Preaching this Weekend

I will be preaching this weekend during out morning services. I hope you will make it. God has really been laying some things on me as I've prepared for this message. I'm excited about it! You should really read Matthew 2 before you come. I hope to see you at 9am or 10:45am. I love you all!

Twilight?

Twilight has taken the teen landscape by storm. Student are devouring it like crazy. I know several people who have seen the movie several times and are re-reading the books again. I have not read the books, but have read a lot about it and asked a lot of students questions about it. There is a great article that was published recently that might help shed a little light on the topic for parents.

article

Have you read the book?
What do you think about it?
How many times have you seen the movie?

Are You Second?

Great site with great stories. Check it Out.

I Am Second

Don't Forget Parent.Student Connection

Don't forget the Parent.Student Connection this Sunday at 12:30pm. I hope you will all make it. Even if you didn't RSVP come anyways. It will be a great time of challenge, encouragement, and information. We have several big announcements. I hope you will make this a priority!

Will you join the conspiracy?

We unveiled our upcoming series in our weekend service this past sunday. It is going to be a challenging series as we approach the Christmas Holidays.



I hope you will pray about how you will join the conspiracy.

txt lingo

We are currently doing a series on prayer on wednesday night called txt. Thanks so Christie Ross below you will find a website that will help you understand the lingo your students are using as they txt each other. We hope this will be a helpful link.

TXT Lingo

New Creation

New Creation from FC Post on Vimeo.

I thought this video was a little crazy the first time I saw it, but it is rocking my world. I weep every time I see it because I am reminded how many of us have been made new by Christ. So many more await. Will we do what it takes to reach others for Christ?

Sex and Drug Use Among Students

There was a great article about Sex and Drug use among students and how the family plays a huge role in this. Whether you realize it or not, parents play a significant role in whether a student will have sex and how much and will they start taking drugs. Churchrelevance.com summarized these findings very well. It is well worth the read. Family Interaction Reduces Teen Sex and Substance Use

Does your family eat regularly together?
Does your family go to the church together?
How often do you talk with your parents/students during a week?

Mission Trip

Just wanted to let you know we are working on our mission trip stuff, but so far we are striking out. Most of the organizations that are on the coast are telling us they now only want people that are 18 years and older. Also, I was looking at the calendar and the day off of school for Veterans day is not Monday it is Tuesday this year. In the past it has always be on the monday if i am not mistaken. Just a little frustrated. Pray for me and our team as we try to make a good decision what to do. I am a little bummed today. We are looking at a few alternate weekends and other organizations. God is good and will do something amazing whatever it is.

What P.A.T.H. are You Creating for Your Kids-Part 2

Here is the second half of the article by Justin Hilliker, God’s P.A.T.H. for parenting: part two. This is a must read for all parents and future parents. He closes the article out by hitting the last two letters in P.A.T.H., Training and Helping.

Click the Link to Read

What ways are you training your children intentionally?
How are you helping students to develop godly habits?

What P.A.T.H. are You Creating for Your Kids

What paths are your children taking?

Are we as parents helping our children to set the right course for their lives. What path do you want your kids to take? What we say, do, and don't do speak volumes to our children. Recently Tommy Hilliker wrote a great article about helping your children find the right path. He hits the first two points in his article called God’s P.A.T.H. for parenting. I will post on part two when it is released later this week.

His path includes four key directions:
Provide a spiritual foundation for your family.
Accept your children unconditionally.
Train them intentionally.
Help them develop healthy godly habits.

A Couple of Questions:
How often do you read scripture with your children a week?
Do you have a time set aside for you and your children to grow spiritually?
Do you ever find it hard to accept your kids no matter what?

Powerful Video

This past Sunday The Brook celebrated 10 years of ministry. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work. It was an awesome day! God really moved in many cool ways. One of the most powerful moments of the morning was the cardboard testimonies. I hope it will touch each of you as it has touch each one of us.

Cardboard Testimonies from Jan Owen on Vimeo.
God is all about transforming lives! This is what church is all about.

How has God changed your life?

10 Years of Ministry

This Sunday The Brook will celebrate 10 years of ministry. It is amazing that 10 years ago God begin an incredible work. God has truly blessed The Brook! I am so thankful that I have been a part of this congregation for 4 and 1/2 years. It has been an exciting ride so far. I look forward with great expectations to what God will do over the next 10 years.

