Irvine SSM Blog (students)

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Student Entry - Tori Skene

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Though my time at Saddleback has been short, it has been a sight, as I sit here taking in the view on this road God is leading me down.

In junior high I had committed myself to Christ, but in high school, church had become so dull to me. I felt like I had no connection with God, and church turned into a place where I forced myself to go every Sunday just to please my Mom. I showed up, painted a smile on my face, pretending to pray; while my mind was engulfed in thoughts that focused on gaining sleep I had been losing. Eventually, we left the church for numerous reasons.

The first time I attended Saddleback was on Christmas Eve. My Mom had been looking for churches throughout Orange County and decided to check out what Saddleback had to offer. The service was more than we expected, with uplifting music and a great sermon. My Mom knew that she wanted to go back.

Though, at the beginning of the year I felt something missing in my life. A sudden urge to go to church haunted the depths of my mind. I was opposed to regularly going to a church, for I thought I would be wasting my time walking in circles at a place I would end up dreading. I tried to head into other directions to fulfill this deep urge and sense of belonging. But like a butterfly facing a strongwind, it was inevitable that I would lose, and God's strong wind would take me where He wanted me to be. I convinced myself that it wouldn't be so bad anddecided to try it with an open heart and mind.

My Mom and I started to attend regular services and enjoyed it. One Sunday, as Pastor Rick was giving a sermon, he mentioned something about auditioning for the band. Right then, my Mom kneed me, and I felt as if I could read her thoughts. That afternoon I went to my friend's house and told her about everything. Though she didn't know much about Saddleback, she knew that one of her friends was in the band. To make a long story short she talked to him, and for the first time I went to the youth group, not even knowing there was a youth group. My heart was beating out of my chest and I was on my toes meeting new people, trying to remember what name went with what face. Though I felt nervous at first, I later found out I didn't need to be. That day I crossed a line of change, and re-ignited an electric current in my veins for God's love.

Since then, I've had an unforgettable experience, playing in the band, joining a small group, and meeting a bunch of great people. I've found that I'm walking down this road with my eyes closed and every day I grip God's had a little bit more tightly. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me.

- Tori Skene | Northwood High School�

A Standout in the Crowd of Patriots

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:22:00 GMT

Here is an article about one of our students Jonny Dolan.

"Even before high school, senior Johnny Dolan did not think of words such as "worship pastor" or "student minister" everyday. He was actually quite the opposite. But, at the beginning of his junior year at Beckman, his view of high school brightened, and he found that these words did interest him and would allow him to become more involved. Dolan is different from the average religious high school student. Dolan proudly expresses where religion all started for him, the importance of his club F.C.A. (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and his plans for the future.

An active member in his church, especially the church's band, Dolan is very heavily involved and dedicated. His religious fascination started out as just a small part of his life, but now, it has expanded to further horizons and all for one reason, he revealed, "Probably because I love Jesus, that's where it's all at."
He leads by example, giving hope to his friends and others when they are down. He tries to invest in people's lives and share his beliefs with others. "If they come to me with a problem, I'm always there for them," Dolan explained.

F.C.A., Dolan's current club, is a Christian club, where members come together every other Thursday at lunch in the Commons. Dolan decided to use his energy and do more by taking on a leadership role. F.C.A. invites guest speakers to come on campus and discuss how Jesus and their faith, in general, has helped them to overcome certain obstacles. The most admirable part of the club is that they do not discriminate against what religion students practice or whether or not students are athletes, despite being called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. "Everyone is welcome" is openly spoken during every meeting.

Dolan has a set future. Along with his passion for religion, he also has a passion for music, and he knows both aspects will be a part of his future. Dolan can play various musical instruments, including the guitar. His plans are to study music in Australia for two years, and then, afterwards, he will most likely end up becoming a worship pastor at a church here in Southern California.

"What set me back the most is probably who I chose to hang out with, so pick your friends wisely, because they'll influence you tremendously," he advised. Johnny Dolan has not only made an impact on the Beckman campus, but he continues to make an impact on everyone that he meets. His preachings are not just religious; they defy all limitations and, instead, dare Patriots to embrace the world's common humanity. His religious and moral conviction and down-to-earth personality sets the appreciated Patriot apart from the rest of the crowd."

Source: The Beckman Chronicle

Hillsong United Movie Night

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:21:00 GMT

Hillsong United, the worship band based out of Hillsong Church of Australia,
have been pioneers of a movement called "The I Heart Revolution". Without
going into too much detail...they have created a documentary film based on
their experiences traveling through different cultures of the world,
bringing people into the presence of God through worship, and the many
stories of hope, loss, love, and sacrifice that they have encountered along
the way. To read more about it, or to see the trailers for the movie, you
can visit the website at www.theiheartfilm.com <http://www.theiheartfilm.com/> .

