Winter Ski-Treat

We are taking the youth to Winterplace, West Virginia over MLK jr. Weekend January 16-19, 2009.

Our plan is to take the kids out of school after lunch on Friday to make the drive up to WV. We'll ski 'till we drop Saturday & Sunday, and drive back Monday.

The cost is going to be $110/person, and we have to send a $40 deposit per person next week, thus the deadline is this Sunday, Oct. 12th.

Please contact Thad this week to get signed up. We can cover the $40 deposit for anyone who needs it, but no one can be added after this deposit is sent.

Six Flags in less than 2 weeks!!!

If you have not signed-up and are comign with us, please contact Thad this week (by the 25th). There is no money needed prior to the 4th, just show up and pay your $15 to get on the bus...assuming you've already sign-ed up.




Here's the itenerary:
8 AM - Leave the church
10 AM - arrive at park
8 PM - Depart from park
10 PM - arrive at church.

It's pretty simple. Eat breakfast before you leave the house that morning, and lunch & dinner are on your own in the park (we're recommending $25-30 for both).

Also, I don't know if the water rides will be open or not, but I will recommend not riding any after lunch that day so you can be dry for the ride home...or bring a change of clothes.

Here's the park website if you want to look around.

Small Groups

I'm sorry this is not one of those graphically stimulating blog posts, but the tail end of this week (when I am composing this) is insane for us (closing on new house & moving in good weather between tropical storms & hurricanes). So again, please forgive the simplicity for now. I promise more on the upcoming Six Flags trip invitation.

We are changing the way we are going to be doing Sunday school in the coming weeks. My hope is that the change will have many positive results. Sunday mornings with the youth will go as follows:
After arrival & greeting time, approx. 10-15 minute lesson presented by various teachers (primariy me) who have already been recruited.
After lesson, break up into pre-designated small groups. These small groups will be carefully established with 3-5 gender & age specific members. The group members will be the same every week, as will the small group leader.
The rest of Sunday school will be with the small groups.


My hopes are two-fold:
One: That removing the teaching aspect from volunteering with the youth will result in more adult volunteers to just hang out with and pour into the youth, to build those relationships.

Two: That by having consistency (same group members & same group leader) from week to week, the youth will develope impactful relationships with one another, as well as with their small group leader.

So that's it in a nutshell. Like I said previously, teachers, I have...small group leaders / mentors / shepherds I need. If you would like to pour into the lives of the youth, but have been put-off by the prospect of having to prepare and teach a lesson, I have removed that barrier for you...please come.

Contact me with any questions, or to express interest.

Before School Begins...

...we are going to meet at Gold Cup Bowling Center on Russell Parkway Wednesday July 30th from 5:30 to 7:30. It will cost $10 per person, and that will cover food, drink, shoes, and lane for 2 hours. (You'll want to bring socks if not already wearing them).

I absolutely have to know how many are coming by Sunday night the 27th, so that we can be sure to have enough food and enough lanes. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board under the clock in the yak shack.

And then, don't forget about the

Sunday night August 3rd at the Hilliards. RSVP/sign-up by the bowling night (July 30th). On the RSVP sheet, there will be a list of things to be brought; please indicate what you can bring (drink, chips, dessert, etc.) I will email directions to the Hilliards.

Friday Night Braves Game

On Friday, July 18 we will leave the church at 3:30 to go watch the Braves take on the Washington Nationals in their first game after the All Star break. Following the game will be a fireworks show.
The cost is $25 per person for seats in left field, but you will also need eating money at the ballpark ($10 will get you a drink and hotdog).
We only have 25 tickets, so if you want to come with us please sign-up asap. The sign-up sheet is in the yak shak on the bulletin board beneath the clock.

-PS: anyone who works VBS (July 13th-18th from 5:30 to 8 PM) will have their ticket paid for.

