The Fold

What are your strengths and how can He use them?

2009-10-06T22:33:00.002-05:00

DNOW CASWELL WEEKEND

2009-08-23T21:58:00.005-05:00

Check out schedules, speakers, and the band:

DNOW CASWELL WEEKEND

September 18-20, 2009

GUIDANCE

2009-04-06T18:32:00.001-05:00

Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
And everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
Both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
Or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness
Gentle guidance and skill .
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "U" and "I".
"God, "U" and "I" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
That I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
And mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
And to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
Please share this message with someone else.
Interceding in prayer is one of the best gifts
we give and receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
So let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance !

SACPC Confirmation Class 2009

2009-04-01T09:21:00.013-05:00

2008-09-21T21:12:00.001-05:00

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

Metamorphosis 2008 Notes

2008-09-15T19:53:00.003-05:00

This life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness,
not health but healing,
not being but becoming,
not rest but exercise.

We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it;
the process is not yet finished but it is going on;
this is not the end but it is the road.
all does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified.

-Martin Luther

Every day we are changing...He is changing us if we are in relationship with Him. If not, the world and Satan may change us. We never stay the same. We are constantly "striving toward the goal of Heaven" which He has promised.
Philippians 3:13-14

He intends for us to live in this world with nonbelievers and other sinners. He did not intend for us to separate ourselves so we can sit on the side and judge others. We should be living with and communicating His love to adults and kids who do not know Him. That is not to say we are supposed to engage in their behavior so we have to be discerning. This means, when the behavior starts that does not honor God...we walk away...but without judging, belittling, or feeling superior...because it might be us next week. We are to "make disciples of all nations" and we can only do this if we have a relationship with others.
Matthew 28:19

We have to take time to talk with God daily to be in relationship with Him and to know and understand the plan He has for our lives...and so He can help us to understand how to interpret things that are going on around us.
Mark 1:35

The Sixth Grade Metamorphosis 08

2008-09-14T22:18:00.002-05:00

Curbside Cafe

2008-09-05T06:33:00.005-05:00

Dates for Curbside for fall semester are:
September 11, 25
October 9, 23
November 6, 20
December 4, 18

Meet at the kitchen at SACPC at 5:30!

Back to School

2008-08-25T21:07:00.008-05:00

1 Corinthians 12:7

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!

We had an awesome summer: church trips, mission trips, camps, sports, sun, water, jobs, and low stress! Now it is time for us to get back into it: school. Just like the forgiveness of Jesus, our slate is clean. We start anew!

Maybe we should think of school in the context of 1 Corinthians 12:7. In addition to all the family, church, and cool summer activities, school is a place where we can find "something to do that shows who God is!" Maybe it is academics...maybe it is sports...maybe it is leadership...maybe it is activities...maybe it is writing...maybe it is photography...maybe it is enthusiasm...maybe it is speaking...maybe it is the way we act toward others...maybe it is encouragement...maybe it is teaching. Whatever our gifts, each of us is given "something to do that shows who God is." That is an awesome gift and He expects us to develop and use our special skills to His glory in the service of others.

So think of school not as a place of pressure, competition, busy work and boredom. Think of school as a cool place where you get to try out all that God has to offer. School is a place to discover your talents and passions...things you are really good at and move your heart. Maybe we should be really excited to start school...God is there. And God has big plans for us if we stay connected. Imagine what it would be like if we thought about school like we do about Great Escape or Fun in the Son. What if we expected to find God and were looking for Him to work everyday at school.

"Something to do that shows who God is!" Wow! What's your thing?

Welcome to the FOLD

2008-08-25T18:49:00.007-05:00

Chasing the Wind

2008-08-07T15:23:00.005-05:00

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26

Have you ever chased after the wind? Have you ever caught it?

Eight times in the Book of Ecclesiastes the writer, most believe it was King Solomon, uses the phrase "chase after the wind" to describe useless human activity: wasted time and effort. He was a keen observer of people and wrote a lot about our relationship with God...how it is and how it should be. It was true then and it is still true today. We spend a lot of time "chasing the wind."

When we are out of relationship with God we waste a lot of time on the things of the world. We worry about whether we are popular, how others view us, and whether we are cool. We worry about who likes us and who does not. We worry about how we look, what we wear, and who we hang with. Do we look like others, do we act like others, do we fit in, do we belong? Are we cool?

