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2012 fall edition

CONTENTS

WELCOME | Getting It Right

A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR

This is the best time of the year! Football under the Friday night lights. Sweatshirt weather. New episodes of Modern Family. It is going to be an incredible school year!

H e r e S w H at I m H o P I n g yo u l l foCuS on aS we journe y togetHer:

pg. 7

everytHIng you need to know about lIfe grouPS

Youre holding the very first issue of INSIDE[HSM]! We hope it is super helpful and encouraging as you power through high school this fall. Want to go digital? Theres an iPad edition, too! visit highschoolministry.com to get it pg. 18 pg. 43
you are wHat you watCH tranSform your t-SHIrt

GROW YOUR FAITH

Our primary goal is to help you grow in your faith. The pages of this magazine are filled with ideas; all year youll get the best teaching, resources, Life Groups, tools and serving opportunities that a church can offer. Anyone who genuinely wants to grow in his or her faith will be challenged here.

pg. 13

HAVE NO FEAR
HSM is a safe place for you wherever you are in your spiritual journey. Not a Christian? Come learn more about God without fear of being singled out. Are you a freshman? The transition from being the big shot in the junior high group to being the youngest in the high school group is tough. Whatever it is youre facing this fall, weve seen it before and well walk through it with you.

How to SurvIve HIgH SCHool

GET TO THE FINISH

I want to see you finish high school strong in your faith. I had Wing Stop this week with two of my favorite justgraduated seniors and we reflected on the incredible four year journey theyve been on. I want to have wings with you when you finish the right way, too.... And fries. I like fries with my wings. So bring your school spirit to the football games, take advantage of instant streaming on Netflix, and enjoy all that HSM has to offer this fall. I promise itll be a school year youll never forget!

LETS HAVE FUN

We want people to have a good time when they walk into the Refinery or show up at an event. Most students use the word boring when they describe church, so every weekend, we do our best to shatter the stereotype.

CONNECT WiTH HSM!

wed love to hear from you!

DO LIFE WITH FRIENDS

You become who you hang around. Even though Ive known students who hate when I say it, Ive seen that truth played out thousands of times over the years. Almost everything in high school revolves around friends! To finish strong, good friends are vital. HSM has got a kajillion people who could potentially be a great friend for you.

saddlebackhsm

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1 | FIRST THINGS

Josh Griffin and the HSM Team

High School Pastor at Saddleback Church

@highschoolministry

rICk warren on wHat matterS moSt

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Q.

I like this guy and he likes me. I want to start a relationship with him but I also want it to honor God. Any advice? 4. Set boundaries and talk honestly, openly, and frequently about them.

My rule of thumb is that if you can help it, hold off on starting a relationship. High school already brings a ton of pressure and the last thing you need is a relationship that brings more complications into your life. But if you are thinking about going in that direction, here are a few things I would love for you to think about.

Those who fail to set boundaries fail to understand that the consequences of their actions can be life changing for the worse. SET BOUNDARIES!!!

This is my relationship checklist: 1. Christ must be first in both lives (2 Corinthians 6:14). Its easier to keep
your standards and boundaries when your moral compasses are the same.

5. Have an accountability partner that you can be truthful with and give them the authority to speak into your life. You need someone whos going to tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Ecclesiastes 4:10. 6. Dont be afraid to end a relationship that is not honoring God. If you are
in a relationship (whether its with friends or boyfriend/girlfriend) and its dragging you down or you are starting to make bad choices, seek counsel and dont be afraid to end the relationship.

2. Your relationships should be making you a better person and even strengthening your walk with Christ. The people in your life should be adding to it and not negatively taking away from it. See Proverbs 27:17. 3. Write down truths about how God sees and loves you and have standards that reflect that. Remember that God sees you as someone worth dying for! Dont insult what He did by letting someone treat you with less respect than you deserve.

7. Let your parents weigh in on your decision.

#superunpopularbutyouwontregretit Hope it helps, Dr. AC

Q.

Im a Christian but Ive had a rough life growing up and I struggle with feeling valued. I feel like Im losing this battle. 3. God cares about every area of your life and wants to be there for you.

I want you to know that your circumstances do not define you nor do they define your worth. No matter what people have done or said to you and no matter what you have done, God loves you and values you. You are valuable to God He created you (Job 33:4)! The Bible says that Jesus Christ gave His life for us while we were against Him (Romans 5:8), so that we will have the opportunity to be with Him forever (John 3:16). This means He made the decision based on how He felt about us and not based on our abilities, our behavior, or what we have to offer Him. Your value doesnt come from you or other people but it comes from the one who created you (Psalm 139:13-14).

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. -1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

4. God loves you and there is nothing that can ever make Him stop.

1. God has created you in His image. 2. God is always thinking about you.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

5. God has created you with a purpose.

You are loved, Dr. AC

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered. -Psalm 139:17 (NLT)

For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

N e e d a d v i c e ? D r o p u s a n ot e a t h i g h s c h o o l m i n i s t r y. c o m !
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LIFE GROUPS
by Jessica Torres

FAQ
WHEN AND WHERE DO THEY MEET?
Life Groups meet in host homes on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 P.M. Meeting in homes creates a warm, friendly atmosphere for sharing life together.

Saddleback Church is a pretty big place. If youve ever taken a look around our campus, you know this, and youre probably out of breath from all of the walking! HSM can sometimes feel really big too. Dont get me wrongI LOVE that so many students from all over Orange County come to HSM every weekend to have fun and celebrate God! The only thing isour size makes it easy to blend into a crowd of so many and make HSM just an event and not your community. At HSM we want you to experience the awesomeness of our huge community while connecting with others in a smaller, more intimate setting as well. And thats why we have Life Groups! In a Life Group youll learn how to live out the greatest commandments found in the Bible: Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL NIGHT LOOK LIKE?

Each Life Group will look different, but a typical night will look something like this:
-Welcome -Snacks -Hang Out -Bible Study -Discussion -Prayer

Life Group is an awesome way to grow closer to God. What better way to do that than by reading and studying the Bible? Every Life Group will follow the curriculum path designed just for their grade level by the HSM team!

(Matthew 22:37-39).

WHAT ABOUT MY LEADER?

HSM has incredible, screened, and trained adult volunteers who are ready to serve and teach high school students. Our HSM leaders are there to encourage, teach, guide, and help strengthen your walk with Christ. Your relationship with your leader may turn out to be the most significant relationship of your high school years.

