Quest Junior High Ministries

Visit us at our new home

2009-01-08T15:26:00.001-06:00

Visit the Quest website at its new home: www.questjh.org

An Overdue Entry

2008-08-18T20:24:00.002-05:00

Just in case anyone was worried, no we haven't forgotten about the blog. Life has just been a little busy lately. A couple of announcements:

There will be NO QUEST on Wednesday August 20th or 27th. We will resume on September 3rd.

Pastor Rick is teaching Junior High Sunday school for the next couple of weeks.

Fall events will be announced by the middle of September.

We are working on a brand new website for the Junior High youth ministry. It'll be up and running before too long, I just need to learn the programing first.

Jeff

No Quest on July 16th

2008-07-10T19:41:00.002-05:00

We will not be meeting on Wednesday, July 16th to allow families to attend the Family Bible school

Movie and Video Game Night

2008-07-10T19:35:00.002-05:00

Junior High movie and video game night (dinner included) at Ilona's house on Friday, July 25th 6:00-9:00 PM. Instead of money for the event, we are collecting paper goods: paper plates, plastic cups, plastic silverware, napkins, etc. to give to the Rockford Rescue Mission.

The movie has not been selected yet, but it will a family-friendly title with a PG rating.

Sign-up and directions available at church (or via email questjuniorhigh@gmail.com).

Congratulations Junior High Class of 2008!

2008-06-08T08:24:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Matt and Marissa!

2008-05-29T17:02:00.002-05:00

Survey for Students and Parents

2008-05-15T16:04:00.002-05:00

Gas prices are continuing to climb! I am wondering if this will affect your ability to attend youth events at church in the coming weeks and months. I have posted a quick survey that I would like you and/or your parents to take by May 22nd. Just follow the link below:

Click Here to take survey

TIME to Reconsider

2008-05-14T21:17:00.001-05:00

Last week I was asked to do an interview for TIME Magazine about some projects that I am involved with at work. I felt that it would be a great chance to get all of my hard work recognized. However, in further discussions with those in authority over me at work, it was recommended that someone else do the interview. At first I have to admit that I was upset and somewhat angry. However, the Lord changed my heart after praying about it. I decided to let the other person do the interview without “fighting the decision” (he is involved in the project too). I came to believe that it is a greater honor to have the work that I have been involved featured in an internationally respected magazine. How awesome!

This situation is a lot like serving God as a Christian. I admit that I sometimes feel that I want the “spot light” and the attention for “all that I do”. However, after I repent of my own sinful pride, I realize that I really want to serve faithfully, even unnoticed by those around me. It is a far better honor to be involved in the work that God has called me to than to receive the “glory” by others this side of Heaven.

My question to you: why do you do the things that you do? Do you do them for the attention and praise of others, or for God’s glory and approval? What is your motive? What should it be?

Prayer and Fasting

2008-04-07T20:47:00.003-05:00

Maywood is having a day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday to focus on the calling of a new senior pastor. We would love you as students to take part in this (hopefully with your whole family). See the attached handout for more information about fasting and how we should be praying. We hope to see some of you at church in the evening (7:00ish? depends on when I can get out of work)

Note: click on picture above for larger (and readable) image

Stories

2008-04-06T13:35:00.002-05:00

Over the past few weeks in Sunday school several leaders have shared their stories. Stories about what they were like, influences in life, changes they wish they could make, and regrets they carry. These stories centered on how our faith as Christians shaped these events, responses, and responsibilities. These stories can be conveyed to others as we point to Christ in our words and deeds. Matt and I would like to give you an opportunity to start thinking about the story that you have to tell. Here are a couple documents to help you get started. Please be thinking about your story this week as we bring this series to a close next Sunday.

Click on the pictures for enlarged documents suitable for printing

Father and Daughter Formal Banquet

2008-04-04T16:36:00.005-05:00

click on picture above for larger image

It's Not About Me

2008-04-02T10:23:00.002-05:00

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Because I am saved, my whole life is to be a sacrifice to God, my Lord. It must be acceptable and pleasing to Him. I ask myself regularly if it is. But, what’s the big deal if it isn’t? The book of Malachi clearly demonstrates God’s view of unholy sacrifices. The priests were offering blind and injured animals as sacrifices (clearly not allowed). God said that he wanted to spread the waste of the animals’ intestines on the priest’s faces and throw them out because of their unholy offerings. Just because I/we am/are saved, it does not mean that God looks lightly on self-centered unholy offerings that I/we bring Him when He wants so much more. We are accountable for our offerings (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Romans 12:2a “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

My life as an offering to God is a complete change in how I live. First, do not conform to the pattern of this world. Some things in this world are not to be followed as Christians. For example, some popular relationship choices, entertainment choices, or a self-centered focus in life are to be avoided. However, by being transformed through the renewing of our mind will show us what we should be focusing on. These include God honoring relationships, filling our minds with the right stuff, and loving God and others more than ourselves.
We must be spending time studying the Bible and praying to God often (hopefully daily) to be transformed. Only through God’s word to us (the Bible) will we be rightly transformed. If we are not reading and obeying the Bible, the patterns and influences of this world will wrongly transform us if we are not careful.

