The 2010 Calendar is officially out.  Registration will open on November 3. 

• June 27 - July 2
• July 4-9
• July 11-16
• July 18-23 

  Thanks for making us a part of your summer in 2009.  Can’t wait to see you all again next year. 

2010 Calendar - We will be announcing the 2010 dates on August 18, 2009.  Be sure to check back and see what options will be available for you next summer.

Resource Page - A lot of leaders have been wanting to know about some different resources from That Thing 2009…check out the resource page on our website at www.gotothatthing.com.

Coming Soon - Keep in touch with us over the next few months as we’ll be posting twice a week to continue sharing follow-ups to the 2009 program including stories of impact and adjustments for 2010.

Thanks for the amazing opportunity to serve you and your students!  This first year was unbelievably awesome!

God Bless,

Gern 

Wow…what an amazing summer!  I’m not even sure where to begin.  We were so blown away by what God was able to do in the hearts of students throughout the four weeks of That Thing this summer.

Each week we were blown away by the large number of students that made decisions for Jesus Christ, either through a reconnection or a first time connection with Him.   Furthermore, throughout the summer, we were amazed to also see spiritual transformations that took students beyond a consumer Christianity kind of mentality to a place where they could begin to live out love and put their faith into action.  We were continually inspired by the student’s desire to become involved with this world and to be the people of change who will be carrying God’s love and light into the world.

As I thought through the past few weeks, I was reminded of a video that was shown during week 3 & 4 in which a guy at a music festival began to dance to "I Want To Be Unstoppable" being played on stage during the festival.  You really need to see the video (Click Here to Watch This Video), but as a result of his desire and willingness to dance, a huge dance party erupted right there on the lawn at the festival.  It only takes one person with one vision to start a movement.  I too want to be unstoppable!  Students this summer embraced that with open arms.  

We have heard so many stories of students going back to their communities and churches and continuing what God placed on their hearts while at That Thing.  We heard of a student putting on 3 on 3 basketball tournament in his driveway to raise money for those in need, churches working as a church body to match the funds raised by students at camp to provide a considerable donation to Heifer International, and even a student who built a website just a week or so after camp, http://bringchrist.yolasite.com/, to be a resource for teenagers in fighting addiction.

So to say wow…what an amazing summer is no joke.  God did great things and we are looking forward to hearing how He continues to move your youth and churches towards Agape in the coming months!

The time has come…our summer camp season is upon us!  As a result, this blog will no longer be updated with new information for awhile.  So, if you have any questions or need to speak to someone directly before arriving onsite, please call us at 1.888-MAT-2818 or email us through the contact section of our website at http://www.gotothatthing.com/contact.html.  See you in a few weeks!

Check-In for Individuals - (Sunday, 5:30-6:30pm)

Check-In for Groups - (Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm)

Closing General Session - (Thursday, 7:00pm)

After Hours - (Thursday, 9:00-10:00pm) The Beach House will remain open until 10:45pm.

General Session - The evening’s general sessions will begin at 8:00pm and will be approximately an hour and thirty minutes. At the conclusion of the evening sessions, the prayer stations and auditorium will remain open for the next 45 minutes for whatever your groups needs may be.

After Hours - The Beach House (formerly Cokesbury) will reopen each night at the end of the worship time. After Hours activities and entertainment will begin at 10:00pm each night. After Hours includes a performance by the band Matthew Lloyd Project, Epworth Idol (Rock Band/Guitar Hero on the Wii Contest), a solo performance by That Band’s worship leader Nick Stanton, Hip-Hop Entertainment, and Epworth’s Got Talent (a battle of the talents contest).

In Lodges - Epworth Forest has a curfew that as a campsite, we respect as well. Please have all students in your lodges from 11:00 pm on. If you schedule and use one of our classrooms or meeting spaces for your evening devotions and group discussions past 11:00 pm, please be quiet on the return trip to your lodge.

Click HERE to download this year’s Event Book!  The event book has lots of pertinent information about activities and various other things as well as discussion group questions for the weeks of That Thing this year.

We are still in need of at least 1 MALE volunteer counselor for the four weeks of That Thing this summer.  Counselors have the opportunity to have a positive and eternal impact on student’s lives by being with them and investing time in them 22 hours per day for five days.  Counselors will have a shared experience with students that will create a great environment for development of relationships and, ultimately, spiritual growth.  If you are interested or know a male who might be, please apply or have him apply online at www.gotothatthing.com/leaders.html (scroll to the bottom of the page) and/or contact Matt at (574) 834-2212, toll free at 1.888.MAT.2818, or by email at matt@gotothatthing.com.

Lunch - (12:00-1:00 pm) If you’re looking for a great group bonding experience, put your students into the meal prep and clean-up. Over the years we’ve discovered that the groups who really involve students in this gain a lot of interaction in an environment and situation students aren’t often in.

The One O’Clock to Five O’Clock Free Block (Activities and Things To Do) - The free activity break is from 1:00-5:00pm each afternoon. There are a variety of programmed activities for your students and your group to join in with. You can also program some or all of the time yourself for fun and games or needed group discussion times.

Dinner - For groups using the cafeteria, it will be open from 5:30-6:30pm.

General Session - The general sessions will start at 9:30am and are approximately an hour and twenty minutes.  Tuesday’s and Thursday’s sessions will have a leadership networking/training session coinciding with a student entertainment special after the service ends.

• Networking/Training Session - (Tuesday and Thursday)

• Student Entertainment Specials - Tuesday will feature UpRock, part of the That Thing programming team; their unique ministry blends a mixture of hip-hop, dance and story-telling.  Thursday morning hosts the talents of indie-rock band, Our Hero’s End.

Leader’s Sunrise Prayer - Each morning the Beach House is open with fresh coffee and pastries for leaders. Opening at 6:30am and the coffee will flow until 7:30am.  Stop by, connect with some of the other leaders and pray over your students, leadership, and the day ahead.

Iron Man Club - (6:45am) Something for the overly active students and leaders who like starting the day off with a bang.  Monday will be a 30 minute swim, Tuesday’s the 30 minute run and Wednesday is a 30 minute bike ride (we’ll have a limited number available, please bring you own if possible).  Thursday will conclude with a 1 hour Iron Man course.

Lakeside Worship - (7:30am) This worship service will provide an unexpected service of worship.  There’s no praise band and the teachings are more experimental than expected.  The teachings will come from a Lectio Divina focused on the miraculous healings by Jesus, an aroma-rich metaphor using a mexican delicacy, a selfless prayer time and a Genesis to Revelation scripture reading.

Breakfast - The cafeteria will be open from 8:00-9:00 am. It’s never too early to start thinking about your meals.  You can cook your own food in your lodges or you can have your meals all taken care of in the cafeteria.  Please call 1.888.MAT.2818 to make food service reservations.  All reservations and final numbers must be made at least 16 days prior to the start of the week your group is attending. 

Just another reminder that meal service is only included for single ticket registrations.  Groups booking or sharing a lodge are able to cook their meals in their lodge if they so choose or, for an additional $75 per person, can have all meals provided in the dining hall.  If choosing this option, the meals that will be provided will be Monday breakfast through Friday breakfast.  Please call 1.888.MAT.2818 to make food service reservations.  All reservations and final numbers must be made at least 16 days prior to the start of the week your group is attending.  Call and reserve your spots now!

