Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Weekly Update!

You know what? You are created for impact! Every day your feet hit the ground God wants to show himself up to your life. I mean heck, God already exists within you! Sometimes life can get us down and out and we forget about God's plan for our life. Sometimes out life can be so bundled and cluttered that we can forget about God, but he will never leave us nor forsake us. So be encouraged that God lives in you, and seek after him. He WILL find you, and he loves you! Your his child, so why wouldn't he want to communicate with you ya dig?? It's a two way street!! That's awesome thank you God! Stay blessed ya'll!

What's Happening Now

HEY everyone! Last weekend we had the Where U At conference. It was a weekend full of fun, excitement and renewed minded spirit - Gods presence was felt! The GRIL U teens did an amazing job at stepping up and taking on leadership.
This week the GRIL U teens continued working on their breakthrough plans. Please pray for the teens and the adults as they continue/wrap up their breakthrough plans in the following weeks.

Devotions!

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton  “Jesus Keep me near the Cross. . .”
Just to encourage your hearts this morning Colossians 1:16(KJV) “For in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created.”
            There is no limit to God’s creative ability. Created in God’s image, we are fashioned to be creative, too. God has provided the material for building homes and other structures, and has given humanity a rich earth and food supply so that all can be nourished. God instilled in each person with love and compassion so that people are eager to help one another. It’s sad however, that we don’t use it; many would rather tear down their brother or sister then see them succeed.  God has granted every person grace so that the world knows it is okay to make a mistake. We are not perfect individuals but I encourage you to strive for that perfection. 
            Through the right use of what God has given us, we are God’s apprentice. The tools we use are divine guidance, intuition, faith and love. Whether we discover a better way to do something, form a new friendship, or work at redeeming a social condition, God is our instructor and guide. Together we can create a world of good. Let me encourage you and remind you that because we are one of His and He is the creator of it all. There is nothing that He won’t do for those who trust in Him. Be blessed and may this day be bigger than any other day you’ve seen.

May's Memory Verse!

MAY'S MEMORY VERSE:
  Philippians 4:13:  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May's Prayer Requests

*Douglas
*For the adult participants as they work on their break through plan
*Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
*Tim Brown - health
*Theresa Walker - health

Spotlight: Patrick Pascal


Patrick Pascal (GRIL U Graduate, 2009)
Ministry: Navigators

If you were at the Where You At Conference for 2011, you may have noticed a young man in a sweatsuit walking around. This was the very one and only Patrick Pascal.

Role: Patrick currently is involved with the Navigators serving as an adult leader for their Sunday night bible study. He also is involved with GRIL U meetings as a helper/mentor to the teens involved.

Takeaways: Patrick’s experience with GRIL U has strengthened his relationship with God and his peers. He is not afraid to talk about God publicly and reach out to help others in need.  Furthermore, his experience is something that he wants others to know about since it has equipped him to become a better leader and to be more involved in his community

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Weekly Update

The Lord is good is he not! It's amazing to wake up, take a drive down the street and to see the wonderful things that God has created. Sometimes I see it in people's character, other times in his creation. On the way to work I passed along side of the Grand River. The sun was out in full force and the water seemed to sparkle as if there were diamonds underneath the surface. It may be the Grand River, but what a wonderful thing that God has created (the Grand River) in that it runs through our city. Be on the lookout for those "Ah ha!" moments, or "GIMS " (God impact moments) because they come more frequently than you would think and they are all around us in every way!

Are you recovered from the Where U at Conference?? That was simply amazing to see youth pouring out their hearts to God, and to see him move in the lives of others! A lot of healing took place and now that you are back, the devil is going to try and to take that away! Stay planted in the word! There will be trials and tribulations that you will face, and old things will try to sneak back into your life but be ENCOURAGED! Because the spirit of God lives in you! If there is a way out, GOD WILL provide it! You just have to be looking for it!  Stay encouraged and be blessed ya'll!

What's Happening Now!

GRIL U: This week we have small groups as well as the following week.
    GRIL ADULT PROGRAM: Breakthrough presentations are May 13.
Don't forget to "like" us on facebook. Stay tuned for 2011 Where U at pictures to hit the net!!!

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton

  “Oh for grace to trust Him more. . .”
Just to encourage your hearts this morning John 16:33 (KJV) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
      No matter what is going on around you, the spirit of God is peace within that soothes and comforts you. So if you are faced with a challenge of monumental proportions or merely undecided about which direction to head in, know that you can count on the sacred spirit of God.  That divine connection you have with Him allows you to have that peace that passes all understanding. As you spend time with Him each day, you should ask Him to bring peace to your life in the midst of every storm. So today just relax in Him and allow His spirit to guide you in what you should say and do. Remember He is not a God of confusion, but a God of peace. Do not forget “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”(Mathew 5:9)  Be blessed today and may His love always be evident in your life.

May's Memory Verse!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Think about that for a minute! Everything that we think that we can't do Christ says you are able to. So test your faith, and see how God delivers!

May's Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUESTS:
*Douglas
*For the adult participants as they work on their break through plan
*Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
*Merv Griffioen - health
*Tim Brown - health
*Theresa Walker - health

Carena Shannon

Note: *Spotlight publishes graduates bi-weekly!*

Carena Shannon

SPOTLIGHT!!!!
Carena Shannon (GRIL U Graduate, 2006)
Ministry: Navigators

Carena Shannon is making a difference in several ministries that she is playing a role in. She serves as a bible study leader for a teen girls group that meets bi-weekly.  In addition to that, she also mentors teens who participate in GRIL U, with the help of the Navigator leaders. She has been working as a mentor for the past 3 yrs.

Takeaways: GRIL U has helped Carena gain a better awareness of herself. In making her mission statement "leading and teaching youth about her spirituality and relationships," Carena has applied that to her life and is now working towards gaining a degree in ministry, with an emphasis of business at North Park Theological Seminary. She has already obtained her bachelors in Social Work, and would like to work in ministry in a more societal focus rather than a church setting.