Important Upcoming Dates

With fall speeding toward us and the summer coming too quickly to a close here is what is going on at theEDGE for the next few weeks!

August 1
       -theEDGE @ JW 6:30-8

August 8
       -8th Grade trip to Noah's Ark 8am-6pm - Sign up sheet coming in the mail
                for students who completed 8th grade this year
       -theEDGE Neon Skate Night @ Hoffy's Skate America (click for address) 6:30-8pm
                for students who completed 6th-8th grade this year! Bring $4 for admission plus $1 for
                skates!

August 15
       -theEDGE move up week! @ JW 6:30-8
                 Current 5th graders will become 6th graders, Current 6th graders will become 7th graders, 
                 Current 7th graders will become 8th graders, and Current 8th graders will move on up to
                 high school!

If you have any questions email Paul at paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org

You and your child can help free slaves!!

What comes to mind when you hear the word slavery?  Up until a couple of years ago I would think back to my 8th Grade History Class.  I would think of things like Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War or Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.  I'm sure these are some of the most common things that come to mind for you and probably for your middle schooler as well.  A couple of years ago I was introduced to the International Justice Mission and now when I hear the word slavery I think of investigators rescuing teenage girls from the sex trade and lawyers working with governments to establish and enforce anti-slavery laws. Check out the video below.



IJM Just Us Run (Eau Claire, WI) from Peace Church on Vimeo.

Sometimes it's difficult for students to see how they can make a difference without a lot of money or without a lot of influence.  But, there is a way for your child to make a huge difference.  There is a way for you and your child to help free slaves all over the world.  This Wednesday, July 18th hundreds of people go to Owen Park to run in the Just Us Run for Justice which will raise money and awareness for International Justice Mission.

This week theEDGE will be meeting at Owen Park at 5pm to work the water stations for the run.  It is their way to make a difference.  Each student who volunteers will receive a free tshirt and a pack with all sorts of information about setting slaves free.

As a parent, we invite you to come with  your student to youth group this week, to run in the race or to help us at the water stations.  Any questions, check out www.ijm.org and www.cvjusticerun.org.

Servin' Eau Claire Follow Up

 

Last week 44 middle school students embarked on the one of the greatest experiences of their summer if not their middle school years.  Last week was the middle school serve week called "Servin' Eau Claire".  Check out the following info and for highlights and a link to view and order pictures. 

Some Highlights:

• Many students met and developed relationships with other students from youth group that they would have never thought they would.
• Students saw poverty and brokenness that compelled them to serve and love like they have never done before.
• Students were a part of something bigger than themselves.
• Students were challenged in their faith to do some things that they had never done before.
• Students grew loved the people they were serving and the people they were serving with.

Students served in the following areas:

• Sorted clothes at Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center
• Picked up garbage along two major bike trails for the City of Eau Claire
• Played with children at the Boys and Girls Club
• Painted the interior and exterior of The B-Side Community's building.
• Cleaned and organized The B-Side Community
• Painted and planted pots of flowers and delivered them to people in the neighborhood inviting them to the B-Side Block Party
• Planned and ran various children's activities at the block party
• Prepared and cooked meals for the team

Check out this link (servineauclaire2012.shutterfly.com/4) to look at and order pictures from the week.  Have any encouragement or highlights from your student's week of serve, post them below in the comments section.

Summertime Details!!!

Summer is here and I wanted to communicate some important details to you!!  Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the summer!

Will theEDGE meet tonight?  Yes, we are celebrating a wonderful school year with a hawaiian themed party.  Send your students with hawaiian garb and a school's-out-i'm-gonna-party-all-summer type of attitude.

Will theEDGE meet throughout the summer?  Yes, we will be meeting pretty much every Wednesday this summer.  Check out the calendar below for more information or pick up a calendar at the welcome center.

When and how can I sign my child up for the summer serve week, June 18th - 22nd?  Check out the previous Parent's Edge blogpost for more information.  Click here to go there now!!  OR go directly to the JW website to register online.  Click here to go there now!!

When will my child move up to the next grade?  All students from 5th grade through 12th grade will move to their new grade level on Wednesday, August 15th.  This is the first time that the new 6th graders will join theEDGE and the first time our old 8th graders will join thePULSE.

