Back to School
School (or whatever it is that awaits you) is looming depressingly close...
Just this week I went on a Church House Party with Fullwood Church, quite similar to the Oakes (hence it fitting into an Oakes forum =D) and one of the things that was mentioned a few times was whether or not we'd go away acting on what we'd learnt, or slip back into our old routines.
I'd say that after every Christian camp I've been on I've always felt a sort of high point in my faith and how I act on it, but it's not very long, all things considered, before that seems to fade away again. I'd imagine that's probably the same for quite a few of us.
What I'm asking is, aside from prayer (which is always great/vital), how can we help ourselves/each other remember to be good witnessess and proclaim this wonderful news we've heard? Does anyone have any suggestions to help us to try and stand out?
Thanks =]
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I think this is a great question! This is something I struggled with when I was at school... which was a while ago now!
One suggestion I have, is to get involved with your school CU (Christian Union).... and if there isn't one... then create one. Ours was once a week during lunch time... but in my GCSE years I didn't go because I wanted to play football. The teacher who ran it left and it stopped - so I never actually saw what that was like. However, when I started A-Levels (at the same school), along with some friends (no teachers) we set up a new CU where we would meet once a week.
It was great because actually going along made me more confident in my faith, and showed to myself and others that God was more important to me than playing football. Since there was no 'leader' as such, it also provided opportunity for everyone to get stuck in... to actually lead a bible study for example.
Just being with other Christians and in the same boat as them can be hugely encouraging and you are given the oppotunity to remind each other of those things you learnt 'on camp' or wherever.
I'm really interested in seeing other people's suggestions - please do answer 200's question if you're reading this!
(And without hi-jacking this post, I'd love to hear about your CU if you go to one)
I think we're not necessarily meant to live on a spiritual high. Christianity is meant to be lived in normal life, and it's in normal life that we make the decisions about whether we will be obedient to God or not. What we need is perseverance, and yes like you say we should pray for it, but I think Luke's right in that we should meet with other Christians. Hebrews 10v24-25 tells us to meet together in order to encourage each other to keep going. Also, Psalm 119v9-12 tells us that getting into the Bible will help us obey God.
Hey Matt!
There was a CU at Tapton on Mondays run by a 6th former with the help of St Thomas's........but I stopped going because I felt left out cos I didn't go to St Toms. I don't know if it's on this year but if it is I think it would be really good for more christ church (or other churches) people to go rather than just starting another one!
Thanks everyone for your replies, like Luke said it'll still be cool to see more suggestions (all suggestions could be helpful! =))
I went to a CU for a couple of weeks in year 7, I remember it being really quite helpful and it's a shame I stopped - thanks for that suggestion, Luke.
Thanks Mez for that good point too - Christianity is meant to be lived in your normal life. Perseverance is what I was asking about and your/Luke's point is really helpful (thanks for the Bible verses ^_^) so thank you! =]
Jennifer - wasn't there a Christ Church CU at one point? And I'll try and get some people to go to the monday one if it's still on, thanks for telling me =D
hi guys
it is really easy to leave the oakes/houseparty on a high and then feel completely different when you go back to school, i felt the same thing when i was your age and a camper at the oakes!
so i would totally agree with Luke and Mez, CUs at school are a great way to get to know other christians and just meet and talk about God and his Word together. i agree with what jennifer said - its good for all christians to meet together and i hope the fact that you two dont go to st Thomas' wont mean that you are left out of the CU
also going to the youth clubs on friday evenings at fulwood and other church events will be a way for your faith to grow and become stronger.
its been said but reading the Bible is such an encouragement to keep on going in the face of opposition and other christian books like the 'chocolate teapot' - which talks about surviving as a christian at school and contains great advice for how to live out your faith (you can get this book via the oakes website on the book shop section if you dont have it already!)
i really hope you enjoy the start of a new term at school and that you wont feel nervous about going back; the great thing is God is with you no matter what!
The christ church CU stopped when I was in Y9 unfortunately (whew that seems a long time ago!) so just the St Thom's one now. Is it still on or not? I'll try and make it next week. :-)
I'm not sure, no school since I found out... I take it we just ask the RE department?
I checked with someone who goes who reckons it'll be on next week...it always used to be in one of the RE rooms so we can just peer through doors I guess... It might be worth drumming up some more people to come at Sunday AM as well.
i think it is really tricky when you leave the Oakes feeling so great about your faith but as soon as school starts it goes downhill! Something that was said to me not long ago has really stood out in my brain and has helped me lots... Just being honest and not laughing behind peoples backs and generally doing nothing that you wouldnt want done to you can get you noticed. It might take a while but eventually people will see you as an honest trustworthy person who dosent do spiteful or mean things. This in turn will get your friends asking questions and then you can begin to talk to them about God and your faith.
Let me know whether you make it to CU and how it goes. Praying for you guys.
hey Matt,
I tried to go to the CU today and couldn't find it in any RE room so I don't know what's happened!
hmm... I'll interrogate one of the staff =]
Thank you all for your suggestions! I've been trying some and will be trying all! Really helpful so thank you =)
As for anyone who goes to Tapton school:
There's a CU on Thursday lunch and one on monday lunch for "older people" ie 10 up I think - head to the RE department and you'll find it.
Where were you? I went today and the issue of other churches was under discussion. They are really eager to get a real mix of churches to go along so I think it will be really great :-)
D= I'm so terrible! Actually forgot =(
I WILL be there next week :Z
This is a lesson to all:
If you intended to go to a CU and failed to be there this week, you can always come next week =D (you WILL come next week)
P.S. No offence to Tapton CU, or anyone suggesting that going to a CU would be a good idea, intended, I really do have a terrible memory :P
Just a suggestion of my own back on the origional theme...
It's a bit strange but I'm writing Bible verses on post it notes and sticking them all around my bedroom. Hopefully a good way to start/finish the day remembering what's been read/encouraging verses (if a little messy).
200, very good idea, I like it! Also writing them in your planner, or somewhere you look a lot.