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WELCOME TO OFF ROAD

OFF ROAD is the Jr. High place to be! We are the Jr. High ministry here at Westgate Church in San Jose, Ca. This blog is the place to find out what is going on in OFF ROAD, what we are learning about and how to get connected. I ask that you look around, click on some links and if you have any questions contact me (drew@westgatechurch.org)
-Drew Froese (Director of Jr. High Ministries)
OFF ROAD SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday @ 6:40

OFF ROAD EVENTS

All OFF ROAD information can now be found at www.westgatechurch.org/ministries/students

SUMMER CAMP DATES- MARK YOUR CALENDAR= June 17-20

Parents: OFF ROAD is in desperate need of leaders. We are looking for people who are interested in working with a great group of adults to impact the lives of Junior Highers. If you or someone you knows would be interested in serving in this way then please email drew@westgatechurch.org.

NO OFF ROAD this Saturday

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

This Week #4-4

This Week we started our D.U.S.T.Y. series discussing what OFF ROAD is all about. “We exist to have a lifelong DEVOTION to God, UNIFIED with other believers, STRENGTHENING our desires to imitate Christ while telling others the TRUTH of who He is and YEARNING to be covered in the dust of the master.” In order to be devoted to God we must have a desire to be devoted. A true desire results in action. Many of us say we desire to do this or that, but nothing we do looks like we really desire that (i.e. I desire to play the piano, but I haven’t done anything about it.) This is not true desire. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Paul is saying that he is devoting himself to God and spreading the word by being disciplined, having direction and determination. These are also key factors in being devoted to God. OFF ROAD is all about Jesus and making D.U.S.T.Y. students. In order to be DUSTY we must have a desire that leads to devotion so are you ready to get DUSTY?
• What did Paul mean when he said we should go into strict training?
• How are you “training” for God?
• What are some steps you need to take to head toward being devoted to God?
• What is stopping you from being completely devoted to God?
• Of the 3 “D’s” (Discipline, direction, determination) which is the most difficult for you? Explain why.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

This Week #4-3

This Week in OFF ROAD we concluded our series on community looking in to what small groups are all about. We have an acronym that helps guide what we want to accomplish at each small group: M.A.P.S. the “M” stands for meaningful God-centered conversation. As God is the most important thing in our lives He should be the most important thing we talk about. “A” is for accountability. As believers we need to have people that can speak into our lives and we need to speak into the lives of others. “P” is for prayer. Often times prayer becomes a routine listing of needs and not a conversation with God. We desire to commune with God on weekly basis (at least). “S” is for scripture. Part of communing with God is allowing Him time to speak. We know this is most often done through His word, so scripture is an integral part of small groups. So what can we do about it? JOIN A SMALL GROUP!!!!

What percentage of your talk goes to: Gossip, Sports, the opposite gender, school, God?
What does accountability mean to you?
Who do you have in your life that keeps you accountable to living correctly? Is there anyone that you are keeping accountable?
Why do you pray?
What keeps you from reading the Bible more? Why is it important to read the Bible?
Of the M, A, P, S which is the hardest for you to do. Why?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

This Week #4-2

This week in OFF ROAD we looked at why is it so important to be in community, especially a smaller community than our Saturday night gathering. Jesus shows us by choosing 12 disciples that in order to be really known and loved and really know and love each other we can’t be in huge groups of people. All of us desire more than anything to be known and loved and this should be fulfilled in a small group of Christians that support each other, go through life together and love one another. Small groups is also a great place to have discussion and deeper understanding of God. We see throughout the gospels moments where the disciples are confused about stuff Jesus said. When they don’t understand they ask Jesus questions to gain a better understanding. If disciples were confused about things and they were living with Jesus we can expect to be confused too, so let’s discuss things and come together and help each other figure this thing out.
So what can we do? JOIN A SMALL GROUP!! Starts tonight 6:40-8:15
• What does it mean to “be known”?
• Who knows you the best? Why do THEY know you the best?
• Where or who have you learned the most about the Bible/ God?
• What questions do you have about the Bible and God?
• What are you looking forward most to in Small groups?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

This Week #4-1

Welcome to the school year!!!!! I am extremely excited about the new year here in OFF ROAD, the changes and improvements we have made and the opportunity to love God, love other and love one another this year. Before I describe what we talked about this week I want to remind you parents that there will be a brief meeting after OFF ROAD next week to let you know about all the exciting things happening in OFF ROAD this year. PLEASE DON’T MISS OUT.

This Week in OFF ROAD we began a 3 week series titled, “Community,” to discuss the importance of doing this Jesus thing with a group of people and not alone. We looked at the parable of the farmer scattering seed and the outcome of where the seeds fell (Matthew 13). The students learned that being in the good soil requires GOOD SOIL and good soil usually occurs when we are not alone. Instead we are supported, encouraged, challenged, and held accountable and loved by one another. This all happens in community and is impossible without community. We need each other, and we can’t have all of the benefits of community by just showing up on Saturday. That might be a good time to hang out with friends and get to know each other a little bit, but not a great opportunity for deep authentic community. That is why we have Small groups. Small groups will met every Tuesday from 6:40-8:15 and it will be our chance for authentic community that helps cultivate good soil. SO WILL YOU JOIN?????

What are your biggest distractions from God (Lack of knowledge, Testing of faith, Worries of life)? Explain how that plays out.

What do you need to do to be in the good soil?

Why is being in community so important?

Will you join a small group this year?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Introducing "Love one Another," and "Love Others"


This year in OFF ROAD we will have 2 types of events (outside of Small groups and Weekend services). They will be call "Love Others," and "Love One Another." Our "Love Others" events will take place the last Tuesday of every month during our small group time. Students are encourage to come even if they don't have a small group and they are encouraged to bring friends. These events will be our opportunity to serve those around us.

Our "Love One Another" events will occur after services on Saturday nights. These are our more wild and crazy events such as laser quest and comedy sports. These events allow us to hang out and get to know each other better. We also HIGHLY encourage students to invite friends to these events as it is our desire to reach the lost and this is a great opportunity for friends to experience the awesome community in OFF ROAD.

Keep an eye out for these in the blog, on the calendar and in announcements.

OFF ROAD Calendar

Saturday Night Kickoff