@RelevantIgnite: light wildfires of real love

"Do you want to be made well?"

2011-07-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, IGNITE started a three-week series on the pain and struggles we experience in life. This first gathering focused on how God cares about our "deal." We zeroed in on John 5:1-15. In this passage, Jesus heals a man who had been unable to walk for nearly four decades.

The middle schoolers discussed how Jesus offers freedom from our pain, but he also delivers a challenge to abandon bad habits that can ensnare us. Jesus offers security, identity, love, and healing for our wounds. But he also calls us to let go of bitterness, anger, laziness, selfishness, hatred, jealousy, and any sense of entitlement. Healing and life transformation is possible, if we want to be made well.

Next week, we'll look at the source of healing and Christ's heart for other people. We're approaching these topics from an age-appropriate perspective, realizing that while many junior highers haven't experience much emotional pain yet, others have either because of their own choices, other people's abusive actions, or painful circumstances beyond their control.

I encourage you to maintain a consistent, healthy dialogue with your teenager during this series, especially if you know that your child is struggling with emotional pain right now. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

What was the big thing that stood out to you from this week's small group lesson, and why?

What are some things that happen to people that can cause emotional pain?

Do you feel like there's anything in your life that's causing pain? How do you think God might want to help you in that area?

Current Events"
Wednesday, 7/27 - Middle School Bowling/Laser Tag - Terrace Sports - 6pm to 9pm - FREE
Sunday, 7/31 - Family Pastor Meet-n-Greet (come say hi after each service!)
Sunday, 8/6 - Ignite Tail-gate Party and Ray's game - $10 per student

Postscript:
"As some of you know, Libby and I are adopting another child. God has allowed us to complete several steps in the process, over the last 3 months. Since, we're adopting internationally (and need to pay some large fees very soon), I'm taking a sabbatical from the youth leadership team in order to earn the additional money needed. I'm so thankful for God's timing and providence in bringing Pastor Darren to the students in this time of transition. BIG things are in store of the students of Relevant Ignite! Thanks for your prayers and support. See you Sunday, Jeremy."

Ask, Seek, Knock

2011-07-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, we wrapped up their series examining the big changes teenagers experience during the junior high years. In this final lesson, we talked about spiritual changes, using Ephesians 4:14-15.

As followers of Jesus, our faith needs to go through transition and change so we can experience everything God has for us. When you were a baby, you only drank milk. Can you imagine only drinking milk as an adult? You would miss out on so many delicious and nutritious things the food world has to offer. It's similar with our faith-the faith we have as "babies" is nothing compared to what we can experience if we choose to know God on a deeper level.

As spiritual change begins to take place, it is important for teenagers to remember that it can be a little scary and maybe even confusing at times. There are some things they have been taught to believe-and now they feel the desire to question why they believe it. That can be a confusing thing. But learning to ask questions and continuing to move forward in faith is a healthy part of spiritual growth and it will ultimately help young people know God on a deeper, more personal level.

I'd encourage you to find a few minutes to talk with your teenager this week about our lesson. You might consider asking some of these questions to fuel the dialogue:

Why do you think many people feel scared to ask questions or express doubts about their faith in Jesus?

The Bible clearly tells us that God's love for us never changes, so how do you think God feels when you have questions or doubts?

What do you think it means to have genuine faith? What does that look like?

Big things are ahead for the youth at Relevant!!! Be sure to follow @RelevantIgnite on Twitter!

Have a great week. See you Sunday!

Running Hot and Cold

2011-07-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at Youth Ignition Live, we continued our CHANGES series looking at the big changes teenagers experience in junior high. We focused on the emotional changes that accompany this season of life.

Using Hebrews 4:14-16 as our foundation, we saw how it's important that students understand that nothing they are beginning to experience is unknown to God. Not only did God create us to be emotional humans, but he also walked in our shoes as a human-when Jesus, God the Son, came down to this earth. God has felt the same things that we feel.

As this passage from Hebrews reminds us, Jesus can relate to our struggles. Because of God's grace and mercy, teenagers can navigate this area of change with confidence. They don't have to be ashamed of their emotional changes, and they can ask God for help in finding a healthy way to express and handle those emotions.

Here are some questions you might want to use in a conversation with your teenager about this week's lesson:

How often do you wonder WHY you feel the way you feel? What kinds of answers do you come up with?

Is it weird to think that Jesus experienced the crazy emotions you feel? What is the strangest emotion that you can picture Jesus feeling-especially when he was a teenager?

When you respond to something while feeling a certain emotion, what effect might that have on the people around you?

Thanks for your continued prayers for the youth of Relevant. Have a great week!

Made Awkwardly Perfect

2011-07-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Youth Ignition Live began a three-week series on the changes all junior high students experience. In this first lesson, we tackled the potentially most embarrassing of topics: physical changes.

Using Psalm 139:13-16, we talked about how God values our students as people with purpose. As our teenagers go through this intense process of puberty and physical change, God deeply loves the person they see in the mirror. God's love remains constant no matter what changes are taking places on the inside or outside of their bodies. God's love is individual, intentional, and intimate.

The passage from Psalm 139 shows us that God put us together with a very intentional purpose. God designed every part of our physical being. God loves us as we are because we are exactly what he wants us to be. God saw us from the very beginning and has loved us since that moment. He knows every part of us and created a plan for us.

I'd encourage you to talk with your teenager about this week's lesson. Here are some questions you might want to incorporate:

How do you feel knowing that God-creator of the universe-made you?

What are some of the physical changes that might take place during your junior high "season" of life? Are there any changes you're really looking forward to-and any that you're really dreading?

Why is it important for you and your friends to have grace for one another knowing that you are all going through some sort of physical change? What might happen if you aren't graceful?

See you Sunday for more CHANGES!

Tattoo On Your Heart

2011-06-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at Youth Ignition Live, we wrapped up our series on The Text by looking at the rewards of committing Scripture to heart.