You don't want to miss the celebration this Sunday at 10am at The Brook, 8573 Highway 72 West, Madison, AL 35758. There will be powerful worship, moving messages, and even a few surprises. You will want to be their early for the service, park far away and sit close to the front. We will need every square inch possible. I would encourage you to set your alarm at least 15 minutes earlier then normal.I believe the service will be one of the best ever. You should invite a friend to be a part of this day. There will be a picnic following the service. You will want to bring a lawn chair. Also, if you have a pop up tent bring it with you as well. The food will be provided so just come on.

I hope to see you at The Brook this weekend.

Wednesday Night Recap

Last night was awesome!

Worship was amazing as Wendel S., Ryan J., Nathan S., Phillip K., and Corey B. lead us in worship.
The Setlist:
Mighty to Save by Hillsong
From the Inside Out by Hillsong United
Hosanna by Hillsong United

It was awesome seeing so many students connect with God in worship. I believe God's heart was blessed.

The big idea during the message was:
Excuses hinders God's work, but excellence honors God and inspires people. -thanks Mr. Hybels for the last part of this statement.

We have some amazing leaders that really care about students. I am so blessed to work with them.

Every parent should read Do Hard Things by Brett & Alex Harris. It will be well worth the time and it could be a great way to create a discussion with your student.

I want to encourage each student to think about someone to invite next week. It will change their life!

Today is the Final Day!

Today is the final day to sign up for White Water Rafting. Head to 72students.net to register. It's going to be a blast.

Simple Way to Help People in LA!

We are not talking about Los Angeles. We are talking Louisiana. You might be asking yourself how can I help people who have been devastated by a hurricane. Well this is a great way to help those in need. Check this video out!

Hurricane Torn Baton Rouge Needs Our Help!!! from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Send them a tarp or two.

Buy one or more blue tarps at TarpsPlus.com. What size? I figure any size will work. My family is going to by several.

Send the tarp(s) to the following address...
Healing Place Church
19202 Highland Roadd
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.753.2273

Let me know if you buy some!

White Water Rafting

Hey...

if you are planning on going white water rafting. Make sure you sign up today at www.72students.net! We need to give them our numbers by today. Even if you can't pay today, make sure to sign up. email me at josh@thebrookchurch.com if you have any questions.

72students.net
thebrookchurch.com

Concert

i now a lot of you will be going to football games tomorrow night, but if you aren't and you are looking for something to do. This could be a great option. Hope Church is putting on a show Friday night. I'm not going to be able to make it but i thought you might be interested especially if you are into hard music. Just wanted to throw a fun and safe event your way.

This is hosted by the church that lets us use their facility on Wednesday nights. Brian Metz is a great friend and all around good guy.

Wednesday Night

Talk Idea
Go Hard: Against all Odds

Set List for Wednesday Night
Dancing Generation by Matt Redman
Here is Our King by David Crowder
Devotion by Hillsongs United

rpm & fuel starts at 6:30 and ends at 8:15pm.
this gathering is for students in 7th-12th grade.
We will meet at Hope Church on Balch Road about a 1/2 mile north of highway 72 in Madison. We will meet there until our student ministry area is completed at The Brook.

Church Attendance and your GPA

Did you know that kids who attend church have a higher GPA?

This is a real reason to get your kids to church other then it can really be a great influence on your child's life. Check this article out! It is really worth the read. Very interesting stuff.

Adrenaline Junkies

Here it comes..

White Water Rafting

September 13^th

Ocoee River in Tennessee

We will leave from the church at 8:30am and return by 9pm.

The cost is $46 plus money for lunch and dinner on the road.

You will need to fill out their release form as well as ours if you haven’t already this year.

Click here for the full list of what to bring.

Email josh@thebrookchurch.com with questions.

Generous Teenager

I am always challenged by a student's willingness to honor God with every part of their life. check out this entry by Perry Noble. It will be well worth the read for both parents and students.

Generous Teenager

It's been a blessing to see various students over the years give like this student did!

