Ok so this is a trial of an idea. I wanted to see how it would go to run our Generation V newsletter online. This would allow it to be in pretty format for everyone, which I like. It would also mean that if you only wanted to get brief details of things, the email would be enough, but if you wanted the full story you could follow the link to this page. Maybe that’s why you’re here now. Anyway, comment below if you have any thoughts

Generation V News #08
August 13th 2008

For your heart (stories to inspire the journey)

I have been really struck in these last few days by the discipline of athletes. I can imagine how hard they must all work to be at the peak of their fitness.

Take swimmers for example- they are freaks! If you are a swimmer, you have my admiration. Every morning to train before the events of the day roll out, then maybe after your day’s work is done too. Hours and hours of training, all for the hope that one day in one race it will all come together. This is the dream anyway.

or gymnasts… I feel all sore when I watch the ways they spin thier bodies. And I gotta admit, shameful though this is, I always secretly hope to see someone have a big stack in the gymnastics routines. These guys and girls work for hours and hours to train their body to do stuff which I am convinced humans shouldn’t be able to do.

To be so disciplined, so focussed on what they are aiming for, is awesome. In an age where so many of us have ADD of some form, these guys shine. And they are only working for a dream that has a 10 year window of possibility. When we are in the family of God, in God’s dream team, teh race we’re running in has eternal consequence. Here’s what Paul says in the Bible

1 corinthinians 9: 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

Our crown from Christ will last forever, the race we’re in matters far more than any other thing we’ll ever do- seriously. So the question I’m seriously asking you-and me- is, how’s your race fitness? How’s your race discipline?

I think for some of us our journey with God sometimes feels like a man running aimlessly- we go from here to there and back again trying to find something which will stir out spirit. God wants you to leave the wild goose chase and just be still with him. It’s as simple and hard as that. Just stopping what you’re doing for 5 mins sometime today and chatting to God. It’s like a deep breath after being underwater. But it taskes discipline to take the breath, coz we’re so convinced we can go it alone. Stop running aimlessly, just stop and get your bearings by chatting with God and opening his word. Let it speak some peace to you.

Now, I’ve gotta tell you, I need to take this advice as much as I’m giving it. So often I feel like the man running aimlessly, the man beating the air rather than fighting. And as I see these athletes, I am getting inspired to take seriously my walk with God.

For your diary

	This week we are at the normal venues. The hot chocolate will be extra hot tonight.
	August 29th is our next massive One Youth Worship Event. Our own Gresh is leading the worship team, he wants some home crowd support. Mike Begbie who used to be a part of the One Youth band is returning and is going to be speaking. Turramurra Uniting Church, 7:30pm-9:30pm

August 28th(the night before) we are having a worship and prayer night for One Youth. This is one of our one Youth Catalyst Nights, and you are so welcome to join us, they are amazing gatherings. 8-9pm at St Phil’s in Sth Turramurra.

September 13th is a big day for anyone interested in the Micah Challenge. There is gonna be a half day event on the 13th. Anyone can come. There will be bands, workshops about justice, a chance to hear about Micah Challenge and what they have been doing. Stay tuned if you’re involved or interested.

And don’t forget the LAN party, which is planned for September 6th at the new church office in Thornleigh. Permisison forms will come out soon. For those of you who are into LAN parties, this day will be awesome, bring a friend. For those of you who still aren’t sure what a LAN is, don’t lose any sleep over this one.

Surf’s Up: Try out these web links, we hope they will be useful or just a good laugh

Generation V is on Facebook.
If you are on facebook, come and find us! We have just uploaded a bunch of photos from Ice Skating last week, there is one of Ando getting the world’s biggest ice balling.
Find us here

Micah Challenge

If you’re interested in who they are and what they’re on about, here is a place to find out.
Micah Challenge Official Site

Random of the Week: Random thoughts, facts or videos just for a laugh

I woke the guys at Treechange Camp with this, and here is the original from the Family Guy. I wonder if I annoyed them at all?
(p.s. this is not a promo for tFG, I am not recommending it as a show, I just think the clip is funny).

Much love to y’all, see you this week

x Ty and the Generation V leaders

I am wondering if the season of the SONset shared blog is coming to an end.

The initial idea was to have an online community where we could share thoughts and ideas, and maybe that’s happened. I have loved the posts from different people, and I know there are people who read this blog each day or week.

But maybe now that I have hit the world of facebook, and realised that everyone else in the world is already there, maybe that is a better forum. I am not so precious about this one that it has to be the way. I still want to go after the heart of the SONset shared blog, even if it is in a different form.

So if you have any thoughts or reflections, I’d love to hear them.