Thrive Information Hub
We had a wonderful week at World Changers. Seventeen students participated at some level or another and made a huge impact on our community. I am so thankful for these students who joined us and worked hard to serve our city. When we use our gifts to serve others something happens, God blesses those we serve and God blesses us. He blesses us, by growing our heart for the things of God, giving us joy seeing others needs met, and building relationships with others. He blesses those we serve by their needs being met and joy by knowing they are loved and cared for.
Thanks again!
This Week July 25
Sunday School 9am - Worship 10:30
Wednesday July 28 6pm Thrive Worship - Worship, Bible Study & Small Groups. We will be leaving campus and delivering “Buckets of Love” to first responders.
Next Week August 1
Sunday School 9am - Worship 10:30
Worship By The Water (St Andrews State Park by the pier) 6:30pm - We plan to show up early and enjoy the beach then we will have a short worship time at 6:30.
Wednesday August 4 6pm Thrive Worship - Games, Worship, Bible Study & Small Groups.
Coming soon
Saturday August 14 Shipwreck Family Day. - We need a sign up, link coming soon, for who is coming and who has a season pass, Then we can determine how much it will cost. Register HERE!
Sunday August 15 Promotion Sunday - We will have breakfast at 9 then go to our new classes at 9:15. We will start with HS Boy, HS Girls, MS Boys, MS Girls.
Sunday August 29 Parent and Small Group Leader Breakfast. - This will be a time for our parents and small group leaders to meet each other as we begin a new year in small group. This will include both Sunday Morning and Wednesday Night Leaders. I am still determining the menu.
9am Sunday Morning Small Groups (Youth Building)
10:30am Sunday Morning Worship (Worship Center)
5pm Sunday Night Discipleship (Starting Back Soon)
This Information Hub is a work in progress but will be where you can find the most up to date information about all things related to Thrive Student Ministry. I will update with more parent resources and information as time goes by. For now you can find some resources in the gallery below. Thank You for allowing us to partner with you in discipling your students.
3 Coversations
Parents: Here is a video about three conversations to have with your teen as they head to high school. these are good conversations for any age teenager.
5:30 Dinner & Preservice Games (Youth Building) - Each week we will have FREE dinner in the YB for students. Then we have games such as carpet ball, Ping-Pong, foosball, and cornhole.
6pm Thrive Worship Starts (Youth Building)
Leaders! I am so thankful for you! Here is where you can find Sunday Small Group & Wednesday Night resources. I also plan to add more training and resources as time goes by.
Our new Sunday Morning Study begins soon.
Hope In the Midst of Confusion And Doubt
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called [e]Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 [f]Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been [g]shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He *said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
John 20:24-29
Can you imagine loosing the most important person in your life and not being able to say goodbye? Then that person coming back and you miss it? How much guilt and shame, doubt and confusion would their be? A lot.
Thomas is one of the guys who we blame for having little faith and believing as the others who actually saw Jesus did but, can we admit that you and I probably would have been in the same boat as "Doubting Thomas". I mean resurrecting was not a common theme and certainly not something you would expect to happen. So don't get all upset with Thomas just because he had a hard time taking their word for it.
Think of the confusion they were all feeling. they followed Jesus and put their lives on line to do so. They left jobs, families, and home towns to be His disciples and then he was gone. Just like that gone. They were probably thinking "it's over, let's just go back home." Many of them did. But to the ones who stuck around they were in for a treat.
Jesus did make good on his promise and show up for them in the midst of doubt and confusion. His resurrection did not require their belief, It was God's plan regardless of that. His resurrection is what gives is hope in the midst of doubt and confusion. Even though we don't understand it and have a hard time believing it, it still happened.
It happened so we could be forgiven. It happened so we could find hope. It happened so we could have life, abundant life!
Parents: Preparing For the School Year
I cannot believe we are already about to start school again. If you are like me, I am feeling that Summer passed by a little too quick. I wish I had some more time to just be, no agenda, just rest before launching into another school year.
But as we think about this upcoming school year I want to give you a couple of ideas to help process this summer and think towards goals for the school year. These would be conversations that you have with your family around the dinner table or in the car.
What was your favorite thing you did this Summer?
