This past Thursday we invited adults from the congregation to join us for the evening. During our teaching time we split into groups and were able to hear the story of these 6 adults. Their stories all had a similar theme of overcoming a difficult situation and how God was present in those times. We think it is so important to hear others stories and to share our stories as well and believe this was an impactful night for students as well as the leaders! 

We do not have IMPACT this week because of Halloween... we will see everyone again on November 7!

How we served:
- Yard work at Tom Dickerson's Parent's house
- Helped prep Eight Day Farm for winter - cut tomato plant stings and pulled plants out
- House work at Tooge Willard's home
- Cleaned nursery - toys, chairs, tables
- Helped prep pie crusts for apple pies
- Picked up and washed apples for pies
- Decorated paper bags for Kids Food Basket
- Filled trail mix bags for Kids Food Basket
- Assembled candy baggies for Halloween Hospitality
- Helped close the Boerman's pool and did yard work 

We met in our focus groups for the first time last week. The three groups are Standards in Society, Friendships and Questioning/Doubt. Each group established why students choose the group, what they have questions about and what they hope the outcome of the group will be. We will meet in these groups once a month.

Lesson Title: Hometown Rejection: Jesus is amazed by the lack of faith from those in his hometown
Scripture: Mark 6:1-6
In this passage Jesus returns to his hometown and begins teaching on the sabbath. People are in awe at first but then start judging and rejecting him because of his upbringing and because he didn't take the traditional track to becoming a teacher. We talked about how we do the same thing. How sometimes we think comfort, popularity, social media, etc. is more important than putting Jesus first. Sometimes we think we know better and that we can do things on our own when in reality, we need Jesus.
Some questions you could discuss:
What things do you value more than your relationship with Jesus or what things get in the way of us putting Jesus first?
When is a time you thought you knew better and didn't need Jesus?

Lesson Title: Mary Believes - Jesus enters the world in an unbelievable way
Main Scripture Passage: Luke 1:26-45
Last night we talked about how Jesus entered the world in an unbelievable way and how Mary responded. Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would have a son, but not just any son, the Messiah, the Son of God! In this moment, Mary could've freaked out, could've denied what she had been told but instead, she believed. She trusted that God knew what He was doing. In Luke 1:38 Mary says, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word". We talked about how Jesus' ministry on earth began with Mary's belief and what we can learn from her. Belief means we trust God's promises are true and that we open up our lives for God to work through us, even when it seems hard or unbelievable.
Some questions you could discuss with your student:
What promises has God made to us?
What fears do we have about allowing God to use us?
What do you think God is asking you to do today, this week, this year?