Wednesday, September 15, 2010

1 day...

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

One City has arrived. Be prepared to eat your face off, worship God, beat up evan on some inflateables and lose to me at ping-pong... Bring your friends and spread the word.

CITY YOUTH IS BACK
-pray for good weather

blessings

Sunday, September 5, 2010

ONECITY

Mark it on your calendars! SEPT 16th. Get ready for inflateables, music, food, basically your favorite night of the week is coming back and starting soon! So like I said mark it on your planners or whatever the schools gives you and be prepared for lots of fun and a wicked night. SEE YOU ALL SOON

-BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

-luke

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Call

Hey everyone,

So the summer is coming to an end and where did it all go? Time spent at a few different summer camps I'm sure. I know up at camp Imadene (sorry if that's a spelling error..) there are lots of fun times happening and God is doing some cool things already.

Latley I have had a lot of awesome and cool things going on. So many cool things its almost hard to choose what to do and what to keep doing. I know a lot of you guys this year will be hitting some more senior classes and In those senior classes you'll be getting struck with questions of what your goals are and where you see yourself in 3, 4, 10 years and to be honest its OKAY if you don't know. Even now knowing I wan't to do ministry it's extremeley hard to choose where to be and stay and get educated and so forth. If your having trouble with your calling or just even where to go in the next 3 months. Maybe it's what club to join, what sport to play, even choices with a guy or girl you like, it's never to late or to lame to bring up to God. Don't ever feel discouraged praying what you might think is a weird or unheard prayer. God is listening and aware and is always working.

We all have plans and dreams and we all want them to go the way we plan them.. orr we wouldn't make plans at all. I'm not talking about making plans for the night or what movie your choosing I mean BIG plans, and oddly enough sometimes there are many paths to take. For a while I felt that no matter where I went its okay thats the path God has chosen, all the mistakes I make all the choices thats exactly what God want's and how he wants it and so forth. yeaa not so much. God wouldn't choose for you to make a big mistake or do a lot of things humans do. God has blessed us with something called "free will" and although it gets us into trouble It also allows us to choose Jesus as our Savior and allow God into our life. If we didn't have this freedom we would all just be robots worshiping God all the time. God has knows the plans he has for us, and If we seek him he will reveal and affirm places and things we need to do but as humans we might take detours, we might think he wants us in one place and find out its another. Or give us a love for one thing and then SHAZAM here comes the oppisite. Don't be afraid just continue to seek and know that we serve a God in control and one who will always be with us even if we go astray. Be confident that God has a plan and do the very very best you can to walk it to perfection. None of us will, but we will glorify God doing all we can to trying. Check out Proverbs chapter 16. I took this excert from it but I suggest reading it all!

God Bless
-Luke

Proverbs 16
1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. ... 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. 7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD he makes even his enemies live at peace with  him.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

SO SAD...

Due to the bonfire bans... we are going to have to plan the bonfire for another time. Hope your all enjoying the massive amounts of heat and hitting up the beach!! stay tuned for more updates.

-Luke

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Holy Smokes! its been forever on here.

My apologies to everyone for being a kuncklehead and not updating this as much this summer. God has been doing lots of cool things in my life as Im sure in yours. He has taken me to different camps and conferences, playing music and preaching. Overall its god's consistent amazing power that gives us the strength to always be seeking him. As the summer slowly is coming to a close.. (how dare I say that!!! sorry anyone who is going back to school...) keep encouraging one another to staying true to God's path. Keep searching, and keep coming to youth events. We will have camping pictures up soon!!

As for today we are going to Arbutus cove. Head to the end of Arbutus Cove lane and walk to the beach. We'll have a couple skim boards there to use and some maybe we will toss around the frisbee.

Much love
-Luke

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

what we are supposed to do!

Amos 5:21-24 (The Message)

"I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want.

I just recently came back from playing at a conference called "street invaders". Street invaders is straight up a big huge bible boot camp where you non-stop are being fed the word, spending time in prayer, or at a service. Unless your eating or sleeping you are diving into God. After a week of that you do a little missions trip. You team up with a city and their church and you go out into the city everyday, serving the people, ministering to them whatever you feel God want's you to do. A huge focus of it, is bringing life, hope and justice to those people who don't understand the true meaning of what those words are and have done.

