daniel A...

The Violet Burning is one of the greats.
Legendary and pioneering, TVB have been creating transcendent rocknroll since 1990.
With about nine full-length studio albums, and a long list of side-projects, solo efforts, demo albums and bootlegs, Michael J. Pritzl and his cast of ‘Violets’ have created a legacy that few bands have matched.
Their most recent album, The Story Of Our Lives, is a massive 3-CD, 34 song concept album, and quiet possibly the most massive musical undertaking ever attempted in Christ-centred art.
SCC is proud to bring you the rock.

T H E  V I O L E T  B U R N I N G

Thursday, October 6th // Saskatoon Christian Centre // 102 Pinehouse Drive
Doors open at 7pm
$5 Advance // $8 At The Door // Tickets are now on sale at SCC and Scott’s Parable.
(a free-will offering will also be taken that night)

Wanna know a little more about The Violet Burning? Check out this review on their website...

www.thevioletburning.com/bio.htm

TH1S  1S  WH3R3  1T  ^LL  B3G1NS  //  CL0TH3D  1N  L1GHT  ^ND  WR^PP3D  1N  SK1N  //  1  L0V3  Y0U  T1LL  TH3  D^Y  1  D1E  //  1'LL  S1NG  1T  T0  TH3  SH3LT3R1NG  SKY -- TH3  V10L3T  BURN1NG

 

the BIG answer

 

 

To give you the BIG answer, I have to back up and give you what I think the BIG question is…

The BIG question is – “where do I go to get the most out of life????”

 

 

1. You’ll be tempted to look to FUN as the big answer…to get the most out of life.

 

The word “fun” is actually not in the Bible (well in the NKJV…you can find it in The Message)…but the Bible is loaded with fun. Adventurous fun…crazy fun!!!

But fun is never the answer…

Fun is great…but it’s temporary… (roller coaster)

The Bible tells us that we shouldn’t aim for fun…

Instead, find JOY.

Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Fun is fleeting…gone in a flash!

 

 

2. You’ll be tempted to look to FRIENDS as the big answer…to get the most out of life.

 

Friends are awesome. Friends are great. Friends are wonderful. And friends will let you down. People let people down. Because your friends aren’t perfect…and you aren’t perfect.

And your friends are actually on the same hunt for the BIG answer too…

You need friends who are where you were…friends where you are…and friends where you are going…

(doing stupid things as “friends”…me & Mike and changing our names!)

Psalm 41:9 – Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Friends can be flaky…and funky!

 

 

3. You’ll be tempted to look to the FORBIDDEN as the big answer…to get the most out of life.

 

What is it about the things that we’ve been told not to touch…that make it seam so enticing to us? I think it’s about TRUST…trusting that what God has for you is better than the thing you are tempted with. This problem goes way back to the Garden of Eden…when Adam & Eve ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil. Remember that if God says “no” to something, it’s only because He wants you to say “yes” to something that’s so much greater!

I just bet that the fruit that Adam & Eve tasted was un-spectacular!!!

It was probably a tomato!!!!!!!!! Oh wait…tomatoes grow on vines!!!

Because God never keeps you away from what’s good.

Jeremiah 7:23 - But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’

The forbidden is for your own good.

 

 

The BIG answer – JESUS

Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus isn’t just a man we read about in a book…He’s alive today!!!

 

Jesus is not a man that became God.

That is one of the great lies.

That we can become God.

The truth is that God became one of us!

Jesus is GOD!

He humbled himself and came on a rescue mission to seek, to serve, to save…all of us.

Even people who aren’t particularly religious have said – “No one is perfect.” Jesus said – “except for Me.”

The reason we believe that Jesus Christ is the only God is because Jesus Christ repeatedly, emphatically, unapologetically, openly, publicly, declared himself to be God.

Buddha never said he was God.

Krishna never said he was God.

Confucius never said he was God.

Mohammad never said he was God.

No other major religious founded has ever made this claim!

Jesus stands alone!!!

This truth claim…it is true or it is false…

And if it is false, Jesus is the most damned-able liar in the history of the world.

He’s telling us to pray to Him.

To confess sin to Him.

To trust Him.

To follow Him.

To give our lives to Him.

To give our dollars to Him.

To give our deeds to Him.

To give our days to Him.

And if He is not God, then he is the most damned-able, despicable man who has lived on the face of the earth.

 

But if He tells the truth, He is GOD!!!

And God alone can forgive sin.

And it’s Jesus who says – “I forgive sin.”

And every other religion will tell you…here’s what you can do to deal with your sin…you can follow this path…you can adhere to this plan…

Jesus says – “I’ll take care of that...I’ll just forgive you.”

There is nothing for you and I to do to experience forgiveness of sin from God…except to respond to Him.

All we do is trust in Jesus!

He lives without sin…He dies for our sin…He rises as our Saviour…He then ascends back into Heaven and He opens a doorway into the presence and kingdom of God.

And He invites us to pass through it by trusting in Him!

 

 

He is the maker of heaven & earth.

He is the alpha & omega, the beginning & the end.

He is the son of God.

He is the God-Man.

He is our humble servant.

He is the man of sorrows.

He is the good shepherd.

He is the prince of peace.

He is the wonderful counsellor.

He is the lion of the tribe of Judah.

He is the dragon slayer.

He is the sinless Saviour.

He is the resurrection and the life.

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

He is the sinners’ friend.

He is the great high priest.

He is the king of kings.

He is the Lord of Lords.

He is the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father but by Him.

 

John 14:6 (The Message) - Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.

 

His love is glorious.

His love is marvellous.

His love is generous.

His love is matchless.

His love is priceless.

 

Jesus on the earth asked this question – “who do you say that I am?”

That is Jesus’ question for you tonight!

Who do you say that He is???

 

Jesus wants to be your joy…so don’t settle for fleeting fun.

Jesus will never go flaky on you…and always be your truest friend.

Jesus wants to satisfy you…so don’t fall for chasing what He has forbid.

Exelerate & CCA will be kicking off the 2011-2012 with massive amounts of fun and new twists!!!

We are so amped up about this new school year.

For one, our new Youth Room (formerly know as the CCA cafeteria) is almost finished!!! The ceiling and walls still need to be painted, restaurant style lighting still needs to be installed, projectors & screens need to be mounted, some signage needs to go up, and a sound booth needs to get put in... Okay, I guess we still have lots to do, but we're gonna wrap it up fast!!!! And if you're a tween in twentyFOURseven, we are working on a sweet new room for you, too!!!

 

So, it's gonna be an awesomely awesome year...lots of stuff planned!!!

To start it all off, we are rolling out a JUMPSTART event.

On Friday, August 26th, all of the upper levels in CCA (there are about 57 of you!) will be headed out to Pike Lake for the day. We need you to be at the church by 9:15am cuz the bus is leaving the parking lot at 9:30am sharp. We'll check ya back to the church at 11:30pm. A full day, my friends...

We'll be feeding you lunch (taco salad in a bag!!!) and supper (bbq), and we'll also have an epic marshmallow roast late that night. We're gonna swim at the pool, play mini-golf, to the whole paddle boat thing, and bring out some crazy water games... Yes, I know what you're thinking, and you're totally right. This JUMPSTART thing will purely rock!!!

The cost is only $20 for the whole day. You just can't afford to miss this...

If you have any questions about JUMPSTART, send an e-mail to me @ gjohnson@christiancentre.ca

- mr j

This Friday all of the Exelerate gals are going to have a blast being pampered at the spa, eating a delicious Greek Fest BBQ, and then relaxin' under the stars while we watch a Chick Flick. It's going to rock!  Below are the details you've been waiting for:

Pedicure Booking 1:45pm

Miriah, Jen, Kamea, Jyllenna and Mrs. MacEwan

 

Pedicure Booking 3:15pm

Olivia, Mikayla, JulieAnne, Danielle and Mrs. J

 

Parents if you could drop off your daughter at Marca College at the appropriate time of their booking, we will give them a ride to the Krochak's after their appointment.  Following the pedicures everyone will go the Krochak home to relax in the backyard, play games and enjoy some cool drinks. For the gals who are not getting pedicures you can be dropped off at the Krochak's at 4pm.

Supper will be served at 6pm

Chick Flick will begin around 9:15pm

Please pick up your daughter at 11pm.

 

Krochak's Address: 148 Rupert Drive

Cost: $27 Pedicure & $10 Supper

 

 

Chick Flick Night

~ A Night Just For The Gals ~

Friday, August 5th

 

Hey ladies, help us out!!!

 We need to know which girls are planning on coming to the party on August 5th.

Here is the lowdown...

Cost: $27 for a pedicure, and $10 for the BBQ supper.

When: The first group will get 'pedicured' at 2pm, and the second group will follow at 3pm.

You'll find out time your group goes once we get all the numbers in for who wants to attend.

It's going to be a fabulous afternoon and evening, and we don't want anyone to miss out.

To confirm your attendance for the Chick Flick Night, please send an e-mail to tmacewan@christiancentre.ca, or send Terra MacEwan a message through Facebook.

 Thanx.

- the xlr8 team

 

What's up everybody?

It's gonna be a great night for Exelerate & twentyFOURseven tonight (Wednesday, July 20th). We're gonna combine both groups for some competitive games tonight!!!

If the rain stays away, the plan is to play a little baseball...

But no worries...if that doesn't work out, we'll do some wide games on the newly refinished CCA gym floor.

So, if you have any baseball gear (gloves, etc), go ahead and bring it with you tonight. Rain or shine, you're gonna have a blast...

- the xlr8 team

 

The Great Outdoors Canoe Trip

(Thursday, August 4th - Sunday, August 7th)

 

Yes, it's official...The Great Outdoors Canoe Trip is on!!!

And I have to admit, I'm getting pretty amped up about this!!!

This is gonna be a real adventure in the northern wild...and if you're an Exelerate guy (including those who graduated this past June), I hope you make plans to join us.

We have a maximum of 19 spots for teenagers to fill, and it's first come first serve. Sooo, if you wanna be a part of this epic Exelerate adventure, then you need to either send me an e-mail at gjohnson@christiancentre.ca, or send me a message on Facebook to let me know that I should count you in. It's that simple!!!!

 

:::Here are the details that you need to know:::

* The cost per teen will be between $150 and $175. I will be able to provide you with the exact cost once I know how many people will be coming. The more the people, the less the cost ($150), the fewer the people, the higher the cost ($175). It's also worth noting that Exelerate is actually subsidizing some of the cost to make this trip more affordable to the guys who are interested in going. So this is actually a great price for such an epic adventure!

* Our canoe trip will be way up in Missinipe, which is approximately 6 hours north of Saskatoon. Oh yeah, we're gonna up in the true wilderness! Awesome! This also means that our crew will leave Saskatoon very early on Thursday, August 4th, because in addition to our long drive, we want to get in some canoeing that day. This also means that we'll get back into Saskatoon late on Sunday night.

* All of our canoes include Life-Jackets and paddles, so there is no need for you to bring that equipment.

* We will obviously be camping while we're away...so our actual numbers will determine how many tents we will need. And you'll need a sleeping bag.

* We will be bringing food supplies for all of our meals, but if you want to bring your own snacks, you are welcome to. Just remember that if it's yours, then you are the one carrying it. So pack wisely and lightly!!!

* If you have fishing gear, you can definitely bring it. But again, if it's yours, then you'll be carrying it! The fishing up north where we'll be is suppose to be phenomenal. if you are fishing, you will need a fishing license. They cost $15 for 3 days, or $30 for the season, and you can either buy them in Saskatoon, or at the outfitter we will be getting our canoes from on August 4th....

* The staff that will be attending are Chris MacEwan, Scott Rysavy, James Richardson, Mike Hough, and myself (Garrett Johnson). There is plenty of experience among the staff, so all the parents can know that your sons will be in great hands!!

* Once we hear back from the teens who plan to come, I will provide an actual packing list, as well as announce an evening meeting pre-trip to go over details of the trip, let everyone know what you expect, and give everyone a chance to ask any questions they might have.

 

So, now that you have all the official info, please let me know ASAP if you'd like to attend The Great Outdoors Canoe Trip! And please help by spreading the word to all your friends!!!!!!!!!

 

Kicking the Couch Syndrome

 

As summer is on its way and school is sooo close to getting out you can almost taste it, you probably find yourself daydreaming about what it'll feel like to sleep in on a weekday, the taste of a Dr. Pepper slurpee while you're riding your bike in the golden sun, and chillin'on the couch whenever and however long you want...because hey, you're on VACATION!!!

That's how I am. I love to chill. And nothing says 'chill' to me like eating snacks on my couch...with no to-do list in sight. Crown me the King of Chill.

But I can't help but think that sooo many summers have been lost...with absolutely nothing to show for them...all because of chillin'. Now don't get me wrong, I plan on my fair share of chillin' this summer, but I have to admit that over-chillin' can quickly become a bandit of time. I'm talking about time bandits. They're those invisible little things that somehow rob you of all your time without you really realizing it. And one day you wake up after sleeping in (again!), only to get the memo that summer is officially over, and you have nothing to show for it except those retro shades you bought at the mall...and a farmer's tan. It's because you've been robbed. The time bandits held you up...and took away all your positive growth. I'm talking spiritual...relational...and even physical growth. Hey man, I know what I'm blogging about...cuz I've been here before. This is experience blogging. Hello!!!

So I figured, if I don't take my summer by the tail and make some practical, calculated decisions, chillin' out on the couch will eat up all my time like the Cookie Monster. After a little thinking (and a brief convo with my buddy Dan!), I've made the conscious choice to jump-start my summer and kick the couch syndrome.

Ladies and gents, I am pleased (and freaked out) to announce that I've started the C25K program. That's the 'Couch to 5 Kilometers' program. It's a program designed for folks like me to go from lounging on the couch to comfortably running 5 kilometers. Crazy, eh? There's even an app for it. I invested $2.99 of my very own, hard earned cash into it! And now I'm off to the races... I started yesterday. Yep, I thought I was gonna die for a minute or two. This program has you running 3 times a week, with specific workouts you just follow as instructed. The app also integrates your iPod's playlists as you run. So if you ever have a down night this summer, you might be able to find me gracing Willowgrove's linear parks with my fit-as-a-fox physique! Feel free to join in...

What's cool is that summer hasn't even revved up yet, and I've already sucker-punched my couch with a little discipline. And watch this...cuz here comes the spiritual truth...DISCIPLINE FOLLOWS DISCIPLINE. When you force yourself to push through something, when you force yourself to do something that you might not feel like doing, you are growing discipline! And as discipline grows, so does your motivation to get more disciplined in other areas of your life that has the 'couch syndrome'.

So don't let some time bandit rob your summer of what God wants for you. Buy a cool devotional book, give yourself some kind of physical and/or spiritual challenge. Make yourself accountable by telling your parents and friends about it. Oh, and be sure to still take some time to let the summer sun soak in...

- mr j

Well, it's that time of year. There's a buzz in the air...and I have this crazy urge to purge!!! So, I'm doing a little office cleaning...and it's time to clear some space on my shelves. Which means, I got some CD's to sell...for crazy cheap.

 

:::ROCK:::

The Almost - Southern Weather - $1.00 (SOLD!)

The Almost - Monster Monster - $1.00 (SOLD!)

The Almost - Monster EP - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Anberlin - Blueprints For The Black Market - .50 (SOLD!)

Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal - .50

Anberlin - Cities (deluxe) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Anberlin - New Surrender - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Anberlin - Dark Is The Way, Light Is a Place - $3.00 (SOLD!)

As Cities Burn - Come Now Sleep - .50 (SOLD!)

As Cities Burn - Hell Or High Water - .50 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Space - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Static - .50 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Self Titled - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Astronomy - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Again, For The First Time - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Farewell Old Friends - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Bleach - Audio/Visual (1CD/1DVD) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Falling Up - Captiva - $1.00

Falling Up - Fangs! - $3.00 (SOLD!)

House Of Heroes - Say No More - $3.00 (SOLD!)

House Of Heroes - Suburba - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Abandon - Searchlights (I have 2 of these) - .50

Abandon - EP - .50

Jonezetta - Popularity - $1.00

Jonezetta - Cruel To be Young - .50

Cool Hand Luke - Wake Up, O Sleeper - .50 (SOLD!)

Thousand Foot Krutch - Deja Vu (their first 3 T&N albums!) - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Thousand Foot Krutch - Welcome To the Masquerade - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Third Day - Self Titled - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Third Day - Conspiracy #5 - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Third Day - Time (with bonus Southern Tracks EP!) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Third Day - Chonology Volume One (CD/DVD) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Newsboys - Love Libery Disco - .50 (SOLD!)

Seabird - Till We See The Shore - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Seabird - Rocks Into Rivers - $1.00 (SOLD!)

The Classic Crime - Albatross - $3.00 (SOLD!)

The Classic Crime - Acoustic EP - $1.00 (SOLD!)

The Classic Crime - The Silver Chord - $1.00 (SOLD!)

The Classic Crime - Vagabonds - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Disciple - Scars Remain (deluxe) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Comatose (deluxe) - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Collide - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Alien Youth - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Invincible - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Hey You, I Love Your Soul - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Skillet - Self Titled - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Children 18:3 - Self Titled - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Havalina Rail Co - America - .50

Queens Club - Young Giant - $1.00 (SOLD!)

 

:::Electronic:::

Dance House Children - Jesus - .50 (SOLD!)

Joy Electric - The White Songbook - .50 (SOLD!)

Joy Electric - Hello Mannequin - .50 (SOLD!)

Joy Electric - The Tick Tock Treasury - .50 (SOLD!)

Joy Electric - The Ministry Of Archers -  .50 (SOLD!)

...or the whole electronic set for $2.00

 

:::POP:::

Andrew Peterson - Counting Stars - .50

Andrew Peterson - Resurrection Letters - .50

Andrew Peterson - Carried Away - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Britt Nicole - Say It - .50 (SOLD!)

Britt Nicole - The Lost Get Found - .50 (SOLD!)