Life Groups are a weekly Bible study designed to help you learn more about Jesus, His ways, and how they relate to your life. Not only that, but you get to do this with a group of your peers in a safe community that will both love and challenge you. Its easy to think that we dont need others to grow, but nothing could be further from the truth! We grow best when were in relationship with others. When were on our own, we arent confronted when were making a mistake, tested in our character, or challenged to think differently. But walking alongside others offers us with a spiritual family to journey with who can comfort us when were hurting or share wisdom when we feel confused. We hope that Life Group will feel like family to you! That means, you make the group a priority, you dont give up on each other and you always love one another. Nothing better than that, right?! Being a part of a Life Group gives you the opportunity to become more like Jesus Christ. Life wont always be simple, but doing life with others who are pursuing God alongside you is a great way to know youre doing things Gods way. Take the next step in your relationship with God and live out the second greatest commandmentjoin a Life Group!
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HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

We are excited for you to take this next step in your faith! Fill out the entire registration form and submit it with the $30 fee online at www.hsmlifegroups.com (registration is only online)
<?xml version=1.0

If you have any questions regarding HSM Life Groups, for girls please contact Jessica Torres at jessicat@saddleback.com and for guys please contact Justin Knowles at justink@saddleback.com
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A LIFE GROUP LEADER? I started leading a group of freshmen last October and I hope to continue with the same girls throughout their high school years. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A LIFE GROUP LEADER? My love and concern for my teen nieces and nephews. I feel as though this is the age group that needs caring mentors in their lives that can come alongside their parents to help lay a strong foundation of truth. Its that knowledge and confidence in the truth of Gods Word that these students are really going to need throughout high school and especially college. These years define their character and their life goals. I want to give them the tools they need so that they can live the amazing life God has planned for them right from the start without getting sidetracked with the ways of this world. WHAT KINDS OF THINGS DO YOU DO WITH YOUR LIFE GROUP? My group meets at my house every Tuesday. They are greeted with the wheel-o-snacks and chit chat. We spend about 30 minutes talking and then we go into our lesson. We always end up talking about what is going on in their lives and how the lesson applies or can be applied. I like to challenge them with something they can focus on during the week and then talk about the effect it had on their thinking, behavior, or even their outlook. I focus less on fun and more on taking advantage of the little time I have with them to

8 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE GROUP

If you want to become the FAVORITE of everyone in your Life Group, follow the tips below and youre sure to be an all-star. Trust me. Show up on timefashionably late is an overused statement. Show people you care about them by respecting their time. Bring both sweet and salty snacks when its your turn to bring a treat to group. Everyone knows that a balance of both of these flavors is a MUST at any gathering! Wear comfy clothes. You never know when you might be sitting on the floor and you will definitely want to be as comfortable as possible. Dont bring your homework to group. Homework stinks and Jesus is so much cooler than your Algebra 2 assignment. Hang with your leader outside of group! Your leader signed up to lead your group because they really like you and want to get to know you, so get past the initial awkwardness and ask them to coffee or frozen yogurt-they might even offer to pay! Who doesnt love free food?!

fill them up for the week. We saved up all our fun time for our end-of-the-year party and had a hotel sleepover. It was a blast! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR LIFE GROUP? The absolute greatest thing about leading a Life Group is when you get a text or a card from a student expressing the impact you are having in their lives and their gratitude. It fills my heart up with joy! The other awesome thing is the impact these girls have had on me. I have truly grown and learned so much about God, myself, and the life of high schoolers. WHY SHOULD STUDENTS GET INVOLVED? To be around other students who love God and long to know Him better. Weekend services are great, but the small group setting really helps students to open up and be honest with their questions, doubts and concerns. Also they get to have a spiritual leader mentoring, encouraging and loving on them. This is something I wish I had at their age. It would have made a huge difference in my life. Most importantly, I believe it is absolutely imperative to keep the students involved, talking, praying and reading the Bible so that it becomes a daily habit in their lives. This helps them to remain aware of Gods presence. When they know and embrace the truth that they are loved by their Heavenly Father, they are redeemed by the Son, and they are renewed by the Spirit, there is nothing that can stand in their way of fulfilling the purpose that God intends for them!

INSIDE LIFE GROUPS

by Monica Ware

Whether youve been involved in HSM for a long time or are just now being introduced, Life Groups are the best place to get connected. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, Life Groups meet across our community to provide a one-on-one connection between students as a leader guides them through challenging lessons and fun activities. Life Groups are the best way to forge stronger friendships rooted in the things that matter most. In order to get a good picture of what being in a small group is really like, we talked to a leader and a student about their experiences in a Life Group at HSM. Ian Glatz is a Junior at El Toro and has been in his Life Group since Freshmen year. He describes his leaders, Nathan Wells and Parker Clouse, as very close friends who are always there for him when he needs someone to talk to. When asked if he would recommend that other students join a Life Group he said adamantly, Absolutely. They should definitely join a Life Group because everybody needs fellowship and everybody needs someone to talk to with openness. He has been meeting with his small group every Tuesday night for almost 3 years (with the exception of summers) and describes the group as a perfect opportunity to fellowship and grow in his faith. Ian says his favorite part of Life Group is the openness and safety found there. He didnt really know any of the guys in his group before joining, but now these guys are now his closest friends. Theres no doubt that Ians life is just one example of many students in HSM whose lives have been changed because of their Life Groups. Leaders play a significant role in creating a life-changing group that promotes spiritual growth, fellowship, and fun.

We talked with Taci Sveda about her experiences of being a Life Group leader and what she has seen her group go through in the first year she has been a leader.

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Open up! Take a risk and let the people in your group get to know the REAL you. We know it can be scary to open up and let people in. But we promise you wont regret it. Share about your highs, lows and everything in between! Bring your Bible to group every week. Your Bible will be used a lot, so you want to make sure youre prepared. If you dont have one, well give you one! Be adventurous! Life Group isnt just about studying the Bible, its also about putting what you learn into practice. So dont be afraid to take some risks, pray aloud, share your faith, serve in local ministries. Your group and God are with youyou can do anything!

Follow these tips, and youll have the greatest Life Group year!
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HOW TO SURVIVE HIGH SCHOOL

FRESHMEN..
You just went from being a super sick 8th grader to the bottom of the food chain. You may feel weird being in a school thats twice the size of your last one, but youll get the hang of things in no time. Remember that all the students above you were freshmen once, so they actually do understand feeling awkward, and theyre more willing to help you than you think. Dont be afraid to ask them to help you find a class or tell you how to survive classes with the craziest of teachers. High school will go by faster than you think so make sure you look for ways to get involved! Dont put off signing up for ASB, trying out for the volleyball team, starting a Pokmon club, meeting the friends sitting next to you in class, auditioning for the musical, enrolling in Yearbook, or doing track with all your friends. Dont be afraid to try different things and see what you have the most fun with! The more you put in, the more youll get out of high school, so embrace those spirit days, do your homework, and above all, seek God out in this new season of life. Ask Him to provide you with a solid group of friends, to guide you as you look for ways to get involved, and to help you trust that He has a plan for your next four years. And rest assuredyou dont have to have everything figured out.

by Emily Arnold

Sophomores..