We focused on Psalm 119:9-16, a passage that offers a direct invitation and challenge to teenagers: If you want to lead a pure, healthy, successful life, then obey God's teachings and commandments. This passage highlights several benefits of knowing, memorizing, and obeying the Bible.

Memorizing Scripture isn't about doing a religious task, and it isn't about acquiring head-knowledge. It's about letting the Bible become an essential part of who we are. When we challenge ourselves to memorize verses, those verses become part of the way we think about life and the way we respond to the stuff that happens in our lives and in the lives of others who need these words of life.

When you find time this week, have a conversation with your middle-schooler about memorizing verses from the Bible. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

How might memorizing verses from the Bible help you in everyday situations?

If we didn't have the Bible, how would we learn about God and his desires for our lives? Would that even be possible?

How can you be reminded of your friendship with God by memorizing Scripture?

You also might want to consider ways to make Text Memory a family event. This can help everyone in the family grow in their faith together. Have fun and we'll see you Sunday for our new series: CHANGES!

Tomorrow Night!
Dear 90's Family Fun Event...
Bowling/Laser Tag
Wed. June 29, 6pm – 10pm
Terrace Sports (ph#988-1127) 5311 E. Busch Blvd, Temple Terrace
Unlimited Bowling $5 per person and unlimited Laser Tag $5 per person!
Please RSVP total # of adults and children attending to tammie@relevantchurch.com

Finding Treasure

2011-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Youth Ignition Live continued its series on The Text by focusing on practical ideas for navigating the Bible and discovering the what's important in life. Whether we're cracking open the family Bible or tapping on the YouVersion.com app, we can discover life-transforming truth if we open our eyes.

The Bible is filled with wisdom, knowledge, love, hope, comfort, and promises from God. But if we're honest, the Bible sometimes can feel a little intimidating. It's a big book. Its original audience lived thousands of years ago. It was originally written in other languages in another part of the world, and parts of it can be really difficult to wrap our heads around.

Jesus gave us a great promise: The Holy Spirit will help us understand what God is saying to us and will guide us into truth (John 14:17; 16:13). Using Proverbs 2:1-6, our students discovered that to understand God's Word, we need to read it, talk to other people about it, ask God for help in understanding it, and then live out the story it tells us.

Here are some questions that could help you as you talk with your middle schooler about this week's lesson:

Which parts of the Bible do you find easiest to read, and why? Which parts are most difficult to read, and why?

What's one thing you've learned recently from a friend about the Bible or about being a follower of Jesus?

Why is it important to apply what we read and learn in the Bible?

I pray that you and your family have an amazing week following Jesus together.

Don't Forget:
Dear 90's Family Fun Event...
Bowling/Laser Tag
Wed. June 29, 6pm – 10pm
Terrace Sports (ph#988-1127) 5311 E. Busch Blvd, Temple Terrace
Unlimited Bowling $5 per person and unlimited Laser Tag $5 per person!
Please RSVP total # of adults and children attending to tammie@relevantchurch.com

See you Sunday!

Words Can Spark Life

2011-06-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at Youth Ignition Live, we launched a three-week series called "The Text." This week, we touched on the bricks which form the foundation for understanding the Bible.

We focused on 2 Timothy 3:14-17, which encourages us to recognize and remember that the Bible is the living conversation between God and humanity. It's the love letter from our creator that helps us form our values and prepares us for life.

The message in these verses isn't too difficult to understand, but it can be challenging to build our lives on its truth. These verses paint an accurate picture of what The Text is and why we ought to embrace it. Do we turn to the Bible as more than a reference manual or rule book? Do we believe that the Bible shows us clearly how to follow Jesus?

I'd encourage you to spend time talking with your middle schooler about this week's lesson. Here are some questions that might help open the conversation:

If you could sit with God over lunch, what would you ask?

What would you like to know about God?

What does reading the Bible have to do with following Jesus?

How might life be different if we trusted God's promises more?

Thanks for all your prayers for the young people of Relevant. Thank you for being loving parents!

We'll see you Sunday!

Camp Gilead! Bowling & Laser Tag! What's next? The Text!

2011-06-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was amazing at Relevant! 33 people followed Jesus in baptism, including kids and students! It was an incredible celebration. :)

We're wrapping up the final list for Camp Gilead for students in 6th through 8th grade. This camp rocks and if your young person is in town July 10th - 15th, you'll really want them at this camp where they can be inspired to follow Jesus more deeply, in the company of new and old friends. Email LesLee to register TODAY. More details can be found here...it's filling up fast!

In honor of the upcoming "Dear 90's" series at Relevant, we're having an all-church Bowling & Laser Tag night on Wed. June 29th! Should be rad. Bring the whole fam & friends!

This Sunday, Youth Ignition Live will kick off our new series "The Text" for 5th through 8th graders. It's going to be a revolutionary look at what the Bible means in the day to day lives of our young people. Be there at 10 a.m. to catch every bit of this exciting and meaningful gathering for middle schoolers.

Have a great week as you walk out your audacious faith with your family...including those newly welcomed through baptism!

See you Sunday.

Where is God when family drama gets way intense?

2011-05-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at Youth Ignition Live our middle schoolers wrapped up the "Family Drama" series by talking about the challenges surrounding divorce. Our goal was to help students learn how they might reflect the light of Jesus to those caught up in the intense pain spinning out of divorce...and how they can experience God's strength if that pain hits close to home.

We focused on Isaiah 43:1-2, two verses that remind us that no matter what happens to us, God will protect us. The picture painted in this passage echoes moments from Israel's history highlighting God's resilient protection. In our weakest moments, when nothing in the world makes sense and we feel let down by even our closest family members, we are reminded of God parting the waters of the Red Sea and God protecting Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. God is present when we feel oppression of every kind. God's Spirit is present with transforming love and real protection.

Here are some questions you might want to use when talking with your teenager about this week's lesson:

How might a follower of Jesus react differently to difficult situations compared to someone who doesn't have a friendship with Jesus?

What are some unhealthy ways teenagers try to deal with their pain? What might be some better, healthier ways to deal with pain?

