[1]

MARCH ’12

PARENT HELPSThis month learn ways to have better communication and discussion with your teenager. Helpful tips can be found on Page 2.

LEADERSHIP ROCKSGet details on the upcoming Leadership Rocks Weekend. Learn how to think, dream, & lead like Jesus All the important details for the weekend on Page 5.

MARCH CALENDARWant to know what’s happening in the Student Ministry @ Northside? Page 6 will give you all the details for events this month for JR & SR High Students. PA

RENT

LINK

[2]

TIMEOUTMarch 2012

For Parents:Helpful information and advice to encourage you to better understand your teeneager.

SPARK DISCUSSIONS - AND LISTENENGAGING IN CONVERSATIONS WITH TEENAGERS CAN SEEM TRICKY OR DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES. BUT IT’S EASIER WHEN YOU LEARN TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS.

Moving past simple “yes or no” questions and listening without judging helps create an open atmosphere in which discussions between parents and teenagers can flow naturally.

So what are some proactive, penetrating, and “unlocking” ways to pursue teenagers and get them to open up? Look at the example Jesus modeled for us in the Bible. On many occasions He pursued people over and over. And He still pursues us today.

Christ approach uses questions that are:

• Surprising—The person doesn’t see the question coming.• Specific—It’s a question about one specific thing, not

multiple issues. • Personal—It asks for a personal response, not a general or

rhetorical one.

Examples include “What’s something about yourself that you secretly admire, and why?” “Why are you drawn to the friends you

have?” and “When you’re really worried, what helps you feel at peace again, and why?”

Pursuing your teenagers this way may seem awkward at first, but the more you do it, the more you’ll be able to unlock authentic places in teen’s lives…and the more fun you’ll have learning what makes them tick.

Why are these questions so important in the conversations you are trying to facilitate? Consider these thoughts:

• They help you listen well, which is the most important principle of good communication.

• They show genuine concern for the other person. • They make others recognize their importance.• They turn listeners into learners and help learners see the

bigger picture.

Have authentic, meaningful

conversations with your teenager

[3]

Here are some steps that have helped my wife and I boost question-asking skills:

• Ask a lot of questions, especially at dinnertime. Examples include“What was the best thing about your day?” and “How is [name] doing?” Our dinner table has become the centerpiece of our family discussions.

• Ask special questions on birthdays and holidays. “What was the best thing about this past year?” “What was the most difficult thing about it?” “What are three things you hope to accomplish or experience next year?” These questions go beyond the typical “yes or no” answer.

You can also keep the “five senses” in mind when you’re thinking about starting discussions with your teenager. Creatively applying the five senses helps turn an awkward moment into a positive, lasting memory. Use these ideas as a springboard for significant dialogue.

TASTE: Share a meal.Food relaxes people. It’s much easier to discuss important things when you’re talking over lunch, sipping a Coke, or walking while eating ice cream. Use the sense of taste as an excuse to meet, and take advantage of the focused attention you get and can give over a meal.

TOUCH: Share an activity.The sense of touch is simply a reminder that doing an activity with a young person is a terrific discussion starter. Talk about the activity (your knowledge of it, how long you’ve been doing it, etc.) and then go deeper. The time spent engaging in a mutually enjoyable activity makes discussion easier.

HEAR: Share encouragement.Use your sense of hearing to encourage your teenager by highlighting something he or she said or did. Statements such as “I heard that you…” or “I thought you made a great point when you said…” communicate value and worth. Once you share your encouragement, build on the conversation.

SMELL: Share a direct question.This is a bit of a stretch, but “sniff out” the real issues. In doing that, you’re better able to ask direct questions that deal with the heart of the issue. Teens, when approached with right motives, appreciate honesty.

SEE: Share a dream.A young person’s vision for the future reflects his or her self-worth. Ask your teenager about goals. Start with one-year goals and move to five- , ten, and twenty year goals. Challenge kids to consider what they want said about them at their funerals. Share your excitement with your teenager’s goals and use them to delve into related topics.

CURRENT STATS

• Only one-third of teenagers believe their parents are engaged in their lives enough to pursue them well. In a study, one young person said, “I want my parents to ask me about my day and care about what I answer.”

—Families & Work Institute

• 40% of Christian teenagers say that although they’re around their parents a lot, they rarely have long, enjoyable conversations.

—Group magazine

• 79% of parents say that by having dinner as a family, they learn more about their teenagers’ lives.

—CASA Columbia

[4]

Dierks Bentley Background: This country-bluegrass singer has numerous platinum-selling albums. Now 36, he’s one of the youngest singers to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The tours he’s been part of provide clues about his songs: High Times & Hangovers Tour, Country & Cold Cans Tour, the Jägermeister Tour, etc.

What Bentley Says: Regarding “Tip Iton Back,” Bentley says, “It’s just really,really hard for people right now. A lot ofpeople are out of work and sometimesyou need a break and you say, ‘Youknow what, I’m going to drink a littlemore than I should.’ … I think the ideabehind the song is every now and thenyou’ve got to blow off some steam. And Ithink that’s what a Friday night is madefor.”

