ACCESS Student Ministry

Wednesday 3/7/12

2012-03-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night, the ACCESS high school ministry is spending the evening playing BINGO with the residents of DuPage Convalescent Center! For this special event, please arrive at the church at 6:00 and plan to leave around 9:00.

Middle school, it is time for another theme night! The theme for March is FORMAL! Have fun dressing up for youth group in dazzling elegance! We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage from 7:00 to 8:30, and we hope to see you there. Invite your friends!

"The Significance of Linsanity"

2012-03-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Have you guys heard of RELEVANT Magazine? Maybe you haven't, but you've definitely heard about Jeremy Lin, right?! You can read a great article about Jeremy here.

To Unfriend, or Not?

2012-03-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

I stumbled across an article today, called "Facebook's Disappearing Friends." The author writes, "Social networkers are becoming more selective, managing their accounts and 'pruning' people from their lists." (You can read the whole article here.)

Several of my friends have gone through this friend purge. They post dramatic statuses asking their "real friends" to leave a comment to avoid the ax. I guess it makes sense. I have a few Facebook friends that I haven't seen, talked to, or even thought about in years. Should I keep them? Should I delete them? Would they even notice? Why am I even thinking about this?

Have you guys ever unfriended anyone? Why?

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-02-29T21:02:00.001-06:00

Tonight (high school) and next week (middle school), we will be starting our new series for March on parent-child, sibling, discipleship, and peer relationships. We will look at some core qualities that cause these relationships to flourish. My prayer is that the upshot of this series will be greater unity in the Christian relationships the students pursue. I love Calvin's passion for unity among followers of Jesus:

"All the elect of God are so joined together in Christ, that as they depend on one head, so they are as it were compacted into one body, being knit together like its different members; made truly one by living together under the same Spirit of God in one faith, hope, and charity, called not only to the same inheritance of eternal life, but to participation in one God and Christ" (Institutes, 673).

High School Summer Camp!

2012-02-28T17:46:00.002-06:00

High School Camp Update! More info to come, but get excited!

Special Wednesday 2/29/12

2012-02-27T13:24:00.000-06:00

High school and middle school students, we hope that you will join us at ACCESS tomorrow night for some special events! Parents, please read carefully, as there are some schedule changes.

High school students, are you ready for February's theme night? This month's theme is FORMAL! Have fun dressing up for an evening of prom-like elegance, and bring your friends!

While high school students are meeting at the usual time, from 7:00 to 8:30, middle school students should be dropped off at 6:30, as they will need to leave the church by 6:45. Parents, if you would prefer to bring your child directly to Cross-Fit, it is located near the north-west corner of Geneva Rd and Gary Ave in Wheaton. Please drop your child off there at 7:00, and pick up at 8:15. If you plan to pick up your middle school student at the church, they will be ready at 8:30, as usual!

Middle schoolers, be sure to wear athletic clothing and footwear, and bring your permission forms!

Seeds of Purity

2012-02-24T20:48:00.000-06:00

Hey, guys! Check out this article by Justin Taylor, a blogger for The Gospel Coalition!

Coffee House 2/26/12

2012-02-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

On the last Sunday of every month, ACCESS is hosting coffee house discussions from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. High school and middle students are welcome for a time of questions and answers with the staff. We hope that you will join us in the youth room this Sunday!

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-02-22T18:55:00.000-06:00

"But since the prophecy that death shall be swallowed up in victory (Hos 13:14), will then only be completed, let us always remember that the end of the resurrection is eternal happiness, of whose excellence scarcely the minutest part can be described by all that human tongues can say. For though we are truly told that the kingdom of God will be full of light, and gladness, and felicity, and glory, yet the things meant by these words remain most remote from sense, and as it were involved in an enigma, until the day arrive on which he will manifest his glory to us face to face (1 Cor 15:54)." (Institutes, 663)

Wednesday 2/22/12

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

High school and middle school students, we hope that you will join us at ACCESS tomorrow night! Get ready for great games, singing, teaching, and fellowship. We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Feel free to invite your friends!

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-02-15T18:00:00.000-06:00

Jesus of Nazareth once said, "Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear [the Son of Man's] voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29).

I'm hoping that this week's John Calvin quote will really intersect with our discussion on heaven in the next two Wednesdays. I read a really rich and insightful section this week in The Institutes, and am excited to share it with you! Calvin has a couple paragraphs in which he talks about our resurrection bodies. His argument is that if God calls us to use our bodies in this life to serve and glorify Christ, then certainly the future reward will involve our bodies - the same ones we used to glorify Him in this life - raised to new life forever! What an astounding thought. Read it now from the pen of Calvin himself:

"And certainly the whole exhortation of Paul, "Yield ye your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (Rom 6:13), would be frigid, did he not add, as he does in another passage, "He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies" (Rom 8:11). For what would it avail to apply feet, hands, eyes, and tongues, to the service of God, did not these afterward participate in the benefit and reward?"

He goes on to say,

"It would be inconsistent with reason, that the body, in which Paul bore the marks of his Savior, and in which he magnificently extolled him (Gal 6:17), should lose the reward of the crown.... so it were unreasonable that this entrance [into the kingdom of God] should be denied to the bodies which God exercises under the banner of the cross and adorns with the palm of victory" (Institutes, 661).

Resurrection-life is coming - let's believe it and use our "lowly bodies" now in the service of our coming King!

Wednesday 2/15/12

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

High school and middle school students, Happy Valentine's Day! We hope that you will join us at ACCESS tomorrow night. Get ready for some awesome games, singing, teaching, and fellowship. We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Feel free to invite your friends!

Tim Keller on Hell

2012-02-10T17:58:00.000-06:00

Having just finished a series on the doctrine of hell, I thought this was a great follow-up message by Tim Keller. It's not very long (and you may disagree with some of it), but he has some really insightful things to say nonetheless. Listen, enjoy, be blessed!

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-02-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

Here again is another John Calvin quote

on God's control of all things. We can rest in God in the midst of adversity because He is both absolutely sovereign and irreversibly good. He does not allow one drop of rain to fall on His children apart from His good pleasure and purpose.

"This rather is the solace of the faithful, in their adversity, that every thing which they endure is by the ordination and command of God, that they are under his hand" (Institutes, 115-116)

Wednesday 2/8/12

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-02-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

Hear how Calvin explains that nothing happens by chance, but all is under the sovereign control of God:

"If one falls among robbers, or ravenous beasts; if a sudden gust of wind at sea causes shipwreck; if one is struck down by the fall of a house or a tree; if another, when wandering through desert paths, meets with deliverance; or, after being tossed by the waves, arrives in port, and makes some wondrous hair-breadth escape from death - all these occurrences, prosperous as well as adverse, carnal sense will attribute to fortune. But whoso has learned from the mouth of Christ that all the hairs of his head are numbered (Matt 10:30), will look farther for the cause, and hold that all events whatsoever are governed by the secret counsel of God" (Institutes, 115)

What a comforting thought, especially in trial, that "all events whatsoever are governed by the secret counsel of God"!

