C.R.E.W. LINES

(CREATED TO REACH THE ENTIRE WORLD)

January 22, 2012

Life Below the Surface, 2012: A challenging journey into the mysteries of the deep.

Verse for the week: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NIV)

Today marks a milestone of sorts. Beginning today, CREWLINES will be much SHORTER.  Over the course of the next few weeks, we will begin a transition to PODCASTING CREWLINES and uploading the podcast to the website.  We also plan to begin showing it on Sunday mornings.  The basic information will still be in print form, but the details will be contained in the podcast.  More information on the way.

 I NEED CHAPERONS for both mission trips and Caswell.  If your parents would like to go, and you don’t mind their going, have them call me ASAP.

THE NEW “C.R.E.W. MINISTRIES RECEPTION/information CENTER” is now open.  Please have your parents stop by there to pick up information about upcoming events and to sign you up and pay for those events.  Student ministry tee shirts will also be available for purchase there a $10 each.

Winter Retreat

“operation snowball”

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to locate and infiltrate the sacred writings of the world’s only true faith, codename: “BIBLE,” and seek out the hidden forces of evil planning the ultimate act of terror…the total destruction and annihilation of mankind on planet earth.  You will rendezvous for this assignment at mission headquarters (EBC) on January 27 at 17:00 hours (5:00) to begin your quest.  This newsletter might self-destruct in five seconds…but I seriously doubt it.

My rooming list is due at the retreat center tomorrow morning.  Please sign up for a roommate today.  I will have to assign you to a room after today.

MISSION TRIPS - Update

The Middle school trip is to Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce, Florida…June 11-16.  

The High School/College Mission trip is to Lake Providence, Louisiana…July 7-14. 

If your parent missed the fund raising meeting this morning, please see me immediately for additional information.

Scheduled Fund Raisers

1. Friends and Family Night, February 25.                     2. Parade of Tables, March 17.  

3. Guys Car Show, June 2 (Rain date June 9).                4. Golf Tournament, TBA.

Remember to put INVASION on your spring calendar for April 19-22!

We got the confirmation on our reservations at Caswell this week! We are registered for the week of July 23-28!

ARE YOU READING THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Below are the passages for this week and next:

Sunday, January 22:  Exodus 4-6; Matthew 14:22-36                        Monday, January 23:  Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20 
Tuesday, January 24: Exodus 9-11; Matthew 15:21-39                     Wednesday, January 25: Exodus 12-13; Matthew 16 
Thursday, January 26: Exodus 14-15; Matthew 17                               Friday, January 27:  Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20 
Saturday, January 28: Exodus 19-20; Matthew 18:21-35                 Sunday, January 29: Exodus 21-22; Matthew 19  

“180” will be Wednesday evening at 6:30. We will be meeting again in the new student center.  It isn’t finished,  but we can move in enough chairs so that we can all be in the same space rather than being squashed in the youth house.  Bring your Bibles and a friend or three.  

Hang Time 6:00 Wednesday

The Youth House will not be open for Hang Time will this week since the Christian life Center is now open.  Just gather in the c.r.e.w. quarters. Just remember not to run, throw anything, etc.

The Guys/The Gems will be meeting at 6:00 tonight.   The Guys will meet in the c.r.e.w. quarters to pack backpacks for Backpack Buddies .  We will need some volunteers who can come by Tuesday morning to help us move some items out of the student center and into the gym. Ryan Jaynes will also be sharing the message this evening.  The Gems will be meeting in the Youth House and making some important plans for the clothing closet, the new meeting space, and upcoming events.

ignite Light the Fire! Your rehearsal will be Wednesday at 7:30 in the Christian Life Center on the new stage. You will be working on a number of upcoming projects, among them, completing several promotional videos to be aired soon…and possibly some more projects that just came up this week. You will also be supplying the actors for the upcoming podcasts.

East to West

Rehearsal resumes this afternoon at 4:30.  We need to consider moving our rehearsal time to 4:00 for a few weeks.  We will meet first in the Youth House and then begin moving onto the new stage...unless it is raining or unless you decide to do that on Tuesday while you’re out of school.  If you play a band or orchestra instrument and would be willing to play for worship, please plan to begin rehearsal with us today.