What will theEDGE look like this summer?  Summer is a laid back time to really connect with friends and deepen relationships with some fun games and interaction.  It's a perfect time to invite friends to do something fun and summery.

Is there an opportunity to serve at theEDGE this summer?  Yes!  Summer is the time that we give all of our regular leaders off to rest so we need more leaders to step up for the summer.  If you can serve weekly at theEDGE or if you can serve for just a couple of weeks, email paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org and let him know which dates you are able to serve. 

What was your first summer job?  Well, my first summer job was working in the assembly and shipping department at a school supply distributor warehouse.  I took boxes off an assembly line and assembled them on pallets before they were shipped out.   

Have a great summer!!

Servin' Eau Claire Deadline Approaching

This summer theEDGE students are going to dedicate one week to serve the community.  Servin' Eau Claire was a hit last summer when we had about 30 middle school students sacrifice time out of their summer schedule to impact others in Eau Claire.  This year we are hoping to have between 40 and 50 students to participate in reaching the community for Christ through serving.  We will be partnering with local organizations that are currently meeting the needs of the people in the community to reach out to meet the needs of the people.  Students will have an opportunity to serve people of all different backgrounds while staying here in Eau Claire.  Check out the Next Steps below to see how you can be involved.

1.  SIGN UP!  The more students we have the more impact we can have.  Not only will your student impact others, they will have an experience that will change their perspective and life as a middle school student.  Sign up at http://www.jacobswellec.org/#/middle-school/the-edge or print and fill out the attached paper registration form!  DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH. 

2. SERVE!  We will need 8 adult leaders every day between 12:30pm and 5pm on Monday (June 18th) through Friday (June 21st).  If you can serve one or all of these time slots email paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org  and let him know you are able to serve.  Without adult leaders we will not be able to serve at each of our locations.  You don't need a student attending to serve as an adult leader.

3.  DONATE!  We will be potting and planting flowers to give to people in the neighborhood and we are in need of small clay pots.  If you would like to donate pots or money to purchase pots, please email paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org and let him know your ability to donate.

Thanks so much for allowing us to partner with you in serving with your child.  Contact Paul Behnke if you have any questions.  Check out the information below and sign up today!!  DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH. 

IMPORTANT: Servin' With Small Group Information

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Next week, Wednesday, May 30th, theEDGE will NOT be meeting.  Instead, each of our small groups will be meeting at different locations around town serving the community.  ATTENTION:  The TIME and LOCATION for your child's small group serve night may be different than normal.  Check out the details below so that you know when and where to drop off and pick up your students next week.

6TH GRADE GUYS:  Chris and Paul's Small Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Paul - 715-210-0675

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  Phoenix Park Pavilion (Downtown Eau Claire)

     ACTIVITY:  Cleaning up local parks and the downtown area!

6TH GRADE GUYS:  David and Jim's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Jim - 715-839-067

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  St. Francis Food Pantry (1221 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703)

     ACTIVITY:  Organizing and stocking food pantry shelves.

6TH GRADE GIRLS:  Lori and Shaina's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Lori - 715-579-7240

     TIME:  6-8pm

     LOCATION:  Lori's House (11926 17th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729)

     ACTIVITY:  Serving the neighborhood

6TH GRADE GIRLS:  Nicki and Becca's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Nicki - 715-210-0674  Becca - 715-338-0926

     TIME:  Drop off at 5:30pm at Apple Pregnancy Center or at Jacob's Well at 6:30pm - Pickup at JW at 8pm.

     LOCATION:  Apple Pregnancy Center (2600 Stein Blvd, Eau Claire WI 54701 from 5:30-6:30pm)  Jacob's Well Kitchen (6:30-8pm)

     ACTIVITY:  For those able to come at 5:30pm we'll take a tour of Apple Pregnancy Center and then we'll head to JW at 6:30pm to bake cookies for a bake 

     sale.  Proceeds will go to Apple.

6TH GRADE GIRLS:  Kristin and Tessa's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Kristin - 715-570-3328  Tessa - 715-529-3481

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  Tessa's House (1615 Lloyd Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701)

     ACTIVITY:  Writing letters and cards to missionaries, soldiers and others in need of encouragement.  If you have someone specific to encourage bring 

     their address.