Theme Night 2/1/12

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

High school and middle school, it is time for the first theme night of the semester! The theme for February is CLASH! Come to youth group tomorrow night wearing outfits as mismatched as possible. Theme nights provide great opportunities to invite your friends to youth group. Bring them along for the fun! We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage from 7:00 to 8:30, and we hope to see you there!

Coffee House 1/29/12

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Fight for Life

2012-01-26T10:07:00.000-06:00

The high school students watched this captivating video on the pro-life/abortion issue last night. It comes from the excellent online resource webpage abort73.com. Pay close attention, and watch again if necessary! May God give us grace and wisdom to know how to respond.

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-01-25T21:00:00.000-06:00

This is Calvin on the need to be "ever on the alert" because of our enemy:

"Being forewarned of the constant presence of an enemy the most daring, the most powerful, the most crafty, the most indefatigable, the most completely equipped with all the engines and the most expert in the science of war, let us not allow ourselves to be overtaken by sloth or cowardice, but, on the contrary, with minds aroused and ever on the alert, let us stand ready to resist; and, knowing that this warfare is terminated only by death, let us study to persevere. Above all, fully conscious of our weakness and want of skill, let us invoke the help of God, and attempt nothing without trusting in him, since it is his alone to supply counsel, and strength, and courage, and arms." (Calvin, Institutes, 97)

Special Wednesday 1/25/12

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

High school and middle school students, we hope that you will join us at ACCESS tomorrow night! We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage, from 7:00 to 8:30, for the first "Special Wednesday Night" of the semester!

High school students, in light of National Sanctity of Human Life Day, get ready for a great discussion on pro-life and abortion.

Middle schoolers, come to youth group ready for some on-campus sledding! Wear warm clothing, and bring your sleds! Hot cocoa will be provided, of course. We hope to see you there!

Spotlight: Karen

2012-01-23T20:23:00.000-06:00

Karen Hall is a small group leader for the high school girls at ACCESS! She has written an article for us about the Word of God.

“The Word” has been continually ringing in my ears these past few weeks. I pray for change, direction, to be used to minister to the world, and intimacy with Christ, but I’m not willing to sacrifice lesser things to pursue them. I’m more interested in distracting myself with people, working out, TV shows, food, activities, etc. than I am in setting those things aside for a time and taking a good look at who God is and who I am in His Word. How does transformation take place? How do we gain direction for life? How does the Lord orchestrate His plans and work through us? How do we know him intimately? Through the Holy Spirit working through His Word.

I’m not simply talking about Scripture memory, or reading the Bible in order to get a larger list of “dos” and “don’ts” for life, or the “a chapter a day keeps Satan at bay” mentality. But loving Christ comes from knowing Christ, and that can ONLY come through the Word of God. I can go to every Bible Study/prayer group, tell fellow believers about my desire to see change in and through me, even sit for hours and dwell on what I need to take out and put into my life, but real joy, real change, real fulfillment comes through the living and active Word of God. Any other way of seeking change or truth is distorted by human sinfulness.

I’ve been struck lately by the Scripture “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). I can’t just inactively sit by and wonder why God isn’t doing His work- I have to meet with Him. I don’t, in any way, want to advocate salvation through the things that we do. Christ has already completed the requirements set by the law. However, as believers, an outcome of that salvific work should be wanting to know and please the Lord- His Word should be our daily bread.

God has given us such an amazing gift through the Word- in the Old Testament times, people couldn’t meet with God in the way that we can today. Now we can hear Him speak directly to us through His word; we can see more fully how He has orchestrated history, how He is working today, what He desires from us, and the destinies of both those who trust in Him and those who reject Him. His Word is sufficient for everything we need and everything we could want in life and in eternity. Let’s take time and energy to pursue it.

Take some time to read, think about, and pray over these passages that talk about the Word:
2 Samuel 22:31; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 9:10; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:9-10; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 1:9; James 1:23-24; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Rev. 22: 18-19 (If you want to see them all at once, copy and paste these in the search bar at www.biblegateway.com)

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-01-18T19:15:00.000-06:00

More of John Calvin on prayer...winter camp (topic: prayer) only a few days away!

"The sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving can never be interrupted without guilt, since God never ceases to load us with favor upon favor, so as to force us to gratitude, however slow and sluggish we may be. In short, so great and widely diffused are the riches of his liberality toward us, so marvelous and wondrous the miracles which we behold on every side, that we never can want a subject and materials for praise and thanksgiving." (Institutes, 586)

Wednesday 1/18/12

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-16T17:32:00.002-06:00

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. That's why you didn't have to go to school today, kids! Spend a few minutes of your evening reading up on this remarkable man.

Wednesday Calvin Quotes

2012-01-11T11:42:00.003-06:00

I thought it would be fun this semester to look at quotes by John Calvin on Wednesdays. I'm reading through his famous and fantastic book The Institutes of the Christian Religion, so it will simply flow out of my personal reading of Calvin. Also, we're often in need of some mid-week refreshment once Wednesday rolls around, and John Calvin may be just what "the doctor (or, Doctor) ordered."

With a high school winter camp that will be highlighting the topic of prayer approaching, I thought some Calvin quotes on prayer would be appropriate. Read slowly and enjoy!

"The necessity and utility of this exercise of prayer no words can sufficiently express." (Institutes, 564)

"...nothing is more contrary to the reverence due to God than that levity which bespeaks a mind too much given to license and devoid of fear." (566)

"...but we would have them to lay aside all thought of their own merits and found their confidence of success in prayer solely on the divine mercy." (570)

"...God can only be invoked by such as have obtained a knowledge of his mercy from the Gospel, and feel firmly assured that that mercy is ready to be bestowed upon them." (572)

"No, the immense accumulation of our sins should rather spur us on and incite us to prayer." (572)

Wednesday 1/11/12

2012-01-11T09:39:00.001-06:00

High school and middle school students, we hope that you will join us at ACCESS tonight! Get ready for great games, singing, teaching, and fellowship. We are meeting at Grace Church of DuPage from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Winter Camp

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas and New Year's are over. Sad, isn't it? Don't get too depressed. Winter Camp is right around the corner, and rumor has it that Winter Camp is just as good as, nay, better than Christmas.

It's going to be awesome! We can't wait to see you there!

New Year's Day

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

Woohoo! 2012 is almost here! You are invited to join us for a special service at Grace Church of DuPage on Sunday, New Year's Day, at 10:30 a.m.

"But, we're staying up late on New Year's Eve! Getting up for church the next morning sounds nearly impossible!"

Did you know that Grace Church of DuPage provides free coffee and caffeinated tea, every Sunday morning?

You're welcome!

Boxing Day... eh?

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

I believe that all good Americans should celebrate Boxing Day by watching the entire Rocky series in one sitting. "Yo, Adrian... I DID IT!!!" Sylvester Stallone isn't your thing? Rough housing with your brothers and sisters is also an acceptable Boxing Day tradition. "No, I want the last piece of fruitcake!"

