Two are better than one...

I find it so easy to fall into the habit of spending time with God "later".  School activities, projects, family, homework, sports, hanging out with friends, work, video games, movies, texting, Facebook, blogs... so much to do.  None of these are bad choices... I just find myself placing many of these things first when it comes to how I will spend my time... and placing my time with God aside. How about you? Do you have a time each day that you read His word,  do you talk with Him?  Are you looking around to see where He is already at work and joining Him? 

You know Tim is so right when he says " we are not meant to do this alone".  Scripture tells us "two are better than one..." so I want to ask you to join me in reading the entire bible this year. We can encourage each other throughout the year. Dig deeper and find out what He has in store for our lives - what an adventure!  So beginning today, January 1, 2009 I will post each month's reading and if you would like,  you may join in.  If you fall behind pick up on the next day - its okay!!!  I also want to encourage you to write down your prayers and thoughts this year.  It is awesome to look back and see how God worked in your life.  

If you choose to join in on this journey see me on Sunday or e-mail me at dwhipple@bridgepointonline.org I  have a journal for you. It will not be easy and yes we may fail at times but that is why God wants us to journey together so we can pick each other up and continue the journey.  

Read the following scripture... then ask yourself if you would like to join in on this adventure with us. 

Serving Him,

Donna

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one, because they a have a good return for their work:  10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

God wants us to journey together and we need each other on this adventure. 

Coming soon...

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16

SPIN Christmas Party

Please join us for the SPIN Christmas Party this Friday night, December 5 from 8:00 to 10:30 pm at the Whipple's home. Please bring a silly gift for our White Elephant exchange. We also ask that you bring an unwrapped toy for an underpriviledged child. These toys will be donated to the TOY RUN that will take place on December 7 and distributed to children here in St Pete. See ya there!

Operation Christmas Child Gift Ideas

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

SHOE BOX LABELS
Click on the link below for printable artwork of the labels and a donation form. If you are not using our online EZGIVE option, fill out the form and include it in your box with your donation to receive a tax receipt. (Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.)

LABELS
Click to download.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD NOVEMBER 8 @ GREAT EXPLORATIONS

BRING YOUR ITEMS AND FILL A SHOE BOX FOR A CHILD!



Join SPIN as we send shoeboxes to children around the world. Watch the video below for items that you can purchase to fill your box. This year bring your items to our church gathering at Great Explorations on November 8 and fill a shoebox for a child.






HOW TO PACK A SHOE BOX
1. SHOE BOX - Shoe boxes will be provided by the church


Pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings.
Begin praying for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Attach appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided below.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. BRING THE ITEMS YOU HAVE PURCHASED TO GREAT EXPLORATIONS
We will provide the shoe box and you may add your items and check for shipping at this time. What a great way to kick off the holiday season.

If you are unable to join us on November 8 please contact the church office to drop off your filled shoe box.


After we fill our boxes we will write notes to our Compassion Child. Then SPIN youth will head to Cold Stone Creamer for ice cream. Each student should bring about $5-$10 (depends on what you get) for ice cream. Looking forward to seeing you there.

OPERATION LOVE - OPERATION KID TO KID

Sunday is OPERATION LOVE - OPERATION KID TO KID

When: October 12, 2008
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: Game On
201 38th Avenue North
St Petersburg 33703

You will have the opportunity to stuff a bear to send to a child in Africa. Afterwards we will have a friendly game of laser tag. Pizza and drinks will be served. Have your parents pick you up promptly at 6:00 PM. See ya there! Donna

Ice Skating October 4

SPINOUT

Saturday
October 4, 2008
9:00-11:00 pm


Bring $20-$25 for admission, skate rental and food.


CLEARWATER ICE ARENA
13940 Icot Boulevard

Family Fun Day 2008

Wow what an awesome day! A big "THANK YOU" to those of you who came out and helped with the event.

Joe Ward
Johnny Laurent
Shannon Bailey
Cindy Poust

Whitney
Brennan
Bailee
Courtney
Ali
Brianna
Tabitha
Zack
Kenzie

I want your photo

Send me a photo of yourself involved at school. Who me? Yes you! If you are involved in sports, chorus, band, drama, special events I want those photos to add to our slideshow. Email them to me as soon as possible.

Serving Him,
Donna

http://www.rocktheuniverse.com/

This is not a Bridgepoint sponsored event. Visit rocktheuniverse.com for more information if you would like to attend on your own.