Laser Quest Documents

2008-03-08T20:51:00.002-06:00

Here is the information sheet and permission slip for Laser Quest this Friday. Double clicking on the pictures will bring up a larger copy to print

Laser Quest This Friday

2008-03-08T17:18:00.004-06:00

We are going to Laser Quest this Friday! For $10 (about $7 less than if you went by yourself) you will get to play three games and have a whole lot of fun.

Date: Friday, March 14th

Time: 6:15- 10:30 (Be sure to eat dinner before you come)

Where: You will meet and get picked up at church

Price: $10 (and extra money for pop/videogames if you want)

Don't forget that you will need a signed permission slip.

Sign-up available in the church office on Sunday or at Quest on Wednesday night.

We remember...

2008-02-15T18:05:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to be praying for those involved with the recent tragedy at NIU. Pray for those that are still hospitalized with injuries, the families and friends that have lost loved ones, and the student body at NIU. Pray that the Lord will be working through this tragedy to draw many to Himself, because we remember that the Lord is in control- even in this devastation and calling people to repentence and salavation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

End of the I Peter series

2008-02-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

Well, our series on 1 Peter concluded today. Here are the handouts for weeks 1, 3, and 4 for anyone who missed them and want to review the lessons. I don't have one put together for week 2.

The Ovens of Life

2008-01-18T10:42:00.000-06:00

Over the past couple of weeks it seems that we have been talking about a lot of rules and “do nots” in the area of purity and relationships in the Bible. It can be easy to think that God gave us all of these rules to “take all the fun out of life” and Christianity is nothing but a bunch of rules. However, instead of these rules being set by God to take “the fun out of life”, He gave us these rules out of His love for us and to protect us.

I doubt that any of us had a dad when we were really young that told us to “go plant both hands on the hot oven and don’t let go”. Instead, he told us just the opposite- don’t touch the hot oven. Did he do this to “take all the fun out of life”? No, he did it to protect us from being burned. Even though we did not understand, he knew that if we touched the hot oven, we would be burned and hurt. The same is true with our Heavenly Father, even though we may not understand at the time, He knows that if we do certain things, we will be burned and hurt. This is why certain rules and commands have been given to us. I challenge you to spend some time thanking God for the commands and rules that He has set for us, because He loves us and doesn’t want us to get burned. Also, obey the commands that He has given us, because this is one way that we show our love to God. 1 John 5:3 "This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome."

Open Door Haiti

2008-01-11T21:51:00.000-06:00

During Snow Camp last weekend, the students who attended decided as a group to support the ministry Open Door Haiti, a ministry that Doug Holliday, the speaker for the weekend, is involved with. If every Jr. High student brings $1 a month on Wednesday nights, a child in Haiti, the poorest country in this hemisphere, can be fed and clothed. Even if you didn't attend Snow Camp, please support this awesome ministry opportunity by bringing at least $1 every month. By feeding and clothing the children, doors can be opened for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed.

Enabling Blog Comments

2008-01-07T16:00:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone, I'm just playing around with the blog formatting. I am going to enable readers to comment on future blog postings. So keep watching and I look forward to your comments! Jeff

New Sunday School Series: 1 Peter

2008-01-06T20:15:00.001-06:00

This coming Sunday we will be starting a new four week series studying the book of 1 Peter. This letter (epistle) written by the Apostle Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has much to teach us about our salvation through Jesus, personal holiness in our lives, relationships with others, and suffering. In my preparation for the series, I organized the book in the pyramid shown above. As Christians, our salvation through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our life. Everything builds on Jesus' payment of our sins and gift of salvation. Once trusting in Christ as the payment for our sins, something we could not accomplish on our own, we begin the process of sanctification, or becoming holy. This affects our relationships and all of our decisions. Finally, as Christians striving to be holy, engaging in relationships as Christ would have us, we can expect suffering for following Christ. This is what we will be studying over the next few weeks. Between now and next Sunday, I challenge you to read through 1 Peter at least once and become familiar with the content. This will be an exciting study in God's Word!

Christmas According to Peanuts

2007-12-16T17:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas is just over a week away. Is your shopping done? Is the house decorated? Is the house clean for all of the relatives coming over? Is the Christmas rush getting to you? Everything can be so crazy this time of year. I just thought I would post a clip from one of my favorite Christmas TV specials from when I was growing up. It is a good reminder of the reason we celebrate this Christmas. Jesus Christ, stepping out of heaven, taking on human flesh, and living among us- eventually paying the price for our sins on the cross and being raised on the third day. It is only because of Jesus and what started in the manger and ended at the cross and the empty tomb that we can have a "Merry Christmas" this year.

