Winterfest!!

I have been waiting for this event for so long that I almost overlooked it! I have been watching for this to come up on the calendar for probably a year now and the next thing I know it's almost January! Winterfest is a gigantic youth event in Arlington Texas with great speakers and times of worship together with other youth groups from across the state. It will be held at the Arlington Convention Center on January the 15th through the 17th. We will indeed be staying in a hotel for a couple of nights and it looks like Eastside will foot the bill for one of those nights! Still, the event is a little pricey but I promise you won't be disappointed. $75 is the fee which includes one night in the hotel, a t-shirt, and registration to the event itself. As you can see we don't have much time left to sign-up so check your calendars quick and sign-up out on the foyer table today!

Money continued to be collected for Kim's friend with Leukemia

Just want to remind everyone that it is not to late to give toward treatment expenses for Kim's good friend back in Germany. We pray daily that Matthias will be healed and that God's hand will be on him and his family and friends!

Bye Karlee Wells- We will miss you!

This past week was our last week with Karlee as she packs up her stuff and heads to Missouri. We all have great memories to hold on to but those still won't replace actually having her here with us.

We pray that God will shower his blessing down upon you Karlee as you make plans to finish up high school there in Missouri and make plans for college! We love you!

Holiday Update

Hi everyone, well at least hi to the both of you who actually read this blog! HA! I wanted to give a quick update on our Holiday schedule. I want to encourage everyone to attend here at the building Sunday night to hear Dorman bring one of his great messages. Merry Christmas to all of you and Happy New Year!

• Starting this Sunday, Dec. 20th, there will be no Bible Classes Sunday morning and no SNL Sunday night. The same will be true for the following Sunday, Dec. 27th.
  
• There will also be no Refresh on Wednesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 30th. But, there will be devos here at the building both nights and rumor has it that our very own Barrett Davidson is scheduled to do one of them!
• Victory Lunch will also be postponed for two weeks due to the Christmas break
• Everything resumes again on a regular schedule on Sunday, Jan. 3rd.

West Texas Girl's Conference- SIGN-UP TODAY

GIRLS- time is running out to sign-up for this awesome conference. The conference is on a Sat. and Sun. in Nov. 14th and 15th. Cost is $30. Please grab a sign-up sheet off the foyer table and return that with you money to Ross or Jamie by next Sunday, Oct. 25th. We would love to see all our girls come to this. It's that good!

Jeremy Camp Concert

Jeremy Camp in Concert in Abilene, Nov. 1st at 6:00 PM. This is a Sunday night. Tickets are $20 each or $15 each if we have 10 sign-up. Sign up deadline is this Wednesday, Oct. 21st with money being due by Sunday, Oct. 25th. This is open to anyone who would like to attend. Sign-up sheet will be on the foyer table.

Parents!-Notice upcoming Refresh discussion

We are just about finished with our Parents vs. Teens series. My prayer is that you have already begun to see some changes in your kids the last few weeks. We have been looking at the fact that the Bible commands us to respect our parents and obey them. I think this puts even more pressure on us as parents. Like you needed more right! But, seriously, our kids need us and they need our guidance and direction in their lives. I pray that God will grant us wisdom in loving and disciplining our children out of that love. Also, I wanted all parents to be aware that after next week, on Wednesday nights we will begin a 4 week series on sex and dating. I presented this material to the Dream Team about a month ago and made it available for any parent to view ahead of time to see if you had any concerns or questions. That invitation is still open but hurry! I am only about a week away from starting the series!

SNL this Sunday Night is at the Wilson's

Just want to make sure everyone sees this so you know where to go this Sunday night. Starts at 6:00 PM.

Bus to Brownwood next Friday night

If you are interested in riding the bus next Friday night, go ahead and sign-up this Sunday!

Wednesday Oct. 28th- Trunk or Treat

All the kids love to see you guys out there with your cars dressed up in your costumes so remember the date and come a little early on this Wednesday night!

Bryan Ray is the man!!

For those of you who don't already know this, Bryan Ray is the man! Thanks to Bryan we now have a running slide show of pics of several of you from Friday night and other events. Thanks Bryan! Woooo Hooooooo! or Bryan Ray might actually prefer Whoooop!

Football Friday night vs. Iowa Park

Upcoming Events

Hi everyone! Sorry that it has been so long since my last blog. I had the opportunity to preach this past Sunday and honestly that consumed most of my time! Anyway, I wanted to catch everyone up on a few details of things to come. As always, check our section in the bulletin for up to date details as well.

