RAK Nov. 15th

What would it look like for groups of teenagers to go all over town committing RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. We'll find out on Thursday the 15th from 7-9 as our students and any who want to join will be sent out in groups to inflict as much love on people as possible. It'll be grand. The cost is $2.

Girls Overnighter

In order to connect all of our girls - young and old we are having a HS girl overnighter. It will be held Nov. 10th at Helena Halter's house. The time is 6pm till 8:30 the next day. The girls will have so much fun - thanks to Monica and Aimie who are leading this charge.

New Land. New Church. New Vision

The high school ministry is undergoing some changes of vision and structure. Please attend the parent meeting and get on our parent email list for more information.
The Meetings will be held
Nov. 17th after the service
Nov. 18th after second service @ Los Alisos, room B-3


to get on the email list please email Ryan at ryan.zeulner@canyonhillschurch.org

Winter X ((((CRASH))))

Winter X will be Jan 3-6 and will be up at June MTN. We will be back at Boulder Lodge so bring your swimsuite. The cost for the good times will be $250* - we'll need a non-refundable deposit of $100 asap to reserve your spot. We will be riding up in a huge bus and will be joining Searidge Community Church from Irvine for some more fun!

*this price does not include lift tickets. If you want lift tickets let us know.

HUB UPDATES

We are in crazy times with the HUB being built out. But we have found a way to make it all happen at the HUB!!!!

Thursday 10/11 - "When Life Goes to Pot" w/ Eric M and small groups At the HUB

Thursday 10/18 - "Civility" w/ Trent Covey - At The HUB (outside) Bring a sweatshirt!!!!!

Thursday 10/24 - INVASION - special night - dress as aliens and bring your alien friends - AT The HUB!!!!

Thursday 11/1 - "Dating Game" w/ Ryan - HUB

October is HERE

Oct. 25th - INVASION - dress like an alien and enjoy our out of this world Freeto Boats, play some games - they say men are from Mars and girls are from Venus so...

Oct. 26th - DAY ZERO - go to www.joindayzero.com for more info - its going to be a great night to get out and let loose. We'll be joining the church that we went to winter camp last year.

Nov. 3rd - We are trying to put together an Airsoft Day. Spring Hand guns only, boys and girls allowed. Canceled!!! Hut is trashed for the greater good.

Nov. 10th - Girls OVERNIGHTER!!!!!!!!!! Talk to Monica Alvarado for more info.

Numbing The Pain (More Pain, Less Hope)

The following post is directed towards parents, however the youth might also benefit from it. The following is an article writen by Joel Wurgler called "Teenagers Today - More Pain, Less Hope.

If it hurts, medicate it. That is the advice we get from the pharmaceutical companies every day in commercials. They assure us tat the drugs are legal, but the desired outcome is the same as many illegal drugs - "Avoid dealing with your pain by numbing it." Unfortunately, if we do not deal with the pain in our lives, it will eventually deal with us.

When we crowd unattended emotional pain into our lives, whether resulting from physical illness, poor choices or victimization, we can only store so much before it begins to tear at the walls of our heart. By then, our habitual hiding from really leaves us with little ability to cope with the unexpected resurrection of old wounds. We end up with more pain, less hope.

Teenagers, especially, are intimidated by painful emotions because they have had little help and supervised practice in dealing with them. They are less resilient and more brittle today than in the generations that preceded them. Our exploding urban culture and changing family systems have cheated them out of some important experiences and reference points for dealing with life and its realities.

For many teenagers, their only support group is made up of peers, who have equally limited abilities and skills for processing pain and interpreting events in their lives and the world. This only contributes to the intimidation. When you do not understand its role as a signal giver and cannot sort it out, pain is to be avoided at all costs.

The icons that light up on the dashboard of a car indicate when issues need to be addressed for the sake of the car. If they are ignored, no repairs can be made. Pain, whether physical or emotional, is our indicator light, warning us that attention must be given. If it is not, we eventually suffer the consequences.

Perhaps you have heard the saying, "where there's anger, look for pain." Anger is often on of the consequences of hidden pain, especially in teenagers. Sometimes their anger is designed to distract them from the pain; sometimes it is intended to give them thicker skin. But occasionally their wounds just bleed anger and other consequential behaviors such as depression, withdrawal, and self-harm.

Why spend so much time on the emotional stability of teenagers? Because I am convinced that the primary issue for us to address with students today is not sin; it is pain (sin's companion). It is the deeply rooted and hidden pain that is caused by unprocessed confusio, loneliness, victimization, shame and guilt, and the hopless residue that it leaves behind.

I am not suggesting that pain excuses wrong behavior. I do not see pain as an excuse; rather, I see it as a reality. And I believe it is our best starting place with many teenagers. But it means being slow to speak and quick to listen. It means less hot air and more light. It means fewer lectures and more field trips. It means fewer games and more meaningful experiences.

What does it mean for you? Is it worth considering? Are youth group meetings, campus clubs, family times, and outreach events designed to provide antiseptic treatment of surface issues when what is needed is deep attention to the soul? And if so, what should we do about it?