Memory Verse Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness

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ThePARENTLink helping parents better connect with their teens October 2011 Memory Verse Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes these are not for you.

But Scripture takes a strong stand against sins of the tongue.

$Infractions range from the ubiquitous and casual use of OMG to rude, suggestive, and vicious references about other people.$ Profane means to treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence or contempt.

Profane means to treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence or contempt.

Try these approaches to tackle profanity: Ephesians 5:4 (NLT) Ask kids to keep a running tally of the number of profanities they hear during one day at school or one

Research shows that people who curse are respected less in our society and have fewer deep relationships.

1 ThePARENTLink helping parents better connect with their teens October 2011 Memory Verse Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. Watch Your Words! Help Kids Stand Up Against Profanity Compared to other sins, cursing might seem tame. But Scripture takes a strong stand against sins of the tongue. God makes it clear that obscenities and impunities have no place coming out of the mouths of Christ-followers. Unfortunately, Christian kids often struggle just as much with their words as their unchurched peers do. Infractions range from the ubiquitous and casual use of OMG to rude, suggestive, and vicious references about other people. Profane means to treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence or contempt. So when someone drops the f-bomb, for example, they treat something sacred (the act of intercourse) with contempt. Try these approaches to tackle profanity: Ephesians 5:4 (NLT) Ask kids to keep a running tally of the number of profanities they hear during one day at school or one night of TV watching. Have them report back, then ask them if they were surprised by what they learned. Tell kids the truth. Research shows that people who curse are respected less in our society and have fewer deep relationships. Cursing also can cause other people to stumble and violates our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves. Challenge kids to use only prayer words. If they wouldn t use the word in conversation with God, then it isn t appropriate in any other context. Give kids alternative, attention-grabbing words that can substitute for profanity. Practical Help Tips, statistics, and.02 discussion questions to help you connect with your teenagers Going Deeper.03 Insight for parents on how to use words wisely when communicating Media Spotlight.04 Musicians Family Force 5 and Thrice, movies The Three Musketeers and Real Steel, plus video games DGYM Calendar.05 Apple Cider Press, Cardboard Box City, Trunk-or-Treat, and MORE! Come connect with God and others

TIPS Media editor and screenwriter, Bryan Belknap offers these insights into language: Cursing is akin to unbelief because it denies Jesus presence in all things, at all times.

Cursing violates the spirit of humility. Words are a barometer of character and can show an unwillingness to submit to authority. Cursing undermines integrity.

Even a 2-yearold can say potty words. The world notices and respects people who refrain from using profanity. All kids want to stand out from the crowd and carve their own path as unique individuals.

2 TIPS Media editor and screenwriter, Bryan Belknap offers these insights into language: Cursing is akin to unbelief because it denies Jesus presence in all things, at all times. Why is speech that s unacceptable for Jesus okay for us? It s impossible to unconditionally love someone using foul language. Cursing does nothing to communicate grace. Cursing violates the spirit of humility. Words are a barometer of character and can show an unwillingness to submit to authority. Cursing undermines integrity. When kids use swear words in certain situations but not others, they re teaching themselves to play fast-and-loose with their morals. Clean language is the ultimate counterculture rebellion. Even a 2-yearold can say potty words. The world notices and respects people who refrain from using profanity. All kids want to stand out from the crowd and carve their own path as unique individuals. Clean speech is one way to do it. In fact, pure language might become the new cool. THE VIEW When Gallup researchers asked 13 to 17 year olds to rank a long list of serious behaviors, kids said using profanity in public was the least serious offense of all. The Center for Media and Public Affairs found that profanity is used, on average, every six minutes on network TV shows, every three minutes in movies, and every two minutes on premium cable shows. To combat high-tech gossip, some schools are punishing students for what they post on the Internet after school hours. P O N D E R T H I S... What do your own words say about your character, your values, and your relationship with God? What sins of the tongue are the most challenging for you? For your teenager? How might your family members be able to hold one another accountable for how they speak? P. 02 THE PARENT LINK OCTOBER 2011

This is a major way the enemy gets a foothold in relationships. We tend to bottle up our anger until we blow.