Xcelerate

Regular meeting time is now Wednesday, 7:30 in the student center.

WINTER JAM!!!

Many of you expressed an interest in attending Winter Jam.  Because of some issues that other local youth groups had at the Charlotte event last year, I have decided that if we want to attend, we need to try again for the one in Greenville, SC.  It is on Friday evening, February 10.  One of the concerns from parents about the one tonight was the late hour when you would be returning.  The one in February is on a Friday night, so that won’t be a problem…but, if you sign up, remember that you would have to leave school just after lunch on the tenth.

Have a great week!

Blessings,

David

C.R.E.W. LINES

(CREATED TO REACH THE ENTIRE WORLD)

January 15, 2012

Life Below the Surface, 2012: A challenging journey into the mysteries of the deep.

Verse for the week: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

YOU FINALLY HAVE A DAY OFF TOMORROW! Since I know you love to be together, even if bonding requires getting up slightly early, we will have a workday!  Please sign up if you can come, and we’ll meet at 9:00 in the new student center.  Some will be building a wall and mounting windows.  Others will be moving food into the new food bank area; girls will be cleaning out the GEMS space; Others will be transporting the coffee shop  booths over from the gym and moving around other items that are either in the way or that will be sold at auction soon.  We will work until noon, and then break for pizza.  I will have it delivered, and it will be free for those who come and work.  Should be loads of fun working in the new student center! 

PARENTS!!!!!           There will be a meeting NEXT SUNDAY MORNING AT 9:00 in the YOUTH HOUSE for all parents whose children are signed up to go either to the Florida or the Louisiana mission trip.  This is also open to parents of college students who plan to go with us.  There will be important dates and fund raising information shared at this meeting.  PLEASE make every effort to attend.

Men’s High School Basketball Practice will resume this afternoon from 2:30-4:00 unless otherwise directed by your coaching staff.

Men’s Ministry Sunday…is January 29

Unfortunately, that is the same weekend as our Winter Retreat.  If you are not going with us, however, please consider working with the men on their mission project on Sunday the 29^th.  Also, Pastor Rit would like to have two guys read the scripture on dedication Sunday, a middle school student for the 8:30 service and a high school student my .  

THE NEW “C.R.E.W. MINISTRIES RECEPTION/information CENTER” will ultimately become the “gateway” into “The C.R.E.W. Quarters,” the student center currently under construction. It has been named in honor of Shelia Gardner who dedicated many, many hours of service to the children and teenagers of our church.  It officially opened this morning.  This will be the place where visitors with youth will be directed from the main visitor center, which also opened this morning. From now on, parents will pay for trips in the Reception Center, and they can also sign you up for events, complete permission forms, buy tickets for upcoming events, and pick up information related to student ministry there as well.  Even though you will still be able to sign up yourselves in the student center, the reception center will also maintain updated lists so that parents can check to see if their children have signed up. In the coming weeks, you will be able to stop there to purchase Student Ministry tee shirts, trip and promo videos, etc.  It will be open on Sunday mornings (initially on Sunday only, but possibly expanding to Wednesdays in the future.) from 9:20 until 10:00, and then again after Life Groups from 10:45 until 10:55.  The children’s side will be open after the service, but (since students are not generally being picked up from the nursery,) the student side will not be staffed again after worship services. There will be a team of Student Ministry Receptionists, and the Reception Center Coordinator is Linda Hoppes. Receptionists thus far include: Linda Hoppes, coordinator; Anna Lancaster, Angela Ramsey, Cathy Miller, and Kellie Grier.

Winter Retreat

“operation snowball”

Beginning today, you may sign up in pairs for rooming.  There will be two per room.  Be thinking of who your roommate will be.  If you do not have a partner by Wednesday, I will lovingly assign one to you.  A rooming sign-up sheet is posted in the youth house.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to locate and infiltrate the sacred writings of the world’s only true faith, codename: “BIBLE,” and seek out the hidden forces of evil planning the ultimate act of terror…the total destruction and annihilation of mankind on planet earth.  You will rendezvous for this mission at mission headquarters (EBC) on January 27 at 17:00 hours to begin your quest.  This newsletter might self-destruct in five seconds…but I seriously doubt it.