RPM Last Night

RPM was incredible last night!!!!
We prayed over our new facility that God would move in the lives of students that would come. We prayed for construction to start quickly, that all the hurdles would be knocked down and mountains made flat. After the time of prayer we had a great time just talking about our ministry as a whole. The discussion was great. The students had some great insights and observations. I think we might do this kind of think every 8 to 10 weeks. It was very refreshing. The guests even participated in the discussion. We had like 7 guests last night. It was awesome!

SNAC was great as well. Thanks so much to the Hatch's for opening their home to us. I had yard envy.

Sunday Night RPM & SNAC!!!!

We are finally back at it this Sunday night at 5pm for rpm. We will have a special prayer time for construction of the upstairs as well as a talk back time. During the talk back time i would love for you to share with me some ideas and thoughts about what could help us maximize our reaching students for Christ. After rpm we will head over to the Hatch's house for SNAC.

Below are all the details:

SNAC Pool Party

When: Sunday night, July 27^th

Time: After RPM on Sunday night until 9:30 pm

Where: Jerry & Angie Hatch’s home at 316 Loch Lomond Drive in Madison (directions below)

Bring: 2-Liter soda, swimsuit*, and towel

*guys no speedos. girls no 2 pieces. You will need a long, dark, and loose cover up if you wear a two-piece or speedo.

Directions to the Hatch Home from The Brook: Turn right onto Hwy. 72. Turn right onto Balch Road. Turn left into West Highlands subdivision onto Loch Lomond Drive. Their house is down on the right side of the street.

More info??? Call Christie Ross at 658-4966.

Parent's Responsiblity

Today there was a great blog by a guy named Tim Stevens. He is the executive pastor at Granger community church. I believe he had some great insight for parents raising teens. He has a few of his own so think speaks from some experience.

Here is just a highlight:

• The environments parents place their students in just before the teen years will often dictate the student's environments they pick.
  

• As they start middle school, don't give them the option to stay home from the youth program.

• Get them in situations where they are hanging with young adults who are following God.

• Let them participate in events where there is a good chance they might take a step spiritually, like summer camp, missions trips, or weekend retreats.

You can click here to read the blog in its entirety.

Fuel Tomorrow Night!

Wednesday night fuel groups are going out to eat. We will head down to Five Guys and Fries on University. Make sure to bring some cash to eat on (you know how hungry you are). Josh is going to bring $10. Meet at the church at 6:30pm and we will be back by 8pm. It will be a ton! See you tomorrow.

Six Flags

We are going to Six Flags on July 31st. The cost should be right around $45. I will know a firm cost after I hear back from the Van company, but I don't expect it to be any more than a $2 or $3 difference. We will leave very early in the morning and return pretty stinking late, but it will be worth it. You will need to bring money for Lunch and Dinner and drinks to stay hydrated. There will be more info on the website tomorrow. You might even be able to pay online. Sign up soon as we will have a limited number of spaces. leave a comment if you are going!

Deep Study

We need your input!

We are working on our fall and spring deep study schedule and we would like for you to help us set up our line up. We would like for you to give us your top 5 list of studies based on the studies below and even share with us one that is not listed that has really impacted you. Thanks so much for your input and ideas. You are very important to us!

Potential Deep Study Ideas

Rooted
This resource is designed to give students a deeper, more concentrated interaction with Scripture and the person of Christ.

Rooted: New Testament accomplishes three distinct goals:
1. Communicate essential biblical truths
2. Give students an exciting overview of the New Testament
3. Improve individual Bible study skills

Basic Outline
• Introduction to the Bible
• Survey of the New Testament
• The Life and Teachings of Jesus
• The Acts of the Apostles
• The Letters of Paul
• Hebrews Through Revelation

Heaven-Common Miss Conception of Heaven
Based on the popular book by Randy Alcorn
Many people don’t live any different here on earth because they don’t really understand what they are living for after death. For most people all they have ever heard about heaven is that we will sing worship songs forever. For most people this doesn’t seem like an exciting idea. Through this study we will squelch many misconceptions and miss understanding about heaven. We will get a better grasp of life after death. What will our bodies be like? What does heaven really look like? Etc.

