Through My Eyes: Student Life Camp with Bayshore

Hello everyone! This past week I was in Toccoa, Georgia for an amazing week with Bayshore and their youth group at Student Life Camp. Not only did we have fun on the way up, we also served the Lord, had a fantastic speaker and an amazing worship leader. 

We set out on our adventure at 7 o’ clock Sunday morning. Too early!!! We arrived in Atlanta that evening and visited World of Coke. I made sure to try Speitze (Mezzo Mix, which is the most popular drink in Germany and my dad's favorite.) Then we ate at The Varsity. It wasn’t anything to write home about, except I’m writing home about it. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriot hotel over night (nice!). On Monday, we drove on to Toccoa to begin camp.

So there we were, all 40 of us ready for Student Life’s Mission Camp. Tom, Bayshore’s youth minister, separated us into three groups for 3 different missions’ sites: 10 of us at the local YMCA cleaning and volunteering for the summer camps, 10 of us painting a fence at a low income housing place, and 20 of us working on mulching a trail at Henderson Falls. I was one of the lucky 20 that was working on the mulching. Five hours a day for the next 3 days, I mulched, I sprayed too much bug spray, and filled wheel barrels with dirt. After we finished the work for the day, we were lucky enough to have the best water fall to play in. It was right across the trail and we would all go down and have a blast playing in the water (well, I only went in once, on the last day). On the last work day, everybody from the 2 other mission sites from our group came and played in the water fall with us. Good times…

Jeremy Kingsley was our camp pastor (think Jon Acuff’s older brother - they look like they are related too…). Jeremy has a story for pretty much everything. What he does best is tell stories to illustrate what he is teaching. Whether it is he threw an oatmeal cream pie at his teacher, or he was telling us about secret guy school, Jeremy always had an amazing way to say the point through a story. He made it funny at times, and even once, he cried on stage. He taught me about God’s kingdom and ROTC. R is rely; O is obey; T is trust; C is cling. We can always rely, obey, trust and cling to God. Look this guy up! He is awesome.

Tom said “our group couldn’t help but be enamored with the worship leader” in his sermon Sunday (I was at Bayshore, cause I was sharing about the experience with their church.)  He couldn’t have said it better...

Our worship leader was Aaron Keyes. When I looked this guy up, I couldn’t help but think “He isn’t going to be as good as Chris Tomlin, or David Crowder Band…and I have worshipped with both of them!” On the second day, when I was still kinda iffy about Aaron, Tom said to me “Aaron radiates peace.” The very next time we had worship, I looked for what Tom was talking about. Five minutes into my search, I saw what Tom meant. Every single session, I would see different things. Peace. Love. Passion. Aaron just brought God into the room everywhere he went. That same week, his trailer got broken into and 20,000 dollars worth of stuff was stolen. And he still radiated Jesus.

He is also a walking Bible. Tom was telling a story about how in the Youth Group Leader Meeting one day, Aaron gets up and starts by saying “You know what this reminds me of? Exodus 17 when the Israelites are under attack….” And all the youth ministers are just like “Yeeaaahh….” as they flipped through their Bibles searching for the story. If you start a conversation with Aaron, I’m pretty sure he could just pull a verse out, no matter what you’re talking about. It’s insane how much he memorized. He would just say these long verses during worship, know it by heart, and we all would just be in awe. Well, I would be anyways.

One thing that I LOVED that this camp did was focus on the Compassion program (which I will tell you more about in my next blog)….what is really amazing, though, is that on the trip, our group started sponsoring 12 children from all over the world. ISN’T THAT AMAZING?!?!

Through my eyes….Student Life camp isn’t just a camp…it’s a way to change your life.
Abby 

NBCC IS AN UPWARD SPORTS CHURCH

WE ARE ALL IN!

NBCC IS AN UPWARD SPORTS CHURCH

Upward Sports, the world's largest Christian sports league for kids, has become the place to play fun sports for over half a million families in the United States and Canada. Last year, nearly 550,000 K5 through sixth-graders had a great kids basketball, kids soccer, kids flag football or kids cheerleading experience through one of over 5,000 leagues and camps.

By providing a fun sports experience based on healthy competition, Upward Sports Leagues help kids develop skills for the sports arena and values for life. Upward Sports uses the universal language of sports to connect with kids at a critical age and help them discover and build athletic skills, values, self-confidence and a life-long love of the game. That’s why our youth sports leagues and kids sports camps provide them with the best sports experience possible!

At Upward Sports, families matter. Our leagues give families all the benefits of participating in team sports while protecting them from hectic travel schedules and the win-at-all costs mentality that burns out young athletes. With just a one-hour practice and one-hour game each week, our leagues conveniently fit into busy family schedules.