What are some specific ways God might use friends, trusted adults, and family members to heal pain, hurts, and wounds in your life?

Blessings to you and your family. See you Sunday for Baptism @ Relevant!

P.S. Don't forget to see us about locking in your young person's registration for Summer Camp!

Gotta Obey Somebody

2011-05-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Youth Ignition Live continued the "Family Drama" series by talking about ways teenagers can get along better with their parents. This week's key verse was Proverbs 15:5, which teaches that we gain wisdom through correction and discipline. This discipline sets us on the road to becoming a disciple. This is the gateway question to following Jesus: Will we choose our own will or God's will? The answer to that question begins with the relationship we have to our parents and the rules they set.

Boundaries may appear to young teenagers as hard-headed attempts to crush individuality, limit pleasure, and stifle fun, but boundaries are a gift; not only because they keep us safe, but also because they can set us on a path of sacrifice instead of selfishness. Rules are instructions for how to submit to an authority that is larger than our own. In fact, we can identify with Jesus by submitting to authority.

We looked at the relationship of love and respect that is formed with our parents when we choose to submit our will to theirs. Instead of choosing rebellion, when we lay down our rights to the guidance of our parents, we are literally growing up in Christ. We can follow Jesus in sacrificing our will and see God's Kingdom come into our family in a transforming way.

Here are some questions you might choose to incorporate in a conversation with your young person about this week's lesson:

If we had zero rules here at home, what would your life look like? Would this be a good thing or a bad thing-and why do you feel the way you do?

Why do you think the Bible promises that "things will go well" and you'll experience a "long life" if you honor your parents?

What do you think is the connection between obeying and honoring parents, and obeying and honoring God?

I'm praying that you and your middle-schooler have a healthy, insightful, beneficial dialogue this week. Thanks for being a part of Relevant!

Brothers & Sisters

2011-05-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

We had a really great time yesterday during our Scavenger Hunt @ Ikea! "Team LesLee" won in a landslide. Check out the Relevant Tampa Facebook Group for photos!

At Youth Ignition Live, we kicked off a three-week series called "Family Drama." This Sunday, we focused on James 3:1-12 and the critical nature of the words we speak and the way we say them. We zeroed in on the brothers and sisters God gave us and how we can daily build them up or tear them down, often thoughtlessly.

The book of James is filled with wisdom that can help us grow into mature, passionate followers of Jesus. One of James' recurring themes is taming the tongue; it's an extension of his broader emphasis on demonstrating our belief through our behavior.

We talked with our middle schoolers about the positive power of the tongue -- we receive encouragement and support from positive words from friends and family members. We encouraged our students to practice God's gift of self-control with their brothers and sisters, particularly in how they react to common conflict.

This week, I encourage you to spend some time talking with your young person about the tongue. Here are some questions you might want to incorporate:

Why does it seem like so many people have challenges getting along with their brothers and sisters?

How have someone else's words encouraged you recently? Why did those words make such a difference?

What would family members, friends, and neighbors think if they saw you speaking more positively or getting along with your brothers or sisters more than you currently do?

Thanks for allowing your teenager to be involved in our small group ministry. Have a fantastic week!

Friendship with Jesus

2011-05-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, we wrapped up our mini series Things Jesus Said. At yesterday's Youth Ignition Live, we examined several of Jesus' "I Am" statements from the New Testament: I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, and I am the Good Shepherd. Each of these images that Jesus uses about himself holds some powerful truth that helps us understand what friendship with Jesus looks like.

When Jesus described himself as the "Bread of Life," he was emphasizing his role as the one who nourishes our souls. God wants us to hunger and thirst for him. Just like physical hunger and thirst, we are satisfied-yet then we want more. As the "Light of the World," Jesus brings illumination into a darkened world. He exposes and reveals sin; he also guides us along our journey of faith. And as the "Good Shepherd," Jesus leads us, protects us, and provides for us just like an earthly shepherd cares for a flock of sheep. Jesus knows the pitfalls and dangers and ahead, so he can help us safely navigate our path.

I'd encourage you to find time this week to talk with your young person about this lesson. Here are some questions that might fuel the dialogue:

How can you know if your friends are spiritually hungry?

Why do you think Jesus called himself the "Light of the World"? What does that say about his role in our world?

Why might we as followers of Jesus need him to be our shepherd? What would that look like in our lives?

Have a great week, and thanks for bringing your middle schooler to Youth Ignition Live!

Don't forget: SCAVENGER HUNT @ IKEA - Sunday 5/15 after 2nd service. Parent pick-up from the church is at 3:30 pm. We'll be eating lunch at Ikea, so please give your young person some lunch money.

Things Jesus Said

2011-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Youth Ignition Live began a two-week look at the words that Jesus spoke, before His death and resurrection. This Sunday, we focused on three chunks of Scripture from Matthew 5 which have particular relevance to teenagers: valuing other people, becoming a trustworthy person, and choosing to love others.

God wants us to use our words to build others up, he wants us to be people who are dependable and believable, and he wants us to have a genuine love for both our friends and our enemies.

We emphasized how we can trust Jesus' words because he proved them with His life, death & resurrection. As we trust, we are led to obey His words in these three areas and, when we do, we lead a life of significance. It's not about fulfilling religious duties or earning God's love or becoming super spiritual. It's about showing our young people how they can grow into young men and women who significantly impact other people because of their deep relationship with and love for Jesus.

Here are some questions you might want to use in conversation with your teenager about this week's topic.

What are some ways teenagers devalue each other? In other words, how do some teenagers use their words and actions to say that some people are less important than others are?

How have your friendships been hurt by dishonesty and distrust? How have your friendships been helped by honesty and trust?

What are some of the possible results of loving your enemies?

Thanks for praying for your young person and for praying for the youth ministry at Relevant Church. This coming Sunday, we will wrap up "Things Jesus Said" and it is going to rock, so please make sure your 5th-8th grader joins us at 10 a.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, 5/7 - Relevant Service Project, 8 a.m.
Sunday, 5/15 - Scavanger Hunt @ Ikea, after 2nd service till 3:30pm
July 10-15 - Summer Camp...registration is $50 ($259 total)

Camp Gilead!