Crossfire Schedule

Here is the schedule for this years youth week with the crossfire team:

Monday, June 9:
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner at church
7:00 – 9:00 Crossfire Program Time at church

Tuesday, June 10:
8:00 Breakfast at Church
8:30 Depart from church
9:00 – 4:00 Phoenix Center Ropes Course
4:00 – 6:00 R&R Gurrs
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner at Gurrs
7:00 – 9:00 Crossfire Program Time at Gurrs

Wed, June 11:
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast at church
10:00 – 12 Digital Polaroid panic
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch at church
1:00 – 2:00 Scavenger hunt presentation/review/scoring
2:00 – 6:00 Games at the church
6:00 – 7:00 Wednesday night Fellowship Supper
7:00 – 9:00 Crossfire program time at church

Thurs, June 12:
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast at church
10:00 – 12 Community Service Projects
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Back at church
1:00 – 9:00 Crossfire Program Time

Kickoff Summer 2008

Click on image to enlarge

SURGE 2008

This summer's "Middle School" retreat is hopeful to be at Surge at Lake Junaluska the weekend of July 3 - July 6 (Thursday - Sunday). A very firm deadline to sign up is set for Wednesday June 4th.



We're still calling it "Middle School," but will make it available to any of the high schooler's who were unable to participate in the mission trip as well.

Also, as noted above, we are hopeful that it will be there. This is completely contingent upon how many we have sign-up by the June 4th deadline. If we only get a small handful, we will be able to put together our own trip for much cheaper.

Feel free to contact Thad with any questions.

Infuencing

It's is almost a daily realization I have with the girls (daughters Ellie & Ava); I am influencing their lives. Some would argue that their personalities were formed before they were even brought into this world outside of Hannah, but I don't know about that. They are, however, quite easily influenced.

Whether I like it or not, whether I intend it or not...they are influenced by what they are exposed to. The soak it all up like a sponged left out in August then tossed in a pool. The funny thing is, they don't know any better than to exhibit those things that they soak up.

Here's an example of what I mean:

We do not know exactly when Ellie "soaked it up," but if we ever have to make an abrupt stop (or even just slow down) in the car, she says "Come On!! White (right) Now!!" She will also do it if she hears someone honk the horn. She has apparently learned that expressing frustration towards other drivers is quite appropriate. It's crazy ebcause not only does she say those words, but she says it through gritted teeth with a hostility she could only have inherited from me.

There are a few lessons here, but only one I want to mention.

Are we not just as easily influenced?

Now, I know that we have the knowledge of what is socially acceptable behavior and all, so we don't go around exhibiting behaviors of everything we see on TV or hear in music. So I guess we could say "No" to being as easily influenced as a child, since we do not necessarily mimic everything we're exposed to. But I do believe that, like a child, we cannot help but "soak up" at least some of all we are exposed to.

God tells us that "To the pure, all things are pure." - Titus 1:15

It's like the Garden of Eden before the eating of the fruit of the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" (apple, pear, banana...no one really knows). Before partaking, all things were pure to man, but nothing could undo man becoming aware of the presence of evil. When man was pure, it literally was "all good," but Adam and Eve never knew how good it was until it was gone.

So I guess some conclusion is needed 'cause I feel like that was some sort of a ramble.

Realize that "it" will soak into you(kinda like the ebay commercials). Whatever your "it" is, it will stay with you and probably even influence you to some degree. So now you are aware. Just be cautious of what you allow yourself to be exposed to, but even more than that; choose to be exposed to good, and even Godly things so that your perspective of life is not twisted from what God desires for it to be.

Jesus came into this world to give us life, and life abundantly. John 10:10 could also be translated to say "to have life and to have abundance." Either way, He says not that he came to restrict and limit our lives, but rather to give to us a life that is abundantly more full and satisfying that anything this world can give. All we have to do is let Him.

I don't know about you, but I could really use that.

Questions or comments??? Let's hear 'em.

Comin' Home

So I'm back from vacation/conference. Coming home Saturday was similar to Christmas eve. I was so excited to be coming back to the church.