Upward Sports partners with around 2600 local churches to provide first-class, organized and welcoming kids basketball, kids soccer, kids flag football and kids cheerleading leagues and camps.  New Beginnings Christian Church is one of those partners!

 

At NBCC, we focus on Upward Soccer.

You can get involved with Upward in many ways:

Sign up your kids and grandkids to PLAY Upward Soccer

“On the Ground” Advertising Volunteer

“On the Web” Advertising Volunteer

Coach

Referee

Greeter and Information (Game Day)

Concession Worker (Game Day)

Set-Up and Clean-Up (Game Day)

Half-Time Coordinator (Game Day)

Referee Coordinator

Coach Coordinator

For more information, email Troy Borst

VISITORS INFO: FOR THE KIDDOS

What can you expect for children?

Children’s programs are a considerable part of the life of NBCC and so we thought we would highlight a few items to help you if you are visiting:

*  The nursery is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the nursery.  The nursery begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The PreK & K class is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the PreK & K.  The PreK & K class begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The 10:30am service has an activity which dismisses right before the sermon for 1^st-5^th graders called UpGrade.  It is held in the Family Life Center until the conclusion of the service.  You can pick up your kids there at the conclusion of the service or we can keep them and sell them on E-Bay.  Either one. J  We are proud that the UpGrade Service is led by our teenagers with adult supervision who do a wonderful job of relating Biblical stories and fun during the sermon time.

Where do you go for all these things?

We have a map available for you as soon as you enter the main entrance, but more importantly than that, we have greeters and other volunteers who will show you where you need to go.  In addition, if you choose to keep your kids with you… that is just fine! 

There also happens to be a “crying room” very near to the sanctuary that has full audio and visual displays of the service.  So if you need to step out, you don’t have to miss anything!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISITORS INFO: COMMUNION

What can you expect at communion during worship services?

Communion is a quiet time to remember Christ and His sacrifice for us on the cross.  Most churches do communion, but each church tends to do it a little bit different and that can be confusing!  We celebrate this time of communion each week as we meet together for worship services. This time is open to all who have begun a relationship with Christ; you do not have to be a member of NBCC to participate in communion.

If you are at our Drive-In Worship, you will be provided with the bread and juice when you arrive and pull into the drive-in lot.  You will be instructed when to participate during the service (it’s after the music and right before the sermon).  

For those at our Inside Worship services, the bread and juice will be passed to you at the appropriate time by servers. Please take the bread and cup and then partake when you are ready. When finished, you may place the empty cup in the seat back in front of you.

May we suggest that during this time you do the following…

… pray about the past week and think about your behavior and attitudes

… grab a Bible from the pew in front of you and read a passage or two from Jesus’ life

… reflect on the importance of Jesus Christ

At NBCC, there is no liturgy (church fancy word for “certain words we say at certain times”) during communion.  No one will talk to you and you need not confess your deepest darkest secrets or speak to anyone else.  It is a quiet time of reflection, prayer, and focus on Jesus Christ.  The communion time last about 5-10 minutes usually depending on the length of the communion meditation that is offered. 

If you are not a Christian, please feel free to watch and observe and reflect during this quiet time.  You do not have to participate… it is something that Christians do to remember Jesus’ death on the cross.

VISITORS INFO: 10:30 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 10:30am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 10:30am service is the last and largest of our worship services.

Before you ever get in the front door, you will be greeted by our Outside Greeters whose sole job is to help you get where you are going.  They also happen to have breath mints so blow into your hand and check them out if you need to! 

When you walk in the foyer (main entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

The library is to the left of the sanctuary which is where you can meet the ministers after the service if you wish.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  This is our largest service so we recommend getting to the church at around 10:20am (if you did not hit Sunday School first).  The service will begin with live music, move to communion and offering, and then conclude with a sermon. There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 10:30am and is finished around 11:40-11:45am.  It finishes around 11:45am so you can beat the other church folks to the restaurant!

During the service, kids 1^st-5^th grades are excused to their activity which takes place in the Family Life Center (gym) right next to the sanctuary.  Kids in the nursery-Kindergarten have classes that begin at the start of the service.  A greeter can show you the way to the nursery and the PreK & K class.

You will find:

Blended (old and new) music for worship with words projected on screens

Bible-based preaching and teaching

Folks from all walks of life

People dressed from shorts to suits (wear what you like)

Friendly faces that are glad you are worshipping with us

If you are a first time visitor, the ministers would love to meet you right after the service in the library (there will be an announcement and signs). 

Troy Borst 

Christian Education Minister  

VISITORS INFO: 8:00 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 8:00am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 8:00am service is the early morning option for worship that is low key and the smallest of all our services.