So youre about to start your second year of high school... the infamous in-between grade. But look on the bright side - youve had a year to get accustomed to the wonderful world of high school. Youre just a year away from being able to go off campus, but dont give in to the temptation to sneak off. It wont be worth the trouble youll get into if you get caught. Try finding a spot on campus where you can chill during lunch could be that really awesome tree, the bench in the middle of campus, the ASB room, or that good ol air-conditioned hallway. Its easy to get comfortable with your seemingly solidified group of friends, but try to stay invitingthere are still thousands of students you havent met and you never know who God wants you to become friends with. Try inviting the friends youve met to church and build your friendships on Christ so that they are strong and lasting. Keep in mind that your grades definitely matter, so dont be afraid to say, No, to some social gatherings if it means keeping those As and Bs. Be careful not to get caught up in the wrong things, like partying or slacking off on your school work. Even doing your homework can be done for the glory of God! Fix your eyes on Christ, and He will help you overcome the temptations, struggles, and confusions of high school. He wants to bless you with a year full of deep friendships, fun memories, and feeling fully confident in who Hes made you to be.

Juniors..

Can you believe youre already an upperclassman? We told you high school flies by! So many slight changesthe chance to go off campus at lunch, friends who can drive you, a whole new load of challenging classes, and now being in the older half of the whole school. We hope that you start this school year feeling even more sure about your identity in Christ, feeling plugged into HSM, and joyfully realizing that every day at school is an opportunity to share Gods love with people. While friendships may have started to feel really stable and youve got a good idea on how to navigate school work and fun, continue to let God be your rock. As classes get harder, let yourself have some funkeep dressing up on spirit days, hitting up the football games, and showing the underclassmen how to soak up all that high school has to offer.

SEniors..

Your last year of high school is finally here. Crazy, right? We hope that instead of feeling burned out, you are ready to dive into these last nine months of one of the most unique, exciting seasons of life. Its easy to go into senior year expecting an easy class load and the glorious freedom of getting out of school at lunch, but be careful that this assumption doesnt lead you to committing to too many things with all that extra free time. Itll fill up faster than you think. You guys are the role models now disciple underclassmen. You have the power to make them feel like the coolest kid in the whole school. Think of what your love and attention could do to their four-year trajectory! Reflect on how Gods gifted you as you consider what to study in college, but be patient with yourself its totally fine if you arent sure what your major should be, or which college to commit to. God will reveal His plan to you in His timing, so press into Him and experience His peace as He prepares you for the upcoming transition.

SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND

Obviously, Im not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christs servant. -Galatians 1:10 Gods way is perfect. All the Lords promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. -Psalm 18:30-32 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. -Colossians 3:23

SOME VERSES TO HOLD ONTO

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. -Proverbs 3:5-6 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lords purpose will prevail. -Proverbs 19:20-21 ...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. -Philippians 3:13-14

SOME VERSES TO HOLD ONTO

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. -Psalm 37:4-5 For I hold you by your right handI, the Lord your God. And I say to you, Dont be afraid. I am here to help you. -Isaiah 41:13 Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience Gods peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. -1 Corinthians 10:13 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:2-3

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OCTOBER SERIES ARC

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NOVEMBER ARC

INSTATIPS/PACEYOSELF

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NOVEMBER ARC

CHRISTMAS? CIDER? still need cider pictures.

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COMIC STRIP

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SUMMER 2012:
by Heather Leith

RWANDA RECAP
by Heather Leith

RWANDA

Its the small moments that can change your life: running through an airport terminal with 35 other people after praying over lost luggage, seeing a crowd gather as you hike down a hill toward a village, hearing a womans story of Gods providence inside her makeshift dirt home. Split seconds of time that reverberate in your memory long after the moment has passed. This summer, 36 students and leaders participated in a missions trip to Rwanda, and the small moments added up to a life-giving, God-breathed two weeks.

It was the most amazing experience Ive ever been a part of, says Kelsey Bebout. It opened my eyes up, not just the poverty, but how joyful people can be with so little. My whole day is ruined because of a trivial thing going wrong, but they are so joyful with nothing. Kelsey was especially impacted by a little girl named Belisse who showed her the true meaning of servanthood. After the HSM team helped Belisses village make bricks to build a church, Belisse washed Kelseys hands for her, even cleaning underneath her nails.

There was this 10-year-old girl serving me when we were supposed to be serving them, Kelsey says. Similarly affected by the trip was Chiara Heyer, who accepted Christ just a year ago. Rwanda is a country that was rocked by genocide in 1994, and many Rwandans carry painful memories in their hearts to this day. The team got to hear stories from a few villagers. You hear about it, but to see it was so crazy, Chiara says of a woman whose husband was killed in the genocide and who narrowly escaped herself. Not only were team members impacted while they were in the country; the experiences from the trip affected their life and their faith once they returned. Before I was kind of timid in my faith and who I was created to be, Chiara says. On the trip, however, she emerged as a leader of small group discussions in the churches they visited and became re-energized in her passion for ministering to children. I had some passions but I didnt have a channel, and now I have a channel, she says. Kelseys life path was also redirected as a result of the trip. Before I wanted to do something to make money, but now I want to do microenterprises to try to teach people to be self-sustainable so that they can thrive and not just be struggling. God set me on my path, she says. Its the small moments. Deciding to follow the tug on your heart to reach beyond yourself and serve others. Listening to God instead of listening to fear. Refusing to live comfortably and keep the gospel to yourself. Split seconds of time will you make them count?

GET INVOLVED:

the next rwanda trip will be during february 7th-17th. Come to the first informational meeting on Saturday, September 8th after the 6:30 service or Sunday, September 9th after the 11:15 service.

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One look at the world around us helps us to see why Jesus command to serve one another in love is both so important and so unusual. Take one look at reality television, where we enjoy and even root for people who battle, step over, and betray one another just for their shot at the spotlight. This sort of mentality was not surprising to Jesus either; He was well aware that a call to serve would sound out of place. But Jesus called them to him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:25-28). Power and status in Gods kingdom are not achieved by doing whatever it takes to win. Jesus calls us to a different standard of greatness; greatness achieved by putting the love and service of others ahead of our own personal gain and status. Jesus himself lived out a life of service to God and to his neighbor. He didnt just come to tell people to serve, he came himself as a servant. Even though Jesus was God incarnate among humanity, Jesus did not expect to be served by his disciples. Rather, Jesus wanted to teach them a different way of existing in the world. He did this by taking on the role of a servant and dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. We can now see that those of us who would follow Jesus would also take up his attitude of serving. In fact, God gives us all sorts of gifts and abilities so that we can love and serve one another. As each has received a gift, use

it to serve one another, as good stewards of Gods varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). God doesnt save us just so that we know what will happen to us when we die, but he also saves us so that we might be a blessing in the lives of other people whom we encounter while we are alive. Serving means that we have a chance to show other people what Gods love looks like here and now.