Our parents worry about making money, living in the right neighborhood, driving the right car, or going to the "right" church. Do they know the right people, are their children in the right school, on the right team, and in the right group. Adults spend lots of money on looking younger, looking thinner, or climbing the social ladder. They worry about how they look, what they wear, and who they socialize with. Do they look like others, do they act like others, do they fit in, do they belong? Are they cool? They seem a lot like us.

Maybe we should start when we are young working on pleasing God rather than ourselves. You know, that part about loving God and loving others...like it says in Matthew. Maybe if we spent more time pleasing God and loving others we would spend less time worrying about our own needs. Perhaps if we work more on walking in His LIGHT we would not feel the agony of chasing after things we can not see or feel. We might begin to feel the overwhelming peace and encouragement of the "wind of God."

If we spend less time "chasing the wind" of ourselves and more time "riding the wind" of God we will begin to receive the wisdom, knowledge and happiness that is promised to all of us.

Fun in the Son 2008

2008-07-26T00:01:00.003-05:00

Welcome Tara and Nathan Tuttle!

2008-07-15T20:57:00.009-05:00

"We believe the most effective student ministries begin with relationships. After all, Jesus Christ himself gave us the perfect model of ministry to students. He not only taught His disciples the truth, but He was invested in their lives, cared for them like family and loved them through their sinfulness. Through the ministry and life of Jesus, we desire to emulate His blueprint for ministry by equipping students, encouraging families, enabling leaders and empowering the church."

"We believe in one God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit-to which Holy Scripture, the infallible Word of God, bears witness. Due to our sinful nature, our knowledge of God is limited and imperfect. Yet, through grace, we are called to grow in the knowledge and love of God and to serve Him by seeking to lead young people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Through equipping students, encouraging families, enabling leaders and empowering the Church, we can glorify God and further His kingdom."

Tara Tuttle:
Regional Assistant, Tar Heel Region Young Life, Winston-Salem, NC
Director of Student Ministries, First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, MS
Ministry Staff, Volunteer Leader, Asheville-Buncombe County Young Life, Asheville, NC
Program Coordinator, The Cove Camp, Billy Graham Training Center
Youth Ministry Intern, River Oaks Community Church, Clemmons, NC
Youth Ministry Intern, Covenant United Methodist Church, Asheville, NC
Bachelor of Arts, Bible and Religion/Youth Ministry, Montreat College, Montreat, NC

Nathan Tuttle:
Youth Minister, Bethany Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC
Director, Upward Basketball and Cheerleading Program, Bethany Baptist Church
Head Coach, Girls JV Soccer, Reagan High School, Winston-Salem, NC
Substitute Teacher, Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System
Community Relations Coordinator, Carolina Cobras, Arena Football League, Charlotte, NC
Sports and Activities Program Coordinator, Carmel Baptist Church, Matthews, NC
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of North Carolina Charlotte
Divinity School, Campbell University
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

The Great Escape 2008

2008-07-15T17:57:00.002-05:00

Get Out of Your Rut

2008-05-26T10:14:00.006-05:00

"I believe the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man's [or woman's] mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God."

Don Miller

Our Coach, Our Teammate, Our Gameplan

2008-05-18T14:31:00.006-05:00

What if?

2008-05-09T10:39:00.002-05:00

What if we get to Heaven and find out that there always had been solutions to all the problems of the earth? What if when we meet our Maker we find out that all the time we were on this earth there was enough food, clean water, shelter, and love for everyone but we just couldn't get it out? What if we thought we were too busy to get out the Word but He shows us that we had all the time we needed? What if there were plenty of resources to go around but a bad distribution plan kept them from being used? What if we find out that we had more than others because He trusted us to be His distributors...the ones to get out the message and the means?

His Church (us) should be the distribution center for needs of the world. The Church has been doing this work for centruries but has some human traits that hold it back. What if we reassessed how we used our time? What if we take a long hard look at what we use our resources for and prioritized the distribution of the Word, food, water, shelter and love?

What if?