Below are a few things that we wanted to make sure to remind you of and mention to you here on the blog…

• Check-In for groups is on Sunday each week from 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Check out is Friday at 9:00AM
• Each Morning at 6:45am there will be an Ironman Club.  Students who choose to participate will swim one morning, run one morning, bike one morning, and finish the week doing all three.  Please have students bring a bike if they choose to participate.
• We will have a few different bands on site throughout the week…check them out!

1. Our Hero’s End” - Thursday morning entertainment during the leader networking  -myspace.com/ourherosend
2. “The Matt Loyd Project”  - After Hours band Sunday at the Beach House, listen at myspace.com/mattlloydproject
3. You can hear some free tracks of That Thing’s worship band online at  gotothatthing.com/2009.

So, you are bring a group of students to a week of That Thing!  You are probably asking yourself, “What am I responsible for?”  

First, every individual, with the exception of students, is asked to complete a background check.  Please have all adult leaders/pastors, cooks, and any other volunteers go to www.gotothatthing.com/leaders.html (scroll to the bottom of the page) and register online. Please make sure that upon arrival any volunteers that have not completed the online registration come to the Epworth Forest CC office immediately to complete this process.

Second, please have each student and adult leader/volunteer fill out an iTix before you arrive.  Upon arrival on site, greeters will be at the front gate to greet you and direct you toward your lodge.  Once you get there, start unpacking and have one adult leader from your group come to the Epworth Forest CC office for check in.  You will receive a wristband for every iTix you turn in and your lodge keys for the week.  There will be a medic at the Campus House check in location if you would like to have That Thing staff administer medications (not required).

Lastly, a few odds and ends…
Just a reminder that lodge leaders are required to provide adult leaders to maintain a minimum 1 to 10 adult & gender to student ratio.  It is up to lodge leaders to divide their students up into small groups for the week.  Feel free to get with other groups and/or lodges to do so if you would like. Go to www.gotothatthing.com/2009 and click on “Worship” to download small group discussion questions and curriculum.  Available June 1st.

That Thing will be providing a two-session leadership networking and training experience just for leaders.  It is designed to equip you as leaders with leadership principles needed to help multiply effectiveness in your lives, in your churches, in your work, and in your community!  Stan Buck from Sonrise Church is leading the charge.   He is pulling together some amazing resources that will help encourage, lift, and guide you as well as help you connect with other leaders.  

Discussion will be on Character, Courage, and Kingdom Leadership based on excerpts from 1st & 2nd Timothy as well as the book “Next Generation Leader” by Andy Stanley.  The first 75 leaders to contact us at 1.888.MAT.2818 and ask for it will receive a FREE copy of the book before arriving on site. 

Week 4 of That Thing has now been discounted!  This particular week wasn’t filling up, so we’ve reduced the cost by 25%.  We want students to have a amazing experience while they are here and a critical mass of students on site is a key factor.  Lets fill it up! 

Do you get jazzed by listening, sharing, encouraging, and being a role model to high school students?  Then our camping ministry is just for you! We are looking for volunteers willing to counsel during one or more weeks of That Thing this summer.  As a counselor, you will have the opportunity to have a positive and eternal impact on a student’s life by being with them and investing time in them 22 hours per day for five days.  Counselors with have a shared experience with their students that will create a great environment for development of relationships and, ultimately, spiritual growth for students.  If you are interested or know someone who might be, please apply or have him or her apply online at www.gotothatthing.com/leaders.html (scroll to the bottom of the page) and/or contact me at (574) 834-2212, toll free at 1.888.MAT.2818, or by email at matt@gotothatthing.com.

Several new activities have been added to this year’s schedule that students can choose to participate in…including paintball!  The first question you may be asking yourself is, “Is paintball safe?”  Yes…it is safe.  The National Injury Information Clearinghouse of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has provided injury estimates that show paintball having the lowest number of injuries per 1,000 participants of all listed sports.  The listed number of injuries is less by far than archery, tennis, basketball, and many other sports…even bowling!

Safety is a priority in all that we do and paintball is no different.  While playing paintball, all participants will wear safety gear, including neck guards and face masks with goggles.  Players will be required to wear pants, long sleeve shirts, and tennis shoes.  Students without proper attire will not be permitted to participate.  Also, games are always refereed to help students remain safe throughout play.

The second question you may be asking yourself is, "Does it hurt?  Paintballing is like any other sport. There is always the potential for falls, bumps, bruises, scrapes, and cuts. The majority of the time paintballing does not hurt. Players will feel the paint hit them, but that’s about it.  Setting the paint speed helps with this.  We use a chronograph (think radar gun) that we use to set the speed at which the paintball leaves the marker. We set this anywhere between 250-280 feet per second depending on the experience of students.   Keeping the speed at this level means it won’t hit as hard when it impacts (but the paint will still break and splatter!).  Also, we have what we call a “Mercy Rule.” If a player is within 20 feet of an opponent and is basically guaranteed that they are not going to miss, the player offers a “mercy” rather than marking the other player. This rule is designed to eliminate players being marked at close range, keeping it fun and comfortable for everyone!

Finally, we are not going to use paintball as just a fun activity for students.  We will be processing the experience with them afterward in which we will relate Biblical principles to the game. For example, paintball is a sport of integrity. It requires players to “call themselves out” when they have been marked.  So we will debrief with students afterward about when they were marked, if they were tempted to wipe the paint off so they could keep playing rather than calling themselves out and what it means to be a person who lives a life of integrity. We want students to have fun while they are here, but more importantly we want to have an eternal impact on their lives.  We believe paintball is a great way to do this because when a person participates in  an activity where they are learning through hearing, seeing, and doing, they are 80 percent more likely to retain what is being taught.

If you want more information, please go to www.gotothatthing.com/paintball.html.

To get your group signed up, please send an email to adminasst2@impact2818.com with the number of players and time slot you would like to reserve.  Time slots are 1:00pm - 2:30pm, 2:30pm - 4:00pm, or 4:00pm - 5:30pm.  Games will be ten on ten.  A total of 60 spots per day are available.  Times are an hour and a half in length.

At Epworth Forest Conference Center, we believe in giving our students, adult leaders, cooks, and other volunteers a relevant environment and great atmosphere while at camp.  We are always seeking ways to provide those things that our students and volunteers’ are looking for.  To that end, this summer at That Thing you can now enjoy the possibility of free access to Wi-Fi while you are on site.

Some of you may choose to just bring a laptop for yourself and the rest of your adult leaders to stay-connected while they are taking a week off work to be here with your students.  However, you can choose to allow your students to bring their own laptops as well if you would like.  Remember, you as leaders determine your students’ experience. You have the freedom to redesign and focus the event to best meet the needs of your faith community. So, if you don’t think that it will be a big deal if a student has his or her laptop, then maybe you might consider allowing them to bring it with them.  

If you need to stay connected…now you can while at camp!