MISSION TRIPS - Update

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for the Mission Trips for next summer.  The final list has been populated, and the deposits have been made.  I need two males and two females to go with us on the Florida trip. The Middle School Mission Trip for next summer is to Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce, Florida…June 11-16. If you want to go, Total cost of the trip is $249.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising.  Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

The High School/College Mission trip is to Lake Providence, Louisiana…July 7-14.  This is an area of extreme need, and they need many to participate.  Please consider going.  We need at least as many if not more than last summer.  DEPOSITS OF $50 ARE ALREADY DUE.  Pay in the Youth House on Sunday/Wednesday or through the church office. Total cost for the trip will be $260.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising. Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

Scheduled Fund Raisers

1. Friends and Family Night, February 25.                     2. Parade of Tables, March 17.  

3. Guys Car Show, June 2 (Rain date June 9).                4. Golf Tournament, TBA.

Remember also that you need to put INVASION on your spring calendar for April 19-22!

ARE YOU READING THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Below are the passages for this week and next:

Sunday, January 15:   Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42                Monday, January 16: Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11

Tuesday, January 17: Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23                   Wednesday, January 18: Genesis 43-45; Matthew 12:24-50

Thursday, January 19: Genesis 46-48; Matthew 13:1-30               Friday, January 20:     Genesis 49-50; Matthew 13:31-58

Saturday, January 21: Exodus 1-3; Matthew 14:1-21                           Sunday, January 22: Exodus 4-6; Matthew 14:22-36

Construction Zone  

Hang Time

Hang Time will start this Wednesday at 6:00.  This is a great time to get to know each other a little better.  

The Guys/The Gems   The Guys Backpack Buddiesand discuss plans for moving the Harvest Corner Food Bankinto its new location in the renovated student center.  Additionally, they will be discussing moving into a new meeting space.  Ryan Jaynes will also be sharing from scripture this evening, so everyone is asked to bring Bibles.  The Gems

C.R.E.W. LINES

(CREATED TO REACH THE ENTIRE WORLD)

January 8, 2012

Life Below the Surface, 2012: A challenging journey into the mysteries of the deep.

Verse for the week: “For  He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

Men’s High School Basketball Practice will resume Sunday afternoon, January 15 from 2:30-4:00 since there is no game this week.

THE NEW “C.R.E.W. MINISTRIES RECEPTION/information CENTER” will ultimately become the “gateway” into “The C.R.E.W. Quarters” that is currently under construction.  It will officially open next Sunday morning, January 15 and will be the place where visitors with youth will come when they first arrive at the church and where parents will stop by to make payments, gather information, and complete necessary forms.  All of the transactions that have been handled in the Youth House will occur in the Reception/Information Center beginning next Sunday.  The right side of the center is for the Student Ministry, and the left side is for the Children’s Ministry.  Watch this area as it grows and evolves in the coming months!  It will he exciting.  There will be a team of Student Ministry Receptionists, and the Reception Center Coordinator is Linda Hoppes.

Winter Retreat…Payment Deadline

If you are going on the Winter Retreat, please complete the Activities Form (pick one up from Beth Beam or me this morning) and be sure it is completed and turned in by Wednesday night (January 11).  Beth will be available to collect money today and Wednesday.  She (or someone) will also be available beginning at 6:00 tonight to collect.  If you cannot find Beth, pay me.  I will get it to her. If you were on the waiting list and were added this past week, you have likely not paid your initial $25 deposit and will need to do so when you pay for the remainder of the trip.  GOOD NEWS!!!!! We were able to keep costs down to the point that everyone will get a $20 reduction in cost for your rooming.  So, instead of owing $69, you will now need to calculate your lodging cost at $49.  If you have already paid, please see Beth Beam to request a $20 refund.  All money must be collected by Wednesday so that we do not incur a late charge from the retreat center and have to take back your $20 credit.  If you are not paid up by Wednesday and you have not made other arrangements, your name will have to be dropped from the roster and your partial payments refunded.