7TH GRADE GUYS:  Michael and John's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Michael - 715-828-1992  John - 715-226-1319

     TIME: 6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  Gordy's on Birch St (2717 Birch St, Eau Claire, WI 54703)

     ACTIVITY:  Carrying, loading, and unloading groceries for people.

7TH GRADE GIRLS:  Anna and Morgan's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Anna - 763-258-4420

     TIME:  5-8pm (Dinner Provided)

     LOCATION:  Jacob's Well Church

     ACTIVITY:  Various projects around the church

7TH GRADE GIRLS:  Caitlin and Mary's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Mary - 715-830-5401

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  Oakwood Hills Retirement Facility (4316 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701)

     ACTIVITY:  Hanging out, playing games, eating snacks with residents.  Feel free to bring a favorite game or snack to share (no nuts please).

7TH GRADE GIRLS:  Patty's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Patty - 715-461-0401

     TIME:  Drop off at Sojourner's House at 4:30 and Pickup at Acoustic Cafe at 7pm

     LOCATION:  Sojourner House (448 North Dewey St, Eau Claire, WI 54703) from 4:30-6pm and Acoustic Cafe (505 S. Barstow, Eau Claire, WI 54703) 

     from 6-7pm

     ACTIVITY:  Serving the Sojourner House and eating dinner at Acoustic Cafe.  Bring money for dinner.

8TH GRADE GUYS:  James and Mike's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Mike - 715-723-3388

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION:  Jacob's Well Church

     ACTIVITY:  Various projects around the church

8TH GRADE GUYS:  Eric and Jordan's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Eric - 657-888-4511  Jordan - 715-4958067

     TIME:  Drop off at Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center at 4:30pm and Pickup at Pizza Ranch at 7pm

     LOCATION:   Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center (2511 W Moholt Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703) and Pizza Ranch (2451 Truax Blvd Eau Claire, WI 54703)

     ACTIVITY:  Sorting and organizing donations at Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center and eating dinner at Pizza Ranch.  Bring money for dinner.

8TH GRADE GIRLS:  Joy and Jen's Group AND Ava and Maddie's Group

     CONTACT INFO: Joy - 715-579-0264  Jen - 701-552-1067  Ava - 715-553-2178  Maddie - 763-355-4177

     TIME:  6:30-8pm

     LOCATION: St. Francis Food Pantry (1221 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703)

     ACTIVITY:  Organizing and stocking food pantry shelves.

8TH GRADE GIRLS:  Krina and Brittney's Group

     CONTACT INFO:  Krina - 715-456-6900  Brittney - 715-271-5006

     TIME:  Drop off at Gordy's on Hamilton at 4:30pm and Pickup at the Oakwood Mall Food Court at 7pm.

     LOCATION:  Gordy's on Hamilton (3310 E Hamilton, Eau Claire, WI 54701) and Oakwood Mall Food Court (4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701)

     ACTIVITY:  Carrying, loading, and unloading groceries for people at Gordy's on Hamilton and eating dinner at the Oakwood Mall Food Court.  Bring money 

     for dinner.

Please look at these details carefully as the times and locations vary per group.  Please plan accordingly and coordinate rides as needed.  I can't wait to hear about your child's experience serving in the community.  Share any stories in the comment section below.

Servin' Parent Cue (Week Two)

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

This blog is your cue.  Every Wednesday we’ll post a “Parent Cue” which will tune you in to what we are talking about at theEDGE and cue you in on some steps you can take to lead your student into taking their next steps.

 

Servin' the Church:  Overview

This week, Laura Garry will be speaking about the opportunity for students to become part of the church by serving in the church.  Laura is the Serve Coordinator at Jacob's Well and has a passion for getting people plugged into serving.  Often times students feel like church is for their parents' and that they don't fit in and belong.  Well, giving students an opportunity to take part in the church will give them more ownership over what goes on at church and will find belonging because not only do they go to church, they are the church.

Parent Cue

Take some time to discuss these questions with your student this week.  What do you think of church?  Do you feel like church is for you?  Why do you go to church?  Allow students to be honest.  If they think it's boring allow them to share.  Be able to share from your life as well.  What did you think of church at that age?  Share together.