Serving is not something that is optional for Christians; it is central to knowing and loving God. Just as Jesus came to the earth to love and serve us, God is calling us all now to serve and love those we meet at school, on our sports teams, in our families, in a ministry, or wherever were at. But dont just take my word for it; try it for yourself.
Taylor Ishii is a veteran HSM volunteer and recently graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity degree. When he doesnt have his nose in a book, hes watching his beloved Manchester United or playing soccer himself.

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MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: THE CREW

by Ashley Donahue

Crew, despite the common misconception, is not Saddlebacks rowing team, but the tight-knit team of high-schoolers that hold the weekend services together and make HSM shine. Their work is much more than just high-fiving, hand-shaking, and handing out pens and bulletins. If Josh Griffin decides to spontaneously buy the entire 11:15 service Cokes, Crew (formerly known as Shake-It) buys a few dozen Cokes, fills them up and brings them over to the Refinery theater. In the event that Parker and Justin decide to throw Twinkies at the crowd and two freshmen guys lunge for them in the air and miss, Crew picks up the mushy Twinkie that was squished into the carpet upon their fall. The servant-hearted students involved in Crew are always willing to get their hands dirty to bring glory to God. Delaney Parent, a senior at THHS and a leader of Crew, has learned to appreciate the small jobs by being a part of Crew. At first it can kind of stink to be cleaning up trash and doing things that not a lot of people see, says Delaney, but the dirty work has to get done whether or not it is seen or appreciated. God sees what is done in secret and we will be rewarded so greatly for the
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things that we do, says Delaney proudly. Crew is a great place for anyone who wants to get more involved, serve others, get connected and meet new people. HSM can be a big place to be at first, and Crew strives to make others feel welcomed and loved when they walk through the theater doors. Sarah Malone decided to join Crew because she wanted to get involved and start serving. When I first started coming to HSM and didnt know anyone, it was really nice to have people at the doors before every service making me feel welcome and comfortable, says Sarah. I thought it would be amazing if I would be able to join in and make someone feel the same way. I also love meeting new people so I felt like Crew was a great way for me to serve.

God calls us to be servanthearted and put others first, and being a part of Crew is a great way to love others. Danielle Martin, a sophomore at Mission Viejo High and a regular attendee of HSM says, It has been really awesome to be welcomed by such a great group of people every weekend, and they do a really great job of making people feel welcomed and excited to be there. Crew is quickly acquiring new members eager to serve. They welcome their peers with open arms and add so much joy to not only HSM but also the Refinery and Saddleback as a whole.

Where Should You Serve?

by Heather Leith

So by now you know that serving is vital to your spiritual growth. (If you do not know that, flip to pg. 27 and read that first.) The large number of ministry opportunities available can seem overwhelming, but this quiz should help you find an area to serve that fits your passions, spiritual gifts, and abilities!
1. Which activity sounds most fulfilling?
a. Listening to someone tell their life story b. Beautifying an underprivileged persons home c. Doing a creative project

If you answered...
Mostly As: You are fueled by interacting with people and showing Gods love by spending time with His children. You probably belong in one of our Relational Ministries - Connect, Encourage, Elderly Care, Special Students, or Orphan Care.

2. What do you look for in friends?

a. Someone who I can talk with for hours b. Someone who puts others before themselves c. Someone who embraces me exactly as I am

Meet Bethany.

Member of Orphan Care Ministry

When Im serving in Orphan Care, I feel The Lord tugging on my heartstrings. I find myself thinking and even praying for all the kids I meet. As I am affecting their lives, they are even affecting mine even more.

3. Which of the following are you best at? Ashley Donahue is a senior at Mission Viejo High School and a member of Student Leadership at HSM as well as a leader of the Create Ministry. This left-handed freckled-face lady loves waffles, Harry Potter, forests, ice cream, and laughing.
a. Having a conversation with a stranger b. Serving people with a good attitude c. Using art or technology to express myself

Mostly Bs: You have no problem doing jobs that no one else wants to do because you know that its glorifying to God and you are helping someone! You should most likely sign up for one of our Service Ministries - Food Pantry, Beautify Saddleback, Community Clean-Up, or Crew.

4. Which verse are you most drawn to?

a. Matt. 25:40, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. b. Phil. 2:14, Do everything without complaining or arguing. c. Rom. 12:1, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Meet Hannah.

Member of Community Clean-Up

You dont have to go far to serve; it could be as simple as helping a neighbor or a nearby park. Starting here is a stepping stone for me.

5. When do you feel most connected to God?

a. Spending quality time with someone who needs love b. Sacrificing my time to do a good deed for someone else c. Using the talents he gave me to serve the church

Mostly Cs: You love expressing yourself and serving God through instruments, art, or photography - or you have a knack for ProPresenter! You might want to consider one of our Creative Ministries - Live Production, Capture, Create, or the band.

Meet Andrew.

Member of Live Production

What I love about Production Team is its a place to pursue my passions. Having a ministry where I can learn a skill and serve my church at the same time is a gift from God.

HI G HS C HOOLM I N I S T RY.COM | 30

Get outside and do stuff! Working out at the gym generally 2. Keep the fires burning. sucks because youre stuck at 24 Hour Fitness with all these Small meals throughout the huge veiny guys and there are day keeps metabolism going. Instead of eating the traditional people shouting and grunting. 3 meals a day, try eating smaller Yeesh. Who needs that? I mean, I do all that stuff, but whatever... portions, but more frequently. the best way to get those abs of your dreams is to have an ac3. Mix up your routine. Your body is smart. Really smart. tive lifestyle. Instead of staying And if you keep doing the same inside honing your COD skills or watching Phineas and Ferb, exercises day after day, your go on a bike ride, grab some muscles are like, Pshhh, Ive friends to invent a game, or you totally got this. Im not even can just let the neighbors mean going to try that hardkind If youre anything like me, (and lets be honest, youre proba- of like that guy in your English dog out and run for your life. bly not), getting that ripped core is at the top of your priority class who never studies but list for next summer. Nothing is more attractive than going always gets straight As. You Follow this plan in conjunction to the beach and making nachos with shredded cheese that need to challenge your muscles with a healthy diet and you are youve grated using your abs. by trying new exercises. Instead just a couple of months away of crunches, trying planking on from nacho-town. Get that two chairs over some lit candles cheese ready to grate! as Anthony Hopkins rests his Here are my top 5 secrets to achieving feet on your back. Oh wait, the abdominals of your dreams: thats The Legend of Zorro.