With that being said...on Wednesday, Nov 4th, we will not be having our
"typical" C-Group/Small Group meetings. What we WILL be doing in place of that is
meeting at the Irvine Spectrum at 7:30pm in order to go see this film. We
ABSOLUTELY hope that you will bring your students and allow them to be a
part of this! Come and bring the whole family along...that would be great
too! The more the merrier =) It will be an awesome film full of inspiration,
and truly an eye opener to the different cultures and ways of life in the
world around us. To purchase tickets for this movie, you can do so online at
the iheart website mentioned above, or you can go to fandango.com <http://fandango.com> . The name of the movie is "Hillsong United: We're All In This Together" and there is only one showing at 8pm on Nov 4th! Tickets are $20 and it would be a good idea to purchase your tickets far in advance, because it WILL sell out as it keeps getting closer to the date.

Chew on This!!! Part 3

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:34:00 GMT

Read what a student just like you goes through and see how God can make such a big difference in your life.

"What God has done in my life.
Day 1 of Writing Down What I'm thankful that he does for me: (sorry if it makes no sense but I hope you get something from it, if you have the attention span to read it all)

Sometimes I feel guilty when I think about God's overwhelming love for me. I know that sounds ridiculous but after all I've done and all the secrets I keep inside of me.things NO ONE knows because I know they wouldn't accept me for them, God knows them ALL and he still loves me more than I can imagine. When you think about it, the whole idea sounds so ridiculous. Who would love me after everything that I have done? I have to admit, I am so skeptical and so scared about what direction God will lead me and sometimes if he even exists. I am spiritually conflicted everyday about everything. Should I say yes? Should I say no? Who do I want to be? I don't want to miss so many "high school opportunities" so I sacrifice my religion and what I know and love for a few moments in time. The weirdest part is, some things, I don't regret. And I wish I had it all together to be able to say I regret them. I know one day I will realize that those decisions were bad ones. One day I'll realize why I did them but more importantly even though I know that day is in the far future.I know right NOW that God loves me despite of it all.

A few days ago a few girls told a younger girl I'm mentoring to, that I did something that I didn't do, (unintentionally or not) they passed on or started a rumor about me. It hurt because they ruined my repetition in the eyes of a younger girl who believed this ridiculous thing (and it wasn't the first time one of them had said something like this to the same girl). I was upset because I didn't understand why to be honest.God didn't strike them with lightening or something. I wanted them to be punished! Here I was, putting myself out for this younger girl, mentoring her and giving her the best advice for her daily struggles, devoting my time, and being the big sister I knew she needed.and then these two girls come and ruin it. I didn't understand where they came up with the rumor, what I did to them to deserve it or why they did it. As angry and disappointed and sad I was, I broke down and prayed. I prayed to not be angry at these girls, for God to help me love them unconditionally even though they intentionally hurt me, just like He loves me unconditionally when I hurt Him by disobeying Him. Of course the solution wasn't instant. I was sad, irrational, and did something I regret in reaction to the above, I'm human. But after a few hours, I felt peace. Overwhelming peace and I know it wasn't because the problem was fixed, I knew it was probably going to take months for me to have a rational conversation with this younger girl, but because I had forgiven those girls for doing this to me. The peace came from the bitterness I no longer felt for the random hatred these girls have for me. I was able to let go. I no longer want them to get struck by lightening.I just want them to know the love that I know through Christ. Maybe if everyone felt what I felt in that exact moment, the world would be a completely different place. No grudges, no war, no bitterness, no hatred, no anger. What a wonderful world that will be.

So why am I writing this? Because I think that if God can be there for me 24 hours, 7 days a week, no matter what I do or say about him or anyone else and the decisions I make, I guess I just figured I would do this one thing for him."

Catherine Mann - Sophomore - Northwood High School

BEST!!! Facebook status conversation.

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:43:00 GMT

So for the next 5 weeks if you bring a friend to SSM Irvine you can win a PS3 or a iPod Nano. A lot of our students are getting excited about it and are inviting people on Facebook. Well this conversation happened last night... Enjoy!

Laura Sacks Hear ye, hear ye! Everyone is invited to SSM Irvine junior high & high school ministry this Sunday! 11:30 at Northwood High in the wrestling room! BE THERE!!

Yesterday at 4:10pm via Facebook for iPhone · Comment · Like / Unlike

Anthony Castellana

YES SIR!

Yesterday at 4:19pm

Irvine SSM Blog (students)

SSM on Facebook!

Student Entry - Tori Skene

A Standout in the Crowd of Patriots

Hillsong United Movie Night

Chew on This!!! Part 3

BEST!!! Facebook status conversation.

Laura Sacks Hear ye, hear ye! Everyone is invited to SSM Irvine junior high & high school ministry this Sunday! 11:30 at Northwood High in the wrestling room! BE THERE!!

Chew on This!!! Part 2

Chew on This!!!

We Want to see your FACEbook!!!

Follow SSM Irvine on Twitter!!!

Music and Lyrics: Going Beyond the Music

Welcome to Our Student Blog