Articles by Matthew

The word ‘Radical’ describes someone who causes extreme change in their world. True change doesn’t come from an emotional moment of radical faith but by dying daily to our selfish desires. Our faith can often feel like a roller coaster ride of spiritual highs and lows. A roller coaster doesn’t operate on fuel but rather the momentum that comes from each ‘high.’ Jesus’ journey to the cross, however, was not a quick moment of spiritual emotion but a daily walk of getting away from everything and ‘Fueling up.’ It was a marathon, not a sprint.

True Radical followers of Christ prepare to serve Christ for the long haul and not just in moments of passion.

Join us at FlipSide UNPLUGGED throughout March as we discover what it really means to go the distance with Christ.

WHO:  13-18 yr olds

WHEN:  July 5-14

HOW MUCH:  Early Bird – $400 / Late Bird – $450 (reg. after Feb. 28)

Why Baton Rouge?

The Baton Rouge Dream Center is an outreach of Healing Place Church. They are Located in one of the most crime-ridden, underprivileged neighborhoods in town. Through church services, after school programs, discipleship classes, street outreach, grocery give-aways, a free clothing boutique, and more, they hope to be a light in the darkness by sharing Jesus and loving those who have been forgotten and abandoned.

Why FlipSide?

FlipSide has had incredible success working alongside those faithfully serving at The Baton Rouge Dreamcenter for the past two summers. Those who attended last year haven’t stopped asking to go back. I believe we have much to learn about true service and selflessness and the biblical mandate to think of others as greater than ourselves. Last year I watched as our teens worked harder and sacrificed more than I ever imagined.  We look forward to going back this year and getting our hands even dirtier as we continue to build a lasting relationship with the amazing ministries of Healing Place Church.

What are we doing?

After school student outreach                           Painting

Homeless breakfasts                                              Street ministry

Bottled water handouts                                        Visiting the Homeless

Visiting the mentally disabled                           Homeless women’s group

Cleaning the Dreamcenter facilities                Lawn maintenance… and more

What if I told you that a foot was only 3 inches? Would you believe me? Why not?

What if I started a website called www.AFootIsOnlyThreeInches.com and I got thousands of hits on the site and tons of people started believing it? Would you believe me then? Why not?

It wouldn’t matter how many times I told people or how many times they believed me, all you’d have to do is pick up a ruler and see that a foot is 12 inches. A long time ago someone decided that a foot is 12 inches, the rule was set, and now it’s accepted as fact.

God actually set some rules along time ago and hid them in the DNA of every human being. Over time though, we’ve managed to distort those rules and make up some of our own. This brings us to where we are today in a world where Right is seen as Wrong and Wrong is seen as Right. So what is REALLY true and how do we find our way back to the original Right & Wrong?

Join us at FlipSide LIVE on February 3rd and FlipSide UNPLGD throughout the month as we bring clarity to a distorted truth!

Seeing the words ‘Jesus’ and ‘Dating’ in the same sentence looks kinda weird huh? That’s because ‘Dating’ is a very modern term. Obviously Jesus never had a dating relationship but that doesn’t mean He had nothing to say about it.

What is dating really? When is it okay and when is it not? If Jesus dated, what would that have looked like?

Grab your friends and join us at FlipSide LIVE from 7-9pm on January 6th for more fun than a person should be allowed!

We’ve all had moments where we’ve dreamed of doing something so crazy that it would instantly shift everyone’s opinion of us. Most of us, however, never got past the thought. For some that’s a good thing. For others it’s a huge regret.

Take a minute and think back to the last time you laid your reputation on the line for something bigger…..

Still thinking?

Often when life demands a public display of our beliefs, we find ourselves doing a lot of rethinking and second guessing because our reputation is much more valuable than we thought.

On December 2, We’re beginning a brand NEW series at FlipSide LIVE called “Public Display” where we’ll reveal some of the most uncomfortable scriptures in the bible and discuss what to do about them. So if you’re ready to get challenged, don’t miss it! And don’t let a single one of your friends miss it either!