Lets be real here, people. This isnt some scientific breakthrough. If you consume sugary drinks, you will get fat. Diet sodas are even worse! Not only are they full of artificial sweeteners that slowly poison your body, but they also trick your body into wanting more sugary things and leave you feeling bloated (blargh!). You know whats really good for you? WATER. Duh. You can have coffee and unsweetened iced tea if you must.

1. No soda.

4. Take things slow.

Like any relationship, your relationship with your abs should start slow. Making unrealistic goals will only lead to discouragement, and your abs might have commitment issues and freak out if you rush things. Dont look at the scale everydayonly once a week. If you are consistent in eating right and exercising daily, youll start to see results within a month!

5. Be active!

Proutys 5 Tips to Better Abs

GET SUPER CALVES!

If youve spent any time around HSM, then youve definitely experienced the majesty that is Joshs calves. When a dude has calves that are the circumference a Stegosaurus neck, you know that hes doing something right. If you also want calves of Paleolithic proportions, heres a quick exercise that Josh does every day. -Drive to LA. -Use duct tape to fasten a sandbag to each leg. -Take the stairs up the nearest skyscraper. -Repeat 12 times.

A | f i rs t thing s

LI FE S T YLE | 32

LI FE S T YLE | 34

S ky d i v i N G , ST E p p i N G OuT, ANd STAyiNG STRONG

Rick Warren on taking risks and his bucket list

Need something that isnt SUPER close to his face. the title font/ header will change.

As someone who founded todays eighth-largest church in the world at age 25, Rick Warren knows a thing or two about letting God use you at a young age. We had the privilege of chatting with our pastor about his formative high school years, his hopes for HSM, and the real motive behind his weight loss (hint: it involves jumping out of a plane).

High school is a rocky time for lots of people, yet you seemed remarkably purpose-driven even then. How did you stay strong in your relationship with the Lord?
The most important thing in high school is to choose the right friends. If you get the right friends, theyre going to help you do all the other things you need to do, like stay in the Word, develop Christian habits, worship, fellowship, grow, serve the Lord, but it all starts with friends. Choosing the right friends is the single most important factor in your faith in high school years.

do in your own power. So, every major decision that weve done here at Saddleback Church, I was scared to death to do when we made the decision. But I just believe you do it anyway. I never listen to my fears; I listen to faith. Courage is not the absence of fear; its moving ahead in spite of your fears. If youre not afraid, then you dont need courage. If you dont need any faith, youre being unfaithful.

still living that football game when they made that great pass years later whereas oftentimes people who are kind of in the middle of the pack and you dont really see them, theyre not real big stars in high school, theyre the ones who actually go out and change the world.

What do you wish you knew in high school?

Thats a good question (laughs) I wish I knew everything I knew now! What I wish I had known in high school was that everything I thought was important in high school wasnt, and everything that I thought wasnt important was. Because in school, the whole school makes certain things matter like who wins this game, or who goes to the prom, or things that nobodys even going to remember. Theyre so important, theyre life or death issues in high school, but really, once youre out of high school, theyre not important anymore. And you go back and go, Why did I get so uptight, so worried, so depressed about that when it didnt really matter? I think that the people often who are the most popular in high school, their lives peak in high school, and from then on, its kind of downhill, and theyre

What would you say to a young Christian leader who is discouraged or unsure of their purpose?
Become a promise person. There are 6,000 promises in the Bible, and theyre like blank checks waiting for us to fill them in and claim them. God has promised to do so many things according to His Word. If you build your life on promises, then youre going to have a lot of excitement in your life. And if you will say, God, I will trust you no matter what, He will take you on the adventure of a lifetime and things you could have never imagined would happen in your life will happen. I mean, I could have never imagined all the stuff thats happened in my life when I was in high school; I had no idea! What a lot of people want is they think Gods will is like a map, that you pull out the map and you can see from the beginning to the end, but it doesnt work that way. Actually, Gods will is more like a scroll, where God unrolls a little bit of it, and you do that part, then he unrolls a little bit more and you
S P I RI T UAL | 36

By Heather Leith

Skydiving, stepping out, & staying strong

As someone who founded today s eighth- largest church in the world at age 25, Rick Warren knows a thing or two about letting God use you at a young age. We had the privilege of chatting with our pastor about his his weight loss ( h i n t : i t i n v o l v e s j u m p i n g o u t o f a p l a n e ) formative high school years, his hopes for HSM, and the real motive behind
A | | i 2012 falls edition 42 f rs t thing

Youve taken a lot of huge faith risks in your life. Were you ever scared?
Yes. In fact, faith works in the realm of the impossible, which means youre not really trusting God unless youre doing something you cant

Rick Warren on taking risks and his bucket list

by Heather Leith

photo by whitney schey

do that part He only shows you a little bit at a time because if He showed you the whole thing at once, itd scare you to death. And so, really Hes protecting us. One of the things Ive learned since high school is that Gods timing is always perfect. Sometimes I thought God was late, but God wasnt. He wasnt late. He was late on my timetable, but He wasnt late on His, and God has an entire lifetime to fulfill His promises in your life.

turned my viewpoint around. With prayer and quiet time, I was able to see the ways He was working through my life and my family. At times when I felt alone, God filled me with love and compassion. I honestly dont know what I would be like today without having Christ throughout these challenges.

Whats on your bucket list?

I have always wanted to skydive, and actually, when I turned 40 years old, I was going to go [but] I didnt get to do it because I weighed too much! So now after the Daniel Plan, Im planning on getting [my weight] down low enough that I can go skydive.

After going through this what type of advice would you give someone if they found themselves going through the same things as you?

Anything else?
My goal is to just see this generation thats growing up right now in high school take over leadership at Saddleback Church. I dont believe theyre the church of tomorrow, I believe theyre the church of today. Nothing would give me greater joy than to see our high schoolers and college-age students really take over leadership of Saddleback Church.

TESTIMONY CORNER
by Aaron AC Crumbey

Julianna Marraccino is a 2012 graduate of Mission viejo High School and is headed to Baylor university in the fall to major in Religion. She was gracious enough to share her story of enduring the difficulties of a blended family and leaning on Christ to mend her brokenness.
How did you come to Christ?
I came to Christ while at a summer camp in 4th grade. I grew up in a Christ-filled home but didnt start to take my faith into my own hands until about 7th grade. brother, half sister, and my blood brother. Because of my blended family, I had to deal with constant fighting between both parents and huge disagreements. The worst was when my dad had to move to Texas due to a job opportunity and I had to choose between staying in California with my mom or moving to Texas with my dad. The hardest challenges always stemmed from feeling like I had to choose a side without hurting anyone elses feelings.