Winter Xtreme

2007-12-09T16:25:00.000-06:00

Junior High Snow Camp is coming January 4th-6th. This year we will be going to Camp Timber-Lee in Wisconsin. This will be a great time of friends, fun, music, and challenging teaching from God's Word. The cost is $90 per person ($70 if a sibling comes too). Sign-up on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings, or call the church office. Space is limited. Hope you can join us for this awesome trip!

Bible Quizzing

2007-12-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

I would like to take an opportunity to recognize the lower division Maywood Bible Quizzers. Yesterday the Bible quiz meet was held at church and I had the opportunity to watch them quiz. They all spend considerable time learning their material- which is useful beyond quiz meets as it instructs them how to live for Christ. Keep up the great work quizzers- and live out what you are learning!

Two Kinds of Crowns

2007-12-02T15:16:00.000-06:00

I am a very competitive person. I know that this does not come as a surprise to anyone who comes to Quest on Wednesday nights. Whether it is gym games, video games, or board games, I get excited and like to compete. I started thinking recently- what if I had the same enthusiasm in being a Christian as I have for those games? How would my life (and the lives of those around me) be different if I poured as much into being Jesus’ servant and spokesman as winning a game of Dodge Ball? How would you lives as junior high students be different if I spent as much time cheering you on in your Christian life as I did in a game of Hyper ball? What is the true priority?

The Apostle Paul asked the same question to his readers in 1 Corinthians. “Don’t you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (9:24). Paul’s readers would have known exactly what he was talking about. This is because the Isthmian games were held in Corinth every other year. These game were much like today’s Olympic games. It would like him saying today, “don’t you know that there can only be one Superbowl champ?” Of course we would know what he was talking about. He continued by saying “Run in such a way to get the prize (which requires strict training), unlike those in the Isthmian games who run to get a prize made of dead twig leaves, we run to get a crown that will last forever” (verses 25 and 26- my paraphrase). Paul compares the athletic competition of his time to the Christian life too. The same energy that we spend in games should be poured into our lives as Christians- in learning the Bible, praying, serving others, pointing others to Jesus, living obediently according to God’s commands, etc. This is what will last, not some cheap Quest championship belt. We will be rewarded for how we live in these areas (crowns that will last). However, these crowns/rewards can be lost too if we are not living as we should (verse 27- disqualified for the prize).

So, what would your life (and the lives of those around you) look like if you worked as hard for crowns that forever as Christians as you do for the perishable ones that are received in baseball or basket ball leagues, or youth group competitions? I challenge you ask yourself this tough question, and I will be doing the same.

2007-11-19T15:49:00.000-06:00

SOME WHERE ALONG A DIRT ROAD...

...three guys were just walking. They were talking, well kinda. Two of them had been talking quite a bit, cause something big had just happened. You know what i mean it was the kind of talking you do after a great movie. "wow did you see this...That part where the guy...and the way she..." so many events have just happened and you have so much excitement about it and you are trying to get it all out but honestly you are still trying to go through the movie in you head cause that one part that.. "oh wait, thats right, i see how it ties in now." Yeah they were chattering. Comparing notes on what had just happened who saw what and when and where. Then one had over heard something that completely changed everything and then they figured out what was ment by something else. On and on it went. Then here it comes the moment you have been waiting for, the third guy in the group "that guy" asks the "?" You know what i mean the "?" everyone else in the group thinks "NO WAY" "How could you ask a question like that?" a question kinda like "So what is the big deal about the ring Frodo was carrying?" yeah you know what i mean. That guy missed it. COMPLETELY. The two chatter boxes turn and look at him like he just might possibly have been living under a rock. They explain it to him. half way through the explaination everyone in the group realizes something tho. They know the facts about what happened but they really can't explain the ending. "I mean this and this happened but then...well...i really didn't expect that."

Thats when it is the moment of redemption for "that guy" he figured it all out. He tells the chatterboxes that while he might have been living under a rock he was born with a brain. So he lays it all out. "This deal started it all...then the big guy with the club...so she had to...so obviously he had to too...and then the part with the cool music...which made everyone else..and that brings it all to...the end"

After a pause...the chatterboxes realize "oh, wow that makes sense"

funny thing about it was at that "oh, wow" moment the two guys realized they were talking to "the guy." Kinda like getting to ask George Lucas "Why did Darth Vader End up being Luke Skywalkers father?"...

"oh, that makes sense now" Kinda seems like and understatement.

They had been talking non-stop with the Director there! wow. All they had to do was turn and look at him. For some reason they just didn't until he finally forced his way into the conversation.

