Camp has come and gone, and we're now in the meat of summer that can be so hard to get past sometimes.
We're now in that sate where people are coming and going from vacation, camp is over, and summer days can get long and boring. When we're bored and we have nothing to do, let us remember that we are bored by grace. Did I jut say "bored by grace"? Yes..I did.
It is God whom is allowing you to be bored. Now I don't mean "allowing" in the sarcastic sense saying God is punishing you with boredom. I'm saying quite the opposite...something completely different.
It is by grace that we are alive and forgiven, right? Because it is by grace that we are alive, it is by grace that God has willed that we are living, it is by grace that He has allowed us to be bored.
When we are at home, bored with nothing to do, let us not forget that it is by God's grace that we are living to begin with.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Camp Blog: Days 1, 2, and 3
I'm sorry for not updating this website as often as I'd promised. I do not have internet access like I thought I would. Camp has been amazing. Wes Hamilton has brought the word every night and morning since we've been here. Overall this has been a great experience. Our students are part of the Green and Yellow teams respectively. Right now, the Green team is at recreation, and the Yellow team is in Family Group Bible Study. After lunch, they will switch, and Green team will have Family Group Bible Study, and Yellow will have recreation.
Yesterday, which was day 2, was water day at recreation...which was convenient since it was already raining. For pictures and more information as to what's going on here at camp check out http://www.influencestudentlife.com. When selecting which camp to view information about remember that we are here at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX from May 28-June 1.
We've also decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Her name is Marisol Chavez. More info about that when we return.
I do not know that I will be able to update again before we depart for Houston, so know that I will have students call home when we start getting close. If you need to contact a student while at camp, please don't hesitate to call me at 832-704-3862. I hope your week is going as good as ours!!
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77074
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Yesterday, which was day 2, was water day at recreation...which was convenient since it was already raining. For pictures and more information as to what's going on here at camp check out http://www.influencestudentlife.com. When selecting which camp to view information about remember that we are here at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX from May 28-June 1.
We've also decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Her name is Marisol Chavez. More info about that when we return.
I do not know that I will be able to update again before we depart for Houston, so know that I will have students call home when we start getting close. If you need to contact a student while at camp, please don't hesitate to call me at 832-704-3862. I hope your week is going as good as ours!!
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77074
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Monday, May 28, 2007
Camp Blog 1: Pre-Trip
It's less than 2.5 hours until we hit the road for Nacogdoches, TX and Student Life Camp 2007! I, personally am very excited about being at SFA for a week that is sure to bring fun, fellowship, lots of laughter, some tears, and a genuinely better understanding of God.
The official number is in, and we will be taking 11 people (3 leaders, 8 students) to camp this year! We are so excited about this opportunity that the people of Fair Haven have given to us.
Last night in youth we talked about what it means to worship, and how we can worship in ways other than singing in church on Sunday mornings. We said that worship is a matter of the heart, and if you enter a place with a heart seeking worship, you will be able to worship no matter how well the atmosphere is set. We've challenged ourselves to be in worship all throughout the week --not only during services, but during recreation, family group times, and other times. God gets glory out of his church dwelling together in unity and in community (Psalm 133:1).
Please continue to pray for us this week as we seek God. Please be praying for the camp leadership, and that our hearts will be open to what God has for us this week. Also, keep me in your prayers as this is my first time attending youth camp as a minister instead of as a camper.
If you are a parent, please continue to check back to this site for continuing updates of our camp trip which will be provided by myself, students, and leaders. Also check out www.influencestudentlife.com for other great stuff (including a way to join us for worship over the internet!).
Again, thanks so much for all the support. God bless!
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3276 - office
832-704-3862 - mobile
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Rev. Ralph Hasten: Husband, Father, Friend
It's amazing how someone can impact your life in such a short time.
The Rev. Ralph Hasten passed away on the evening of Sunday, May 20, 2007.