Just a reminder, there will be NO FlipSide this Wednesday because of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Enjoy the time with your family and eat lots of bird! We’ll see you on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd for FlipSide LIVE as we begin our exciting new series ‘Public Display.’

We have some NEW and exciting changes coming to FlipSide Youth Ministry! Beginning on January 3, 2010, FlipSide will be categorized for “Middle & High School (6-12 grade)” students instead of “13-18 yr olds.”

We’ve realized that moving to a grade based system creates a more seamless connection with our students between school and youth group. Moving up by grade will also alleviate the fear a teen often has when moving up to FlipSide because they aren’t familiar with anyone. Since the beginning of the school year we’ve incorporated small groups (FS Unplugged) every Wednesday of the month excluding the first. These small groups, which are divided by grade, have allowed us to reach students at their age level on a much smaller more intimate scale.

The new changes coming on January 3rd will bring in younger students than what we currently have. Our biggest question was, “Can we effectively minister to a 12 year old and an 18 year old in FlipSide?” Given the success of FlipSide UNPLUGGED over the past 3 months we have no doubt that our rising students will feel right at home with ministry that is effective and relevant to their walk with Christ.

We are so excited about what God is doing in FlipSide Youth Ministry and even more excited about what He’s going to do as we continue to grow and change into what He’s called us to be. If you have any questions whatsoever or would simply like to talk about the new changes and how it will affect your teen, feel free to call me at 910-602-5300, shoot me an email at matthew@rockwilmington.com, or send me a message on my Facebook. Thank you so so much for all you do in the battle to raise Godly teens. We’re fighting with you!

Matthew

Friends. Enemies. Frenemies.

We’ve all got some. Some have a few, others a few too many. So how do we pick the best friends, the ones that stick around? How do we unstick the ones that got stuck on us? Our Friends play a massive role in our life for either good or bad. What role do yours play? Bring your friends & Join us in November for a ridiculously good time.

Bring the most first-time visitors to FlipSide LIVE on November 4 and you’ll recieve a brand new FREE PLAYSTATION 3! That’s right, no strings attached. Whoever brings the most first-timers walks away with a brand new PS3. Do I need to repeat it again?

YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3 YOU + MOST 1ST TIMERS = PLAYSTATION 3

Let’s pack the house out!!

“Don’t be conformed to the things of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind”

Ever notice that if you wear a fresh pair of flip flops long enough they eventually conform to the shape of your foot and become the most comfortable shoes you own? I have a pair of Rainbows that I actually wore for my wedding. Among other things they now have paint splatters, coffee, dirt, and some hot sauce I spilled from a recent burrito, but they’re my favorite shoes!!

It’s the same in life. If we wear something long enough we begin to take the shape of it. Truly being a Christian means a total transformation that happens from the inside out. The truth is that being a Christian can be incredibly boring if we don’t understand the true power behind it.

Join us at FlipSide LIVE beginning October 7 and tap into a power source that might just turn you into something you never thought possible.

I’m sure you’ve all heard of MTV Unplugged where artists do a stripped-down, basic performance for a small crowd. We’re using the same elements to create a night thats all about you and what’s on your mind.

Maybe you have questions, or just want to get some things off your chest, or maybe you just want to get out of the house… FlipSide UNPLUGGED is just for you. Every 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesday from 7-9pm we’re dividing into small groups to let you talk about real life and real issues and then hang out afterwards and simply unwind.

We understand that school life can be a bloody battle, so at FlipSide UNPLUGGED we want to provide a lifeline to connect with you and help you through your week. It’s all about SMALL groups with BIG conversations!

WHO: 13-18 yr olds

WHEN: Every 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesday from 7-9pm

WHERE: Rock Church – 5301 Sidbury Rd. Castle Hayne, NC 28429

WHY: Because you need a break.

DETAILS: Groups are divided by age (13-15 & 16-18) and gender in order to better discuss & address specific issues

Ever just been sitting in your room and you look over to find a massive live elephant just chillin’ in there with you? No, I don’t mean your best friend, I mean a real elephant. If that’s happened to you, that’s pretty weird.