Just a reminder that meal service is only included for single ticket registrations.  Groups booking or sharing a lodge are able to cook their meals in their lodge if they so choose or, for an additional $75 per person, can have all meals provided in the dining hall.  If choosing this option, the meals that will be provided will be Monday breakfast through Friday breakfast.  Please call 1.888.MAT.2818 to make food service reservations.  All reservations and final numbers must be made at least 16 days prior to the start of the week your group is attending.  Call and reserve your spots now!

We have this great group of guys coming to That Thing called UpRock.  It’s a group that uses hip-hop, dance, drama and comedy to creatively help students engage the transforming message of Jesus Christ.  They’re going to bring a really awesome flavor to not only our worship sessions, but to some of the afternoon activities, After Hours and the post-Tuesday morning worship session.

First, I want to let you know why I didn’t post anything for the last week…I wanted to keep that last post at the front because I think one of the biggest encouragements our students will hear outside of the holy spirit’s guidance will be seeing people just like them who are stepping out in faith for the least of these.  If you run into any stories like this…I’d love to hear him so that their ministry can be an encourager as well as the ministry it is.

So, Tuesday and Thursday…after the morning session Stan Buck from Sonrise Church is leading the charge for a youth ministry networking and training.  He’s pulling together some amazing resources for the leaders of your churches to gather, be encouraged, be lifted, be guided and to discover one another in ministry.  While this is going on, we will have two great activities for your students.

On Thursday we’ve discovered a great band called Our Hero’s End. They are going to be putting on a 35-40 minute concert for your students in the Beach House after the morning’s worship. Now for me, concerts are even more fun when I’m familiar with the music.  So, I’d encourage you to give it a listen, check it out and pass it around to your youth.  It’s good stuff.

I’ll tell you about Tuesday’s entertainment tomorrow as they’re also a part of the rest of the week in a bigger part. 

One of the key goals of That Thing is in the post-camp experience. It’s about helping develop long-term impact on their lives and how their faith is lived out.

So, as we help them discover the why and how, we want to offer them encouragement of being people who are missional in their lifestyles.  There are some awesome and amazing individuals who have learned how to live out love in their communities and who give love towards people they may never see or touch physically.  To encourage our students, it’s helpful for them to see other students who are doing exactly this. We are searching for student led ministries and students who have taken personal initiative in living missional. e.g.

Big World Dreamers - See need in far off places and find ways to support it - financially, prayerfully, physically, etc. (student inspired mission/work trips, fund-raising for aids or food or water, finding ways to fight slavery or work conditions, adopt a child, etc.)

Close to Home Thinkers -  Give care locally for the sake of care, not just church outreach events…things like food pantries, toys for kids, student support groups, emotional care to folks in nursing homes or hospitals, etc. 

Students are inspired by seeing other students just like them who have taken the initiative in leading the way.  This doesn’t have to be something or someone as big as Zach Hunter…it may be more influential when it is as local as the church across the street and by someone more real to them.  We want to highlight students and ways of living out love.  

I’d like to hear from you…what do you see locally.  Who do you know (students, youth groups, churches, etc.), where students are leading the charge in meeting people where they are.  We’d love to share their story and let their ministry be an inspiration to others.  So, leave me a comment, I’d like to hear about it. 

I was at my small group bible study the other night as we were working through some tough personal breakthroughs.  I asked the question to the group, "What’s the most profound thing that Jesus Christ did?"

The first response was; "He died to show God’s love and salvation to the world."  Others also said, "Jesus died for me." But it’s amazing the difference between these two responses.

In one, we see a personal connection while the other shows a global purpose.  I see one that is expressed in a "me and God faith" and one that’s expressed as a "Me, God and the world faith".  

What am I getting at? I think too often, our faith and worship has become an express lane to God. We’ve lost so much of the action that Christ lived out. If modern Christianity is an express lane with limited exits, then 1st century Christianity was a city drive where followers were always in the middle of the people, stopped and moving slow so that they could be with them and meet their needs.

God was more of what fueled lives and less of a destination.

The follow up question to Christ’s most profound thing is this; "How do you reflect that thing in your life today." It’s easy to reflect that "Jesus died for me", I do that every Sunday in church and daily in study and prayer.  But, reflecting God’s love to the whole world is a little more involved than Sunday worship, personal reflection, and a-ha moments.

I’m excited for your students. I’m excited for their generation. Our generation of twenty and thirty-somethings broke the expected mold of being the most lazy, apathetic, self-involved people in dramatic ways.  Even less hope has been given for this generation of students…I believe God is going to move through the world by storm through these kids. I believe that what we do at That Thing, just like many other groups and churches out there, is helping prepare them to be a people of action…It’s very exciting!

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it says, “pray continually!”  Since That Thing has come alive, we at Impact 2818 and many others have been praying for God to give us the discernment and wisdom needed to put together the details of the program, for Him to fill each week with students, and to do a great work in the lives of those who come.  However, we know that there is no such thing as too much prayer.  We know that pray changes things.  So as we anticipate having over 1100 students experience a week of That Thing this summer, we would like to ask you to pray as well.  Would you consider praying often for the overall ministry that will take place here this summer?  For example, each time you launch your web browser to check out this blog or maybe every time you receive a NICMAIL in your inbox would you lift up a prayer for That Thing.  We thank you in advance for going to the Father on behalf of the ministry that will take place here this summer. 

I was at a camp kickoff for 3 churches in Roanoke this weekend. I was asked about That Thing and what makes the new concept different and unique; mores importantly was, why do I believe that this vision is going to change students lives.

For 7 years, at camp, I connected with Jesus Christ. Each year, I would return home from the mountain top and my world would begin to slide back towards a normalcy where I wasn’t in sync with God and His heart for the world…out of sync with where my heart should be for the world. 

For me, God…Jesus…this relationship was all about me. Each and every year I returned to the altar in need of salvation again. I didn’t yet understand that in God’s grace, I don’t need salvation and a commitment night again and again and again. What I needed was the knowledge that Christ has conquered sin; was to know that while I may struggle with sin and the pursuit of goodness…I should focus on the matters of my heart: the intention and purpose of my actions, and God’s desire and plan for me to be a reflection of His love to the world.

That, to get to the answers to the question:

The spiritual climax of the week is not an evangelistic moment. Instead, it’s the moment when these students begin to hear God’s voice within them and begin to see the world through His eyes. When these students learn to empathize with people around them, they will begin to realize that their relationship with God has everything to do with other people  and who they are as a reflection of God. It is in moments like this, that we move beyond thinking and feeling and into a state of action. Thinking and feeling tend to be short lived…action is where long term personal change, and lifestyle are impacted.

For groups coming to That Thing, there is a more intentional focus for the existing community instead of a created community. Created communities are great, and they are still a part of That Thing’s model. But for those of you taking full advantage of an existing community, your students are going to have an experience together and they’re going to return home together. Those changes, those a-ha moments, the accountability, people with similarly inspired actions…it all returns home with the existing community and will pass the test of time.

To make a long post short, I believe in this vision because I have seen it. I can go on and on about communicating and connecting, relevancy, tangible encounters and the like… But in the end of it all, I can see God’s hand in everything we are doing. I am seeing an intricate architecture that only God can piece together. It’s like Institute, it’s impact and legacy is not in a name or a style…but in the people whose lives have been altered, the lives they’ve touched and altered, and the lives they’ve touched and altered. This new vision adapts that purpose and will continue to connect more and more students in meaningful ways to God and will continue to excite more and more students each year to follow Christ beyond the summer’s end.