2011-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

We're currently taking registration for this year's summer trip to Camp Gilead! Your young person is invited to join us July 10th - 15th for a fun and exciting time of games, waterfront activites and great speakers (including our own Paul Wirth).

If you register by April 30th, there is a $35 discount. To register online, visit Camp Gilead.

We have registration forms at Youth Ignition Live, during the 10 a.m. service at Relevant. Cost is $259 with $50 due at registration. It's going to be a worthwhile experience for our 6th - 8th graders. If you are at all interested, please let me know.

This Sunday, Relevant Church continues the BE AUDACIOUS series while Youth Igntion will kick off a mini-series called "Things Jesus Said". Please, make sure your 5th - 9th grader is there at 10 a.m. to join us for this really fun series.

On Sunday afternoon 5/15, the youth will be heading over to Ikea for a scavenger hunt. We'll have flyers with more details this Sunday.

Have a great week!

Good Friday Lock-in!

2011-04-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, your young person and their friends are are invited to a fun-filled lock-in at Relevant this Friday from 7pm to 11pm! We'll have food, games and top-secret craziness as we gather together and celebrate the community of love that Christ's sacrifice created. Please, email LesLee@relevantchurch.com to RSVP.

This Sunday, Relevant Church kicks off the BE AUDACIOUS series with 3 service times, 8:45 a.m. / 10 a.m. / 11:15 a.m.

During the 10 a.m. service, Youth Ignition Live will gather to see the Big Picture of the Resurrection. See ya' Sunday!

How To Be Dangerous

2011-04-15T08:19:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, the students at Youth Ignition Live will be wrapping up our series "Dangerous People" by looking at the faith of Peter, an early Jesus Follower. Peter saw first-hand miracles while walking around with Jesus.

In Matthew 14, we read how Peter boldly obeyed Jesus invitation' to climb out of the boat in the middle of a storm...and walk on water. Peter was willing to take an audacious step of faith and that step onto the waves transformed him from an innocent bystander into a dangerous participant. God wants us to know and see Him and His power first-hand. We experience this by taking audacious steps of faith.

Faith is belief that leads to action. Peter knew that Jesus was the long-promised Lord and Savior, but it was his faith that motivated him to climb out of the boat and trust his whole life to Jesus' promise. Many of our young people already believe that Jesus is their Savior and they have chosen to follow him as Lord. Our focus this week is to challenge tht 5th - 8th graders of Relevant to put thier faith into action, by obeying God even when it seems impossible.

Here are some questions you could use to fuel conversation with your young person this week:

Why do you think only Peter left the boat and walked on water? Why didn't the others join him?

How would define faith in your every-day life?

Why is it important to focus our attention on Jesus when we are in the middle of a rough situation...or when we take audacious steps of faith?

What is one action that you believe God is asking you to take right now? Are you willing to obey, or do you need extra courage from Jesus?

Thank you for you prayers for the students, our youth ministry and Relevant Church as a whole! See you Sunday.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 4/22 - Youth Lock-in @ Relevant, 7pm to 11pm
July 10-15 - Summer Camp...registration is $50 ($259 total)

Is love just a feeling?

2011-03-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Youth Ignition Live is finishing up our "Better Together" series by focusing on the "glue" of a healthy church: love. If we're committed to becoming a "body" and a "family" with deep, authentic friendships, we need love of another kind.

Love is more than just an emotion or a concept. It is primarily an action, and Jesus commands his followers in John 13 to love one another. Jesus also tells us that pre-Christians will know that we are Jesus' followers if we truly love one another.

Love holds us together: it binds, unifies, and strengthens us. We become more real and more effective because of love. We become more like Jesus because of love. We have an impact on our world because of love. All of this love, comes from God our Father.

This coming week, find a few minutes to talk with your young person about God's love and how Jesus followers ought to love one another. Here are some questions that can fuel your conversation:

•Do you think there's a difference between the God-love and People-love?

•Jesus said, "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." How would you describe or explain the kind of love Jesus has for his followers?

•How can love lead people to Jesus?

Blessings!

"We'll last so long...if Jesus is between us."

2011-03-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we had a really great time with the students at Frappuccino Funanza! Everyone had some really great ideas for how to make this year an awesome and effective one. Stay tuned...

At Youth Ignition Live, we kicked off a new series called "Better Together". Our big theme is that we as followers of Jesus need a community of other followers, forming a place to grow and dream together, fulfilling God's plans and purposes. So, we kicked things off talking about friendship and authenticity. We looked at how can be real before God and real before each other.

This Sunday, we're going to check out how the "church" is really a body and a family. Most of us battle one of two tendencies: we either see ourselves as better than we are, or we see ourselves as less significant than we are (i.e. the son who stayed vs. the prodigal son.) It's vital that we grasp Paul's message in Romans 12:3 and get real with ourselves, sober up. We are all loved and valued by God our father, and so it is imperative that we see one another as loved and valued, as well.

So, where do we fit into this "body of Christ" or this "family of God"; this puzzle, this team? Can we help one another find their role too? Your young person might just be starting to discover how they are uniquely created. I encourage you to find an opportunity this week to talk with your middle-schooler about how they see church. Here are some conversation starters...

How does it make you feel to know that through Jesus, we experience adoption into God's family?

What do you think might be your "special role" within Youth Ignition or at Relevant?

How do you see God working through you at school or with your friends?

What do you think about Jesus teaching that the first will be last and the last will be first?

Thank you for praying and encouraging your young person and the gatherings of Relevant Youth Ignition. See you Sunday!

Breathing in the Spirit

2011-03-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, Youth Ignition Live wrapped up our "Who is God?" series with a fun look at the Holy Spirit and how we are empowered to follow Jesus and trust the Father because of the presence of the Spirit in our lives.