Culture’s Song

2008-04-18T17:58:00.004-05:00

Everyone has their favorite song for different reasons. The fact is like most everyone enjoys some form of music: Hip/hop, rock, Heavy metal, jazz, Christian…. People like music for different reasons some because of the arrangement, the lyrics or maybe because they just like the beat. For whatever reasons, we all enjoy music because it expresses us and our styles music is so versatile that it changes and evolves into different forms all the time. The music industry makes millions of dollars or even billions of dollars a year from CD and digital music sales, but how much of it is really worth buying, not just because of poor quality but because of a poor message? Or does it even really matter if we buy these albums? If everyone would post some lyrics of their favorite songs or songs that are currently popular at your schools and with your friends we can kick off this discussion.

Mikkel Lysne

God's Yellow Pages

2008-04-18T17:29:00.006-05:00

Click on the image for help

How to Live!

2008-04-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

Jesus, Others, and Yourself

2008-04-17T18:54:00.012-05:00

The Greatest Commandment (Matthew Chapter 22)

36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

So who was your neighbor today? Was it your teacher at school who is having a rough time at home? Was it the lonely kid, the loner, the geek, or the dork in your class? Was is the kid in your neighborhood who never gets invited to anything? Was it the person in class who got laughed at today? Was it the shy girl who no one seems to know anything about?

Was it the homeless person you saw on the street? Was it the mother and children who checked into the Domestic Violence shelter this week? Was it the person you saw on the news whose house burned? Was it the guy who only has one set of clothes? Was it the lady who did not eat a meal today? Was it someone fighting cancer? Was it the kids in your school who can not read? Was it the kids who abuse substances so they don't have to face the truth about their insecurity?

Was your neighbor an African street kid? An HIV orphan from Malawi? Was it a girl from New Orleans who is still not back in school? Was it the kid from the Sudan who was maimed in an uprising? Was it the little boy in a Russian orphanage who has no hope for the future? Was it the Afghan family who is displaced from the war? Was it an illegal immigrant family from Mexico? Was it children all over the world who don't have clean water?

God made it pretty simple for us. We are supposed to love Him with everything we have got. And part of loving Him with everything we have is to love His people. He wants us to love our family and our friends but loving God means loving His family as well. His family is incredibly diverse and incredibly needy in our world. Ours is a world in need of so much and our love for God is demonstrated by our willingness to feel the need and to act. God calls us to care for "the least of these" in response to our thankfulness for His gift of grace. By caring for our "neighbors" whether they be in our home, our neighborhood, our school, our city, our country or our world we live lives that are holy in the sight of God.

Look around you. Who is it that needs you? Who do you need to serve? What is going on around you in the world that you can not stand? Where do you feel a passion for change? Who or what is God calling you to? Which part of His world is He asking you to improve?

Who is your neighbor? And how will you serve your God?

Martin Luther: Dangerous Man for God

2008-04-09T06:05:00.003-05:00

"Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen!”

“Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God”

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess”

“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say”

“Pray, and let God worry”

“How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'.”

“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired, although not in the hour or in the measure, or the very thing which they ask. Yet they will obtain something greater and more glorious than they had dared to ask."

By Faith, Not by Sight

2008-03-25T16:42:00.004-05:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone.

He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.

He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a man.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified He can hear all kinds of noises.

Wild beasts must surely be all around him.

Maybe even some human might do him harm.

The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.

It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.

Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us.

When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Moral of the Story:

Just because you can't see God,doesn't mean He is not there.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

Jesus is Alive!

2008-03-23T21:43:00.006-05:00

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Amazing comments from Foldiers:

"There is a huge comfort from this message, that we are good enough and in Christ we have value. All we have to do is accept it. We live in a society that determines our value by our success, be it in sports or school our main focus is to rise above the competition and that we should not get second place. I'm not saying that success is a bad thing or that being determined to gain things is wrong but when our "success" determines our value we have lost touch with how God values us. And in our daily walk we often times think we are not good enough for Christ. That is wrong because he tells us to come as we are whatever our maturity."

"This is SO true! We just have to accept the invitation. It amazes me every time I think about how God would never judge us and just wants us to live a life that brings Him honor. I think that we, as foldiers, should make it our goal to dance with God every single day."

Selection Sunday-Do You Want to Dance?

2008-03-17T15:05:00.003-05:00

This was the message on the Middle School board at the HUB left by Kent after his awesome 945 message to us yesterday. It is a great question for us this week, especially. It reminds us that we do not have to anxiously sit in front of the TV cameras and wait to see if we are good enough (like some of the NCAA basketball teams yesterday) to be in the "big dance:" we are already in the greatest tournament of our lives. We are chosen by God who says we are good enough to dance with Him! A dance that will last into eternity; a relationship with our loving Father; a "madness" that is greater than anything we can imagine! Will we take the risk? Will we say "yes?"