Beginning next week, we will be working on rooming.  There are two per room, so be thinking of who your roommate will be.  If you do not have a partner by next week, I will lovingly assign one to you.  A sign-up sheet will be posted later in the week for rooming.

MISSION TRIPS - Update

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for the Mission Trips for next summer.  I am assuming that everyone who was interested has signed up.  The lists have been removed from the bulletin board. If you haven’t paid your $50 deposit and have not made other arrangements with me, please either pay today or let me know if you need an extension.  If you want to sign up, there is now a waiting list, but you need to tell me quickly. I will try and add you when I pay the deposit in a few weeks. Remember, it is easier to remove your name than add it.  I can probably get you in if you act quickly. Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Trips are listed below:

(Deposits will be made after Wednesday of this week, and the final list will be populated.  Only those on the list at that time will be assured of a spot.)

1.         The Middle School Mission Trip for next summer is to Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce, Florida…June 11-16. If you want to go, DEPOSITS OF $50 ARE ALREADY DUE. Pay in the Youth House on Sunday/Wednesday or through the church office. Total cost of the trip is $249.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising.  Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

2.       The High School/College Mission trip is to Lake Providence, Louisiana…July 7-14.  This is an area of extreme need, and they need many to participate.  Please consider going.  We need at least as many if not more than last summer.  DEPOSITS OF $50 ARE ALREADY DUE.  Pay in the Youth House on Sunday/Wednesday or through the church office. Total cost for the trip will be $260.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising. Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

Scheduled Fund Raisers

1. Friends and Family Night, February 25.                     2. Parade of Tables, March 17.  

3. Guys Car Show, June 2 (Rain date June 9).                4. Golf Tournament, TBA.

CASWELL SIGN –UPS ARE CLOSED, AND THEY WERE POSTMARKED AND MAILED JANUARY 1. SOME HAVE ASKED TO BE ADDED SINCE THEN, SO WE HAVE BEGUN A WAITING LIST.  IF WE ARE GRANTED THE RESERVATIONS WE HAVE REQUESTED, I WILL TRY AND CALL TO HAVE YOU ADDED IF YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST.  OPEN SLOTS WILL BE FILLED IN THE ORDER THAT PEOPLE SIGN UP ON THE WAITING LIST.  WE HAVE TO REQUEST ONE WEEK AND PROVIDE AN ALTERNATE DATE.  WE ASKED FOR JULY 23-28 AS OUR FIRST CHOICE (THE DATE WE HAVE PUBLICIZED) AND JULY 30-AUG. 4 AS OUR SECOND CHOICE.  The theme for next summer is “Ethics: Choosing to do the right thing, even when no one else is around.” I have already been in contact with the Caswell staff, and this summer’s theme and program personalities promise to be very, very powerful and timely

Remember also that you need to put INVASION on your spring calendar for April 19-22!

ARE YOU READING THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Below are the passages for this week and next:

Sunday, January 8: Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34                      Monday, January 9:  Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7 

Tuesday, January 10: Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8:1-17                     Wednesday, January 11: Genesis 27-28; Matthew 8:18-34
Thursday, January 12: Genesis 29-30; Matthew 9:1-17                   Friday, January 13: Genesis 31-32; Matthew 9:18-38
Saturday, January 14: Genesis 33-35; Matthew 10:1-20                 Sunday, January 15: Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42

 “180” this week will answer the question, “If God loves us, why did he allow sin to come into the world?”  This is a question that so many lost people, and saved people, ask.  If you ever wanted to know the answer to this, come Wednesday so we can DISCUSS it.  This week, we will begin with a discussion that will end with taking a look at what the Bible has to say about the matter.

Hang Time

Hang Time will start this Wednesday at 6:00.  This is a great time to pay for trips and just get to know each other a little better.

The Guys/The Gems will be meeting at 6:00 tonight.  The Guys will GO SHOPPING FOR FOOD AT WALMART! Then, you will head over to Dairy Queen before returning to pack backpacks for Backpack Buddies and discussing plans for working in and moving into the renovated student center.  Be sure to bring money for food.  The Gems will be meeting in the Youth House and taking down decorations while making some important plans for the new year and their move into the you student center.