The thing is though alot of us have elephants hangin’ out in our life that don’t necessarily have 4 legs and a trunk. They actually come in the shape of big, fat, hairy deals that no one really wants to talk about. The problem is that we usually just want to avoid the elephant in hopes that one day it will go away but we end up feeding it and it actually becomes bigger.

This month at FlipSide we’re talking about the elephant-sized issues in our lives and what to do with them. How do I get rid of it? How do I keep it from coming back? What if I like having it as a pet?

So join us for FlipSide LIVE this Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 7-9pm for loud music, drama, friends, and junk food! Tell all your friends because this night will only happen once in history!!

Then join us for FlipSide UNPLUGGED each Wednesday following at the same time and place.

“Would you do that if Jesus was here?”

It’s one of those questions people ask to make you think about what you’re doing. Whenever I hear it I always picture this tall lanky guy in sandals and a draping robe standing in the corner of the room with a blank stare waiting to see me make a wrong move. 

If Jesus were on earth today what would He look like? What would He talk like? What would He do with His time? Would He blog? Would He have a website? Who knows? During April in FlipSide we’re gonna get to the bottom of what it would be like if Jesus walked the earth today. See ya there!

“WOW Matthew, thanks for that encouraging title!”

Encouraging? Not so much. True? Incredibly! Every human being on earth has this one thing in common, we are all on a journey towards death. Some on that journey are going faster than others, some are scared silly about getting there, and some are actually totally fine with it.

There’s no question about whether or not you’ll die, the question is what you do on the journey there.

Join us in FlipSide during March as we tackle the ever-important subject of death and what matters in this life. 

Hey SpeakLouder is heading back to Mayfaire on February 28 to give away FREE hot cocoa for no other reason than to shock people with generosity. All you hafta do is show up at Rock Church at 5:30pm with $5 and a smile on your face and we’ll take the van to Mayfaire. Make sure to eat before you come cuz nobody likes to serve hot cocoa on an empty stomach. Make sure your parents are back at the church to pick you up at 9:15pm. Let’s shock people with actions instead of words!!

Got more questions call Matthew at 910-602-5300 or email matthew@rockwilmington.com

ACTIVIST: Someone who acts intentionally to bring about change. Usually in direct oposition to one side of an argument.

Ever notice that whenever a big event of change happens in society there are always nearby picketers ready to protest? We fight against abortion. We fight for the sanctity of marriage. We fight for the whales. Some fight for the animals while I fight for the right to eat meat Regardless of what we fight for, we all have something we believe in so passionately that we jump at the opportunity to defend our position.

The bible reminds us that our faith is a fight and we cannot give up! Every day we wake up we are in a battle against our flesh to do what’s right. Everytime you step into your school you walk into a fight. 

During February we’ll be talking about what it means to fight for what we believe in, and be activists of love in a hurting world. So don’t miss FlipSide this month or I might have to fight you.

CLICK HERE for more info on participating in the Daniel Fast.

“What in the world is he thinking?!”

“She won’t even look at me! What did I do?!”

“OMG! He just looked my way! I bet he’s crazy about me!”

Ever wonder if God created men and women so different just for the entertainment of watching us try and figure each other out? Well it was actually no mistake that He did. There really is a good reason men and women think the way they do. With a little understanding and a lot of respect from both sides, the life-long mystery of the opposite sex actually becomes a little bit clearer.

Join us at FlipSide in January to discover some truths about the alien gender that might actually have you thinking they could be human. Oh, and bring your friends so you won’t have to explain it to them later

The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and the greatest act of selfless love known to man. The story wasn’t created around the holiday; The holiday was created around the story.

Between the time of “The Story” and now, something has gone bad wrong. When Christmas is all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Join us for these mind-bending 3 weeks of messages that will challenge you to rebel against the social norm of the holidays.

At FlipSide in December we’re challenging the teens to sacrifice atleast one of their gifts for a needy family. If every teen gives atleast $10 over the course of the next 3 weeks we will put it all into a VISA Gift Card and present it to a needy family in the church. Parents, we’re excited about partnering with you this Christmas in helping to instill a greater sense of giving than getting in your teenager. If you have questions or would like to contribute, contact Pastor Matthew at matthew@rockwilmington.com or call 910-602-5300 ext. 105

It stands for The “Kung Fu Panda Pizza 2 Days Before Thanksgiving” Party.

