Today's Meeting

Today we went over the First Battle of Bull Run and three prophets, Anna, Samuel and Zachariahs.

Remember to journal your Daily devotion this week. Week 29 is due for our next meeting. If you did not complete Week 28 it is also do.

We didn't have time in class to cover all we were suppose to. Please begin memorizing the following verses for our next meeting:

• Great Passages, Matthew 24:37-39
• Salvation, 1 Timothy 1:15
• Doctrine, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Prayer, Psalm 51:3
• Relationship, John 13:34-35
• Behaviour, Colossians 3:23
• Promises/Praise, James 4:7

Pathfinder Pledge

The meaning of the Pathfinder Pledge.

"By the grace of God" means that I will rely on Him, realizing that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. It means that only as I rely on God can I do His will. It means that only through grace are we saved from our sins through the power of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer.

"I will be pure" means I will rise above the wicked world in which I live and keep my life clean with words and actions that will make others happy.

"I will be kind" means that I will be considerate and kind not only to my fellowmen but to all of God's creation as well.

"I will be true" means that I will be honest and upright in study, work and play and can always be counted on to do my very best.

"I will keep the Pathfinder Law" means that I will seek to understand the meaning of the Pathfinder Law and will strive to live up to its spirit, realizing that obedience to law is essential in any organization.

"I will be a servant of God" means that I pledge myself to serve God first, last and best in everything I am called upon to be or do.

"I will be a friend to man" means that I will live to bless others and do unto them as I would have them do unto me.

Pathfinder Law

The meaning of the Pathfinder Law.

Keep the Morning Watch. Every boy and girl should have prayer and Bible study every day. The best way to start the day is by studying the Morning Watch which has been prepared as a daily devotional for every Seventh-day Adventist junior boy and girl.

The first food I need is the Word of God. I will study and meditate upon it and make it part of my daily devotions.

I will share what I have learned in the Word of God with my family and others. I want Jesus to come soon, and I want others to know Him personally as I do.

I will keep the Morning Watch because it is the plan of God to enrich my life and prepare me for His kingdom.


Do My Honest Part. "The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character." Education, page 225.

"A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important then is the development of character in this life." Messages to Young People, pages 100, 101.

Recognizing the great need in the world and in my life I will not be afraid of anything that is my duty. I will cheerfully carry all my responsibilities at home, in school, and in the church. I will show good sportsmanship in play and always strive to do my best.

I will do my honest part by keeping out of trouble, taking care of my money, respecting that which is not mine and faithfully carrying out all my responsibilities.

Care For My Body. "One of the greatest aids in perfecting pure and noble characters in the young, strengthening them to control appetite and refrain from debasing excesses is sound physical health." Messages to Young People. page 233.

I recognize that the time to establish good habits, to learn self-control and to keep a healthy body is in my youth. I also recognize that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that I have been entrusted with its care. It is my responsibility to learn principles and norms which will help me live happily and free from the vices and corruptions of the world.

I will endeavor to keep my body strong by deep breathing, exercise, proper diet and dress, and by refraining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs.

Keep a Level Eye. At Fort Lincoln, Washington, D.C. there is a statue of Christ which appears to look in all directions. No matter where you stand the eyes of the Lord are upon you. The Bible says: "The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3.

Keeping a level eye means that no matter where we are, out in the open or in the dark alleys of life, we can look at Jesus straight in the eye and not be afraid. Adam and Eve ran from the presence of God. They could not face Him because they had sinned. In order to keep a level eye I must not lie or deceive. I will tell the truth even if it hurts. I will despise filthy thinking and dirty talk. I will think more of others than of myself.

Be Courteous and Obedient. "The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will be revealed in His children." Messages to Young People, page 420.

I want to be courteous because courtesy is love shining out of a heart that reflects the love of Jesus. I will always give a kindly greeting and ever be ready to help the stranger, the aged, the sick, the poor, and the little ones.

I realize that obedience to God must come first, obedience to parents next, and obedience to teachers follow. I want to follow the example of Jesus, who was obedient even unto death on the cross. He came to fulfill a mission and was obedient to His heavenly Father.