Okay, I'll admit it. I have no idea what Boxing Day is, or why it's even on the calendar. Click here to read what Time Magazine has to think!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Remember, ACCESS will not be meeting at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. However, we invite you to join us for a special Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. Your out-of-town friends and family are welcome to attend with you!

Remember, ACCESS is not meeting on Wednesday evening, December 28, or Sunday morning, January 1. Enjoy the extra time with your families!

Spotlight: "Evermore"

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

This Christmas season, I have been listening to a song by Phil Wickham called "Evermore." The verses were written by Aurelius Prudentius in the 5th century! In the 1850s, the song was translated into English and titled "Of the Father's Love Begotten." Phil Wickham added his own chorus and released it with his latest Christmas album. What a beautiful, worshipful look at the Incarnation of Christ!

Of the Father's love begotten
'Ere the world began to be
He the source of all that has been
And all the future years will see

Evermore, evermore
He shall reign forevermore
Humble King, Sovereign Lord
He shall reign forevermore

Oh that birth forever blessed
When the chosen virgin girl
By the Holy Ghost conceiving
Bore the Savior of our world

Chorus

He is found in human fashion
Death and sorrow here to know
That the race of Adam's children
Doomed by law to endless woe

My not henceforth die and perish
In the dreadful gulf below
But forever rest in beauty
In the lights of Heaven's glow

Chorus

And evermore
He shall reign forevermore
Humble King, Sovereign Lord
He shall reign forevermore

Forevermore

A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-20T10:02:00.001-06:00

This video was all the rage last year. Remember how it lit up the Facebook walls of your church friends? Honestly, I expected it to be kind of cheesy and lame, but Igniter Media did a nice job recapturing the amazing story of Christmas. Christ the Savior is born!

Christmas Schedule!

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! Grace Church of DuPage is hosting a special worship service on Christmas Day! Won't you join us?

Remember, ACCESS will not be meeting on Wednesday evening, December 21, Sunday morning, December 25, Wednesday evening, December 28, or Sunday morning, January 1. However, ACCESS will meet on Sunday morning, December 18, as usual.

We hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with your friends and family!

Spotlight: Susan

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

This week's spotlight is written by Susan Bigelow! She and her husband Matt are small group leaders at ACCESS middle school ministry! (And isn't their daughter adorable?)

True Joy

It's that time of year again with the smell of cranberry candles wafting in the air, colored lights lining the Christmas tree, and a special time with family and friends. It is truly a joyful time of year. People share in the fun of gift giving, special drinks at Starbucks, and sales in every store. I often struggle this time of year to keep my focus on the Lord and not on the parties or the gifts under the tree. It's easy for Jesus to get lost in this season. I am encouraged by Isaiah 9:6 as I think about what Christmas represents. We can celebrate the real meaning of Christmas knowing that Jesus Christ was born to die for our sins and has brought us hope. He is the Prince of Peace and suffered so that we would have the gift of eternal life. My heart rejoices that I know Christ and am called his child.

I am especially thinking of how Christmas is spent in other countries around the world. My heart immediately returns to Nigeria and the two years I spent living there. The children had very few toys and never expected gifts. The Christmas season was joyful because Jesus was so real to them; he had to be. They faced many hardships and trials that we will never know. Life was lived moment by moment and no one talked about tomorrow. The brevity of life was such a reality as many people were dying of AIDS, Malaria, and other preventable illnesses. Some were barely surviving with the little money they brought home to support their families. Christians were dealing with horrific persecution as religious conflicts were commonplace. Corruption and political tension made life very harsh, and innocent people were suffering at the hands of Fundamentalist groups. Yet still, the people experienced a tremendous inward joy. This was not a joy that came from something external, but rather the peace from knowing Christ. In the midst of the horrible things around them, the Nigerian people sang and danced with joy. They chose to find their joy and peace in the Prince of Peace. As I ponder my experiences living in Africa, my heart once again goes back to Jesus. It's all about him and everything else pales in comparison to knowing him personally. May all of the ''stuff" we receive this Christmas grow dimmer in the light of Jesus Christ.

Serving Him Together,

Susan Bigelow

Christmas Party!

2011-12-11T12:00:00.000-06:00

ACCESS is hosting a Christmas party on Wednesday, December 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. High school and middle school students will celebrate together in the youth room! This will be a fun way to wrap up the Fall 2011 semester. We will be playing a few games, singing Christmas hymns/carols, and sharing from the Word together!

Please bring a wrapped, white elephant item for a gift exchange! This gift should be an inexpensive item (absolutely not over $5.00) that is already lying around your home. Also, please bring a snack or dessert to share!

Aaaand, don't forget to wear a fantastically ugly sweater! We hope to see you there!

Sunday Morning 12/11

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

ACCESS student ministry is meeting tomorrow morning, from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. We hope that you will join us! High school and middle school students are both welcome.

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living. Don't forget to join us after church for lunch at the Parkers!

Joe Jones will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 4:12-19.

We hope to see you there!

High School Lunch 12/11

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hey, high school students! After church on Sunday, December 11, you are invited join us for lunch at the Parkers from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Early Registration for Winter Camp Ends Tomorrow!

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's almost that time of year again! Are you ready for Winter Camp?!

The early registration deadline for Winter Camp forms is tomorrow, December 7th. This does not apply to friends of students, who get the lower rate regardless of when they register. However, for GCD students, after Wednesday the cost of camp will jump up from $45 to $65 for middle school camp, and from $130 to $150 for high school camp.

Parents, you should have received an email with the medical release form attached. If you did not receive the message, please leave a comment below, and we will send you the form!

If your child is planning on joining us for camp in January, please send him or her to youth group tomorrow with a check and the medical release form! Thanks!

(The images above were designed by our very own Nathaniel Rupsis! Woohoo!)

Middle School 12/9

2011-12-05T15:17:00.000-06:00

Middle school is rough. After a long week at school, you must be tired. You must be hungry, too.

Middle school students, join us on Friday night for pizza and a movie! This awesome event is happening at the Ansiels from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and we are watching The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Parents, if you are able, please send your children with fruit, veggies, or a drink. We appreciate whatever you can contribute!

Special Events 12/7

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Some exciting things are happening at ACCESS this Wednesday, December 7! Read on!

High school, are you ready for the Art Show? Don't miss this exciting evening of delicious desserts, fun talent acts, and a magnificent gallery provided by the Art Group!

Middle school, you are in for a big treat! Ad Vivum, a student ministry from Moody Bible Institute, is traveling to Grace Church of DuPage, just for you! Join us for a fun evening of improv with these talented Bible college students!

Both of these events will occur at the usual time, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Spotlight: Joe

2011-12-03T11:11:00.001-06:00

This week's spotlight is written by Joe Jones, the youth pastor at Grace Church of DuPage!

Having just finished our high school teaching series on World Religions and Cults, I am again reminded of the free offer of grace in the gospel. This is what is unique to the good news of Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible - free, unearned, amazing grace. Each week, as we looked at a particular religion, we also took a quick glance toward Jesus' kindness to the thief on the cross. We examined the question - what would this religion say to a sinful man whose time had run out, and what did Jesus say to him?