Like the March Madness basketball teams, we do not have to play our way in. We don't have to be good enough or earn the position. There is no committee counting our wins and our losses; our good days against our bad; there is no consideration of how hard or easy our schedule has been. There is no "RPI" rating system with God. Everyone is in the tournament and no one loses. No one who wants to play gets left out! But like the seventh grade dance, you have to be willing to take the risk if you want to dance. You have to say, "yes Lord!, I want to dance with you not just today but forever!"

It is something far bigger than the NCAA National Basketball Championship: a personal relationship with a God who is always number ONE and who will never forsake you! A God who loved you enough that He sent His only son to die for your sins: because He thinks you are worth it; you are good enough!

So, the Holy Week is about being selected. He has chosen you and made the incredible sacrifice for you. Congratulations! You have been selected! Will you say yes to the "big dance?"

Stand Up, Stand Firm

2008-03-10T12:22:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Rules: Condition or Confirmation

2008-02-18T15:02:00.004-05:00

The book of Exodus in the Bible sets out rules for our relationship with God. These rules are not a condition for our relationship with God. These rules are a confirmation of our relationship with God which is guaranteed by His grace. We can not earn this relationship by our works and we can not lose this relationship by our behavior. In His grace, God has rescued us from our tendency to make wrong choices. We do not have an invisible fence to keep us on the right path. Therefore, our works, our thoughts, and our behaviors should reflect our thankfulness for His grace and rescue! We are rescued to His family forever! What us your Exodus story? From what situation or part of yourself has the grace of God rescued you?

2008-02-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

Great Quotes Movie

2008-02-12T18:25:00.000-05:00

Check out this cool movie! http://www.greatquotesmovie.com

2008-01-29T19:54:00.000-05:00

Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson

it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

[Often said to have been quoted in a speech by Nelson Mandela. The source is Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, Harper Collins, 1992. —Peter McLaughlin]

The Farewell Party

2007-12-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Last night there were about 300 people gathered in our church gym to send us off to Colorado. They made a huge meal, a great video and sang some songs. It struck me on the way home that I just participated in a rare occassion.....and every aspect of that occassion gave the glory and thanks to our Lord. Kim and I received some incredible letters and gifts from our great friends here at St.Andrews-Covenant. After the meal, all the students and college kids and "real world" kids joined us in the HUB for a final time of worship and celebration. My tear ducts are dry and my back hurts from hugging.
I ran a diagnosis on my tears and It came back that they were tears of gratitude and thankfulness. This church has loved us well and we love them the same. At some point I will try and put the video up on the blog for yall to see.

God is Good
nate

El Fin

2007-12-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

I'll probably delete this blog unless someone in el grupo wants to carry it on.
Let me know before we move and I'll turn over the info and the blog power.

natrone

How do your hips lie?

2007-10-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

ok children,
For this blog entry I will venture out past my thoughts about faith, mission and culture to talk about our friend Shakira.
I know this song came out a long time back, but it was at the top of the charts for a long time. Has anyone read the lyrics? What the heck does it mean "my hips don't lie"? How do hips lie? Am i getting old? Did this woman just make a jillion dollars off a song that talks about her hips telling the truth?
and then our friend Soulja Boy makes jillions of bills off of saying his name over and over again followed by the word "what".

And then there are teachers, police officers,social workers etc who are working their tails off to put bread on the table.

Stop the madness!!!
love,
nate diggity dogg

Proverbs3:5-6

2007-09-28T10:35:00.001-05:00

Dear Church Family,

Over the past year Kim and I have tried to pay close attention to the Lord and His plans for our family. It has been a struggle, but we have discerned that it is God’s will to accept the Senior High Director position at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado. We start the first week of January and will be moving the last week of December. I will also continue my master’s work at Fuller Seminary, which is down the street from the church. We are saddened at the thought of leaving this incredible church and community, but excited when we think of what God has planned for us.

Kim and I would love to sit down with each of you to talk about all of these changes, but we know this is not possible. Telling you this information by letter does not excite me because it seems distant and formal. Our prayer is that we will have time to spend with many of you to say our “good-byes” before we leave in January.