Phil Wickham - Self Titled - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Phil Wickham - Cannons - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Riley Armstrong - La Loop - .50

Mat Kearney - Nothing Left To Lose - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Ben Clark - Self Titled - .50

TobyMac - Momentum - $1.00 (SOLD!)

TobyMac - Momentum Re:Mix - $1.00 (SOLD!)

TobyMac - Welcome To Diverse City - .50 (SOLD!)

TobyMac - Renovating Diverse City - $1.00 (SOLD!)

TobyMac - Portable Sounds - $1.00 (SOLD!)

TobyMac - Tonight (deluxe) - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Group 1 Crew - Self Titled - .50

 

:::WORSHIP:::

Keith Green - The Ministry Years Vol. 1 (2xCD) - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Keith Green - The Ministry Years Vol. 2 (2xCD) - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Delirious - Mezzamorphis - .50

Delirious - Glo - $3.00 (SOLD!)

Delirious - the Mission Bell - .50

Delirious - World Service - .50

The Glorious Unseen - Tonight The Stars Speak - .50 (SOLD!)

The Glorious Unseen - The Hope That Lies In You - .50 (SOLD!)

Kutless - Strong Tower (deluxe) - .50 (SOLD!)

Worth Dying For - Self Titled - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Jason Morant - Open - .50 (SOLD!)

Jason Morant - Abandon - .50 (SOLD!)

Enter The Worship Circle - First Circle - $1.00 (SOLD!)

 

:::RAP:::

Gotee Brothers - Erace (Classic...with TobyMac!) - $1.00

LA Symphony - The End Is Now - .25 (SOLD!)

Shai Linne - The Solus Christus Project - .25 (SOLD!!)

Shai Linne - Storiez - .25 (SOLD!)

Shai Linne - The Atonement - .25 (SOLD!)

Eric Cross - The Art Of Composition - .25 (SOLD!)

Mars Ill - Pro Pain - $1.00 (SOLD!)

Mars Ill - Backbreakanomics - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Mars Ill - Raw Material - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Lacrae - Real Talk - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Lacrae - After The Music Stops - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Da Truth - The Big Picture - $2.00 (SOLD!)

Night Owls 3 - .25 (SOLD!)

Night Owls 4 - .25 (SOLD!)

...or buy all remain rap albums for $1.00

 

First come...first serve...

Oh, and more will likely get added to the list as I get so inspired!!!

The Good Book Club SKI PARTY!!!

 

I'm amped up about this very exclusive event for all those teenagers who read the Bible all the way through with me last school year! We're headed to the Saskatchewan Rockies, otherwise known as Table Mountain.

Here are the details.

When::: Tuesday, March 29th

What Time::: Leaving the SCC parking lot at 8:00am / / Back at SCC by 5:30pm-ish

What to Bring::: Ski gear, by my definition includes, but is not limited to, winter jacket, ski pants (jeans are not great outer ski wear!), toque, gloves, scarf, goggles(!)...you get the idea...

Co$t::: $21 if you're skiing, $29 if you're snowboarding. Add 5% GST. I'd do it for you, but I'm not the greatest at math!

More co$t::: Bring snack/lunch money if you want to purchase any grub...you can also bring food with you to save $$.

Oh, and::: Make sure to hand in your "waver forms" to Mr. J. You can't do much without it...

 

If you have any questions...ask away...

- mr j

 

 

There aren't too many things better than a spur-of-the-moment party with yer friends...in the middle of winter.

And that's where Exelerate has got yer back...yet again! We are the good guys...always looking out fer you!!

Scribble it on yer calendar...click-punch it into yer iPad, and brand it onto yer brain, that the Archibald Avalanche Party R E T U R N S is about to go down!

Sunday, February 27th, from 6pm-9pm iz the time.

The Rugg's (164 Rupert Drive) iz the place (you provide yer own ride).

A measly $2.00 iz the cost (to cover hot chocolate/marshmallows/other vital necessities).

Sledz, Krazy Karpets, GT Sno Racerz, and other kraziness iz the equipment (bring yer own, of course).

Sno-Suits iz the garb to put on yerself...and word haz it that we might have a flaming fire to help with warmth.

Hope that you can come on out and rock the Archibald Avalanche Party R E T U R N S with us.

Yer's truly,

- the XLr8 team

So...last night we wrapped up the HE & SHE series, and threw in a little q&a for good measure.

Basically, the punch-line last night was 'don't let attraction become a distraction'. Here was my outline, if you want to dig in a little. We got a little sidetracked, so we didn't cover everything that was in the notes. All contents were inspired by the Bible, I Kissed Dating Goodbye (by Joshua Harris), and What Do I Do When...Answering Your Toughest Questions About Sex, Love & Dating (by Kevin Moore)...

 

HE & SHE

…flirting, gushing, crushing & mushing…

 

 

 

What do you do when you like someone???

 

STOP LIKING THEM!!!!   Just joking…not funny, right?

 

 

 

1. Proceed with caution.
2. Give them some space.
3. Enjoy the moment. (most “like” relationships stay like that for 2 months, and “committed relationships rarely last longer than 1 year!)

 

Here are the dangers…

 

1. You start making long-term plans in your mind.
2. You get the physical party started too early.
3. You get distracted from the things you really need to do.
4. You can miss out on who God has for you.

 

 

Q. Can girls and boys talk to each other?

A. Of course they can! This question often hints at a misunderstanding between parents and church leaders. The issue isn’t talking. The issue is talking…and more talking…and more talking…and excluding others so we can keep on talking. So talk…in groups, without manipulating friendships to make sure that you and the guy/girl you want to talk to is in your group.

Communication breeds intimacy. You know and get intimate with God by communicating with him. This is true of any relationship.

However, there have been and will be times when parents will talk to us and let us know that their son/daughter will not talk to boy/girl. In that case, no, you can’t talk.

 

Q. Can guys and girls be best friends?

A. Unless they’re brother and sister, no. As we just stated, communication breeds intimacy.

 

Q. What about crushes? It’s natural for my kid to like someone, right?

A. Natural…yes. Appropriate…no.  This is actually quite simple. TIMING. Now is not the right time for your son/daughter to have their mind or attention wrapped up in the opposite sex. They should give that energy to God and not waste it on a puppy-love fantasy! For a teenager, who is hopefully pursuing God to find out what their life’s assignment is, they simply have no future to offer anyone. Young adult guys, you aren’t qualified to court a young lady until you’re busy pursuing the assignment God has given you. This is impossible for a teenager, because the timing is obviously wrong, even if the person is right.   A crush is all about feeding the flesh. Young adults…this applies to you just as much. If you’re crushing over someone, all you’re doing is feeding your flesh. If a relationship between a guy and girl isn’t about exploring God’s future and destiny, then its usury. Dating is about self-gratification. Courting is about discovering if God has called a man and a woman to the same purpose.

Q. But they are just like brother and sister…!?

A. “Just like” is the 2 most important words here. You can’t be just like a brother and sister unless you are brother and sister. Any guy who tries to defend his behaviour with a girl by saying that she’s just like a sister to him………is flat out lying!

 

Q. How far is too far?

A. This is why the idea of “technical virginity” is so popular in many so-called streams of Christianity.  Let me flip it and ask you a question. How holy is too holy?

First of all, many teens and young adults head down the wrong road by asking the wrong questions. And let me just tell you where that road leads.

 

 

 

 

The Wrong Road

 

1. You seek attention. This shows a major spiritual breakdown. If you have a healthy relationship with God, you won’t have the need for attention.
2. You begin buying into lies about yourself to create excuses for your behaviour. For example, you’ll convince yourself that you’re lonely and that nobody really understands you. But as Pastor has said, loneliness is not an absence of affection, it is a lose of direction.
3. You start asking the wrong questions like, “What’s so wrong with this?”
4. You establish an emotional soul-tie with the person you like. This is very wrong and dangerous. God never intended for anyone to build a personal relationship with someone else soulishly (2 Corinthians 5:16 “…we regard no man according to the flesh…”)
5. You engage in flirty behaviour. The honest truth is that flirting is actually sexual foreplay. Take the infamous “backrub”. Don’t go there. Why would a guy massage your back and not his 83 year old grandma’s? Because it’s sexual. And how about “tickle fighting”? Would a guy have a tickle war with his guy friends? Then why would he with you? Because it’s sexual. If clothes ever cover it, then it should never be touched! (In fact…you shouldn’t even touch! Oh, and don’t e-mail either!)
6. Holding hands.
7. Kissing.
8. ...and on and on...

 

The end result is a relationship that’s purely sensual, because God wasn’t included from the beginning.

If you don’t include God from the get-go, you’re building on a foundation of sand.

 

Humans have been given desires by God, but when you mess around with these desires prematurely, you’re headed for major disaster.

 

Physically speaking…one thing naturally leads to another…so let’s avoid starting up the engine until it’s in God’s timing and with the right person.

 

Speaking of the right people, here are the latest statistics. 51% of marriages in North America end in divorce. The stats are the same for those call themselves Christians and for those who don’t. 51%. That’s over half. On average, out of 100 people, 20 marry their high-school sweetheart. 15 of those divorce! So teens don’t have a firm grip on reality and love…and they don’t even have a firm grip on themselves…they’re still exploring it. Puppy-love is not love. Puppy-love is hormones without restraint. For teens, love is like Bigfoot!

 

Healthy, godly male/female relationships are important, and they don’t happen by accident.

If male/female relationships begin with being inward facing, emotionally driven, and soulish…they are in trouble. You do not know anybody by facing them in this way. They will try to show you what they think you want to see. None of this is spiritually uplifting. It’s all self-centred. This is where crushes and hormones often take over.

This is not God’s design.

Instead of facing inward, your male/female relationships should be side-by-side. Side-by-side is a picture of true friendship, whereas face-to-face is a picture of intimacy. Male/female relationships should be side-by-side. The ideal place for this to occur is in church. As people serve the Lord together in their local church, this is where they find out who their friends really are. You know someone by serving alongside them. Side-by-side equals healthy male/female relationships, and this is where God joins hearts together…as they are busy about service the Lord. It’s not about hair color, facial features, and how incredibly funny he or she is. Get your eyes out of the soulish realm. God wants you to be fulfilled, not just soulishly, but more importantly, spiritually.

 

 

We need to re-read what the Bible says about holiness.

Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV) “For God did not call us to be impure, but live a holy life.”

1 Peter 1:15 (NIV) “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

The true question should never be, “What can we get away with?”…it should be, “Is it possible for me to be too holy and too pure?”

If you’re truest desire is to love and please God, you wouldn’t do anything that would hurt him or others around you.

 

(Pull out gifts)

Think of it this way: You have a gift to give the special person God brings into your life. What’s the condition you want your gift to be in when the time comes for you to give that special gift away???

 

The gift represents all of the special talents and abilities you have. The gift represents your life and all of its experiences. The gift represents your emotions. The gift represents your sexuality. The gift represents your heart.

In what condition do you want your heart to be in when you give it to the person God has for you? And what if you only gave your heart away once? Most gifts haven been given away, and then the person they give it to breaks it, trashes it, and just uses it…then they get their gift back.

Remember where we started tonight?

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

 

 

“Anna’s Story” taken from I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

It was finally here- Anna’s wedding day, the day she had dreamed about and planned for months. The small,

picturesque church was crowded with friends and family. Sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows,

and the gentle music of a stringed quartet filled the air. Anna walked down the aisle toward David. Joy surged

within her. This was the moment for which she had waited so long. He gently took her hand, and they turned

toward the altar.

But as the minister began to lead Anna and David through their vows, the unthinkable happened. A girl

stood up in the middle of the congregation, walked quietly to the altar, and took David’s other hand. Another girl

approached and stood next to the first, followed by another. Soon, a chain of six girls stood by him as he

repeated his vows to Anna.

Anna felt her lip beginning to quiver as tears welled up in her eyes. “Is this some kind of joke?” she

whispered to David.

“I’m…I’m sorry, Anna,” he said, staring at the floor.

“Who are these girls, David? What is going on?” she gasped.

“They’re girls from my past,” he answered sadly. “Anna, they don’t mean anything to me now…but

I’ve given part of my heart to each of them.”

“I thought your heart was mine,” she said.

“It is, it is,” he pleaded. “Everything that’s left is yours.”

A tear rolled down Anna’s cheek. Then she woke up.

Hey...thanx for stopping by...

We are wrapping up a pretty practical and cool series (if I do say so myself) all about guy/girl relationships.

It's called HE & SHE...

And we're trying to help you learn how to properly navigate your relationships and your feelings in a way that pleases God and doesn't get you (or anyone else) into trouble.

So we started off the series by focusing on how we begin to discover who we are. Who does God want you to be? And how are you taking steps to get there? This is important, because until you truly begin to discover who God made you to be, you aren't in a place to see very far down your personal road. The most important relationship you need to build is the one between you and God. And the fruit of that relationship ultimately leads 99.9% of people to the person who they will one day marry!!!

Then we watched a DVD by a pastor and great relationship expert named Josh Harris (author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a book that I highly recommend for all teens 16+) all about "What Love Means". Because what good is a series about relationships if it doesn't linger on the topic of love for a while?

And then last week we talked about "the timing of (romantic) relationhsips"...in a message called "Marshmallows & Me". Speaking of which...below are last weeks notes. Cheers!

 

He & She

 

Marshmallows & Me

…the timing of relationships…

 

 

When it comes to talking with teenagers about relationships, the hardest part is talking about trusting God’s timing.

 

Time Magazine – delayed gratification experiment…

 

If you waited, you’ll get something better…

 

The tricky part is that the reward of waiting is something that you can’t see!!

You have to believe that God’s timing is best. It comes down to TRUST!!!

 

God wants you to delay “short–term good” for “long-term better”.

 

 

When polled, the down side to not having a boyfriend/girlfriend is – feeling alone, not having someone to talk to, not feeling attractive, feeling like you ‘need’ someone, depressed.

 

 

3 Things That Characterize The Life Of A Person Trusting God…

 

1. A person trusting God redeems the time!

Ephesians 5:15:16 (NIV) - ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. “

The NKJV tells us to “redeem the time”.

Make the most of today. Run hard in the path that you can see.

Be patient and obedient in your present circumstances. Be faithful right where you are. And don’t try to rush God’s timing.

British story of Peter…

Make the most of the time that you have.

Be viewing this special season of your life as a gift from God!!

And relax…99.9% of all people are called to be married!!

This special season is a time to focus on Him.

I Corinthians 7:23 (MSG) - ^32-35I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master.

Spend some time to become holy instruments of God.

Song….”All I need is the girl”…   “I got my tweed pressed, I got my best vest, now all I need is the girl. I got my striped tie, I got my hopes high, now all I need is the girl. I got the time, the place and the rhythm, now all I need to go with em, is all I need is the girl. I’d throw away my striped tie…I’d throw away my best pressed tweed…cuz you’re all I need…All I need is the girl.”

This guy believes that a relationship will make him happy…and we can easily end up here.

Do you ever kind of throw away this season that you’re in by wishing that you were in another season???

Jim Elliot (missionary martyred by the Auca Indians) – “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt everywhere you are to be in the will of God.”

 

2.      A person trusting God is content in every circumstance.

Discontentment seeps into your heart quickly… Story!!!

Complaining really is sin – not a Canadian right!

Complaining says, “God, I don’t like the way You’re running the universe right now!”

·        Contentment is not the fulfillment of what want, but the realization of how much you already have.

Phil 4:11-13 (NIV) - ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

If you aren’t content now, you won’t be content tomorrow.

 

3. A person trusting in God makes Him their source of hope and refuge.

Ask yourself – what do I turn to when things aren’t going well?

a. friends. b. family. c. money. d. ice-cream. e. God.

Psalm 91:2 (NIV) - I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.”

 

 

 

There aren't too many things better than a spur-of-the-moment party with yer friends...in the middle of winter.

And that's where Exelerate has got yer back! We are the good guys...always looking out fer you!!

Scribble it on yer calendar...click-punch it into yer iPad, and brand it onto yer brain, that the Archibald Avalanche Party is about to go down!

 

Sunday, January 30th, from 6pm-9pm iz the time.

The Rugg's (164 Rupert Drive) iz the place (you provide yer own ride).

A measly $2.00 iz the cost (to cover hot chocolate/marshmallows/other vital necessities).

Sledz, Krazy Karpets, GT Sno Racerz, and other kraziness iz the equipment (bring yer own, of course).

Sno-Suits iz the garb to put on yerself...and word haz it that we might have a flaming fire to help with warmth.

 

Hope that you can come on out and rock the Archibald Avalanche Party with us.

Yer's truly,

- the XLr8 team

 

Hey guys - this last Wednesday we started a 3-part series called IT'S A GIVEN. You can basically sum up the concept like this: Stop always asking 'what can I get from God?', and start asking 'what can I give back to God?'.

It's a subtle question. I know. But it's a huge difference maker for your outlook on life. I hope that you catch the heart behind this series and carry this thinking, not only into stuff that has to do with your money, but into every area of your life. Relationships with your parents. Relationships with your friends. Thinking more about everyone else and everything else before you think of yourself. That's what IT'S A GIVEN is all about.

To put some feet to this theme that's kicking off our new year, Exelerate is donating clothes to people that don't have as much as we do. Pretty cool. And in the next week, we'll be joining forces with Compassion International (more on that in an up-coming blog). Epically cool.

And all that you just read leads me to this. Below are the notes I spoke from in last Wednesday's Exelerate service. To give proper credit, a lot of this material was taken from the Bible(!), and Pastor Kevin Moore's mini-book, Answering Your Toughest Questions About Money. From here, only the Jesus-junkies will read on...

What does the Bible say about MONEY???

 

We all love feeling of having a wad of money in our wallet or purse.

We all love when there’s some buffer money in our bank account.

 

But there are 8 important things that we really have to wrap our heads around for us to handle money the way God wants us to.

 

 

1. Money comes from God.

It doesn’t grow on trees. It actually doesn’t come from a job, or a bank, or even the federal government. In fact, money, that stuff you want so bad, actually belongs to God.

 

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

 

Basically, God owns it all.