Congratulations Kenzie!!

Kenzie is now the reigning "2008 Miss Junior Teen Florida American Queen". Let's keep her in our prayers as she goes into the community to share her platform. We love you Kenzie!!

God of this City and Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

It's Here!

BP's "Takin' It To The Beach" is this Sunday@10:30 am. Join us at the Tradewinds Island Grand Hotel on St Pete Beach for a great time of worship and fellowship.

Jon Brennan will be our guest worship leader  performing with our very own BP Band.  Tim Whipple will bring our message "It's Gone Airborne!". 

 Baptism will follow the worship time.  We are excited that 4 of our SPIN youth,  Ryan L., Whitney L.,  Tabitha P., and James W., will be participants in baptism this Sunday. How awesome to see what God is doing the lives of our youth.  

Donna

Location Change for Football Game/ Peter Pan at 6:30 no location change

Due to yesterday's rain the game will be at Northside Christian @ 6:30 tonight.

Directions:

Go west on 54th  North. Continue through the lights at 66th Street and 71st Street/Belcher Road.  The next light is Westchester Blvd; turn right.  Westchester ends at 62nd Avenue North; turn left.  The school is on the right.

This Thursday happenings...

Thursday Events

Four of our SPIN youth are involved in the following events.  Stop by if you get a chance.

Varsity Football Scrimmage

July 17,2008

Canterbury vs. Northside Christian 

6:30 pm

Directions to Canterbury:

990-62nd Aveneue NE

Take 62nd Ave NE east past the light at 1st Aven Ne.

The school entrance is on the right opposite 

Mangrove Golf Course and just past Foch Street.

Peter Pan Production

July 17, 2008

7:00 pm

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Marly Room

255 Beach Drive

Compassion Child

At camp our students decided to adopt  a little boy from the Dominican Republic.  Ryan L. will take on the responsibility of collecting the money and keeping everyone updated.  The cost is $32.00 per month.  Ryan will share more details on Sunday.  

Information about our child

Name:  Darlin Aleander Espinal

Birthday: October 10, 2002

Country:  Dominican Republic

Project: Hogar de Refugio Student Center

Darlin lives with his stepfather and his mother.  He is responsible for running errands.  His stepfather is employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home.  There are 2 children in the family.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Darlin participates in Bible class.  He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average.  Bicycling, baseball and playing group games are his favorite activities. 

Because of our sponsorship, Darlin will have new opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.  

Sunday Morning

Those of you who attended camp please wear your shirts on Sunday morning.  All SPIN students are invited to sit up front this Sunday.  Afterwards anyone who would like to eat at Panera Bread after church can meet at the one located on 4th Street.  

Check out the Camp'08 photos.  You may click on the photos if you would like a copy through Picaso.  

Donna

Thursday - Camp

Today is our last full day at camp...my prayer of unity for this group has been displayed all week long. Together they have decided to adopt a child through Compassion International and support them financially. They have been challenged and encouraged to go to the next level in their spiritual walk... I will stop here so they can share this with you.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to get away to grow together and individually. Pray for us tonight as we finish with our last evening of worship with Louie and Chris.

We will check-out at in the morning and arrive at the church office around 12:30. We will not stop for lunch as we will have a late breakfast and snacks on the way. We will have the kids call you as we reach the bridge heading into St.Pete. Pray for our travel.

The kids have T-shirts that I would like them to wear on Sunday morning. We will sit together in worship.

We are heading to dinner...see you all tomorrow. Listen in to worship tonight if you can!!!

Serving Him,
Donna

Camp - Wednesday

Today's Menu

Breakfast: Cold cereal, milk, fruit, breakfast bars, juice
Lunch: Ocean Walk Village - burgers, sandwiches
Dinner: Pizza, fruit

More to come later

Camp - Tuesday

About that time there arose a GREAT DISTURBANCE about THE WAY. Acts 19:23

Today so many people are looking for something -looking for "A Way". The world tends to make us believe there are many paths that can be taken. We even convince ourselves we can go down a path for a little while and then turn around without it affecting us. WRONG! There are consequences to our choices. Our choices do make a difference in our lives.

As Christians we know there are only two paths (no matter what the world wants us to believe)...the path leading to God "The Way" and the path leading away from Him. Guess what? If you are on the path leading to God you can't just stop and smell the roses. God has called you to make a difference...to be a DISTURBANCE in this world. He has a plan for your life…for you to share the light with the world around you. Are you on the path leading to Him? If so are you causing a DISTURBANCE in the world around you? If not, I challenge you to spend time with Him today and listen to what He has in store for you.