To be honest with each of you, it makes no human sense for us to move. We love the church, the students and the incredible friends we have made over the years. For this reason we know God must be at work. We trust that He will lead us into the next chapter of our life. In the same way we trust God to continue to guide St. Andrews-Covenant and especially the youth ministry with what lies ahead for you as well.

We believe that St. Andrews-Covenant has loved us and cared for us like children. When I came here over 7 years ago I loved the Lord and working with students, but that was about all I knew. Over the years Steve Hein, the staff and my dear friends who have worked along side me in the student ministry have nurtured and encouraged me as a young leader. I am also deeply thankful for the way you welcomed Kim into the church family when we got married and Ruthie when she was born in March.

God has been working through this church family way before I arrived, He is working now and He will continue to work way after each of us is gone. I know that He works in seasons and this has been the most life-changing season of my life. Kim and I are grateful that God allowed this season to happen. Please pray for our family to continue to seek Him in the midst of selling and buying a house, making new friends and working at a new church. In the same way we will praise God every time with think of you.

God is Good,
Nate, Kim and Ruthie Stratman

”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

Ethiopia

2007-09-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

If you want to read some of my thoughts from ethiopia....go to www.thestratmans.blogspot.com

can't wait to tell you about what God has done!

nate

Conversation

2007-09-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

If I asked some of you to share with me about your favorite band, sport or place to eat...you could talk my ear off!!!! But here is a harder question, for all the time some of us spend inside the walls of the church, can we really explain what we believe about Christ or do we look like Ms. Teen USA South Carolina trying to explain why kids can't use maps?(search youtube for miss teen usa)
In the business world, a salesperson should be able to explain their product and why you should buy one in the time it takes to ride an elevator from the first to the 5th floor. While we aren't selling Jesus, we should be able to tell people what we believe in our own words.

How would you answer this question:
"What's the big deal about Jesus?"

Follow the Leader?

2007-08-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

Describe a "real" leader.
A leader is not __________.
A leader has to be __________.

How do you thing Jesus would define a leader?
What does the world say a leader should be like?

(yall take a stab at this then I will come back
in a week with my own thoughts and comments)

What does this verse mean?

2007-08-05T13:25:00.000-05:00

"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps". Proverbs 16:9

Fun in the Son theme

2007-07-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

"Let us FIX our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith"
Hebrews 12:2

If yall want to see the DVD or hear the talks/interviews again by Nasser, Duffy, One Time Blind, Tom Ricks and me....let me know and I'll get it to you.
REMINDER: We are slowly reading Philippians as a youth ministry and checking in weekly at BYBS and wherever else we meet.

Brooklynn Mission and Great Escape

2007-07-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

God the "Bender"

2007-06-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

Today my friends we are going to talk about a big churchy word with a beautful meaning....today's word is: PROVIDENCE
My favorite definition is: "God taking a situation or event meant for harm and BENDING it the other way, making it good".

Right off the bat I think about September 11th, the death of my good friends son, and Hurricane Katrina. All of these events were tragic and in each event I can tell you countless stories of how God used these tragedies for good!!

How about you?? Have you ever seen God bend something for Good?

PROVIDENCE: pretty cool word huh?

"To God be the GLORY great things he hath done"
God is Good,
nate

CULTURE

2007-05-18T09:14:00.000-05:00

What does our culture say about God? Do Fergi,Kanye,Ipods,Spiderman,Bra-ngelina,high school musical,the fray and stranger than fiction have something to say about God?
The answer is YES!!!
I challenge you to listen to music, watch movies, and read books asking the question, What does this say about God?

here's your homework:
watch a flic or read a book with "God Eyes" and tell me what you find...then you can be posted on the world famous Foldier blog!!

God is Good
nate

Creativity

2007-04-20T10:23:00.000-05:00

Take a look around this big earthly playground we live in....what leads you to believe that God is "creative". or is He?

how does he want us to be creative? or does He?

How's your UGLY?

2007-04-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

My friend Whitney Kanika Fontleroy and I have had a small conversation that I will invite you all to join. Why is it that the friends we have met on the streets are very open with their issues(their ugly or drama) and struggles...?...?.....
and why is it that most middle to upper class folks surpress their DRAMA until they explode??
How would church be different if folks were more honest with their ugly?