The 8:00am service is right for you if…

… you want a low-key relaxed service

… you don’t like crowds

… you are an early bird and want to get the say started off right

… you get off work Sunday morning and want to go to church before heading home

… you want to dress casual (actually, all our services are casual)

When you walk in the foyer (entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  The service will begin with live music, move to the sermon, and conclude with communion and offering.  There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 8:00am and is finished around 9:15am.  It finishes around 9:15 so folks can head to Sunday School if they choose which begins at 9:30am.

After the service, you can head to the Family Life Center (its also a gym) which is down the same hallway as the bathrooms.  You want to go there… free coffee, juice, donuts, and fruit await.  From the FLC, you can exit to your car or you can stay for Sunday School.  There are two classes which meet in the FLC at 9:30am which are both designed for visitors and beginners.  Check them out!

Anyway, the 8:00am service is our earliest service, the smallest, and the most low-key of all our services.  If you want, come check us out.  We hope you will meet God in the service and we know He will change your life and lead you to a new beginning.

P.S. There is a not a nursery or children’s program at the 8:00am service.  Those programs start at 9:30am and runs during the 10:30am service.

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISTORS INFO: DRIVE-IN SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s Drive-In Service?

We hope you would arrive at around 8:15am for the 8:30am service… but arriving late is ok too!  We just want you to come and worship and we want to get to know you.  Arriving at 8:15am lets you get a great parking spot and grab a free donut.  It just wouldn’t be church without coffee and donuts… would it?

You will be warmly greeted at the white gazebo where you will receive a bulletin and communion for everyone in your car.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  The communion is a small cup with the wafer with it (I guess you have to see it to understand).  Once you get past the greeters and pull up to a spot in the field (any ol’ place you like)… you have almost made it.

Turn your radio dial to 103.9FM and you will hear light music, an occasional announcement, and the service when it begins.

But wait, there’s more!  Up towards the boat (that’s what we call the building that looks like a boat) on the right, are the bathrooms (cleaned and ready for use) as well as free coffee and donuts.  You will also find an assorted group of folks talking, sharing, and willing to say hello.  You can stay and chat or take your goodies back to your car.

The service will include songs, singing (words provided in the bulletin), communion and offering, and a sermon.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by.  After the sermon, feel free to drive towards the boat to exit and you can speak with the minister as you leave.  We always like to say hello!

The service starts at 8:30am and is always done before 9:30am because that is when Sunday School starts inside.

By the way, during December of 2012, NBCC celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our Drive-In service, the only Drive-In service in Tampa.  In 1972, at the suggestion of senior minister, Rev. Dean Burton, the church bought the land and used it to create a drive-in ministry.  A neighbor donated a salvaged boat for use as the pulpit. Burton preached the first sermon from "Noah's Ark" December 3, 1972.  At that time, a pole and sound system, like those at drive-in movies, was used so that attendees in their cars could hear the service.  In 1988, worshipers began tuning into a radio frequency for the church service when a new underground broadcasting system was installed and the ark replaced with the current building designed to look like a boat.  This building was named the “DiscipleShip,” which is in use today.

And that’s what you can expect at the Drive-In Service!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

“THE STORY”… COMING TO NBCC IN 2013

What Pastors and Church Leaders Say

"I have loved The Story series. It has been a great journey for me, for my preaching, and for our members. We have had visitors throughout the entire series and have given over 100 books away... Getting God's word into people hands is always a good thing!"
Tim Halstead, Senior Pastor

New Life Community Church

Odessa, TX

"Quite often I have been asked what The Story is. What I tell questioners is that The Story is a condensed chronological account of the Bible telling the story of creation, what went wrong, and how all will be made right again. Who God is, who we are, and the meaning and purpose of life."
Jim Barker, Adult Sunday School Teacher

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

SPARKING CONVERSATION

"We’re excited about The Story. It has our church talking about the Bible more than anything else. It offers an opportunity for the congregation to gel. It really becomes the watercolor conversation!"
Mark Whitlock, Pastor
Christ Our Redeemer, A.M.E. Church
Irvine, California

LOVING SCRIPTURE

“So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. Our groups also loved it as we followed the preaching track – giving them a year of growth together.”
Eric Camfield
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Oak Brook, IL

CONNECTING FAMILIES

“We have enjoyed walking through the Bible in a chronological manner. In addition, we have LOVED being on the same page as our parents.”
Julie Chors, Director of Children’s Ministry
Hosanna Church
Lakeville, MN

UNITING CONGREGATIONS

“The campaign resources have been an incredible plus. This has really given our church a united focus and we are becoming more united because of it.”
Derek Stemen, Senior Pastor
Ohio City United Methodist Church
Ohio City, OH

DRAWING SEEKERS

“People began literally parking illegally in the access roads to participate in the experience.”
Max Lucado, Minister of Preaching
Oak Hills Church
San Antonio, TX

OUTREACH

"We were told that Debbie’s parents (one of our members) visited our church on Week 1 of The Story, and were so thrilled with what they were seeing and hearing that morning that they went out and bought copies of The Story for their whole church."

