Posts in Middle School
September 11 - Middle School

We’re continuing to explore who Jesus is and how he impacts our everyday lives! As we walk through a scene where Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic man, our students will see that Jesus is capable of healing and forgiving us. Students will be challenged to open their hearts to Jesus and invite him into whatever they find themselves facing.

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
September 4 - Middle School

As we begin our year of focusing on the stories and teachings of Jesus, Luke is going to encourage our Lifeline students to not only recognize Jesus as a big deal in history, but to treat him as the main thing in their own lives by walking with him each day. Students will be challenged that when we commit ourselves to Jesus, he has the power to transform us from the inside out.

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
Summer Break

Summer break is here!

Lifeline is on summer break! We are so thankful for the amazing year and the time we had together. While we are off for the summer we still encourage students to schedule something together so they can connect with their small group as those fun hangouts can create great memories and build relationships. Also, in July we will have students and leaders serving internationally and locally on two Lifeline trips, so we ask for prayer over that time and the work that will be taking place!

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May 15 - Middle School

Tonight is our last night of Lifeline for the 23-24 school year! We have learned and experienced a lot together over the course of the school year and tonight we will dedicate time to reflection, sharing, and clarifying the ways we want to grow in our faith over the summer.

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May 8 - Middle School

Tonight is our Lifeline baptism event! We will celebrate the next steps of the people at each campus who made the decision to get baptized by listening to their faith stories and cheering them on in their obedience to Jesus

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May 1 - Middle School

A question that all of us ask at some point is, “what difference can I make?” It’s a key question for each of us to ask as we look at the world around us, and notice the effect that we can personally have upon it. Paul argues in 2 Corinthians 5:20, that the key mission of the believer is to be an ambassador for Christ. Which means that the biggest difference that we can make in this world is to help those around us be reconciled to God.

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
April 24 - Middle School

Where do I fit in? This is a big question that everyone wrestles with and if we are not careful, we can allow our desire to fit in to lead us to making decisions that we regret. If the crowd around us often values the things that we should avoid, what other options do we have? We can find our true belonging in relationship with God and His church.

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
April 17 - Middle School

Two students from the same small group and school grow up, graduate high school, go to college, and transition into adulthood; one of the students has a vibrant faith, a steady confidence, and a love for life while the other student has none of those things: What is the difference? The difference is found in how they answer three big questions. During this series, we will explore three big questions that can set the trajectory for our life and our faith: Who am I? Where do I fit in? & What difference can I make?

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March 27 - Middle School

Tonight is our panel night! During teaching time, we will go through questions that are often asked by middle school students about love, relationships, and sexuality. We have prayerfully considered which questions to tackle and want to give our students Biblically-informed wisdom to help them navigate life as a middle school student! 

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
March 20 - Middle School

Weddings are often a time for us to think about the topic of LOVE! And at many wedding ceremonies, the “love chapter” from 1 Corinthians 13 is read. When we understand the cultural context to this famous chapter of our Bible, we discover that Paul’s letter about what love looks like was not addressed to newlyweds, but rather, to a church community. While most students may not be thinking much of marriage at this age, what they can (and should) do is consider the type of person they are becoming today. The question is not "Will I be a great boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse someday?”, but rather, “Am I becoming a more loving person today?”

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard
March 13 - Middle School

What does the Bible say about relationships and love? More importantly, what does any of it have to do with how you live your life as a sixth, seventh, or eighth-grade student? When we explore what God’s Word says about love and relationships, we don’t just see commands and truths to apply when we start dating or get married, we see the beautiful ways that God calls us to live right here and now!

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February 28 - Middle School

We have the opportunity to serve our community this week by packing weekend food bags in partnership with hand2hand! Hand2hand assists students in West Michigan who are experiencing food insecurity and we are excited to serve alongside this great organization doing important work in West Michigan!

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Middle SchoolAl Shepard