But the cool thing is that God really doesn’t need all that money, so He promises to give you ideas and abilities that will help you earn all the cash you need.

 

Deut 8:18 – “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

 

 

2. You are not what you have.

And we love stuff. Cool clothes, nice cars, sweet houses, swimming pools, video games, and sports equipment, just to name a few. And where we live, our closets are full of things we no longer wear, our garages are full of equipment we no longer use, and our rooms are packed with games we no longer play.

 

There’s nothing wrong with having lots of stuff, but your stuff can never define who you are.

 

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.”

 

 

Luke 12:15 – “Then He said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

 

If you are what you have, what you drive, what you wear, and so forth, then who are you when you no longer have those things? Who are you when the clothes go out of style? When the car is gone? Who are you when your stuff is no longer your stuff?

 

 

3. Loving money is big mistake.

Love will cause you to do some crazy things, won’t it? (my wife and coffee…and me…and my first date story)

And doing crazy things means that you end up getting hurt. (showing off on my skateboard)

Money is the exact same way!

 

1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

 

In the end, people who do anything to get money get a lot more pain than they bargained for.

 

 

4. Money will never make you happy.

Money can buy a bed, but not sleep. Money can buy a wedding ring, but not love. Money can buy a clock, but not time. Money can buy an education, but not wisdom. Money can buy jewelry, but not beauty. Money can buy a house, but not a home. Money can buy insurance, but not safety. Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Saviour.

 

I wanted a Danny White Cowboys jersey for christmas…got it and still wasn’t happy!

 

Money will never make you happy…only Christ will.

 

Phil. 4:12-13 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

 

Money will buy you a lot of things, but it will never buy you happiness.

 

 

5. Guard your heart against greed.

Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

 

Greed is a monster. It gets real ugly…and it doesn’t know when to stop. (my overeating example)

 

Its tentacles squeeze around your heart tighter and tighter every time you see someone who has something that you want.

 

Psalm 37:7 – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways.”

 

 

 

6. Give and you will receive.

This is one of the BIGGIES you need to know about money! Because this, my friend, is a principle.

 

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

Give. Don’t be stingy. Don’t be afraid to buy someone’s lunch. When you go shopping, don’t be afraid to buy something for a friend of yours.

 

 

7. Give God what’s His.

What’s God’s isn’t yours…so don’t get caught stealing. Stealing is BAD MANNERS!!!

 

Malachi 3:8-10

 

Basically, when you rob God (the One who created everything that you see), He doesn’t like it.

If Coldplay can tithe…then I think we can!

 

 

8. Put God first.

Always…times a zillion…

 

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

 

Joel 2:12 / Romans 8:27

 

This coming Friday night is gonna be amazing.

We have Phil Wickham coming all the way from hot & sunny Los Angeles, California, to freezing & snowy Saskatoon for ONE NIGHT of cool music on January 7th. If you haven't heard any of Wickham's stuff, you ought to head over to iTunes or the music store nearest you and acquaint yourself. The guy is easily one of the best vocalists in Christian music, and his style is usually reminiscent of modern brit-rock, with a little bit of 80's new wave flair on his last effort. Oh, and he's sold a lot of records! So, I'm thinking that it's pretty cool we landed a gig at SCC to jumpstart the Heaven & Earth young adult conference. You don't want to miss out on this special event.

//January 7th//2011//7:30pm//SCC//102 Pinehouse Drive//

The blogzzz are about to blow up!

I just want to give you fair warning.

Many blogzzz are on the immediate horizon.

Check in often...or be left in the past.

2011 is most def going to be insane.

Hanggg on,

- mr j///

Wear your Christmas sweat-suit to Exelerate!!!

Well okay, you don't really have to do that.

But on Wednesday, December 22nd, and on Wednesday, December 29th, Exelerate and 24/7 are having combined services in the CCA Gym from 7:30pm-9:00pm.

Come on out ready to play...so in other words, make sure you have some court shoes on and wear whatever you don't mind getting sweaty in.

HoHoHo to ya,

- the exelerate team

exelerate presents...

The Very Merry Christmas Party

When: Wednesday, December 8th, 7:30pm-9pm

Where: CCA Gym, where we always hang out!!

Cost: FREE

Why: Cuz we're throwing a birthday party for the greatest Person of all time!

 

The nitty gritty details that put the 'awe' in awesome:

* Santa will be there. No, we would never joke about something like this.

* "old skool baking contest"...this means you might want to bake up a sweat before the party. The more the baking, the fatter the party! The official contest judging categories will be based on "taste", "aesthetics"...otherwise known as "looks", and "originality". The winners will receive the new Newsboys Christmas EP!

* A foto ("photo" 4 those of u who can't spel) booth, so come dressed reflecting your inner Christmas spirit. The last sentence was to encourage you to dress up "Christmas-like-ish".

* Hot Chocolate will be in the house! Hot Chocolate is an "it", not a rapper or something...

* Bring clothing items, as we (as a whole youth ministry) will be donating clothes to people in need this Christmas. Come with at least ONE item of clothing to donate, but the more the merrier!

The soundz of David Crowder*Band
(…inspired by the up-coming DC*B show with Hillsong YOUTH tomorrow!!!)

 

David Crowder*Band is one of an extremely short list of artists and bands that seem to be able to effortless blend the heart of pure and abandoned worship with highly artistic and innovative sound textures…and in turn, produce albums that are both 100% worshipful and 100% artistic statements…and that is one of the reasons I love this band so much.

To put it simply, most of the time I put on “p&w” because I know that I need to listen to it, but with David Crowder*Band, I play their albums because they purely and perfectly rock! No, DC*B is NOT a rock band. Nor do I think they are a worship band. I would say that they are a group of worshippers that play a very innovated hybrid of power-pop anthems mixed with accents of electronica and folk…and the result is most definitely a unique listening experience. If are not yet bored out of your mind, you may as well read on...

Can You Hear Us???
This is DC*B’s first major label full-length (they do have an album earlier than this available on i-Tunes), and I’d say it’s pretty good, but it doesn’t stand up that well to their later releases. Overall, it’s probably their most contemporary album. The 2 standouts are their version of “All Creatures Of Our God And King”, and “God Of Wrath”, the latter of which hints at some of the experimental electro-pop greatness to come. If you’re not a die hard fan though, just pass on this one.

The Lime CD EP
This one isn’t essential either, but it is pretty cool. Basically, this EP was made to compile some music from the band that had gone out of print while they were still an indie band. I like their version of Matt Redman’s “Sing Like The Saved”, and the completely electrified instrumental that is “End Of October”.

Illuminate
This is the first must-have DC*B album. If you don’t have this album, what is wrong with you? You needed this years ago! Too many highlights to name. And the experimentation really starts to happen in this recording, but at the same time, Illuminate remains one of their most immediate and captivating works. It’s infectious, adorable, hipster, congregational (at times), and powerful.

Sunsets & Sushi EP
Illuminate gets the complete remix/electronic overhaul. This is a personal favourite of mine…and this makes for a nice companion piece to Illuminate. Buy it…it’s cheap.

A Collision or (3+4=7)
Okay, this is the album that you are allowed to toss around the word “masterpiece” when you’re talking to your friends about it, and yes, you should be talking to your friends about it…because albums like this don’t come around very often. This album has a whopping 21 tracks, and everyone of them deserve to be there. The band even covers a Sufjan Stevens song. Like, how hipster is that? Perfect albums do exist, and this is one of them.

B Collision EP
This one isn’t essential, but the band does present us with some nice alternate versions of “A Beautiful Collision” and “Wholly Yours”.

Remedy
The socially conscious worship record. Overall, I was a little disappointed with this later-era Crowder album, but it does have a few redemptive moments…like “Everything Glorious” and “Surely We Can Change”. Remedy feels much too short and ‘safe’ for what they do best.

Remedy Club Tour (live)
This live is album is stellar, but it’s the DVD that makes it worth owning. The live versions usually don’t deviate much from the studio versions…but it’s insane watching how all these sounds you’ve come to know and love are produced live. Lots of songs on this!

Church Music
By far, DC*B’s best effort, and one of the best recordings ever made by any artist, ever! All of the 17 songs play continuously without any interruption, as electronic programming connects each song to the next. This record is trippy, pretty, rocking, electro, weird, and poppy…all at the same time. If you were stranded on an island and were only allowed 5 CD’s…you should pick this one, and 4 back-up copies just in case!!!

Summer Happiness EP
Simply, 4 acoustic/quiet versions of anthems from Church Music. Yes, you need this. Kind of in the same vein as B Collision.

Know it all? Nope!

Let’s just face up.
We don’t know everything.
We aren’t gurus of global intel.
We don’t have endless answers to a bajillion questions.
We just don’t.

If there was ever an “information age”, we are in the epicenter of it…and it’s impossible to know all there is to know about everything you need to know…ya know?

But the good news is that it’s okay. No, you don’t need to know everything in order to help people. If you really want to help people, you just always need to stay a “learner”. In other words, never plan on graduating from the University of Life.
Keep on opening the Bible to sort out your stuff…and keep on going to the primary people God uses to help you navigate all the way along with your questions.

One of my favourite things that our pastor says is this: “Blessed are the people that don’t know, but they know that they don’t know, and they want to know.” Those are the people that end up getting the serious answers they need. And that’s the kind of attitude I want to have.

And along the way, you won’t get it right all the time.
You’ll mess it…you’ll make mistakes…you’ll put your foot in your mouth.
But if your heart is in the right place, and you refuse to stop growing with God, you’ll go down in history as a difference maker for Jesus!

And if you’re a little strange like me, you might find odd comfort in the fact that stupid people make it out alive everyday. And because you’re not stupid, things can only be better for you! So, everyday another stupid person seems to succeed…I can’t help but get a little more hopeful for my life and my tomorrow.

Here are a few examples of some famous people saying some stupid things! Enjoy.

 

Former French President Charles De Gaulle: “China is a big country inhabited by many Chinese.”

Jason Kidd, when drafted by the Mavericks: “We’re gonna turn this team around 360 degrees.”

Anti-smoking spokesperson Brooke Shields: “Smoking kills, and if you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life.”

Ivana Trump (on finishing her first novel): “Fiction writing is great. You can make up almost anything."

Dan Quayle (former US Vice President): "It is wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago."

Al Gore (former US Vice President): “It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.”

Britney Spears:"I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada."

Colonel Gerald Wellman (ROTC instructor): "We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people."

Torrin Polk (University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins): "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings."

24/7 ULTIMATE SUPER-PARTY

OUTDOOR LASER TAG WITH GUNS THAT KICK!
2 HOURS OF EXTREME
OUTDOOR WARFARE.
FRIDAY SEPT. 24TH
4:45pm-9:00pm
$25.00 PER PERSON
(INCLUDES ULTIMATE
OUTDOOR LASERTAG
AND A.Y.C.E. HOTDOGS)

DETAILS:

DROPOFF 4:45pm AT THE
CHURCH (P/U @ 9:00pm)
MEAL SERVED AFTER LASERTAG!!
WEAR PLAYCLOTHES
AND DRESS WARM!!

The /// PAC /// Party

WHAT: wall climbing (for those 14+) /// basketball /// volleyball

WHEN: friday /// september 17th /// 7pm-9pm

WHERE: at the PAC (UofS) /// parents drop off & pick up

COST: $15 (for those 14+) /// $10 (for those 13-)

/// get yer money in to MR J no later than wednesday, september 15th ///

/// if you're planning to go, you will get a waver form that your parents must sign ///

/// if you have any questions, e-mail us at exelerate@christiancentre.ca ///

!!!!!!!!!!!BUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Due to matters beyond our control...we've had to cancel this Friday's Party...

Something else is in the works...so keep checking in...thanx...

Dr. Seuss doesn't have nothin' on the profoundly poetic talent found in Exelerate. Pure serious.

And just last night we proved the above statement true.

Here are two poems written in the aftermath of OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO // Part 1 // "up & down streets"...

It's my hope that they bless you as much as they blessed me. Purely. - mr j

 

Kevin

(by Brendan Mayer & friendz)

Once upon a time in a place called Flin-Flan,

A place of great sadness just outside of Iran,

There lived a very sad, fat purple man.

He had an afro and his name was Stan,

And he came from the Bringerton Brumerton clan,

Who had the reputation of being colder than any large fan.

Bringerton Brumerton's thought they were the best,

With paint on their pants and green on their chest.

They lived on the corner of Sad Street, just west

Of Emo Avenue and Main Street depressed.

Here they lived and sure were the best

At stealing dinosaur eggs from their rather large nests.

They did this all day without thought of the rest.

Then one dinosaur came along and sure didn't match.

He was the happiest of the whole batch.

His happiness was contagious throughout the whole town,

Turning their frowns upside down,

And for this great deed he received a crown.

 

Moose With A Screw Loose

(by Amberly / Shannon / Desiree / Serena / Keli / Sydney)

 There once was a moose whose name was Pete,

He loved to eat flowers he chewed with his feet.

He stumbled one day upon an old screw.

It jumped up and said, "I've been looking for you!"

So he lowered his gapplewane an inch or two,

And suddenly he was overcome with a flu!

His fur turned quite green!

It was so obscene!

He looked at the screw and said, "Wow! That was mean!"

The screw said, "I'm sorry, but what have I done?"

Pete said, "I've got your flu. Now I've gotta run!"

 

In the spirit of fall, I'm doing some cleaning in my office...and I've stumbled across some music that I'm ready to part ways with. Oh, we'll still be good friends, it's just my shelves are feeling a little extra heavy. So, it's time for some of my old CD's to find a new home. If you wish to adopt any of these fabulous musical documents recorded to CD, then let me know!!!

 

:::CLASSIC ROCK:::

Stryper | Murder By Pride - $4.00 (sold!)

Stryper | 7 (the best of) - $4.00 (sold!)

Petra | Beat The System - $4.00

Petra | On Fire! - $4.00

Petra | This Means War - $4.00

Petra | More Power To Ya - $4.00

Petra | Back To The Street - $4.00

Petra | Captured In Time & Space - $4.00

Petra | Never Say Die / Washes Whiter Than - $4.00

Petra | Not Of This World - $4.00

(or the entire PETRA collection for $25!!!) (sold!!!)

 

:::90's POP / ROCK / RAP / WORSHIP:::

Newsboys | Going Public - $4.00 (sold!)

Newsboys | Love Liberty Disco - $4.00 (sold!)

DC Talk | Free At Last - $4.00 (sold!)

Enter The Worship Circle | First Circle - $3.00

PFR | Goldie's Last Day - $2.00

 

:::MODERN ROCK / HARD ROCK / ACOUSTIC:::

Bethany Dillon | Stop & Listen - $3.00 (sold!)

Worth Dying For | S/T - $4.00

Abandon | Searchlights - $4.00

P.O.D. | Greatest Hits (the atlantic years) - $4.00 (sold!)

Disciple | Scars Remain (special edition) - $4.00

Day Of Fire | Losing All - $4.00 (sold!)

Anberlin | New Surrender - $4.00

 

:::MODERN RAP:::

Lecrae | Rebel - $4.00 (sold!)

Lecrae | After The Music Stops - $4.00

Lecrae | Real Talk - $4.00

116 Clique | 13 Letters - $4.00 (sold!)

116 Clique | Amped - $4.00 (sold!)

Da Truth | The Big Picture - $4.00

Shai Linne | The Atonement - $3.00

Shai Linne | Storiez - $3.00

Shai Linne | The Solus Christus Project - $3.00

Eric Cross | The Art Of Composition - $2.00

 

 

CAMP

Autumn…
That sounds so much better than Fall, don’t you think?
Hard to believe that Summer has so swiftly forsaken us. The most non-existent summer on record...at least to me. I only downed maybe 1/8th of the slurpees I planned to, and I never even splashed in a pool or dashed down a slip-n-slide. But, come to think of it, I did hit a few spray parks with my 3 boys and let everyone there know who’s boss!

And now, in just a few days…we are embarking upon the bestest Fall Camp ever. And by ‘bestest’, I mean bestest. Look it up if you have to!

This Fall Camp will go down in the history books as CAMPING OUT.

I never grew up a camper, but over the last few years, my inner-camp-man has emerged. There’s just something about camping. The solitude. The clear starry sky. The lack of modern convenience. The smell of camp fire. The lazy schedule. Aaaahhhh…

And this year, this is where our Fall Camp begins. No, we’re not taking you to the woods. You’ll still get to sleep in those classrooms without getting any demerits, just like you wish you could when the first bell rings in September.
But we will be bringing a little bit of ol’ time camping to you…and you’re gonna dig it (especially if you’re a v-ball player)…(lame joke alert!).

So start packin’ your bags for Fall Camp 2010 (August 22-27), because it’s all about CAMPING OUT.

- mr j

ps. Bring some outside clothes and footwear for a special event to kick it all off on Sunday night!

Praise & the iPOD

I am a self admitted music junkie.
The music I usually gravitate to is the weirder, artier stuff…you know…the cool stuff.
Just a couple of weeks ago I saw a guy walking on Broadway who was wearing a shirt that read “I listen to bands that don’t even exist yet”, and while I’ll concede that I’m not that hip, I do like to listen to music that is off the beaten path.

To be honest, I have rarely listened to so-called “praise & worship” albums that I loved until recent years. And that’s the motivation for writing this blog. There’s nothing like spinning an album because you love the textures and sounds so much…and to top it all off, the artist’s intent was to create something that touches the heart of God.
Those are the records that I most love – the records that don’t seek to be “praise & worship”…they just are…

So I thought I would share with you a few artists and albums that landed in my iPOD over the last few years…and every time they play, they draw you closer into the presence of God.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Worship Circus | Big Star Logistics – this band, and the band they would later reform into (The Listening) has a handful of stellar albums, but Big Star Logistics is a classic piece of rock-meets-p&w. I would bet you that you’re unsaved cousin would love this album so much that he’d try to steal it from you at your family reunion.