Did you notice that a new video went out today. The music is from the worship band at That Thing. You can download it here at: http://www.gotothatthing.com/video.html

Hope you find it useful!

So, how many of you got a chance to check out the demo tracks put together by our band and worship leader Nick Stanton?

I was blown away…I believe Nick is absolutely phenomenal, but what he was able to bring together here is just beyond words. The great thing is, this is what Nick always brings: excellence, a point of connection, and honesty in leading worship. He really helps lead you into a place where God’s presence is clear and where you feel comfortable raising your voice in praise.

If you haven’t gotten a chance yet, check out the demo tracks at http://www.gotothatthing.com/2009.

I hope you can find good use for the songs in your own ipod and in your youth program. Let your students get a feel for the music. In a few days we’ll be releasing a new video that incorporates these songs with some images of Epworth. It’ll be helpful in getting the music out to your students as well.

Let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear what you all think about it.

–Gern 

I know a lot of you have been waiting for more specifics about 2009…I’ve got great news for you today. This week we’re announcing specifics. 

More great news. You all that read this blog are getting the sneak peak. Get some free music downloads and a whole lot more.

Check it out. http://www.gotothatthing.com/2009/ 

Good things happen early. Why should That Thing be any different? Some people like to sleep in and some of us and our students will enjoy some of the so-called pre-conscious activities.

Leader’s Sunrise Prayer - Each morning our office is open with fresh coffee and donuts at the front office for leaders. The office will open at 5:45 am and the coffee and donuts will be flowing until 7:30 am.  Stop by, connect with some of the other leaders and pray over your students, leadership, and the day ahead.

Iron Man Club - (6:45 am) Something for the overly active students and leaders who like starting the day off with a bang.  Monday will be a 30 minute swim, Tuesday’s the 30 minute bike ride (a limited number of bikes will be available, please bring your own), and Wednesday is a 30 minute run; Thursday will conclude with a 1 hour Iron Man course. 

Lakeside Worship - (7:30 am) This worship service will provide an unexpected service of worship.  There’s no praise band and the teachings are more experimental than expected.  The teachings will come from a Lectio Divina focused on the miraculous healings by Jesus, an aroma-rich metaphor using a mexican delicacy, a selfless prayer time and a Genesis to Revelation scripture reading.

Breakfast - The cafeteria will be open from 8:00-9:00 am. It’s never too early to start thinking about your meals.  You can cook your own food in your lodges or you can have your meals all taken care of in the cafeteria.  Contact Matt Poorman if you’re interested in the meal plans.   

Thanks for the feedback…we have both Rock Band and Guitar Hero World Tour to satisfy the tastes of all.

So, the Beach House is going to become a hub of activity…like the Max or the Peach Pit. We’re making a lot of major renovations to the interior that go above just a couple game systems. it’s got a real boardwalk feel that brings the beach indoors…it’s going to be much more comfortable and the snack selections; I’m gaining weight just ordering things…it’s definitely turning into a place you’ll love to be at.

But, if you spent much time in the old Cokesbury you may have wished you hadn’t. I often looked around and said, "So, what should I do here?" When it comes to the transition of why we are developing That Thing, this is one of the big reasons.  And this goes beyond The Beach House.

All around Epworth, there are going to be events and activities for all kinds of students at a lot of different times. I grew up in a small town and now I live in one…free time is like walking around the neighborhood and then going back home. In college, free time was a limitless series of choices. That Thing is moving your students free time to an environment like that. They can choose from some great sports activities and tournaments, get creative with some hands on artistic activities (I’m not talking about popsicle sticks and school glue either), dive into a roundtable with the worship leader and speakers, cool off with some fun new toys at the waterfront, they can find places and ways to express their own talents, and even more…

In the evening we’re programming some events at the Beach House that we’ve dubbed After Hours.  It’s an evening feature to close the night out. We’re looking at a band for Sunday night, a Rock Band/Guitar Hero battle of the Wii bands, our worship leader Nick will do a set of his own music, a real battle of the bands (start letting your kids know and plan), and a very interesting and very fun hop-hop dance event.  

There’s a whole lot going on around Epworth. I hope you’re catching some of the fire…we’re all pretty pumped and it’s amazing…and April 1 is coming quick and that’s when it starts to feel like summer’s coming right up.  Sign those students up!

I read an article today that there seems to be a large number of people this year giving up Facebook for Lent.   As I began to ponder this, I began to think about Lent and that through not drinking pop, eating sweets, or giving up the internet, we make “sacrifices” for a period of time for what Christ surrendered himself to in the wilderness while being tempted and, ultimately, on the cross for us through love.   I thought about how I live my life day to day and how Christ sacrificed so much more for me than I usually do for Him.  Jesus took on the burden of us all…what sacrifice!  In the article mentioned above, Rev. Michael J. Dolan, college chaplain at Trinity College and the University of Hartford in Connecticut, said that Lent is a time to give up something in which we hope to gain something as well.  I was wondering what you hope to gain this Lenten season.  Are you just waiting for Easter to bring back Facebook into your life or are you waiting for Easter to see what God will have accomplished in you?

Below is another Q & A with one of the churches who has booked a lodge for That Thing for this year.  In this excerpt, read about how the staff at Auburn First UMC was able to determine which lodge they wanted and how they were able to get things figured out.

Q - How did you figure out which lodge would fit your groups’ needs?
A – Last year, we had a large number of girls attend camp.  So, to determine which lodge would best fit our needs, we looked at which one would be able to fit all of our girls on one side.  To determine that number, we took into account the number girls who were not graduating and also the number of girls coming out of eighth grade.  This gave us a pretty good idea of how many spots we would need, which ultimately gave us an idea of which lodge to look at.

Q - How did you figure out how much to charge each student for camp?  
A – We actually have an anonymous donor that helps pay for the majority of camp costs for our students.  As a result, we only charge each student a $75 fee and tack on $35 for food.

Q - What made you decide to cook your own food?
A – We decided to cook our own food partly because we have done it before and we have the cooks willing to come and do it, but also because we really enjoy the community atmosphere that is built in the lodge from it as well.

Q -  If you could describe the registration process that you have gone through for That Thing, what would that one word be?
A  - MUCH BETTER!

Below you will read how Isaac Nanney and the staff at Mishawaka First UMC were able to determine which lodge they wanted to book for That Thing.  With a new registration system, we want to give you as many tools as we can to help you get here this summer.  Mishawaka First UMC was one of the first churches to register a lodge for this year and we thought it would be helpful to share how they got it figured out.    

Q - How did you figure out which lodge would fit your groups’ needs?
A - We looked at the number of students we had attend last year and took into account our average growth from the past several years.  We then added 10 to 15 more spaces based on the fact that we have just recently launched a new youth program.  This gave us a pretty good idea of how many spots we would need, which ultimately gave us an idea of which lodges to look at based on size.

