March 25, 2010
Do You Get It?
A group of 30 plus students from Myers Middle and Seneca High meet every week at Buechel UMC to eat, hang out and talk about life.
Last week, students from the Lane were performing a drama set to music. The drama tells the story of how sin separates us from God and seeking earthly pleasures only leads roi emptiness and despair. At the dramatic conclusion Jesus rescues the character from death and restores their relationship. At the end of the drama, students clap in appreciation. An eighth grader from HLBC stands at the front of the crowd and says "What did u think?" Hoping to spark spiritual discussions with skeptic teens. A sophomore raises his hand. "I didn't get it?" "What part didn't you get?" asked the eighth grader. "None of it." he said. Over the next several minutes a very nervous middle school student, under the power of the Holy Spirit, shared the Gospel with the entire group. Then another one closed in prayer.
I was so proud of our students that day. They are performing gospel dramas, sharing the message in deed and truth, and leading others in prayer. Then it hit me. How many people "don't get it"? How many students at our schools "don't get it"? How many parents? How many in our church?
Just like that sophomore, many people are in close proximity to churches, Christian books and Bibles, other believers, and they are wanting to "get it". They are just waiting for someone to tell them.
I was recently reminded of this when I got a text from one of our volunteers who gave a student their own Bible. I'm not sure who was more excited - the giver of the Word or the one who received it. There is such joy in helping others "get it".
So here's the deal:
Phillipians 2
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul is at the end of his life and lays out the truth to the church @ Phillipi. He wants them to "get it". He longs for them to understand the price that Christ paid for them.
Do you get it? Do you really comprehend what Christ paid for you? Sadly I think many of us don't. So what should you do? Meditate on these passages and ask the Spirit to keep them @ the forefront of your mind. Pray that students would be bold in their witness for Christ. Identify people in your life who don't "get it" and share the Gospel with them.
Will
January 18, 2010
Well, last weekend was an eventful weekend, to say the least.
Friday is a donut day, which means getting up at 5am. Working at the Donut Kastle is amazing, but not for my health. Copious amounts of coffee and custard is not a good combination.
After working a pretty slow day, besides the 18 dozen someone called in, it was pretty, I drove to my local Starbucks at the corner of Hikes and
Today was the day!!! The day I had been waiting for! The Young Lions, Xerxes,
“Grilled cheese”
Ok.
So I started a facebook group inviting members of the bands to join and tell me what they wanted on the menu.
None of them responded.
Grilled cheese and….hmmm……so many choices. After much deliberation, being aware that many of the band members are vegetarians or vegans like my friend Sarah, I decided to make a vegetarian chili. (It turned out great so lemme know if you want the recipe.)
Bronson, Seneca class of ‘09, was in town from school and came along to help. See, grilled cheese is awesome with chili…if the grilled cheese is hot, right? Solution! George Foreman Grill and a Presto Griddle.
You should have seen their faces when we rolled into Skull Alley with a crock pot full of chili and griddles for grilled cheese! They were hyped! Not to mention the venue doesn’t have a “green room” so there we were with our chili, fresh grilled cheese, cookies, and cokes. Spaghetti in the chili is a
We got to meet so many amazing people! They were so gracious and thankful. The show was AMAZING! All the bands did a great job.
So there I was standing at the food table when one of the musicians that I know approached me to say how much he appreciated it. The more I thought about it, I was the one who was blessed. Several of those musicians have played shows at my church and never asked anything in return.
I don’t even think it was on their radar. How much they have blessed me over the years.
Furthermore, I don’t know if they realize how much of a blessing they are to God.
In the Academy Award Winning film Chariots of Fire, Olympic champion runner and future missionary to
But I wonder if they do. I wonder if they realize that if it blesses my socks off to witness them using their gifts, how much more does God love seeing them using gifts that he uniquely created them to use. God has to be pleased with them. They may not understand it, they may not give the glory to the One who gave them the ability, but I know God has to be smiling.
So after I dropped off the leftover chili at Starbucks (I gave the recipe to a barista), unpacked the food, washed all the dishes, and drove Bronson home, I began to pray for the bands. I pray that I will get another opportunity to bless them as much as they blessed me. Perhaps I shall send them a note on facebook.
So my question to you is this - When do YOU feel His pleasure?
Is it when you’re cooking food for strangers?
Is it when you play that sport that invigorates you?
Is it when your playing guitar on stage watching kids stage dive at Skull Alley?
