February 2010 / Newsletter

Name: Glencross Youth Group

Location: In the sticks
Bio: The Glencross Youth is a
group of junior and senior high
students who are excited about
learning about God and what it
means to be His hands and feet in
our world.
Contact:
Check us out on Facebook @
Glencross Youth
Visit our blog @
The last weekend in Feb- www.glencrossyouth.blogspot.com
ruary the Sr. Youth will be for an electronic version of the
enjoying a win- ter retreat at youth newsletter.
Rock Lake. The cost for the
weekend is $55 and we will be Any Questions??
treated to some great food, fun, Contact Mike Penner
and discussion. We will have 822-3864 or 822-8070
times of wor- ship and will dis- mtpenner@mts.net
cuss more in- depth being a
light in our world. There are Calendar
indoor activities like pool, ping Sr. Youth
pong, and foose- ball. Outdoor 03 – Bible study @ church @ 7:30.
activities like ice fishing (bring your own gear), and skating on the Creation and Evolution Part 2
lake. They also have a gym with floor hockey, and basketball. Oh 07 - STOP Team Meeting after
and don’t forget the hot tub. Sign up in the youth room if you plan church for lunch.
on coming and stay tuned for more information in your mailbox. 11 – Mime Event at Alliance
Church @ 7:00
17 – Bible Study @ church @ 7:30
Silent
th
Witness The Creation Story
On February 11 a Christian mime will be entertaining and 26-28 – Retreat @ Rock Lake
inspiring us at the Morden Alliance Church. You might be think-
ing, “A mime? Isn’t that a bit cheesy?” Well as Dave Brown from Jr. Youth
YFC put it, “I didn’t care for mimes until I saw this guy.” He 01 – Bible Study @ church @ 7:30
comes highly recommended and has “clowned” with Cirque du 11 – Mime Event at Alliance
Soleil. Daniel Julien brings his story of how Jesus transformed his Church @ 7:00
former life of drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Through mime and 22 – Bible Study @ church @ 7:30
speech he will leave us with a powerful message of hope and how
God can transform any life for Him. Meet at the Alliance Church Snack People
at 7:00 PM. This is for both Jr. and Sr. Youth. Hope to see you Sr. Jr.
there. 03 - Jolanthe 01 - Ethan
17 - Laurelle 22 - Ashley
 February 2010 / Page 2

Let Your Light Shine

By Mike DeVries

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and praise your father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
There is something so inviting about candlelight, is there not? I have a candle in my office at home.
Late at night, after the kids go off to bed, I like to sit in my darkened office with only the light of this sin-
gle candle on. I love how the flame flickers. I love the warm glow that comes from this solitary candle as it
offers up a soft amber glow. It’s peaceful. It’s warm. It’s inviting. It makes me slow down and reflect on
what is important.
In today’s Scripture, part of what is popularly referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus uses
candlelight to paint a simple, yet powerful image of Christ-followers as the conduit of God’s warm and
life-giving light. Shining this light, according to the passage, is wholly connected to how we live our lives
before others.
In living “the light,” we are to put on display a life that is attractive, like the warm glow a candle as
it offers up the hope of something more. What I find fascinating about what Jesus said is that as the result
of our “light,” others will glorify God. Apparently letting our light shine is a grace-giving, God-glorifying
thing. I wonder, is this what the world enjoys because of Christians letting their light shine? Does our
“light” bring joy, peace, grace and healing? Or does it bring division, hate, judgment and condemnation?
One brings life; the other, death.
If you want a mind-blowing experience, take a week to strike up conversations with people you
meet everyday. Ask them what their experience of Christians and Christianity has been like. See if those
interactions have brought about life and light, or have brought about condemnation and shame. See if they
have resulted in a glorifying of God.
May we be the kinds of people who shine the light of hope, the light of love and grace into a dark-
ened world. And may those who see the light be drawn to it, invited into its warmth.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you “let your light shine before others”?
2. How would you like your light to shine brighter?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:1-14

Winnipeg Harvest
Speaking of being a light. In March both Jr. and Sr. Youth
will be helping at Winnipeg Harvest. The 4th for Sr. youth
and the 23 for Jr. Youth. Stay tuned for the details.