3 GOING DEEPER: Expert Insight for Parents At SimplyYouthMinistry.com, Jasper Rains offers these suggestions for ways that adults can use their words wisely, especially in tricky situations: Clear the air. People-pleasers don t want to rock the boat. This is a major way the enemy gets a foothold in relationships. We tend to bottle up our anger until we blow. If you don t lovingly confront an issue right away, it will only fuel anger until you confront in frustration. Often, things that eventually become major issues start with bad communication and continue to build. Put concerns on the table as soon as they happen. That clears up misunderstandings and opens the door to speedy reconciliation. Speak less. This may seem like a contradiction to the first point, but sometimes when we re stressed we tend to be too confrontational. We want to put people in their place. We often end up in arguments that only contribute to the problem and don t preemptively lead us to healing. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all. Prayerfully seek when it s right to confront and when it s right to be silent. about a frustrating situation shouldn t be your only step. Instead, go to the source of the issue rather than speaking behind other people s backs. A good rule is to share frustrations with only one person, such as an accountability partner. This will help you release some steam but will also give an opportunity for this person to hold you accountable to making things right while they pray for the situation as a whole. Resource Source In Live Large, Be Different, Shine Bright (Simply Youth Ministry), Doug Fields and Josh Griffin explore 12 contagious qualities for healthy relationships, including good communication. 148 pages, Group Publishing (May 2010) $9.99 on Amazon Stop gossiping. Even if you dress something up as a prayer request, talking to others P. 03 THE PARENT LINK OCTOBER 2011

This page is designed to inform and educate parents and isn t meant to endorse any music, movie, or video game.

M EDIA SPOTLIGHT MAINSTREAM MUSIC POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC MOVIES THRICE FAMILY FORCE 5 Background: This Orange County band has never been labeled a Christian band, despite the fact that lead

Their songs deal with topics such as Peter s dark night of betrayal, Christ s invitation for us to take rest in him, and how earth isn t our real home.

Albums: Major/Minor (2011), The Alchemy Index (2007), Vheissu (2005) What Thrice Says: Regarding where he gets inspiration, singer Dustin Kensrue says, Definitely the Bible; I draw from that a lot.

Explore: Check out Thrice on Spotify or on their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/thrice.

Three band members are brothers. They ve been criticized for using almost no overt references to God or their faith, though they do maintain positive lyrics.

4 This page is designed to inform and educate parents and isn t meant to endorse any music, movie, or video game. Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your kids listen to, watch, and play. M EDIA SPOTLIGHT MAINSTREAM MUSIC POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC MOVIES THRICE FAMILY FORCE 5 Background: This Orange County band has never been labeled a Christian band, despite the fact that lead singer Dustin Kensrue is a staunch Christian and his lyrics are often straight from the Bible. Their songs deal with topics such as Peter s dark night of betrayal, Christ s invitation for us to take rest in him, and how earth isn t our real home. The music is as deep and thoughtful as the lyrics. Kensrue recently became worship leader at the O.C. branch of Mars Hill Church. Albums: Major/Minor (2011), The Alchemy Index (2007), Vheissu (2005) What Thrice Says: Regarding where he gets inspiration, singer Dustin Kensrue says, Definitely the Bible; I draw from that a lot. Usually not as the starting point for things, but it is very much where I am rooted. I feel like it speaks to a lot of things I m constantly inspired and challenged by reading it. Explore: Check out Thrice on Spotify or on their myspace page at: Background: This crunk band incorporates punk, hardcore, R&B, dance, electronica, funk, and rap metal into party songs. It s as crazy as it sounds, but the songs are hits. Three band members are brothers. They ve been criticized for using almost no overt references to God or their faith, though they do maintain positive lyrics. Albums: III (2011), Dance or Die (2008), Business Up Front/Party In the Back (2006) What Family Force 5 Says: Regarding the band s Christian image, singer Solomon Olds says, They want Sandi Patty all over again. They want Amy Grant We want to make music that is for God, but at the same time, we want to make music that people enjoy and that they re not turned off by. Explore: Check out their videos at: v=zskzhfuhexa. On a side note They are a Shelton FAVORITE! Movie: The Three Musketeers Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance Rating: PG-13 Synopsis: A spirited young man named d Artagnan joins forces with three Musketeers who have rebelled against their order and try to take down the evil forces threatening their land. Our Take: Despite director Paul W.S. Anderson s history of the Resident Evil movies, the action here will likely be closer to the recent Pirates of the Caribbean films epic action with a few laughs, but nothing too offensive. Movie: Real Steel Genre: Action, Drama Rating: PG-13 Synopsis: in this futuristic boxing movie, Hugh Jackman is a washed-up ex-fighter. He makes a comeback as a trainer for a huge battling robot and draws close to his estranged young son in the process. Our Take: The premise sounds ridiculous, but this movie looks like it has heart to accompany the special effects. Visit for in depth reviews on today s entertainment. VIDEO GAMES Batman: Arkham City (Rated T) As a sequel to one of the best games of 2009, this game promises bigger and better with many classic Batman villains in a large open world environment. The first game took place at Arkham Asylum with gameplay that was a fun mixture of stealth and fighting. The female villains Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy wore skimpy outfits, so if they make a reappearance, that would be the biggest red flag in an otherwise teenage-friendly game. Battlefield 3 (Rated M) Some believe that this is Battlefied s year to reign supreme in the war for FPS players pocketbooks. It ll be a tough battle with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 shipping less than 2 weeks later. Regardless, this game has stunning visuals capped off by its incredible destruction technology. As with most modern shooters, though, expect foul language P. 04 scattered among all the detailed, virtual killing. THE PARENT LINK OCTOBER 2011