Davida Lambert
Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"As a whole, The Story increased our church's biblical literacy. So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. It also brought awareness of the value of regularly reading Scripture as a spiritual discipline."

Eric Camfield
Christ Church

Oakbrook, IL

GROWTH

"We are already seeing almost a 20% increase in attendance. Not only are our members excited, we are seeing a lot of new faces all of a sudden. We are bracing for the fact that we have underestimated crowds. We're currently packing out our 1200 seat facility and we only have one service going now."
Travis Eades, Worship Pastor

Southwest Church of Christ

Jonesboro, AR

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

"We have LOVED being on the same page as our parents. That is a connection that cannot be beat."
Julie Cohrs, Director of Children's Ministry

Hosanna Church

Lakeville, MN

"The Story has had an amazing impact on the level of comprehension our students have of the Bible. They can now see the big picture so much easier in the Old Testament than they did before. They feel they have a better grasp on the Bible itself, and can now see ONE connected story."
Crysty Kimberlin, Youth Leader

Preston Rd. Church of Christ

Dallas, TX

"Many of our teens are reading the Bible for the first time. They are engaged in the learning process and are asking good questions. Several of them have started discussion groups outside the church (in their homes) for their school friends."
Youth Ministry Leader

Bay Harbour United Methodist Church

League City, TX

SMALL GROUPS

"Everything we've been using has been OUTSTANDING! The discussion questions for small groups are stimulating. We can spend an entire hour on three of the ten questions. Several of our members plan to use them for personal study. The Story may be one of the most important movements in the city and beyond."
Alana Ownby, Small Group Leader

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"The Story provided an amazing synergy and common focus like nothing we have ever done here at Oak Hills. Someone in our small group mentioned that they now have a clear understanding of the terms Upper and Lower Story, and that has made a difference in how they understand the circumstances in their daily lives."
Pat Hile, Small Groups Pastor

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: The Final Installment

            How truly blessed I am, God has blessed me so much through this internship at NBCC and in my walk with him.  I want to first thank all of the staff. You all were wonderful and dealt with me lovingly. I know there is a special place in heaven for you now. I learned so much from each of you and will take what I have learned and use it to further God’s kingdom. Do not worry your words did not fall on unwilling ears. Your thoughts, ideas, and actions will be used in my life and I am extremely grateful for each lesson I was taught.

            Second, I want to thank the church members for all the love and support. I am still astonished by the welcoming I received from each of you. Not once did I feel unwelcomed or out of place. Everyone was generous to me and received me with warm hearts. I owe you each a sensory thank you. I pray that God will keep you and bless you and may his face shine upon you.

            Third and most importantly, I want to thank my Lord and savoir Jesus Christ for all that he has done for me this summer. I praise him and continually thank him for such a loving and teachable internship. May he be glorified for all that was done in the church and in me.

            I am sad that this is my last blog. This blog was therapeutic in many ways. I was able to vent and express my feelings in ways I never have before. I enjoyed your feedback and was glad to write to an audience who would read my thoughts. Rather than a journal which is so one sided. It was a pleasure to be able to communicate my feelings and ideas with people. People who new me and truly cared about what I had to say. I thank you for reading and taking the time out to hear what I have to say. I hope that you have been blessed by me as I have been so blessed by each of you.

I know that God has a plan for my life and my prayer is that I will fully engage in his kingdom whole hardly without selfish means, so that his gospel is spread to all nations and disciples are made. 

Krisitan Beasley

Former Ministry Intern

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosperyou and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Through My Eyes...hanging with the Jetts!

Summer is already almost over! (Well, for me anyway.) This past week was a little thing I like to call VBS. I have been going to VBS since I was really little. I even have a certificate from when I was only a few months old saying I went to VBS! My summer has been great, starting with BigStuf and I’m ending it with a week of Lake Aurora with my best friend, Miya. 