The Violet Burning | Faith And Devotions Of a Satellite Heart – though you probably haven’t ever heard of these guys (unless you’re my fb friend), The Violet Burning is a legendary Christian band. Delirious even credits these guys for starting the “modern praise movement”. And with well over a dozen near-perfect albums, it’s hard to just suggest one from TVB, but Faith & Devotions is a glimpse into the passionate song- writing of a band that strives to put the Psalms to their own brand of noisy guitars and glorious feedback.

Enter The Worship Circle | First/Second/Third/Fourth Circle – this isn’t a band as much as it is a community of singer/songwriters headed up my husband/wife team Ben and Robin Pasley. Their albums are mostly based on the Psalms and are very organic in sound…almost folky, like a worshipful, arty jamboree. Guests on these albums have included Waterdeep, Karla Adolphe, and Aaron Strumpel.

Enter The Worship Circle | Chair & Microphone 1, 2, 3 – this is a spin-off of the aforementioned Worship Circle community. This time we have one artist with songs recorded in one take. Very intimate, simplistic, and devastatingly heartfelt. Ben Pasley, Aaron Strumpel, and Karla Adolphe all have wonderful Chair & Mic albums, rich in content and raw in production. These are some of my favs…ever.

Aaron Strumpel | Elephants – okay, I’ll admit that this artist is not for the faint of heart. Aaron is somewhat avant garde in his approach to music, and if you’re looking for something smooth and soothing, look on. But if you’re open to being challenged musically, Elephants is a fantastic trip deep into the Psalms. If you hear this and start gushing, then go find his Vespers 1 & 2 EP as well.

David Crowder Band* | Church Music – if you know me at all, you know I have a gigantic man-crush on David Crowder’s music. Every album since Illuminate is essential, and though it’s a close race between A Collision and Church Music for their best album, Church Music might be the greatest album ever recorded in the history of the universe! The album’s title is ironic, because this record has few congregational songs, but it’s a continuous playing work of sonic beauty.

John Mark McMillan | The Medicine – this album might be album of the year (2010) for me. JMM writes unconventional songs of the resurrection power of Christ, with the pen of a seasoned poet, and the passion of an emo-band front man who wears his heart on his sleeve. I love the slight alt-country that rears its head on this record from time to time. Of course, this is the guy who wrote the massive song “How He Loves”, and his own version bookends the record. I have this one on continuous play these days.

The Glorious Unseen | Tonight The Stars Speak – if you want to hear a dreamy emo-band spend a whole record offering up adoration to God, then look no further. Their follow-up to this one (The Hope That Lies In You) is also good, but doesn’t pack the same punch as this, their debut. There’s a lot of cool atmosphere in this record.

Oceans Above | Oceans Above – this album is more of a project than anything else, but it’s 15 songs of pure brilliance. Of all the albums I’ve listed, this is the one that doesn’t have original material. Instead, Oceans Above draw on artists like Delirious, Starfield, Future of Forestry, Keith Green, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band*, Chris Tomlin, etc…and create otherworldly soundscapes with electro-pop reminiscent of Owl City, mixed with modern folk music. Very catchy. This album is like a lost gem.

Jason Morant | Open – if you want an album to get lost in, Open welcomes you with it’s anthemic and orchestral ebbs and flows. This is Morant’s second album, and I think it’s among the best ever recorded from a “praise & worship” leader. 16 tracks that seem to transcend space and time.

Phil Wickham | Cannons – I could have easily put any of Wickham’s three albums in this list, but it’s Cannons that I most love. Wickham is the quintessential songwriter that makes stunning records from a vocal and artistic perspective, and while his albums aren’t “praise & worship” affairs, they effortlessly stand out as love letters to God, minus any cheesiness or cliché.

Hopefully, you might find a little something you like in this list, or maybe stumble unto something else in your search that brings a fresh smile to your ears and sweet incense to God. And if you happen to know of any music that moves you toward God in a real personal way, I’d love to hear about it too…so pass it along!

- Garrett Johnson

Due to water falling down from the heavenly skies, we have to postpone the 24/7 party that was scheduled for today to another time. :-(

Please keep your eyes on the blog for further updates.

Stay dry,

- Mr. Klassen and the 24/7 team

!!!!24/7 PARTY!!!!

When : Friday August 13th 7:00 PM to 9:15PM(parents pickup)
Where: Meewasin firepits(bottom of pinehouse by the parking lot and washrooms) What : Waterbomb fortress (Capture the flag but with serious weapons) How Much: Cost is $4.00 per person (Includes hotdogs, pop and chips) What To Bring: Dress for Warfare (No white clothes, tanktops or flip flops please), bring a change of clothes, Towel, Bug Spray, Warm sweater, and waterguns if you got 'em.

 - Forestry Farm Party -

 

Friday, August 6th

6pm-8:45pm

(please note that the forestry farm closes @ 9pm)

Cost -

$2.00/vehicle

for zoo admittance - 18&under - $5.00 / 19+ - $8.50

...plus free marshmallow roast...pop...frizbee football...

Please meet at the Zoo gates at 6pm...and teens must leave the party with who they come with, unless the parents communicate with the Exelerate Staff in advance...

!!!Exelerate Golf Extravaganza Party!!!

Friday, July 16th

Wilson's Entertainment Park (corner HWY#5 & McOrmond Road)

7:30pm-9:30pm

Driving Range (prices vary from $9 to $18...depends on how many balls you want to hit)

Mini-Golf (17 & younger is $5.00 / 18+ is $7.50)

Concession (you can spend as much as you have in your pocket)

[it's your job to get yourself there...and to leave with who you come with...unless we have personally been given parental consent for an alternate arrangement...oh, and bring the CA$H you need]

Oh Six Slick Grads

I resurrect this blog and awake it from its slumbo
To commemorate the grads with some thoughtful mumbo jumbo

My oh my, time does fly, a year did disappear
And as sure as surely sure another year will soon be here

But as for you, today has come; you’re finally at your grad
So don’t be mad that school’s out because your future’s looking rad

Onward to the summer, cause there’s much money to be made
Not much playing is a bummer; you’ll be working with a spade

Cause real life costs some cash, and I do not tell a lie
Between Starbucks and gasoline, oh and tuition for FCI

Your school years were easy ones, and you will come to see
That if you always put God first you’ll be as happy as can be
(alternate line – That if you use a P90X, you’ll end up looking just like me)

So far this rap’s been helpful, but now here comes the punch
And I need to type it speedily, and then grab a slurpee lunch

Shout out to Corinna, cause she’s as steady as they come
But I can blow more bubbles when it comes to chewing gum

And as for Joel, his slyish smile can really throw you off
But I school him in basketball and blindfold mini-golf

And AJ’s got that smile too, always beaming ear to ear
But when I toast him in 3-point shoot out, he shed’s a weepy tear

And JJ tries to fool you by being so polite
But after I out-dunk him, he’s off to bed goodnight

Well Lauren, she’s a rocker, does she want to be a star?
But she has a long way to go until she can match my air guitar

And Curtis, he can talk that smack, as everybody knows
But when it comes to rapping, that dude needs dope new flows

But really now, I mustn’t joke or croak or jab or jest
Instead I will give sentiment and get this off my chest

You will be missed as you walk into a season fresh and new
And if you need some comfort food, Mrs. J will make you stew

So we say so long, fair well, with proper royal waves
And don’t forget the Dr. Seuss rhyme about “Too Many Dave’s”

- mr j(izzay)

 

I hope that Spring Break feels like it's in slo-mo for ya!

I'm sure you're getting lots of 'extra' done though...(yeah, right!)!!!

The J-Train is pulling out of Dodge and heading to the capital city of Regina for a few days.

A little I-MAX, a little Science Centre, a little ChuckECheese, a little heaven on earth!!! :)

Well, I better start loading up the roof-rack.

ManyBlessings,

- mr j & his Train

Way to go CCA EAGLES basketball team!!!

The boys are headed to Hoopla 2010!

Guys, your youth group is behind you...we'll be the crazy people in the stands wearing repulsive amounts and shades of Green & Gold.

Play your hoop-shooting, slam-dunking hearts out!!!

 

Game 1: Friday, March 19th, 8pm @ Walter Murray

Final Game: Saturday, March 20th, 7pm @ Evan Hardy

if...the Groundhog is right, I guess we have 6 more weeks of winter!

But as far as I'm concerned, we already got off pretty easy this winter. Yeah, we did have a few really cold weeks early on...but January was a heater!!!

I can't wait till my 3 boys get a little bit older, cuz I have my own snow-blowers!!! In fact, my two youngest (4yrs & 2yrs) were out shoveling snow with Mrs. J this morning! Practice makes permanent, so we want to acquaint them with snow shovels early in life. :)

On another (and completely unrelated) note...

I'm really looking forward to February's special SPLIT classes in Exelerate. We have myself & Mrs. J, Mrs. MacEwan, Coach Benneweis, and Pastor & Mrs. Johnson(!) all lined up to speak...so it'll be a series you'll be glad you came too.

CyaL8r.

- mr.j

Hey everybody...

Just to let you know...

Wednesday, January 20th & Wednesday, January 27th...

In Exelerate...

BACKGROUND CHECK [the sequel]

This will be the 2-part mini-series that you won't want to miss...

These 2 special youth events are about the TRUE STORIES of some of our own youth staff...

And these nites will also feature some of YOUR STORIES...

Because God is doing something REAL in Exelerate...and we've got to tell people about it...

Doors open @ 7:15pm in the CCA gym.

We're right in the middle of EXEL 10...and it has been amazing.

Pastor Steve Munds is fired up...and the youth are hungry for God.

We've been going to sessions, eating pizza and downing Italian Sodas, conquering horizontal bungee-jumps, sweating in super-sized boxing rings, knocking the snot out of eachother on jousting platforms, praising God with one of the best bands on earth (Generation Rising anyone?), and just having a crazy good time!!!

And it's not even over yet!!!!!!

I hope you're in the middle of the awesomeness.

 - mr j

 

 

Top 10 Albums of 2009

 

Yep, it’s that time…to look back on the past year and comment on the music that won.

It was hard to narrow it down to only 10. Some great albums had to fall by the wayside as a result. But these are the ones that that surfaced to the top of the pile.

 

 

1. Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane (Best album of the year…and I’ll go ahead and say it…the best album of Switchfoot’s career.)

 

2. Thrice – Beggars (This is probably the music underestimated rock machine on the planet. Mind-blowingly awesome.)

 

3. David Crowder*Band – Church Music (The best p&w album of all time? Probably. 17 tracks that play continuously. Genius put to disc.)

 

4. Jars of Clay – The Long Fall Back to Earth (JoC re-establish themselves as a vital, pop/electro band. Stunning.)

 

5. Flyleaf – Memento Mori (Heavy. Accessible. Bold. Immediate. Powerful.)

 

6. Future Of Forestry – Travel I & Travel II EP’s (Beautifully produced, enthrallingly composed Brit-rock songs, sometimes drenched in tribal rhythms.)

 

7. NeedToBreathe – The Outsiders (Southern-rock done to perfection.)

 

8. Falling Up – Fangs! (Weird post-rock that somehow takes your breath away.)

 

9. Sleeping At Last – Storyboards (Symphonic, cimematic, orchestral, sweeping, and quiet.)

 

10. MuteMath – Armistice (Rock & rhythm, lots of hooks. Hey, it’s addictive.)

 

 

What were your favourite albums of 2009???

 

 

 

x l r 8

!!!christmas party!!!

 

'Tis true! Exelerate will be rockin' a bonafide christmas party this coming Tuesday night. Don't worry...you don't have to bake anything. You don't even have to bring a gift!

On Tuesday, December 15th, @ 7pm in the CCA gym, we'll provide the hot chocolate and popcorn. We'll even provide the movie (A Charlie Brown Christmas)...it's a classic.

But we need you to bring BOARD GAMES! The more, the merrier. And be sure to lug along your gift of gab (it's the one attached to your face...your mouth!).

Oh, and we'll have an i-Tunes gift card for the guy & girl who come in the best green & red fashions!!!

We look forward to seeing you there.

ManyGingerbreadMen,

- mr & mrs j

Dear Humility,

 

I’m very aware of the fact that I have a deeply profound grasp of the English language, and that I exhibit masterful skill when it comes to writing letters such as this.

 

Please except my sincerest apologies for not corresponding with you sooner, but it seems that everyone always wants to hang out with me. I guess that’s the price that comes with being a border-line genius. Yeah, I know that it might seem a little bit weird that I’m saying that. I prefer to throw in the word “border-line”, because being humble is how I roll. I guess that nobody has actually used the word “genius” either. But I can read people pretty well if I do say so myself…but whatever…that’s all beside the point.

 

The real reason I’m writing is that I’m wondering if you could become my “fan” on Facebook. I say some crazy-witty things on there, and it just kills me to think that you might actually be missing out. While you’re at it, you should go ahead and put me in your Top 8 Myspace friends too…because you can’t deny that I am the pinnacle of perfect friendship. Oh, and I’m sure you’re following me on Twitter. My daily musings are as rich as Solomon…or Donald Gates…or Bill Trump…or…

 

I’ve always prided myself on just being there for people, and that’s why I want to be there for you. I want to just be there, and ask you, “So, what do you think about me?” Then we could get into fantastic conversations that I always lead…because I’m a real good “convo-leader”, if you don’t mind me taking the small liberty of coining my own phrase.

 

Well, I’d love to keep writing, and I’m sure you’d love to keep reading. I know that even one of my common letters puts Shakespeare to shame. But the mirror is calling…and who can blame it really? It’s not like every mirror on the planet gets the chance to reflect a face as handsomely deadly as mine.

 

Hope you can talk about…umm…to…me soon,

 

________________________________

Our CCA volleyball girls had an AMAZING season...and Exelerate wants to give them a big shout-out! Your schedule was grueling, your weekends were busy, and no doubt your workouts were intense. But we gotta say that you girls totally made your youth group (and church and school) mega-proud.

The season ended by qualifying for the Provincial tournament (which is nothing to ever take for granted)...and then finishing Provincials with a stunning 4th Place!

Thank you for working so hard and for representing the Green and Gold so well. All of the fans solute you...and we especially solute you...with PIZZA. Can't wait to hang out you at lunch tomorrow.

YoursTrulier,

- mr & mrs j

 

Dear Self-Discipline,

 

Where has all the time gone? It’s been a long time since we’ve hooked up. I hope you didn’t take it personal or anything. I know that my parents always wanted us to spend time together…but I felt like we never clicked that great, ya know?

 

But it’s hard to believe that I haven’t seen you for sooo long. And it’s not like I’m a hermit living in a cave either. I’ve been all over town, hanging out with my friends…and well, lurking at the mall. So it’s kinda strange that I haven’t bumped into you, because it seems like I bump into almost everybody else. Weird.

 

Come to think of it, I guess you didn’t usually stay out too late. And I think you probably prefer just hanging out at home more than I do. And, oh yeah, I remember that you were always into reading.  Guess we just don’t have that many common interests, because I’d rather play videogames at a friend’s house. In fact, one of the last times we were together I was showing you a newer XBOX game of mine, remember? To be honest, you really got on my nerves that night. You totally tried to crash our little party by wanting us to turn the game off at 12:30am. You kept on making a big deal out of how there was church the next day. Gimme a break.

 

To me, it just seemed like you kept on making big deals out of stuff. Yeah, it irked me…and yeah, I let you know it. But honestly, I wasn’t meaning to hurt you… I just wanted you to lay off.  I need my own space, ya know?

 

Man, that seems sooo long ago. I guess it was. Wow!

Things haven’t been going too well for me lately. It’s kinda hard to explain, and I don’t want to turn this into a sob story either. I don’t mind school. I like the people there, and the work isn’t too hard…but I’d just rather roll over and hit the snooze button. And I can’t remember the last time I cracked open my Bible…but I’ve wrapped the last 4 videogames that I rented.

 

I dunno…I’ve been talking to my parents about this stuff and they keep telling me that they haven’t seen you around in a while. And they keep reminding me that they think I acted better when you and I were hanging out. Looking back, I really can’t deny it…even though we didn’t always get along. I guess you were trying to help me. And I did treat you pretty bad. Sorry about that.

 

So I decided to write you this letter to let you know that I hope we can still be friends….if it’s not too late.

 

Yours Truly,

 

___________

 

zzzz...zoned out for a while.

Sorry for the long delay.

Things are gonna get busy over here in blog-land once again.

I. Promise.

Well, until 2morrow...pursue Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, and Gentleness (oneTimothy 6:11)

BlessYa,

- mr j

Our September series is finally all wrapped up. I hope that you can walk away from it feeling as challenged as I do. The bottom line is that God is looking for teenagers who are genuine and real. I hope you fit that description! My sermon notes are attached below.

ManyMugsOfHotChocolateToYa

BEAT THE SYSTEM
PART 4

 

“Thrilled & Clueless”

 

Review:

Last week we spent some time talking about how you should always think of yourself first…but be sure to nod and smile. That is, if you’re aiming to beat the church system. Which, hopefully by now you are 100% convinced is a capital B bad idea! We made an effort to establish the fact that there is no system to beat. God desires a relationship with each and everyone of His children…and if you’re busy trying to pull the wool over His eyes, and over the eyes of everyone He’s put into your life to help you…then you’re the only one who loses.

Being a Christian should NEVER will like a chore…or like it’s your duty because you own God a favour. The truth is that God has MUCH MORE to offer you than you have to offer Him!!! We ended up counter-pointing the lie by stating a truth that says Think of Jesus first…because you represent Him. I haven’t been able to get away from this idea for weeks. I’m fascinated by God’s total belief in me to rise to the occasion and represent Him with my words, actions, and life.  Yes, it’s a heavy responsibility…but it’s one that we can (and will) fulfill.

 

Message:

 

How To Beat The Church System:

 

4. Just focus on the thrills.

 

Through the years I have found that a lot of “church” kids are just thrill seekers.  Most teens who go to church just want to feel good.  When they are at church they worship and come around the altars because it “feels” good.  But after that feeling wares off they start looking for other thrills, other ways to feel good. Typically at a party or with the opposite sex.  I’ve found that coming around the altar for worship or really “going for it” during the service is not a great way to determine where a student really is with Christ. Even crocodile tears don’t necessarily mean too much!