Perhaps it’s when you realize that God created you for a purpose, and that purpose is to bring Him glory.
My prayer for you and those musicians would be one first prayed by the Apostle Paul recorded in Colossians 1:9-10 9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
January 6, 2010
My Pastor recently proposed a question to the congregation that has been on my mind.
"What church do you want to be a part of…one that is moving forward in faith or one that is going backwards?"
It reminded me of an excerpt from the book Velvet Elvis written by pastor, Rob Bell.
"One summer when I was in high school, my family and I were on vacation and decided to visit a church in the town where we were staying. At the end of the service, the pastor asked if anybody wanted to become a Christian. He said that people could repeat a prayer after him and become a Christian, right there at that moment in their seats. He said that if people repeated this prayer after him, they could be sure that when they died, they would go to heaven and not hell. He then asked everybody to bow their heads and close their eyes, and he said the prayer, leaving space after each sentence for those who wanted to repeat the prayer after him. When he finished, he told everybody to keep their eyes closed and heads bowed. He then asked for the people who had prayed the prayer to raise their hands wherever they were seated. This way he would know who they were so he could pray for them. He said that nobody but him would be looking.
The pastor then said, "I see that hand over there. Thank you, I see a hand in the back. I see some young women in the front..." And he proceeded to acknowledge the hands that were going up all around the room.
During the entire time I had kept my eyes open and was watching the whole thing.
I didn't see any hands go up.
Several years ago my dad reminded me of that day. He told me he had his eyes open the whole time as well-only he was not watching for hands. He was watching me. He said that when he realized what was going on and that I was observing it all, he had this sick feeling that I would walk away from God and the church and faith forever. He said he kept thinking, I've lost Rob. I've lost Rob.
I am like you. I have seen plenty done in the name of God that I am sure God doesn't want anything to do with. I have lots of reasons for bailing on the whole thing.
I am also like you because I have a choice. To become bitter, cynical, jaded, and hard. A lot have. Hatred is a powerful, unifying force. And there is a lot to be repulsed by.
Or, like you, I can choose to reclaim my innocence. We can choose to reclaim our innocence together. We can insist that hope is real and that a group of people who love God and others really can change the world. We can reclaim our idealism and our belief and our confidence in the big ideas that stir us deep in our bones. We can commit all the more to being the kinds of people who are learning how to do what Jesus teaches us.
I am not going to stop dreaming of a new kind of faith for the millions of us who need it. I am not going to stop dreaming of new kinds of communities that put love of God and the brilliance of Jesus on display in honest and compelling ways. I am not going to stop dreaming of new ways to live lives if faith and creativity and meaning and significance.
But I can't do it alone. I need you. We need you. We need you to rediscover wonder and awe. We need you to believe that it is really possible. We need you to join us.
It's better that way.
It's what Jesus had in mind."
So I (Will) ask the question....can we be that group of people? Is it possible? Pray that the Lord would move our hearts toward His to be a people that love Him, love others, learn His Word, serve others, and reach the lost.
December 10, 2009 So I am watching this show called "World's Strictest Parents". I don't know if any of you have seen it. Two teenagers who are defiant are sent to a "foster family" for a week that try to break down walls and challenge kids to change their behavior. Now let me remind you, the name of the show is "World's Strictest Parents". Here are some of the things that are demanded by "The World's Strictest Parents": Speaking appropriately The fact that all of these things that seem pretty normal to me (what all of us have to do at our jobs) reminds me that when we live according to God's standards the world will not understand. Parents teaching appropriate boundaries, respect, and appropriate consequences for actions are called "The World's Strictest". I want to encourage you to " not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 And also understand that when you do these things others may perceive you as strict, overbearing, overprotective, etc. Hebrews 12 says that God shows his love for us by disciplining us (v. 7ff) Furthermore, "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (v 11). Parenting is hard, but remember the goal of discipline is never to punish or provoke, it's to teach. And here's the crazy part, it works! In just a short week-and I do understand it is television-these "strictest parents" are able to break down walls, establish trust, display love, and earn respect. So stay the course, follow God, love your kids, and be encouraged that "later on...it produces a harvest of righteousness." Blessings Will December 7, 2009 If you missed Chill last week, you didn't get to play Elephant-House-Bunny, go to Starbucks, discuss what it means to be a leader, eat Will's stir fried noodles with oyster sauce! YOU HAVE TO COME!!! Every Sunday from 5-7pm. We always have food, play music and occassionally shoot ridiculous videos. See you there! Also last week....we al stocked the Food Pantry with over 1,000 food items given by the Boy Scouts. I witnessed the largest middle school assembly line of canned goods in human history!