C.R.E.W. LINES

(CREATED TO REACH THE ENTIRE WORLD)

January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

Life Below the Surface, 2011-12: A challenging journey into the mysteries of the deep.

Verse for the week: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with man.” Luke 2:52 (NIV)

Of Note Regarding Winter Jam…

We are going to have to reschedule the trip to the Winter Jam concert and try to go to the one in February at the Bi-lo Center in Greenville, SC like we did last year.  It is on a Friday night rather than Sunday, and coming back in on a school night at 1:00 a.m. is never a good thing for parents or the youth minister who planned it. This schedule change is also necessary because of some conflicts with other events at EBC and the need to devote time and energy this month to the student center renovation so that we can be moved in within about six weeks.

IMPORTANT CELL PHONE ANNOUNCEMENT!

I now have a second cell phone that I will begin using for church business in the coming months.  Although my personal phone number will still be in operation, my newer phone has features that the older one doesn’t, so I will begin using it more and more.  Please put the new number in your phone alongside the older one so that your phone will recognize who is calling or texting.  You can reach me on either phone for now, though. The new number is: 704-301-5618.  Please share this with your parents so that they can update their contact information as well.

Men’s High School Basketball Team will not practice today, but games resume this week on Tuesday night.

The c.r.e.w. quarters

This will be the name for the new student center, and it is now officially under construction!  If you want to be on one of the work crews to help construct and renovate the old fellowship hall into the new “c.r.e.w. Quarters,” let me know by signing up on the bulletin board in the youth house.  Some teams…like the tech team…will continue to function even after the renovation is complete.  Ceiling tile removal began this past week, and the kitchen has been completely gutted and is in the process of being repainted.  This place will be awesome!  I cannot wait until it’s finished.  I don’t think you will find a nicer one anywhere once this one is complete!

Winter Retreat…Sign up to Ski/Snowboard…DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY

If you are going on the Winter Retreat, please sign up for your preference (ski, snowboard, etc.). The signup sheet is located in the hallway of the Youth House by the stairway.  I mailed you a letter this past week if you had signed up to go.  If you signed up a friend, I likely didn’t have the address for that person, so I sent theirs to you.  If you get your friend’s packet, please forward it on to them and try to get their address to me ASAP.  If you have not signed up for one of the options in the letter sent to you last week, please remember that THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11.  PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY FROM THAT LETTER.  IF YOU DIDN’T RECEIVE A LETTER, IT IS EITHER LOST IN THE MAIL OR YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THE LIST.  IN EITHER CASE, LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY.  Thanks.

C.R.E.W. STAFF MEETING

There will be a meeting of all C.R.E.W. Chiefs on Tuesday evening, January 10 at 7:00 in the Youth House.  Please text me and let me know if you can come or not.

MISSION TRIPS – The Final Update

Next Sunday, January 8, is the final day to sign up and pay the $50 deposit for either the Middle School or High School/College mission trip. I have been able to add a couple of spots this past week, so hurry if you still want to go. There will be no extension of this week’s deadline. I am required to send in the deposits after next Sunday, and I will have to release all unfilled spots at that time.  There is no guarantee that I can add anyone after that date. If you have signed up but haven’t paid your $50 deposit and have not made other arrangements with me, please either pay today or Wednesday evening, or let me know if you need to make other arrangements or get an extension.  If you want to sign up, there is now a waiting list, but you need to tell me quickly. I will try and add you when I pay the deposit in a few weeks. Remember, it is easier to remove your name than add it.  Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Trips are listed below:

1.         The Middle School Mission Trip for next summer is to Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce, Florida…June 11-16. Total cost of the trip is $249.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising.  Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

2.        The High School/College Mission trip is to Lake Providence, Louisiana…July 7-14.  This is an area of extreme need, and they need many to participate.  Total cost for the trip will be $260.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising. Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

Scheduled Fund Raisers

1. Friends and Family Night, February 25.                        2. Parade of Tables, March 17.           

3. Guys Car Show, June 2 (Rain date June 9).                 4. Golf Tournament, TBA.

CASWELL SIGN UP FOR SUMMER, 2012 HAS ENDED. RESERVATION REQUESTS WERE MAILED JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT. The theme for next summer is “Ethics: Choosing to do the right thing, even when no one else is around.” I have already been in contact with the Caswell staff, and this summer’s theme and program personalities promise to be very, very powerful and timely.  If you didn’t get signed up, I will start a waiting list immediately.  Please sign up if you want to go but missed the deadline.   I will fill any slots that come open in the order that you sign up on the list, first come first served.