 

Action Point

Dream with me for a second.  What if one year from now there were as many students serving at church as there were adults?  What if students built relationships with the adults that they serve with that last well into college and beyond?  What if students lived a life of serving?  Then they would become more like Jesus.  Students will have the opportunity to try serving in one of the welcome ministries on the weekend at Jacob's Well.   Students will be paired up with an adult in one of the serving ministries as a mentor for that serving position.  This could be the most amazing experience for the student, the adult and even the church.The first step is for students to sign up at theEDGE.  If they missed the sign up have them contact Laura Garry at 715-833-2050 or at laura@jacobswellec.org

Servin' Parent Cue (Week One)

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

(Mark 9:35)

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

(Philippians 2:5-7)

This blog is your cue.  Every Wednesday we’ll post a “Parent Cue” which will tune you in to what we are talking about at theEDGE and cue you in on some steps you can take to lead your student into taking their next steps.

Series Overview:  Servin'

On our journey towards God it is our goal to know and become more like Jesus with every step that we take.  Philippians 2:5-7 calls Jesus a servant and if we want to become like Jesus we must serve.  This series is all about "Servin' the Community" and "Servin' the Church".

 

Servin' the Community:  Overview

This week, Matt Kendziera will be speaking about making an impact on the community.  Matt is the director of The B-Side Community near downtown Eau Claire.  The B-Side Community is not necessarily a church (although they have a church service) and is not necessarily a social justice organization (although they meet the needs of people).  The B-Side Community is exactly what it says in the title, a community of people who are loved by God and who love others through meeting the needs of one another.  The B-Side Community is making an impact in the community that it works with in huge ways and Matt is excited to share about B-Side as well as about God's plan for us in servin' the community.  Check out The B-Side Community at http://www.bsidecommunity.com/

 

Parent Cue

How have you served in the past?  Have you ever told your student about it?  This week, spend some time sharing with your child about mission's trips you've been on.  Spend some time sharing with your child about different things that your company does to meet the needs of people.  Spend some time sharing about your volunteer experiences.  Whether you know it or not, your children are very perceptive of what you do and how you respond in life.  Share your life with them.

 

Action Points

This week there are two action points to put on your radar.

 

1.  Servin' with Small Group Night:  Wednesday, May 30th theEDGE will not be meeting at the church.  Instead our small groups will be scattered around the community serving.  This takes them from learning about serving to actually serving.  More details to come.

 

2.  Servin' Eau Claire:  Monday, June 18th through Friday, June 22nd we will be partnering with The B-Side Community and other organizations around town to serve Eau Claire.  This will be our summer serve week.   Go to http://www.jacobswellec.org/#/middle-school/home to register your student for this amazing serve experience.  Or pick up a paper registration form at theEDGE.  We will also need leaders to serve this week, so consider serving with us that week.

 

Upside Down Parent Cue (Week 4)

“I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true'" 

(Revelation 21:3-5).

            From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near” 

(Matthew 4:17).

This blog is your cue.  Every Wednesday we’ll post a “Parent Cue” which will tune you in to what we are talking about at theEDGE and cue you in on some steps you can take to lead your student into taking their next steps.

Week Four:  Upside Down World

It’s easy to think that God’s kingdom is just about Him and us. It’s easy to forget that we are part of something bigger, something more vast that just our relationship with Him. We are part of His kingdom both some day, and now. We are a part of His mission to restore things that are broken, whether that’s in our own lives or in the lives of those around us, or those half way around the world. And when we live with a future kingdom in mind we can start to make it a more present reality.

 

Parent Cue
What are some things that are “broken” around us? How can we be a part of God’s restoration with those things? Use this question to brainstorm together how your family can participate in the Kingdom of God by serving others.  This question might be easy to talk about but is much harder to do.  Talking about it can be a first step but make a huge effort to do something to serve others and participate in the Kingdom of God.  

 

Action Point
The action point this week is not only to have the conversation about how your family can participate in bringing in the Kingdom.  Your goal this week is to actually do something together.  This might look like sponsoring an impoverished middle school aged child from the other side of the globe through Compassion International or World Vision. This would be an awesome next step for your child because they would have an opportunity to send and receive letters and pictures from your sponsored child.  Don't leave your child out of this process.  Make this a family event.  There are many other local options that you and your family could participate in.  Talk about it and commit to do it together.

If you end up sponsoring a child or serving as a family, share your story in the comments below.