What was your spiritual highlight from the Summer?
What do you never want to do again from this Summer?
What are you looking forward to this school year?
What are some goals you have for this year? Academic, relationally, or spiritual.
How do you plan to accomplish those goals?
March 2020 Update! Sign up For Camp
Find a prettier verision of this update HERE
Announcements - Parent Section - Leader Section
Here is what is happening?
Weekly Thrive Update.
Student Camp is at Western Carolina University this year. Sign-up and deposit are due April 1 to secure the early bird rate ($250); after that the cost is $300.
Register HERE
2020 BIG Events
We would love to have you join in the fun:
March 13-19 HS Mission Trip: Ecuador
June 1-5 Vacation Bible School Students Serving.
July 6-10 Camp at Western Carolina University $250. $100 deposit due by April 1. Register HERE Parent Meeting April 1!
Parents,
Spring Break is here!
What are you doing to intentional spend time with your students this week?
Spring break brings a needed time away from everyday activities for students. Some families are unable to do anything special because of work schedules or lack of finances. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great spring break.
Here are a couple suggestions for you to try this week.
Family Worship Time
Sing a song with a guitar or worship video from YouTube.
Ask each person how they have seen God recently.
Read a familiar Bible story together as a family.
Ask for prayer requests and pray for each other.
Plan a Family Outing
Go bowling, or to the movies, or to the beach.
Go out to eat or pack a pic-nic
Have a family game night at home
Pull out the old cards or board games.
Make a special dessert
Find an activity to do on Pinterest.
Have a family movie night
Find a Christian film to watch as a family
Check pureflix or pluggedin online for recommendations.
Pop some popcorn and have some fun!
Go for a walk in the neighborhood.
Get outside and see your neighbors.
Don’t be that neighbor that pulls into the garage and goes inside. Share the joy of Jesus.
That’s 5 ideas! Go do some and have fun!
You and your family are a blessing to FBC Panama City and Thrive Student Ministry!
Parent Tips & Tools
Here are several scriptures for you. They are divided in a bunch of different topics. Please use as you see fit.
Here it is:
We are encouraging our students to engage with God's word through prayer, scripture memory, and Bible journaling. Here is a copy of the SOAP method.
Here it is:
Are you a Parent, grandparent, educator, pastor, mentor, or friend of teenagers? If so, these guides are for you!
It’s hard to keep track of everything teens are into, let alone know how to talk about them, but it doesn’t have to be! We created these downloadable PDFs to help you understand the things your teens face, how to have conversations about them, and how to biblically disciple the teens in your life into lifelong faith through it all.
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Suicide_Self_Harm_Prevention
Axis Guide to Shame Free Parenting
Axis Guide to Anxiety/Depression
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Family_Night.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Tough_Conversations.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Discipling_Teenagers.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_LGBT_and_Your_Teen.pdf
Helping kids learn how to be responsible with cell phones is a pretty big deal. That’s why we love this awesome resource that helps parents communicate clear expectations with their kids. Just download the cell phone contract below.
Cell Phone Agreement
Cell Phone Agreement - Note to Parents
Leader Helps & Lessons
This week we are talking about Toxic Friends. Mainly how to get rid of them and how to avoid being one.
I POSTED a VIDEO for you. Please go and check out the this month's training.
CLICK HERE
Some of you have already completed this THANKS!
Response: REPLY back with the name a student whom you have connected with this month!
Here are the lessons for the next few weeks:
Teacher Prep Videos
How to use the Leader Guide
March 15: Lesson 28
March 22: Lesson 29
March 29: Lesson 30
FAITH
CONVERSATION GUIDES FOR SGLS
Middle School Guide
High School Guide
Talking to your few about Faith—what it means, how to walk in it—is so vitally important, and while it can be difficult, it shouldn’t be avoided. Check out these NEW conversation guides on the topic!
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Thrive Update December 17,2019
Annoucments - Parent Section - Leader Section
I am going to try a new format with our weekly update. There will be one update with all the information you need. A section for annoucments, a section for parents, and a section for leaders. Please browse through and let me know what you think!