After Jesus returned to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit, and this reveals how God genuinely wants the best for us. God knows we need help to live truly meaningful, significant, impacting lives. We receive this help through God the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.

Giving us the Holy Spirit also shows that God wants a close relationship with us because of his incredible love for us. God sends his Spirit so that we can remain in constant communion with him until we arrive in heaven. The Holy Spirit allows us to be connected to God at all times and to understand God's incredible plan for our lives.

Our students examined what it means to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit on what's right and what's wrong, to gain wisdom for smart living, and to make a difference in their world.

This Sunday, we'll begin a new series called "Better Together". Right after the 10am service, we'll kick off our Frappuccino Funanza with a pizza party in the youth room...then we're inviting your young person to join us on a trip to Starbucks in the Westshore Mall. We'll be hearing ideas and making plans for what Relevant Youth Ignition will do throughout 2011 -- over some Frappuccinos, of course! The cost is $10 and we are asking you to pick up your young person at 2pm from Starbucks in the Westshore Mall.

See you Sunday!

God, walking around...

2011-03-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, youth ignition live continued its exploration into who God is, with a focus on Jesus -- God the Son.

The Bible shows us that Jesus was completely God and completely human too. He lived a perfect, sinless life; obeying God the Father. Jesus performed incredible miracles like multiplying food, raising the dead and healing the sick. But the greatest demonstration was his victory over death: his resurrection from the dead.

Jesus experienced human emotions and pain. He felt loss and cried when his good friend Lazarus died. Jesus felt compassion for the crowds of hurting people. When Jesus was crucified, he bled and felt physical pain at levels we can only imagine.

This means that as God the Son, Jesus is powerful enough to save us completely from the sin that traps our lives. As someone who was fully human, Jesus understands what we go through on a daily basis.

This week, as you take time to talk with your young person about this lesson, you might want to use some of these questions to get the conversation flowing...

What do you think Jesus was like as a teenager?

How difficult is it for you to practice humility like Jesus did?

What are some things that keep us from being humble?

What are some reasons we don't share news about Jesus with others?

Have a great week!

Who is God?

2011-02-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

This week, youth ignition live jumped into an exciting new mini-series examining the topic of who God is. This past Sunday focused on God the Father, and we saw how he loves us, hears our prayers, and provides for our needs.

God does not provide out of obligation or guilt or manipulation. God provides because of a deep, unconditional, perfect love for us. We encouraged our middle-schoolers to remember all the big and small ways God has provided for them...because the more aware, the more thankful we become; and the more we nurture our love for God.

Please, take a few minutes this week to talk with your young person about this week's lesson. Here are some questions that might help spark a conversation:

How has God met your needs and provided for you, in both big and small ways?

Have you ever thought God didn't hear your prayer? What does that experience feel like?

What's the difference between asking God for the things you need and the things you want?

See ya' Sunday!

The Big Fix

2011-01-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

We had such great weekend with the students! Our final (for now) lock-in wrapped up nearly all the main work on the new youth room. Winterjam was a blast too! Thanks for letting your young person join us.

This morning at YOUTH IGNITION LIVE, we picked up the "God's Big Story" with the question: How exactly can this broken world be fixed? We focused in on Romans 6:23 as the remedy.

When we talk about God "fixing" the world, we're really talking bout God's plan to buy back all of creation from the slavery of sin. This is the incredible reality we want your young person to grasp onto: that which is broken can now be fixed and restored through Jesus.

The other key theme from this morning was that this is a gift, not something that can be done individually or collectively through our actions or beliefs. Redemption is the gift of God: his son, his spirit and his friendship.

But, sometimes we fail to see value in the gifts we are given. So, we take those lesser-valued gifts (pretending to really, really like them) and we either put them in a drawer, never to be seen again, or we "re-gift" them to another poor soul. We never really choose to "receive" gifts that we don't value.

So, let's pray that this week all of us can not only see the broken areas of our world and our hearts; but that we will also have our hearts, hands and heads open to the real value of this forgiving friendship that God offers us.

In your conversations this week with your young person, here are some discussion starters...

How has Jesus fixed problems or challenges in your life?

How do choose to receive God's gift of friendship through Jesus?

What do you think it means to be God's masterpiece?

Have a wonderful week!

Grand Opening Sunday

2011-01-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

Don't miss this Sunday! Bring a friend.

During the 10:00 a.m. service, YOUTH IGNITION LIVE will continue to explore "God's Big Story". This week, we'll focus in on the characters of Adam and Eve and choices they made in the Garden of Eden. We'll examine out those choices led to a perfect world becoming broken.

Then we'll turn our attention to God's perfect love and the freedom to make choices that his love grants us. Sinful choices are at the root of all the pain, trouble, and hardships in this world; but sometimes, we don't realize the effects our choices have. This week we'll look at their scope.

Here are some follow-up questions for you and your young person to discuss...

What do you think it would be like to be perfect and sinless?

Why do you think God gave us the ability to choose to love him, or not?

What are some ways our choices effect the lives of other people?

Hope to see you Sunday!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lock-in @ the new youth room #2... Friday, January 7th - 6 p.m.

Lock-in @ the new youth room #3... Friday, January 14th - 6 p.m.

Winterjam.. Saturday, January 15th - $10

R.S.V.P. for these events with LesLee@relevantchurch.com

God is the main character in this story we call Life.

2010-12-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, we kick off YOUTH IGNITION LIVE for 2011 with a brand new series called "God's Big Story". The next 4 weeks will give students a big-picture view of God's story as well as a healthy understanding for where they fit into his creation.

In the this first week, we're looking at Genesis 1 & 2 and listening to how God sung the world into shape - from darkness to light to water to night to fish to beasts to us. This world is broken, but God didn't create it that way. He created a world that was truly GOOD. It's important for teenagers (and for adults) to remember how God meant things to be.

This week, please engage your young person in conversation over some questions like these:

What was the main idea that stuck with you from youth this week? Why?

Is there particular way you see God reflected in your own life?