October 23, 2009 Chill (formerly SNL until someone comes up with a better name) High School Youth Inside/Out (Middle School Youth) Are you a parent of a youth? October 13, 2009 I love this church! "You keep him in perfect peace Then he began to show me all the blessings that came from the show.
No smoking
Being honest
Controlling your anger
Respecting authority
Accepting positive and negative consequences for your actions.
Sunday Nights in the HYBE
5pm Eat Together
6pm Worship and Discussion
Wednesday Nights in the HYBE 6:45pm
What did you miss?
Water Balloon Mine Field, Bad Poetry, The Banana Cheer!
Parent Meeting, November 1st
Get info, connect, pray
After worship service in the HYBE
1. People all chipped in and helped! Whether it was lending sound gear, promoting and telling friends, setting up and tearing down, making food, taking tickets, jumping up and down getting into the show...we couldn't have done it without everyone.
2. Many students wore their bracelets the next day at school and when people asked about them, they said "it was an awesome show at my church!"
3. The opening bands have networked with other promoters in the area for future dates.
5. People that would NEVER come to shows showed up to support what we were doing. This is of the Lord, people realizing the importance of supporting young people here at this church.
6. Supporting local acts-artists that attend this church were able to share their gifts with people...this is really exciting.
7. Donations-many people paid extra $$ or donated a ticket so others could come for free.
8. I took the bands out for pizza at Spinelli's after the show. It's a great pizza place where there are tons of pics of bands on the walls. The waiter was surprised when I told him it was going to be on 1 check. (There were 12 of us.) I informed him that I wanted to bring these guys to a great pizza place before they hit the road again. The waiter informed us that as long as a band gives them something to put on the wall, they get free pizza and drinks!! So 2 Christian bands got to post their stuff at Spinelli's. Awesome!
We haven't done a show here in over 2 years. When someone calls about a concert, generally the first thing you think about is $$. How much is it going to cost? That's a terrible first question. When making decisions our first question should be "What is God asking me to do?" So I put the show on hold and went to the Lord in prayer and he revealed this verse to me:
"You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
I knew that the show would be glorifying to the Lord. And he gave me peace about it.
Was the show perfect? No. We're we hoping for a bigger turnout? Yes. Were there power issues? Yes. Did everything go according to my plan? No. And I was discouraged. Then the Lord brought this verse back to my mind.
I became discouraged when my mind became focused on myself and not "stayed on Him".
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
So when you get discouraged, keep your mind stayed on Him. Trust Him. He will keep you in perfect peace.
Thanks again and I am looking forward to hearing more cool stories from the show.
Will
October 9, 2009
Riddle: What has national recording artists, HM Mags Best Indie Band, a long haired dude, and all ur friends?
Answer: SPOKEN in concert - this Sunday, October 11th at 5:30pm. Cost is $8. Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church - 3400 Summerfield Drive
September 30, 2009
I love the fall weather. It's amazing! But the biggest thing I am hyped about is an amazing show that we are having Sunday night, October 11th.
Spoken
Our Last Chance
Kronicles
Young Lions
5:30PM $8
Hope to see you there. Bring someone with you. If we get 150 people, I lop off my ponytail!
September 18, 2009
"My Refuge"
"A source of the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction"
"It's been a relationship that has evolved over time…and provided me a platform to share my passion…"
A loved one? A relationship with God?
A walk with Christ?
Words from Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction speech in reference to basketball.
Where is this place for you?
A friend? A band? A sport? A hobby? A pursuit? A Savior?
Psalm 9:9-10
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
September 10, 2009
Tuesdays are Manual Campus Life days. I help provide leadership to a student led after school group that is concentrating on winning friends to Christ. We eat great food, do some activities, meet new people, discuss a topic brought forth by a student, and pray together.
A really cool thing happened yesterday. As we were sitting there talking, catching up on stuff there was a student sitting, waiting, reading listening….
After a few minutes we introduced ourselves and asked if we were interrupting his studying. He said, "No, isn't this the Salsa Club?"
"No, this is Campus Life, Salsa Club is tomorrow. You're more than welcome to hang out with us."
Then the dreaded question comes from Evan, our guy who’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, "What's Campus Life?"