Devotional Thought:
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-11
Just after the resurrection when Jesus was gathered with the disciples and followers, they asked him questions about his purpose. While it is clear about Christ's purpose sometimes we can feel like our purpose isn't clear. In this moment of confusion, after the resurrection and just before he was taken up to heaven, Jesus reminded them of their purpose. Which is also our purpose today.
He says " you WILL be my witnesses". As followers of Christ we are to be His witnesses everyday and everywhere. At home, work, at play, at school, and at Walmart. But he also makes us a promise that "the Holy Spirit will come upon you". When we receive Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes upon us and we are never the same. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us everyday in our decisions and in our conduct.
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you this Christmas season in sharing the message of Jesus with all you come in contact with.
Blessings,Brandon Phillips
Here is what is happening?
Weekly Thrive Update.
Several Big Events To Close Out The Year!
We would love to have you join in the fun:
Wednesday December 18
Thrive Christmas Party 6-7:15pm
Tacky/Ugly Sweater Prizes - Ginger Bread House Contest - The Great Elf Hunt!
Bring some goodies to share!
Friday December 20
High School Christmas Movie Night 6-10pm
Hot Chocolate bar - Christmas goodies - Christmas Movies.
Bring some goodies to share!
Sunday December 22
Caroling 11:30am -2pm. RSVP Pizza is being served.
We will be going to Mathison and spreading Christmas cheer!
December 31-Jan 1
Middle School New Years Eve Lock-In 9pm-7am
We will be ringing in the New Year in style! Games, fellowship, Bible study, and more!
Bring some goodies to share!
Parent Tips & Tools.
Any time is a good time to make a personal restart. Working on becoming the best YOU is the best way to love and lead those around you. That's why for 31 days, we’ve provided you with something to think about or pray to help you prioritize your spiritual, mental, and physical health.
If you miss a day, or even a week, it’s okay. You can pick up right where you left off or jump to the correct day. The purpose of this calendar isn’t pressure. The purpose is to provide you with a tool to make it personal—to put yourself first when it comes to personal growth.
Here it is:
Are you a Parent, grandparent, educator, pastor, mentor, or friend of teenagers? If so, these guides are for you!
It’s hard to keep track of everything teens are into, let alone know how to talk about them. But it doesn’t have to be! We created these downloadable PDFs to help you understand the things your teens face, how to have conversations about them, and how to biblically disciple the teens in your life into lifelong faith through it all.
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Suicide_Self_Harm_Prevention
Axis Guide to Shame Free Parenting
Axis Guide to Anxiety/Depression
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Family_Night.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Tough_Conversations.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_Discipling_Teenagers.pdf
Axis_Parents_Guide_to_LGBT_and_Your_Teen.pdf
Helping kids learn how to be responsible with cell phones is a pretty big deal. That’s why we love this awesome resource that helps parents communicate clear expectations with their kids. Just download the cell phone contract and make it available to your parents of elementary and middle school students.
Cell Phone Agreement
Cell Phone Agreement - Note to Parents
Leader Helps & Lessons.
Here are the lessons for the next few weeks:
Teacher Prep Videos
How to use the Leader Guide
December 22
December 29
January 5
January 12
January 19
January 26
FAITH
CONVERSATION GUIDES FOR SGLS
Middle School Guide
High School Guide
Talking to your few about Faith—what it means, how to walk in it—is so vitally important, and while it can be difficult, it shouldn’t be avoided. Check out these NEW conversation guides on the topic!
SLU101 January 17-20, 2020
Would you consider sending your student to Student Leadership University 101? SLU was such a great experience for me last year. Let me give you some of the quotes I wrote down.
"The goal of this week is to give you a 20 year head start in your leadership, personal relationship, and time management skills." Jay Strack, Founder of SLU
"Leadership begins at the feet of Jesus." Brent Crowe, President of SLU
"Make everything you touch a little better and a little brighter." Tom Mullins, President, EQUIP
As I go back through my notebook I am encouraged again by the memories I was able to make in that environment with last year's group. I know that the lessons learned can help guide them to be leaders passionate about impacting their world for Christ. I truly believe that SLU will be a huge benefit to your student and you will see the results when they come home.
A description from SLU's website...