These are the teens who love the “Holy Ghost Goose Bumps”…and the warm fuzzies that they feel in worship…or the “buzz” of a concert or youth conference.

To these teens, the best part of Exelerate is when we throw a party…so they can just chill out with their friends.

Now, there isn’t anything wrong with that…at all…but if you are just a youth group thrill seeker, the fact is that you have zero depth in your relationship with God.

 

How To Be Real:

 

4. Focus on growing.

 

Everything that is alive will grow. A tree…will grow. Grass…will grow. Your puppy…will grow. Your iguana…will grow. Your body…will grow. Even your toe-nails…will grow.

Everything that is alive will grow, without exception. And when something stops growing, that’s your quick clue that it’s dying!

So if your relationship with Jesus is real and alive, you must focus on helping it grow.

Consider yourself a gardener. Your heart is where seeds are planted.

 

Luke 2:40 - And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

 

 

How To Beat The Church System:

 

5. Be clueless…but hide it by memorizing Scriptures and getting your ‘praise on’.

If you are right with God you will go to church, however, just because you go to church doesn’t mean you are right with God. ”Church teens” don’t understand that. They think that because they have been raised in church, know a few scriptures, have asked Jesus into their heart 200 times then they are in good standing with God.  Salvation is not based on works, but on completely accepting Gods grace and allowing his son Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life.  

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

 

How To Be Real:

5. Be transparent…by being real with God and others.

The word “transparent” literally means “to be see-through”.  Are you comfortable with God being able to see through you, or for your parents, or for your pastor and leaders…to see through you?

This means that you have to be cool with not having anything to hide behind. It’s a big step, and it takes a lot of guts. And that’s just it, really. Being a Christian takes A LOT of guts.

When I think of the Bible, I think of all the people who had guts to live what they believed. It did cost them something. But it was well worth it.

Psalm 44:21 - Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.

Acts 15:8a - So God, who knows the heart…

Over the years I have found that “church teens” know just enough about Jesus to realize He will forgive them if they sin, and this lack of knowledge, faith and life change causes them to have a lot more pain and guilt than they should ever experience…and that makes me sick to my stomach.

That’s why I’ve dedicated the past 12 years of my life to reaching teenagers.  The churched, the unchurched, the saved, and the unsaved….because they all need Jesus.

BEAT THE SYSTEM
PART 3

 

“Represent”

 

Review:

Last week we covered the messed up mentality that too many “Christian teens” have – think that your ‘mistake’ isn’t as bad as someone else’s sin!  The basic idea was that we always tend to think that other people’s dirt is somehow worse than our dirt…when in actuality, the Bible just calls sin SIN! We like to pretend that there’s some sort of invisible sin-scale that God measures our sin on, and because we go to church regularly, our sin is somehow less sinful than the sin of the teenager from down the street. But the reality is that your dirt is just as dirty as your friends’ dirt. And so the counter-point from last week was short and simple – know that sin is all the same. I know that this might strike you as too obvious, but it’s really amazing how we get sucked into false ideas all the time. So that was the jist of last week’s part2, in a nutshell.

 

Message:

I hope you all know by now that I don’t want you to become a stereo-typical “church teen” that only puts on a religious front to serve your own agenda and purposes. God has SO MUCH MORE in store for your life than that!

If you have that BEAT THE SYSTEM mentality woven into your idea of what it means to have a real walk with God…then no wonder you find church, devotions, the Bible, and prayer boring. Trying to BEAT THE SYSTEM always totally kills relationships. Friends can never last when one person is just trying to fool the other. In fact, that is the quintessential recipe for relational destruction…and there are few things worse than when a relationship falls apart.

How To Beat The Church System:

3. Always think of yourself first…but be sure to nod and smile.

In other words, just be a horrible representation to your friends of what living for Jesus is really like.  For these teenagers, it’s all about ‘false pretense’. This stage is actually a whole lot worse than the first 2 stages…because this is when you stop pretending as hard as you used to and start letting some cooped up rebellion start to manifest. In other words, this is when you start to not care!

This will not only have an adverse effect on your Christian friends…but it will also send a totally confusing message to people who don’t know Jesus. Because, and never forget this…people are watching!

This attitude is actually the foundation for SATANISM!!! Satanism isn’t just when people wear all black and light candles and chant and worship the devil. In fact, Satanism is actually defined as “the worship of self”. It doesn’t make Satan god, it makes you god!

 So we can’t afford to mess around and serve ourselves and follow our feelings and think of us first. The People who do not know Christ personally will look at these students with all their many issues and think that they are a real representation of what knowing Jesus is all about….so they never really give church or Christ a try. (examples)

Jesus has a Press Agent, and it’s YOU!!! So how are you making Him come across? Think about it…you are the only Bible some people will ever read, and the only picture of Jesus some people will ever see! So how are you doing???

How To Be Real:

3. Think of Jesus first…because you represent Him.

This is a BIG deal…it’s actually the most important job that you will ever have! There are some things that we have to do in life that we don’t take too seriously. (examples)

But if there was only one thing that ever took seriously as Christians, it should be our witness. You are your witness. Your witness is you. It includes your words, but it’s much more than just your words…because your witness starts before you ever even say anything.

And we represent Christ with our lives!!!

1 Corinthians 4:16 (NJKV) - Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) - Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

John 14:12 (NKJV) - Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

I’m totally in love with the fact that Jesus calls us His ambassadors!!! Talk about a high-class job…with a ton of responsibility!

2 Corinthians 5:20 – “…now then we are ambassadors for Christ…”

Abandon | Searchlights

7.6/10

http://www.abandonrock.com/

Style: Modern Rock / Brit Rock

Pros: A sound worthy of mainstream attention, but with a great message from front to back.

Cons: Of the 12 tracks here, only 4 are completely new.

 

Review:

There simply aren’t too many modern rock albums in CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) with blatant Christ-centred messages. That trademark seems to have become reserved for bands that get filed under the ‘modern worship’ category (Leeland, Delirious, Starfield, etc). But Abandon emerges as one notable exception. If you’re a fan of the mod-pop flavours of The Afters and Sanctus Real, this band will probably scratch your itch. There is also an unmistakable punchy Brit-Rock undercurrent electrifying all 12 songs here. The band did put out 2 EP’s within this last year, and 8 of those tracks show up here on their debut full-length, but other than that slight criticism, Searchlights is a  thundering debut effort. Josh Engler (lead vocals) captivates with his distinctive tenor, accompanied by crisp guitars, moody synths, and pounding drums. I prefer the band’s up-tempo songs (like the mega-cool “Providence” or “Hold On”) to their slower, balladesque ventures (like the quiet “Your Love Lifts Me Up”). But the bottom line is that polished, powerful, positive records like this one don’t get released very often.

 

It's Thursday morning and I'm sitting at my kitchen bar sipping a Tim Horton's iced-cap and gearing up for more study on this Saturday's HELP WANTED Speaking In Tongues message.

I just wanted to say that Mrs. J and I consider ourselves to be the most blessed Youth Leaders on planet earth. We know that the teenagers in Exelerate aren't perfect (duh!)...but this whole youth group is striving to be honest and passionate about seeking and loving God!

We're so thankful and honoured that we have an opportunity to invest into your lives, and we want to let you know that we take this very seriously. We don't know who you will become later on in life...but we know that you will influence thousands of people. And we know that if you continually water the seeds that God has planted in the soil of your hearts, they won't return void!

We're proud of you guys!

Ya'll are rocking the whole Daily Devote Blog thing! Thanks for being so committed and enthusiastic about it. God is going to reward you for it...  And we can't help but be excited about all of us reading the Bible together from October to June. It is an insanely radical commitment...but Exelerate is doing something we've never done, and we believe God is going to take us places we've never gone!

Sure we're biased, but you teenagers are the best...ever...and you have our hearts!

Sorry, but we think God understands if we just brag on you guys a little. :)

ManyBlessings,

- mr&mrsJ

BEAT THE SYSTEM
PART 2

 

“Me Good, You Bad”

 

Review:

Okay, last week we launched this series off by covering the first step to beating the church system.  It’s so easy: Don’t have enough guts to go “all in” with anything you do.

Basically, live on the fence and try to live the best of both worlds in church…and in the world. In other words, just learn how to play the church game…and learn how to jump through all the hoops that will keep your parents, pastor, and leaders happy! Of course, we learnt that this NEVER works, so I threw you a counter-point: Live what you believe. You’re not going to be perfect, but you can be honest. So put your heart into your faith!

 

Message:

Let’s remember that the definition of a “church teen” is someone who has gone to church for a long time, but only ACTS like a Christian to serve their purposes. These people are actually classified as “manipulators”, and people who are living in rebellion, and the Bible tells us that manipulation and rebellion is actually a form of witchcraft (Revelation 22:15 / I Samuel 15:23)!!! It’s when you try to make your parents, coaches, teachers, and others in authority think that you are fine with God…when you really aren’t!

 

Proverbs 5:14 (NKJV) - I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation.

 

Proverbs 5:14 (The Message) - Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously? My life is ruined! I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!

 

You can show up at Exelerate, play the church game, jump through the hoops, and still have a hellish mess of a life! This stuff happens all the time. I can tell you story after story…

And this is exactly what the BEAT THE SYSTEM series is all about!

How To Beat The Church System:

2. Think that your “mistake” is not as bad as someone else’s sin.

Ever been over to someone else’s house, loaded up your plate with chips and a few snacks, walked across the living room floor and dropped your food?  When you picked it up, there were a few specks of carpet, dust, maybe even a little dirt.  Let me ask you this…did you eat it or did you go get yourself a new plate?  My guess is you dumped the food and got yourself a new plate.

Well, what about when that same thing happens to you at your house.  You load up your bowl with popcorn and chips, then walk across the room and spill the whole thing.  Do you throw the food away or do you brush it off and eat it?  If you’re like most people, you probably brush off the food and start munching away.

Now at your friend’s house, you dumped the whole thing, but at your place you didn’t give it a second thought.  Why? What is the difference?  Why did you eat your dirty food and not your friends? Well, at your house, it was your dirt, and your dirt is not as bad as your friends! Weird, isn’t it?

That is the way a lot of “church teens” are.  For some reason they think, because they are a good kid and go to church that their dirt is not as bad as someone else’s.

They may talk crude….but unsaved teens sleep around.  They may lust in their thought life, but at least they don’t get drunk.  They may watch bad movies from time to time, but at least they have never stolen anything….or at least not got caught.

You see the bottom line is dirt is dirt and sin is sin.   Sleeping around, getting drunk, cussing like a sailor, treating people like junk or stealing are all sins no matter who is committing them.  I think that is something we all need to remember. Lust is sin too, and so is cheating, and lying, and disobeying…

How To Be Real:

2. Know that sin is all the same.

Romans 3:23 (NJKV) - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

We are all the same…no one is innocent of sin and only makes “mistakes”!

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As a Christian teenager, you are who you are today by the grace of God! So there is no such things as “me good, you bad”… (stories)

You don't want to miss out on the in-house concert this Friday night.

I'll be a mellow, stripped down, acoustic evening...

...with the raw rock sounds of Ian Martens (his latest Have You Heard  is pretty fab)...

...and the lush, folky sounds of Karla Adolphe (her latest Chair & Microphone is one of my all-time favs)...

Doors open @ 7:30, and the show will get underway @ 8pm.

Tickets are only $5.oo, and the event is open for everybody.

And yes, there will be an Italian Soda/Sonic Bar...so bring extra ca$h.

 

Check em out: www.karlaadolphe.ca (you can hear all of her latest album here) // www.myspace.com/ianmartensband

In September, we're not just talking about BEAT THE SYSTEM...we want to actually give you the chance to BEAT THE SYSTEM!

That's why we're cooking up a party!

BEAT THE SYSTEM_ VELOCITY RACE_WAY PARTY

Friday, September 18th

Wilson's Entertainment Park (corner of Highway 5 & McOrmond Drive)

7:00pm-9:30pm (parents responsible for drop-off / pick-up)

Cost to drive: no driver's licence - $18.oo / driver's licence - $23.oo

Cost to mini-golf: $5.oo

Snack money: this is your business...not ours!

 

Driving waver forms went home today, and will also be available @ Exelerate on Wednesday, September 9th. Don't make paper airplanes out of them. Fill them out!

If you want to participate, these forms must be given back to Mr. J by Friday, September 11th...along with your driving and golf money...so get it so you can hit the track and try to BEAT THE SYSTEM! Everyone who actually does BEAT THE SYSTEM will be awarded with complimentary stuff from the Wilson's Snack Shack!!! Come ready to BEAT THE SYSTEM...but that means you'll need to floor it (.ca)!!!

...

We had a great time last night...

Now that you've heard PETRA, your appreciation for RockNRoll is changed forever!!!!!!!

Here are the notes from last night's Exelerate:::

 

BEAT THE SYSTEM
PART 1

 

“All In”

 

Intro:

This 5-week series isn’t about peer pressure, although we’ll talk about peer pressure.

This series isn’t about standing up against the world, although we’ll talk about that too.

 

BEAT THE SYSTEM is basically a ‘how to guide’. How to beat the church system.

 

Let’s face it…you already know there is one.

You’ve been there before. You’ve jumped through the hoops. You did what you thought you had to do…to make the ‘important people’ around you happy.

 

In your own way, you’ve developed a strategy to BEAT THE SYSTEM.

 

 

But this is what I’ve realized from watching teens try to beat the church system year after year… They are living in an illusion, or a false reality.

 

Sometimes we mistake ‘not getting caught’ with ‘getting away with’ something.

 

But when it comes to God, Jesus, Church, the Bible, and right living…there are no shortcuts. It’s not a system…so you can’t beat it. And the simple reason for all of this is – all of these things are relational. And you can beat a system, but you can’t beat a relationship. Dig?

 

None-the-less, I watch people try to beat the church system (it’s not a “church system’, though) almost all the time…only to fall flat on their face 100% of the time.

 

 

So what this series will endeavor to do is this:

• It will explain the normal behaviour & thinking of youth group attending Christian teens.
• It will describe what church teens try to do & think to beat the ‘church system’.
• It will guide you through what to do to beat the system most Christian teens buy into.
• It will help you learn how to be real with yourself…and with God.

 

Message:

There are some things in life we just don’t like. Things like asparagus, olives, cabbage, yams, slow drives, people that can’t make up their mind, shoveling snow, country music. And that’s just a short list of things I really don’t care for.

 

I love my church, and I believe I work that greatest job in the entire world…but one thing that I really don’t care for are “church kids”. Weird, isn’t it?

 

Now when I say “church kid” I’m not talking about a Christian kid who loves Jesus and makes a few bone-headed blunders from time to time, but is on a real and genuine journey to be all that they can be in Christ.

They have an honest relationship with Jesus and that is COOL. That is what I’m after!

 

When I say “church kid”, I’m also not talking about the kid that is not sure what he or she believes, so for one reason or the other they are trying the whole church thing out for a while. They are trying to discover what’s up and what they really believe. That is also very cool. We want those types to come through the doors of Exelerate.

No, when I say “church kid”, I’m talking about the kid that has been coming to church for years, says they love Jesus, but are only a “Christian” when they really need to be in order to serve there purposes…like fooling their parents, teachers or anyone else in authority.

They are not a Christian; they are just a kid that goes to church.  That is a “church” kid and this is not cool.

In other words, they might have prayed the prayer of Salvation years ago, but their life never shows any true evidence of change. We often refer to this as “fruit”.

Matthew 7:16-18 (NKJV) - ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

How To Beat The Church System:

1.     Don’t have enough guts to go “all in” with anything you do.

This is the first characteristic of someone who tries to BEAT THE SYSTEM.

The “church” kid is living two lifestyles and doesn’t have enough guts to make a decision on who they are, what they believe, or how they are going to live…so they constantly have one foot on one side of the fence and one foot on the other side.

When they are in church, they love Jesus, sing the songs and are amazingly polite to everyone they meet.  But when they are with their friends, the same mouth they used to sing songs about Jesus just 24 hours before is now being used to talk crudely, dishonour girls, and tell inappropriate jokes. This makes me sick.  

To be honest, I have more respect for the teenager that says “I don’t believe in God, so I’m going to live my life this way” than I do the teenager that says “I do believe in God, I do love Jesus”, but then lives their life in a way that doesn’t reflect any belief in Christ at all.

God even prefers for you to make up your mind.

Revelation 3:16 (NKJV) - ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Revelation 3:16 (The Message) - You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit.

 

How To Be Real:

1.     Live what you believe.

This means that you actually have the evidence to back up your “church talk”. This doesn’t mean that you’re perfect, but it does mean that you’re honest.

Face it, how much fun is it ever to do something that you don’t really about. Is it ever fun to play a game when you’re not even trying? If your heart isn’t in something, you’re just NOT going to get any joy out of it. That’s just the way it is.

So my challenge for you this week is to be “All In” on things like God, Jesus, Church, the Bible, living right, (you fill in the blank)!!!!!

 

In honour of September's theme, I pose to you a question:: Have you ever beat the system?

Gaming system, that is.

Have you ever "wrapped" a videogame? If so, which one, and on which "system"?

I was a original Nintendo master way back in 1990 (it came out in 1985), and I can proudly say that I've "wrapped" the original "Mario Bros" game!!! Boo-ya in your analog face!!!

It feels good to beat the system, doesn't it?!

So, what games have you "wrapped"???

 

The last nite of Fall_Camp_09 found you (teens) hearing the greatest study challenge I have ever given you. Ever...

Can we really open up our own Bibles everyday, on our own time, and have personal time with God? Yep...

Can we really establish a routine in our lives that always puts God first? Yep...

Can we keep at it without burning out or fading into the sunset? Yep...

I've NEVER been as excited about stepping into a new school year as I am for 09-10, because if you actually do step up to the challenge and complete September's DAILY DEVOTE BLOG...and be consistent every week with THE GOOD BOOK CLUB, you will be the first GROUP of teenagers in the history of SCC to ever collectively dive into the Bible with this kind of abandon! So we are on pace to make serious history!!!