Continue to pray for our kids and Shannon as she leads the Bible Study. God is doing incredible things in their lives bringing about a DISTURBANCE.

Donna

Today's Menu

Breakfast: Dunkin Donuts, Milk, Juice

Lunch: Johnny Rockets

Dinner: Subway

Camp - Monday

Travel was a breeze and we arrived in Daytona @ 3:30. I am posting late because of access to the blog. After checking in and eating at Burger King we headed to worship...if tonights worship is a taste of what the week holds we are going to have an incredible week!! Louie shared his message about "Lamenin" and just how big our God is and what holds us together (Colossians 1:17). Ask your kid(s) how big God is when they get home. If you do not know what Lamenin is-google it and you will find this portion of Louie's message on You Tube. Chris Tomlin and his band rocked the house...not only preparing us for worship but bringing us to worship. We met afterwards for our church group time and now it is lights out. Catcha ya tomorrow. Donna

Before I forget...those of you who know Haley Draughon she is here and on staff with Student Life!!

Camp Departure

• We will depart from the church office @ noon tomorrow.  Please arrive between 11-11:30am
  
• We are limited on space so pack one small suitcase and one carry-on or backpack
  
• Eat lunch before you board the van @noon.  We will not be stopping for lunch.
• Don't forget the sunscreen
• Bring your bible, small spiral notebook, pen(s)
• At lease $60.00 or more for your food for the week. Parents we can bank your students money if you would like.  
• Bring your swimsuit and beach towel
• Refer to your packing list for any questions you might have on what to bring
• You may bring your cell phone and ipod for the trip.  You must leave these in your room during the activities.  You are responsible for these items if you bring them. 

Pray for ...

Camp Pastor - Louie Giglio

Worship Pastor - Chris Tomlin

Worship Artist - Delirious?

Concert Artist - DecembeRadio

Student Life Staff

BridgePoint Leaders -

Shannon B.

Ryan L.  - Student Leader

Donna W.

Tim W.

Pray for those going to camp

Bailee

Brianna

Courtney

Tabitha

Whitney

Brennan

Drayton

Geoff

James

Ryan

Zech

Two Doors

Friday

A ridiculous illustration of the two choices we have on Earth, to take a path that leads to life or to stay on the one that doesn't.

Read it

John 10:1-18

Luke 13:22-30

One more time...grab a piece of paper and write your responses to these questions.

1. Why do so many people stay on the path they're on when it is empty and meaningless and so few people choose to follow Christ?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is the gate?
3. How do we help others know which door to enter through?
4. Which door have you entered through?

Even though it may appear that in life there are any number of paths we might  take, Scripture makes it clear that there really are only two: the one that leads to life in Jesus, and the one that does not.  Many either don't find the way to Jesus or simply refuse it, but we are called to be part of the few who do.  Our mission then becomes to help others do the same.

The Way

Student Life Camp '08

What if they follow The Way...

Thursday

What if Hollywood's elite suddenly began to follow The Way...

Read

Acts 9:1-7,18-30

2 Corinthians 5:17

Grab a piece of paper and jot down your thoughts for the following questions.

1. Why do we find it so hard to believe that people can truly be changed by Christ?
2. Is anyone "too bad" for Christ to change their life?
3. How has Christ changed your life?

Christ has the transformative power to radically changes lives.  Paul knew this firsthand! It is sometimes hard for us to accept Christ's work in others because we want to think that we are somehow better or holier than them.  This is how the apostles felt when Paul first sought to join their ranks.  Remember that God is the one who works in the lives of people, and it is not up to us to decide who is worthy.  If we are followers of the Way, we know that there was a time when we were not.  Just as we have been shown grace and mercy, so should we also extend it to others.

The Way

Student Life Camp '08

Preparing for Camp

Wednesday

Beginning today I would like to encourage you to pray about your camp adventure.   My prayer is that you stop and listen to Him. You will hear Him through others, worship, music, reading the Bible, games, activities, prayer and the list goes on. I am excited about what God has in store for you individually and for our group. Praying for you...  Donna

Watch the following video provided by Student Life.

Now Read

Acts 19:23-20:1

John 15:18-27

Don't forget to write down your thoughts as you read the scripture.  

Now answer these questions:

1. How does following Christ  cause a disturbance in our own lives?
2. What kind of disturbance does your life make?
3. How should we respond to a world that hates us because of how we disturb it in the name of Christ?