A few days ago, Bethany Jett invited me over to her house for wings. I said yes. (Of course, I couldn’t pass on wings…) It was basically my first time going over to Bethany’s house as a “Youth Groupie.” I went over there, and I thought it was going to be a lot of people. I walked in and Jedidiah and Josiah were eating while watching Jeremy play Lego Batman on this gigantic screen TV. The Jett boys are all boy...all I can say. They are probably the cutest, squirmiest kids on the planet. So, since Sean, Kagan, and Justin were playing video games, I took the opportunity to play with them. Jedidiah and I played for a while, then Jeremy came in, and little Josey walked in, too. I walked out when Bethany put the kids to bed. Justin, Sean, and Kagan went to get the wings when Janine walked in. Bethany, Natalie, and I were playing a game of Hand and Foot. We squeezed Janine in and played for about another 15 minutes. When the wings came, they were in a big tin basket, almost the length of an oven. They were pretty good wings! We watched a show called Psych. It’s about this dude who pretends to be psychic to solve crimes for the local police. I stayed till about 11 p.m. I had a lot of fun, so I hope I can go over again.

Through my eyes…..I loved going over to the Jett’s house.

                                                                      Abby J

Krisitan's Kaleidoscope: North American, Microphones & Crazy Kids (Installment 10)

For those of you who were wondering where your ministers were this past week. We were at the North AmericanChristian Convention, and it was incredible! The convention was held in Orlando at the World Marriott hotel. The convention was a week long and consisted of two main sessions a day with several classes to choose from in between. While there, we got to hear such speakers as Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven life, Bob Russell, and Christian comedian Chonda Pierce. The theme for this year was Refreshed, and that’s what we got, refreshed and renewed in the Lord. I have to say out of all the great speakers and classes my favorite part of the trip was getting to spend time with the staff that went. We had a blast together! We even volunteered to help count offering for the NACC, and that’s were we had some of the best times. All who went to the NACC were truly blessed!

Well, I hope you were at the ten-thirty service this Sunday because I got the chance to preach. What an experience and opportunity it is to preach the word of God! I just thank everyone here at NBCC for letting me get the chance to speak. I truly love preaching the word of God.  I preach again at all services on the 29^th so no excuses as to why you cant hear me then. And for all those wondering this time I will check the microphone before I get on stage. For the record, I just want to say I did turn the mic on; it just didn’t work. So not my fault, but all in all I had a great time up there, and I thank you for all your support. I just want to say that I really love speaking here at NBCC and being with you all and the reason is, I feel so loved here. I am not so scared to mess up when I preach, and I don’t get so nervous because I know no matter what, at the end of the day, you all love and care for me.

By the way, last night was our first night of Vacation Bible School, and it went great. The kids are learning about God on Promise Island, while here great stories, and doing fun activates. I ask you all to be in prayer for VBS, please pray that God will plant a seed in these kids so that it may one day grow into a beautiful tree of the knowledge of God. Oh, and I ask that you will as well keep those helping out at VBS in your prayers because kids are crazy, they have more energy than they know what to do with. 

Kristian Beasley

Ministry Intern

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Installment 9

This last week, I had the privilege of visiting with one of NBCC’s finest members just for fun. It was a great joy to my life, and I hope they enjoyed the company as well. Not all the time but most of the time, I believe God gives us great joy when we are conversing and growing closer to other people. It is amazing how great a feeling you get when you receive a new friend. I was blessed this week in the same way when I got a chance to just kick back and talk one on one with a long time member here. I hope that person knows what a blessing that was for me. For those of you who do not yet know, I have been taking over Troy’s college and career class (C2) this summer. While we have been studying the Psalms, many great questions have been asked and answered, but last Sunday, I asked a really tough question and all of the students and myself really enjoyed talking about this topic. So here it is “Does God answer the prayers of a nonbeliever?” I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter. If you want, you can e-mail me at kristian.beasley@johnsonu.edu or talk to me at church about any information you would like to discuss concerning the question. Some verses on the topic are John 9:31, James 5:16, and Psalms 34:17. 
I hope you are ready to here your intern preach again! This coming Sunday, I will be preach in the 10:30 service. I know I lot of you have been asking lately when and where I will preach. So don’t miss it! It’s going to be a good one.
Also this week, most of your NBCC staff will be going to the North American Christian Convention. Please be in prayer for us this week; pray that God allows us to grow deeper in the Spirit and the Word as we are filled up and renewed by great preachers and evangelist from around the world. Though some of you might want to be in prayer for Sara Sharp and Shirley Wentzel as they hold down the fort while were gone having fun. This will be a great change of scenery for us, and I can’t wait to get in the hot tub at the hotel. I told Troy that I am only bringing two things my Bible and my swim suit. However, all playing aside I really want to grow close to God this week and straighten out a few things in my life. I hope that I get a chance to grow deeper spiritually and intellectually while at the NACC.

Kristian Beasley
Ministry Intern

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Installment 8

GET READY TO HAVE YOUR CAR WASHED!!!!!! This Saturday from 9am-2pm the C2 (college and career) class is having a fundraiser car wash at the church. I was looking at some of your cars last Sunday, and I noticed how filthy they were so come on down to NBCC and have’em washed for a good cause.  Also, coming up is VBS! Be ready to have some fun in the sun! VBS starts Monday the 16th- Thursday the 19^th.  Our theme this year is Adventures on Promise Island. We will teach kids what God what He promises to us. 

