Monthly Parent Newsletter | Thanks for your partnership!
Center Student Ministries exists to make Jesus the center of every student's life. I hope November's Parent Newsletter provides you with the information you need to partner with us!
Let's Be Thankful! A Note From Our Pastor

Thanksgiving is more than a day off. It's more than watching football, eating mashed potatoes and gravy, and food comas. Thanksgiving is an attitude of gratitude—a practice of giving thanks all year-round. As we approach the holidays and gather for food and family, think of ways to express gratitude as a family and be thankful.

We're thankful for the Gospel. The Bible is clear: Christians should be thankful to God for Jesus—for His life, death, and resurrection on our behalf. In Colossians 3:15-17, we read, "Be thankful... with thankfulness in your hearts to God... giving thanks to God the Father through [Jesus Christ]." We're thankful "from the heart" and "to God" and "through Jesus" because of God's great love and mercy displayed through the cross.

We're thankful in all circumstances. Christian thankfulness cannot be contained by one day a year. The Bible says, "give thanks always and for everything" (Eph. 5:20) and "give thanks in all circumstance" (1 Thess. 5:18). Because of God's sovereign care and provision in our lives, we can find cause for thanksgiving in every season of life. Perhaps you might be thankful for: your home, your health, your salvation, your spouse, your children, your hope of heaven. In Christ, we have "every spiritual blessing" (Eph. 1:3)—that's something to be thankful for!

Share what you're thankful for over the next family dinner, and encourage your student to do the same. Take this year to start a new tradition of actually "giving thanks"—something more than over-stuffing on food and Black Friday shopping sprees.

Make sure your student joins us for The Turkey Table on November 16 at 6:00p—an entire evening of thankfulness!

Thankful to be serving you and your students,

Austin Axen 
Student Ministries Pastor
The following provides information regarding upcoming events & other resources:
Why Not? The Turkey Table
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving dinner: The Turkey Table! on Wednesday, November 16 at 6:00p! Semi-formal attire, "Thank You!" notes, and turkey bowling! It's a potluck-style dinner, so make sure to bring your item... dinner depends on you! Click here for a list of who brings what and make sure to register your item (pinky promise to bring it)! All students grades 7-12 welcome!
D-Groups: Fall Session
This week marks Week 8 of 12! It's not too late to jump in and join! D-Groups continue to meet in homes weekly in order to encourage, educate, and equip students in their relationship with Jesus. Who? Students Grades 7-12 What? Fun, Fellowship, + Bible Study When? Midweek (T/W/TH) Where? In Homes Why? To Grow Together in Christ! More info online here!
Parents, Please Come Pray! Join us for our monthly Parent Prayer Night on Wednesday, November 16 at 6:00p. After dropping off your student at Living Oaks Church for The Turkey Table, join other parents for an hour of prayer for our students, ministry, and local schools—this generation needs your prayers! Questions? Contact Cristy Fiestel for more info.

Can You Cook a Turkey? We're also looking for a few moms (or dads!) to cook a whole turkey for our upcoming potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner at the Turkey Table! We'll buy and deliver the turkey—pop it in the oven for us! If you are able to cook a turkey, please e-mail Jen Smith!

Turkey Bowl! It's time to get outside for a little "Sunday Recess!" On Sunday, November 20 at 1:00p, join us for some touch football (and maybe "Ultimate Turkey!") at Wendy Park. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy some relationship and recreation! Questions? Contact Stone McPherson!
Our website features up-to-date information regarding our upcoming events, current teaching series, D-Groups, camps, student helps, and other parent resources. Check out our online home here:
 
www.centersm.com






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Living Oaks Church · 975 Business Center Circle · Newbury Park, Ca 91320 · USA

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