The LIGHThouse Guardian
July 29, 2026
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help... But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! — Psalm 22:1-11, 19-21
SUMMER IN THE PSALMS!
Christ's outcry: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Christ's well-known outcry in the midst of his suffering on the Cross were more than just words. It is important to consider what occurred before, during, and after he said them.
BEFORE: Christ endured unimaginable pain. At this point, he suffered an arrest, an unjust trial, mockery & shame, 39 lashes, a crown of thorns, carrying the cross to Golgotha, and finally being crucified. His own disciples deserted him! Yet, he endured ALL of that! But at which point was it all unbearable?
DURING: Enduring pain for the sake of all mankind was something Jesus was willing to do. He submitted himself to the Father's Will. Yet, what made the Son of God cry out? For what did he pray to the Father at the Garden of Gethsemane? The weight of all sin of all time for all people AND the result of the Father not abiding in sin. The Father forsook the Son because became sin. WOW!
AFTER: But what was the result? Forgiveness! We often miss the second implication of Christ's quote of Psalm 22. Quoting the first line of the psalm is shorthand for Christ applying the entirety of the psalm. All of Psalm 22 applies! Here, you see the pattern of hopelessness found in our current situation and the hope only found in God. The Father forsook the Son, but there is the hope of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Christ's well-known outcry in the midst of his suffering on the Cross were more than just words. It is important to consider what occurred before, during, and after he said them.
BEFORE: Christ endured unimaginable pain. At this point, he suffered an arrest, an unjust trial, mockery & shame, 39 lashes, a crown of thorns, carrying the cross to Golgotha, and finally being crucified. His own disciples deserted him! Yet, he endured ALL of that! But at which point was it all unbearable?
DURING: Enduring pain for the sake of all mankind was something Jesus was willing to do. He submitted himself to the Father's Will. Yet, what made the Son of God cry out? For what did he pray to the Father at the Garden of Gethsemane? The weight of all sin of all time for all people AND the result of the Father not abiding in sin. The Father forsook the Son because became sin. WOW!
AFTER: But what was the result? Forgiveness! We often miss the second implication of Christ's quote of Psalm 22. Quoting the first line of the psalm is shorthand for Christ applying the entirety of the psalm. All of Psalm 22 applies! Here, you see the pattern of hopelessness found in our current situation and the hope only found in God. The Father forsook the Son, but there is the hope of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
HighLIGHT: Teen Life Truths
GRADUATION coming up! The last session for TLT is tonight, July 29th at 6:30pm. TLT Graduation is to tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 9th. So proud of our 6th grade students!
Teen Life Truths (TLT) is coming up in a couple weeks. As you may know, it is a 10-week course we offer on Wednesday nights, going through the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Out of those passages, we extrapolate essential truths that will teach young middle school students what they may encounter in life and what it means to follow Christ. In the past we have done TLT every Spring; however, we believe it will make for a good initiation into the LIGHThouse youth group. Here are some details.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
Teen Life Truths (TLT) is coming up in a couple weeks. As you may know, it is a 10-week course we offer on Wednesday nights, going through the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Out of those passages, we extrapolate essential truths that will teach young middle school students what they may encounter in life and what it means to follow Christ. In the past we have done TLT every Spring; however, we believe it will make for a good initiation into the LIGHThouse youth group. Here are some details.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
Upcoming Events
Summer Events:
August 26: End-of-Summer Party at 6:30pm
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 29
Pastor Tim Hangout
This is a friendly reminder that ALL students are welcome to come over to Pastor Tim's house this FRIDAY at any time within 5:00pm-7:00pm. There will be games, food, and pop. Let me know if you plan on going... or just show up! See you there.
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. July is posted!!!
August 26: End-of-Summer Party at 6:30pm
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 29
Pastor Tim Hangout
This is a friendly reminder that ALL students are welcome to come over to Pastor Tim's house this FRIDAY at any time within 5:00pm-7:00pm. There will be games, food, and pop. Let me know if you plan on going... or just show up! See you there.
- PT Hangout Dates: 7/31, 8/7, & 8/21
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. July is posted!!!
Student Ministry Summer Hours
Summer Hours:
TLT (Teen Life Truths) Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
LIGHThouse Wednesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
LG:t (Life Group for Teens 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Incoming 6th grade students are invited!
Note: Be on the lookout for changing hours in August as students go back to school. Beginning August 16th, LIGHThouse and LG:t will end at 8:15pm.
TLT (Teen Life Truths) Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
LIGHThouse Wednesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
LG:t (Life Group for Teens 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Incoming 6th grade students are invited!
Note: Be on the lookout for changing hours in August as students go back to school. Beginning August 16th, LIGHThouse and LG:t will end at 8:15pm.
Programs
LG:t (Life Group for Teens) meets on Sunday evenings, 6:00pm to 9:00pm in room 115. We have been going through the Letter to the Galatians. Bring your Bible and a snack to share with the whole group!
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a devotional, and games! Our summer series will be on "Summer in the Psalms!" Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a devotional, and games! Our summer series will be on "Summer in the Psalms!" Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
SSB Student Ministries exist to share the Gospel and to make Christ-like Disciples and Servant Leaders of the Church.