By doing this, we saw clearly that every religion in the world is based on duty, human performance, moral uprightness, and meritorious works to earn favor with God and eternal life. However, the mission of Jesus was to perfectly perform God's moral will, live an upright life without fault, merit God's favor by a life of flawless holiness, and exhibit unparalleled righteousness - all for us. Further, the mission of Jesus was to suffer God's condemnation for our lack of uprightness, holiness, and righteousness. Now, all there is left for us to "do" is to see our failure to live up to God's standard, and trust in Christ fully for our right standing with God.

Indeed, this is precisely what the thief on the cross did. He saw his own wickedness - "we indeed [are under the sentence of condemnation] justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds", beheld the innocence of Jesus - "this man has done nothing wrong", and in a sense "risked" himself on the mercy of Jesus - "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (see Luke 23:39-43). But I saw something afresh this past week in this story of God's grace, something I mentioned on Wednesday night.

We examined the religion of Catholicism as our final installment on World Religions and Cults. We saw that official Catholic teaching states that baptism, penance, Eucharist-participation, and a life of good works are all necessary for final salvation. Indeed, even if these duties are pursued, one may still experience a long sentence of purging in Purgatory upon death. As we recall the dying sinner on the cross, we are reminded that this man has not been baptized, not confessed his sins to a priest, not taken the Eucharist, and certainly not lived a life of good works. What, then, is his hope of being with God forever?

Here is where the fresh insight struck me. The thief says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." In other words, "Jesus, when you come in the future in all your glory, will you graciously remember this dying, justly condemned sinner for good? Will you cast a gracious eye to me when you return to establish your kingdom?" But Jesus has better news for this man - "Today you will be with me in Paradise." Jesus is proclaiming the good news that this man will not need to wait for a future day to be welcomed into the kingdom, he will not need to suffer in Purgatory to be purified from all his sins, and he will not be eternally condemned. Instead, this very day the man would be with Jesus. Upon death he would immediately enter the presence of his King.

What a joy for us who have trusted in Christ to know that we have direct access to God that death cannot undo! On our final day, the words of Jesus will ring true for us as well - not because of our goodness, but because of His - "Today you will be with me in paradise." And if eternal life is freely given to us, rebellious sinners, should we not respond in admiration, love, and service to our great King? This is where we ended our series on World Religions and Cults. But I trust that though this is where we ended with this particular series, it will be an emphasis that remains in the days to come.

Sunday Morning 12/4

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

ACCESS student ministry is meeting tomorrow morning, from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. We hope that you will join us! High school and middle school students are both welcome.

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Kent Schlect will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 4:7-11.

We hope to see you there!

Wednesday Night 11/30

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage! Did you miss us last week? We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Joe Jones will lead a study on Catholicism.

Kent Schlect led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 4:1-6 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage. Don't forget to wear your summery outfits for Summer in Winter!

Middle School 11/30

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hey there, middle school students!

This Wednesday night, ACCESS is hosting a new event called, "Summer in Winter!" Break out the Beach Boys, flip-flops, floaties, and sunglasses for a summer celebration! No swimsuits are necessary, but have fun with the Hawaiian shirts, board shorts, colorful T-shirts, etc.!

We hope to see you there!

Sunday Morning

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

ACCESS student ministry is meeting tomorrow morning, from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. We hope that you will join us! High school and middle school students are both welcome.

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Kent Schlect will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 4:1-6.

We hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Don't show up for youth group this Wednesday! No one will be there, and you'll feel quite silly.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family!

Join us tomorrow!

2011-11-19T09:30:00.001-06:00

As always, ACCESS student ministry is meeting on Sunday morning, from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m.

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Youth Pastor Joe Jones will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 3:18-22!

We hope to see you there!

Underground Church

2011-11-17T17:39:00.001-06:00

Middle school students, get ready for a fun evening at Grace Church of DuPage! Underground Church happens tomorrow night, November 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Dinner will not be provided; please arrive having already eaten.) We hope to see you there!

Spotlight: "Your Love"

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Shane and Shane has been around for several years now, proclaiming theological truths through song. This track from the band's latest album is a powerful expression of the love of Christ.

I'm overcoming fear
With Your perfect love, Your perfect love
You're opening my ears to hear
The sound of a lover's voice
You're calling out, You're calling out
Let me see Your face, Your loving face

Your love tears me up
And when its done
Puts me together

I'm overcoming fear
With Your perfect love, Your perfect love
You're opening my ears to hear
The sound of a lover's voice
You're calling out, You're calling out
Let me see Your face, Your loving face

Your love tears me up
And when its done
Puts me together
Your love calls me out
Of my death and my failure
Love, Your love

Your love tears me up
And when its done
Puts me together
Your love calls me out
Of my death and my failure

Your love tears me up
And when its done
Puts me together
Your love calls me out
Of my death and my failure
Love, Your love, Your love

Tomorrow Night!

2011-11-15T14:07:00.001-06:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Richard Burns will lead a study on Jehovah's Witnesses.

Matt Bigelow led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 3:13-17 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage.

Parents, don't forget that you are invited to join the ACCESS staff for an evening of prayer. Join us in the Fireside Room at 7:00 p.m., after you drop off your children for youth group.

We hope to see you there!

Prayer Night

2011-11-14T09:22:00.001-06:00

Parents, you are invited to join the ACCESS staff for an evening of prayer. Join us in the Fireside Room at 7:00 p.m., after you drop off your children for Wednesday night youth group. We hope to see you there!

Spotlight: Peter

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today's spotlight is written by Peter Johnson, a small group leader at ACCESS! Peter is a husband, father, and former Marine, and he currently works as a FTX Crossfit Trainer.

Thereare a number of things the Lord is showing me recently, which is likely thegeneral state of life as a Christian, but the areas feel bigger than any othertime in my life. I feel much more like a father and the many skill sets thatentails as my eldest approaches four years old and a third is due in April. Asa husband for six years now I am learning more all the time what my originalvows meant and what a godly husband is suppose to look like. As a recentcollege graduate I am moving into real work and finding a career; having openeda gym and looking for substitute teacher work. Finally being done with school,I am released of irregular work schedules and deadlines that finally haveallowed me to help out with the high school ministry. There are certainly moresignificant adaptations and transitions going on right now than at any othertime in my life.

Thoughthis sounds simply like an update of my life at present, and certainly it is,that is not what I meant to communicate. What I was thinking as I wrote theprevious paragraph is: how did I ever get here? What has most recently causedthis reflection is my driving times to work at FTX Crossfit, which is about35-40 minutes from my house. While I love music I can grow weary of it I havefound and I have turned to audio books. Yes, while most people would surelydrop fast asleep at the wheel and crash into any number of large objects tryingto listen to an audio book I find that nothing keeps me more awake when stuckbehind the wheel. As a history major I have invested in many history books onCD, but as a Christian I have invested in many C.S. Lewis audio books. In factI just ordered four more the other day. The book I started listening to lastweek, for the third time now, is the Pilgrim's Regress.

