December 2008

Dear Parents,

It’s that time of year again, and I know our teens are eagerly prepping their Christmas lists. I’m sure they’ve all given considerable thought to which gifts they’d like to find under the tree this year. Nevertheless, as parents, it’s important to keep our families focused on what’s most important, and the opportunities that are available during the holidays.

God understands our tendency to over-indulge ourselves, and he gives us the perfect solution – GIVING. Jesus overturned cultural norms with the thought “it is more blessed to give, than to receive.” It sounds cliché, but he wasn’t just being idealistic. Jesus understood that there is more to life than just temporary satisfaction – like ETERNAL satisfaction. He knew that you could actually trade in your “now”, in exchange for “forever”. One writer explains it this way:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

It is this understanding that drives Jesus teaching’ about possessions, and it should shape our approach to giving. During December, we’re launching a new series called “iGive” for the holidays. We want to challenge your teen this holiday season in the area of giving by addressing two important principles – The Treasure Principle (Matthew 6:19-21) & The Harvest Principle (Proverbs 11:25; Galatians 6:7). These keys will help to lay a solid foundation in their understanding of money and material possessions.

I remember my teenage years and how my Father used the holidays to teach me the principles. He would often sponsor less fortunate kids from the neighborhood to make sure they had a great Christmas. One year, he decided to not buy any gifts for me, but to invest in another young boy from the neighborhood. Needless to say, it didn’t go over too well with me. He wanted me to make a Christmas list for the kid. In other words, I had to think of all the stuff I wanted, and make a gift list for him instead! Then, he took me shopping to get it all. I had to walk through the store grabbing all the things I wanted for Christmas, knowing they were going to someone else. It was tough, I’ll admit. But the entire time, my Dad talked to me about those giving principles, and leveraging my life into others. Over the course of the weekend, my heart accepted what He was doing, because I knew he was right. And when Christmas morning came, and the young boy came to visit, I got a chance to experience the joy of giving. I’ll never forget the impact that it had on him that morning, or me. The smile on his face, the joy in his voice, and the gratitude in his eyes - I was so glad to learn that Jesus was right. It IS more blessed to give, than to receive!

Happy Holidays,

Courtney HarknessDestiny Metropolitan Worship ChurchHoly High & Club 412 Directorcourtney.harkness@destinymetro.org

Protecting your teens from the pull of materialismIt is no secret that teens are bombarded with images, commercials, and messages throughout the year selling the latest gadget or the next "must-have" item. It is not just a Christmas season issue. It is a year round issue. Protecting your teens from the pull of materialism seems practically impossible, but it doesn't mean that parents should give up. One way parents can combat materialism is to help teens understand the value of being thankful with what they have, instead of focusing on what they want. In fact, according to harrisinteractive.com, "Increasing materialism among youth does not immediately translate into less generous behavior; rather, gratitude plays an important role in influencing their level of generosity." Parents can also teach and model the

value of money itself. Money fuels the flame of materialism, and whether it is given to them by parents or whether they earn it themselves, teens will always have money to spend. In fact, teens spend billions of dollars each year on "things". But, if parents can positively influence HOW and WHAT teens spend their money on, we can then begin to see the effects of materialism slow down. The fight to defeat materialism cannot be won without teens understanding the value of giving. Acts 20:35b reminds all of us that, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Giving takes the focus off ourselves and allows us to put others first. Materialism is selfish, but giving is selfless. The ultimate selfless Gift was given to us in Jesus Christ. Let us all celebrate they way our Savior lived by sacrificing and giving this Christmas!

Parents, here are some tips to help fight against materialism:1. Make them wait. Don't go out and immediately purchase an item your teen just HAS to have. Wait a few days to allow the excitement to cool down. This will allow you to see if this item is truly important to them.

2. Know what the priority is. As the Christmas season is here, ask your teen to prioritize their Christmas list. With most families on a budget, this will help you figure out where to spend your money that is allotted for Christmas.

3. Spend time rather than money on your kids. Instead of your teen spending time alone on the computer or watching TV, why not take that time and spend it WITH them? The best gift your teen could receive this Christmas would be time with you and the family.

4. Set the example. Yes, your family IS watching you and how you value the “things” of life. Parents can be just as materialistic as their teens. Keeping our priorities in check will help the whole family.

December Series:

“iGive”

Here’s a preview of the December lesson series:

12.7.08 – PAY IT FORWARD – Giving is Better Than GettingMatthew 6:19-21

12.14.08 – BOOMERANG –Give More…..Get More!Proverbs 11:25

12.21.08 – CHRISTMAS PARTY

PRAY THAT:

1. God will give your family a heart "to give" this Christmas season instead of a heart "to get."

2. God will allow your teen to find their identity in Christ and not in the "things of this world."

3. God will help your teen spend some of their own money and time on things that have eternal significance.

4. God will be glorified and lifted up and not get lost in all the lights, reindeer, and Santa hats.

Verse of the month

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wondered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." I Timothy 6:6-7, 10 (NIV)

If Christians would pursue godliness instead of pursuing things, the overwhelming response would be an attitude of contentment, and the world would be a much different place. Our greatest gains in life would then be things we could not put a price tag on. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the time we are concerned with the here and now instead of the hereafter. We must remind our teens (and ourselves) that money is not bad, but it is the love of money that causes major problems. There are many examples of people who have pursued money and are now paying big consequences for their decisions. That is why it is so important to stop and pray that God will protect your family from the lure and false status "things" can bring.