Remember also that you need to put INVASION on your spring calendar for April 19-22! The theme will be “Rooted,” and Nathan Smith will be the speaker, and Shane Williams and his band will provide the worship music.  More information will be coming in the weeks ahead.

ARE YOU READING THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Below are the passages for this week and next:

Sunday, January 1: Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1                                             Monday, January 2: Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2 

Tuesday, January 3: Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3                                         Wednesday, January 4: Genesis 10-12; Matthew 4

Thursday, January 5: Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26                      Friday, January 6: Genesis 16-17; Matthew 5:27-48

Saturday, January 7: Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6:1-18                       Sunday, January 8: Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34

“180” will resume on Wednesday at 6:30 in the Youth House.

Hang Time

Hang Time will resume this Wednesday night from at 6:00-6:25.  This is a great time to pay for trips and just get to know each other a little better.

The Guys/The Gems will be not be meeting today because there are no services or activities this evening.  The Guys will not need to pack for Backpack Buddies this week.  They have already been packed.

ignite Light the Fire!

Your next rehearsal will be this Wednesday, January 4.  You will be working on the Dessert Dinner Theatre and two promotional videos to be aired soon.   

East to West

You will resume rehearsal on Sunday afternoon, January 8 at 4:30.

Happy New Year From David and the Student Ministry Team! (S.M.L.T.)

C.R.E.W. LINES

(CREATED TO REACH THE ENTIRE WORLD)

December 18 and 25, 2011

Life Below the Surface, 2011-12: A challenging journey into the mysteries of the deep.

Merry Christmas…Happy New Year!

Verse for the week: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Christmas Open House in the Youth House

 Just like last year, we will host the church family after the Adult Choir Christmas Musical tonight.  We will turn on the lights and straighten up the decorations for all to see.  Please invite your family to come over and fellowship with us.

Men’s High School Basketball Practice today from 2:30-4:00 unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff.

MOVIE NIGHT!

Bring a beanbag, a blanket, or your favorite cushion, and come join us on December 28 for MOVIE NIGHT!  We won’t be having any activities at the church that evening, but we will gather together, set up the big screen, and gather around to watch a movie, eat some popcorn, etc.  It would be a great opportunity to bring a friend or several with you.  Space will not be a problem for this one! Eat before you come, and we will start at 7:30.  Should be finished up by 11:00.

Winter Retreat…Sign up to Ski/Snowboard

If you are going on the Winter Retreat, please sign up for your preference (ski, snowboard, etc.). The signup sheet is located in the hallway of the Youth House by the stairway.  I mailed you a letter this past week if you had signed up to go.  If you signed up a friend, I likely didn’t have the address for that person, so I sent theirs to you.  If you get your friend’s packet, please forward it on to them and try to get their address to me ASAP.  Thanks.

MISSION TRIPS - Update

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for the Mission Trips for next summer.  I am assuming that everyone who was interested has signed up.  The lists have been removed from the bulletin board. If you haven’t paid your $50 deposit and have not made other arrangements with me, please either pay today or let me know if you need an extension.  If you want to sign up, there is now a waiting list, but you need to tell me quickly. I will try and add you when I pay the deposit in a few weeks. Remember, it is easier to remove your name than add it.  I can probably get you in if you act quickly. Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Trips are listed below:

1.         The Middle School Mission Trip for next summer is to Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce, Florida…June 11-16. If you want to go, DEPOSITS OF $50 ARE ALREADY DUE. Pay in the Youth House on Sunday/Wednesday or through the church office. Total cost of the trip is $249.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising.  Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

2.        The High School/College Mission trip is to Lake Providence, Louisiana…July 7-14.  This is an area of extreme need, and they need many to participate.  Please consider going.  We need at least as many if not more than last summer.  DEPOSITS OF $50 ARE ALREADY DUE.  Pay in the Youth House on Sunday/Wednesday or through the church office. Total cost for the trip will be $260.00, but that will be reduced through fund raising. Hopefully, you will not have to pay over $100.00, if even that much.