Well, for those of you keeping count it’s week number 8 for me. I am still loving it here at NBCC, and I still like most of you. Just kidding! I love you all, and I thank each and every one of you for making this internship so great. This past week was kind of crazy with three funeral services Thursday till Saturday. Then, with all the rain we had, I thought for a day or two we might have to build an ark like Noah. However, I hope you all stayed dry this last week. I know Bayshore was completely flooded and going down to south Tampa, I needed a raft not a car. I did see a sign posted on a church billboard on my wet way to work that read, “If you prayed for the rain, you can stop now.” I found it quit clever.

I learned a valuable lesson this week, that ministry is always full time whether you’re a part-time intern or a full-time senior minister. God’s work never stops. The kingdom of God doesn’t take a day off, I now realize.  Just because I am tired does not mean there are not people who need to be saved. God has called each of us to live a life that serves and glorifies Him and this is not depicted on our time but His. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” We must at all times be ready to serve God even if it means giving up our day off or losing time we could be at home. Being a Christian does not qualify you for a comfortable, cushy life but rather the opposite.  It calls for a life that faces hardships and endures for Christ sake. So remember, God wants us to have fun and calls us to relax but to always be ready to act. You could say we are called to be God’s firemen.

Kristian Beasley

Ministry Intern

            Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Installment 7

Praise God! Two people were baptized this Sunday. What an amazing Sunday it was! Even in the rain, I hope all of you who came to the driven-in service liked my preaching. I had a great time out on the boat. What an awesome thing to be able to put on a resume - I preached from a boat like Jesus. Also, I look forward to preaching again on July 15 in the 10:30 service, so be ready to hear the Word.

This Wednesday is the church wide game night. I can’t wait to beat you all in some games and I don’t even like games!

Please be in prayer for the Morris family. For all who do not know, Syd Morris passed away June 25, 2012. He was an amazing man and was loved by many. He will be sorely missed, and all our hearts at NBCC go out to his family and friends. Syd is at rest now. We praise God in all things for the glory goes to Him above all. We also ask that you been in prayer for all our brothers and sisters hurting.

All those able to help, please do not forget about VBS. We could use more helpers. If you have any questions, please contact Troy Borst. We need more volunteers if we are going to reach and teach children the kingdom of God.

I want to leave you with this verse as I always do, “ For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”    

Kristian Beasley

Ministry Intern   

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Installment 6

Happy late Father’s Day to all the dads! I don’t know about you, but my dad’s day was great. It was so relaxing and fun; I hope everyone else’s was as great. In my opinion, we need more days to celebrate so we can get more time off.

For all those who attend the 8:30 drive-in service yours truly will be preaching this coming Sunday. We will continue in the book of Luke, so get ready to hear someone different for a change. Also coming up in July is VBS! If you haven’t signed up, well get on it! 

For those of you who are not in your twenties, my C2 (college and career) class has been studying Psalms along with those of you who attend Wednesday night. In our study, we have all ready gone through Psalm one, two and three. I tell you this because I want to share a little bit of what we have learned. First, through our studies, we have learned that Psalms one and two are the introduction to the book. Psalms one and two set the tune for the entire book of Psalms. The first chapter deals with being righteous and what will happen to the righteous and the wicked. While Psalm two deals with Jesus coming and saving the righteous. With that, I taught the Greek name of the Psalms, which is “Psalterion”. The word means, “to pluck.” The reason for this is the Psalms were to be song. They were for music so the word makes sense in that essence. The word Psalter can be another name for the Psalms as well. Also, we discussed how some of the Psalms were prophetic in a way because they were spoken from David about David but also Jesus. Some Psalms were meant for David, Jesus, and us. We talked about the Psalms being in 5 parts. Each part of the Psalms ends in a doxology, and scholars believe this to be true so that when the priest read the books of the torah in the synagogues that they could accompany each book with a Psalm - 5 books and 5 parts of Psalms to read together. When studying the book of Psalms the word selah comes up a lot, you will notice, in between the verses. The word means to pause; it is a musical direction. Selah is equivalent to our rest symbol in modern music. The over arching theme we learned from the Psalms was the righteous will be blessed through Jesus.

            That was just a little bit of what we have been learning and going over in class. I hope if you haven’t gotten a chance to check out our Wednesday night Bible studies, you will!! For all of you that just graduated, I look forward to you coming to C2. If you have any questions, just ask me, your friendly neighborhood intern. 