How does being made in God's image shape the way you treat other people?

Thank you for your trust and partnership as together we encourage students to be Jesus-followers!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lock-in @ the new youth room #2... Friday, January 7th - 6 p.m.

Lock-in @ the new youth room #3... Friday, January 14th - 6 p.m.

Winterjam.. Saturday, January 15th - Meet @ Relevant, 5 p.m. ($10)

Parent Lunch @ Relevant Church... Sunday, January 15th - Stay after the 11:15 a.m. service to meet the youth leader team and discover what's in store for 2011

R.S.V.P. for these events with LesLee@relevantchurch.com

From Boring Beige to Rockin' Room!

2010-12-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the team leaders @ relevant youth ignition!

Your student is invited to bring themselves, a bff and their creativity to one - or all - of our Youth Room Lock-in's!

We will provide the food, paints and fun. Just bring some 'paint clothes' that can get pretty messed up, plus a change of clothes for when the "work" is done.

Each Lock-in is from 6pm to Midnight at the new building.

Choose your adventure!

Tuesday, 12/28
Friday, 1/7
Friday, 1/14

Eustress vs. Distress

2010-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

This Sunday marked the soft-launch at the new Relevant building! Our 5th - 8th grade students dreamed up what their new growth group home should look like, and the journey is now underway. Look out for series of youth lock-in dates when the students will gather to build up and enjoy their new digs.

We're now into the thick of our youth HOLIDAY MADNESS series. We're looking at the stressful changes that took place in Abraham's life as he built a lasting friendship with God.

Thanks for taking some time this week to talk with your student about the pressures present in their life. Your listening ear during this crazy, busy month might be the most important gift they don't have on their wish list. Would you share with your student a stressful moment in your life that God used to make your faith stronger?

Many blessings. See you Sunday!

Part of the Problem or of the Solution?

2010-07-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

All families experience pain. The source of the pain may vary (divorce, death, drugs, abandonment, financial problems, etc.); however, God has a very clear roadmap for helping us deal with these issues. This series is designed to help students discover the importance of drawing near to God, discovering his plan for their lives, and never giving up.

Last Sunday, students were challenged to be a positive influence on the family God has placed them in...and in their broader spiritual-family, as well.

This Sunday, we'll be sharing about words and actions. Can we follow Christ into forgiveness, or is bitterness an automatic reflex?

On August 8th, we'll wrap up HOW TO ANNOY YOUR FAMILY with a celebration of God's grand plan for our students and the world God has sent them into: family, community and beyond.

This series takes place during the 10:15 a.m. gathering. See you on Sunday!

How not to tell people about Jesus.

2010-07-21T20:28:00.001-07:00

a beginning, not an end

2010-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, the students at relevant completed the first half of our series on being a steward and not an owner. They accepted 3 small challenges that God can use to do big things in the spheres of their lives.

TALENT CHALLENGE: Students perform sketches, music, dance & more in a YouTube show together.

TREASURE CHALLENGE: Students take their "stuff" and use it for God's transformation work in the world.

TIME CHALLENGE: Students spend time with 1 person in their sphere who needs to know Jesus' love.

Now, the real fun begins! The next 3 Sunday morning gatherings will be spent rehearsing for the talent show & encouraging one another in their time and treasure challenges. It's a month of focus and you play a huge role as a parent. Continue to encourage your young person and get involved in the opportunities they embrace.

One of the coolest things about these challenges is the absolute need for God to speak and be listened to through prayer. This is an opportunity to create real dialogue with your young person about the experience of prayer and what it can become in their life; moving from asking for stuff to seeing prayer as the stuff of God.

See you Sunday!

Gather Together

2010-05-01T08:34:00.001-07:00

It's quite an exciting time at Relevant, filled with service and sacrifice for one another. Be at the club for us. you. HIM., a celebration of Christ's love in our community's past, present and future!

The students of relevant are in the thick of the T3 CHALLENGE. You can be a part of what God is doing in the lives of our young people by praying for wisdom and passion to be clear and vibrant.

May 2nd
5th through 8th gathers at 10:15... 9th through 12th grade gathers at 11:30...

May 9th
During this Mother's day celebration, all youth will enjoy the main service with parents, family and friends.

May 16h
5th through 8th grade gathers at 10:15... 9th through 12th grade gathers at 11:30...

See you Sunday!

Uncharted Territory

2010-04-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

What would happen if we took the Parable of the Talents literally?

Let's find out...

EASTER2010

2010-04-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, the students of Relevant Church will join their parents in the quest for our God-given ID!

Next Sunday, youth will gather once again in our conference room. We'll wrap up our series PLUGGED IN!

Sunday, April 18th, we'll kick off our next youth series T3!

Let's go!

Next Steps

2010-03-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Today is WORLD WATER DAY, a time to focus on the clean water crisis in countries throughout the world. What's amazing is that God has been drawing all kinds of people to take on this pressing need for wells. The students of Relevant Church have raised enough for 9 people to have clean water for the next 20 years! This is just the beginning of your young person's giving journey. You can join them at http://mycharitywater.org today.

This Sunday is our Beach Baptism at Ft. Desoto Park in St. Pete! So, we will not be meeting at the Italian Club and there will be no youth gatherings, as we'll all be together at 11 a.m. to celebrate our friends taking some next steps in their faith journey. See ya' there!

(art by Andrew Varvel)

It's Not an Individual Thing

2010-03-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

We're in the thick of our PLUGGED IN series, which is all about connecting with God all day, every day. Your son or daughter has been given a 10-minute devotional to take home; but, that little booklet is just meant to be the conversation-starter: with God, with you and with their friends. So, plug in throughout the week with your young person and let's see what Christ has in mind for the whole Relevant family.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand -- shine! Keep open house, be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

POW!

2010-02-19T18:20:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, we're winding down OUTFLOW, our series on sharing Christ's love. We've spent the last few weeks looking at how God connects us to the people who populate our everyday lives. Your young person has looked at the ways Love flows through them into family, friends, peers and even "enemies."