This is the way i read a story in Luke 24:13-35.

What if we lived life like the chatterboxes. What if God was so close to us and so intently listening to us chatter but we never noticed. Seems like that would be a waste. I mean having the Director right next to you and never noticing.

Starting Nov 25th on sunday morning we are going to try and figure out just how close God is. Maybe, just like those "chatterboxes," he is closer than we think.

Operation Christmas Child

2007-11-18T07:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing event on Friday. We packed about 109 boxes. They were dropped off at the collection site at Temple Baptist Church yesterday morning. Maybe you have been thinking- how can a shoebox full of candy, bouncy balls, and soap help spread the gospel message? These shoeboxes can be used to "open the door" for conversations with people who may be untrusting of outsiders. Maybe you have heard the old saying "they don't care what you know until they know how much you care". By giving them a gift, they can see that we (as Christians) care and the doors can open to offer the gift that can not be contained in a shoebox- the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Savior from sins for all who place their trust in Him!

Don't beat Bobo

2007-10-31T06:31:00.000-05:00

Over 40 years ago a guy did an interesting experience using “Bobo dolls”. Kids were placed in a room and allowed to play with the dolls for a while; which they did calmly. Then, the kids were shown a video where an adult was beating the Bobo doll with a mallet and picking it up and throwing it across the room. Guess what? Not only did the kids start throwing the Bobo doll and beating it with a mallet, but they pinned it to the ground beating it over and over and shooting it with a toy gun (which they were not shown how to do). You see, what they watched on the television affected how they responded to Bobo.
My question to you, how do you think what you are watching on television, in movies, on the internet, or in video games is affecting you? Are you making wise decisions on what you are letting into your mind? What you allow into your mind will find its way out in the form of what you say and do. It is no wonder that God told us 2,000 years ago to “be transformed by the renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:2) and to “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). My challenge is to spend time in prayer asking God whether the stuff you watch and listen to is helping you set your minds on things above or whether you need to change what you watch and listen to. Challenge your parents to evaluate their entertainment choices too, because what they see affects how they act also.

Breakout groups

2007-09-28T18:43:00.000-05:00

We are three weeks into the Wednesday night breakout groups. 80D has secured the lead with 6200 points but Tidal wave is close behind at 5750 points. Blitz currently is sitting in 3rd place wtih 5000 points, and Typhoons have a little catching up to do at 2700. Don't forget that points can be awarded for activities other than games (such as bringing friends, or your Bible on Wednesdays). If you have not come on Wednesday nights, join us and we will get you on a team.

Volcano Falls

2007-09-23T17:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Wasn't Volcano Falls awesome last night? Here is a highlight clip from the event. Enjoy!

2007-09-12T11:58:00.001-05:00

Hey there this is Matt and is my first official post on the Blog. We had a discussion in Sunday School two weeks ago about what real life topics there are in your lives. so starting Sept 23 we are going to get into a 4 week series, looking into those topics. I am really excited about this series! The topics have been and some still are real issues in my life too. we are going to break down some of the myths that we are told about-

Swearing-

with a glance at movies and music and a thing called Myspace

Alcohol-

ok/wrong, maybe even why?

Opposite Sex Relationships-

Marissa and i are going to be teaching this one together

you don't want to miss it

Cheating-

Act/Habit/Lifestyle

So here's the deal- I need you to e-mail me (mnyberg21@gmail.com) and let me know. What have you learned about the topics above? What do you think of them? Which one is the biggest deal to you? This will help me alot in figuring out how we are going to go about digging into each of these topics.

oh yeah-If you are interested in this series and these toics matter to you, chance's are your friends would think the same thing. Maybe you should bring them along. I am going to do my best to make it worth it, if you do.

I look forward to hearing from you soon- Matt

Different...but the same.

2007-08-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

Last week during the Sunday school hour Shawn and Eric Kelley shared about their trip to Sudan in Africa a few months ago. They described their project of taking pictures of people living for decades in refugee camps due to war, traveling experiences, and the people that they met. On the surface the people are so different than us: no iPods, Play Stations, running water, MySpace pages, or even the ability to read. Even though they are different in so many ways, they are the same as us too. They are all created in God's image, they all sin, and they all need a Savior...Jesus. The Bible tells us plainly that there is NO other name under heaven which people can be saved except Jesus (Acts 4:12). This is why we need to support missionaries and pray for the Christians living in foreign land preaching about Jesus. The Christians living in those foreign lands are our brothers and sisters in Jesus, because we have all been purchased by His shed blood on the cross for our sins. It is such an awesome experience to worship together with those from other parts of the world, separated by culture and language, but united in Jesus; this is a little glimpse of what heaven will be like. Revelation 7:9, 10 tells us "After these things I (John) looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying 'salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." What an awesome day that will be!