Mostif not all of us are familiar with Paul Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.This "Regress" is merely a Lewis-style translation of the book thatfocuses on a character named John who mirrors C.S. Lewis journey from childhoodchurch attendance to atheism to Christian faith. I love this narrative notbecause I feel like Lewis and I had an exact or even very similar path tosalvation, but because, like all of his writings, there is a clarity that amplifiesmy comprehension of the scriptures, which leads to self-evaluation. I am notgoing to blog the sins of my life and the current weaknesses and shortcomingsthat I possess but I will reflect on a truth that the early part of the bookhas highlighted to me.

Thetruth that caught my attention this time, it is always something new when Irepeat a Lewis book, was how people tend to form beliefs from their earlychildhood through teenage years. I would encourage anyone to examine any oftheir views and beliefs that they have held since they were very young andre-examine them biblically. For the character of John in the book he had agreat deal of resentment towards the "Landlord" throughout the bookbecause of the narrow glimpse he has from his parents and religious leaders asa child. This steers him towards atheism, not a true atheism but a resentfuldenial of a harsh god that is all too happy to hear from the "world",when he gets out into it, that there is no Landlord <insert God>. This isnot a struggle I had, nor maybe many in our church, but what do we hold to aspart of our beliefs that does not belong there?

Iwould venture to say our biggest danger is not as much anything our parentsmight have accidentally done to our outlook but what the world and the GreatDeceiver who dwells in it intentionally have put into or kept out of our minds.Lewis argues in the Screwtape Letters that much of Satan's most successful workis keeping certain thoughts out rather than trying to place thoughts in. Indeedit would make since that Satan would like us to think as little as possibleabout anything. Common things I believe that get worked into our beliefs arepatriotism, pragmatism, appearances, works-based faith, expectations,singular-focused characteristics of God, just to name a few. Aside from beliefsthere is our method of doing things and what we spend our time on that showshow we have grown into this world rather than into God. If most of your time isspent finding ways to entertain yourself rather than edify and use what God hasgiven you, a classic American habit, than you need to re-evaluate your life;how you spend your time and why you believe what you believe. Make sure it isaccordance with God's Word and not in line with the world, your friends or evena family member if it conflicts with the Bible.

Awkward/Gross Night!

2011-11-07T16:00:00.002-06:00

Middle school students, are you ready for Awkward/Gross Night? The fun begins on Wednesday night, at 7:00 p.m., at Grace Church of DuPage! Be aware that your clothing will get stained (perhaps permanently), so leave your favorite outfits at home! If you don't own any "chore clothes," wear a disposable rain poncho over your regular clothing. Bring a towel, too.

See you there!

Tomorrow Morning

2011-11-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Matt Bigelow will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 3:8-12!

We hope to see you there!

Pro-Life Progress

2011-11-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

I came across this article and was very encouraged. I pray this is just the beginning of an awakened conscience to the murder of our most innocent.

HT: AM

John Paton's Dad

2011-11-03T11:26:00.000-05:00

John Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides, a group of islands that were inhabited mainly by cannibalistic tribes. It is God's grace to us that Paton wrote an autobiography (the one I read published by Banner of Truth), detailing his almost unbelievable gospel-mission to these tribes. In the story, Paton tells of his father's profound impact on his life. The story is worth quoting in full. Fathers - be encouraged, convicted, and spurred on by the example of this godly man. May God continue to transform each of us to be such men.

Telling of the walk shared by Paton and his father before Paton was to depart for mission training/work:

"My dear father walked with me the first six miles of the way. His counsels and tears and heavenly conversation on that parting journey are fresh in my heart as if it had been but yesterday; and tears are on my cheeks as freely now as then, whenever memory steals me away to the scene. For the last half-mile or so we walked on together in almost unbroken silence, - my father, as was often his custom, carrying hat in hand, while his long, flowing yellow hair (then yellow, but in later years white as snow) streamed like a girl's down his shoulders. His lips kept moving in silent prayers for me; and his tears fell fast when our eyes met each other in looks for which all speech was vain! We halted on reaching the appointed parting place; he grasped my hand firmly for a minute in silence, and then solemnly and affectionately said:

"God bless you, my son! Your father's God prosper you, and keep you from all evil!"

Unable to say more, his lips kept moving in silent prayer; in tears we embraced, and parted. I ran off as fast as I could; and, when about to turn a corner in the road where he would lose sight of me, I looked back and saw him still standing with head uncovered where I had left him - gazing after me. Waving my hat in adieu, I was round the corner and out of sight in an instant. But my heart was too full and sore to carry me further, so I darted into the side of the road and wept for a time. Then, rising up cautiously, I climbed the dyke to see if he yet stood where I had left him; and just at that moment I caught a glimpse of him climbing the dyke and looking our for me! He did not see me, and after he had gazed eagerly in my direction for a while he got down, set his face towards home, and began to return - his head still uncovered, and his heart, I felt sure, still rising in prayers for me. I watched through blinding tears, till his form faded from my gaze; and then, hastening on my way, vowed deeply and oft, by the help of God, to live and act so as never to grieve or dishonour such a father and mother as He had given me. The appearance of my father, when we parted - his advice, prayers, and tears - the road, the dyke, the climbing up on it and then walking away, head uncovered - have often, often, all through life, risen vividly before my mind, and do so now while I am writing, as if it had been but an hour ago. In my earlier years particularly, when exposed to many temptations, his parting form rose before me as that of a guardian Angel. It is no Pharisaism, but deep gratitude, which makes me here testify that the memory of that scene not only helped, by God's grace, to keep me pure from the prevailing sins, but also stimulated me in all my studies, that I might not fall short of his hopes, and in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully follow his shining example." (Paton, 25-26)

On Candy

2011-11-01T15:20:00.002-05:00

In the spirit of a holiday in our culture that involves handing out candy, I thought this video was appropriate.

HT: KD

Wednesday Night

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

High school students, get ready for an awesome evening! ACCESS has planned a fun video scavenger hunt for you. Grab your friends and show up at Grace Church of DuPage at 6:30 p.m. You won't regret it!

Josh Grudziecki led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 3:1-7 on Sunday. On Wednesday night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage. Though high school students are meeting at 6:30, middle school students will meet from 7:00 to 8:30, as usual.

We hope to see you there!

Video Scavenger Hunt

2011-10-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

High school students, the video scavenger hunt takes place on Wednesday, November 2! Meet at Grace Church of DuPage at 6:30 p.m.

Invite all your friends to this awesome event! Whoever brings the most guests will receive a $10 gift card to the iTunes store!

Have a great week. We'll see you there.

Sunday Morning

2011-10-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Josh Grudziecki will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 3:1-7! The students will further discuss this passage in small groups on Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

Mormonism and Pajamas?

2011-10-25T20:28:00.002-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Joe Jones will lead a study on Mormonism.