Kristian Beasley
Ministry Intern
Remember Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Kristian's Kaleidoscope (Installment 5)

Who’s ready for wacky Wednesday? I know I am! Its going to be so much fun, don’t forget June 27 is also our Churchwide Game Night. So be ready to have some fun and fellowship with others here at NBCC. That Sunday, however, I preach. I know a lot of you were asking me because you missed the first sermon but don’t worry! There is more of me to be had. I can’t wait to get the chance to preach again; I am very much looking forward to it. 
Like I say every week, God is doing big things here at NBCC and I cannot help say it, it's true! With big events like Wacky Wednesday, VBS, the mission trip to the Bahamas, and last week's Prom. It is hard to say that God isn’t moving this church. On that note, I just want to say how excited I am for VBS. Kids are one of my biggest passions so it’s going to be great working with them. We all have to admit the best part about kids is the fact that they say the darndest things. So if you want to hear the funniest things you have ever heard, and teach kids about Jesus then come help us out July 15th through the 19th. 
Well, as some of you who were at church this Sunday know, I had the privilege of doing the communion meditation. I truly enjoyed leading the church into a time of remembrance of Christ and His sacrifice. Like I said on Sunday, our time of reflection should truly put us back into that room where Jesus washed His disciples feet. As we meditate on Him, we should be brought into that upstairs room; we should see Jesus holding the cup in hand; we should feel ourselves reclined at the table. When we do this, when we remember like this, then we start to see the real picture of Jesus’ sacrifice; then we start to make out what He really went through on the cross. When we put ourselves back where He first broke bread, then we can see the pain in His eyes, the suffering on His face and see a glimpse of His great love for us. For then we will know that our God truly loves us and how great His only Son's sacrifice was. 
I look forward to another great week here at NBCC and can't wait for all the new, exciting, upcoming events! So everyone be ready for what God’s going to do! 


Kristian Beasley
Ministry Intern


“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Praying for the Bahamas Team - John

Having been to the Bahamas' on mission trips several times since the year 2000, it is with great anticipation that I return after a few years absence. I am excited to take a team down that has not been on this type of mission field before.  Of course, all the residents at All Saints Camp where we are going to serve are either HIV positive or have full blown aids.  In the Bahamas, if you are found to have this type of condition, you are taken to a camp like this and left with whatever you may have been able to take.  You may or may not see your family or relatives again.  The camp is just up the hill from the constant reminder for those who have aids - a local cemetery.  We are going on this trip from first to serve our Lord who in His Word says go.  We are also going so that we can get more of our members into the mission field (it is the one thing that will cause us as Christians and our church to grow). We also want to see if this is something we want our youth to be part of in the future and lastly, to look at the mission itself to see if it is something we want to support as part of our missions program.  Please be in prayer for our hearts and minds to be open to our Lord's will and direction and that we would honor Him in all we do, say and think.  
The two missionaries, Tim and Felicia, we have known since the year 2000 when I all went down on a short term mission trip with them and did so again for the next few years.  Tim and Felicia listened to God, sold all they had, solicited support and went there full time as missionaries.  To watch Tim feed Garvin, who can not feed himself or to watch Felicia fix one of the ladies hair (she used to have her own hair salon) is really seeing God's people doing for what our Lord calls the least of these.  I know our Lord will use the folks going down to recruit others to come join us as we hope. We are praying to make all our trips annual trips just with many different folks going each time.  There is no reason that everyone at NBCC can not go into the mission field for a short time. God has something for each of us to do, all we have to do is GO.
  


John Hartley
Bahamas Team Member
Missions Team Chair

Kristian's Kaleidoscope (Installment 4)

Thank you everyone at NBCC for all the support and love. For those who don’t know, yesterday was my first sermon here and the feedback was great. I truly enjoyed preaching, and I praise God for the opportunity to do so. If you missed me this time don’t worry I preach again the 24th at the 8:30 service. I have to say it was great doing a sermon on worry, I felt if I were going to tell people not to worry then I myself could not be worried. So I gave the sermon to God, and He took care of the rest. Also, I taught my first C2 class, which was awesome for all those kids just graduating or if you’re still in your twenties. Come check us out up stairs in Troy’s office at 9:30. This week in C2, we went over spiritual gifts. If you’re wondering what your spiritual gift is, then come by C2 and fill out a spiritual gift evaluation sheet. Next week in class, we look forward to seeing how we can use our spiritual gifts to further the kingdom.

I know I say this every week, but I truly mean it, thank you NBCC for all you have done for me, I am so blessed to be a part of this family! God is doing big things in me and in this church, so may all the praise go to Him. With that I have to say, it’s been great every Sunday seeing the 10:30 service packed out. Every Sunday, we are seeing more and more new faces. The growth that is happening to me and to NBCC is all due to our great God! I can’t wait to see how full the church is going to be at the end of summer when school starts back. Though with so many great things planned for summer, we can’t rush things. Stay tuned and read those bulletins for great upcoming events.