Water Wars: This Thursday!

2007-07-30T08:33:00.001-05:00

Come prepared to get wet this Thursday as we have a Water Wars night at church starting at 7:00 and ending at 8:30. Wear your swimsuit, bring a towel, and of course your best squirt gun!

See you Thursday!

Great America

2007-07-28T14:07:00.003-05:00

Don't forget that Sunday is the last day to sign up for the Great America trip on August 7th!

Email Addresses Needed

2007-07-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

In order to help keep everyone better updated on Junior High announcements, we would like everybody's email address to form a mailing list. If you did not receive an email this afternoon about Great America, please send your email address (with your name too of course) to questjuniorhigh@gmail.com

Thanks!

Contest

2007-07-26T17:12:00.000-05:00

We are four weeks into our Bible Overview Sunday school series. So far we have talked about the books of the The Law, the books of History, the books of Poetry and Wisdom, and the Major Prophets. Here is the contest: the first two people who email (questjuniorhigh@gmail.com) with a breakdown of each of the books included in these headings will get a prize on Sunday or next Thursday. You need to be 100% correct to win. For a bonus prize- the books of the law are also known by two other names- what are one of the two other names?

Check out the website survey questions

2007-07-26T15:23:00.000-05:00

A new feature added to the website is the ability to take polls/surveys. Check out the questions on the right side and take a minute to respond. We'll try to add new questions regularly.

Amazing Grace

2007-07-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

In the movie Amazing Grace released earlier this year in theaters, there is a scene portraying John Newton, author of the famous hymn of the same name and former slave trader, toward the end of his life. During this scene he says, “There are two things I remember, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior”. I don’t think that any of us will deny that we are great sinners; it comes so easily. The Apostle Paul called the gospel the power of God to those that are saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). How powerful it is! It is only because that Christ is the Great Savior that we can have a relationship with Him and be acceptable to Him. Otherwise, we’d still be dead in our sins and totally revolting to God. This week, think about God’s amazing grace and that even though we are great sinners, Jesus is a great Savior, and that our salvation does not depend on us, but only on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

-Jeff

Magic Waters Deadline

2007-07-10T21:23:00.001-05:00

Don't forget that the last day to sign up for Magic Waters is this Thursday!

Fireworks

2007-07-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

It is hard for me to believe that it is already the 4^th of July. This year is going so fast. Hopefully the rain will hold off until after the fireworks display to remember and celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. Just as the fireworks shine in the sky are reminders of our nation’s birth, our lives are to shine as reminders of our new birth in Christ. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:16 to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” As Christians, we are to represent Christ in everything that we do. How are you doing? A part of representing Christ is to respect and honor the laws in the land because the Apostle Paul tells us to “submit to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). This includes respecting and honoring the fireworks laws in Illinois. I have to say that I get upset almost every year when I hear from students that their family set off all of these illegal fireworks on the 4^th of July. What do you think that the people who don’t know Jesus think when they see Christians doing this? What kind of representatives of Jesus are we when we willingly break the law? The light that shines from these fireworks are not the good deeds that cause others to praise God, but instead question the integrity of the Christians setting them off and the God that they claim to serve and love. I challenge you and your family this holiday- respect the fireworks laws, and in the process let your light shine as Jesus’ representative.

New Sunday School Series

2007-06-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

"We believe- The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life."

This is the very first statement in the EFCA doctrinal (core beliefs) statement. The Bible is God's word to us which reveals God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ, and is the final authority on how Christians are to live their lives.

This weekend in Sunday School Matt and I will be starting a six week overview on the Bible. We will be starting in Genesis and going through Revelation looking at the layout, authors, and major themes of the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes people call this a "survey of the Bible". This will be a great study and a great foundation for a new Sunday school year. If you have any specific questions that you want us to talk about during this series, please send an email to questjuniorhigh@gmail.com. See you Sunday!

When Weather Forecasters Get It Wrong

2007-06-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the really severe weather that they predicted last night between 7 and 10 PM never came. We could have had Quest and been just fine. I started thinking this morning, even though weather forecasters in 2007 can not even predict that evening’s weather right, we don’t have to worry that the early Christians got it wrong when they said that Jesus was the Savior (Messiah), and not really just a good man. You see, The Bible talked about Jesus’ coming years before He actually did. The Old Testament has over 5 dozen predictions about the coming Savior that Jesus met. Predictions in the Bible include His place of birth, family tree, how He was to be put to death, that the soldiers would gamble for His clothing, and many others. So, what is the possibility that Jesus could have met all of these prophesies by “chance”? Well, the odds of just eight Old Testament prophesies being fulfilled in one man is one chance in a hundred million billion. That’s a 1 with 17 zeros after it! Let’s see how that stacks up with other odds. You have a 576,000 to 1 chance of getting struck by lightning, a 10,000,00 to 1 chance of dying from parts falling off of an airplane, a 30,589,556 to 1 chance of dying from ignition or melting of pajamas, and a 182,138,880,000,000 to 1 chance of a meteor landing on your house.
Here is one example of the Old Testament predictions of the coming Savior:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53: 3-9, 12

Sound familiar? Sounds a lot like Jesus doesn’t it? This was written 700 years before Jesus was born! This is like saying how the Cubs will do in the year 2700!