Josh Grudziecki led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 2:18-25 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage.

Middle school students, don't forget to wear your pajamas!

We hope to see you there!

Join us tomorrow!

2011-10-22T10:56:00.004-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living.

Josh Grudziecki will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 2:18-25! The students will further discuss this passage in small groups on Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

Spotlight: Mike

2011-10-20T22:15:00.001-05:00

This week's spotlight is written by Mike Herbert, a small group leader at Grace Church of DuPage! Mike heads up the ACCESS student Art Group and is currently studying Industrial Design and Film at Columbia College in Chicago.

Sohere I am, mouse and sketches in hand while staring at a giant iMacscreen ready to scan drawings for class, and a thought hits me, “DidI just sound like a Mormon?” Then I say to myself, “No! Michael,you know you have been a Christian all your life and know that Jesusdied for your sins to make you right with God. Religious people aredifferent, and you have the Gospel!” But maybe that's just it.I’ve known it all my life!

Ihad just explained to a friend of mine about why I opted not to go tocar design school to study film and music, wound up studyingindustrial design, and eventually began dreaming about designing cars. Heand I shared similar stories, but mine had some unresolved decisionsthat he was curious about. “What are you going to do with film?”my friend asked. “Are you still doing that or are you gonnago all into design?” I had just asked him about what had brought him toColumbia, so I felt that it was my turn to tell him my story.“Well, that's a really good question. I’ve been thinking about ita ton and...” Then I began a long story of how I felt like I wantedto do more than make things that looked cool and how preaching theGospel is what I find most value in, bringing me to where I am now,studying design and film together. Then I paused, and thought tomyself “Ugh! This happens all the time, I sound like some crazy,hyper-religious nut, and now I’m cutting off all deeper contact withthis guy!”

Ithappens all the time when I tell people what I did over the pastweekend or when I tell them one of my best friends is a pastor.Classmates will often ask me what I did the past night or weekend,and they usually will have some story of a drunken party or somecrazy date they went on. Then, when I get the floor, I usually washout all the pious sounding things I did (which actually usually arethe highlights) and quickly tell them something about how I tookphotos of hundreds of inanimate objects or something. Fun, huh?

What am I to do in reality? I so badly want people to come toChrist and see them come alive with the Gospel. The more and more Iponder my reasons for working a job in the real world, the more I feelthe need for Christ for these people. But how can they come to Christif my only display of the Gospel sounds just like every otherreligion that takes over someone's life and makes them want to tellthe world?

So,back to my first thought. Why would I thinkthat knowing the Gospel all my life could make me sound like aMormon? I recently got on a train full of Mormons starting their two-year mission. They were an interesting bunch. They were uptight and scaredwhen I talked to them, yet to each other they were normal andfriendly. What makes them that way? Do they even like their mission?I should have asked them why they became Mormons in the first place. Have you ever talked to someone with a weak faith about why they believe? Ifthey told you, “Oh, well, 'cause I just do. My parents believe and I just believe, too,” would you feel irritated or sad?

I am really talking about intentions andhonesty. I really want to work hardand do well at design, not for my own glory and acclaim, but for God’sglory and for the good of others. But, really, what was I thinking allday about my sketches I just finished? “Yes! I am a beast. I can’tstop looking at my drawings. Finally, I can finally draw like apro and this is gonna knock my professor’s socks off and...”Not for my own glory and acclaim? Yeah, right. My thoughts should instead be, “I know what my tendencies are. Iwork hard to make amazing things that people will love me for, butthat's not how it should be. I constantly have to realize that it issin and repent or else I will always be in opposition to God. But Godloves to be in a relationship with me so much that Jesus has takenthis and all other sins away over and over again. This is what designlooks like for me. It's something I love and hope that the world canbenefit from.”

Let'scontinually learn what it means to be a Christian in the real world,outside our own walls. We all talk about stepping outside the wallsof the church, but what about stepping outside ourselves? We may findthat talking frankly about our relationship with Christ is more natural and acceptable than we think. We have an angle to which noreligion or worldview can compare. We cannot meet thestandard, but God through Jesus Christ looks at us as if we alwaysdid it right, and then gives us his Spirit to do it right.

II Corinthians 3:4-6

This Weekend: Manly Retreat!

2011-10-19T18:30:00.000-05:00

This exciting retreat is finally here! Guys, are you interested in attending this weekend? Contact Joe Jones, the youth pastor and site administrator, for more details!

Tomorrow Night!

2011-10-18T13:12:00.003-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Joe Jones will lead a study on Judaism.

Steven Washburn led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 2:13-17 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday Morning

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living!

Steven Washburn will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 2:13-17! The students will further discuss this passage in small groups on Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

October Events

2011-10-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

High school guys, don't miss this upcoming retreat of manliness! Contact Joe Jones for more details!

Middle school students, you get to wear pajamas to youth group on Wednesday, October 26!

High school students, are you interested in shooting guns and carving pumpkins? We thought so. Join us on Friday, October 28.

Middle school students, remember the awesome progressive dinner hosted by ACCESS last semester? We're doing it again! Join us on Friday, October 28, for some unforgettable food and fun!

Spotlight: Rachel

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week’s spotlight is written by Rachel Jones, the wife of the youth pastor at Grace Church of DuPage! She is a stay-at-home mom and a small group leader for the freshmen and sophomore girls at ACCESS!

Yes, I love fall.

I love pumpkins, any recipes with pumpkin in them, leaves changing color and falling down, mums of all shades, honeycrisp apples, fires in the fireplace (at my parents...), Bears games, and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks.

But as things are dying this fall and it slowly turns into winter, I am hoping to be renewed and become more alive in Christ. This is my first Fall as a mother and I am hoping and praying that Fall 2011 would be a season where I experience extreme growth in my life, in my time in the word and prayer and a season where I go hard after Christ and others.

I was recently challenged by a devotion in the book "Trust" by Lydia Brownback (please pick up a copy if you do not own one, you'll be glad you did).

She talks about how we can so often be people pleasers, fearing people and their opinion of us. She writes, "We want to be liked and loved and to gain the approval of those around us...Using others to build ourselves up, to fulfill us, and to meet our needs just won't work. Sooner or later, because people are sinners, they are going to let us down." Lydia goes on to write, "Desiring the love and approval of the significant people in our lives is natural; however, if we feel that we must have that to be happy, then a good desire has become a destructive one. We are attributing to people what rightfully belongs to God." But she calls us not to be discouraged if we see ourselves here and to see this as an opportunity for growth. She ends by saying, "Realizing that you cannot obtain your desires from the people in your life is a catalyst to look elsewhere, to God, where you will find what you've been seeking all along."

So this fall, my goal is to be more bold, not to desire to please people, but instead to FALL in LOVE with Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of my faith. It is such a joy and a blessing to serve Him and I want to LIVE that out everyday!

I hope you will be challenged to do this as well. Happy Fall to you all!

Tomorrow Night!

2011-10-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Joe Jones will lead a study on Islam.