This holiday season, we are participating in an initiative called The Global Soles Project. This program challenges our students to "give" shoes to needy children across the globe.   Did you know that there are people who have never worn shoes their entire life?  Lack of proper footwear can lead to considerable health problems due to weather and terrain.  Well, we can do something about that! Our goal is to collect 1000 pair of shoes before the New Year.   We want to use our excess to fill a

need for someone else.   

At SONset this month, I issued the challenge to our teens, and they responded immediately!  Several took the challenge, gave their shoes on the spot and went home barefoot! As a result, we collected approximately 35 pairs of shoes on the first night! 

That's why I love teenagers!!!! Radical faith!!!!!Our teens were excited to "give" and some were overwhelmed with emotion because they were able to bless those less

fortunate. One student donated over 100 pairs of shoes from her own personal collection! They all agree- The Global Soles Project is for a VERY worthy cause!

 This month we are encouraging you to follow our teenagers lead as they believe God to collect new shoes for The Global Soles Project. If you're a parent, I encourage you to support your teen as they sort through their own shoes and make a

sacrifice to support the cause. If you or your family would like to participate, please send shoes by your teen to our New Year’s eve Celebration. We are accepting new or slightly used shoes, in all sizes during the entire month of December.  Remember,

our goal is 1000 pair of shoes.   Any shoe will do!We’re hosting our project end at our New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Date: December 31, 2008Time: 10pm – 2am

Location: Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church – ChapelCost: $10 at door

Refreshments served at Afterparty!!!!!!!

For more information about the project, please contact me at courtney.harkness@destinymetro.org

This page is designed to inform and educate parents and is not meant to endorse any product, music, or movie.Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your student listens to, wears, and sees.

MUSICSPOTLIGHT

Background: Kierra “Kiki” Sheard is “both wise and talented beyond her years” at the young age of 18. Kiki was born and raised in Detroit in a solid and Godly home. Her grandmother is credited as one of the defining influences in the history of Gospel music. Her father is a minister, and her mother is a founding member of Gospel legends, the Clark Sisters. She began singing at church at the age of six. She made her recording debut and landed her first Stellar-award at the age of nine as she sang a duet with her mother. Much to her surprise, her debut album went international leading to a gold album in Japan. Her second album is produced by several award winning producers including her younger brother J. Drew, and is expected to do well. (Kierrakikisheard.com)

Albums: “This Is Me” “I Owe You” What Parents Should Know: Her newest album is full of “knockout R&B ballads. The album “moves into a very hip, urban pocket, delivering messages through the modern, up-to-the-minute R&B and hip-hop language of today.”

What Kiki has to say: “I want to go wherever I’m called to go. I hope people will always think of me, and one day remember me, as someone who always did her best to accomplish the Lord’s work.” Q: What do you want to be remembered for one day? How do you think you can accomplish “the Lord’s work” in your life?

Background: This 21 year old “urban songstress”, Keyshia Cole, was raised in a “tough neighborhood” in Oakland. From an early age, she aspired to make music her life. By the age of 12, she was already recording with top artists of the day such as MC Hammer. Her career took off in the early 2000’s as she collaborated with numerous artists including Kanye West and one of her biggest inspirations, Eve. Her debut album, “The Way It Is”, released in 2005 under the A&M/Interscope label. Unlike some of her musical peers, Keyshia has a “street edge” which has influenced many of her songs “which are generally a bit rougher and less naïve than those of your typical young female urban vocalist.” Her debut album sold a million copies in the US. (Billboard.com)

Albums: “Just Like You” – 2007“The Way It Is” - 2005

What Parents Should Know: Her first album contains a Parental Advisory. Her latest album is mostly about relationships, being true to your own self in them, and breaking up with a cheating boyfriend. The album also contains some foul language.

What Keyshia has to say: "There are a lot of trials and tribulations you have to go through to get what you want, especially if you feel like it belongs to you." Q: What types of trials have you gone through to get what you want? What if anything do you feel "entitled" to?

Movie: Yes, Man (releases Dec. 19) Genre: Action/DramaRating: PG-13 for crude sexual humor, language and brief nudity Synopsis: Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) is going nowhere. Then he signs up for a self–help program that emphasizes saying yes to everything. That word begins to transform Carl’s life, as he receives a job promotion and begins a new romance. But Carl soon realizes that saying yes to everything might not be the best option for his life.

Discussion Questions: Would you describe yourself as cautious or uninhibited? Do you have a hard time saying no to people’s requests? Why or why not? How important is it to try to please everyone in your life? When you sense that God is calling you to do something, is your first instinct to say yes or no to him? Explain. How might saying yes to God more often affect your life?

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Midweek – 7pm

C412: The Underground

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SONset – 5-7:30pmMidweek – 7pm

C412: The Underground

HH: Grow U

Christmas Play

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No ServiceNew Years Eve Service

Our mission is to REACH non-believing students, CONNECT them into God's family, GROW them in their faith, help them DISCOVER their

gifts and abilities, so they can HONOR God with their live .