Now it is very key to point out that this has become a dreaded question because in the past I have seen students from Campus Life look at their inquiring friends with blank stares after being asked this same question. Usually all they can muster is "It's a Christian thing." or "We have free food".
So once again, everyone stares at each other and tries to give an appropriate response.
The Holy Spirit cannot fail. In spite of our fumblings and inadequacies he guides us through the words to say to Evan.
He decides to join us in a game involving green dice, 1 pencil and lots of screaming. After the game, Adam leads a discussion about judging others that breaks into a spontaneous role play…it was amazing and hilarious at the same time. By this time 2 others had joined the group.
The group doesn't end before we have a spirited discussion about the dreaded question. "What is Campus Life?" As new students ask genuinely and leaders try to explain one thing is very clear to me.
At the risk of sounding cliché'…Campus Life is what it is…for some it is a place where they can discuss judgmental attitudes that they see and are desperately trying not to engage in, realizing they often do.
For others it is a "youth group" away from church where students understand their context, struggles, and victories.
For a few students it is a place where they can interact with others, meet new people, be part of a group, and be accepted with no strings attached, like our friend, Evan…
The one thing I am sure of is Christ is at the center of it, lovingly and unashamedly on display on the campus of
If you're reading this and attend Manual….be sure to check out room #109 on Tuesdays after school. We're having quesadillas this week!!!
September 3, 2009
So much is going on i don't know where to start!!
I am going to try to write something every couple of days so i don't spend all day writing today.
I led a discussion at the National Network of Youth Ministers monthly meeting Tuesday. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at
July 22, 2009
FYI.....SNL will NOT be meeting this Sunday, July 26th.
I'm figuring out that following people on twitter is pretty cool. What do you guys think of having an HLBC Youth Twitter? You instantly know via text message what was going on with the student ministry of HLBC. Texting is so quick and painless and this would allow many of us to act quickly and respond to things going on.
I'm getting ready for the small groups trip to the smokey mountains...should be a lot of fun.
July 15, 2009
Hey guys....Sunday Night Live starts back up this Sunday night at 5pm.
Come hang out and eat some pizza, worship, discuss!
July 14, 2009
All right guys…I just go on twitter…so find me @ WillHowlett…don’t you want to know what I am doing?
Check out this ariticle
Christian Muggles?
http://www.dare2share.org/students/christian-muggles/
July 7, 2009
>>>typing with a sunburned nose and amazing sock tan lines
Wassup folks…getting hyped for the pool party this sunday at connors house…lemme know if you are planning on coming….if you see some body from hlbc let them know they need to come
email me if you need more info or hit me up on facebook
"this is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."
I pray that those of you who went to camp with us are continuing to walk as Jesus did. You'll never know how he walked if you don't read his Word.
If any of you want to get on a reading plan with me, lemme know
latah
pray for the nations
May 28, 2009
The site is up and I am sure the server is crashing as everyone logs on to read my thoughts.
This could be a short exercise…
Summer is here!! Swimming pools are open, school is wrapping up, Dairy Kastle is doling out copius amounts of Fat Elvises?…Fat Elvisus?…Fat Elvi? Plural of the Fat Elvis!!! (An amazing peanut butter and banana milkshake served at a great stand on Eastern Parkway.)
Anyway, the weather is great and there is tons of stuff to do.
I just got back from spending the night at Wayside Christian Mission. A group of us from Manual served dinner last night, got a tour, heard the choir, played games, watched a documentary about homelessness in Louisville, at White Castles, slept in sleeping bags and served breakfast in the morning.
It was amazing!!
The choir consists of musicians that are currently homeless, or have been homeless and are participating in Wayside’s recovery ministry. They sing songs between sharing amazing stories of how there world was turned upside down by drugs and alchol only to be rescued by the love of God, and the support and care of others.
Very powerful—it was a strong message to stay off drugs and trust God with your life.
Galatians 6:7-10 (NLT) Emphasis mine
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
God’s truth is true. You will reap what you sow. I met several people last night that sowed drugs and alcohol. They reaped destruction. It took everything from them. Now that they are recovering, they all give back. They are doing “good to everyone, especially those in the family of fath.”
I am reminded that there are painful consequences for sin, and great rewards for doing good. Every one that I met in the choir would say there life is so much more fulfilling and purposeful since they started to “live to please the Spirit”.
Live to please the Spirit today.