Nativity Story & Dance

This past Sunday was all about looking at the Story of Jesus being born.

We began the morning with some fun with wrapping paper. A student from each grade was wrapped by the students in their grade and 'presented' to our own Randy, Paula, and Simon (played by our volunteers staff) to be judged.

We had an incredible violin solo of "The First Noel" performed by one of our 7th graders, Zach Jones.

Bruce Corless, a dad of one of the high school students and an incredible story teller, read the Christmas Story.

We then visited interactive stations around the room that represented different people in the story, Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, and the Shepherds.

The final challenge to the students was to tell this incredible story to their friends. This story is too amazing to tell in a boring way. It is also too incredible of a story to keep to ourselves. At the end of the morning, our fantastic staff leaders came out to demonstrate how fun it can be to tell the story of the birth of our Savior!

It was a super fun Sunday!

A great one to end the year with. That's right, no Middle School Service next week! We will see you again next year, January 3rd.

Merry Christmas and remember to keep telling the story!

December Drop In

Sometimes middle schoolers just need to a place to drop in and hang out. Drop In is a Riptide Event in Student Center B, filled with fun games.

This month's theme is Christmas! There will be Christmas Movies, Christmas Cookies, and Christmas Games. We will also be doing a Christmas gift exchange so bring a wrapped present that was $1 or less. Look in your room, your garage, or gift wrap a candy bar and bring it in for our first-ever

Drop In Gift Exchange.

Our Riptide Cafe will be open selling snacks and dinner items, but other than that...it is absolutely free!

So bring a friend and DROP IN next Saturday!

Current Sunday AM Series:

For the next two weeks we will look at the life of a teenager who was told by an angel that she would carry the Messiah. Along with this news, she faced judgment, worry, and through it all she was able to fully worship God. All of this was probably not in her 'ten-year life plan' and yet, she was willing to follow God's much bigger and better plan! God used the obedience of a teenager to fulfill the Old Testament Prophecy. This complicated story truly shows how much God genuinely loves each one of us.

Happy Thanksgiving Riptide Families!

As we enter this holiday season each of us can all tell so many stories of both highs and lows from this past year. No matter what this year has brought, one thing that has truly remained constant and what I'm so thankful for is the goodness of our God.

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge."

Psalm 73:28

"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;"

Lamentations 3:25

"The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made."

Psalm 145:9

"You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you."

Psalm 86:5

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you."

Psalm 116:7

As we reflect on the amazing goodness of God, I hope you all will have a opportunity to spend some quality time with your families and loved ones this holiday weekend. The Riptide Adult Leaders are truly thankful to have you and your middle schooler a part of this ministry.

See you Sunday!

Did you miss Drop In?

Don't miss the next one: December 19th!!

Sometimes middle schoolers just need to a place to drop in and hang out. Drop In is a Riptide Event in Student Center B, filled with fun games. This month's theme is Turkey! There will be Turkey Movies, Turkey Dodge Ball, Turkey Bowling, and other Turkey Games. Our Riptide Cafe will be open selling snacks and dinner items, but other than that...it is absolutely free! So bring a friend and DROP IN this Saturday!

A Letter from Director of Parks and Recreation

Two weekends ago, several middle schoolers and parents spent their morning working really hard cleaning up Collier Park. Here is a letter from the Director of the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation:

Thanks to all of your for your help with Park Appreciation Day on Ocotber 24^th. Some 291 volunteers picked up 95 yds of green material and about 16 yds of trash were removed from 12 of our parks. Many thanks to volunteers and staff for a great day! It’s amazing the difference in the appearance of our parks. Save the date for next year October 23^rd 8- 12 noon!

Yvonne Garrett

Great Job Everyone!!!