Finish this sentence: I want the high school ministry at my church to be known for...
Passion for loving God and loving people. If we are known for those two things, thats what matters. Its not the size of our group, its not the coolness of our group, its: do we love God passionately, and do we love people passionately which is the Great Commandment. If were known for that, God is pleased, and Im elated.

My advice would be dont be angry with God. Because I was angry at Him, I found myself being angry at everything and not trying to find the positive in situations. Focus on strengthening your relationship with God instead of pushing Him away. The verse I always keep with me is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Also, talk with someonea friend, a teacher, a Life Group leader, anyone. Emotions are not meant to stay locked inside you. My Life Group was a huge support system through these challenges. Having people to talk to about all the struggles was so helpful.

Wow, awesome...receiving Christ so young. What type of challenges have you had to overcome?
The challenges Ive had to overcome have been within my family. I grew up in a blended household, spending half of the week at my moms house and half of the week at my dads and then rotated weekends up until my junior year of high school. My dad remarried when I was 3 so Ive grown up with my dad, mom, stepmom, step-

Describe your relationship with Christ today.

My relationship with Christ is incredible. I am confident that I would not be who I am without Him today. Each day I grow in my faith and grow deeper in my relationship with Him. God was my rock when the world couldnt provide a foundation for me. He continues to be that rock day in and day out. I am beyond excited to see the plans He has for me in the future.
HI G HS C HOOLM I N I S T RY.COM | 38

Heather Leith is a Canadian with a lingering accent who loves to try new foods. She served as an intern this past summer and is a sophomore journalism major at Biola University. If you ever come to Farrells Ice Cream Parlour, she just might give you a free sundae...but dont tell her boss. And tip well.
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How did your relationship with Christ help you during those challenges?
Christ was my everything during these challenges. Although I was angry at God for all the hardship within my family for awhile, He

sciencethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches us that justification is by faith, but it also teaches that baptism is a necessary result of becoming a disciple of Christ (Matt. 28:18-19). Even 1 peter 3:21 above says that the baptism mentioned is not one dealing with water, but an appeal to God. God works in covenants. A covenant is a pact or agreement between two or more parties. The New and Old Testaments are New and Old Covenants. The word testament comes from the Latin testamentum which means covenant! So, the Bible is a covenant. Baptism is not a covenant but a covenant signa symbol of an agreement between two parties, ourselves and God. Covenant signs dont save; they represent the things that do. Regeneration, or us becoming new creations in Christ, happens by faith. Afterwards, we are baptized as an outward symbol of an inward reality. The outward washing of water represents the reality of the inward washing of Christs blood upon our souls.

Sp idE RMA N A Nd J OSE p H BY JOSH PEASE

So Im huge into movies. LOVE them actually. When Im in a movie theater I end up thinking Im actually IN the movie. But sometimes a movie is so predictable, its hard to lose myself in it. For instance, I recently saw that rebooted Spiderman movie and even though I enjoyed it, it wasnt very original. The plot was like every superhero movie: Hero gets super-cool powers. Hero struggles to understand super-cool powers while fighting a bizarre mutant enemy. Hero ultimately triumphs, finds identity, and looks over his city while epic music swells. But I realized something recently: the plot in a superhero movie is predictable to me because I know its a story. To the characters IN the movie its not predictable at all because they DONT know that their lives are a story. Think about the first third of Spiderman: Peter Parker is a nerdy kid who is orphaned by his parents, picked on at school, ignored by the girl he loves, and who is (kind of) responsible for his uncles death. Now because were watching the movie (and we know theres, like, another hour and a half to go) were thinking, Thats sad, but I bet this all works outand then it does and everything ends happily ever after. But imagine for a second that youre Peter Parker and all that just happened to YOU: your reaction would be WAAAAY different. I mean, just think about how you react to bad stuff now: - a test that you did bad on - a friend who let you down - a situation at home thats tough - a guy/girl that rejected you - a bald spot thats taking over your head (maybe thats just me)

But like Peter Parker, Josephs story isnt over yet. As a matter of fact, God uses all of these really bad things to tell an AWESOME story with his life. By the end of the story (spoiler alert!) Joseph becomes second in command of the most powerful nation on the planet. Does that mean Joseph should have been all happy and peaceful while in prison singing, if Im happy and I know it, clank my handcuffs? No! Life is painful, and some of the stuff youre experiencing right now might be really, really hard. And thats okay. All Im saying is this: how would your life change if you thought of it as a story? If God is an amazing storyteller, (and I believe He is), then think about this: If you are between 14-18 years old then youre probably only 1/5 of the way through your story! That means you have yet to see how God is going to use everything happening right now for something awesome that you have no idea even exists yet!! I honestly believe that if you could see the purpose God created you for youd go I get to do THAT!?!?!?! So the next time life gets tough, remember these three truths: 1) My life is a story. 2) This is just the beginning. 3) Gods a GREAT storyteller, so Im going to trust Him. I really believe that if you and me and everyone else could see our lives this way, it would change everything. And just maybe, we would step in to the heroic, amazing story God has written for us.

T HE FOu NdATiON S SERiES: BApTi SM BY TRAVIS PROUTY

BAPTISM: WHATS THE DEAL?

When we accept Gods gift of salvation and become Christians, the next step is to be baptized. But is baptism a magical moment that transforms us and secures our salvation? Or is it something else? Baptism is not necessary to be saved. The Bible says in Romans 5:1 that it is through our faith that we are justified before God. Also, Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. However, in Acts 2:38 Peter says, Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And in 1 peter 3:21: And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good con
39 | SPIRI T UAL

Josh Pease is the Student

I f you h a ve n t b e e n bapt i zed yet , HSM i s t h e p e r fe ct place t o do i t ! Con t a ct a l a i n a h @ saddleback . com t o t a ke t h e n ex t s t e p and celebrat e w h a t G od h a s don e i n your li fe!

My point is this: when bad stuff happens to us its the end of the world. We get super freaked out, or depressed, or maybe we get mad at God and wonder, Why would He let this happen?! But what if we thought of our life like a movie? In Genesis, theres a story of a guy named Joseph (you can read his whole story in Gen. 37-46). Early in his life, God tells Joseph Ive got big plans for you! Then, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, thrown into prison, and then forgotten about by people who could get him out. Hes the Peter Parker of Bible characters (minus mutant spider abilitiesI think).

Pastor at Rancho Capistrano Campus, husband to an amazing wife, and thinks the recent Batman trilogy might be the best movie trilogy of all time. You can contact him at joshp@saddleback.