Above is a scripture from Amos. Amos was a prophet in the old testament and what he says or what god prophecis through him is some pretty powerful stuff. "I'm sick of your fundraising scehmes.. public relations...image making.. noisy music." Wow. Think about it how many times we will go to church learn about Jesus everything he did and stood for and then just go on with our day. When Jesus was alive, he went out to the people, and not just any people, the homeless, the sick, prostitutes, people full of demons. Now trust me when I say we probably shouldn't be going around hanging with some of those people, but when you get a chance to give somebody hope, perform a just act, or speak into somebody's life to give them life. YOU TAKE IT!!!! That's honoring Jesus! We can listen to someone speak and clap our hands at church but God wants justice. He want's fairness in all the world guys! we are a downtown church, we have the ability and resources to meet with homeless outside our door. We literally have people who sleep at our doorstep every single night.

"Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want."

While we were on this trip we were walking down to the big RED ROBIN (woot woot) and at a cross walk who I highly doubt could touch her toes (although i don't know if I can..) dropped all her change right on the road and without instant, 3 guys of the band James, Benson, and Lane all rushed right to her. Like they could instantly tell she was in a panic and that to pick all the change up might take her till next christmas but something that simple that small they knew they could help. Help add some hope some joy and love in that womans heart. That's the love of Jesus guys. At that moment I could feel God just saying thats good, thats more like it. W

Were supposed to help people! As you go on your next week, see what kind of things you can do for other people. Email me the things that happen guys! I want to hear about the justice that your blessing the world with.

-Lukas
lbonnett_12@hotmail.com

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

FREEZIE TIME!

HEY YOU!

Its getting quite warm outside which means you need something to cool off with. We ALL need something to cool us off. Be at glad tidings church at 3PM. So you can be a blessing and hand out Freezies to people. It will be a fun time and im sure you can get a Freezie if you show up! SO, stop what your doing grab your friends, and get to GT for 3-6pm. Have a fun time everyone!

http://www.kiskofreezies.com/images/products/MF_REG_100CT_BOX_lg.jpg

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

CANADA BBQ!


Hey everyone,

This thursday (Canada day) City youth is having a get together/bbq at trina's house. Its from 630-10pm. Evan will be at the church with the church van if anyone needs a ride. He will be leaving at 6pm so please be there a little earlier if you need a ride. Make sure to bring a toonie or in some form 2 dollars and maybe a lawn chair. The house address is 8513 bournce terrace.

Basically you drive down blanshard and get on the high way (your going to head towards the ferry terminal...) you take a left at Mt Newton Crossing. There is a white spot on your left and the McDonalds to your right. You take your first right on Central Saanich Rd. Drive all the way down the street and there will be houses at the end. Trina's house is on the right.

Have FUN!!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Let's not start over..

Can you believe it? A full year has gone by and its the last night for city youth before the summer schedule kicks in. One year has past and so much has happened. All nighters, mini stick champions (which is still myself and Evan) milkshakes, History Maker, people being baptized, it has been a long ride. The best part about all of this, is its just the begining. It's just the begining for alot of things. It's a start for a new relationship with God for someone. A new friendship with someone from youth or a leader. It's really only the begining for city youth.

Now I hate! double hate! loath entirely!!! when you start something and have to start all over. Like say your on the big FB and your messaging someone or reply to whomever and you write this massive essay/novel of a response leave it for a bit and outta no where you don't know what you've done but within 8 seconds you've somehow managed to highlight the entire thing and delete it while trying to finish the last bite of your tasty PB and jelly sandwich. At first you don't even believe it you basically continue it and then it clicks that its all gone! Now this is kind of a lame example but the main point is, I hate having to start something over you've worked so hard at. Don't start over this summer.

Tonight Evan is speaking on courage. Why we need to be bold and full of courage. Have the courage to stick your faith out this summer. Me and Evan were talking recently about how long periods of time away from things can sometimes almost make you fall backwards. Don't fall backwards be strong and bold in your faith so that when september hits and City Youth is back and rolling, your not in the same place, you don't need a big conviction sermon and worship set to get you back in jesus shape, but come back at a new place. At a higher place, a place you are ready to grow even more. Come back to better than you were before.

Im not saying this just to the youth, or mids. This goes for everyone! Myself, the Leaders even Evan agrees, we all need to push this summer. So as a youth group, LETS NOT START OVER! Don't fear guys go out strong.... "The Lord is my light and salvation - whom shall I fear? The lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Laura will post all the summer events that are happening in the next couple months. There are so many cool things going on PLEASE don't miss out guys. 

Loves
-Lukas

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

conGRADulations EVAN!