I think I speak for most of us when I say the one thing that comes to our minds around Thanksgiving time is obviously a big ol’ pizza pie and the movie Kung Fu Panda. Okay, maybe not, but hey we’ve never claimed to be a normal group of teens

Join us on November 25 from 6-9pm at Pastor Matthew’s house for pizza and a movie. Bring $3 and a friend. Click HERE  for directions or just find it yourself at 2601 Ashby Dr. Wilmington, NC 28411.

“I’m not creative.” 

“I’m not talented.”

Ever heard these statements before? You’ve probably said them yourself, and if not, you’ve atleast thought them. We were created by the God of creativity and He made us in His image. This makes every one of us creative beings by nature! Throughout October at FlipSide we’ll be talking about what it means to discover and uncover your hidden gifts and talents and use them the way they were meant to be used. Don’t miss out!

Hey we had an amazing time in Baton Rouge this Summer! A group of 12 of us loaded up a van and a Kia Sportage and made the 16 hour trek to the inner city of Baton Rouge to team up with Healing Place Church and the Dreamcenter. We had an incredible time serving the vision of their ministry as we went door to door in the inner city, did outreach downtown, painted the Dreamcenter facilities, hung out with after school kids, and served breakfast to the homeless. I was impressed to see our team give so much of themselves without complaining at all. We got to see the scripture in action as we had ample opportunities to “serve and not be served.” Stay tuned for our next adventure!

Here’s some of the songs we’ll be offering tonight for Karaoke Night. If you have a song you want to sing just bring the track to FlipSide. Enjoy!

Teardrops on my guitar – Taylor Swift
Apologize – One republic
Umbrella – Rihanna
Pocketful of Sunshine – Natasha Beddingfield
Love Song -
No One – Alica Keys
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
Over My Head – The Fray
How To Save a Life – The Fray
Waiting on the World to Change – John Mayer
Sweet Home Alabama -
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Meant to Live – Switchfoot
Dare You to Move – Switchfoot
The Beautiful Letdown – Switchfoot
On Fire – Switchfoot
Twenty Four – Switchfoot
Thats Just the Way we Roll – Jonas Brothers
When You Look Me In the Eyes – Jonas Brothers
A Little bit Longer – Jonas Brothers
Shackles – Mary Mary
Shine – Newsboys
I can only imagine – Mercy Me
Flood – Jars of Clay
God of Wonders – Third Day
Youth of the Nation – P.O.D.
Ain’t nothin but a hound dog – Elvis
Great Balls of Fire
Can’t help falling in love
Stop! In the Name of Love
YMCA
Electric Boogie
Girls Just Wanna have fun
Do You love me
My Girl
It’s my party
Want it That way – Backstreet Boys
I don’t want to miss a thing – Aerosmith
Tearin up my heart – N’Sync
She will be loved – Maroon 5
Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
We are family
Complicated – Avril Lavigne
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
Respect
Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
What is Love
How do I live
Sittin on the dock of the bay
Boston – Augustana
Best of Both Worlds – Hannah Montana
Hey there Delilah
Looking for you – Kirk Frank.
Heaven – Mary Mary
Don’t pass me by – Beattles
Blackbird
All you need is love
I am the walrus
Hello, Goodbye
Strawberry fields forever
1,2,3,4 – Feist
(any Johnny Cash)

Ever known someone who spent half an hour beating around the bush about something because they were so afraid they’d offend you? It’s kinda frustrating huh? You just want to say, “GET TO IT ALREADY!” Some topics make all of us a little uncomfortable and those are precisely the ones we want to hit on.

The bible is actually pretty blunt about certain issues that we’re often afraid to talk about.  Beginning in September, FlipSide is gonna sift through all the poo and get right to the point.

HEY, Don’t forget to bring all your friends cuz each night in September we’re giving away a pretty big box of unhealthy food to the person who brings the most!