Now understand me here; I'm not referring to the building, or to the office, or to the job, or even to the ministries. When I say I was excited to be coming back to the church, I mean the people. I felt like hugging everyone I came into contact with Sunday morning. I had missed seeing everyone so much in my week off. There are still several folks who weren't able to be at church yesterday that I still have that excitement about seeing again and miss.

So while I was away; know that I missed you.

And when I am here; know that I love you.

ps - If you have ideas or thoughts for the planning meeting Saturday, please come and give input. If you can't make it, or simply don't want to stand out, pass your idea on to me before hand.

Last Night

Well last night snuck past me without being able to come back together and process the game.

Believe it or not, there was a point to us playing dodge ball.

Ephesians chapter 6 is where Paul teaches us about the armor of God, and specifically about the FACT that our struggle is "against the spiritual forces of wickedness." (v.12)

We were going to be beginning a discussion on wickedness, evil, and Satan; and how those affect us.

Dodge ball is simply an activity to get us aquainted with ill-intended things flying at us as verse 16 tells us.

So be prepared and read-up on this passage. We'll pick-up here when I get back from Orange.

Also, I will be collecting any remaining cards to redistribute to some youth who did not get any to sell. As of this morning, we have passed the "break even" mark and have actually begun making a profit.

Keep on keepin' on with the card sales. I'll see you all on the 4th.

Card Sales Challenge!!!

So they are off and running with the discount card sales.

As a bit of incentive, I have agreed to let Hannah "bic" my head if all of the cards get sold. "Bic" as in Bic Razor.



Apparently some of the youth would not be satisfied with a squeaky clean bald-headed Thad. They added a few stipulations:

#1) "lose the goatee & leave the sideburns"
I've actually seen someone with a shaved head having left the sideburns to stand alone...this is gonna look almost as ridiculous as stipulation #2.
#2) "leave a mohawk"
I'm accustomed to the "buzz cut" and have at times left a mohawk to get a laugh, but soon returned to the clippers to finish it off having never left the house. I must say that it is surprisingly difficult to get a nice symmetrical mohawk...so I suppose we'll test Hannah's skills here.

Of course these will be very short-lived, as there are some more professional aspects of my job that a side-burn accompanied mohawk would detract from, but rest assured there will be pictures, if not video on the internet. I may even post it here...after all it will be in celebration of a great feat.

Wed. 4/9/08

It is going to be very important for everyone who can to attend youth this Wednesday night. The fundraiser cards are here and we need to get right on selling them as soon as possible.(See details below in the post "What you might have missed...")
I will be going through the "how to" of selling these cards, as well as distributing them this Wed.

Anyone unable to make it Wed night is welcome to come by my office at your convenience to pick up your cards. Just email or call me to set up a time.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the crossfire team coming and the mission trip. If you are going on the mission trip, you are encouraged to participate in this fundraiser in fairness to everyone.

Parents, it will be very important for the youth to keep up with their envelopes so as to avoid losing the cards they are responsible for. After about 4 weeks, they will need to turn in any remaining cards and all money collected. Each young person will be responsible for any discrepancies between cards returned and money turned in. You are more than welcome to sit in Wed night to gather the details.

I look forward to seeing you all Wed night.

What you might have missed last night

Last night I introduced another fundraiser to folks.

We are going to be selling "discount cards" for $15/card.
Here's what the front will be:



Here's the back:


These will be great values for anyone who buys one as they are valid for 1 year and can be used daily.



I also shared a story about a young Sudanese boy names Damare; click here for the story.

Ushering this Sunday

For those of you who missed the usher training, here are some things to remember for this Sunday morning:

1. People are more important than things. Focus on the people arriving for worship and be helpful and courteous toward them. Anticipate their needs and seek to meet those needs. Smile and make them feel welcome. Make sure to find out from a first time worshipper their name and try to remember it. You may use a statement like this, “Share with me your name please.” Help late arriving people to find a suitable seat in the congregation especially when we have a large crowd.

2. Give out bulletins with a smile. Call as many people by name as you can. People enjoy knowing you know them. If you do not know them make a simple statement, “Help me to remember your name.”