Gospel Journey
The Ultimate Spiritual Adventure is an intensive and extensive outreach and training resource. This powerful outreach tool films seven real teenagers (not actors), some of whom are Christians and some who are not, on a six day wilderness adventure with Greg Stier. Each entertaining and engaging session contains real world training and discussion that takes the teens through the story of the Bible in an informative, cutting-edge fashion.

Go Wide
Using a typical public school setting as his backdrop, Greg Stier will give you and your teens an action plan to reach their friends for Jesus. Your teens will learn how to Pray, Pursue and Persuade: how to pray for their friends who don't know Jesus, pursue their current relationships on a deeper spiritual level (AKA "bring God up") and persuade their friends to come to Christ and connect to your youth group.
In addition, you will discover the passionate evangelists in your youth group who are willing to pursue relationships with teens outside their comfort zone. These teens will form your "e-team" (evangelism team) and will drive the ongoing outreach effectiveness of your entire youth ministry.

Every Young Man’s Battle
a survival guide for male teens and young adults struggling with sexual temptation. Learn how to help young men implement a practical "battle plan"---exchanging shame and confusion for a positive, thriving relationship with Christ.

And the Bride Wore White
easy and fun way to spark conversation about one of the most important issues women of all ages face-purity. Written by bestselling author Dannah Gresh, this guide gives you practical insight that you can share with the girls in your sphere of influence.

You'll help girls:
• Identify the difference between being innocent and pure
• Commit to keep God first and save sex for marriage
• Create a goal for godly marriage by deciding to date only Christians
• Learn how to get out of questionable situations
• Begin the process of healing from sexual sin if it exists in their lives

Generation Change
You will learn about materialism and how to handle money God’s way. Students will also learn about the hazards of debt, budgeting, tools for making wise purchases, and the importance of giving and saving.

Experiencing God
Right away you will notice that this book is different from most books you read. It's not designed for you to sit down and read from cover-to-cover. It's not a self-help book. Rather, it is designed for you to carefully study, understand, and apply biblical principles to your life. It is about experiencing God--day by day, moment by moment.

You'll:
• Learn how to hear when God is speaking to you.
• Find out where God is working and join Him.
• Discover that God pursues a love relationship with you that is real and personal.
• Face crises of belief as you join God where He's working.
• Experience God doing through you what only God can do!

Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God is a nine-week course designed for both individual and small group study In it, you spend time with God everyday and then meet together with other Christians in a small group once a week to share how God is working in your life.

The Student God Uses
With this small-group study guide, students build on the truths set forth in Experiencing God, and they'll help teenagers come to understand the way God molds the character of the person He chooses to use for His purpose. Through the interactive study, youth can realize limitless possibilities for ministry and service when they join God in His activity. A six-week resource, five daily lessons per week and guidance material for each weekly group meeting are included.

Is there another study you know about that is really good and would benefit our student ministry?

Song of the Summer

Here is an awesome song! The chorus should be all of our mottos. Even if you don't like rap or hip hop you should give it a listen.


'Send Me' - Live at MHC | Ballard from Mars Hill Church on Vimeo.

See you all tonight at fuel: 6:30pm

Calendar Updates Coming Tomorrow

Since we are moving Move08 to the fall. we will be making several updates to the July Calendar. We will post them tomorrow. Make sure to check out 72students.net for the changes. I'm looking forward to seeing you all this wednesday night. It will be great to get to hangout with you all.

There will be some big changes coming this fall. Keep your ears and eyes opened. I am pumped about what God is going to do this fall.

MadBall Tuesday

Madball tomorrow at 1pm at Capshaw Baptist Church located just west of Old Railroad Bed Road on Capshaw Road. We will be playing a 3-on-3 tournement. It will end at 3pm. I hope you can come out. I've got my kicks ready!

At the Hospital!

we just wanted to let everybody know we are at the hospital preparing for the birth of our 3rd son. No Caleb yet! Michelle is just settling in. We are not sure about a timeline or when Caleb will arrive. We are going to try induce labor but if it doesn't happen we will do a c-section at some point but only if necessary. I will try to update my blog from time-to-time as i can. www.joshbritt.blogspot.com Thanks so much for your prayers!We look forward to seeing you all soon and Caleb does too.

Meal Times Matter

Question:
Do you eat meals together as a family?
How many meals do you eat as a family together?