Walk Softly in the Sanctuary. When Moses went into the presence of God to receive the Ten Commandments the people were told to sanctify themselves and to wash their clothes. They were to be reverent before the God of the universe. "children and youth should never feel that it is something to be proud of to be indifferent and careless in meetings where God is worshipped." Messages to Young People. page 266.

I will walk softly in the sanctuary, making my feet, my hands, and my heart fit the time and place. God is in the church building, because it is dedicated to His service. In the church I will be quiet, careful and reverent in all I do and say.

I will be reverent in prayer; I will close my eyes and have a proper posture as I talk to God.

I will respect the sanctuary, its buildings, its furniture; I will not talk to my peers; I will remember that the angels cover themselves in humility as they approach the throne of God.

Keep a Song in My Heart. - "The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven; and when heaven comes in touch with the earth there is music and song thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." Messages to Young People, page 291.

Music is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Many times youth do not understand this and songs are sung without meaning. We must learn to praise God here on earth, for this will be one of the themes of eternity. There should be joy in our hearts because Jesus came and died on the cross for all of us.

I will keep a song in my heart because I am happy, because I've been redeemed. I will sing while I am alone and while I am with others. I want them to feel the joy of salvation with me, the joy of a Christian, the happiness one experiences with Christ. I will sing when things are right and I will sing when things are wrong. I know that trails and tribulations are God's way of teaching and molding me.

"Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and there will be fewer words of censure, and more of cheerfulness and hope and joy. Let there be singing in the school, and the pupils will be drawn closer to God, to their teachers, and to one another." Messages to Young People. page 292.

Go On God's Errands. The supreme purpose of every Adventist Junior youth is to do God's work. "children can be acceptable missionary workers in the home and in the church. God desires them to be taught that they are in the world for useful service, not merely for play. In the home they can be trained to do missionary work that will prepare them for wider spheres of usefulness. Parents, help your children to fulfill God's purpose for them." Messages to Young People, page 225.

What a tremendous opportunity to have a part in the finishing of God's work on earth! Angels would be happy to have this work. But it was given to men, to youth, to boys and girls.

I will accept the daily duties of my home and school to prepare me for greater duties. I will plant a garden for the aged man next door so that some day I might be able to help in an agricultural school in a foreign country. I will help my little brother tie his shoes so that some day I might operate on a patient in a hospital in a mission field. I will clean my father's garage today so that I can help clean heathenism from the hearts of thousands in a distant land.

Our Upcoming Pathfinder Meeting, September 28, 2008

What's Due?

• Explorer Class Notebook
• Journal Entries for Week 27 and Week 28
• 1 Page Summary of the Book of Acts
• Marcel - Art Project illustrating the meaning of the Pathfinder Pledge
• Daniela - Present skit illustrating the meaning of the Pathfinder Pledge

This week in class we will learn about:

• Three Biblical Prophets: Anna, Samuel and Zachariah
• Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)
• Begin Memorizing Bible verses from seven categories:
  
• Great Passages, Matthew 24:37-39
• Salvation, 1 Timothy 1:15
• Doctrine, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Prayer, Psalm 51:3
• Relationship, John 13:34-35
• Behaviour, Colossians 3:23
• Promises/Praise, James 4:7

Devotional Journal Assignment

Here are the texts due for this week and next week. You should read the text, then write in your journal what the text means to you, or something you learned from the text.

Week 27: ATTITUDES Mark 9:33-35 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Psalm 34 Ephesians 3 James 2
Week 28: COMMITMENT Isaiah 40 Genesis 17 Proverbs 4 Luke 9

Example:
September 14, 2008
Mark 9:33-35
This text teaches me that in order to be first in the kingdom of God, I must humble myself and be a servant first. Just as Jesus was. My prayer is, "Lord please help me to be a servant."

Have a great week! If you have a question email me, post it to the this blog or give me a call.

Great First Meeting

We are off to a great start! I am excited about teaching and working with you guys this Pathfinder year.

Today we began working on the Personal Growth portion of your class requirements. Personal growth in the spiritual area of your live is just as or more important, than your physical and emotional growth. With this in mind, as you do your classwork look at it as more than accomplishing assigned tasks but approach it as activities that will make you a better person for God.