Hoosier Deddy?

2007-03-18T21:13:00.000-05:00

Who does Ruth look like?
Kim?
Nate?
Elvis?

Sex and Dating continued....

2007-03-13T11:12:00.000-05:00

If everybody followed God's plan of purity until marriage....would that totally illiminate STD's and unwanted pregnancies/abortions?

DATING

2007-03-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

To continue last Sundays discussion about dating....
1)Do you have anyfeedback from our discussion?
2)What are some healthy guidlines to dating?

or
What is the purpose of dating?

DIVORCE

2007-02-26T20:24:00.000-05:00

Last year in the US, there were 3 divorces for every 7 marriages.
Does that seem high or low to you?
What would you guess are the greatest causes of divorce?

What would it take to lower the divorce rate in our country?

I have heard it said that "the most dangerous thing happening in our society today is the "weakening" of the family unit."
what do you think about all these questions?

FourSquare LAW

2007-02-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

A Shane Claiborne Clip

2007-02-15T17:40:00.001-05:00

Here's a quick snipit of Shane Claiborne,who wrote Irresistable Revolution. His actions and writings have really helped me to expand my understanding of Christ and his teachings.

Another World is Possible

2007-02-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

Here are some cool websites that go along with our current topic of "The Simple Life". The book above is incredible for High School students and above. Shane's website is www.thesimpleway.org or www.awip.us is the "Another World is Possible" site.

Billy

2007-02-12T11:57:00.000-05:00

The first time I saw him he was breaking into a locked dumpster at the Methadone clinic to drink the last few drops of methadone because he couldn’t afford anymore heroine. I walked closer to him and he begged me not to call the cops. I sat down behind the dumpster and listened to Billy’s story. He told me that he was 51 years old and he has been addicted to drugs and alcohol since he was 16 years old. I listened and tried to encourage my tired friend. He was sick of being addicted and he promised me that he was going to get clean….I didn’t believe him. So fast-forward 3 months. I’m in the public Library downtown and I hear this man yelling my name and walking towards me. I got nervous. It was Billy. He looked so much better than the times I had seen him in the dumpster. He proceeded to tell me that God had sent him angels to help him get clean and the I was one of them. I was confused. Someone scholarshipped Billy $12,000 to go to a really nice re-hab clinic and Billy has been clean and sober for over 90 days. Billy told me that he hasn’t been clean that long in 35 years. He thanks me for not calling the cops on him and listening to him instead. Billy is a new man.
I thank you God that you make us all new!!!!I praise you for sending Billy as my angel to remind me of your incredible power and love.
God is Good, Nate

DONT HATE APPRECIATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

I would just like to say that this was for our love and appreciation for everything Nate and Kim do. You peeps are awesome and I pray every night for meeting you both. Also Ms. Nancy we all appreciate what you do and love you so much, and I especially thank you for asking me to help out with the youth activities (that really means a lot to me) and YOU BETTER WATCH OUT B/C WE ARE GOING TO GET YOU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!

DONT HATE APPRECIATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now here is another thing for all the foldiers. I am asking everyone if you would like to say something that you appreciate Nancy, Nate, Kim, and ALL THE OTHER LEADERS doing for you or something you appreciate about Nancy, Nate, Kim, and ALL THE OTHER LEADERS. I think this would be a great way of showing our appreciation and saying thanks for all they do and especially for all the other leaders that help out. YOU CAN NEVER SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS!!!

Trent Stephen Matthews

Winter Retreat

2007-01-02T20:24:00.000-05:00

click me to get the rental forms for the winter retreat!

or...click ME for the ski resort and snow report.

The Light of the World

2006-12-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

I took this picture of a lightbulb on my parents porch the other day. It's been good to be away from Wilmington for a short period because it has allowed me to reflect on the youth ministry at SACPC.
This little bulb by itself gives off a little bit of light, but the entire strand together lights up my parents driveway. It has been a blessing for Kim and I to see the "strand" of young peope and youth leaders shine for Christ.

My prayer for you and me this Christmas is that we CELEBRATE the fact that the LIGHT has come into this world........and his name is EMMANUEL (God with us)

He gave us MINDS to Know Him.
He gave us Hearts to Feel.
He gave us Hands to serve
and He gave us Feet to Follow.