Hey it’s that time of year again to brush up on your Do-Re-Mi’s and your Fa-So-La’s! FlipSide is having our 2nd Annual Karaoke Night on August 27th from 7-9p and we want you to be there. The most entertaining act of the evening will receive $75 bucks just in time for some back to school clothes. The person who brings the most friends that night will get $30 cash. Just imagine if you sing the most entertaining song AND bring the most friends (you could actually take me out to dinner

We’ll see you on the 27th!!

Music:

Jimmy Needham – Maroon 5 meets Jason Mraz and got spit on by Eric Clapton

KELLEEN – simply, good lyrically and musically. kinda sounds like Ryan Adams.

Books:

crazy love – We go to church, sing songs, try not to cuss. Surely there’s more.

Screwtape Letters – Reading it felt like I stole all of Satan’s cheat codes.

Random:

Relevant Magazine – a bunch of all-around easy to read stuff. you all should subscribe!

ABORT73.com – $8 T-shirts. need I say more?

The Rebelution – Do Hard Things!

“Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 Jn. 3:18

We’ve all heard that talk is cheap and we’ve seen how true that is in our everyday relationships. Your friend may say they’d do anything for you one minute and turn on you the next. It’s easy to be moved emotionally by a great idea, a powerful song, or a convicting scripture, but if our conviction doesn’t move us to action there’s a problem. The bible says it’s like looking at yourself in a mirror to see what needs adjusted and yet walking away without making any changes. The words of Christ invite us to change the way we live, the question is do we accept the invitation?

SpeakLouder is a group of students setting out on an adventure to impact our community for Christ through creative acts of love. Whether it’s passing out free ice cream sandwiches on a hot summer day, pulling up to a construction site with a cooler of free ice cold drinks, or simply offering a free ear to listen to a hurting world, we’re on the lookout for ways to Speak Louder than words.

Call or Email Gary Lyman for more details

Cell – (443) 624.0220

Email – gal4283@uncw.edu

“sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” No statement could be more false. I mean seriously, who really breaks their bones with sticks and stones these days anyways? I can tell you whoever came up with that quote probably never had a rumor spread about them. The bible has it right in Proverbs when it says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword.”An angry or false word can pack a far greater punch than any stick or stone. We don’t often realize the power we have in our words. They really are nothing less than concealed weapons.  Join us during the month of May as we discover the power for both good and evil that lies within our tongue.  

“Shake Well. Settling is natural.” I spotted these common instructions on the side of my Blueberry Bolthouse Juice bottle as I went for another sip. They caught my eyes this time though, I guess because they were supposed to. It seemed like one of those accidental revelations, the kind you dismiss as being far too effortless for the Almighty. “Shake Well. Settling is natural,” I repeated it out loud several times while driving down College road. I spoke each of these five words slowly to allow them time to sink below the surface of my thick skull. “What is natural really?” I thought. Since Webster wasn’t around I resorted to Matthew’s non-collegiate definition.

Natural is what happens when nothing happens.

“Webster would be proud,” I thought. At the bottom of my bottle of juice was the result of nothing happening, a thick, solid, dark blue film of natural-ness. Obviously this lazy blue sludge turned my attentions to the state of my own life. I don’t really consider myself lazy – at least not all the time – but I do think I settle entirely too often in life. But hey, it’s natural right?

As with most of my profoundly simple revelations I like to stretch them out as far as possible. I like to think it gives me the illusion of intellect, besides we all know that complicated stuff has so much more validity. “Why do I shake up the juice before drinking it?” I quizzed myself. “Ooh I know this one!” I said. “Because within that solid sediment lies the flavor that I paid way to much money not to enjoy.” And that, young Watson, is why I shake the juice. What does it profit anyone if I have all the truth in the world but it’s never shaken up? An unshaken bottle of juice paints a clear picture of an unused “Follower of Christ.” It is both natural and comfortable for us to allow all that we learn in Christ to settle to the bottom. The result is a life void of flavor and color, the kind of life that grossly misrepresents it’s creator. Maybe you’ve been sitting on the shelf for a while. Maybe it’s time to stop settling for what’s natural. It may be time to Shake Well.

