Douglas Baptist Church

If you follow the blogs at DBC at all, you may notice that I’ve changed the heading on one of the blogs, from “Youth Blog” to “Pastor Dan’s blog.”  While I’ll still use this blog to update some youth events, I’d like this to be a chance to share with you some of my thoughts…

It’s getting close to winter (I love snow!  Can’t wait for some to stick to the ground) and so I took my car to the garage this morning to get our studded tires on.  What was supposed to be a 45 minute visit to Wonder Auto turned into an almost 2 1/2 hour stay.  Fortunately, I thought ahead and took a book with me.  It was a great opportunity to do some substantial reading and dreaming for ministry at our church.

A significant part of the book I was reading (Formational Children’s Ministy by Ivy Beckwith) challenges the readers to consider how we use stories as we teach and share the gospel of Jesus with our children.  Beckwith writes that “Bible stories are all about other people recognizing God’s activity in what for them might have begun as a very ordinary week.”  Too often we dissect the Bible stories looking for some moral truth, and forget to take them as they are given to us.  Much of the Bible is written in a story form, recounting how God engaged people over a period of centuries.

We are people who love stories.  When we’re with our families and friends, we share stories.  Most people, when choosing a book to read, will choose a story.  There’s something about being human that causes us to get lost in a story.

So, what is your favorite Bible “story”? (I know some people might cringe at how I’m using the word “story.”  I am definitely not implying that the Bible is a collection of fairy tales or fictional events.  I like the word “narrative”)

For me, one of my favorites is found in 2 Chronicles 23.  It’s the story of Jehoiada; a priest who remembers his commitment to God, and leads the nation in a period of revival as he takes down the usurping queen and reinstates the proper king to the throne.  It reminds me of how, as a pastor, I need to be reminding myself of my leadership.  Are people being pointed to God by the way that I lead and serve?

Looks like we’re getting quite a rain storm for Friday Night!  With the forecast in mind, the bonfire at the Farris’ home has been cancelled.  We’ll be having Middle School Youth Group at the church (7-9PM)

I’m excited that it’s finally September!  While I know that September means the end of summer vacation, I’m glad to be getting into a routine.

I’m looking forward to starting this fall with you here at Douglas.  As we get started with our groups, I want to let you know about a few things:

If you’re in middle school, make sure you plan to be here at the church on Fridays at 7PM.  This Friday, we’re going to kick-off with a “murder mystery.”  Can your team be the first group to solve the mysterious murder of Mr. Boddy?  (Think “Clue:board game” meets “Church-wide game!”)

If you’re in high school, don’t miss out on the first Sunday Nite Live of the new school year.  We’re going to meet at the church this coming Sunday at 5PM to head out for supper as a group, and then we’ll head over to Smythe Street Cathedral after that.

I know some of the high school students have been asking about discipleship group.  We’re going to start that group on Wednesday, October 6 at 7:30 at my house! (18 Benjamin Drive, behind Sunset Church)

Last thing I want you to know about … On the first weekend of October, we’re going to have a retreat at Green Hill Lake Camp with some other youth groups.  The registration fee is $60 and forms can be found from me or on the youth page.  This event is for both middle school and high school students.

Have a great week!

Dan

On August 26, 2010, the youth groups met at McDonald’s to take part in “Picture This,” a photo scavenger hunt.  They were split into two teams, and given 66 close-up shots that they had to identify along Main Street.

Check out some of their shots at