For those of you who don’t spend a lot of time listening to top 40 radio stations – there is a theme surrounding popular music over the last few years: “The Good Life.”  Beaches, drinking, dancing, partying, popularity, wealth, and fame circle around popular culture as guarantees to a good time.  While these things aren’t inherently bad – they often simply provide a lot of fun, but miss the mark when we are seeking real fulfillment.  They might help amp our endorphins providing a rush for a few hours, or maybe even a few days – but for a lifetime?

It is in this culture that we are met with the words of Jesus in John 10:10.  “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Jesus came to demonstrate a life that is good and beautiful so that we can be surrounded with hope and live without fear.

This summer 35 middle and high school students spent a week learning about the good life Jesus spoke about as they served the communities of Milwaukee and Chicago.  Closer to home our middle school students in our Summer Stretch ministry served others to shine the light of Jesus around our local community.  This weekend we will hear stories of how learning from these communities changed us and how we were able to serve and be served by these communities all while understanding more deeply the good life that Jesus brings.