a2f newsletter.

happy wednesday.

when i look back at this week, the theme of the week was “student-led.”

the student leaders planned a student-led event to invite friends to talk about the purpose of life. aaron made some incredible chipotle chicken from what i’ve heard. ethan p. + jack prepped their story and a presentation on jesus, the hinge of history. 60 cups of rice was also made. and even though things didn’t go as planned, i’m so proud of them and applaud their pivot to a purdue b-ball game watch party that led to meeting 15 new people.

they also had another round of “t & t” - training on how to have spiritual conversations on campus.

and, of course, as announced this past week, they’re planning on holding a end-of-year, large event and everyone here is invited! (k)bbq + big questions

free kbbq + fun. but also a time to hear their testimonies + stories about how they discovered christianity to be both intellectually true and personally powerful + relevant in their lives. all our students have a variety of spiritual backgrounds (from churched, dechurched, and unchurched) so any + all spiritual backgrounds / exposure to church are welcome.

we also had our student leader interest meeting where 13 new students expressed interest in student leadership. thankful for each of them but, more than that, so excited for each and every one of them and all that god wants to show them + have them experience through this.

if any of you are interested in becoming a student leader but weren’t able to make the interest meeting, it’s not too late! feel free to just fill out our student leader application by 3/31. STUDENT LEADERSHIP APPLICATION FORM LINK.

again, if you have any questions, go ahead and use this form - q + a with dj form

and if you would like a coffee chat with either me or tabby, we created this standing google calendar link - schedule a coffee chat with dj or tabby

dj.

sunday. 3/15. 12p. walc 1018.

continuing our series in john that will carry us through the rest of the semester. for those still around, we’ll be having our usual service. same time. same place. john 11. afterwards, we’ll have lunch. come join us.

deadline - 3/31.

if you are interested in becoming a student leader for fall 2026 - spring 2027, please fill out this application form here: student leadership application form link.

friday. 4/3. 630p. lawson 1142.

good friday service. opportunity to remember what christ did on the cross. communion. and, afterwards, food fellowship.

sunday. 4/5. 12p. walc 1018.

come celebrate easter sunday with a2f. he is risen. worship. sermon. easter choir (more info to come for those interested in being a part of the choir + band). lunch fellowship + sports afterwards.

jesus prepared his disciples with a lot of words + teachings of what to expect when he’s gone. i imagine, though, a lot of it was met with quizzical + confused looks and some blank stares. in the end, jesus tells them, one day, when the hour comes, may you remember these words and these words will matter and will be what keeps you from falling away.

on this theme of remembrance - what is one of the role of the holy spirit that jesus talks about? the spirit, in john 14:26, will remind believers of all that jesus had said so that, in that specific hour when that truth + remembrance is most needed, it will help keep us from falling away.

i was struck by the importance of remembering both personally in my own faith + in my role as a pastor. this is why we need to daily be in god’s word. at the moment, it may seem perplexing + confusing or you wonder what the immediate relevance of that text or that idea is. but then, as life progresses, something happens. an unexpected life situation. a challenge. something that shakes you. and, in that moment, that text will come to mind and it will speak to that situation. calm you down. minister to you. and guide you. god’s word, at that moment, becomes that lamp unto your feet and a light onto your path. so i want to encourage you - keep up with the sometimes unglamorous + tedious work of daily time in god’s word especially in your youth. it will keep you from falling away later in life when those storms + challenges will come as jesus predicts it will.

on the flip side - i was reminded that this is what i am called to do as a pastor + minister. at a certain point, there isn’t anything “new” in christianity. it really does come down to reminding people of the basic + core truths of the gospel - god created you. he is your lord. he loves you. he is your father. sin is a rejection of that and wanting to call the shots of your own life. but if you do that? it’ll shipwreck your life. rather salvation + eternity + joy is only found in jesus christ. it’s the same g.o.s.p.e.l. but this is exactly what people need to hear again and again and again and be reminded of.

so don’t be ashamed of the simple gospel. it’s really not simple at all. it’s exactly what people need to keep from falling away and being blown away + destroyed by the inevitable storms + challenges that life brings that nothing this world offers can ever hope to withstand. but in the gospel? in jesus’ word? there is strength that will keep you from falling away.

until next time.

dj.