Stand Up, Stand Out

Finish out 2014 strong and remember to Stand Up and Stand Out for the One who has saved you and called you to a life abundant!

Core passage: Romans 12:1-2/ Daniel 3:1-30

Mystery Masquerade 2014!

Last Wednesday night was our annual Mystery Masquerade event. Sherlock Holmes and his crew was called out to help solve the crime of the century...the theft of a famous piece of art.  Working off of Dr. Watson's notes, each team checked in with all 10 suspects (having to go through some fun/ridiculous station setup by the suspect) and took notes on their behavior and hints that they gave. In the end, the students had to find out who it was and how they did it. 

Here is a list of the suspects:

 
 
 
 

          Spoiler Alert: At the end of the night, it was revealed that the thief was the Ship Captain, Captain Carlyle. The smudged green paint on the stolen painting was seen on Captain Carlyle's right thumb! Attention to detail!
        



Anyway, there were two things that struck me about the night (besides it being way too fun). 

     First, I really enjoy studying and talking about things that matter; important issues like God's kingdom, our hearts, how we act, people that need Christ's love through us, renewing our minds, etc. What was interesting about last night's event is that even though I spent a great deal of time brainstorming, planning, and preparing for it, the planning and preparation was more about acting, costumes, events, and the like. As I thought about it some more, I got really excited that I was able to be super creative for God in a different way. A verse came to mind as I was working: 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

How cool that I get to plan out amazingly fun stuff like this, and even though it isn't super "church-y", it was more fun than serious, and it is something I really like to do, I can still do it as an act of worship! First question for you commenters out there: What do you do that you haven't really thought of as something you can use to serve and praise God? For example, you can make your running at PE an act of worship to God by thanking Him for your legs and how they work, then running as if you're saying "Thanks for the legs God, look how I use these awesome things you gave me!" 


      The second thing is that although it was an outreach event focused on fun and team building, I was again struck by the community of leaders and the incredible minds and hearts of the students present. They (or you, if you are a student reading this!) are unbelievably high-caliber. Their passion, respect, energy,  sharpness of wit, etc. never gets old to me! It was clear that there was a Christ-centered community present. Students were connecting and laughing with committed adults, young adults and parents were dressed up and speaking in funny accents to build an experience, and small group leaders were catching up with students a few week break from Infuse groups. What a great way to serve God and build His kingdom amidst our fun and enjoyment! You students did AN INCREDIBLE JOB inviting friends and classmates...we had a total of 207 students that walked through these doors last Wednesday, helping make that next invite to Rewired so much easier for them to accept!


     So, for you commenters out there: 2) What was your favorite suspect activity of the night (aka: throwing fish, eating strange food, watching card tricks, visiting the scientist, etc.) ?; 3) Who was your favorite character?; 4) What was your favorite moment of the night?

Finally, for all you students that spotted ALL FOUR yellow cards and are hoping to solve the riddle for the prize, here is the clue key. Figure out the word and tell it to me in secret THIS COMING WEDNESDAY at Rewired and you'll get a sweet prize! See you then!