The source of this incredible, active and transforming love has been at the core of these lessons. God's love bubbles up out of our time spent with him.

Beginning February 28th, our relevant student gatherings will dive even deeper into this teaching: How can we stay PLUGGED IN and connected to our source of refreshment, Jesus Christ?

We'll have a new 10-minute devotion journal that ties into the series for your young person to take home with them. As the students tear into some extra time with their creator, won't you stand alongside, encouraging them and cheering them on?

Thanks for charging up the faith, hope and love within your young person. You rock.

"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."

2010-01-23T07:34:00.002-08:00

Jesus' idea of outreach had nothing to do with a program. It didn't have a sales pitch. There wasn't a side order of guilt tossed in.

It was about OUTFLOW...experiencing the joy of God's presence, then reaching out to share his love with others. No sales required. No leading questions. No artificial ingredients of any kind.

Starting tomorrow, your young person will be spending 5 Sunday gatherings connecting with other students and getting energized to let their faith grow and become an OUTFLOW. They'll also bring home a journal with 5 daily readings for each week of this series. Let this be an opportunity to encourage their spiritual journey and connect it with your own.

See ya' Sunday!

"You gave bread from heaven for their hunger, you sent water from the rock for their thirst."

2010-01-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

This week, faced with the loss and devastation in Haiti, we are all looking for ways to Be Involved. This is why relevant church exists. As Paul wrote in his email this morning, "We will be a part of helping in desperate situations." Be there with us on Sunday as we give. Another way you can help is to encourage your young person's giving journey. Our ministry partner CHARITY:WATER is making a massive impact, bringing clean water to those who need it...including those suffering in Haiti. More than anything, pray. Connect with Christ and each other. Pray with your young person. We'll see you on Sunday.

http://mycharitywater.org

2010-01-06T07:09:00.001-08:00

We're in the thick of our first series of 2010: Thirsty! Our hope is that we'll all discover the meaning behind Jesus' promise that if we look to Him, we'll never thirst again. So, we're walking your young person beside the different streams through which people try and refresh their own souls. At the same time, we're diving into God's promise that he will restore us if we listen carefully to His life-giving, life-nourishing words.

This series also kicks off our 2010 giving journey for the students @ relevant. Starting with a three month campaign to raise $5,000, we are working towards bringing clean water to the millions of people who need it throughout the world. Through the organization Charity:Water, we can build clean water wells and show Christ's love in a vital and practical way. For $20, one person can be given clean water for 20 years.

So, you will start to see your young person leaving our youth gathering with a water bottle in hand (complete with a label they designed.) Their plan is to fill that bottle with money, as God allows and through the creative ideas He inspires. Then they'll bring it back to youth and take another. :)

We're going to see just how many clean water wells the youth of relevant can burst open over the next year. It's going to be quite a journey of faith and action. At mycharitywater.org you can follow along, spread the word and help with the effort.

"Guide us to that perfect light."

2009-12-25T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hope you are having a brilliant Christmas!

In John 7, we read...

On the final and climactic day of the feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says."

Beginning Sunday, January 3rd, the students of Relevant will explore Jesus uncanny ability to satisfy us, through a series entitled THIRSTY. We'll also kick off a year-long mission to bring clean water to those without.

On Wed. Dec 30th, we'd like to do an all-youth ice skating day. Are you in? Hit the email link to the right. Details to follow on Sunday.

Many Christmas blessings!

"Anticipation..."

2009-12-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

Week 3 of the "Miracle on 7th Ave" continues this Sunday!

We've had an exciting couple of weeks at our youth gatherings. It's awesome to see God forming friendships and faith journeys right before our eyes... This Sunday, we'll dive head-first into how we can experience Christmas anew through the "Advent Conspiracy"!

The next two Sundays, we'll have a fun and fresh look at how students can celebrate the Savior's birth in a way that totally goes against every grain in our consumer culture. It's going to provide you with some very dynamic moments of conversation with your young person. Take advantage of these opportunities God presents to dialogue with your son or daughter about how different the Kingdom of God is from the world we live in day to day.

Merry Christmas...it's all happening. Can you feel it?

See ya' Sunday!

"...on 7th Ave"

2009-12-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

December is here, and with it, the advent of God's goodness and love. @relevant this month, we'll be connecting with Christ and our community in a fresh way. The series "Miracle on 7th Ave" kicks off this week. Carl's "Christmas on 7th Ave" arrives to give your season the proper soundtrack. & the "Windows on 7th Ave" are turning decidedly festive for Ybor City!

For your young person, we'll be gathering around an Advent Conspiracy...filled with missions of faith, hope and love. This Sunday, we'll share the joyous reality that Jesus can do anything. Next Sunday, Dec. 13th, we'll party around some creative projects of generosity @ out TOMS Shoes Party; where students will create objects of joy meant for communities near and far. Then the plot thickens on Dec. 20th & 27th as the students of relevant take on two challenging questions as they follow this newborn messiah into the world.

See ya' Sunday!

Happy Thanksgiving! Mark Your Calendar!

2009-11-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

We hope you're having a memorable weekend filled with gratitude and joy. As we move into the season of celebrating Jesus' birth and purpose, here are some important dates for the students at relevant. We'll be winding down the "Scary, Gross & Weird" series and kicking off our "Advent Conspiracy" series with the TOMS Shoes Party (now scheduled for Dec. 13th.)

Sunday, Nov. 29th
9am - all students in main service
10:15am - 5th through 8th grade (Jonah Swallowed by a Whale!)
11:30am - 9th through 12th grade (Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind!)

Sunday, Dec. 6th
9am - all students in main service
10:15am - 5th through 8th grade (Jesus Walks Through Walls!)
11:30am - 9th through 12th grade (Jesus Walks Through Walls!)