6 NEWS and NOTES Connect All 6th - 12th graders and their parents are encouraged to join us for this encouraging LIFEgroup! Middle School and High School will be alternating back and forth on Mondays, but each time we ll be at Jeff and Kara s house from 6:00 to 7:30pm. We ll share a meal together and enjoy a time of praise and worship to God along with some Bible study and discussion. We ll be taking Monday the 17th off because Jeff s family will be in town as well as Monday the 31st because of our Trunk-or-Treat. Otherwise, come join the fun as we hang out and connect with God and each other. Wednesday Night Class All 6th - 12th graders are invited to join us at 6:30pm for an exciting time of Bible study as we grow closer to each other and more in love with God. The hour is packed with a wonderful time of worship, some kind of crazy activity, and honest and open discussion as we make God s Word come alive and discover how relevant it is to our lives. This month we ll continue our series called What s My Purpose? During these classes we ll be taking an in depth look at the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Apple Cider Press All 6th-12th graders are encouraged to join us for a great weekend of worship, fellowship, and fun at the Chelan County Expo Center in Cashmere, WA. We ll be leaving the church parking lot on Friday at 4:00pm and returning home on Sunday around 4:00pm. If you haven t signed up to go yet, it s not too late! Pick up a registration form from the youth board and turn it in to the office along with your $45 registration fee. It s going to be an awesome weekend, so don t miss it! Cardboard Box City Young and old alike are invited to join us as we help raise money for Family Promise and raise awareness of family homelessness by spending the night in a cardboard box. We ll arrive at the field by the Community United Methodist church at 5:00pm to set up our homes for the night and finish up with breakfast the next morning at 8:00am. Each individual is requested to find at least five sponsors to participate. See Jeff or the Woods if you need a sponsorship packet. Middle School Bowling All 6th-8th graders are invited to join us for a fun night out at the bowling lanes. We ll meet at the church building at 6:30pm then head over to Triple Play from about 7:00 to 9:00pm. You ll need to bring around $15-$20 which will cover a few games of bowling plus give you some extra money for a snack or arcade game. Haunted Corn Maze All 6th-12th graders (and older!) are invited to join us for a spooky good time! Get your costumes on and join us for a trip through a haunted corn maze. We ll meet at the church building at 6:00pm, head to the corn maze, then come back to the church for fun until midnight. The cost is $10 which will get you into the corn maze (won t help you get out!) and help pay for pizza and drinks back at the Youth Barn. Invite a friend and come join the fun! Project Sing I love to sing! Singing has the power to encourage, build others up, and just make you feel good. Everyone 6th grade and up is encouraged to join us for a musical service project as we share the blessing of our voices with some special folks. We ll meet at the church building at 5:00pm to go serenade some of the older members of our congregation. We ll stop for a quick dinner break, then finish up and be back at the building by 8:00pm. Trunk-or-Treat Everyone is encouraged to help us with this great outreach opportunity. Whether you want to bring your car to our lineup and pass out candy from your trunk, help man one of our many indoor game booths, or help serve free hotdogs, there s something for you to do. Come join the fun as we welcome guests from our community. got questions or concerns? Contact or jeff@dgchurch.org

A Note from Nate OCTOBER 2011

A Note from Nate OCTOBER 2011 OCTOBER 2011 A Note from Nate Hello to the parents of 7 th 12 th graders! Don t you just love this time of year? I m not just talking about the changing of the season, which brings cool fall days and beautiful