Contine to Shine for Christ!
I love each of you......nate

The Death Penalty

2006-12-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

1) What are your thoughts on Capital Punishment?
2) Do the scriptures have anything to say about this?

Nate's Nateless BDAY Celebration

2006-12-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

On Dec. 20th (my bday) there will be a bday celebration for MS and HS students to come to the HUB and watch sports or a movie on the big screen, play on the video games or computers, eat some grub and hang out with the FOLD FAM. Bring some friends.

Here's the rub......I won't be there....i'll be in Hollywood...but how joyful is it to know that you little chillin's are celebrating my bday (a national holiday) in my absence.

God is Good
nate

GRACIAS

2006-11-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

..ok sports fans, we are going to take a small break from the highly controversial weekly bloggings. So here's the deal:
* make a comment with 10 things you are thankful for.
My goal is to get 20 thankful bloggings.

TRASHY

2006-11-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

Is pollution that big of a problem?
Will your children be effected by pollution in their lifetime?
What does God's word say about it? (look in Genesis)
What is our role as humans as it pertains to the earth?

(Marie V. gets the credit for this question)

Do Christians in our community play well together?

2006-11-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

Why is Sunday morning in Wilmington the most
segregated time of the week?

Should this change? How?

Would JC live behind a gate?

2006-10-16T06:46:00.001-05:00

I could catch some heat from this one......
but the purpose of this blog is to
ask the hard questions and think
"theologically" about them. If this
ruffles your feathers...good!!
All the blogs have ruffled my little feathers.
Ruffling is Good!

Here it is:

What do you think God thinks about
living in "gated communities" or belonging
to "Country Clubs"?

Hath God prepared a place for Fido?

2006-10-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

ok..this is a classic question I get asked
by my younger friends.......
"Do dogs go to heaven?"

have fun......
nate

Suffering

2006-09-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

If God is so good,
why is there so much suffering in our world?

Does God want you to be rich?

2006-09-18T19:05:00.000-05:00

This Time mag. came out a few weeks ago and it asks
a great question, does God want you to be rich?
This is similar to the post I made about WWJD or What
would Jesus Drive?
Have we as American Christans gone too far on the spending?
What does scripture have to say about money?

James 1.19-27 by Trent (Sr. at Topsail)

2006-09-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it---he will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

I just thought that i would share this with you guys b/c I believe that it is so true. For example when it says "do not merely listen to the word, and so decieve yourselves. do what it says." and it goes on about looking in the mirror. I think that alot of times some of us when we go to church or to youth group and we listen to the teachings and we learn. That alot of times we remember it for that short of time and forget about when really we should be taking that lesson that we learned and using it to bring others to Christ, and also we sometimes do not take that lesson and apply it in our life. It also says "but doing it---he will be blessed in what he does." You learn so much from this that little piece that just makes you think. I thought that I would just share that with you guys and feel free to make a comment. I would love to hear what you would have to say.

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

Doozie #3 "W.hat W.ould J.esus D.rive?"

2006-09-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

Here are some thoughts to get the ball rollin' on a new issue:
What Would Jesus Drive?
If JC came to Wilmington today, where would he live? what job would He have? what would He wear? and what would he drive?

**You can still comment on the 2 topics below; War and Worry.
You all have done great...spread the word and keep the comments coming!

Help me answer this question!!!

2006-09-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

There are about 10 "doozies" or hard questions that I frequently get asked. I will post one below and I want you to give HONEST feedback....don't tell me what I want to here. Here we go:

Should Christians fight in war?

ooooooooo this should get interesting!!!

( click on the "comment" thingy below to respond and make sure and put your first name down so we know who made the comment)

if you don't like this topic or Rob Bryan's intimidates you with his big words (:
please comment on the topic below called "worry". Trent made a good comment last week on it.

God is Good,
Nate

Meeting!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-05T22:32:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody, I just wanted to remind you guys and gals about the meeting Wensday for the D-groups and stuff at 6:30. I hope I see you there. Much Love Family!!!!!!

Kara learns to blog!