I pray that this week everyone at NBCC will feel a sense of peace and not worry about the things of this world. With last Sunday being on worry, it is my wish that each member will truly seek the kingdom of God and let all other worries fall to the waste side. Let Jesus become all you worry about; let His kingdom be your treasure and desires and lets all leave our worries at the cross.


Kristian 
Ministry Intern


 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Kristian's Kaleidoscope (Installment 3)

It has been another great week here at NBCC, I am learning so much every day. God has truly blessed me by bringing me to such a great church. One of the many things I have all ready learned here about ministry and work in general is that one minute you can have nothing to do and the next minute your swamped. You can all of the sudden have so much work you don’t know how you’re going to finish it. Also, I have become informed about some great places to eat here in south Tampa. I think I need to start blogging about all the different places I eat with Troy. We go to some great restaurants and some not so great ones. On that note, I do have to say that Troy and all the staff here are taking good care of me. It is quite a home here at NBCC. 
This week I had two privileges. One was seeing Kagan Moss and Syd Morris at St. Joes and the second was having a relaxing memorial day. I am pleased to say that both people are doing well and seem to be in high spirits. They both are looking toward to coming home, as well as both missing church and all of you. They thank you for the support and care.  However, they ask that you still keep them in your prayers. I hope all of you had a great memorial day, I know I did. I found it quite relaxing. We need more Mondays off of if you ask me. At Johnson University, were I attend, we never have class on Mondays. You just can’t help but get used to that extra day. 
Get ready for this Sunday! Three ministers are preaching three different sermons at three different times, so it’s triple the fun. It is a secret - who’s preaching at what time, though. You will just have to come and find out. A hint to our topic, however…. “Just don’t worry.” 
Well continue to pray for me as I start another week. I see God moving in me and in the church. God is doing great things here, we must praise him and continue in his footsteps. 


Kristian
Ministry Intern


 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future(Jeremiah 29:11).

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Surviving Week One (Installment 2)

            I did it! I survived me first week here as NBCC’s intern. Though it was all so new and a lot to take in, my first week was great. All ready I have learned loads about ministry from this internship. I loved meeting all the great people here. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, I feel like I am in one big family. I just want to say “thank you NBCC for making me feel so welcomed.”  I truly feel like I am part of the body of Christ while here.

            My first week started out fast. First, Troy gave me a rundown of the church, and I have to say this place is beautiful. There is a lot of room for growth and a relevant feel here. However, my favorite part of the church has to be the big blue boat outside.

After I got the grand tour, it was time to help out with the food pantry. If you didn’t know, several beautiful women come here every Monday morning and create food bags for the needy. Then on Tuesday, we hand the food out to anyone who shows up. Having worked with Knoxville’s Lost Sheep ministry, a non-profit organization for the needy, I felt right at home talking to the different people who came in and handing out food.

One of the mandatory duties of my internship is to attend church meetings and on Tuesday I had my first staff meeting. I learned staff meetings can be done in 20 minutes, and you get most everything accomplished in the first 15 of those minutes. However what would be the fun of that? The staff meeting was well structured and informational but with a comedic undertone. I learned from the meeting that a church must be organized and always looking ahead but ready to deal with adversity with a sense of humor.

For my internship, I was asked to start a Bible reading plan. If you don’t know what that is, it is a scheduled outline for day-to-day readings that will take you through the Bible. I would encourage others to try a Bible reading plan. Every plan is different some are linear going start to finish in chronological order. Others are comprehensive, and some biographical. You can choose any plan for a set number of days or months, as you like. (I chose a biographical plan). They are a great way to expand your knowledge of the Bible while growing deeper with Christ.

I was also privileged Wednesday to attend Troy’s class. I would encourage those who have not yet been or who are thinking of coming to a Wednesday night class, to try out Troy’s. Right now, we are in a series called “I tell you the truth” which follows Jesus through the gospels. Troy also teaches C2, a college and career class for young adults. C2 is more youth engaged and for young couples. I look forward to teaching both on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. I will start the week of the 27, so be ready to learn, and know that God is going to do great things this summer!

The last thing I did my first week was probably the greatest. I had the honor of accompanying John Meisenbach on a hospital visit. John is such a well of knowledge; I am blessed to have him and Troy teaching me ministry. While at the hospital, John taught me the do’s and don’ts of a clergymen, being able to be light to someone in a dark place is what ministry is all about. I have learned so much just from my first week. God has truly blessed all the staff of NBCC with vast wisdom. I look forward to my continued mentoring, and progress here.

Kristian

Ministry Intern

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11