This is already shaping up to be an EPIC year!!!!

Okay, now on to my notes used for Fall_Camp_09 Message #4 (Thursday night) entitled "RYB"...

 

TEXT

 

RYB!

(Read Your Bible)

 

 

 

None of us ever ignore a text or a letter, yet our tendency is to ignore the most important TEXT we’ve ever received…the one from our heavenly Father.

 

As much as we want God to do things for us, there are times when He needs to say something to us. Through the ages, Christians have discovered the Bible to be the primary way God speaks to us. In fact, the Bible is ALWAYS the measure or standard we use to know what God says (prayer, preaching, prophecy…it all has to line up to what the Bible says, or it’s false!).

 

This message is about some simple, practical things you can do to get the most out of your listening time.

 

God can speak to you whenever and wherever He wishes. So we are NOT putting God in a box. We are just talking about prioritizing our lives around listening.

(PAUSE FOR SILENCE!)

The things I’m going to suggest posture us to listen. They develop a listening heart.

 

Isaiah 26:9 (NKJV) – With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early.

 

This Psalm was when David was in the wilderness…The deserts of California, Nevada, and New Mexico are considered mild compared to the Negev Desert where David was hiding. David was under tremendous pressure and hiding. He was hiding because his son Absalom was trying to usurp his throne…yet this Psalm asks God for nothing.

 

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) - O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

 

David claims to know God…as his very own. What an incredibly personal statement!

I know about Leeland (I know what his music sounds like, what his parents do, who his brother is)…but I don’t know Leeland.  But even under the old covenant, David could still know God.

 

 

1. Choose a time and place.

 

- Everybody I know that reads the Scriptures on a regular basis does it at a specific time and in a specific place.

 

 - Jesus commented on this and modeled it as it relates to prayer. He was constantly pulling away and going to a private place. He said that when you pray go to your room and close the door. (Matthew 6:6)

 

- Choose a time :: Schedule it. Think of this as your appointment with God.

We always schedule what’s most important.

Morning is best…and here’s why:

• It is a practical way of “seeking first the kingdom of God”. (Matthew 6:33)
• It serves to mentally and morally reboot your conscience and perspective; it clears out confusion.
• It ensures that nothing will interrupt it…it is first.
• I know you are not a morning person, but you do something first every morning.

 

- Choose a place where that’s all you do there. In an ideal world, you just need a room with a chair.

 

 

2. Get a plan

 

You absolutely need a plan, and there are many.

 

• Topical study (all you need is a brain and a concordance. Biblegateway.com is a free on-line resource that I recommend). Faith / Health / Prosperity / Friends / Dating / Emotions / Parents / Patience / Mercy / Joy / Peace / Hope / Love / Work Ethic / Your Language / Anger / Thoughts / etc…….
• Character study (zero in on your Bible character of choice and read all about them).

 

The goal is open up the Bible on your own everyday!!!

 

TEST: Find me the Scripture that says “God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform”.

You can’t find it because it’s not in the Bible.

That is just a religious statement that was made famous by a hymn written in the 1700’s.

 

Now, Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

 

But it is God’s desire for us to think His thoughts. If Christ is IN us, we have that ability!
      

 

Did you know that less than 10% of all Christians have actually read the whole Bible?

How can we expect to reach out and “win the world for Jesus” if we haven’t even read the Book? No wonder we struggle getting excited about it. Most of us are Biblically illiterate!

 

You cannot get excited about something you don’t know about.

 

So here are my 2 plans I’m challenging you with:::

 

1. Daily Devote Blog (It will start on September 2^nd, which is the first day of school…and it will go until September 30^th…EVERYDAY). This will be a “topical devotion blog”. My challenge is that you actually log in everyday (to our church website blog), have your devotions from it…and post a meaningful comment that relates to the devotion, using your real name, and on the actual day of the devotion. Everyone that makes it through the whole month will have an exclusive ALL NITE EXELERATE PARTY!!!

 

2. The Good Book Club (It will start on October 1^st! This club is all about reading the ENTIRE Bible in 40 weeks.). You will be given a plan on the first day of October. You’ll read chapters from the Bible from Monday-Friday until the first week of June! Every Monday, you will submit a form with your parents’ signature indicating that you have read the required passages from the last week. We will have periodic Good Book Club pizza lunches for those who stay on track. And if you actually finish, you will be rewarded a new Bible, and are invited to an exclusive party at Pastor Johnson’s house!!!!!!

 

Don’t get intimidated by this.

The dramatized NIV audio-Bible is 76 hours long!!! That’s it.

 

There are 1189 chapters in the Bible…so our plan will divide things up for us. We’ll usually read some from the Old and New Testament everyday.

It actually takes the average reader about 90 hours of total reading time to read the whole Bible. 

We spend 5 years (1,827 days) of our life on the phone (283,126 calls)…so surely we can devote 90 hours (3.75 days) to reading the Bible!

 

 

Interact with your Bible (a. Highlight the things that stand out. Write in the margins. Date things. Circle. Underline. Personalize. b. Journal the things I want to learn. c. Memorize Scripture…maybe jot it down on a 3x5 card and keep in inside your Bible. d. Pray through it.).

 

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

TEXT saved my life when I, like David, made it my own.

I hope you were able to catch Wednesday night of Fall_Camp_09.

The offering message was off the fo-shizzle..fo-rizzle!!

So here are my sermon notes for Message #3 (TG2BT) of the TEXT series::

TEXT

 

TG2BT

 

 

 

BIBLE (or 37818 upside down on your calculator) – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth                                           Say it, “it’s not TGTBT!”

 

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 (MSG) – By Your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) – Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11 (MSG) – I’ve banked Your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.

Psalm 119:11 (WotS) – I’ve memorized, internalized Your words on my heart as my guarantee not to make you frown.

 

It’s amazing what we do memorize:

Misery loves…company.

You’re barking up the…wrong tree.

That’s the pot calling the…kettle black.

You are what you…eat.

It’s just mind over…matter.

Don’t be a stick in…the mud.

Stupid is as…stupid does.

Birds of a feather…flock together.

Easy come…easy go.

On man’s trash is another man’s…treasure.

Kill 2 birds with…one stone.

What will people think when they hear that I’m I…Jesus Freak.

 

 

So how much Scripture do you know?

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

 

So it’s not a question of IF YOU CAN memorize, it’s a question of IF YOU DO memorize!

 

 

The Bible is not merely a book. (Book props)

 It’s much more than that. It has to be. Think of the people that sacrificed their lives for it.

a. The Bible is a collection of writings that spans a period stretching over 2000 years.

b. It is 66 ancient documents written by 40 authors that tell a singular story.

c. It’s a story that we’re a part of today.

 

The Bible is the story of redemption.

a. It’s the story of a Father who has gone to great lengths to win the affections of an estranged child. It’s the story of a Creator who lost his prize creation and was willing to pay a high price to purchase what was originally His to begin with. It’s the story of a King who refuses to use His power to force loyalty, but instead came in disguise as a carpenter to win it.

b. Through narrative, prophecy, poetry, stories, letters, and autobiography, God used man to piece together the unfolding story of His pursuit of a prodigal race.

c. Redeem: to buy back, to regain possession of, to recover by payment, to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

 

Understanding the way the Bible is divided makes it much less intimidating.

- Old Testament / New Testament ::: Testament means covenant.

- God had a covenant with Israel.

- Through Jesus, God established a new covenant with the rest of us.

- In the old covenant, sins were atoned for – covered – through the sacrificial system, the blood of animals.

- In the new covenant, sins are remitted – washed away / erased – forgiven through the blood of Christ.

 

The moment Jesus steps into His ministry, John the Baptist announces “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

 

The Old Testament is the story/history of the ancient nation of Israel.

The New Testament is the story/history of the ancient church.

 

The Old Testament is divided into 4 parts :: Law / History / Poetry / Prophets

 

The OT is not chronological. It’s kind of like your photo albums and your journal.

God gave the Law to Moses. The Law is the foundation.

The History Books are like photo albums – here is what happened.

The Prophets and Poetry are like journals – the story behind the pictures…the thoughts and emotions in the background.

 

The prophets, poetry, and history overlap.

For example::

2 Samuel 2 is the story of David and Bathsheba – tells what happened.

Psalms 51 is believed to be David’s prayer of repentance.

1 Kings gives us the story of Solomon.

Proverbs are his thoughts while king.

The prophets spoke to Israel’s leaders: Ezra is the history book about the Israelites returning from captivity. Haggai records what the prophet Haggai said to the leaders who were returning to rebuild the temple.

 

 

And then there is the GREAT CLIFFHANGER!!!

There is a space of 400 years between the end of the OT and the beginning of the NT.

In this time span we see the rise of the Persian and Greek Empire, and the rise of Rome.

 

The NT is divided into 4 section :: Gospels / History / Letters / Prophecy

 

Gospels:: The first 4 books of the NT gives us parallel accounts of Jesus’ life. 4 authors, 4 different perspectives, and different details.

History:: The book of Acts is a record of the 30 years that followed the ministry of Jesus. It records the spread of Christianity, the transition from a predominately Jewish church to one where Gentiles begin to fill the ranks.

 

Like the OT, parts of the NT overlap like a journal and a photo album. If Acts is a picture of what happens, the letters are like the journal.

There are 21 Letters written from leaders in the church to Christians – some of these letters were written to a church, a group of churches, or all.

Peter, John, James, Jude – eyewitnesses.

Paul – a later convert.

 

Just as the 4 Gospels are not sequential, so Acts and the letters that follow overlap.

 

Prophecy:: The NT ends with the book of Revelation, which was written by John to give a glimpse into the future.

 

 

Understanding the parts is what gives the whole so much power.

- Like when a person says, “I don’t believe the Bible is true,” that doesn’t really make much sense. Which book? Which author?

But it is true that if you had paid attention to what it said about money…or relationships…friends, parents, fun…you would have avoided your greatest regrets.

 

- Or people say, “It was written by men, therefore…” That’s what makes it so amazing. 40 people over 2000 years, with a 400 year gap, telling a single, multifaceted story! Wow!

 

- It is why so many people have picked it up as sceptics and set it down as followers of Christ – the Christ promised to Abraham in Genesis; the Christ David alluded to in Psalms; the Christ Isaiah prophesied about; the Christ promised by an angel to Mary; the Christ who was born, taught, healed, died, and rose again.

 

 

There is a reason why this is the most widely read book in the whole world.

My hope is that you consistently pick it up and read it.

Tomorrow night we’ll talk about that and lay out a plan.

 

Friends ARE TG2BT. Friends are not the answer.

Family IS TG2BT. Family is not your answer.

Fun IS definitely TG2BT. Fun is a fleeting feeling.

 

The Greatest TEXT is NOT TG2BT.

 

If you don’t read the TEXT, you’ll fail the test of life (literature work and test at school story).

Fall_Camp_09 is finlly n sessn.

So far, so good. Delete tht.

So far, so GRT!

Brien J rippd it up lst nite, delivring the TEXT "INTRODCTION". Lts of valuble INFO was dloaded.

Tristan "pc whiz" R is on dck 4 2nite. Shld prove 2 b a rightus ri8. Msg title: "DING".

Wdnsdy nite will featre yrs truly tlking all about "TGTBT".

Thrsdy nite fnds ME @ it again...wrappng thngs ^ w/ "RYB".

Thn, of course, Fridy nite r the grand sprts match^s: Egls vs Almni!

The food hs been gr8...the teens hv been gr8.

I hv 2 say tht ths is proovng 2 b the mst epic Fall_Camp evr.

l8r g8tr.

- mr j (& xlr8 stff)

T E X T : _

 

fall_camp_09

 

(august_23 – august_28)

 

 

Can u blieve that sumr is almst ovr?

It's alredy that time of yr again!

This fall_camp will b like no othr.

U can count on it.

Get redy 2 b txtd by GOD like nvr b4!

Yep, GOD still snds txts 2day…& His Wrd is the gr8est txt of all time.

We'll dig n2 it...lots.

So strt paking ur bags & plan 4 the time of ur life.

 

- cca_xlr8 -

Due to our current forecast (rain, rain, and more rain)...we are POSTPONING our tennis tourney to a later date.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but we would rather stay dry than sopping wet.

Thanks to all the 'singles' and 'doubles' who registered.

 

GodReigns,

- mr j

So, after the phenomenal success of our "nothin' but net" b-ball classic (destined to be an annual event), we thought we'd change things up a bit and squeeze one more party into the busy month of August right before school swings into action.

the exelerate "anything but net" tennis tourney

 

Now we already know what you're thinking. "But I don't know how to play tennis!" But guess what, we don't really care! You don't need to know how to play...you might not have ever played tennis before. That's perfectly okay! All you need to do is bring a tennis racket (if you don't have one, borrow one...there are lots around), a competitive spirit, and a good sense of humour. We guarantee that you will have an absolute blast, or your money back!!!

We will play in old fashioned round-robin tourney mode (with 3 courts)...so there will be plenty of action.

Enter to play in the 'singles' category, and/or team up with a friend in 'doubles'...

First Place winners of both categories will, of course, have the honour of being presented with the exclusive "anything but net" tennis tourney CUP!!! That's right, we do it just like the pro's...minus the talent and the purse money!

And while you are having to wait your turn to set your racket on fire, there is an outdoor basketball court just a few feet away...so bring a b-ball so you can shoot hoops too.

The Details

When::: Friday, August 14th

Time::: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Where::: outdoor tennis courts right behind St. Joe's High School

Cost: Absolutely FREE (but you might want to bring a drink and something to munch)

To Enter::: please send us an e-mail @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca letting us know you plan to attend and if you are competing in 'singles', 'doubles', or both (and with who)

 

YourServe,

- mr j

 

 

Well, our PAINTWAR PARTY is less than 2 weeks away, and we need all our good soldiers to unite!

If you are planning to attend this mind-blowing, bruise-rendering, paint-splating party, we need to know who you are...so consider this your official roll call.

Here's the party breakdown:::

Exelerate PaintWar Party:::Paintball+Burgers! Tuesday, August 4th (Yes, we changed the date to accommodate the female soldiers). Tickets are $20 (of course, if you have a super happy trigger finger, you'll have to pay extra for more paintballs). This includes gun use, 100's of paintballs, a massive adrenaline rush, a healthy amount of pain, and a burger cookout with chips and pop to round it out. Where? At the Reynolds' acreage. Teens must be there by 5:30pm and picked up at 9:00pm. If you want to officially enlist in Exelerate PaintWars (and yes again to the people who are wondering if girls are included), send us an e-mail @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca attention "PAINTWAR" to let us know. The deadline is Wednesday, July 29th...but the sooner we know who you are, the better.

I hope to to get an e-mail from you soon.

Roger that...foxtrox...bravo...10-4,

- mr j

Twenty4Seven (pre-teen) party…

This Saturday night (July 25th) @ 7:00pm.

 KartTrak Go-Kart Party…

 $13.00 plus snack money. (Just bring the cash…we don’t need it ahead of time!)

 If you are planning to attend, please let us know by e-mailing us @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca.

 Thanks. J

We finally have the official skinny on our Exelerate 2009 Summer Parties.

 

Exelerate Roadtrip Party:::Destination-Regina! Monday, July 20th (We are pulling out of the SCC parking lot @ 12:00pm and pulling back in at 11:00pm). Tickets are $30 (this will cover admission to the Kramer I-Max Theatre and Science Centre, as well as transportation costs...it does not cover supper [Chili's] or snacks). We currently only have 14 spots available, and once they're gone, everybody else will be left in the dust. First come, first serve. If you are planning on coming, send us an e-mail @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca  attention "ROADTRIP" to let us know.  Periodically check back on this blog for further updates and additional info.

*NOTE - The RAODTRIP PARTY has been CANCELLED!!! Alternate parties/activities will be posted in the next few days.

 

Exelerate PaintWar Party:::Paintball+Burgers! Tuesday, August 4th (Yes, we changed the date to accommodate the female soldiers). Tickets are $20 (of course, if you have a super happy trigger finger, you'll have to pay extra for more paintballs). This includes gun use, 100's of paintballs, a massive adrenaline rush, a healthy amount of pain, and a burger cookout with chips and pop to round it out. Where? At the Reynolds' acreage. Teens must be there by 5:30pm and picked up at 9:00pm. If you want to officially enlist in Exelerate PaintWars (and yes again to the people who are wondering if girls are included), send us an e-mail @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca attention "PAINTWAR" to let us know. The deadline is Wednesday, July 29th...but the sooner we know who you are, the better. Again, periodically check back on this blog for further updates and additional info.

 

later exelerator.

- mr j

There is a first time for everything...

And that is why Exelerate wants to start a brand new tradition.

The EXELERATE -> Nothin' But Net B-Ball Classic

(Monday, June 29th, 1pm @ Arbor Creek Park [1420 Kerr Road])

 It's an outdoor street basketball tournament...We won't put together co-ed teams, but guys and girls teams are welcome. And STAFF too...!!!

We would like to have 2 divisions - 2on2 & 3on3, plus an individual "hottt shot" competition.

So put your team together and e-mail me who you are @ exelerate@christiancentre.ca. If you can't seem to organize a team of your own, don't let that stop you. Go ahead and e-mail me and plan to come out and play... Also, bring a neighborhood friend or someone who doesn't normally attend Exelerate. This will be a great way to introduce teens to who we are and what we're all about. You are responsible for your own snacks and drinks...so bring a cooler for your Pepsi...

Well, I'm gonna start perfecting my special "flying j" move...so I better get into the gym.

 

DoubleFakeInYoFace,

- mr j

UPDATE::: It looks like the weather will be great! If you have an outdoor b-ball, it would be a great idea to bring it. The more stuff, the better. Also, if you don't want to sit on the grass, you should probably plan on bringing a lawn chair...and if you're really wise, you'll come with a water bottle or two... Well, I better stop with the whole "don't forget to" speech because I'm starting to sound like a mother...!   C ya 2morrow!   Everything will be wrapped up by 4:00pm...