HI G HS C HOOLM I N I S T RY.COM | 40

clubz

GET INVOLVED
If you are a high school student, you are a missionary. The coolest part about being in high school is that you get to spend five days a week with people that dont know Jesus. But you arent in missionary journey alone. At your school there are other Christians that are fighting the same battle as you are. At HSM, we have five major schools that make up our congregationMission Viejo, Trabuco Hills, Capistrano Valley, Tesoro, and El Toro. Each of these schools have one or more clubs on their campus that are made up of Christians trying to make a difference at their school. Below is a list of all of these clubs and a person you can contact to find out more! fellowship while snackin on cookies! At each meeting a student shares a message about the Bible. Chloe Jarrett, senior

AT SCHOOL!
Capistrano Valley
Fellowship Christian of Athletes (FCA): Capo FCA is all about being a reflection of Christ! We want to spread His love and be a light within our school and community! Brad Assaraf, sophomore

2013 HSM SUMMER INTERNSHIP

make an impact | serve the church | build your resume | gain ministry experience | love others intentionally
Bree Schiff, 2012 Summer Intern I was super involved as a student in HSM, but this internship showed me so much more about serving than I ever expected. Everything, from connecting with students to working on a team to teaching Gods Word, has showed me what ministry is all about. The summer internship program is a cant-miss opportunity to join the HSM team in pulling off another incredible summer. You will contribute to planning events, services, and camp while being blessed by the relationships you forge with students. This fun and fulfilling position will give you the chance to make an impact for the Kingdom with a loving staff to guide you every step of the way! Heather Leith, 2012 Summer Intern I loved pouring out all that God has been teaching me through speaking at Bible studies, covering high schoolers in prayer, and forming friendships with younger students. My life has been changed. Cory Tomlinson, 2011 & 2012 Summer Intern To have a job where work is hanging out with students is incredible. I love the opportunities that have come up to have awesome conversation and build into the lives of students. The past two summers have inspired me to seek out a future in mentoring and working with high schoolers. *Those who have been out of high school for one year or more are welcome to apply by emailing johnnym@saddleback.com.
HI G HS C HOOLM I N I S T RY.COM | 42

El Toro

Tesoro

Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA): FCA is a great place to meet during the week and receive good teaching. The fellowship there is wonderful, and the outreaches give students the opportunity to preach Gods word on our campus. Ian Glatz, junior

Cookies & Christ: It is a group of Tesoro students that are dedicated to spreading Christs love through serving others, eating cookies, and engaging in fellowship. Chad Duncan, senior After School Snack: High school can be a time when students begin to seriously question their beliefs. After School Snack is a community of believers who share their doubts and deal with them together, growing stronger in fellowship in faith. Ryan Kelleher, senior

Mission Viejo

Cookies & Christ: Cookies and Christ is a place at Mission where students can come to dig deep into Gods word while eating cookies with their friends! Alyssa Caouette, junior Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): FCA is a christian club at Mission that stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, but you do not have to be a Christian or an Athlete to join. Its a time at lunch where you can see friends, play games, eat free food and hear awesome speakers and athletes stories. Makenna Williams, sophomore If you go to another school and want to know if there is a club on your campus, message Colton Harker on Facebook!

Trabuco Hills

Cookies & Christ: Cookies and Christ is a Christian club that meets weekly at lunch. The club allows students to come and

41 | S PIRI T UAL

RECOMMENDED READS:
*Come drop by and pick up some FREE resources at the GROW booth right outside the Refinery Theater.

The Case for Christ/ Case for Faith

Lee Strobel
These two books fundamentally changed my life when I was in high school. If you are struggling with key questions about who Jesus is or your relationship with the Lord, this book is perfect for you.

One Minute Bible

Doug Fields
Obviously a quick read, but this book definitely doesnt lack substance. It combines a few verses for each day that you read which creates a great daily devotional.

Living Loud: Defending Your Faith

Norman Geisler & Joseph Holden
Apologetics. This book explores how we are often told what to believe without really knowing the reasons why we should believe it. Its a fun read filled with tons of great information!

Live Large, Be Different, Shine Bright

Doug Fields & Joshua Griffin
Co-written by our very own Josh Griffin, this book explores topics like integrity, affirming others, competition and cliques. With this combination of hilarious authors, its also a very funny book. Check it out! You wont regret it.

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained

This guide to the Bible is perfect for supplementing your knowledge of all 66 books of the Bible. It contains the background, themes, key verses and a really cool so what section that makes the practical application of the Bible easy!

THE IMPORTANCE OF STORIES

by Hope Schoen

Since childhood, Ive been drawn to the power of stories specifically films and their ability to evoke emotion, spread awareness, and speak truth. Aside from Scripture, the Lord uses movies more than anything else to teach me things.
Films have the power to instruct and inspire.Movies like Taken (a film about a girl who is kidnapped by sex traffickers) bring to our awareness the injustices happening around the world. Lord of the Rings (a trilogy written by our brother in Christ, J.R.R. Tolkien) is an incredible depiction of the importance of fellowship, hope, and the fight against evil. Films like Schindlers List (true story of a German who saved hundreds of Jews in the midst of the Holocaust) remind us of horrors past that cannot be forgotten, lest they be repeated, and the reality of mans capable evil. On the other hand, movies have the ability to destruct and destroy. Movies like Twilight can leave us with an unrealistic expectation of love which may lead to depression and restlessness. Films like The Hangover or Project X desensitize us over time, making it more and more difficult to discern right from wrong. What we once thought wed never do suddenly doesnt feel like such a big deal anymore. The Bible says that if we dont guard our hearts by filtering what we watch, read, listen to, or who we spend time with we become like watered-down wine. This means that we become ineffective, which makes it extremely difficult to be a light in the world as we are called by our Heavenly Father. I believe all truth is Gods truth, and that everything we watch and listen to is telling us
43 | CU LT U RE

SUGGESTED SONGS:
Franoise Hardy - Le Temps de Lamour Alexander - Truth

something about relationships and life. If were not careful, those things we put in our minds will shape our thoughts and actions. The Bible says, The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23). I want to encourage you all to watch movies with a critical eye. Look for the truth in everything. Ask yourself: What about this film was true to life? Was this film realistic or romantic? Can I avoid the consequences these characters suffered by making different decisions in my own life? Why did this move me so deeply? Films are incredible conversation starters and tools to witness to others. I encourage you all to take advantage of the stories you see or hear or read by comparing them against Gods truth (Scripture), realizing that He uses all mediums to speak to us. Proverbs 3:21-23 says, My child, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. Every detail of your life affects your relationship with Jesus, including what you worry about, what makes you excited, who you spend

your time with, and what you watch. So next time you stand in front of the theater looking up at the list of movie choices, ask yourself, Will this positively affect my relationship with the Lord and my witness to others? If you cant wholeheartedly answer, Yes, it may be wise to pick another.