Q - How did you figure out how much to charge each student for camp?  
A - We took the total cost of the lodge and divided it up by the number of students we think we will have, which gave us our per person rate.  However, we also tried to figure out how much we as a church could help as well.  We have an amount set aside in our budget and, depending on how our fundraisers go, we may be able to  add to it.  We provide scholarships for students anywhere from $100 up to full scholarships.

Q - Have you decided to do your own food or utilize Epworth Forest CC food service?
A - We will be doing our own food in the lodge.

Q - What made you decide to cook your own food?
A – We decided to cook our own food partly because we have done it before , but also because the students seem to really like it as well as it helps cut a little expense.  

Q -  If you could describe the registration process that you have gone through for That Thing, what would that one word be?
A  - Convenient!

The snow is beginning to melt and things are starting to heat up here at Epworth Forest CC.  We are beginning to implement plans to overhaul a few places on site this year for That Thing.  One place that is on the docket is Cokesbury.  In the next several weeks, it will be transformed into what will be the place to be throughout each week of That Thing.  One of the great new additions will be the WiiCube.  We have purchased three big screen televisions, one projector, and four Wii consoles.  Each of the four Wii stations will be equipped with Wii Sports and either Guitar Hero or Rock Band.  Students will have the opportunity to become true rock stars as we will be incorporating one of the Wii stations into the main stage where we will be having events like the "Battle of the Rock Band Competition" and Karaoke.  We will be utilizing the projector so that other students can watch and be a part of all the action.   As we were talking about this today, we wondered what would be preferred….Rock Band or Guitar Hero.  Tell us your thoughts.

New to Epworth Forest CC this year…the Campus Houses!  Students that register to come to That Thing as individuals and churches registering 5 or less students can become part of this newly established lodging.  Over the past several years, we have had an increasing number of individual students and small groups signing up for camp and are providing an intentional environment for them through this single ticket registration. This past summer we had a student register to come as an individual and upon her arrival the group that she was put in with that week hadn’t arrived yet.  She felt like an outsider with nowhere to turn. The Campus Houses bridge this gap and bring groups of students together through shared experiences that help form an inviting & vibrant group dynamic.  Students will have the opportunity to create relationships that will last a lifetime. Campus Houses are staffed by qualified and trained Epworth Forest CC counseling staff.  So, leaders, if you are unable to attend with your students…no problem.  However, leaders are definitely welcome to attend with their students as well.  Cost is $350.00 per person and includes all conference events, lodging, and meals.  

If you have already acquired a lodge for a week of That Thing, you should have received what is called an iTix for every student space and adult space in your lodge.  Each iTix will act as the registration form for That Thing.  On each iTix there is an area for each student or adult’s name, address, email, church, emergency contact info, and medical & emergency release information.  Upon arrival at Epworth Forest Conference Center, the iTix will act as your admission for your specific week of That Thing just like an admission ticket for an amusement park.  Each iTix is only good for one admission. The number of available iTix’s per group is based on the specific amount of student/adult space in your lodge (no extra iTix’s will be given).  If you do not use every available iTix, you can sell them to other groups or individuals looking to attend a week of That Thing.  To do so, go to the Extra Tix Blog (extratix.blogsome.com) to post the amount of extra iTix you have.  This will allow you to make connections with other leaders and fill up your lodge.  While you are there make sure to check out the "Buy Tickets" section of the Extra Tix Blog to see if there is a group that is looking for the number of iTix you are selling.  That Thing is going to be huge!  See you there! 

We’ve gotten a lot of questions over the past few months about interns. Who are they, what do they do, why, what’s in it for them, what’s in it for us, etc.?

Impact 2818 started taking on interns about 3-4 years ago. As a ministry, we feel called to raise up Christian leaders. Not just for camping, not just for youth ministry…but to raise up leaders who can make a difference in all industries. These leaders though, will lead in Christ-like ways and influence the world because of who they are and not just what they do.

There’s a surprisingly large amount of things that need to happen in the off season and just like every ministry…we’re understaffed to do it all. So, in the process of raising up leaders, the interns help put hands and feet to the preparation of a successful summer. It’s been a win-win so far. 

Our internships are anywhere from 3 months to a year. We provide housing, educational and experiential growth, portfolio and resume builders, and a stipend whenever possible. The interns are students and graduates, college bound and college undecided. Some are single, some are married. We’ve encountered a lot of different people along the way who want to partner with us and us with them.

Each of our internships are tailored to the intern. We find one of our staff who they can work with and work well with. We discover what their unique talents are, what their goals are and help apply projects to their load that they can be effective and successful with. 

The interns are put into highly supervised positions and dig into projects that make a big difference. They learn/develop researching, scheduling, organizational, budgeting, big-picture decision making skills and the like. 

At least two of our interns have gotten full time employment because of their time spent with Impact 2818. From conversations and keeping up with other past interns, I know that our time together has left big impressions and given them a lot of preparation for the future.

One of the biggest reasons I’m telling you all of this is because most of you work with students and young adults who are trying to figure out their future. An internship with Impact 2818 may be just the thing to give them some clarity or some experience that may be much needed. And in this economic climate, it may mean the world to some people to have something meaningful to do and work towards while gaining something in return.

The best way for people to apply is to call directly. There is an online application, and they will eventually need to fill it out, but a phone call is the best way to start the process. As I mentioned earlier, each internship is tailored to the individual, so it’s great to start the conversation over the phone or in person. If you know someone who should call us, the number is 574.834.2212. 

First, sorry.  I got a full plate last week with some projects around Epworth that took top priority and I wasn’t able to get to the blog for a few days. Now, on to the conclusion of the spiritual journey for That Thing…but, just so you know. This isn’t the end of the blog posts about what’s going to happen this summer. We have tons more to tell you about activities, features, events and opportunities for your students and you.

The end is always a great time to look at the warnings and the encouragement for life. And here, specifically in regards to our spiritual life. I love what Carnegie Mellon created with the “Last Lecture” which went world-wide with Randy Pausch. This is the final opportunity for our speakers to impart their closing thoughts and challenges for your students.

This is also the day we close by looking at creation and our place in it. On Monday we will look at some of the reasons people choose to reject God. Here on Thursday, in 1 Peter 2, we’ll look at our call to be a priestly people. We’ll look at what a priest is and does, and what that means that we as, a holy priesthood, do and are. We’re going to look at not just our global mission as a people carrying God’s word into the world, but also at how to discern our own unique ministry and mission.

The end is where we look back at the big challenges we’ve faced throughout the week, the decisions we’ve made for our future and the commitments we’re saying yes to. This is where we either go big or go home.

Just a reminder that if you have secured a lodge for That Thing remember to make sure and post the amount of extra spaces you will have on the Extra Tix Blog (extratix.blogsome.com) to make connections with other leaders and fill up your lodge.  Leaders that have not secured a lodge, please make sure and post the number of tickets/spaces you are looking for and what week you are wanting to come on the "Buy Tickets" section of the Extra Tix Blog so that other leaders can find you.  We look forward to seeing you at That Thing!

I’m the kind of person who needs to move. I don’t sit well for long periods of time and I’m easily distracted by my own internal workings. I work best when I move, I think best when I’m mobile and I’m the most focused when I’m in the thick of it all.

One sunday awhile back, our pastor was teaching on Luke 5; it is our primary scripture focus for Thursday morning. I suddenly became distracted and discovered my own little epiphany on the scripture. 