• SNL will be at Ross and Jamie's house this Sunday as we continue to study our Identity. Starting in Oct. we will be meeting at different houses throughout the fall so stay tuned to the bulletin and hopefully this blog for updates.
• Mud Mania is this Sunday night at the Presbyterian Church. We will still have our SNL time if you would like to join us for that first before heading over to the mud!
• First Baptist is hosting the first 5th quarter of the year next Friday night after the homecoming game.
• See You at the Pole is Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. I believe we will start meeting at 7:00 AM at both the HS and the JH. Remember, the main reason we are meeting is to pray for our schools, kids, teachers, parents, and so much more for the school year. There will be donuts and juice provided.
• Our next out of town bus trip for Friday night football is Sept. 25th
• Eastside's Family Camp out is Sept. 25th-27th in the Wichita Mountains. Families are encouraged to come even if you can't arrive until Saturday.
• Our fifth quarter bash will be Friday, Oct. 9th! We will host our bash at The Rock this year! Stay tuned for information concerning a planning meeting for this event.
• Saturday, Oct. 10th is Men at the Cross. It will be held at TCU and this is a great opportunity for men of all ages, grandpas to students. All men are invited and encouraged to attend. I believe it will run from 8:00 or 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Check out menatthecross.org for more details.
• Fields of Faith an FCA sponsored event is Wed. Oct. 14th.
• Whew, guess what? There is plenty more but I'm stopping for now so stay tuned!
  

DREAM TEAM MEETING POSTPONED

Due to football schedule change, the Dream Team meeting will be this Sunday afternoon @4:30.
I hope this will allow more parents to come to our house (1311 Rolling Hills) and help us plan the fall/winter activities. Remember, all parents or anyone wanting to volunteer with the youth program are invited to come. Pass this on...

BOB and GAB done for the Summer

Hi everyone! Hope everyone are having a great day today! I wanted to post a quick note that we will not meet for BOB or GAB next week. Our BOL this past Tuesday went over so well! We had a great turn out and had a really great time together! I think it will serve as the perfect ending to our BOB and GAB summer series for this year. Thank you to all of you who participated in these two events this summer. We want to encourage those of you who did not come this summer to consider doing so next year! Thanks,
Ross

BOB this next Tuesday is actually BOL!

That's right BOL, Bible over Lunch. this Tuesday at 12:30 PM at Ross and Jamie's house. Maybe some hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and whatever else we can find to grill! Come grab a bite to eat and hang out for awhile!

Dream Team Meeting, Thursday Aug. 20th

We will have our Dream Team meeting, Thursday August 2oth at 7:00 PM at Ross and Jamie's house. We have a lot of things coming up this fall to discuss. Just a reminder that Dream Team meetings are open to anyone interested in our youth and what they are doing. All are welcome to attend and give their input!

Back to School Party, Sunday August 30th

Plan to attend our back to school party this year! We will head out to the Davidson's for some fun time on the water, good food from the famous Davidson grill, a time of fellowship and devotion, and more! Remember, this is for junior high and high school as well as all of our parents, teachers, and volunteers that work with our youth!

Whew!

Man, sorry it has been so long since my last post! The summer is drawing to a close and things are starting to slow down. Well, sort of. Well, not really. Fall just means less trips but plenty busy with Victory Lunch, Refresh, Friday Night Football Trips, and so many other things we never actually slow down do we! Anyway, just wanted the both of you who read this blog to know I was still alive! Oh, and while I'm at it, here are some important dates to remember:

• Sept. 2nd- First Victory Lunch (sorry Freshmen it looks like you won't get to be there, what a bummer!)

• Sept. 4th- First Out of Town Bus trip of the football Season!

• Sept. 23rd- See you at the Pole and a Saw You at the Pole party that evening at the Rock

• Oct. 9th- Our projected date for our 5th Quarter Bash

• Oh and I have seen some great opportunities for some concerts coming up this fall so stay tuned!

Mystery Trip Details

If your a kid looking for details about our trip that your not suppose to know, forget it! :) I just wanted to holler at your parents and let them know that if your child is planning on going on our mystery trip I would like to meet with you after worship this Sunday morning for a brief meeting of details for our trip. See you then!

Parentlink Newsletter for July Now Available

Pick up your copy of the Parent Link Newsletter this Sunday morning! This month's issue focuses on our teens and the crisis and tragedy that is or has occurred in their lives and how to be there for them to help them cope. Also, remember that the July calendar is on the backside of the newsletter showing all of the upcoming activities for the month of July.

High Point- Measurements neeeded

Remember, all my fellow trekkers, I need your trunk (bottom of neck to waist) measurement by tomorrow, Friday. Keep on exercising and gathering your gear. If you have any questions let me know! Can't wait!

Work Camp in Brownwood (Deadline is this Sunday!)

Deadline to sign-up for work camp is this Sunday! This is for junior high and high school. Remember, last year Brownwood came here to the work camp we hosted and had a really good showing. We want to do the same. Right now I only have 2 that plan to go. Please consider coming to work camp this year if you can. I promise you you won't be disappointed. Serving others is a true blessing!

Day of Fun and Chillin in Wichita!

Hey, we head to WF today @ 5:00 PM to eat somewhere delicious and then head over to the Plex for some miniature golf and go-carts. Bring money for these things as well as any arcade games you might want to play. See you tonight! Should be home no later than 10:30 PM.