So, while the weather forecasters may not be able to predict tomorrow’s weather correctly, we can have confidence the early Christians got it right when they identified Jesus as the predicted Messiah (Savior)!

QUEST CANCELLED TONIGHT

2007-06-07T17:13:00.001-05:00

DUE TO THE PROBABILITY OF SOME REALLY REALLY BAD WEATHER, QUEST IS CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT. STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE! SEE YOU SUNDAY AND NEXT WEEK!

Junior High Bike Trip: June 18th and 19th

2007-06-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

It's time for the annual Quest Junior High Bike trip. We will be going to the Jane Addams Bike Trail in Freeport, IL; traveling the bike path with breaks during the day and spend the evening camping at a local campground. Transportation, food and tents will be provided by the church. You'll need to bring: a bike (bike trips go better with bikes), sack lunch, towel, jacket/sweatshirt, sleeping bag and pillow, Bible, pen, notebook, swimsuit, and don't forget to invite a friend! Cost will be $10 per student.
Everyone will need to turn in a medical release form and permission slip, even if you already had one on file from last year. This is a new year, so we need new forms!

Leader Spotlight: Jeff

2007-05-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

What city or town do you live in? Rockford, Illinois

Tell us about your family. My wife Danielle and I have been married for six years. We have three cats, Simeon, Maggie, and Tilly; and a dog, Sadie.

Occupation? I am a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room at Rockford Memorial Hospital. I'm in charge of the training and education for staff in the department. I'm also in school working on my Master's Degree in Nursing. I'll be done with that in two more years.

How long have you been working in the Junior High ministry? Five years.

What was Junior High like for you? Junior high was not fun for me. I felt very awkward and had great big buck teeth. I didn't have a ton of friends and preferred to hang out in the background while trying to remain unnoticed.

As a leader, what has been your favorite event or activity? I always like going to LazerQuest every year.

Favorite book? Probably The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. There is also a teen version of the book called The Chase that I would recommend.

Favorite movie? Growing up I was a huge Star Wars geek. I still love the Star Wars movies but have to admit that the Lord of the Rings Trilogy are probably my favorite movies right now.

What CD is in your CD player right now? Newsboys- Go

Favorite food? Danielle's homemade pizza (far better than anything you can get in any of the pizza places).

What do you in your free time? I like to read, play video games, and play around on the Internet (such as designing and maintaining the Quest website).

What has God been teaching you lately? There is no "magic pill" to be more like Jesus, it takes time and discipline.

What do you hope that the Junior Highers will learn from you? As I said in Sunday school a couple weeks ago, I think that Solomon summed it up well at the end of his life (much of which was full of poor decisions and sin) when he said "Here's what life is all about: fear God and obey God because you are accountable for all of your actions" (rough paraphrase of Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14). I hope that all of students will see me living in a way that models this kind of life in my words and actions.

Mother's Day

2007-05-15T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

I hope that everybody had a nice time at the Mother's Day celebration during Sunday school this week. I want to say thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the questions and shoot the video. I know that it really meant a lot to the mom's. I haven't had a chance to take the pictures in yet but am hoping to do that this week. Don't forget that Father's Day is just around the corner. Yes, we'll be hitting you up with a whole new set of questions and yes...we'll be back with the video camera.

Now that the school year is just about over (I can't believe it), I'd like to get everyone's feedback on what they liked about this year, what could have been done better, what you learned, and how you think you've grown as a Christian this past year (or have you?).

That's about it for now. Hope to see everybody on Thursday. Don't forget about capture the flag on Saturday.

Still here

2007-05-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I can't believe that it has been a month since we last updated this website. I will work on updating it more often. It's amazing how the days fly by and this just gets set aside. However, I don't know if anyone is even reading this. So, drop me a quick email at questjuniorhigh@gmail.com to let me know that you are reading this. Thanks.

Jeff

Check-in time

2007-04-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! We have been up and running with the new Quest website for about a month now. I would like to see how many of you (students and/or parents) are actually checking the site. So, please send an email to questjuniorhigh@gmail.com to let us know that you check out the web/blog site. Also, please let us know what you like, don't like, or would like to see added to the site or discussed on it in the coming weeks and months.

Thanks!