2006-09-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

hey fold! i just learned how to do this and i want to encourage everyone to learn to blog on here and we can all write back! (its kind of like our fold group on facebook, but this is something everyone can use!) anywho, this is just my practice run, ill be writing more later! love you all, God Bless! - Kara

Worry

2006-09-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." - Matt. 6:34

For 10 verses in 6th chapter of Matthew, Jesus talks to His followers about "worry",
Telling them to stop fussing over clothes, their bodies, food etc. All the things He mentioned about worry and all the things you and I tend to worry about are usually "things"! Even if we are worrying about bigger issues such as Death, Salvation, or BOYFRIENDS....Jesus still calls us not to worry.

Hear me out....

I believe that the word "worry" in this context means to get so worked up about something that you lose the big picture of what God has called us to see. The other thing is that if we are worrying....we aren't Trusting God. While tests, relationships, our future, war and many other things often cause us to panic....as followers of Christ, He asks us to do something different. JC asks us to place whatever it is that causes us to freak out and to put it in His hands. If we actually did this....it would sound something like this;

"God...I am making myself crazy stressing out about college next year. Tonight I ask you God to take this worry from me and give me the strength to seek your guidance as i get ready to college. Help me to calm down and give me a peace about this big decision:

With a prayer like the one above...God has helped you turn WORRY into Trust.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight."

I'm at the Vreelands house as I write this and I found this picture on Marie's computer from the Guatmala mission trip that our church took this summer.
The picture reminded me of TRUSTing that God is taking care of us in many different ways. The children in this picture are precious in God's sight and He watches over them as He watches over us.....as He even watches over the sparrow.

Let Go and Let God!
Nate

( Here is the drill..when you read these little thoughts I put on this blog, I want you to make a comment on the comment thing below, but don't say "that was cool" or something like that. I want all of you to continue the thought by "adding" to my writing. Post your thoughts or prayer requests and make sure and put your name at the bottom if you want. I hope that students, college kids, and everyone else will feel free to post a comment. I'm actually going to give the password to this blog out to several people so that you can post your own thoughts about faith or pictures on this blog.
This is a new idea for the FOLD...........but i think it will be good!

Random thoughts during Ernesto

2006-08-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

Kim and I came down to WB during the storm tonight (thurs) to
stay at our friends the Rippy's so we can watch the storm and
all the madness. It's kinda fun in a sick way. Anywho, I learned tonight
that at 100 miles per hour a piece of pine straw can penetrate a
telephone pole. Cool huh. It's really the toronados that spin off the
hurricane that get the pine straw movin' that fast. Where I grew up
they would find pieces of Hay in the sides of Horses and Cows after
a storm. Dang! Tell me that wouldn't hurt!! EEEEEESH!
Anywho....

The bottom line-
Weather can be powerful, God made weather.

If God can make weather....He can calm a storm.

Figuratively and Literally

God is Good......all the time!
Nate

More FOTOS for the PEEPS

2006-08-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

2 quick pics for our "wakey wakey"
event the other morning...more 2 come.
CHILDREN: look at the little thing that says "comment" below. You can click on that and leave comments and your name. At some point this blog will turn into

more of a prayer blog or a blog of faith questions and comments. So make comments and then I'll know if people are actually reading this thing!

love, nate

HUBart

2006-08-11T10:48:00.000-05:00

Dumay Gorham, a local sculpture artist
and member of our church
made these metal crosses. The big one
is huge..about 4ft. tall.

www.dumaygorham.com
The portico
The stage in the Great room with
the Jetson space chairs.
All of the pieces on the wall are huge prints
on canvas and "shadow box" frames up to
6 feet in length. Dawn Capron, a local photographic
artist did this for us and we love them.
Dawn was a huge help in making this room into a "sacred space".
www.anderson-capronltd.com

Ricky Blobby was WEAK!

2006-08-05T11:28:00.001-05:00

Dang

Shoot

Saw Talladega Nights last night on the opening night.(that's a ton of nights)What a let down. I was so jacked up to watch some Ricky Bobby and it didn't deliver.There were a couple of funny parts...but those were all on the trailers and previews I have been watching for 8 months.

Wait till it comes out on DVD!!!..while i'm not a prude or wound tight...

I do question the PG-13 rating on this flick...some of the humor was definitely "R'ish".

under construction,

young nathan

Fun in the Son 2006

2006-08-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

la Grupa
Steve Fee
Bball chicas

The Hub

2006-07-31T19:17:00.000-05:00

Rest-Refuel-Send

FOLD

2004-11-13T11:46:00.000-05:00