Shape your students' future through the ultimate experience at SLU 101! Your students will begin their leadership journey by understanding that leadership begins at the feet of Jesus. From behind the scenes at Sea World to world-class speakers in exclusive learning environments, SLU 101 teaches your students the practical, relational, and life skills to change the way they think, dream, and lead!
Click here for more Information
The cost of this trip is $650. If you are interested please do not let money keep you from letting your students participate.
You will also need the following forms in the SLU 101 Parent Packet: SLU101WinterWeekConferencePacket
The cost will be $650 with $200 deposit due at sign up. Registration deadline is November 3. All information about this highly intensive leadership development program can be found at the link below. Let me know if you have any questions Thanks!
http://www.slulead.com/courses/slu-101
We offer a payment plan to help you by spreading out the expense. Please follow the payment plan.
Deadline with $200 deposit November 3.
Thrive Parent Update October 18,2019
We are on the same team so let's work together!
I recently heard the following statement at a conference. "We cannot, in one hour a week, un-teach what you teach everyday at home."
Ouch! That hits home for me at a student pastor and a parent.
First, I as a student pastor cannot expect the students I lead to do anything I teach them unless they see it modeled, practiced, and re-enforced at home. I need to encourage volunteers and parents with the same things I am encouraging my students with, so they have the same discipleship opportunities as their students do.
Second, as a parent I need to make sure I practice what I preach at home so that my kids have an example to follow. The following verse gives us a blueprint.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 gives us our mission from God as parents:
“Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
1. Love the Lord your God
2. Model & talk about them with your family.
3. Celebrate when they/we get it right.
Start with something simple.
Do you pray at dinner?
Do you talk about God more than just at church?
Do you have a time of family devotion?
I am with you and for you on this journey,
Pastor Brandon
STRONGER: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON HURT AND PAIN
SERIES OVERVIEW:
Life hurts sometimes. If you haven't already experienced it, there will be a day when you'll encounter pain, failure, or loss. Sometimes the hurt we feel happens because of something we do, or something that is done to us, or something that is no one's fault at all. In this 4-week series, we'll talk about how, when life hurts, or goes wrong, or doesn't make sense, these things are true: Jesus can redeem what's gone wrong, God can be trusted, God gives us each other, and God helps us persevere.
Teenagers can be pretty dramatic sometimes, but do you think you could spot the difference between typical teenage stress or drama, and a real mental health concern? When it comes to your teenager's mental health, always be aware of your own limitations, and don't ignore any concerns that your kid might need support from a medical or mental health professional. And as always, if your kid is struggling, let us know how we can help!
Thrive Parent October Update 1
Hey Parents! Wow! I cannot believe it is OCTOBER! I am expecting God to bless us with some cool Fall weather now.
Our Fall retreat is coming up soon, make sure you get your students signed up. I am expecting God to use that weekend to encourage us and get our focus on Him. It will be a great weekend of worship, Bible study, reflection, and games. Sign your student up here...
Sunday Night In Home Bible Studies
Next meeting is Sunday, October 6 from 5:30-7:00 PM at the following homes. Make plans for your student to join us.
Middle School | 6-8th Grade
Neil & Crystal Stewart
2853 Longleaf Road, PC 32405
(850) 527-3867
9/10th Grade
Derek & Brandy Carlson
1126 N Bay Dr, Lynn Haven 32444
(850) 814-1502
11/12th Grade
Brandon & Jenna Phillips
3707 Bay Tree Rd, Lynn Haven, 32444
Our meeting dates: October 6 & 20 - November 3 & 17
Sunday November 3 we will meet at church at 5pm for a church-wide Lord's Supper service. We will then head over to the Youth Building for a quick bite and our Bible studies.
Resource of the Month:
If you're the kind of person who refuses to read parenting books, hang on just a second! We have one we think you'll actually like. It's called The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans. It's fun, practical, encouraging, and it even comes in audiobook form. Check it out!
TIP OF THE MONTH:
Teenagers can be pretty dramatic sometimes, but do you think you could spot the difference between typical teenage stress or drama and a real mental health concern? When it comes to your teenager's mental health, always be aware of your own limitations, and don't ignore any concerns that your kid might need support from a medical or mental health professional. And as always, if your kid is struggling, let us know how we can help!