Theory HazitBackground: Raised by relatives, Razit was exposed to hip-hop at an early age and became instantly enamored. He’s honed his skills over the years and is becoming popular in the world of Christian hip-hop. Razit isn’t afraid to talk about the mistakes he’s made or the challenges that come with being a stepfather. His latest album is a terrific alternative to secular hip-hop.

What Theory Hazit Says: “There’s not much talk about love. People are just out to get theirs. Life has its ups and downs, and there’s nothing perfect around it. Focusing on God and relying on God…that helps you to endure the struggles and obstacles that come your way.”

Hunger Games- Rating: PG-13

Genre: Action Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: A former military man isinexplicably transported to Mars and gets caught in a conflict among the planet’s inhabitants

Critique: Because this is a Disney film, expect lots of adventure, humor, and big special effects.

Mass Effect 3

Critique: The first two games in this role-playing series were at the top of nearly every Game of the Year list when they came out. So this third game has big expectations behind it. A commander of a starship and his motley crew of aliens must save the entire universe from a deadly and seemingly unstoppable ancient race. (Xbox 360)

Twisted MetalCritique: This sequel to a classic game is all about vehicular combat and mayhem. Unique and crazy cars and drivers fight each other in arenas using various weapons—including the cars themselves. Four players can play local on a split screen, and up to 16 people can play online. The game is rated M for violence, blood and gore, and language. (PS3)

[5]

WILMINGTON MOVIE PREMIERE - Thursday, April 19th - Doors Open At 5:45 pm Israel is a country that is loved, hated, and often misunderstood by much of the world. Who really belongs there? Why is Jerusalem so important? Why do some believe in a Messiah who will put things right? Amidst this seemingly endless battle over land and religion, surfing has emerged as an escape from the controversy. Promised Land is a unique look at this ancient place through the lives of two friends from different faiths, brought together by their love of the oceans that separate them.

Northside is excited to host Walking On Water Ministries on the first East Coast stop of the world movie premiere of Promised Land: Israel Through The Eyes of Surfers. This will be an exciting free event for the entire community. For more information and to reserve your movie ticket - visit www.enorthside.org

LOREM IPSUM COST: FOOD: ACTIVITIES: CONTACT

This is a Free event for the community. An offering will be collected during the event

Yeah - we’re gonna eat!Hot dogs, nachos, chips, and drinks will be for sale.

Following the movie - meet local vendors and local surf shops owners from the Wilmington area

Want to know more? Contact Northside Student Pastor Shane Becton - (910) 791-6053

RSVP Single and Group

Tickets Online

Bryan Jennings

Matt Beacham

Noah Snyder

Tom Curren

Special Guest Scheduled To Appear

[6]

SLU 101 DEPOSIT DEADLINE$100 per person deposit due by

Friday, March 2nd. SLU 101 will be held July 8-13 in Orlando, FL. Cost per person is $723.00. Students can register online at www.enorthside.org/events

CHICK-FIL-A NIGHTThursday, March 8th from 5:00 pm -

8:00 pm @ Market Street location. Join NSM Students as we support Reece Tierney and Family as they prepare to serve overseas in Cameroon, Africa.

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT Friday, March 9th ~ 7:00 pm @

Grace Baptist Church. High School and Middle School Co-ed Teams @ $10 per team. See Pastor Shane for a Team Registration Form.

STUDENT SERVICESunday, March 11th at 6:00 pm in

the Sanctuary. Our Student Choir will be singing, our student praise team will be leading, and student baptism’ wrap up the evening - it’s going to be a great night of worship led by NSM Students.

LEADERSHIP ROCKSMarch 16-17, 2012 - Spartanburg,

S.C. - $118.00 per person Students will learn to: Think, Dream, and Lead like Jesus. This event is for JR & SR High Students.

WHICH CHAIR ARE YOU IN?Saturday, March 24th 4:00 pm ~

UNCW ~ Free Event with special guest: Adrian Despres. Students can register online at www.enorthside.org

PREP FOR CAFESaturday, March 24th from 9:30 am -

11:00 am. Students working Cafe Northside should prepare to prep for the Breakfast/Buffet service. Sign up online at www.enorthside.org

CAFE NORTHSIDESunday, March 25th from 7:00 am -

12:45 pm. Students interested in working Cafe should sign up for a shift online at www.enorthside.org

IN THE LOOP. . . . Stay up to date on what is taking place in the Student Ministry for Jr & Sr High Students

Shane BectonNorthside Student Pastor

Sunday Schedule:• 8, 9:30, & 11 am - Worship Services• 9:30 & 11 am - Student Growth Groups• 4:30 pm - Student Choir / Praise Band• 6:00 pm - Evening Worship Service

Wednesday Student Night• 5:30 pm - Doors Open• 6:30 pm - Service Begins• 8:30 pm - Doors Close

NORTHSIDE STUDENTS2501 North College Rd Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 791-6053 www.enorthside.org

Growth Groups - Sunday Mornings @ 9:30 am & 11:00 am. Keep and eye out for new classes beginning May 2012.

Student Night - Wednesday Nights from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Doors open @ 5:30 - Service begins @ 6:40 - Doors close @ 8:30 pm