- mr j

 

 

Wouldn't it be cool to get a gig as the local weather man? You'd be able to sit around in an air conditioned tv studio all day, load up on snacks from the vending machine, and flip a coin to determine if you're gonna tell people that it's gonna rain or not!! Plus, you'd be, like, regionally famous! Everybody in the city and in the surrounding towns would recognise your face in the Dairy Queen line. Does it really get any better than that???

Yesterday we had a high of +30 with the risk of showers. And to the weather man's credit, it was forecasted, and it actually happened. Sometimes it seems like they never get it right, but maybe that's just when I stop to notice.

So as we head full blast into summer, let me ask you a simple question (simple is good...real good...in the summer). What's your forecast??? Yeah, you read the question right. What's your forecast?  Is it blazing sunny? Is it mainly sunny with occasional clouds. Is it sun mixed with rain? Is it windy with risk of thundershowers? Is it hot? Is it chilly? Is it....(you fill in the description)...?

Now I'm not talking about the actual, physical forecast. I'm talking about your very own, personal forecast. I'm talking about your spiritual forecast. How are things going to be like for you this summer? Take a minute or two and be the weather man. What's your forecast?

If sun is in the forecast, it's because you've planted those "sunny" seeds already and they are awaiting you in your future for harvest. If it's rain in your forecast, it's because you are reaping from bad seeds that you've sown. The world you find yourself in today is the product of decisions/choices (both good and bad) that you made yesterday, last week, last month, etc...

My prayer is that everyone in Exelerate has the brightest summer of their lives in 2009. But this means that in all the relaxation, vacation and fun, you always find the time to have your own personal devotions and prayer with the one who matters most - GOD. I dare all of you to make JESUS the centre of your summer. And I promise that if you are bold enough to do it, it will be your sunniest summer ever! So do it. Have daily devotions. Have a prayer time. It doesn't need to be 8 hours...but it needs to be something that's important enough to you that you fight to make it happen. Spending time to grow in God over the summer will ensure the greatest forecast for your future. The weather in your life isn't left up to chance or lazy guessing. What seeds are you sowing today???

Break this heart

As cold as stone

You got to, got to now

Then hello sunny weather

Hello sunny weather

And breathe so deep

The love of Christ

 I got to, got to now

Then hello sunny weather

 Hello, hello

(Poor Old Lu, A Picture Of The Eighth Wonder, "Hello Sunny Weather")

MuchSummerLove,

- mr j

We are wrapping up the 08-09 school year with a MOVIE NITE for the Sr. High's. The last Sr. High class until the fall is tomorrow night (June 13) at 7:00pm in the FC Lounge.

To kick off the summer season, we thought we would make it a movie night...well, kind of...

 

We'll all grab a drink and get comfortable, and then we'll launch into Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

While this is a documentary more than a movie...I don't think anyone of you will be bored or disappointed. As far as we're concerned, this is a MUST SEE for any Sr. Higher. Without giving it all away, this well done documentary contrasts the theory of evolution with what is now known as intelligent design (or creationism if you're old skool). It's quite shocking really...and clearly reveals the spirit of the world we live in and are called to reach.

Can't wait to see ya there.

- mr & mrs j

The sounds of summer are in the air. Yesterday, of course, was the last day of classes at Christian Centre Academy...so today is the first day of NO SCHOOL. So to be factually accurate, summer does not officially start until June 21st...but we certainly have begun to enter into the cycle of summer already.

For some of you, that means that you aren't setting your morning alarm. For others, you are gearing up to work that summer job. And for others, it means a countdown to whatever summer vacation/get-away that might be lurking around the bend.

However you slice and dice it...the sounds of summer are in the air. I woke up this morning to the sound of a lawnmower! What sounds more like summer than that? Construction is a buzz in my part of town, with groups of stakeboaders and bikers occassionally doing a drive-by on their way to the local park.

So I thought I should take the time to give ya'll my "sounds of summer playlist 09". Feel free to knock it or rock it. 

 

ROCK:::

NeedToBreathe - The Heat (a perfect southern rock record...their first one is more Brit-Rock, if that's your thing)

Disciple - Southern Hospitality (I've been playing this for a while now...but it's a great LOUD album...I need to buy more stuff from them)

MuteMath - Spotlight EP (a glimpse into the future of MuteMath...good, yet typical, but very summer worthy)

Future Of Forestry - Travel EP (if you buy one EP for the summer, this is your jam!)

RAP//HIP-HOP:::

Lacrae - Rebel (the bomb just dropped! A street record blazing Jesus)

116 Clique - Amped EP (hard rap with rock riffs = cool stuff)

Braille & S1 - Cloud Nineteen (a breezy record that is as fun as it is serious)

POP:::

Jars Of Clay - The Long Fall Back To Earth (record of the year? maybe so.)

Brooke Fraser - Albertine (to be honest, I don't have this yet...but it's great)

PRAISE & WORSHIP:::

Oceans Above - s/t (an electronic based recreation of all your favourite church jams)

Karla Adophe - Chair & Microphone Volume 3 (so good...we're bringing her to SCC in the fall for a show!)

 

What are your sounds of the summer???

 

I'm really excited about tonight's Exelerate Grad. This year, we are waving goodbye to 10 totally awesome people:

Kristen H / Paige S / Erin G / Matt D / Whitney W / Shantelle G / Ashley M / Mackenzie A / Stephen T / Maleah F

But since we don't want to get bogged down in formality tonight,  we're bringing in a popcorn machine, snowcone machine, and cotton candy machine to help us whoop it up! It should turn out to be a fun night.

Of course, we are really going to miss not having these teens with us in Exelerate anymore (long pause while I weep uncontrollably),  but we know that God has some radical things awaiting them in their future as they continue to pursue Him and attend Faith College in the fall. We hope that some of them (scratch that...all of them) end up making their way back into Exelerate-Land by joining our youth ministry staff!!! Hint...hint...

In other semi-related news...it looks like we'll have a few mind-blowing Exelerate parties this summer...including a road trip to Regina for the I-Max, and a much anticipated paintball party... Dates and details forthcoming and will be posted here in the blog section!

I look forward to hanging out with you guys tonight. And for the Sr. Highs, we have a year end get-together this Saturday (June 13th) up in the FC Lounge!

Adios,

- mr j

After 11 days and 10 nights, it is wonderful to finally be back home!!!! I missed my lovely wife and 3 little dudes like crazy!

Thanks to all the faithful blog-junkies who hung out on the ISC Blog page. You guys (and gals) rocked it big-time! There's like over 3,000 hits over there...

I hope ya'll continue to stay clicky and browse over here in the Exelerate Blogasphere. I'll be keeping pretty active over here, doing finger calisthenics and such...in hopes to keep you happy.

Tonight (Wednesday, June 3rd), there is NO exelerate or 24/7...because we're all in the Worship Centre celebrating the 44 medals and crazy adventures of International Student Convention 2009. There will be some "command performances", student rants, non-performance event displays, and more!!! No one will want to miss this one, guaranteed.

Thanks for checking in...

I'll be back on Friday!!!!!

PeaceOnYa,

- mr j

What up yo?!

Thanks for checking in...but I'd like to redirect your attention to the ISC blog in the Academy section of this web-site until Sunday, May 31st. I'm posting something new over there every day, and my little bro is posting sweet pics and videos as well. So check dat out.

When we get back from ISC (International Student Convention), I'll be back over here in Exelerate-Land slamming down the greatest blogs of my life. But until then, keep pace with my prolific-ness in that Academy section. We're on Day 2 of our trip right now, and I'm just chillin' out in my luxury suite of a hotel room here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Many High Fives,

- mr j

Everyone is quirky. We all have our habits. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are quirky. Some are funny. Some are annoying.

Here are 7 habits of mine (listed randomly as they come to mind):::

1. I sometimes scratch my head when it's not even itching.

2. I do a weird thing with my hand to feel the ring on my finger.

3. I usually wear 2 pairs of socks (except when I wear flip-flops...never combine the 2...ever!!!).

4. I push my glasses up for no reason.

5. I usually beat-box when I'm alone! And yes, it's fiyah!!!

6. I like to feel my beard/face.

7. I usually fall asleep on my right side.

Anyways, the only reason I'm bringing any of this up is because my wife & I (along with 2 other Exelerate staff) are going to a "7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens" presentation tonight at TCU Place. Of course, we'll wire ourselves with Starbucks caffine beforehand...but it should shape up to be a pretty cool night. Sean Covey's book of the same name is definitely a recommended and very practical read that would benefit any teenager.

So, are you brave enough to list a few of your habits???

 

 

This is just unbelievable! Here we are in the month of May. Enjoying some nice summer-esque days. Yesterday here in Prince Albert, it was like 16 degrees, sunny and beautiful.

But today...dude...what on earth happened?

It's SNOWING outside. And these are some serious snowflakes, too. Monster flakes falling from an overcast grey sky.

Thankfully not much is actually sticking when it finally lands...but everything is mucky and wet.

 

Oh well...this is Saskatchewan...and things like weather never make too much sense.

All is going GREAT here at WIC. Only today and tomorrow left.

The students are rocking their events...one dude played drums to MuteMath's "Chaos" earlier today and basically just killed it! Seriously fast hands...kinda like mine when I break out my karate!!!!!!!

Looking forward to getting back home. I miss my fam in a major way. But I'm really excited about the 2 remaining evening rallies...2nite is all about "truth", complete with that infamous test that some of you might remember.

Well, I gotta get running.

BlessingsOnYa,

- mr j

I got into Prince Albert yesterday for the kick-off of the WIC (Winners Invitational Challenge) that they host every year. There are lots of students here...from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba...here to compete in various events (everything from sporting events to performance and non-performance events).

 So things began with a evening rally last night which I had the honour of speaking at...and we talked about BREAKING RECORDS!

The Apostle Paul was into breaking records...and he talks a lot about it in places like 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, 2 Timothy 4:7, and Acts 20:24.   It basically gets summed up like this - "run the race to win". In other words, go BIG or go home! Show up and blow up! If you're gonna make the effort to run, you may as well decide to go for the gusto!

To wrap up the rally, I pulled out about 30 records...like old LP records...those big old black circles that your parents used to buy with music on them...those things that DJ's use to "scratch" in hip-hop muzik....yeah...those...

And to seal the deal, a bunch of teenagers came up and smashed the records to oblivion. Man, those things shatter! It was totally cool!!! Broken pieces of LP's scattered all over the floor.

I believe that God is going to do something really amazing this week in PA with this group of Jesus Junkies.

I miss my lovely wife and 3 boyz...but I'm keeping busy and having a blast of a time.

 

BlessingsOnYa,

- mr j

 

! ! ! i g n i t i o n ! ! !

 

 You don't want to miss IGNITION...

Fresh IE // Starfield // Hawk Nelson

Saturday, May 9th...

$10.00

 

If you plan on attending, you must purchase your ticket by Wednesday, April 29th...so in other words...hurry up!!!

It's starting to feel like a lazy Tuesday afternoon.

I had a great lunch with my brother and our missionary to Italy.

I finally confirmed (100%) our keynote speaker for Exel10.

I'm currently throwing back a 591ml Dr. Pepper.

And I've been thinking about how fast 9 YEARS has flown by!

Tomorrow marks the day that my wife and I will be married for 9 years.

9 awesome years...and three spunky boys later......here we are.

God has been SO good to us. Our life is really just a grown up show-and-tell of God's blessing.

So tomorrow = Anniversary = date...and no, I won't forget the flowers!

 

...Now to get home to eat some fajitas...

We're gonna talk about T R U T H tonight!

And to kick things off, you'll all be given an EXAM! Oh no? Oh yeah! Just a little pop quiz during spring break. True & False...simple as pie.

The great thing about True & False tests is that even if you don't know the answer, you still get a 50% shot at being right. But at least in my experience, the 50% odds never did help me that much... So just come with your brain in tact, and you should be alright. All of you who score 100% will be treated to a SLURPEE!!!!

And just to get you thinking of how you might be able to ace the test, let me give you this story:::

A High-School teacher was giving a true/false test.  He was strolling up and down the aisles surveying the students at work. He came upon one student who was flipping a coin, then writing. The teacher asked, "What are you doing?" The student replied, "Getting the answers to the test." The teacher shook his head and walked on. A little while later, when everyone was finished with the test, the teacher noticed the student was again flipping the coin. The teacher inquired, "Now what are you doing?" The student aswered, "I'm checking the answers."

Delisted < Threatened < Endangered < Extinct 

 

We are in trouble. There aren't too many of us left.

In April, Exelerate will go into the wild and explore the Endangered Species of teenage-kind. Consider this our "LIFE AWARENESS" campaign.

Only, this won't be able Blue Whales and Siberian Tigers.

Endangered Species is all about a rare breed of Teenager.

Are you one?

Does miss a service in April to find out!!!

 

Wednesday, April 1st - NO YOUTH (special service!)

Wednesday, April 8th - NO YOUTH (Prophecy Conference)

Wednesday, April 15th - Exelerate (7:30pm in the gym)

Wednesday, April 22nd - Exelerate (7:30pm in the gym)

Saturday, April 25th - Senior High (7:00pm in FC Lounge...Fun Food Nite!)

Wednesday, April 29th - Exelerate (7:30pm in the gym)

I hope all of you are enjoying SPRING BREAK!! There's not much that can beat a whole week off right after the snow melts.

Oh, and tickets for IGNITION (Fresh IE / Starfield / Hawk Nelson) should be on sale this Wednesday night (April 15th) for $10.

 

l8r...

Yep...lackLUSTre is all wrapped up. A pretty awesome 5 week series if you ask me. Uplifting. Blunt. Practical. Why don't you use your personal notes from that series and use it for your own devotional study?

 

And now my sights are set on our upcoming Main Event:

The Bible Prophecy Conference

Saturday, April 4th - Wednesday, April 8th

with special guests PERRY STONE & JOSEPH MORRIS

This is gonna be huge...people are coming from everywhere to attend... Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan...everywhere...

So make plans to attend the whole shot if you can. I know you're gonna love it!

Ian Martens ||| Have You Heard

CD Release Party

Sunday, March 29th, 6:00pm

Cost: FREE!!!

 

This is an "open event", meaning that anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.

It would be great if Exelerate came out on Sunday night in full force.

The night is going to be awesome...with the gym converted into a living room/lounge.

Ian will be playing two 45-minute sets, with lots of songs from his brand new CD and some of his favorite covers.

We will also be rocking a "sonic soda bar" (oh yeah!), mixing your pop of choice with tasty extra shots of flavor...not to mention lots of other snacks for sale.

 

And of course, Have You Heard will be on sale for $20.00.

My bro and I have been spinning this 13-song album for a few weeks now, and it's REALLY great! It's an acoustic guitar based album that manages to rock pretty hard. You NEEEEEED it.

So don't miss out on Sunday...support Ian and have a par-tay with the rest of the church family and beyond!!!

 

- the xLr8 team

A mega-ultra-jumbo CONGRADULATIONS to the CCA Eagles (boys) Basketball Team on winning their 2nd Provincial Gold in a row!!! Yep...it's a 2-pete, baby!!!

That's right, our boys qualified for HOOPLA and went to Regina last weekend...and man were they ready to rumble!

The gold medal final was on Saturday at the UofR against Regina Christian School, and the final score was 94-42 for the Eagles!!!

We're proud of all the hard work Coach B and the boys put into this season...it paid off with GOLD!!!!!!

- the xlr8 team

So...there is this Gorilla in the Los Angeles area. Kept in a zoo...and very well trained.

KoKo is his name...and his trainers actually taught him some sign language. Dude, I don't even know sign language!

After a major earthquake rocked the region...KoKo's trainers went to go check up on him to make sure he was okay.

When KoKo was asked to descibe what had happened, KoKo sign languaged back to them this: "darn floor...big bite"...

Pretty profound for a gorilla!!!

In his primitive brain, the best way he could describe what happened was "darn floor...big bite". In some ways, those words sum up the essence of an earthquake, yet at the same time the sentence is completely unrefined, clumsy, and well...primitive.

In many ways, that is often the degree we describe GOD...unrefined, clumsy, and primitive. As great as an earthquake is to a gorilla, even greater GOD is to us...

Just try to capture the essence of GOD with your words...

GOD is larger than language.

Currently Listening to: Daniel Amos | Darn Floor Big Bite (deluxe reissue)

In honour of our very own CCA Eagles, who are headed to Hoopla to win their 2nd championship in a row!!! This week is all about Green & Gold!!! Here's a little b-ball inspirational story for ya...

Jason McElwain, nicknamed "J-Mac" (born October 1, 1988), is an American with autism who made national news in 2006 when he played for four minutes during a high school basketball game and scored twenty points.

McElwain was diagnosed with autism at a young age, he had trouble interacting with other kids, but during his teenage years he began to develop social skills and make friends. McElwain had a passion for basketball, despite being only 5'6", so Greece Athena High School basketball coach Jim Johnson appointed him manager of the team.

On February 16, 2006, Greece Athena was playing Spencerport High School for a division title. Greece Athena got a large lead, so Johnson decided to let McElwain play in the last four minutes. After initially missing two shots, McElwain made six three-point shots and one two-pointer (tying the all-time team record for most three-point shots in a game). After the final buzzer rang, the crowd dashed onto the court in celebration.

 

 Here's the breakdown of that February 16, 2006 basketball game:::

 

Greece Athena High School basketball coach Jim Johnson decided to add McElwain to the roster for the team's February 16 game against Spencerport High School, so McElwain could be given a jersey and sit on the bench for the team's last home game of the season. Although the game between Greece Athena and Spencerport was for a senior night at Greece Athena High School, Johnson planned to allow McElwain to play a few minutes if Greece Athena got a comfortable lead. With four minutes left in the game, Athena Greece had a double-digit lead, so Johnson decided let McElwain play out the last minutes of the game. When teammates first passed the ball to McElwain he attempted a three-point shot and missed. McElwain got a second chance to score with a lay-up which he also missed.  Then McElwain went on a "hot streak" shooting six three-pointers and one two-point shot, before the game ended! The final score was Greece Athena 79, Spencerport 43.  As soon as the final buzzer rang, fans from the stands stormed the court in celebration.