Review and memorize the AY Pledge and Law for our next meeting (September 28). In reviewing the pledge and law think about their meaning. You are to have your Art Presentation (Marcel) and your skit (Daniela) ready for presentation as well as your daily devotional journals ready for me to review.

The Pathfinder Pledge -
By the grace of God,
I will be pure, kind and true
I will keep the Pathfinder Law
I will be a servant of God and a friend to man

The Pathfinder Law -
The Law is for me to:
Keep the morning watch
Do my honest part
Care for my body,
Keep a level eye
Be courteous and obedient
Walk softly in the sanctuary,
Keep a song in my heart,
Go on God's errand.

Garland Pathfinder Explorer Class Syllabus

Garland Faith Community SDA Church
Explorer Class Syllabus
2008 - 2009


Aug 23, 2008
Pathfinder Registration


Sept 14, 2008
Involvement
Commitment – Pledge & Law
Growth – Reading Certificate
Memorize Bible (7 subjects)



Sept 28, 2008
3 Biblical Prophets
Christian Heritage – Testimonies to the Church p. 264-268 Battle of Bull Run (American Civil War acct)
Meaning of Pledge & Law

What's Today Due
Reading week 27 (Journal)
Read Book of Acts (1 page summary)



Oct 5, 2008
One to One (Visit Sick Person)
Community Outreach (8 Hours)
Recite Memory Verses (7 subjects)

What's Today Due
Report on 3 Bible prophets
Reading week 28 (Journal)
Church Heritage Report



Oct 12, 2008
Building Relationship – Peer Pressure
Christian Grooming and Manners Honor

What's Today Due
Read week 29 (Journal readings)
Create card and mail to sick



Nov 9, 2008
Christian Grooming and Manners Honor (cont’d)
Exam – Christian Grooming and Manners

What's Today Due
Written Report - Peer Pressure Skit Performance in EFY



Nov 23, 2008
Health Principles – Five Laws
Effects of caffeine, stimulants and avoiding depression
First Aid /Safety

What's Today Due
Read week 30 (Journal readings)



Dec 14, 2009
First Aid /Safety (Cont’d)
Demonstration of First Aid/Safety

What's Today Due
Written Report on Community Outreach



Jan 11, 2009
Spiritual Lessons – 3 Fossils
Outdoor Skills – Knots, Safety Rules for camping

What's Today Due
Read week 31 (Journal readings)
Written Report – Health Principles – Five Laws
Effects of caffeine, stimulants and avoiding depression



Jan 25, 2009
Outdoor Skills – Knots, Safety Rules for camping (continued)
Read week 32 (Journal readings)

What's Today Due
Written Report - First Aid /Safety



Feb 8, 2009
Arts & Crafts Honor

What's Today Due
Read week 33 (Journal readings)
Knot board
Written Report – Safety Rules for Camping



Feb 22, 2009
Arts & Crafts Honor (Cont’d)
Exam – Arts & Craft Honor



Mar 8, 2009
Reading Certificate – Acts of the Apostles

What's Today Due
Read week 34 (Journal readings)



Mar 22, 2009
Reading Certificate – Patriarchs and Prophets

What's Today Due
Read week 35 (Journal readings)
Written Report – Acts of the Apostles



April 26, 2009
Reading Certificate - Astronomy

What's Today Due
Read week 36 (Journal readings)
Written Report – Patriarchs and Prophets



May 10, 2009
Reading Certificate – Health and Fitness

What's Today Due
Read week 37 (Journal readings)
Written Report - Astronomy



May 24, 2009
Reading Certificate – Book on missions, nature, science or biography

What's Today Due
Read week 38 (Journal readings)
Written Report – Health and Fitness



Jun 7, 2009
Reading Certificate – Book on missions, nature, science or biography (cont’d)

What's Today Due
Read week 39 (Journal readings)
Report – Book on missions, nature, science or biography



Jun 14, 2009
Work on any outstanding work



Jun 27, 2009
Investiture

Welcome

Welcome to the Garland Pathfinders Explorer Class blog. This blog will be used to post class work, announcments and communication to parents as well as Explorers.

We have a lot of work ahead of use but with commitment, a great attitude and the spirit of fun it can all be achieved.

Welcome to the Garland Faith Community Pathfinder club and to the Explorer class.


Your class counselor,

Lisha