Dont See It

J. Thoven - City Maze

Of Monsters And Men - dirty paws

If you see these movies, heres what youre really getting yourself into. Charlie St. Cloud - 6th Sense all grown-up. New Years Eve - Robert De Niro has no business in a Zac Efron film. Avatar - Pocahontas with a bigger budget. L.O.L. - What I tweeted after I saw it. What to Expect When Youre Expecting - Expect bad things. Abduction - Mission Impossible 5: Making Taylor Lautner an Action Star. Jack and Jill - Went up a hill to take $11.50 from your pocket. Hope Schoen recently completed her two-year internship at HSM. She is (hopefully) in LA pursuing an acting career, and taking with her, in heart, all the wonderful people she met and lessons she learned over the last 24 months. At any given time you can find her talking about whales, wrapping herself in a blanket, or, of course, enjoying a good movie.

The Royal Sons - vicious Love

INSIDE[HSM]
INSIDE[HSM] magazine Fall 2012, Issue 1
Executive editor | Heather Leith Graphic design| Dillon Phommasa Photo |Emily Arnold, Dillon Phommasa, Capture ministry Copy editors| Monica Ware and Emily Arnold Contributing writers | Taylor Ishii, Hope Schoen, Josh Pease, Ashley Donahue Cover | Parker Stech Special thanks | the HSM staff, Pastor Rick Warren, and Andrew Barron of RedCar Media
C U LT U RE | 44

All Sons & daughters - your Glory

Slow Club - When i Go

RECOMMENDED READS:
*Come drop by and pick up some FREE resources at the GROW booth right outside the Refinery Theater.

The Case for Christ/ Case for Faith

Lee Strobel
These two books fundamentally changed my life when I was in high school. If you are struggling with key questions about who Jesus is or your relationship with the Lord, this book is perfect for you.

One Minute Bible

Doug Fields
Obviously a quick read, but this book definitely doesnt lack substance. It combines a few verses for each day that you read which creates a great daily devotional.

Living Loud: Defending Your Faith

Norman Geisler & Joseph Holden
Apologetics. This book explores how we are often told what to believe without really knowing the reasons why we should believe it. Its a fun read filled with tons of great information!

Live Large, Be Different, Shine Bright

Doug Fields & Joshua Griffin
Co-written by our very own Josh Griffin, this book explores topics like integrity, affirming others, competition and cliques. With this combination of hilarious authors, its also a very funny book. Check it out! You wont regret it.

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained

This guide to the Bible is perfect for supplementing your knowledge of all 66 books of the Bible. It contains the background, themes, key verses and a really cool so what section that makes the practical application of the Bible easy!

THE IMPORTANCE OF STORIES

by Hope Schoen

Since childhood, Ive been drawn to the power of stories specifically films and their ability to evoke emotion, spread awareness, and speak truth. Aside from Scripture, the Lord uses movies more than anything else to teach me things.
Films have the power to instruct and inspire.Movies like Taken (a film about a girl who is kidnapped by sex traffickers) bring to our awareness the injustices happening around the world. Lord of the Rings (a trilogy written by our brother in Christ, J.R.R. Tolkien) is an incredible depiction of the importance of fellowship, hope, and the fight against evil. Films like Schindlers List (true story of a German who saved hundreds of Jews in the midst of the Holocaust) remind us of horrors past that cannot be forgotten, lest they be repeated, and the reality of mans capable evil. On the other hand, movies have the ability to destruct and destroy. Movies like Twilight can leave us with an unrealistic expectation of love which may lead to depression and restlessness. Films like The Hangover or Project X desensitize us over time, making it more and more difficult to discern right from wrong. What we once thought wed never do suddenly doesnt feel like such a big deal anymore. The Bible says that if we dont guard our hearts by filtering what we watch, read, listen to, or who we spend time with we become like watered-down wine. This means that we become ineffective, which makes it extremely difficult to be a light in the world as we are called by our Heavenly Father. I believe all truth is Gods truth, and that everything we watch and listen to is telling us
43 | CU LT U RE

SUGGESTED SONGS:
Franoise Hardy - Le Temps de Lamour Alexander - Truth

something about relationships and life. If were not careful, those things we put in our minds will shape our thoughts and actions. The Bible says, The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23). I want to encourage you all to watch movies with a critical eye. Look for the truth in everything. Ask yourself: What about this film was true to life? Was this film realistic or romantic? Can I avoid the consequences these characters suffered by making different decisions in my own life? Why did this move me so deeply? Films are incredible conversation starters and tools to witness to others. I encourage you all to take advantage of the stories you see or hear or read by comparing them against Gods truth (Scripture), realizing that He uses all mediums to speak to us. Proverbs 3:21-23 says, My child, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. Every detail of your life affects your relationship with Jesus, including what you worry about, what makes you excited, who you spend

your time with, and what you watch. So next time you stand in front of the theater looking up at the list of movie choices, ask yourself, Will this positively affect my relationship with the Lord and my witness to others? If you cant wholeheartedly answer, Yes, it may be wise to pick another.

Dont See It

J. Thoven - City Maze

Of Monsters And Men - dirty paws

If you see these movies, heres what youre really getting yourself into. Charlie St. Cloud - 6th Sense all grown-up. New Years Eve - Robert De Niro has no business in a Zac Efron film. Avatar - Pocahontas with a bigger budget. L.O.L. - What I tweeted after I saw it. What to Expect When Youre Expecting - Expect bad things. Abduction - Mission Impossible 5: Making Taylor Lautner an Action Star. Jack and Jill - Went up a hill to take $11.50 from your pocket. Hope Schoen recently completed her two-year internship at HSM. She is (hopefully) in LA pursuing an acting career, and taking with her, in heart, all the wonderful people she met and lessons she learned over the last 24 months. At any given time you can find her talking about whales, wrapping herself in a blanket, or, of course, enjoying a good movie.

The Royal Sons - vicious Love

INSIDE[HSM]
INSIDE[HSM] magazine Fall 2012, Issue 1
Executive editor | Heather Leith Graphic design| Dillon Phommasa Photo |Emily Arnold, Dillon Phommasa, Capture ministry Copy editors| Monica Ware and Emily Arnold Contributing writers | Taylor Ishii, Hope Schoen, Josh Pease, Ashley Donahue Cover | Parker Stech Special thanks | the HSM staff, Pastor Rick Warren, and Andrew Barron of RedCar Media
C U LT U RE | 44

All Sons & daughters - your Glory

Slow Club - When i Go

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A | f i rs t thingedition 5 | 2012 fall s

fi edition | A 2012 fallr s t t h i n g s | 6

CALENDAR

A | f i rs t thingedition 5 | 2012 fall s

fi r s t t h i n g s | A

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