We’re headin’ to Baton Rouge this summer for an incredible week of mission work! We’ll be partnering with Healing Place Church in helping to feed the homeless, build shelters, and provide for those in need. This opportunity is open on a first come first serve basis for only $199. Don’t miss out!

For more info. call Pastor Matthew @ 910.602.5300 or shoot me an email at matthew@rockwilmington.com

There’s a lot of idiots in the Bible. In fact there’s a lot of idiots in history who have accomplished great things. For some reason God is a pretty big fan of idiots. Why? What is an idiot really? I’ve discovered I’m an idiot and I’m actually okay with that. Who knows maybe you’re one too. Come to FlipSide over the next several weeks and get in touch with your inner idiot Who knows you might just discover you have what it takes to change the world.

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

FlipSide just started a Twitter and we can now send FlipSide updates straight to your cell phone through this quick, easy, and FREE service. so go SIGN UP NOW and start following the FlipSide Twitter!!

Alex commented this yesterday and she couldn’t have been more right:

“”Those teenagers are gonna change the world.”

DUDE DR. MILES MUNROE SAID THAT TO US!
that’s intense dude.”

Intense is right! Webster defines the word ‘intense’ as this:

1: marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration <intense effort>

2 a: exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose <an intense student> b: deeply felt

It’s amazing how alive we become when we realize that we have purpose. It’s kinda like a light bulb goes off in our heads and something just clicks. You guys influence the world’s culture more than you can understand. If you begin to harness that influence and like a loaded gun point it in the right direction, your generation will without a doubt be unstoppable. Take what you learned this week and begin to act on it. I love you guys!!

P. Matthew

April 11 & 12

7pm – 9am

@ The ROCK

bring: $5, a friend, a tent (if you have one), sleeping bag, dark clothes, change of clothes

Hey girls, this Friday night, March 21 is Ladies Night! It’ll be 12 hours of pure girlyness that you won’t wanna miss. The all-nighter is at Ms. Christies house and goes from 8pm to 8am Saturday morning. Bring $5, a friend, a pillow, and whatever else you girls like to bring to a slumber party cuz I don’t have a clue, I’ve been a guy all my life and you girls still boggle my mind Here’s directions to the house where it’ll all go down:

Come check it out!

Also, come check out FlipSide tomorrow night as we unveil the next big event!

“What do you get when you combine Steven Spielberg, Mother Theresa, FlipSide, and a bunch of money?”

Here’s another clue:

What do these words have in common?

Tribeca
Cucalorus
Cannes

Be the first to text/email/myspace the answer to me before tomorrow night and receive an iTunes gift card and a FREE meal at FlipSide.

We’re also finishing up the Jesus for Dummies series this week by talking about “Jesus’ Big 12.” People are watching you whether you like it or not. So what are they seeing? We’ll tackle this and other questions tomorrow night.

We can’t wait to see you. Be early and bring friends!!

PM

Register by January 30th!!

WE’RE HEADING TO THE BEACH!!

From June 9-13, FlipSide is embarking on an unforgettable journey to Myrtle Beach, SC for 4 days of life-changing memories. Student Life Ministries is hosting “The Way 2008” and we’ll be joining 2000 other teens for a high energy week of getting closer to God and each other. Here’s some info you’ll need to start gearing up for this summer:

WHO? FlipSide, ages 13-18

WHEN? June 9-13

WHERE? Myrtle Beach, SC (HOTEL)

WHY? To get away from it all and get closer to our God

HOW MUCH? $275

REGISTER? A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due on Wednesday, Jan. 30th to hold your spot

MORE QUESTIONS? Call me @ 602-5300 or Email me at matthew@rockwilmington.com

Teens, NOW is the time to start mowing some lawns and rocking some babies for extra cash! We’ll be doing some fundraising as well between now and this summer to keep your amazing parents from pulling their hair out. Speaking of parents, if you haven’t hugged yours today, you should stop reading this and go hug them immediately (and not just because you want to go to Myrtle Beach)!!

