March Newsletter

Hello all-

I hope things are well your way and you are staying warm. This chilly winter weather has brought chills to my bones. But seeing the fresh snow fall every week or so reminds me of the vision in Isaiah 1, “though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow”. What a blessing it is to know the Children of God have been restored to appear pure in God’s eyes. Every human is so dirty and muddy inside, the sin in our lives makes us truly unfit to sit in God’s presence- it is only through the miracle of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection that we are able to stand before God as His children. Thank God for snow. 

Things have really been rolling along smoothly since Christmas break. Students are making a habit of coming to youth and we have all been encouraged by the numbers we see each week. While attendance is up, it is more exciting to see students ingest the lessons and begin thinking critically about their relationship with God. As we allow ourselves to wrestle with the truth that confronts us in each week’s lesson, we are challenged to change the way we think and act. Ultimately, we want to see each of our lives overflow with God’s love and start to spread that love to their friends, classmates, and family.

A group of 18 high school students went on a trip over Christmas break to Des Moines for the IMPACT youth conference. This annual conference is one of the highlights of the year for our students. Not only do they get to spend time with each other and build relationships that will last a lifetime, this year they were challenged by Greg Speck to look at their lives and see where their “focus” is. Greg challenged us to focus on the things that matter- the things of God. I am continually praying that the students will take this lesson with them through their time in high school and into college and careers.

In February, a group of 17 junior high students went to “Winter Blast” at Hidden Acres Christian Camp in Dayton, Iowa. This year the students were treated to a number of fun games and recreational options, great food, and a challenging speaker who encouraged the students to transform their lives into something that pleases God. This involves ridding our lives of the stuff that drags us down- maybe it’s the TV we choose to watch, the games we choose to play, the music we choose to listen to- whatever it is that is keeping us from a life devoted to God.

Mark your calendars:

1- Rebecca and I are getting married March 15. We will be having an open house cake reception at the church on Sunday, March 16 from 1-3pm. We would love it if you came to celebrate our marriage with us- your presence is the only gift we ask.

2- There will be no youth during Spring Break on March 18-19.

3- On March 30 at the high school students will take part in their third dodge ball tournament in Martensdale. We brought home the trophy last year, but win or lose, it promises to be a great time. Pizza, soda and Gatorade, a raffle, and a speaker will round out the night. Cost is $5. Meet at the church at 4:30 to make your shirt.

4- Remember this summer we are planning a SH trip to Utah to attend the semi-annual Challenge conference offered by the Evangelical Free Church of America. I am excited about this opportunity to be a part of the conference as this is the first trip like this that WCC has been a part of. The trip is open to students who are currently in 8th through 12th grade. We will be traveling with Lighthouse Community Church in Des Moines to help make the trip more affordable. We will depart on June 27th and return home on July 6th. Total cost for travel, conference registration, and lodging will be around $600. I am working out some possible fund raising ideas with Lighthouse CC to help offset some of the costs. An informational meeting for students and parents is being planned for Sunday, April 6th. A $100 deposit for students planning on attending Challenge will be due by April 30th. Please feel free to call or contact me with any questions.
 

Grace and Peace –

Jay Bock