Evan, your youth pastor has graduated from UVIC this year. Make sure to give him a high five or boo yah when you see him!

Friday, June 11, 2010

A cool shot of Shawna and Mikhail as Shawna prepares to speak..

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Prepare yourselves... its go time.

2nd POST! woot woot, just a quick heads up to the CITY YOUTH MIDS, next week is your last wednesday night. If your not there... your in trouble. Be there and enjoy it, its going to be special.

Tonight shaw-na na is preaching and talking about preparing yourselves for to grow spirtually during the summer. Last week we kinda touched on how the summer is full of distractions but in saying that, its totally a time to buckle down and grow.
Alot times we here from the pastor about "growing spirtually??" and I think its all different for everyone but for me its 3 simple things...

a)gaining more from the word. (Reading the good book)there is always more..
b)gaining faith - just being able to trust god more (A BIG PART OF THIS IS PRAYING! not just praying its nice out so you can hit up the beach and show your new swimsuit but diving into prayer!)
c)acting and making J-wow decisions

If I am learning and striving to do these things better.. Im going to grow spirtually. The cool part is, we all grow on different levels. Sometimes I feel like I'm not consuming much from the Bible. Even recently a friend gave me a verse to read that he was so jacked up on, like as excited as oprah gets when Tom Cruise is on her show."ITS OFFICAL THE GREATEST VERSE OF ALL TIME!" Then I'll read it and be like... umm yeah are you kidding? Were all going to grow in different ways, different speeds, different everything. It's supposed to be a personal relationship between you and the Big Guy, the key is were all striving to grow.

I really wish I had a sweet story or something uber funny to say guys. But this whole idea is soooo simple. Take advantage of the church and all your youth leaders, keep yourself consumed with the right people. Force yourself to read your bible even if its not your fav thing to do. Do what Jesus would do, learn to put things in Gods hands and guys, this summer you will be more amazed the I was when the chicago blackhawks won the stanley cup. Miricales do happen!! (sorry Garrett...)

There is so much to grab guys, check this verse out, I love it, It always helps me out, kicks me back into gear.. if it seems different its from "The Message" which is a paraphrase version of the bible that is less Shakespeare and more today.

Jeremiah 12" When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13-14" When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."

Get serious, want it more than anything else guys.

Be Blessed
-Luke

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer Time..

Welcome City Youthers! Anyone and everyone who is apart of city youth, attends, volunteers this is the new and official city youth blog. I'm so happy about doing this especially because it gives me a chance to continue communicating with all you guys even from my new home. This blog will be a little longer because its the first one and its got an introductory but i will post a blog up hear every week, ill try to keep it updated with topics close to the sermons Evan's preaching on but who knows! Please begin to follow this blog and talk to me if you like something, got something to say, anything. love you all,

god bless. Luke.

I love the summer. It brings nothing but joy to my heart. Maybe I just don't like snow very much cause I don't snowboard or anything but once June hits I'm ready for 30 degree weather everyday. The problem with summer is it can be too good. During the other 3 seasons usually your in school. You have commitments, homework, exams, sports, a big schedule that seems to always grow. But with summer a lot of it goes away and other than a summer job your basically just living the dream. No school stress, most sports teams are done, most of your commitments are just being at work from 9-5 and I find its harder to occupy time. For me growing up, summer time was great for doing things i know i wasn't supposed to do. Summer camping trips (not the kind with your mom and dad present) beach parties, whatever it was it was easy to get involved with. Summer time always presents itself with its difficult temptations. So many times we find ourselves in a situation where its like "how did i get here?" maybe... "that escalated quickly" OR "how long has that been there?" (that last one was just a quote from emperors new groove... fine motion picture..) and its times like these where its so easy to do something that's just not something J-wow would do. (J-WOW is Jesus, I will be using cool nicknames and such in all the blogs) check out 1 Corinthians 10: 13

"13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

That gets me pumped up. right off the bat its like, don't worry your not going to be faced with megatron chasing after you tonight. The temptation is common to all of us. i can breathe a little easier. PLUS! G-wow is faithful, he's always there and always supporting us WITH A WAY OUT! that last part is soo important. their is always a way out its our job to choose it. We know that Jesus is the most important thing worth living for and If he's blessing us with a way out. we gotsta take it.

The next time your in a sticky situation don't freak. KNOW that God is faithful, this is probably not the worst thing that has ever happened and KNOW that there is a way out.

god bless to all you guys.
-Luke