FlipSide & The Ascent are kicking off our first event for 2008!

We’re having Game Night at the Edwards house on January 19th from 6-9pm. All ya gotta bring is yourself, a friend & $3 bucks. Between Rock Star, Guitar Hero, Baggo, Basketball, good food & plenty of good conversation we’re pretty confident you’ll have a blast! So don’t be left out cuz we’ll notice if you’re not there. Here’s directions:

Take S. College Rd. towards monkey junction

Pass the intersection of college and 17^th st. extension

Go through next light (Cape Fear Christian Academy is on the right)

Turn left onto Lansdowne rd

Turn left at first stop sign (Navajo trail)

Take the second left (Barksdale rd.)

Take another second left (Deer Spring ln.)

End of cul de sac

900 deer spring ln.

(910)792-6204

So Matt and I are hanging out at St. Arbucks sippin on our coffee when lo and behold there appears 3 of the coolest girls in Wilmington!! You girls ROCK!!

Sent from my iPhone

posted from iPhoneSlide.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Too bad school starts back tomorrow But hey, look on the bright side… SO DOES FLIPSIDE!!

Come on out tomorrow night cause we can’t wait to see your faces. We’re beginning a brand new series for January called “Jesus for Dummies.” Yes you read that right. We’re gonna revisit the basics of God and faith, and what it means to walk it out in real life.

Bring your box of tissues cause we’re also gonna show a video looking back at 2007 in the life of FlipSide! Keep the tears to a minimum men, don’t let the ladies see.

As if it couldn’t get any better, if you’re among the first ten people with your name on the sign in sheet tomorrow night you’ll get a FREE meal pass for the cafe.

So come, bring your friends, sit back and relax because Wednesday night is YOUR night!!

We just posted the new holiday edition of KICK ME! it’s so fresh it still smells of nutmeg. Here it is:

Go visit FlipSide’s Youtube sight to see all of our sidesplitting video’s from the creative stylings of Tyler Klee, Kyle Runner, Haz Matt, Gary Lyman… oh, and me. I’ve noticed many hits on the videos but few comments If you like em’ send us some love so we know we’re on the right track. Cuz’ if you don’t like them we’re not doing our job

Love you guys!!!

PM

What is it about Christmas that brings all of the fashionless folk out of the woodwork? There’s just something about an  oversized Christmas sweater with large ringing bells and puffy paint that launches me into the spirit of Christmas. When I see those familiar blinding Red and Greens I don’t know whether to stop or go. Honestly, what would Christmas be this year if we didn’t incorporate these tacky traditions into the fabric of FlipSide?

On December 12th we need your help in pulling off the Tackiest Christmas Party known to man! I mean the kind of awful tacky that makes your eyes hurt. We’re gonna pull off the first ever “Festive FlipSide Sock Exchange!” All ya gotta do is bring a pair of the craziest and yes, tackiest socks you can find. DON’T FORGET TO WRAP THEM! Just imagine everyone sitting in a circle, sipping hot cocoa like a big happy family as Joel opens his mystery socks and jovial cheesy Christmas laughter erupts throughout the room. 

It doesn’t stop with the socks though. We need you to shock us all by wearing the most horridly tacky Christmas sweater ever made. Our panel of judges, who are well versed in the art of puff paint grandma sweaters, will be keeping a close eye to locate the worst sweater of the evening. 

“But Pastor Matthew, what’ll we win for laying down our fashionable reputations for such sweaters?”

VERY GOOD QUESTION!! We’re giving away a $75 gift card to the clothing store of your choice! What better way to redeem yourself after sacrificing your fashion status than $75 worth of your favorite clothes?

ALSO, right when you thought it couldn’t get any better! We’re giving away a FREE meal card (pizza, chips, candy bar, drink) for every first time visitor you bring to FlipSide on the 12th!! So load em’ up and bring em’ out to the FlipSide Tackiest Christmas ever!!

Hey Guys!!

It seems like it’s been like 2 weeks since I’ve seen you all. I guess that’s because it has.