Steven Washburn led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 2:11-12 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage!

We hope to see you there!

Like, Um, Kinda...Authority?

2011-10-11T10:27:00.001-05:00

Contrast the like, um, kinda lack of confidence in our culture's way of speaking (especially teen culture) with the authority that comes through Christ (Mt 28:18-20) and the way Peter preaches his first sermon (Acts 2:14-36). May we have appropriate humility, yet strong convictions about truth, and learn to speak as such!

180 Movie

2011-10-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

Ray Comfort, apologist and evangelist, recently produced a new movie called "180". In it he interviews several people on two main issues: 1) Hitler and the Holocaust, and 2) Abortion. (As a word of warning, there are some disturbing images and strong language in the video.) Are there certain aspects of the film we could criticize? Yes. Is it a moving short film that highlights the ludicrousness and atrocity of abortion? Absolutely. For that I am thankful. The question that nags my brain is this - what can WE do to stand against condoned murder of children in the womb?

D Groups Today!

2011-10-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

At 4:00 p.m. today, D Groups are meeting at the Ansiels in South Wheaton and at the Baergerens in Naperville! The North Wheaton Group will meet on Sunday, at 3:00 p.m., at the Bushongs.

High school students, we hope to see you there!

A Battle Rigorous and Regular

2011-10-07T09:45:00.003-05:00

John Calvin: "And Paul, after reminding us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, immediately enjoins us to put on armor equal to so great and perilous a contest (Eph 6:12). Wherefore, let this be the use to which we turn all these statements. Being forewarned of the constant presence of an enemy the most daring, the most powerful, the most crafty, the most indefatigable, the most completely equipped with all the engines and the most expert in the science of war, let us not allow ourselves to be overtaken by sloth or cowardice, but, on the contrary, with minds aroused and ever on the alert, let us stand ready to resist; and, knowing that this warfare is terminated only by death, let us study to persevere. Above all, fully conscious of our weakness and want of skill, let us invoke the help of God, and attempt nothing without trusting in him, since it is his alone to supply counsel, and strength, and courage, and arms." (Institutes, 97)

Tomorrow Night

2011-10-04T13:50:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow night, the high school students will meet at Grace Church of DuPage at 4:15 p.m. for a field trip to the Hindu temple! The students will leave at 4:30 and return to the church at 6:30 to debrief. Parents, you may pick up your high school students at 7:15 p.m.

The middle school students will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. to break into groups! Each group will complete different service projects in the area. One group will sort donations at Discoveries Resale Shop, another will complete house-hold chores at the home of a church member, and the final group will stay at Grace Church of DuPage to complete tasks on campus. Parents, your middle school children may be picked up at 8:30 p.m., as usual.

Parents, if you cannot pick up your high school children until 8:30, they may join the middle school students in service projects at the church at 7:15.

We hope to see you there!

Art Group

2011-10-03T07:51:00.000-05:00

Students, do you like to draw, sculpt, write, paint, or fiddle with graphic design? Do you like to try out new things and spend time with cool people? Then, come to Art Group this Saturday, October 8! Meet at the Herbert house at 6:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.

Tomorrow Morning

2011-10-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living!

Kent Schlect will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 2:4-10! The students will further discuss this passage in small groups on Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

Spotlight: "Where I Belong"

2011-09-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

This new song by Switchfoot left me speechless. It is a beautiful expression of theological truths: the depravity of all men, our status as strangers in this world, and our hope of spending eternity with Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis said, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Feeling like a refugee, like it don't belong to me
The colors flash across the sky
This air feels strange to me, feeling like a tragedy
I take a deep breath and close my eyes one last time

Storms on the wasteland, dark clouds on the plains again
We were born into the fight
But I'm not sentimental, this skin and bones is a rental
And no one makes it out alive

Until I die, I sing these songs on the shores of Babylon
Still looking for a home in a world where I belong
Where the weak are finally strong, where the righteous right the wrongs
Still looking for a home in a world where I belong

Feels like we just failed while our hearts are just breaking
Feels like we've been fighting against the tide
I wanna see the earth start shaking, I wanna see a generation
Finally waking up inside

Chorus

This body is not my own, this world is not my home
But I still hear the sound of my heart beating out

On that final day I die, I wanna hold my head up high
I wanna tell you that I tried to live it like a son
When I reach the other side, I wanna look you in the eye
And know that I'm alive in a world where I belong

I still believe we can live forever
I still believe in us together
You and I, we're here together now
Forever now

Future of Forestry

2011-09-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget about the Future of Forestry concert this Saturday, October 1! (Click here for more details!) The tickets cost $10 each, and students will need to bring money for a fast food dinner. The concert is two hours long, so ACCESS will leave the church at 5:30 p.m. and return at 11:00 p.m.

If you are interested in attending, comment below! Both middle school and high school students are welcome!

Tomorrow Night!

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Ryan Rayburn will lead a study on Buddhism.

Kent Schlect led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 1:22-2:3 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage! Aaaand... don't forget about Crazy Hat Night!

Middle school students, don't forget to wear a crazy hat tomorrow!

The Value of the Word

2011-09-26T16:11:00.003-05:00

As we're collecting money this month to send Bibles to Chinese brothers and sisters who don't have them, I was both encouraged and convicted by this video. May we be courageous and sacrificial givers as we seek to get the Word (of the Gospel) out!

Coming Up!

2011-09-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

Middle school students, crazy hat night is almost here! Show off your fun headgear this Wednesday, September 28!

Do you like great music? Then join us for the Future of Forestry concert this Saturday, October 1! (Click here for more details!) The tickets cost $10 each, and students will need to bring money for a fast food dinner. The concert is two hours long, so ACCESS will leave the church at 6:00 p.m. and return at 11:00 p.m.

Don't miss this! Comment below if you are interested in attending!

Tomorrow Morning

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Join us at Grace Church of DuPage for a time of worship, then a continuation of the following series!

The high school students will meet in small groups to discuss gospel living!

Kent Schlect will lead the middle school students in a study of I Peter 1:22-2:3! The students will further discuss this passage in small groups on Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

Tomorrow!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

The video scavenger hunt is finally here! On Saturday, September 24, the middle school students will embark on a fun afternoon of competitive filming in downtown Wheaton!

At 1:00 p.m., the students will meet at Grace Church of DuPage for some instructions, then head to downtown Wheaton for the hunt. The teams will return to the church by 5:00 p.m. to view their masterful cinematography. The students should arrive having already eaten lunch, and they should bring a few bucks, just in case!

Hope to see you there!

Spotlight: Faith

2011-09-22T13:17:00.000-05:00

Spotlight? What?

Every Thursday, ACCESS is going to "spotlight" something (or someone) new! You will read the testimonies of staff members, listen to music by noteworthy, Christian bands, and be referred to great articles which Joe and I have stumbled upon. Today, I am posting an article that I wrote for a friend's blog (here) a few weeks ago. It explores my struggle with fear:

My name is Faith, the intern who set up this little website. In June, I married my high school sweetheart, a young man whom I started dating over five years ago! We are very happy together, and we currently live in a cute, vintage apartment in downtown Chicago. We enjoy working with the middle school students at ACCESS!