I had been thinking just last week that I hadn't seen my good friend Ralph Hasten in a few weeks, that I missed him, and that I wanted to make a trip by the hospital to see him. You can imagine my feelings when this happened:
I came into my office on Monday, May 21, 2007, around 1:00 p.m., and I was greeted by a telephone call from Carla Stephens, Lay Leader & Funeral Director for Fair Haven UMC. She inquired as to who would be sending a mass email bulletin to the church congregation regarding the death of Reverend Hasten. This was the first I had heard of the news.
I can't say that I was shocked by any means. He was an elderly, fragile man, who lived a life full of joy. I am, however, saddened by the loss of this man whom I have grown to respect so much. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. I am privileged to have been able to call him 'friend.'
I think a lot of times we try to put a damper on our emotions by turning it around and saying "we're going to celebrate the life of..." or "he/she is home" and whatnot. I am a selfish person, and I am sad to see Ralph depart. I know he is in no pain, and I know he is home, and I know he is happier than he could ever be right now, but I miss him. I wish he were here. I wish I had more time with him.
I met Ralph Hasten on February 4, 2007 --meaning I knew him for 105 days. He was a blessing to me, and I cannot anymore imagine my life without the impact of him. He was such an amazing guy who carried a chipper attitude into any room in which he walked. I feel like this man impacted my life greatly in the short time I knew him. I cannot imagine what some of you may have gained from experiencing time with this man.
His funeral will be in the main worship center at Fair Haven UMC tomorrow, May 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. As we remember Ralph, celebrate him, and reminisce about memories we have created with him, let's not forget to carry on his ministry of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ --it's what he would want.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3276 - office
832-704-3862 - mobile
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
The Rev. Ralph Hasten passed away on the evening of Sunday, May 20, 2007.
I had been thinking just last week that I hadn't seen my good friend Ralph Hasten in a few weeks, that I missed him, and that I wanted to make a trip by the hospital to see him. You can imagine my feelings when this happened:
I came into my office on Monday, May 21, 2007, around 1:00 p.m., and I was greeted by a telephone call from Carla Stephens, Lay Leader & Funeral Director for Fair Haven UMC. She inquired as to who would be sending a mass email bulletin to the church congregation regarding the death of Reverend Hasten. This was the first I had heard of the news.
I can't say that I was shocked by any means. He was an elderly, fragile man, who lived a life full of joy. I am, however, saddened by the loss of this man whom I have grown to respect so much. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. I am privileged to have been able to call him 'friend.'
I think a lot of times we try to put a damper on our emotions by turning it around and saying "we're going to celebrate the life of..." or "he/she is home" and whatnot. I am a selfish person, and I am sad to see Ralph depart. I know he is in no pain, and I know he is home, and I know he is happier than he could ever be right now, but I miss him. I wish he were here. I wish I had more time with him.
I met Ralph Hasten on February 4, 2007 --meaning I knew him for 105 days. He was a blessing to me, and I cannot anymore imagine my life without the impact of him. He was such an amazing guy who carried a chipper attitude into any room in which he walked. I feel like this man impacted my life greatly in the short time I knew him. I cannot imagine what some of you may have gained from experiencing time with this man.
His funeral will be in the main worship center at Fair Haven UMC tomorrow, May 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. As we remember Ralph, celebrate him, and reminisce about memories we have created with him, let's not forget to carry on his ministry of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ --it's what he would want.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3276 - office
832-704-3862 - mobile
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Camp Preparations Coming Along for Fair Haven Student Community
I spent my day today working on travel logistics for our trip to Nacogdoches, TX for Student Life 2007!
The final verdict is in, and we will make it to Nac without having to squeeze into the church van! We'll be using private transportation to and from SFASU. Thanks to Jan Bradley for the use of her two vehicles to make this camp trip possible.
At the beginning of today we had a grand total of 9 people (leaders and students) confirmed for camp. By the end of the day that number had increased to 10 confirmed and 5 more prospective! We could be taking up to 15 or 16 people to camp this year! Camp will be amazing. Here is one of the videos...
...see I told you. It's going to be AWESOME!
If you want to go you must tell me ASAP!