Tomorrow night we’re finishing up our series on FREEDOM! by looking at what it means to hate our life, that’s right I said hate our life. Sounds depressing I know, but it’s actually anything but. It’s also the final week for our 1N20 giveaways! Be among the first 20 to sign in tomorrow night and you’ll be entered in a drawing for some sweet stuff. After all, 1 in 20 are better odds than any lottery and all you have to do is show up early. We’ll also be revealing the details of our upcoming FlipSide ”Tackiest Christmas Ever” party!

So don’t sit at home tomorrow twittling your thumbs or posting MySpace Bulletin surveys. Instead come out to see us at FlipSide, the place to be on a Wednesday night!

Welcome to the FlipSide Blog where we’ll bring you up to speed on the good, the bad and a bunch of random stuff in between. This Blog is designed to relate, encourage, and inform the youth of FlipSide. Updated primarily by our relentless staff of volunteers, The FlipSide Blog is dedicated to bringing Godly principles to your practical world. Let’s boldly go where no blog has gone before!!

Welcome to the FlipSide Blog where we’ll bring you up to speed on the good, the bad and a bunch of random stuff in between. This Blog is designed to relate, encourage, and inform the youth of FlipSide. Updated primarily by our relentless staff of volunteers, The FlipSide Blog is dedicated to bringing Godly principles to your practical world. Let’s boldly go where no blog has gone before!!

So last night was one of those nights I just tossed my notes. Worship went incredible! The band went to a different skill level and I was very impressed. More than that though…God showed up!!

I had something good to talk about last night, but it seemed God had something better (He usually has a way of trumping me). The Lord showed me a very simple example yesterday about what happens when we spend a lot of time in His presence. We begin to identify ourselves with what we surround ourselves with. I can be in a crowd of talking people and still manage to hear if someone says my name. My sense of hearing becomes noticeably more acute when it’s MY name that I hear. When I drive down the road, I find myself noticing ‘96 Infiniti’s more than any other car. The reason I can hear my name in a crowd or spot my car in traffic is because I identify very well with both.

At The Call in Nashville this weekend we spent a concentrated time (11 hours) in the presence of God with 60,000 other like-minded people. In this kind of atmosphere we couldn’t help but become more aware of our identity in Christ. When we surround ourselves with Christ we gain an identity that causes us to respond when we hear His name or sense the slightest sign of His presence. We are supernatural beings who are wired to react to supernatural things.

I believe the teens really connected last night. I feel they gained a better understanding of the availability of the practical presence of God.
We’re going to The Surf Shack, A ministry of the Lighthouse Worship Center, this Saturday night. Our very own Eric Flore will be speaking to the teens from 7-9p. This is a great opportunity to expand the social circle of FlipSide by spending time with other youth in Wilmington. It will be a night of Games, Food, Worship and great teaching. Please make every effort to come. Here’s directions:

1. Take I40 to exit 408
2. Turn Left on Hwy 210
3. Take first Right on Hwy 117
4. Located next to the Dollar General on the right

It’s only 15 minutes from the The ROCK. See you there!

Love you all,
Matthew

… I have the greatest group of teens on earth!

We had a blast this weekend at the Call, from the ungodly hour we left to the grateful hour we returned. I was so impressed with how our teens responded to the event. In spite of temperatures in the mid 90’s under a mostly cloudless sky, the young people pressed through and engaged in the day of fasting, worship and prayer. We arrived at the stadium at 7am. 11 hours later, after much lathering of the spf 45, consuming bottles of sun-warmed water and wiping away pints of sweat, we left our coveted stage-front spot on LP field and headed for showers in the cool of our hotel. Many of our teens broke their fast that night on a much deserved dinner at TGI Fridays. A curfew was pretty much pointless that night in light of the fact that most of them were struggling to keep from falling asleep in their mashed potatoes over dinner. We awoke the next morning to begin our eventful starbucks laden, memory making, picture taking, 13 hour trek back home. We got back right at the time we had planned.

As I turned off my lamp last night, fell into my pillow, and stared at the ceiling with heavy eyes, all I could say was, “Thank you Lord.” He knew exactly what I meant.