I blog at Sojourn of Faith, enjoy photography, and share with my husband an undying appreciation for French press coffee, ice cream, and NCIS. In December, I will graduate from Moody Bible Institute with an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and Communication Studies!

I am a student of the Bible and theology, but my knowledge of God does not always nurture my relationship with God. I primarily grapple with fear. I am a timid, insecure perfectionist who overemphasizes failure and continually overlooks the grace of God. Somehow, in my self-centered universe, God loves everyone but me. My soul is less worthy, my personality more flawed, my hypocrisy more hypocritical, my failures less forgivable. This sort of misguided martyrdom is rooted in narcissism and breeds paralyzing fear.

It is healthy to be grieved by sin. This grief squeezes my heart and beckons me to return to the Lord. However, it is not healthy to entertain ongoing guilt for forgiven sins. Jesus said to woman in Luke 7, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” He did not say, “Your faith has saved you, but your sin was especially awful, so please sit in the corner and mull over your stupidity.”

I John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” These words are deeply encouraging. My God is just, but he is also faithful to forgive, faithful to wash away my terrible decisions. I must receive this forgiveness with joy and determination to “go and sin no more”! Living in shame after I have been forgiven does not glorify my Savior. It depreciates the cross of Christ and spurns his ability to bear my sins away.

I cannot love God rightly if I allow fear to feed unnecessary guilt. This fear turns my attention from God and to myself, to my self-image and self-definition. This fear causes me to “need” more stylish outfits, a better decorated apartment, a more attractive personality, a better work ethic, more followers on my blog, a better singing voice, etc. This need for “more” and “better” breeds insecurity and discontentment. Insecurity leads me to compare myself to others, and I become reluctant to use my talents at all. This self-focused mentality leaves my heart discouraged and my ministry utterly fruitless.

I am incapable of building my own significance.

My identity is found in Jesus Christ, my Savior. I am significant because I am a daughter of God, a coheir with Christ, fearfully and wonderfully made, a workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. Please pray that I will surrender my fear! It is my prayer that I will walk in a manner worthy of the calling, joyfully celebrating the God who has given me a name.

Go in peace.

Tomorrow Night

2011-09-20T21:02:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, Joe Jones will lead a study on Hinduism.

Matt Bigelow led the middle schoolers in a study I Peter 1:13-21 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, the students will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage!

New!

2011-09-19T21:09:00.002-05:00

Click on the "Staff" tab to view portraits and fun biographies of the ACCESS staffers! Special thanks to Mike Herbert, who graciously photographed the staff on the GCD campus!

Graduation Fail!

2011-09-19T11:49:00.000-05:00

FYI, high schoolers: here's the video of the graduation fail/fall. A good reminder either to not attempt a "jig" after receiving your diploma, or to wear better shoes for such an attempt.

Youth Ministry Done Well

2011-09-16T11:36:00.003-05:00

Jon Neilson, Youth Pastor at College Church in Wheaton, recently wrote a great article on "Youth Ministry Done Well for the Benefit of the Church." In it he writes, from the perspective of a family-integrated approach to Student Ministry, the potential benefits and advantages of a youth ministry "done well." May parents and other believers at GCD work together to raise a new generation of young people who are radically committed to the person, work, and cause of Christ!

HT: TGC

Join us!

2011-09-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tonight, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will continue the World Religions and Cults series. Tonight, they will specifically study the New Age Cult.

The middle schoolers studied I Peter 1:3-12 on Sunday. Tonight, they will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage!

High school discussion groups will meet at the Parkers and Ansiels on Saturday, September 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 in the evening. The art group will also meet on Saturday, September 17, at the home of Mike Herbert. On Saturday, September 24, the middle school students will embark on a video scavenger hunt. More details to come!

Coming up next!

2011-09-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

Here is a snapshot of some upcoming events at ACCESS! Click over to the Calendars to see even more!

Middle school students, you have an awesome scavenger hunt later this month! On Saturday, September 24, meet at Grace Church of DuPage at 1:00p.m. More instructions to come.

High school students, there is an Art Group meeting on Saturday, September 17! Contact Mike Herbert for more details.

Last, but certainly not least, is a Fall Festival on Saturday, September 10! High school students, meet at the Walkers at 6:00 p.m. You'll be glad you did.

Morning Music

2011-09-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Here are the songs that the middle school students sang on Wednesday evening!

Join us!

2011-09-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

ACCESS is meeting tomorrow night, from 7:00 to 8:30, at Grace Church of DuPage!

The high school students will begin the World Religions and Cults series. Tomorrow night, they will specifically focus on Unitarian Universalism.

The middle schoolers studied I Peter 1:1-2 on Sunday. Tomorrow night, they will meet in small groups to discuss the practical application of the passage!

Stay tuned for further announcements! There will be a fall festival for the high school students on Saturday, September 10. On Saturday, September 24, the middle school students will embark on a video scavenger hunt. More details to come!

Relativism and the UUA

2011-09-01T15:01:00.001-05:00

Next Wednesday (Sept 7) we will be starting our fall series on World Religions and Cults. The first "religion" we'll discuss is Unitarian Universalism (UUA). As we do, we'll hit the issue of relativism and pluralism. Parents and students - check out this great lecture by Greg Koukl, founder of Stand to Reason, delivered at UCLA (2001) on the important topic.

Moral Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Midair from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

HT: JT

Morning Music

2011-09-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

Last night marked the kickoff to the fall semester! The middle school students were active participants in intense dodge ball games, fun introductions of the new staffers, and announcements of exciting events! Parents, the next upcoming, special event for middle schoolers is a video scavenger hunt on Saturday, September 24!

We believe that worshiping the Lord in song is a valuable activity at ACCESS. The playlist below contains two songs, "Mighty to Save" and "Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven." The middle school students sang these together last night, proclaiming the majesty of God and rejoicing in his undeserved salvation!

Fall Kick Off!

2011-08-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

Summer is over, school has started, and ACCESS is kicking off a new round of exciting teaching series and special events! Join us at Grace Church of DuPage on Wednesday, at 7:00pm, to learn more! Parents are welcome!

True Masculinity

2011-08-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

I found this article helpful both for adult men (fathers, husbands) seeking to become more truly masculine, and younger men seeking true biblical masculinity.

Welcome!

2011-08-19T08:48:00.000-05:00

Welcome to ACCESS, the youth ministry of Grace Church of DuPage!

We hope that this webpage will become a valuable resource to students, parents, and volunteers alike! At the bottom of the page, sign up via email in order to stay up to date with ACCESS events, announcements, and teaching material!

"ACCESS student ministry exists to exalt the gospel of Jesus Christ by seeing students mature in their relationship with Christ, develop in their relationship with their parents, deepen in their relationship with each other, and grow in their confidence to share the gospel with the lost. The ministry is designed to come alongside believing parents in their role of evangelism and discipleship in the home."