Bartow First Bapist Church
410 East Church Street
Bartow, FL 33830
January 2008
   

"When was the last time your family all agreed on where to eat, much less on where and what time everyone should attend church?" 		  Attending church on Sunday mornings can be one of the most satisfying and exciting days for a family. It can also be one of the most frustrating and draining days for parents who have a difficult time getting their teen to go. If your family finds itself in the second category please understand you are NOT alone. When was the last time your family all agreed on where to eat, much less on where and what time everyone should attend church? To better understand the true significance of attending church you must begin with the basic question: "Is attending church important?" The answer is an emphatic YES! God set up the church for worship and for community for God's family. Read Acts 2:42-47 and see the "Church" in action. When we miss out on that, we miss out on a very important part of God's plan. Agreeing on that point, where does a family go from here? If your teen does not like going to church, begin by asking them "Why?" When asking this question you must then be willing to listen. Don't comment after every sentence or roll your eyes after a reason is given that seems ridiculous. Ask God to give you patience as you listen intently to their objections, frustrations, and concerns. After your teen is finished begin talking about the reasons they gave and actively address their concerns. For example, one of their reasons could be they don't feel a part of the group. Some suggestions you might give could be to allow them to bring a friend. You can also find an adult volunteer in the Student Ministry and ask what they have observed. Parents must be proactive in helping their teen to connect with a church family. You can force your teen and your family to attend church, but talking, listening, and problem solving allows your teen to no longer be the "problem" but to be a part of the solution instead.
Here are some additional tips on getting your teen connected to your church family:

1. Worship happens all week, not just at church. Make it a point to talk about God during the week, not just on Sundays. That shows your family that God is about every day of the week, not just on Sunday.

2. Find a place of service for your teen! There are MANY places in the church that need volunteers. Allow your teen to serve on Sunday morning. This will greatly increase the chance for your teen to feel connected and "needed" on Sunday mornings.

3. Find a place of service for YOU! One of the best things a parent can do is get involved in the ministry your teen attends. NOTE: You don't have to be "cool" to work with students. You MUST have a heart for the Lord and a heart for people.

4. PRAY! Please don't forget the power of prayer. God definitely wants your family to find a place to worship and connect with other Christians. This is a request He wants to answer. It might take time and a lot of work, BUT your labor will not be in vain.


What expectations do teens have about attending church?

45% Worship or make a connection with God.
42% Better understand what I believe
34% Spend time with friends
34% Get encouraged or inspired
30% Volunteer to help others.
What do teens learn from their experiences in church? (top four answers)

65% Moral and ethical standards
62% Relationships
55% Faith traditions
50% Personal evangelism
(barna.org)


The simple fact is the Church is very important to the life of anyone who follows Christ. The question is does your teen truly believe that? Here are some questions to find out what your teen believes about going to church and if he/she truly enjoys their experience.

1. Why do you think God gave us the Church and made such a big deal about it? Do you think it is important to go to church on a regular basis? Why or why not?

2. What are the top three things you like about going to church? What are some of things you don't really like about going to church?

3. In the past few weeks, tell me one or two things that you have learned at church.

4. Why do you think some of your friends at school don't attend church? What could our church and our student ministry do to get them to visit our church?
Pray that:

1. Your teen will be open to listening to God's voice in giving direction in their life.

2. God will clearly reveal to your teen the priorities He wants for your teen.

3. God would put people in your teen's life to influence him/her and encourage him/her to want to be involved in church.

4. God would bring friends or a friend to connect with your teen while at church.

5. You will model for your teen what it means to be "connected" in the body of Christ.
Verse of the month
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

These verses truly describe God's church in action. How many people would attend our church if our congregation reflected this example? Begin now by teaching your teen the importance of worshipping, connecting with other Believers, giving to those in need, and serving God, our church, and this world. Only then will we see the Lord "adding to our number daily those who are being saved!"


Did you know...

* According to a Barna Research Group study, adults who attended church regularly as children are nearly three times as likely to be attending a church today as their peers who avoided church during childhood (61% to 22%, respectively). (barna.org)

* About one-half of all Protestant teens attend church weekly, participate in Sunday school or in a religious youth group, pray, and attend a religious summer camp or retreat, though less than one-third read the Bible each week. (youthandreligion.org)

* Twelve percent of protestant teens who attend religious services more than a few times a year say that church is usually boring. (youthandreligion.org)


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


The 18 year old, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, is “both wise and talented beyond her years”. Kiki was born and raised in Detroit in a solid and Godly home. Her grandmother is credited as one of the defining influences in the history of Gospel music. Her father is a minister, and her mother is a founding member of Gospel legends, the Clark Sisters. She began singing at church at the age of six. She made her recording debut and landed her first Stellar-award at the age of nine as she sang a duet with her mother. Much to her surprise, her debut album went international leading to a gold album in Japan. Her second album, "This Is Me" is expected to do well. kierrakikisheard.com
trends

Here are some top "eco-friendly" New Year's resolutions according to associatedcontent.com:

*Hang up clothes (to prevent unnecessary washing).
*Volunteer for park clean up.
*Take part in or start a recycling program.
*Turn off video games and consoles to conserve energy.
*Use less paper.
musicspotlight


Albums:
"Just Like You" - 2007
"The Way It Is" - 2005
Background:
This 21 year old “urban songstress”, Keyshia Cole, was raised in a “tough neighborhood” in Oakland. From an early age, she aspired to make music her life. By the age of 12, she was already recording with top artists of the day such as MC Hammer. Her career took off in the early 2000’s as she collaborated with numerous artists including Kanye West and one of her biggest inspirations, Eve. Her debut album, “The Way It Is”, released in 2005 under the A&M/Interscope label. Unlike some of her musical peers, Keyshia has a “street edge” which has influenced many of her songs “which are generally a bit rougher and less naïve than those of your typical young female urban vocalist.” Her debut album sold a million copies in the US. (Billboard.com)

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

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

Do you know what movies are out there to start off the new year?
TITLE RATING RED FLAGS GENRE STARRING
Mad Money PG-13 For sexual material and language, and brief drug reference Comedy Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson
How She Move PG-13 For some drug content, suggestive material, and language Drama/dance Tre Armstrong, Cle Bennett, David Carmon, Keyshia Cole
Be Kind Rewind PG-13 For some sexual references Comedy Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Melonie Diaz
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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No Youth Group		 3
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Youth Group 6:00 - 7:15
in The Underground		 10
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Youth Group 6:00 - 7:15
in The Underground		 17
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Winter Jam Tour
USF Sun Dome
Leave 4:30 Return around 10:30		 19
 
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Youth Group 6:00 - 7:15
in The Underground		 24
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After Church Luncheon
for Puerto Plata Mission Trip
11:30 - 1:00		 28
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Youth Group 6:00 - 7:15
in The Underground		 31