Scheduled Fund Raisers

1. Friends and Family Night, February 25.                        2. Parade of Tables, March 17.           

3. Guys Car Show, June 2 (Rain date June 9).                 4. Golf Tournament, TBA.

CASWELL SIGN –UPS ARE UNDERWAY!  SIGN UP TODAY IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN GOING. The deadline is Wednesday, December 28.  Reservation requests will be mailed January 1. The theme for next summer is “Ethics: Choosing to do the right thing, even when no one else is around.” I have already been in contact with the Caswell staff, and this summer’s theme and program personalities promise to be very, very powerful and timely

Remember also that you need to put INVASION on your spring calendar for April 19-22!

ARE YOU READING THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Below are the passages for this week and next:

Sunday, December 18: Obadiah; Revelation 9                                       Monday, December 19: Jonah 1-4; Revelation 10 

Tuesday, December 20: Micah 1-3; Revelation 11                              Wednesday, December 21:  Micah 4-5; Revelation 12
Thursday, December 22:  Micah 6-7; Revelation 13 Friday, December 23: Nahum 1-3; Revelation14
Saturday, December 24:  Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15                  Sunday, December 25: Zephaniah 1-3; Revelation 16
Monday, December 26: Haggai 1-2; Revelation 17                             Tuesday, December 27: Zechariah 1-4; Revelation 18
Wednesday, December 28:  Zechariah 5-8; Revelation 19           Thursday, December 29:  Zechariah 9-12; Revelation 20
Friday, December 30:  Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21                    Saturday, December 31:  Malachi 1-4; Revelation 22

Sunday, January 1:  Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1

“180” will resume on Wednesday, January 4 at 6:30 in the Youth House.

Hang Time

Hang Time will resume on Wednesday, January 4 from at 6:00.  This is a great time to pay for trips and just get to know each other a little better.

The Guys/The Gems will be not be meeting today because of the Adult Choir Musical tonight.  The Guys will not need to pack for Backpack Buddies this week.  Gift Cards were sent to their families instead.  Just so that you will know, The Gems went shopping last week and bought Christmas presents for one of the families with the money that they raised at the Purse Extravaganza.  Five of the other families are getting Christmas dinner delivered to them because of the generosity of some of our adult Sunday School classes.  Your ministries have been an integral in bringing the joy of Christ’s birthday to these families!

ignite Light the Fire! Your next rehearsal will be on Wednesday, January 4.  You will be working on the Dessert Dinner Theatre and two promotional videos to be aired soon.   

East to West

You will be providing the instrumental pre-service music for the 11:00 worship service this morning. If you are part of the instrumental ensemble playing this morning, please meet in the sanctuary at 10:15 for sound checks and a quick run-through. High school and middle school vocalists will resume rehearsal on January 8 at 4:30.  This evening, after the Christmas Musical, any of you who have music ready can play during the Christmas Open House.  IMPORTANT:  If you play a band or orchestra instrument and would be willing to play for worship, please let me know.  I need to get a list of everyone who can play an instrument. We also need singers, guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, etc. to join up with the newly formed middle school band. If you attended earlier in the year but have not been coming recently, we have additional leadership now and can begin working with you.  We will likely not rehearse formally again until after Christmas…perhaps even into January, but we need you immediately when we resume.

Upcoming Dates…Please calendar these today!

Today:                                   Adult Christmas Musical dress rehearsal with IMFC at 4:30; Musical at 7:00; East to West instrumental ensemble possibly provides pre-service music at 6:45; Christmas Open House reception at Youth House following musical presentation.  December 21:         No activities

December 20:                      Caroling with the adults…6:00

December 24:                      Christmas Eve service at 5:00

December 25:                      Morning Worship service 11:00

December 28:                      Christmas Break Big Screen Movie Night/Dinner

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

David and the Student Ministry Leadership Team (S.M.L.T.)