School is getting underway and students are returning to their academic year routine. That means waking early, classes, extracurriculars, homework, and friends. We would like to think that this means this is the return of normal, but in our ever shifting and changing world, students can feel anything but normal. These feelings of instability can effect students and parents alike. I would encourage you and your student(s) to look to God as your stability, not this world. He is sovereign and nothing takes him by surprise.  Following a routine is still beneficial to our mental health and desire for stability, even if it isn't the "normal" routine. Help you students have good physical, mental and spiritual health by guiding them to make good choices in areas of diet, activity, rest, completing tasks, regular Biblical teaching and Christian gatherings. As always, pray for your student that God will help them, especially in areas and ways you cannot.
As a ministry, we recognize that COVID hasn't disappeared (even though we have had an election), but we would like to try to include some activities that are less virtual and more in-person by nature. We will start in September with going to SKY ZONE Trampoline Park in Springfield, IL. We hope to also meet Westfair Baptist teens there as well. HearFlow Teen and Westfair had a great connection at ENGAGE camp this summer. Details for the event can be found on the events page on the TBC App and website or by clicking >>HERE<<. It may not return "normal," but it will be FUN!
This month we will also begin selling tickets for our To-Go Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to help with the cost of this year's CHILL Winter Camp. Full details and registration will be available soon on the CHILL Camp website. 

Unwavering Foundation ~2 Timothy 1:8
Objective:
Students will understand that the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus is solid and will commit to live according to God’s purpose without shame.
Key Thought: 
An unwavering foundation leads to unwavering faith.
Lesson Summary:
This  lesson was the first in a four-part series called “Unwavering: Steadfast Faith for an Ever-Changing World.” It is a study from the New Testament Book of 2 Timothy. In this series, the students will be learning about the unwavering life of Paul and his description of how a Christian should live to the end.

This first lesson focused on the foundation of what we believe and how that should affect the way we live. When your foundation is unwavering, you can live in confidence with unwavering faith. Those who believe in Jesus have an unwavering foundation. God has given us a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We don’t have to be ashamed of Jesus or worried if what He says is true; our foundation is secure.

As a way to demonstrate their unwavering faith, the students were challenged to come up with a creative way to express that faith publicly. Ask your student how he/she plans to express his or her faith. If you have an unwavering faith in Jesus, consider how you might express that faith this week as well.

Unwavering Service ~2 Timothy 2:10
Objective:
Students will learn how to minister with unwavering service and will be challenged to sacrificially serve God and others.
Key Thought: 
Sacrificially serve so someone else may secure salvation.
Lesson Summary:
This lesson was part two in a four-part series called “Unwavering: Steadfast Faith for an Ever-Changing World.” We are looking at the New Testament Book of Second Timothy. This series looks at the unwavering life of Paul and his description of how a Christian should live.

This second lesson focused on unwavering service even when it is difficult or requires effort. The Apostle Paul used several word pictures to describe the unwavering servant of God. Paul told Timothy to serve in these ways:

●As a son, be strong.
●As a soldier, endure hardship.
●As an athlete, strive or compete.
●As a farmer, work hard.
●As a worker, be diligent.

To begin the conversation with your son or daughter about the lesson, ask them which of the examples resonated the most with them. After discussing these examples, ask them to share an idea with you of how your family can serve someone this week so you will have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with them. Take the time to serve others this week with your son or daughter.

Unwavering Truth ~ 2 Timothy 3:14
Objective:
Students will learn the importance of standing for the truth of God’s Word and will be challenged to stand for the truth even if they face opposition.
Key Thought: 
Stand for the truth even when others can’t stand the truth.
Lesson Summary:
This lesson was part three in a four-part series called “Unwavering: Steadfast Faith for an Ever-Changing World.” We are looking at the New Testament Book of Second Timothy. In this series, we are learning about the unwavering life of Paul and his description of how a Christian should live to the end.

We began tonight’s lesson by asking the uncomfortable question, “Has the thought ever crossed your mind that it might just be easier to not be a Christian?” In this lesson, the students were challenged to firmly stand for the unwavering truth of Jesus Christ. We used the third chapter of the Book of 2 Timothy to share with the students Paul’s encouraging words to Timothy despite the coming perilous times.

We challenged the students to stand firm on the unwavering truth of Jesus Christ even when others are hostile toward the truth. We challenged them to “turn away” from those who encourage them to abandon their faith or help them justify their sin. We encouraged them to memorize 2 Timothy 3:14 and help someone else stand firm in their faith this week.

Take the time to have a conversation with your son or daughter. Ask them if they have ever considered abandoning their faith. If possible, use the words from the third chapter of the Book of 2 Timothy to encourage them to stand fast on the unwavering truth of Jesus Christ. Help them find someone they can encourage this week to stand for the truth.

Unwavering Finish ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
Objective:
Students will learn the importance of living with the future in mind and will make choices that will help them finish faithfully.
Key Thought: 
Focus on the future to finish faithfully.
Lesson Summary:
This lesson was part four in a four-part series called “Unwavering: Steadfast Faith for an Ever-Changing World.” This series is a study in the New Testament Book of Second Timothy. In this four-part series, we have looked at the unwavering life of Paul and his description of how a Christian should live to the end. In this final lesson, we saw what motivated Paul to live his life for God despite the hardships and trials that he faced. Paul was focused on the future and finished his life faithfully.

Your student was challenged with changing their focus from the things of this world to the future rewards that could be theirs. They were asked to write down what they would want as their epitaph.

Where is your focus? Will you finish faithfully? Do you value the things of this world more than the heavenly life that God has called us to? Take some time this week to evaluate your life. Focus on the future so you can finish faithfully.