We'll be leaving on May 28 and returning on June 1. That means we're going the week directly after Spring Branch ISD is out of school! What could be a better way to start your summer? If you want to join us contact me right now.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3276 - office
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter! The Lord is Risen --HALLELUJAH!
It was a glorious day at Fair Haven this morning. If you missed the services you truly missed a wonderful time of fellowship --although I'm sure you were blessed wherever you may have been.
I can't help but love going to into fellowship with the Church every Sunday morning. My parents were able to make it down today so that made it extra special. My mom actually got on the freeway to make the journey from the north. I promise, you don't exactly know how amazing that is.
There was no youth tonight, so I'm sorry if anyone showed up expecting the pleasure of my presence. (yes, I am in fact being sarcastic.)
I've got quite a bit of events on tap for this summer so I know you wont want to miss any of that. The events include: laser tag, splash town, bowling, go-karts, mall trips, the ASTROS (let's hope they start winning), the Dynamo (we don't have to worry about them being good...thank God Houston finally has a consistently good sports team!), and more! We'll be releasing the schedule for summer in the coming weeks.
We'll be going to Student Life Camp on May 28-June 1, and it's not yet too late to sign up! If you are wanting to attend you need to talk to me ASAP! Camp will be at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. Trust me, camp is going to be AWESOME! Seriously, you don't want to miss this! The cost for camp is only $25!!!! This is a whole week of awesomeness for 10% of the price (or 90% off...whichever you prefer). However you look at it.. this is one heck of a deal! Talk to me ASAP about joining us for camp.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3266 - office
832-704-3862 - mobile
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The Season to Remember
Easter is here, and while we may get caught up in the season of awaiting that special visit from the easter bunny, hunting and dying eggs, and eating candy; let's not forget the reason for this special holiday.
Christ came to earth, and His death on the cross atoned for the sins of all who believe. He arose on the third day, and eventually went to dwell with His Father. There is victory in the cross.
On another note...Easter is here...which means lent is over. Dare I say "thank God"? Because I was raised in a Baptist church, this was my first time to observe lent. I gave up sodas. Although it hasn't been as difficult as I thought, and I plan on not drinking too much soda anyway, I will be having a Dr. Pepper with my meal on Sunday afternoon.
On yet another note, I was able to make the trek up to Conroe the other night and spend some time with family and friends. I visited one of my beloved friends, Brandon Cooper, in Huntsville on Thursday night. I love going to Huntsville. It's like a getaway. On Friday I was able to catch up with some good high school friends --Andrew, Adam, Peter, Marcus, and Aaron. I was also privileged to see an old friend from Jr. High school, Brent Steck. Brent is currently pledging BYX at SFA.
Anyways, I'm back down in Houston sitting in my office --which reminds me.. I just created this blog. It will be used by myself and other students/parents/volunteers to keep you updated on what's going on in our group.
Blessings on you and yours during this Easter season.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3266
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
Christ came to earth, and His death on the cross atoned for the sins of all who believe. He arose on the third day, and eventually went to dwell with His Father. There is victory in the cross.
On another note...Easter is here...which means lent is over. Dare I say "thank God"? Because I was raised in a Baptist church, this was my first time to observe lent. I gave up sodas. Although it hasn't been as difficult as I thought, and I plan on not drinking too much soda anyway, I will be having a Dr. Pepper with my meal on Sunday afternoon.
On yet another note, I was able to make the trek up to Conroe the other night and spend some time with family and friends. I visited one of my beloved friends, Brandon Cooper, in Huntsville on Thursday night. I love going to Huntsville. It's like a getaway. On Friday I was able to catch up with some good high school friends --Andrew, Adam, Peter, Marcus, and Aaron. I was also privileged to see an old friend from Jr. High school, Brent Steck. Brent is currently pledging BYX at SFA.
Anyways, I'm back down in Houston sitting in my office --which reminds me.. I just created this blog. It will be used by myself and other students/parents/volunteers to keep you updated on what's going on in our group.
Blessings on you and yours during this Easter season.
Grace & Peace,
Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3266
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org
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