Jeff

By the way, this website is now linked from the main Maywood website (www.maywoodfreechurch.org) under the "ministries" section.

Leader Spotlight: Matt

2007-04-07T11:48:00.000-05:00

What city or town do you live in? Byron, Illinois

Tell us about your family. In addition to my mom and dad, I have a brother and a sister

Occupation? Full time student at Northern Illinois University

How long have you been working in the Junior High ministry? About three years

What was Junior High like for you? It was a lot of fun, we did a lot of great stuff

As a leader, what has been your favorite event or activity? Definitely the bike trip

Favorite book? Letters to Phillip

Favorite movie? Gladiator

What CD is in your CD player right now? Johnny Cash

Favorite food? Cheesy potatoes

What do you in your free time? Sleep

What has God been teaching you lately? To trust Him more

What do you hope that the Junior Highers will learn from you? You don't have to be boring to be a Christian.

The pets of my past

2007-04-03T21:55:00.000-05:00

As I saw the possible names for Ilona's kitten, it reminded me of some of the names that I have given to my pets over the years. I grew up in the country so we had a lot of cats. Every spring new kittens would be born and my brothers and I had to pick names out for them. We often named them after movie and video game characters. We named one kitty, Indy, which was short for Indiana Jones. We named another one, Ryu, after a ninja in the video game Ninja Gaiden. Throughout the years we must of had over 30 cats, but I can't remember all of their names anymore. It actually got to the point that we couldn't come up with names anymore so I actually named one of our cats, Kitty.

As for dogs, I only had 3 of them growing up. The first one's name was Winston, but we had to get rid of him because he had grown jealous of the attention that my younger bother and I were getting. He displayed his jealousy by destroying the rugs. The second dog we had was named Jenean, but she only stayed for a few weeks. We were so sad to see her go that my parents bought my brothers and I a toy.

The third dog, however, was the greatest dog in the world. Her name was Lucky, she was a border collie, and we loved her. We found her as a stray or rather she found us. It was as if God had brought her. While there are many stories I could tell about her, I will save them for later. All I can say is that she was the greatest and I still miss her when I think about her.

That's all I have for now. Get your homework done so you won't miss youth group!

God Bless,
Pastor Rick

Marching Orders

2007-04-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

After this past week, I am sure that many of your families have been talking about Pastor Scott leaving. I was very surprised when I heard the news. I’ll admit that I hate to see him and his family go; but I know that he must. You see, the longer I follow Jesus and the more I study the Bible, the more that I realize that we are not to focus on our own plans anymore as Christians trying to obey Jesus. We need to pay attention to God’s plans for us and not our own. I have also come to understand why the Apostle Paul compared following Jesus to being a soldier when he said “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). You see, Pastor Scott received his “marching orders” from his Commanding Officer, Jesus; and he has to obey his orders. If he didn’t, it would be like a U.S. Marine getting his assignment to go to Iraq and instead of going as ordered, he stayed back and said “I like it just fine right here”. He wouldn’t be a good soldier would he?
I’ll admit that things will be different with Pastor Scott and his family gone. But, I know that just as God has directed them someplace else, He is not going to forget about Maywood and have us “fend for ourselves”. God is in control, and I trust that however things at Maywood change, it will be a church that still focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible, and prayer. Honestly, I am actually excited to see how God is going to be working in Pastor Scott’s life in this and how God will be working at Maywood throughout this. Hang on…because it is going to be an awesome ride!

Jeff

Greetings from London!!!

2007-03-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

Hey, guys! It was great to hear from you a couple of weeks ago... thanks for the giant card!! I loved it! I have it hanging on my wall in my dorm. My semester is going really well! So far I've traveled to Ireland, Paris, and Northern England as well as a few day trips here and there to castles and places like Stonehenge. I have one more trip planned to Granada, Spain to visit Brooks' brother, Travis. Hope you guys are having a great time back home! I will see you in just over a month!

(This picture of Matt and I was taken in Trafalgar Square, London)

]

Pastor Rick is on the Blog!

2007-03-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

Hi guys!

Welcome to the Quest Blogspot!

I was wondering if you guys remembered who got the top score at Laser Quest a couple weeks ago.

If I remember right, it was over 1300 points.

Whoever is the first to tell me gets a candy bar!

See ya later!

Pastor Rick

Mother's Day 2007

2007-03-24T16:52:00.000-05:00

Even though it is still only March, Mother's Day will be here soon. If you are an eighth grader, you probably remember the special breakfast and sharing time we had last year during Sunday school. Well, we are going to be doing it again this year. So, over the next few weeks we will start asking all of the junior highers to share some stuff about their moms in preparation for a video that we will be putting together. One thing that we will be needing from you: a picture of you and your mom when you were a baby. Starting on Wednesday, Jeff will have his computer/scanner set up before Quest to scan the pictures (for the video project). He will also plan a Sunday morning to do it also for those of you who can't make it on Wednesdays. So- start looking for those pictures to bring NEXT Wednesday! We hope to make this an even more special Mother's Day Sunday school than the one last year.