3. Help folks to find restrooms and nursery when needed and to find their way to the fellowship hall.

4. Be sure to get an accurate count for the day and put this slip of paper in the offering plate at the end of the service.

5. Before leaving the late service, make sure to pull all the attendance pad sheets off and put them in the offering plates or in the slot on Elaine’s door just inside the receptionist’s office.

6. As the prelude begins close to the doors to the narthex and to the hallway going toward the Sunday school wing. This insures that worshipers are able to get into a worshipful mood.

7. When the service is over, open the two center doors into the Narthex before the pastor arrives at the back to give the benediction.

8. Help people with special needs like wheel chairs to find a suitable seat and the recover their wheel chair at the end of the service.

9. If persons come into the Narthex during the service who need financial assistance, invite them into worship so the pastor may speak to them following the service.

10. If there is a crisis, respond appropriately; dial 911. Be helpful, not a hero. If there is a fire, help people out, orderly, and maintain your cool. Make sure all outside doors are opened.

11. As folks are leaving, invite them to return with a smile. “Come worship with us again.” “I look forward to seeing you next week.”

Missions & Crossfire

As a way of preparing us to leave for the mission trip, June 9-12 the Crossfire Team will be with us. The events for this week are still being planned, so let Thad know if you have any ideas.

Here is this years Crossfire team:




The date for the deadline to sign-up for this summer's mission trip is set for Sunday April 6th.

The agency we are working with has invited us to Volusia County, Fl which is the Daytona area. They still have damage remaining from storms 6 years ago, so there is much need. We will depart the Sunday morning of Father's Day (June 15), probably after having a Father's Day breakfast or something special like that. We will work Monday through Thursday, then check in to a hotel Thursday night to decompress, rest, & relax Friday and half of Saturday before returning home Saturday evening (June21).

Bullhorns

So tonight we were challenged with a few questions:

1- Does the way I live my life as a Christian make those around me attracted to Christ or not?
What we saw with the bullhorn "evangelist" is that most folks were actually being repulsed from Christ by his method of presentation. It's easy for us to say "yeah, but I'm nothing like that guy," and go on since we don't see our behavior actually making people not want to have anything to do with Christ the way bullhorn guy did.
See, the question is not "does your life push people away from Christ, and if not then you're safe." That is actually the converse (opposite) of the question. The question is "does your life draw people to Christ?" Is the way you live so peculiarly different from the rest of the world because of who God is and what He has done in your life that those around you are forced to grapple with the question of "What is so different about them?"
In the Bible in the book of 1st Peter, it says to "be ready to give an answer (or make a defense) for the hope that you have..." Now that implies that we aught to be living in a way that makes people curious. So the convicting question I, and you, need to ask is "Am I living like that?"

So the second question is actually kind wrapped up & included in the first...or maybe more of a follow-up to the 1st. It's simply "Are you loving people as Christ's life demonstrates we should?"
We saw that the way bullhorn guy was going about things was actually giving people ammunition to believe that "bullhorn evangelism" is what Christianity is all about; the condemnation, the recruitment, the fear, and the guilt...but that's not it at all!
One of the greatest ways we can live our lives that makes people take notice that we are different is by loving everyone; especially those hard to love people. That means being kind, considerate, sympathetic, & as Hannah pointed out being selfless towards others. Do I love everyone I am aware of, and how can I demonstrate that love better?

This is not just a question for you and me personally, but I believe this a question the church as a whole could benefit from asking itself. We sit inside those walls and wonder "why don't they come?" and they sit at home (or wherever) and wonder "why don't they care?" The issue is not that we don't care ( I hope), but the issue is that we could do a much better job demonstrating it.

So my prayer is this: that God would be so large and alive in our lives that we could not help but be such loving people that when others ask why we are the way we are, we have to tell them "because He first loved me."

Lock In

Here are a few pics from our Lock in back in January. We didn't get pictures of everyone but we had a great time! As you can see we played games ALL night long!