Calling All MEN

Last night was a terrific evening of just clean FUN with a bunch of CLC guys who gathered for our "Men's Night Out" to kick-off the next season of Men's Fraternity (I've got higher hopes for it than I do the upcoming Bears' season, by the way!)

After my comment last weekend about putting my ping-pong unbeaten streak on the line, I promptly got my butt kicked by Jeff Currier AND Joseph McCain before Tony Redfield let me win one, and then lost my last match of the evening to Craig Laramore....but I got the last laugh by informing everyone that the three losses were all exhibition matches and that only Tony's was official, so my streak is still alive! (lighten up; it's all in fun!)

It was great to see dozens of CLC men laughing, sweating, eating and playing together - because the truth is, all of us men have, to one degree or another, bought into the enemy's lie that "big boys don't cry", meaning we're to be tough, independent, never admitting weakness or need. The real truth is that every man who wants to be godly needs other godly men in his life - to encourage him, to challenge him, to hold him accountable, to help him avoid self-deception, and to pray for him! EVERY man needs that.

Men's Fraternity is one good place for that to happen - every Thursday night during the school year (except the first Thursday of each month) at 7:30pm (7 o'clock if you want to enjoy some refreshments/fellowship beforehand) starting September 14 in the main auditorium.

Meanwhile, I'm grateful for the interest and enthusiasm about our current series, "Times - Are They A-Changin?" - hope to see you here this weekend!

Parents and our teens

Wasn't it awesome to see yesterday what just a few days of focused attention and spiritual direction does for our teens? The passion and zeal they exhibited after returning from our "Crave" Youth retreat is exactly what God wants for this next generation, instead of the dismal reports we heard last month during our 'Legacy' series.

I don't think the role of parents in this can be overemphasized. Probably the enemy's biggest lie to you as a parent is that 'you can't change them'....well, maybe you can't, but by doing your part, the Holy Spirit certainly can!

We're trying to partner with you as a local church by offering the help and encouragement and practical insights that you need in order to pass on your values to your teens. One of our most recent efforts to help with that was the "MySpace.com" seminar, but it was very poorly attended. Today I read an article by Ron Luce that I would urge every parent to read and heed.

Most of all, I want to challenge all CLCers to help us press this fight in prayer. Pastor Dan told me that the opening night of the retreat was the strongest worship experience, more like the closing night of the camp instead of the opening....and we don't think it's any coincidence that it occured the same night that parents and intercessors were crying out to the Lord for our teens here at CLC! Join the fight today and let's see our youth go higher and further than we've ever dreamed!

pj

These Changing Times

Wow - waking up today to the news that a terrorist disaster was averted in Great Britain is a little disconcerting to say the least. I'm headed to O'Hare after posting this, for a quick trip to Dallas for a missions meeting with Global Advance, and I know the check-in process is not going to be fun. (Osama bin Laden probably has no idea how he has inconvenienced millions of Americans everyday).

Of course, the news from Israel and Lebanon for the past several weeks has already heightened our attention on the times we're living in. That's why I'm excited about my upcoming sermon series, "Times - Are They A-Changin" when we'll look at what the Scripture has to say about our times and God's plan for all nations.

I hope every CLCer will invite a friend to join you as we discuss the issue of Biblical prophecy and our times - starting August 19 and continuing through September 17.
pj

Next generation HOPE

Our 'legacy' series is now history, but the battle for our next generation is just begun. I'm excited about the prospects for our CLC youth as they leave this morning for their annual Youth Camp downstate. As bleak as the statistics are and as alarming as the crisis we discussed last month, it's encouraging to know that there are many youth (both around the USA and here at CLC) already deeply committed to the Lord and passionate for Him.

One great example of that came to me via one of our CLCers recently - I encourage you to read the story of one courageous young woman in Colorado (althought it's unfortunate the response by our secularized schools). I also saw a video of the valedictorian in nearby Bolingbrook at this year's graduation, who boldly proclaimed her faith in Jesus during her speech.

So take heart, parents - we can win this war! Check here for more resources and better yet, register for one of our upcoming parenting seminars at CLC. Let's pass on our faith legacy!
pj