Contineo Monthly Newsletter

August 2026

Note From Pastor Kevin

Hello Contineo students, parents, volunteers, and visitors! This is the monthly newsletter for the Contineo Student Ministry at 22nd Street Baptist Church! Every month, on the first Wednesday of the month, come here to get an update on the ministry and a preview of events to come in the next few months. Every newsletter will also begin with a short devotional where I will reflect on a passage of Scripture.

I hope that these newsletters will keep you informed and encourage you to continue sincerely seeking the Lord as you grow in your faith!

Regular Meetings

Contineo Connect Group
Sundays @ 9:45 AM-10:45 AM

Current Series: Living for the Last Day - A Study of the Book of Revelation



High School Discipleship
"Young Men on Fire"
"Rooted & Secure: Young Women Flourishing in Christ"
Time: 10-11 AM, every 1st Saturday
Location: Black Rock Coffee (1821 Broadway Blvd.)

Next Gathering: August 15

Devotional - Colossians 3:5

Hello Contineo! I am praying for you as the school year begins - that you begin it well. Lately, we've been studying the Book of Revelation. Revelation is a deep and challenging book, but its messages are relevant for all disciples of Jesus. The question for all disciples in light of Revelation is this: do you live in light of the return of Jesus? Is his return regularly on your mind? Do you have the hope of eternal life constantly before your mind?

One of the most important messages of Revelation is that some people are more prone to deception than others. The question is this: who is the kind of person most likely to be deceived? The answer: the person who loves and lives for idols, rather than God. If Satan knows that all he must do is provide your false god for you, then you will live for that god, even if it means believing falsehood and living in sin. 

Read the words of Colossians 3:5 below. Paul's words are clear and serious: put to death all of the idols in your life. There is a Christian philosopher who lived about 1,000 years ago - Thomas Aquinas - who summarized idolatry in terms of four idols we're prone to following:

1. Pleasure
2. Money
3. Power
4. Honor/Fame

None of these things is evil in itself. However, if worshipped (in other words, if you live for them) they will draw you away from God and the truth and into sin. They are false and terrible gods, not worth worshiping, but in themselves they can be gifts from God. 

What is your idol? Put another way, which of these four things are you most likely to allow to control your life? By finding the answer to this question, you will be able to avoid that idol - to put it to death - and worship God, who alone is actually worthy of our worship.

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
- Colossians 3:5 (NIV)

Upcoming Events

Youth Summer Pool Party<br><span style="font-weight: normal;">August 7, 5-8 PM</span>

Youth Summer Pool Party
August 7, 5-8 PM

In Arizona, it gets hot! Swimming is a great way to beat the heat, but even better: eating food and hanging out in the pool with friends. Join us for a Youth Summer Pool Party to end the summer and celebrate the students promoting into youth. 

If you graduated high school this May, this is the last youth event you can attend.

If you'd like to be there, have your parent/guardian sign you up here.

If you have any questions, please let Pastor Kevin know!

Illuminate Discipleship Conference<br><span style="font-weight: normal;">September 4-5</span>

Illuminate Discipleship Conference
September 4-5

Do you like getting away to the mountains? This year, the Illuminate Discipleship Conference is happening on Mt. Lemmon! Join us for a one-night event for a "miniature camp" experience as we play games, worship God, and learn more about what it means to follow him. 

To attend this event, have your parent/guardian sign the permission form here. The cost to attend is $30 per student.

If you have any questions, please let Pastor Kevin know!