Since then, "J-Mac" has had the privilege to meet President George W. Bush, and there are many Hollywood film companies (including Disney) who want to make McElwain's story into a movie!

 

Big Bangs & Skinny Ties

 

On Wednesday, March 18th, we are already giving away $50.00 in cold hard cash, and buying the ultimate junk-food lunch for a few runners up...

But we don't want the goodness (or should we say "madness"?) to stop there...

 

So it's a BIG BANGS & SKINNY TIES contest...

Don't let the title totally fool you. We're NOT limiting this to just hair and formal wear.

We will be giving $20.00 iTunes gift cards to the guy and gal who come with the best VINTAGE 1980's item (could be hair, tie, leg-warmers, sunglasses, blazer, whatever....)!!!

We will also a award a FREE TICKET to the Ignition concert (Fresh IE / Hawk Nelson / Starfield) for the best all-around 80's person!

 

See you in the time warp!!!

So I'm on my most prolific blogging streak yet!!!

With yesterday's blog about my VINTAGE playlist (which could have easily been 5 times as long...honest), I thought I'd let you know what I'm currently listening to. Why not post your own playlist while your in the cyber-neighbourhood?

 

Disciple | Southern Hospitality (cool mixed with cheezy can sometime equal fun!)

Karla Adolphe | Chair & Microphone volume 3 (16 tracks recorded in single takes. Poetic, worshipful, and pretty.)

Daniel Amos | Darn Floor Big Bite (This is super old and super brilliant. All about how our language isn't large enough to describe God.)

Son Lux | At War With Walls & Mazes (Glitchy and ambient, meditative mood muzik...not for the faint of heart.)

MuteMath | Spotlight EP (More of the same, but still interesting...there's a Son Lux remix on it!)

Sandra McCracken | Red Balloon (folk meets alt-country meets minimal electro...meets Jesus!)

The Listening | Transmission 1 EP (based from this EP, their new album will be bananas!!! Produced by the dude who works with MuteMath!)

John Davis | Arigato! (Straight up, in your face RAWK??? You got it.)

..Your turn...

Vintage. Classic. Cool.

Here's my personal VINTAGE music playlist. And by VINTAGE, I mean music that is at least 10 years old!!!!!!! If it came out after 1999, I just can't call it vintage... This music might be old, but the coolness of the sound just won't go away!!!

 

Daniel Amos | Horrendous Disc [1980] (This stuff is just tooo cool. As weird and as perfect as its name!)

The 77's | Drowning With Land In Sight [1994] (A-MAZ-ING...I bet you can't handle it!)

dcTalk | Jesus Freak [1995] (rap/modern-rock of the highest order...they sold over a million of these!)

The Choir | Circle Slide [1990] (Don't let the band name fool you...this is dreamy rock perfecto!)

LSU | Grace Shaker [1994] (Are you even reading this? Didn't think so...)

Plankeye | The Spark [1995] (Great band name. Raw and inspiring album. I like how dude can't sing very well.)

Poor Old Lu | Sin [1994] (Seattle band. Seattle sound. AWESOME!!!)

Soulfood 76 | Original Soundtrack [1996] (yes...it kinda sounds like it's from the 70's! That's good.)

Keith Green | The Live Experience (This will take you back to the last 70's / early 80's...just Keith and a piano!)

Jars of Clay | Self-Titled [1995] (The mega-debut album! They never could match it...)

Scaterd-Few | Sin Disease [1990] (The guys who pioneered Christian punk music. Stellar album!)

 

 

VINTAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

So...reality is finally setting in, and the novelty is long gone.

I have a moustache... It stares at me every time I brush my teeth. I try to avoid making any eye contact, but my mirror is just too big! At first it was a novelty, a fun idea, a whim. But now, it's pure reality.  A purely dark reality. (Cue the moody muzik please!)

My brother is always smirking at me. My wife is great about it, but...umm...yeah...

Reality has certainly set in...and it's going to be a looooonnnnggggg month. The icing on the cake is that it's like -35 outside, so it feels like March is never going to disappear.

 

But the funny thing about reality is that it isn't always what you see. In the case of the stache, it is what you see. But when it comes to trouble, circumstances and problems, GOD'S reality is the ultimate reality!

In other words, things can look one way (discouraging, etc), but anything that does not line up to God's Word is not final and is subject to change. Our faith transports God's ultimate reality into our lives.

 

The reality is that this stache won't be on my face for long, and -35 won't last... So keep your REALITY in check...and remember that God's Word gives you authority to change it...

"Faith is greater than power! Power is only as great as the faith of the one using it." - Pastor Keith Johnson

"Confession builds the road over which faith carries its mighty cargo." - EW Kenyon

(Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 / Romans 10:17 / 2 Corinthians 5:7 / Galatians 5:6)

Yes...it's yet another contest...but we think you're gonna like this one!!!!!!!!!!!! Because you're giving us "Ca$h for the $tache" we'd thought we'd return the favour and give you a chance to win some "Ca$h for the $tache"! So read on my dear friends..................together, we're gonna spread the stache luv!!!

"A Picturesque Portrait of my Dad's Stache" gives you the chance to go home with $50.00!!!

* What you have to do: Dig through the dusty photo albums until you find the gem - the stallion of the staches - the ultimate, most epic, totally gnarly and bodacious stache ever! But remember, the stache picture has to be of your Dad! Try to have the picture focus on him in particular. In other words, a group photo is not ideal. Your picture must be submitted NO LATER than Wednesday, March 11th, at our regular Exelerate service. You may only submit ONE (1) picture (and yes, it can be digital...but not digitally enhanced!), so make it count. The picture will be returned back to you the following week. Once you submit your picture, it may or may not appear on our web-site for the cyber-world to see!!! And your Dad might become famous!!!

 

* What we will do: We'll bust out the Ca$h on Wednesday, March 18th, and award the teen who submitted the best photo (in our humble, meek, and totally expert opinion...of course) $50.00 in cold hard cash. You do with it whatever you want, but we advise you to remember that if it weren't for that tubular "dad-stache", you'd be just like everybody else...a loser!!! I'm kidding...everyone will be a winner...in a way...but...well...who am I trying to kid...kid... So, in other words, you might want to consider sharing the wealth. Two (2) runners up will receive "the ultimate junk experience" (slurpee/chips/chocolate bar).

 

If you have any questions about this contest that still aren't answered, please e-mail "Stache-O-Rama". This is his address: exelerate@christiancentre.ca

 

Thanks for reading...and now I must comb my stache...l8r.

 

Ca$h for the $tache

 

Welcome to March...the month when winter is suppose to start to disappear. The month of madness (if you follow college basketball). The month of high-school hoops (Hoopla). And in Exelerate and Twenty4Seven, it's also the month of V I N T A G E. Have you ever carefully studied a picture of your dad or uncle? I'm not talking about a current picture...I'm talking about a picture in one of those photo albums your mom put together years ago. It's probably under the living room coffee table, or in some dusty furniture drawer. I'm talking about a picture that was taken back in the 1970's or 1980's... That, my friends, is a V I N T A G E  photograph! Once you find the picture(s) in question, there is approximately a 8 out of 10 chance that "the man" is rocking a moustache. And there is also an 8 out of 10 chance that any teen guy reading this will also grow an epic stache at a later stage in life...because these trends always manage to come full circle.

In honour of our V I N T A G E theme, all the exelerate guy staff are growing moustaches. This, of course, is a one-month-only, once-in-a-lifetime event...so enjoy it while it lasts. But the bottom line is that this is a OFFERING CONTEST of sorts. And it's simple...here's how it works: In every Wednesday night Exelerate service (and yes, twenty4seven are included), we need to give a minimum total of $150 dollars. It's as simple as that. If we fail to give at least $150 for one Wednesday night, then one of the guy staff will take a razor to their face and eliminate their epic stache...!!!

So give big, or the stache will go home!!!!!!!

 

A gig...a show...a concert...

I just want to put in a big plug for the RILEY ARMSTRONG gig//show//concert (just pick your favorite of the 3) coming up on Friday, January 30th. Doors open at 7:30pm. And yes, this is an official exelerate par-tay!!! Anyways, Riley is always a pile of fun...and I think he's bringing a brand new CD/DVD with him called Alive & Acoustic (the DVD is a live concert and the CD is new acoustic versions of 'hit' songs!)!  Our very own Ian Martens is the "opening act", and he'll be playing some new songs from his up-coming sophomore album (more details forthcoming) too.

Tickets are only $5.00. That's like...totally cheap. So pick them up at our church INFO DESK or at Scott's Parable.

It'll be a fun night. I hope to see all of you there!

 

In honour of our brand new CHARACTER ASSASSINS series...the following is a bit of trivia about President Lincoln and President Kennedy...

The following chart compares the amazing coincidences in the deaths of Lincoln and Kennedy. Some items that are commonly listed in this comparison have been deleted as incorrect, thanks to reader feedback.

Lincoln	Kennedy
Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846	Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946
He was elected President in 1860	He was elected President in 1960
His wife lost a child while living in the White House	His wife lost a child while living in the White House
He was directly concerned with Civil Rights	He was directly concerned with Civil Rights
Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy who told him not to go to the theater *1	Kennedy had a secretary named Lincoln who told him not to go to Dallas *2
Lincoln was shot in the back of the head in the presence of his wife	Kennedy was shot in the back of the head in the presence of his wife
Lincoln shot in the Ford Theatre	Kennedy shot in a Lincoln, made by Ford
He was shot on a Friday	He was shot on a Friday
The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, was known by three names, comprised of fifteen letters	The assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was known by three names, comprised of fifteen letters
Booth shot Lincoln in a theater and fled to a warehouse *3	Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and fled to a theater
Booth was killed before being brought to trial	Oswald was killed before being brought to trial
There were theories that Booth was part of a greater conspiracy	There were theories that Oswald was part of a greater conspiracy
Lincoln's successor was Andrew Johnson, born in 1808	Kennedy's successor was Lyndon Johnson, born in 1908

*1 Note: It is an urban myth that Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy. There is no record of that.

*2 Note: There is no record whether or not Kennedy's secretary warned him.

*3 Note: Booth actually fled to a farm and was killed in a tobacco barn. It might be a stretch to call it a warehouse. But two years after his death, Booth's body was temporarily moved to a warehouse. Also, after the assassination, the government closed the Ford Theatre and turned it into a warehouse.

- mr j

So the deep freeze set in a few days ago. There is no amount of hot chocolate in world that can ease the pain of such bitter cold. We have officially been sentenced to the freezer for a while, so we may as well pull out the parkas and face the music. But really, how authentic would Christmas feel without the cold weather? And I don't get thrilled about shoveling any more than the next guy, but who could want a Christmas without descending cascades of glistening snow? Well, come to think of it, my Christmas in Texas a couple of years ago wasn't too bad at all...but I don't want this blog to head south with negativity, so I'll refrain.

Christmas is next week...which means that this week is probably pretty meaningless when it comes to focusing on all things "academic", and that can be problemactic for students...but I doubt you're losing any sleep over it. Oh, you might be losing sleep, but it's probably because your brain is busy spinning as you try to figure out what that present actually is...and you probably threw out one too many desparate hints to let everybody know what you "really" want. I know...I've been there  before and bought the t-shirt.

But life has come full circle for me now because my 3 kids are the ones with the "wish lists" and grand ideas about what might be under the tree. And while I'm on the subject of trees, I must say that my wife is a fabulous decorator...and I'm not just saying that because I'm married to her. Man, if I wan't married to her, I still think I'd hire her to pick out and design my Christmas tree (guess what colour it is, will ya?)! Back to the subject - I know that most "Christmas spirit" in this day and age is about "me" and "I want" and...did I already say "me"? We can all get caught up in this consumeristic vacuum if we aren't careful. That's why I really appreciate the challenge that was given during an exelerate offering back in November, and then repeated in Connect for the Christmas Carols message.

There was a simple challenge given to make sure you find someone who you aren't close to or have had a long friendship with, and surprise them with a Christmas gift. This way, you're blessing someone who had no idea...and you aren't giving out of any selfish motive (because face it...sometimes when we give we can be more interested in what we're getting in return than focusing on the joy of giving in and of itself). I hope that all of you have taken up this challenge seriously, and if you haven't yet, the good news is that you still have plenty of time before Christmas strikes. My family made a point to get all of our neighbours a Christmas gift and personally invite them to "The Divine". There is a thrill built right into the act of giving, and I'm still riding the high!

Well, my family if headed to Mrs. J's parent's house for Christmas...so we'll have a few days in balmy southern Saskatchewan! If we come back with a tan, then you know why. :)  Naw...if we come back with a tan, it would likely be frost bite. But we are excited to celebrate Christmas with extended family and tell everyone we talk to what the real meaning of Christmas is - JESUS!!! Make sure that you do the same every chance you get.

I think I'll sign this looooong blog out by posting "my essential christmas music albums":  Jars of Clay | Christmas Songs (I think this is the BEST christmas album I've ever heard.) // Vince Guaraldi Trio | Charlie Brown Christmas (something about this christmas CD just makes it feel like christmas, ya know?) // Kevin Max | Holy Night (he got this recording right...subtle instrumentation and a bit understated overall.) // Sufjan Stevens | Songs for Christmas [5 EP's] (this 5 CD set is as weird as it is good...but I'm a fan.)

What's your essential Christmas album?

p i z z a

And on the 8th day, God made pizza.

So I was eating some pizza for lunch today (gotta love Hot Meal Day's, right?), and I got to thinking that God is so cool...giving us pizza and all...

I think the people that invented pizza probably got the idea right after a church service.

Let's just be honest, there are few things in life better than pizza. You can eat it hot. You can eat it cold. You can eat it on a plate. You can eat it out of the box. It can be circular. It can be square. It can be rectangular. The possibilities are limitless!!!

And the best part is...it's ALWAYS good!!!

It doesn't even matter what you put on it (with the major exception of pineapples...the devil came up with that idea...so just resist it!).

So my lunch kind of transported me to a better place. It warmed my heart...and inspired a blog! That, my dear teens, is the power of pizza.

And to top it all off (pun not intended), I received a very timely e-mail this afternoon. The school staff informed me that they, in fact, had left over pizza's that they needed to sell at a discounted price. God was surely smiling on me today!!! So I obviously had no choice by to quickly reply and purchase a pepperoni pie!!!

And so, as the story goes, I ended up eating yet more pizza for supper!

God is good, dear teens...God is good.

- mr j

 

Have you ever watched the golden sun slowly descend behind the western horizon? Have you ever gazed through the semi-perfect round holes of golden honey-nut Cherrios? Have you ever repainted your bedroom with the gloriously golden colour labelled Buoyant Banana? Have you ever trampled through Grandpa's golden fields a few weeks before harvest? If you've answered a resounding YES to any of these questions...you're a very interesting person.

For real...GOLDEN is the colour that glows on champions. GOLD is what every person desires as they navigate their way through life. GOLD is what every athlete aims to win. Well, our church school's (CCA) volleyball team has just turned golden...as they finished 1st Place in their very own Eagles Invitational Volleyball Tounament! Congradulations!!! We are proud that these fine and Godly ladies have worked so hard and have already accomplished so much this season.

But it's not all over...there are only a few more weeks of volleyball for the 2008/2009 season, and if the outcome resembles anything like their hearts, I think that the future looks golden too! We'll all be praying for you girls...

We're proud of our CCA volleyball team & coaching staff!!!

- the xlr8 team

Thursday's are generally the days that I get to chill out and stay at home. Of course, home is sometimes busier than the office is...with 2 boys running around the house while the oldest one is at school. Anyways, yesterday I was at home and Brandston (my 3 year old) wanted to play a game. So out came a game we hadn't played in a few months - Tumblin' Monkeys!

Now, I don't know how many of you have ever had the great honour of playing this incredible game...but if you haven't, I'd advise you to hit up your local Toy's R Us or Wal-Mart right after you finish reading.

It's a simple game, really. You have a hollow tree with different coloured sticks going through it, and at the top sits your primate pets (monkeys, duh!). You roll a coloured dice and then you have to pull a stick that's the same colour that you rolled. Of course, there are few game rules designed to make the fun more fair. The most important rule is to pull the highest sticks on the tree and then work your way down. Everyone takes turns until all the monkeys have fallen to the bottom of the tree (those coloured sticks are what keep the primates at the top), and the person with the LEAST amount of monkeys at the end of the game wins. Poor Brandston has this part mixed up, but I don't mind winning so please nobody tell him that he has it backwards!

While I was playing yesterday, this thought just hit me. Life is kinda like a game of Tumblin' Monkeys sometimes. We are like trees (Psalm 1:3 / John 15:5), and all those coloured sticks are like our foundation, our substance, our character. When everything in our lives is at it should be, there aren't any monkeys around. But sometimes, one stick at a time, we let our foundation...our character, get weakened. Sometimes one monkey falls all the way down and sometimes it doesn't. We get to thinking that everything's okay, not realizing that we are on the verge of this enormous pile of monkeys crashing to the ground.

Monkeys are those issues of life. A monkey is when bad decisions come home to roost. In other words, a monkey isn't a pet...it's "Bad News Bruce". But when you start to mess with your foundation, after a while, things will start to crumble and fall apart.

So remember that your character, your substance, your foundation is...EVERYTHING!

And as for me...I'll keep beating Brandston at Tumblin' Monkeys...it's like taking candy away from a baby...

Welcome to Exelerate's Blogworld and "transmission # 1". Keep checking this place out because it will get updated a lot!

There was a preacher martyred in Africa a few decades ago...a fiery, passionate man they say. The gospel message he preached was so uncompromised that many in the town hated him. Hate eventually turned red as on one ordinary day the preacher was found dead, stabbed repeatedly in his own living room. In the corner of his room was an old wooden desk, and on it was a piece of paper with his final message written by his own hand:

 

My Creed

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees,  colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labour by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deturred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.