Sunday, Dec. 13th
9am - all students in main service
10:15am - 5th through 8th grade (TOMS Shoes Party)
11:30am - 9th through 12th grade (TOMS Shoes Party)

Sunday, Dec. 20th
9am - all students in main service
10:15am - 5th through 8th grade (Advent Conspiracy - Week 1)
11:30am - 9th through 12th grade (Advent Conspiracy - Week 1)

Sunday, Dec. 27th
9am - all students in main service
10:15am - 5th through 8th grade (Advent Conspiracy - Week 2)
11:30am - 9th through 12th grade (Advent Conspiracy - Week 2)

For the month of December, the Sunday night High School Growth Group @ the Govin's will be on break. As relevant continues to focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, its youth will dive into this question: What is possible when we turn traditions of getting into movements of giving?

See ya' Sunday @ the Italian Club!

So Excited About Sunday!

2009-11-20T14:47:00.001-08:00

I am. Aren't you? Each week of THIS IS NOT A TEST has been filled with meaningful ways to act on the priorities and passions God has given our lives. Don't miss this week's installment.

While you're in the main service, your young person will be encountering Christ and His love for even His enemies. In both the 10:15am and 11:30am gathering, we'll be spending time with the story of Jesus healing the Soldier's ear cut off by Peter.

That's not all! Sunday night, a small group of students will be helping out at Metropolitan Ministries' Holiday Tent. We'll meet at the Italian Club at 4:30pm and we'll pitch in from 5pm to 7:30pm. It will be awesome. Will your young person be there?

Please, pray for the Wirth family as they travel and for all the students as they show Christ's compassion Sunday night.

Blessings,
Jeremy

P.S. Have you bought "Christmas on 7th Ave" yet? It's the perfect soundtrack for ordering TOMS Shoes for our Style Your Sole parties on Dec. 6th...or all of the holiday tasks you're gearing up for! ;)

Week in Review

2009-11-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

We're so grateful for how God is showing his love through relevant and its students. This past week, two of our middle schoolers were in Tennessee, sharing Christ's message of rescue through their talents of drama and dance. Not only were Braxton & Haley used by God on this family trip, but they themselves were moved by the Gospel reality that each and every child, whether they have little or much, whether they have a large, loving home or if they are orphaned, is important to God...and therefore, they should be important to us.

Last Sunday, Paul continued the series THIS IS NOT A TEST and I highly encourage you to watch the main service video on demand as the message was a wake-up call. In the high school gathering, we continued the story of Jonah and Christ's relentless love. Ask your young person what God is challenging them to do with His love.

This Sunday, the topic for both middle school & high school is "Jesus Heals...& Thousands Flee in Panic!" We're going to spend some time looking at the real power that the Son of God has to heal every area of life and culture.

What's on the horizon?

One of our own high schoolers, Jasmine, is performing multiple roles in Shakespeare's ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL! We're going to cheer for her opening night on Tuesday the 17th. If you'd like to join us in the audience, come to Hillsborough High School and bring $5 for admission. The curtain rises at 7pm!

All relevant youth are invited to help serve others at Metropolitan Ministries' Holiday Tent! We'll be helping out on Sunday night, November 22nd from 5pm to 7:30pm. Come show God's love in a practical way. R.S.V.P. at (813) 451-3689 soon.

Then, on Sunday morning, December 6th, we'll be throwing a "Style Your Sole" party during each youth gathering! Each young person will get the chance to custom design their own new pair of TOMS canvas shoes...and at the same time provide a pair of new shoes for a child who would go barefoot otherwise. Cost to participate is $44 per student. Not only will they make themselves a brand new pair to walk around and make a statement; but they will also give a Christmas gift that really matters and one which God will use to change some one's life. During the party, we'll be looking at how love puts the needs of others in front of our own. Watch this video for some back-story...

We pray this Christmas season unfolds transformation, love and joy for you and your family. See you on Sunday @ the Italian Club!

Week in Review

2009-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

The cool air is finally upon us!

Last weekend was a blast. Hopefully you've been able to find some real order to the roles God has given your life. If you missed last week at relevant, be sure to catch up on THIS IS NOT A TEST by checking out the video on demand at http://www.relevantchurch.tv.

The 5th through 8th grade students held their own with all the insane tasks they were given (and the crazy food set before them!) If you haven't seen them yet, check out these GROSS-TASTIC photos.

The high school growth group enjoyed a nice, "friendly" game at Pinarama. I'm sure a re-match will be in order soon!

This Sunday, the relevant youth will be taking on the strange and smelly story of a reluctant missionary and his "pet" whale. 5th through 8th grade gathers at 10:15 a.m. 9th through 12th grade meets at 11:30 a.m. Thank for you encouraging your young person to connect with God and other students as we journey together.

What's on the horizon?

Well, the Govins are graciously opening their home for an all-night lock-in, open to all 9th through 12th grade relevant youth! So, look for some SCARY invites for this FRIDAY THE 13TH lock-in. (I know, you must be terrified right now. Boo!) Seriously, we're planning some crazy fun activities for your young person. There will be some awesome bonding time and we'll light the fire on what the relevant youth will take part in this Christmas season!

See ya' Sunday!

GROSS-TASTIC AFTERNOON

2009-10-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

For your 5th through 8th graders...

We're hosting an afternoon of messy games @ the home of Paul & Susie Wirth!

Sunday, November 1st, after the 11:30a.m. service, we will gather for transportation from the Italian Club to the GROSS-TASTIC AFTERNOON.

This event will take place from 2pm to 4pm in Seffner and lunch will be provided for those needing transport directly from relevant church.

Please, make sure your child has the following with them:

*Change of clothes (in which they can get messy!)

*Bathing suit

*Towel

* $5 for lunch

It's going to be a blast! :)

"...live life to the fullest."

2009-10-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

During the 9:00 a.m. service, all middle & high school students are encouraged to enjoy the next relevant series with their parents.

Take. Bless. Break. Give.

2009-10-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Want to serve our community by mentoring a child at B.T. Washington?

Ready to share your experience at the Great American Teach-in on Wednesday, Nov. 18th?

E-mail info@relevantchurch.com to take part in what's happening.