Living for Christ is completely different than how the World would tell us to live.  For this reason, people will sometimes get upset with us and Jesus says will even "hate" us just as some hated him and persecuted him.  However, we are still called to live lives that serve as a witness to who Jesus is.  In this way we can make the greatest positive disturbance possible.

The Way

Student Life Camp '08

CAMP '08 SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

MONDAY

Arrive at the church office between 11:00- 11:30.  This allows us to pack the vans.

Make sure you eat lunch before you board the van.

Please bring 1 (one) suitcase and 1 (one) carry-on. We are limited on space.

You may bring your cell phone and ipods for the trip to camp.

These items must be secured in your room at the hotel. 

Please do not bring these items to the activities and events.  

We will pull out at 12:00 noon.

3:00  Arrival/Registration at Student Life

3:30  Settle in your room

5:00  Meet for dinner

7:15  Head to worship

6:55  Pre-Gathering

7:30  Worship Gathering

9:00  Church Group Time

10:45  In Rooms and Quiet Hours

OTHER DAYS

7:30  Breakfast 

8:30  Family Group Meeting 

10:30 Celebration

12:00 Meet Donna for Lunch

1:00  Free Time - TBA

5:00  Dinner

6:25  Pre-Gathering

7:00  Worship Gathering

8:30  Break

8:45  ?

9:15 Church Group Time

10:30 In Rooms and Quiet Hours

FRIDAY

7:00  Breakfast

8:15  Family Group Meeting

9:00  Check out/Load Vans

9:30  Head Home 

Keep up with what is happening @ camp next week!

SAY HI by sending your kid a personal note via email

SURPRISE THEM with a camp gift card

LISTEN IN LIVE "on location" to the speaker and worship

READ camp news posted throughout the day

VIEW PHOTOS taken every day around camp

CHECK OUT who is speaking and much more

Go to:

http://www.studentlife.com/experience08.php

SPIN Sunday mornings

Come join in as we SPIN together.
Sunday mornings @ 9:30
St Pete High School
Call the church office for more info
727-823-3400

May 7 update

Just wanted to let you know that we will be bowling this Friday night, May 9 from 6:00-8:30. If you bring $20.00 that should pay for 3 games of bowling, your shoes, food at the snack bar and a few dollars in the arcade. The location of the Sunrise Bowling Lanes is located in the e-mail I sent to you Tuesday evening. As always if you have any questions send me an e-mail or give me a call.

Did you know God created you for a purpose? He has given each of us special gifts to complete the good works He has in store for our lives. Join us this Sunday as we look at those gifts that we have been given.

What gift has God given to you and how will you use it?

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

See you Sunday@SPIN
Donna

SPIN begins

SPIN begins this week!

Beginning this Sunday morning, BridgePoint's student ministry is putting a brand new SPIN on things. If you are in the 6th-12th grades we want to invite you to join us for a great time of fun, study and connecting with new friends. We will be gathering in the east courtyard (look for the signs), at 9:30am. Make plans to join us and bring along a friend!


SPINout Alert!

From time to time (once a month or so), our SPIN leadership will invite you to join them outside our regular meeting time for what we are calling SPINout. This week we not only kick off the brand new SPIN but we will also have our first SPINout. It's a Super Bowl Party at the home of JC & Carol Russell, 142 Bay Point Drive NE. The fun kicks off at 6:00pm.

Watch for Summer Camp details during the worship service tomorrow morning. Spots are limited so sign-up early. I will be available (in the lobby) after worship to answer any of your questions.

Donna Whipple

Donna Whipple
Student Ministry Coordinator

Hey there! I just wanted to introduce myself and fill you in on what is happening with SPIN our BridgePoint student ministry.

I am married to Tim Whipple (Lead Pastor at BridgePoint) and we have two students in the Middle School SPIN ministry. I love working with children, middle/high school and college age students. I am very excited about what God has in store for you, your friends and the adults who will be volunteering in SPIN.

Let me introduce you to our SPIN Team. I will be adding their photos to the blog as I receive them.

Bill Gross
Lukas Hefty
Kelly Hefty
Vicki Kirby
Jessica Talmon
Johnny Laurent
Carol Russell
J C Russell
Steve Russell (his photo is already posted)
Joe Ward

If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me or post a comment.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday morning!

Donna

Steve Russell

Steve Russell
SPIN Volunteer