Here is an interesting article about meal times and how it effects drug and alcohol use.
click here

OnePrayer List

can you find our church's name. OnePrayer is going to be amazing.



One Prayer Churches from LifeChurch.tv on Vimeo.

Please Read

Hey...this just in. Do you have a friend that wants to go to The Verge or that you want to ask, but it could be hard to swing the money for the trip. Well if you invite a friend to go. The cost is $175. Wow...i can't believe i just typed that. I encourage you to think about someone you could ask. Maybe someone you know doesn't go to church or is not active. This could be just the week they need. You can email me if you have any questions. If they registar online they will need to put your name in the friend box to get this discount. Have a great day!Be God's,
Josh Britt
Student Minister
The Brook
josh@thebrookchurch.com
256.837.6633 ext. 107
72students.net
thebrookchurch.com

New Calendar

The summer calendar is online for the summer (as far as we know). There will be more additions throughout the summer. Keep your eyes out for more. Click here to download a calendar.

Just for Fun

Here is a fun fact after eating a ton of pizza last night
Americans eat nearly 100 acres of pizza every day - that's approximately 350 slices per second!

Fun Quotes
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go." ~ Dr. Seuss "

All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder." ~ Author Unknown

Fortune Cookie Fun
Life is not a struggle. It's a wiggle.

Human Foosball

We had a great time at the end last night playing human foosball. Check out the crazy pictures.

You better watch out!

A little fuzzy! It was something else watching everyone get rope burns.

Some people were better then others.

The End of School Party was a blast. There are a tone of great events coming up you don't want to miss.

Sign up for The Vege! It's only one week away!!!!!

End of School Year Party

Don't forget the End of School Party tonight at 5pm at The Brook. We will serve pizza at 5pm. You are welcome to come earlier to hang out. Parents are welcome to come as well, We will be talking about summer plans. Hope to see you there!!!

Words Mean Something

Several weeks ago I realized just how much words mean. Every time I communicate from the platform I always want to be as accurate as I can. I am very careful to know all the facts that I am speaking about. Two weeks ago I was speaking about brokenness. It was a very hard message to share. I was extremely convicted about how I treat people because we never know if they could be hurting. In starting the message I began to talk about brokenness and how it can lead to addiction. During the section when I was talking about substance abuse I was relaying various statistical data about drug use. The stat that I shared was all students who drink alcohol, 50% of them will become cocaine addicts. This was my slip up. Actually the statistic was students who drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine. This isn’t quite as large as the first stat, but it still paints a pretty bleak picture. We never know what will lead our students down a slippery slope. What we say really matters.

Super Deal

Sorry I was a little late with this, but a few things changed around my day so i wasn't able to get on to post anything. Starting today you can registar you and a friend that doesn't go to church for the verge and get a $25 discount for you and your friend. You don't want to miss this amazing trip. Sign Up Today!!!! http://www.72students.net/

may calendar

the new 72students.net may calendar is up. Make sure check it out and print your own full color calendar.

The Verge is coming up may 26-30 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Big news is coming up tomorrow about a deal you can't resist for The Verge.

Fuel Groups are going to be awesome tonight as we talk about brokenness. We all have had a time we have felt the struggle with brokenness. Open your heart to God healing your broken heart.

Sunday Night Thoughts

Today was amazing and challenging all at the same time.

• The message today in the morning service was one of the hardest I have preached since I have been at The Brook. It was challenging to hear so many stories of brokeness.
• The worship was amazing today! Everytime I sing the line, It was nailed to the cross and i bare it no more, i get choked up thinking about the Savior's love.
• Tonight was a ton of fun as we talk about personality.
• Brian delivered one of the best messages on people's personalities and how it allows them to do great things for God.
• Wendel filled in tonight for Justin and all I can say is WOW!!!! It was a great time of worship.
• It was fun to get to check out everybodies personality results. We have some really awesome students.

Make sure to submit a youth room name idea at 72students.net and registar for The Verge and Move08.

We Have Arrived!!!

mirophone check 1, 2, 3, 4...we will use this blog to update, inform, and challenge parents and students. you are welcome to comment on whatever you read just be respectful and remember to comment as you would like to be commented too. the road ahead will be fun.