December 4, 2024 ELEVATE UPDATE
ELEVATE DEETS
Thanksgiving served up a little break, and while it’s nice to pull back on all the preps that go into a night of ELEVATE, I want to share with you a little interaction I had with one of our leaders while cleaning up after ELEVATE on November 20.
I said to Sam Jundt, a student ministry vet with us for 15+ years, “Enjoy the break from ELEVATE next week!” I expected to hear him say, “NO KIDDING. I can use a break!” But instead, he shared how much he looks forward to being at ELEVATE each week – that most Wednesdays he’ll find himself pretty tired from a day of work and thinking it would be nice to crash on the couch instead of heading out again – but how by the end of the night he is so glad he was with the students to take everything in at ELEVATE.
Among the many blessings in my life that I could give thanks for, our team of coaches is high on the list, sacrificing (investing) every week in teenagers with a mission to help them grow in their walk with the LORD.
For the two weeks we’ll gather as a large in December we will be focusing our attention on CHRISTMAS GIFTS. Last night, our study came out of Matthew 2:1-12 where we read of the Magi who brought extravagant and meaningful gifts to the baby Jesus, and how we, too, should bring gifts to Jesus.
Key points made were:
Our three main points were:
1) THE KING’S STAR (wise people STILL seek Him)
2) THE KING’S PROPHECY (don’t let opposition stop you from seeking and serving King Jesus)
3) THE KING’S GIFTS (worship Him with your gifts – He is worthy of it all)
Questions to ask in the car or around the table:
• A star in the sky and an ancient prophecy announced Jesus’ birth. What does that tell us about Him?
• The wise men put a lot of effort into finding Jesus. How do you pursue encountering Jesus?
• What kind of gifts can you give to Jesus?
NEXT WEEK: Second Adam, Second Life (ROMANS 5:12–17; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45–49)