Naming the cat: Update

2007-03-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

Well, many of you have submitted potential names for Ilona's cat without an identity. The name ideas sent are: Pockets, Smokey, Misty, Tucker, Alexandra, Precious, Butch, Ashes, Butterfinger, Skipperdee, Snickers, Brownie, and Cutie. It is up to Ilona now whether she wants to use one of these names for the unnamed cat. Watch for more updates online, in Sunday school, or on Wednesday night!

Help! I need a name

2007-03-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Here's the problem. Ilona adopted a new cat over two weeks ago and she still doesn't have a name (poor kitty). So, the contest this week- help name the cat. Please send any ideas to questjuniorhigh@gmail.com. If one of the names is chosen, the winner will get a decent prize. So please help give this little cat an identity. Deadline for ideas is Friday at midnight.

Leader Spotlight: Danielle

2007-03-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

Every few weeks or month we will be highlighting a different Junior High leader to help you get to know them better. This month we will start with Danielle.

What city/town do you live in? Rockford

Tell us about your family. My husband Jeff, who also works with the Junior Highers and is studying for his Master's Degree. We have three little kitties; Simeon, Maggie, and Tilly, and a dog named Sadie.

What is your occupation? I work in the church office as the youth ministries secretary and also answering phones.

How long have you been working with the Junior High ministry? About five years.

What was Junior High like for you? I spent most of the time watching the other kids have fun. I was the "ring leader" my own little group, but I was pretty much too afraid to do anything that seemed fun.

As a leader, what has been your favorite Junior High activity? Snow camp, definitely.

Favorite book: I've read so many so this is really a tough question. The last book I really liked was A Woman's Place about four women who go to work in a factory during World War II, and how that challenged society's views of where woman belonged.

Favorite movie(s): James Bond Casino Royale, Amazing Grace, and Pirates of the Caribbean

CD in your CD player right now: Julieta Venegas Limon y Sal

Favorite food(s): Empanadas, Kapusta, and home-made pizza

What do you like to do in your free time? Study Spanish and go shopping.

What has God been teaching you lately? To trust Him with the future while seeking Him today.

What do you hope that the Junior Highers will learn from you? Following Jesus is not boring and can be a lot of fun, and that your choices will shape who you will become.

And the winners are...

2007-03-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

Here are the winners of the Bible trivia for this week:

1. Josh
2. Bryce
3. Johanna

I'll have the prizes tomorrow night. For those who didn't win (or try), we'll be having plenty of contests on the site, so just keep watching.

Amazing Grace Movie

2007-03-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

During this morning's church service, Pastor Steve talked a little about the background to the old hymn Amazing Grace. Did you know that there is a movie called Amazing Grace playing at the Colonial Village movie theaters right now about the same thing? It is an awesome movie about William Wilberforce who helped end slavery in England back in the late 1700's. It really shows how God can work through the lives of people to make a difference. I think that the movie will only be there through this Thursday, so maybe if you haven't already, maybe you and your family can go see it this week. If you do, I really want to hear what your comments about it.

Basketball team takes 3rd place

2007-03-11T14:09:00.000-05:00

The Junior High basketball team finished their season on Saturday and walked away with a third place trophy. Way to go everyone! Danielle and I had a great time cheering the team on yesteday. Here are a couple of pictures from the game.

Jeff

Trivia Contest

2007-03-11T07:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, here is our first contest. The first three people to email questjuniorhigh@gmail.com with the correct answers will receive some sort of prize on Wednesday night.

1. Think back to the Wednesday night series a couple months back. Who was the left-handed judge we talked about?

2. What does the Greek verb from which we get the word "baptize" mean?

3. Which two gospels tell us the account of Jesus' birth?

Be one of the first three to email me with all of the correct answers and you will get a prize on Wednesday (or next Sunday if you can't come on Wednesday)

Quest is on the Web!

2007-03-09T18:20:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the brand new Quest website. We want this website to be a valuable tool for you- the Junior High student. On this website you will find important information about upcoming events, teaching topics, thoughts from the Junior High leaders, and just some fun stuff. Check back often and let us know what you think by emailing us at questjuniorhigh@gmail.com.

Junior High March Activity: LaserQuest

2007-03-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to sign up for Laser Quest on Saturday, March 17th.
We will be meeting at church at 3:30 and will return at 8:30PM.
For 15 bucks you will get to play 4 games!
Space is limited, so go to the church office or bring your money and permission slip to church on Sunday. You must pay when you sign up to be guaranteed a spot. Don't forget to ask your friends!