As the story goes…Jesus was teaching to a packed house of pharisees and the religious leaders. The house was so tight and full that late-comers had nowhere to go to get in and see, hear or connect with Jesus. 

Four men approached the house. They had with them someone who needed Jesus. Unfortunately, there was no way in. Taking matters into their own hands, they climbed up to the roof where they tore it apart piece by piece until a suitable opening made it possible for this friend to connect with Jesus.

As I sat still on this Sunday morning when siting wasn’t what I was capable of, I kept retelling the story to myself as if there was something I should find in it. I rolled it around and around looking for something I’d not seen before. It was in the midst of all this motion, that I found an answer.

People who need Jesus are having a hard time getting to Him because we keep Him walled up in our churches. It’s a matter of physics…two bodies of mass cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Our churches today are filled with people of faith. Add to that, we have put up walls and barriers, not just physical, but also emotional, cultural and social that limit how close the late-comers can get to Jesus.

There are millions who don’t yet know God’s grace, love, mercy and healing who are being kept out by none other than those of us already filling the space. If I was in need of what Jesus has, would my closest friends be willing to tear down the walls of where God is being contained so that I could see and touch him. So that God could touch and heal me with love and compassion.

These walls may be physical spaces, they may be social barriers that we erect or they may be things we hold onto which make us and the light we reflect irrelevant to the rest of the world. 

We need to teach our students to move. We need to free them to tear down a wall if need be for someone to connect with Jesus. We all need to sit next to someone uncomfortable and share what God is doing in our lives. We are going to remove the ease and comfort we use in passive faith and put action and motion behind belief. I believe that we are going to see students make a big difference in this world we’re in.

In case you all haven’t heard.  Youth Specialties is offering a YS One Day here in North Webster, IN just around the corner from Epworth Forest CC. These are great training and networking events for your volunteers and even yourself.  I’d definitely encourage you to check it out if you’ve never been to a Youth Specialties event before.  Duffy Robbins is speaking at this one here in North Webster.

• Saturday, March 14, 2009
• 8:45-2:30
• YS Web Info

In the grand scheme of things, we’re very small.  I’m a hulking 6’5”, 240 pound giant and I often feel lost in a crowd of a hundred in a tightly packed crowd.  In the end, we’re 1 in 6,758,323,493 people on this planet earth, as of 9:40 am on 2/4/09 (population clock).  Makes me feel somewhat insignificant.

I think most people today would say it is an impossibility for those of us ordinary people, (non-Theresa’s, non-Obama’s, non-Princess Di’s) to make a visible impact on the world, whether social, political or spiritual.  It takes big money and big positions to have influence and create change.  The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of non-extraordinary people who have significantly altered the world.  We stop seeing our potential comparison once they reach the high status of world-changer.

God has implanted in each of us the potential for greatness.  He’s given us the proper passions, motivations, experiences, resources and skills necessary to change the world.  All it requires is for us to move on the motivation, to jump into action and to give Agape to the world.  

On Wednesday night, as part of our worship session, we’re going to be taking a pilgrimage.  Each group will be given a backpack and a path.  

The journey will provide an opportunity for reflection and prayer upon God’s desire and passion for our lives.  

The stops along the way will help us look at the great big world in need surrounding us.  These moments will focus on need throughout our local and global community.  They will help us realize possible opportunities for us to become involved.  They will help us put a tangible grasp and context to life outside of the most blessed society in all of human history.  There will also be opportunities here to give an offering as we stop and see these physical, emotional and spiritual needs throughout.  Lastly students will gather to share and discuss God’s movements within them.

This pilgrimage is an opportunity for us to feel the passions and heart of the world-changers.  It’s an expo to feel need and hope at the same time.  It’s a challenge to bear light and mercy into the world.  

This is a moment where 1 in 6.8 billion isn’t overwhelming.  

This is where the world-changers and the community-changers will begin putting action to God’s passion in their lives.

My mother used to get so ticked at me.  I was the kind of kid who would chew gum in church.  I was the kind of kid who blew bubbles in church.  I was the kind of kid who popped those bubbles loudly.  I was also the kind of kid who had to use my gumwad to get the explosion off of my face.

On Wednesday we’re going to be exploring what it means to be mission minded. We’ll focus the morning session on our local communities and familiarities.  In the evening we’ll step back to a larger view…did you know that the earth is proportionally smoother than that of a billiard ball?

The focus on the local opportunities is going to focus on how we also plug ourselves in to not just mission, but personal growth.  Can you imagine if we sent people out into the mission fields without any kind of training or preparation.  Imagine some totally pumped freshman who wants to share Jesus to the deepest corners of drug culture in his school…what would happen to him?

Imagine what would happen if we set in the pews all our life and never got out into the community to do something with all of that knowledge and passion.

This is why we’re tying the two of these components together during a session.  Over the next year, your students will best grow when they spend time both in and out of the bubble of their churches and support groups.  It’s so vital that they see the value of study, prayer, accountability and depth as they also see their hearts focus being outside of their close spiritual family of learners.

It’s time for the shepherds to start popping bubbles in the church.  If we tell everyone to wait until Jesus has finished His good work in them, then they’ve probably missed so many countless opportunities to engage someone and change a life.  It’s so important too though, that we encourage strong community, growth and accountability that doesn’t perpetuate cycles.

Where can younger faiths easily plug in to service and not be burdened or harmfully battered on their walks.  Where can the solid food kids get involved in their community and networks and change the local culture, but where will they return to to recharge, refuel and respark?  And what are the leaders going to be doing?  What will their challenge and mission be?

Being missional isn’t really about making churches or groups bigger.  It’s about reshaping the focus, the context and the quality of life in which the people around us live.  It’s about helping people connect with Jesus Christ’s amazing and passionate love through grace and mercy.  This is the challenge of popping bubbles.  

How long does it take?  You know, when you actually start to get it. I love movies like The Prestige. You’re watching it, you’re entertained..but there’s something all-together different going on. You can’t quite wrap your brain around it all. Then, the whole story unravels and you say to yourself, “No…Freaking…Way.  No one, is that committed to a cause.” Or are they? Maybe we just misunderstood their cause.

In the book of Luke, around the back of chapter 9, Jesus and his disciples are traveling. They haven’t quite gotten it yet. It’s not quite fully sunk in and let’s face it, there arguments look silly, but we’d probably have had the same ones. As they approach a Samaritan village, it becomes obvious that Jesus and His teachings aren’t welcome in this town. One of the disciples has a great idea.

I’ll paraphrase, but it went something like this; “Jesus, can I call down the hell-fires on those heathens? They don’t know they need God. They don’t know they’re missing something. They need grace and mercy…but, they aren’t listening right now so I think we should give them what they really deserve. So, can I?”

I can only imagine the look on Jesus’ face. I wonder if he wanted to slap this brother in the back of his head. Probably not. You see, Jesus was committed to a cause.  A cause most people couldn’t understand because it was so opposite to worldly comprehension. It’s more than just a cause though, it’s about better days. Better days for all of the people of the world.

On Tuesday night, we’re going to be exploring the second half of Jesus thoughts on the law. You remember that “love the Lord your God” phrase. We’re going to focus on the second half; “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

We’re going to look at what it means to “love”.

We’re going to wrap our heads around who our neighbors are.

We’re going to look at the Great Commission. It’s our mission, our purpose and our cause to bring better days to the world through love…Christ like love.

So, if it’s our purpose, how do we bring love? 

I’ll close with this thought. Years ago, I ended up in a discussion about the end times with a friend who was super-pumped about the apocalypse like in Left Behind. He was excited about all of those sinners who are going to get their due. I was sick. I wanted to go find a “sinner” and tell them Jesus loves them, whole-heartedly, unconditionally and passionately. Hug them and tell them that God waits and hurts for them. Tell them that Jesus died so that they would see love, not so that they would hear judgement. 

How will we teach this generation to go into the world making disciples of all nations?

I’m always hearing stories about students and mountain top experiences found at camps, retreats and events…more or less, the stories end with a long roll down a mountain, picking up speed and nailing your head on rocks the whole way down. 

I love that at That Thing we have the opportunity to take the time to help students learn to traverse the mountain and continue their journey.

Tuesday morning we want to start breaking cycles, reshaping some understandings and redeveloping their foundations from being Consumer Christians to becoming Missional Christians.  Our foundation comes in Jesus comments on the Law in Luke 10.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength…”

So what does it mean to love God with each of these components that make up our being? How do I love God fully and with all of my strength? What is the importance of loving with the mind and consciousness and not just with emotion? This is where we begin to form that picture of a relationship with God that isn’t sterile of passion and emotion, that feeds on our inner individuality, that asks, seeks and discovers God’s wisdom, and lastly that consists of a love that is tightly connected to every muscle, breath and heartbeat in our life.

I think to Love God as He desires us to, we have to really look at what makes God’s heart flutter, what takes His breath away, what breaks His heart… We’ll dive into Christ’s ministry on Earth and our Jewish heritage to see that God stands up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, that God hears the cry of the oppressed,that God gives peace and comfort to the broken, that Jesus would rather spend time with the outcasts and the burden of society, and that Jesus’ love, God’s love, was and is not conditional, but is freely given to everyone.

As we learn God’s heart, and as we align our heart to loving God with all our being we will find our love for God moving outward and towards the same kind of people and in the same kind of way that Jesus moved.

And remember, this, is an eye-opener…this, is a long journey.  We won’t be able to see this whole journey happen at That Thing, but we’re helping them understand and develop the tools, attitudes, awareness and disciplines to continue this journey for many years to come…and hopefully help them not go rolling off the mountain because they ran too fast in the dark.

Back in September we wrote a post about the incorporation of cell phones into worship at That Thing.  Students will be using their cell phones to lift prayers and joys to the screens during some times of prayer, to encourage and lift one another, to respond to surveys and polls and to give feedback. I just received a comment and since it’s so far back, I want to bring it to the front here.  Here’s what Allison told us.

I appreciate the effort to incorporate diverse means of communication and technology into the camp experience. However, I am a little concerned with the usage of text messaging. On a personal level, I am not entirely convinced that our students understand the appropriateness of when and when not to use their cell phones. To me, the point of camp (or conference, however you want to define it) is to get kids away from their current context, away from what is familiar and what keeps them from coming to God. For many of them, and admitted by them, their cell phones are an extreme distraction not only from growing in their relationship with God but it also encourages them not to communicate with those they are currently spending time with. Instead, they are focusing on those who are not with them in a particular situation. So, I bring a kid to camp who regularly averages over 5000 texts a month, and they have either have the freedom to use their cell phone whenever (including all night, as many do) throughout camp, or are upset they were told to leave it at home while all their friends at camp still have theirs. All that to say, it’s great to be able to use cell phones during the worship service, but what do I do with them the other 22 hours of the day? And if I tell them they can’t take their cell phones to camp and they find out that it is a part of the worship service, how do I deal with their sense of frustration for being left out? I feel like I’m in a really difficult position here. 

Allison is exactly right; students don’t understand the appropriateness of when and when not to use cell phones. I know scores of adults that don’t either. [The cell phone has changed so much in our culture: People used to make plans and show up at specific times.  We used to be focused in a conversation, now people text while I talk to them. We used to exchange pleasantries, now only the briefest point is expressed in 160 characters or less.] 

Isn’t this one of our many opportunities to teach students to be more than just a sub-culture of the world, to rise above the self-involved and rudeness cell’s have created, to show the impact you can have when you focus attention during a conversation. And, I learned from my days as a swim coach,I  never taught a kid to swim sitting on the deck of a pool.

I don’t think Allison is questioning the validity of the technology as this is on of their major modes of communication. The question is simply, how do we set a tone for cell use during the week, how do we let this small component of the event not be another barrier?

I’ll give my last thoughts and I’d love to hear others. Cell phone abuse is a symptom to a bigger problem.  We pretend to be so connected to the world, but we continue to further remove ourselves.  We twitter, blog and facebook in hopes that someone will be interested and involved in us. We want a sense of worth.  We can show them their value.  

Secondly, expect students to behave as adults and respect the guidelines that you setup. I find I’m often surprised at their maturity when I give them an opportunity to be adults. I think students are more likely to respect our hearts and guides when we give them the background and the whole story and not just another rule to follow.

What do you think?

As you may have heard, a fire destroyed Redwing lodge yesterday here at Epworth Forest CC (http://www.impact2818.com/redwing.html). Unfortunately, the building was lost, but we know that many of you have wonderful memories of camp while staying there.  We would love to hear about them.  Post a comment and tell us about Redwing!

Hey all.  I just want to say…this doesn’t have to be so one sided as it is now.  This is meant to be a conversation.  Please, let us know your thoughts.  Let us know how you think your students are going to respond and interact.  Let us hear what you’re thinking as you read through this.  If it’s resounding with you, we want to know.  If you’re anxious about it, let us know so we can help prepare and modify as needed.

Thanks,

Gern 

Monday night will be a most unique experience for most students coming from rural churches across Indiana.  It’s not often that 250 protestant students gather for a week of fun and excitement and enter into a time involving liturgical readings and responses, true silence and a journey through the Stations of the Cross.

The evening’s focus will begin in 1 John 4 as we look at grace…the greatest controversy of all time.  Why is grace such a scandalous thing?  Because it’s so foreign to our culture.  I have said it before that I believe the modern church in which we live is operating as a sub-culture of the world around us.  Grace is so counter-cultural.  We are hard pressed to find anywhere in the secular world examples of thriving grace.  

Businesses have no sense of grace in their practices…not when the dollar guides objectives, goals and end-results.

People live with grudge-holding, condemnation of others, retributional violence and permanent separation from friends and family.  

To think that God would love so oppositely…to love rapists and murderers as much as babies and Mother Theresa.  To think that God can ignore sin when he looks at us compassionately.  To think that He doesn’t care about worthlessness or brokenness…but that just maybe, He simply sees His children.

That’s not how we love.  That’s not the love we’ve shown the world.  As Christians, where is our influence and representation of this on a grand scale.  How many of our students would say this is the image of God they see and understand.  1 John 4 puts the discussion out there.  The Stations of the Cross we will journey on this evening will help us understand a love so bold as to express not your unworth, but your great pricelessness in God’s eyes.

Monday morning takes a step outside of the circle to look inwards.  Something a lot of Christians forget to do sometimes.  This is a helpful thing to do for students who may be new to exploring their spiritual self and God, or for those who have had some unfortunate encounters along their journey, and for those students who have been in the church for so long that they’ve forgotten what the outside view going in, looks like.

We’ll be looking at some of the world’s, and our, misperceptions of God and Jesus Christ.  We’ll dig into scripture to see how some big stories have a much different story to tell than what we often see.  Here’s a couple of big myths, missed-truths and misperceptions…

The only point of Christianity is to skip Hell and get yourself to Heaven.  :  In our fast food culture, we’ve trivialized everything so much that we’ve shrunk our faith down to this point for so many people…

God wants to control people and force them to do His will.  :  Isn’t it more God’s desire not to control us a single bit, isn’t that the whole thing behind free will.  In staying true to that, God has made Himself avoidable.  Jesus wasn’t a celebrity, a dictator, or a conquering warrior.  He was an impoverished bringer of peace who loved and cared for people’s needs…

Jesus is more concerned with our ability to follow rules and be generous than with our motivation behind those actions.  :  Nothing says I appreciate you like a gift given in hopes one will be returned.  And, haven’t we all at least once prayed with such grandiose fanfare to impress our peers…

Sure gossip, cheating and underage drinking are sins…but it’s nothing like being gay.  :  Isn’t it about time we moved past the symptoms of brokenness and started treating the heart, soul and mind…with time, growth, and healing our hearts and actions will become in sync with the rhythm of God…

A lot of the students coming to That Thing probably haven’t been part of a mosaic service such as this.  So, part of what we’ll be doing from the get go is helping students adjust to the environment.  

It’s something like switching over from a PC to a Mac.  You’re trying to accomplish the same thing…but it needs to be approached from a different side of the brain.  Instead of switching on the logic chip and filtering through the answers, you’re going to step back and examine all of the questions…approach worship and learning from a different angle.  

A little primer as we get started will help students look at the puzzle ahead and prepare to unpack it during worship and in discussions and searching afterwards.  I often think back to Samuel when I begin a journey through worship…we will miss God, His call and His voice, so easily if we aren’t in the right mindset.

I used to believe that when Jesus spoke of living life to the full that he was speaking of prosperity and fulfilled wants.  During our first session, we’ll look back through our heritage to see the big story being told.  To contrast some of the missed points of legalistic religiosity versus an intimate relationship with God and Jesus’ purpose and passion in which we see grace through God’s eyes…in which we see other people through God’s eyes.  A full life is one in which we find true peace and hope within and are in sync with God’s rhythm. 

The first session is simply one in which we approach the “Why and what are we here for?”

I used to go to camps as a camper…as a youth pastor, I sent a lot of kids to camps.  Ask most anyone what happens at camp and they will tell you that it’s a great place to meet Jesus.  It’s where I met Jesus.  That Thing is more than a camp though.  So, I want to make sure that you understand that there will be a whole lot more going on at That Thing than just a Jesus moment.  Our mission statement at Impact 2818 talks about making disciples for Jesus Christ.  There’s a lot of walking that takes place between evangelism and discipleship.  That Thing is a place for a lot of walking.

The journey begins for each student where they are.  Some of our students know a lot about God, some of our students have been injured by the Church, some of our students are in deep relationships with Jesus Christ, some of our students are very apathetic about their Christian life, some of our students are on fire about sharing Jesus Christ with the world…  So, like I said Monday, this is where the journey begins.  

What happens next is an encounter with Agapē.  As the students begin to look at the nature and heart of Jesus Christ and as they look at the big picture of the faith story throughout the bible, they will begin to notice a recurring theme of passionate love for hurting and burdened people.  

That’s who we are.  

That’s who our friends are.  

That’s a lot of people we don’t even know.

They’ll also begin to notice God’s love not just for a few of us, or those who obey rules well, or those who seek reward, or just for the generous…but for the whole world.  

The pace continues as we explore selfless faith, sacrificial loving, justice, mercy and grace.  

So, what does this mean on a “Point A” to “Point B” kind of trip…this is the difference between evangelism and discipleship.  At the end of the week at That Thing, your students have started the journey that happens after a Jesus Experience.  They’re learning to unpack the world, discover Truth around them, recognize need, hurting and a need for justice…they’re learning to love God with all of their being and to love the world (friends, neighbors, strangers, and orphans) as much as themselves.  They’re going to begin learning how to give Agapē to people.  Our communities don’t need more programs for personal growth…they just need more people who truly care for one another as God cares for us.  This is the Great Commission we are called to fulfill…this is how we will bring Jesus Christ to the world. 

We want to help you all understand just how different the spiritual experience is going to be when you get your students to That Thing at Epworth Forest CC. Over the next few weeks, we want to roll out some ideas to show just how uniquely different it is…but more importantly, the why.  It all starts in the beginning.

When we were tiny little babies, nutrition was spoon fed to us…my son can absorb it through his ears I’m sure…but food is literally pushed into our mouths. Yet, the rest of the world around us is absorbed at our leisure. We pick up things, explore them, question them and touch them…it’s this tactile interaction that really teaches us what is going on. Eventually, even food too is integrated in this manner. We were never meant to be spoon fed forever.

Worship, both our response and our education, is also meant to be an interactive experience so that we may thrive. Knowledge is further ingrained in our minds when we question and discover the answers, the source of wisdom can be sought again and again when seek and listen, disciplines have a longer impact when we practice them instead of just hearing about them, and our spiritual self grows stronger and matures beyond the me first’s and mine’s of youthful grandeur.

Your students will embark upon a journey with nine legs. Each of these sessions will provide them opportunities to explore God, Jesus, faith, doubt, purpose, prayer, community, grace, love, etc. Each step of the journey is sometimes just what it is…it’s not separated and broken down for you, it’s a piece of a puzzle that goes with another piece. Some elements might not be fully understood or absorbed for hours or days. Some will spur conversation with friends and groups while others spur prayerful conversation and others drive students to the scriptures for more.

Here’s a little picture…a worship session might feature an interview with an individual whose life is committed to serving the homeless, a 5 minute documentary about a family who understands “living life to the full” as they lost a child, a unique scripture reading more dramatic monologue than liturgical word, round table Q&A’s throughout the crowd, a presentation of the song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time”, a brief focus on a phrase or word from scripture and its origin, a traditional reading of scripture, time for worship through music, a traditional keynote/spoken word, and maybe an interview with a student.

It’s here, before we even arrive that our journey begins. The journey of worship doesn’t begin with 250 people in the same emotional place…we all are spiritually different and educationally different. So, at That Thing, the conversation of worship will begin in a 1,000 different languages.

We wanted to let you know that we will be taking a few weeks off for the holidays and won’t be making any new blog posts until after the New Year.  Starting January 8th, make sure and check the blog often as we plan on starting to release details about the spiritual journey that students will experience during the weeks of That Thing.  We will be revealing where we are going, how we will get there, and other items such as specific teaching methods.  We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.  May the Peace of Christ be your gift this Christmas and your blessing throughout the year.