High Point (Trek) Meeting follow-up

If you are going with us on High Point (trek) this year and were unable to attend our meeting Sunday please drop by and pick up your packet of information. VERY IMPORTANT. Thank you! I can't wait! The peaks are chosen and waiting for us. Mount Belford and Mount Oxford are calling our names!

Social Networking

If you were unable to come to SNL Sunday night at our house you missed a great discussion on Facebook, Myspace, and texting. We talked and shared our views on the positives and negatives of these social networks. Our discussion was based on the article written in the Parentlink newsletter for JUne for all of our parents to pick up. Chaney brought out a very good point that he feels, and we agreeded, that we have reached a point of being addicted to these things. Kind of scary huh? They identify us, we can;t seem to function without them. WOW! What an eye opening experience. We also decided that if we have friends who are trying to text us during our times of worship and study that we need to let them know that we will not be excepting texts during that time because we were on God's time. NO texts excepted on God's time. We also said our fairwells to Jonathan. We will miss you brother! Jonathan will always be in our hearts. How great it is to knwo we now have a brother we can contact and visit with in Germany. God bless you Jonathan!

Casting Crowns/Ranger's Game

Our trip takes off this Saturday. Notice the change it time of our departure. 2:00 PM instead of 3:00 PM. Bring snacks and drinks for the ride up and back. Also, money for more snacks and such for our trip home as well as during the concert and souvenirs for the game. The all you can eat portion is for the game only. See you this Saturday @ 2:00 PM. Oh, and don;t plan to be home until sometime between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM. Late trip!

ParentLink Newsletter

This Sunday, May 31st we will have a brand new publication out on the foyer table for all parents of kids in the youth group. The ParentLink newsletter offers helpful insight in to the world of teens today. I will publish one of these each month. Please, pick up one copy per family and hold on to it because each month's calendar will be printed on the back of each newsletter. Tear off that calendar and hang it on the fridge for quick access to that months events. Always remember, that we add to and take away often so stay tuned! We all realize and know that parenting today is a great challenge but it is also a great honor! I pray that this short newsletter will aid us in our responsibility as parents. God bless!

Camp Pine Springs Details

It is hard to believe that we are only about 2 weeks away from our summer camp! WOW! With that being said, here are a few details that might be helpful to you as you plan for our trip.

• We will leave Sat., June 13th, at 1:00 PM to head to Lubbock where we will spend the night at Greenlawn C of C in their youth room area. There will be no showers but plenty of restroom space to wash a face or an armpit or two! So please bring a sleeping bag for that night.
• Shorts are obviously allowed since it is so hot during the day but at a mid-thigh to finger tip length. Please pay attention to this one Ian, Derek, Coby and Michael!
• There will be a banquet on Friday night. It usually has a theme. I don't know what that is as of now but when I do I will let you know. Usually, the kids are encouraged to dress the part. Lots of fun!
• The kids are put in cabins based on age. Like last year, I expect our kids will have at least one of our others kids in the cabin with them.
  
• No cell phones will work up there but there is a land line phone # that you can contact in case of emergencies. That number is on the website.
• Saturday we will be up by 7:00 AM and should be ready to leave by 8:30 Mountain time. Our trip by map google maps says it will take us around 9 hours. So tack on another hour and probably sometime around 8:00 PM or so.
• Also, the kids are encouraged to wear long pants at night because it is so chilly. In fact, the kids are usually sent back to their cabins for long pants after dinner for our devo time. If it is like last year, we were under a burn ban and could not even warm by the fire. As of now, no burn ban this year. YEAH! But, still pretty chilly at night!
• The kids will need to bring their toiletries, blankets, sheets, shorts, t-shirts, long pants, sweatshirts, hat for sun, hat for warmth, sunscreen, etc. The kids can bring their cell phones and game systems but I will have them leave both on the bus when we arrive. Also, remember the banquet. Even if they choose to not dress the part they still will want to bring a nicer pair of pants and a shirt for the banquet.
• Also make sure they bring their Bibles and there is no swimming there so no need for a swimming suit.
  
• I'm sure I have missed many things. Please email me or give me a call with questions.
  

Refresh Tonight! Impact Part2

Tonight is the second part of our series on our Impact on others. Tonight we will take a look at a lady who is a little hesitant to live out her beliefs with fear of offending others. I think we might all find we can relate! Also, remember that if your going to the Ranger's game your money is due tonight! $31. Oh, and one more thing, thank you for your attentiveness Sunday night during SNL. We needed to discuss and address somethings and I feel like we made some strides. Keep in mind, life is hard, but love conquers all things! We have got to learn to love each other more and more everyday. No exceptions, no lines drawn, no favorites, just love for all. It's called agape! It's a love from God showered down upon us to spread to each other. 1 Corinthians 13! Read it and live it! Love you guys!

Be Strong and Courageous

What a great night last night as we continued our series on Joshua and his life of courage and strength found only in God. We have concentrated on Phil 4:13. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13. Wow, what a bold statement!! All things? What does that mean for you and me? What is it that has seemed impossible for you to overcome? What is it that has seemed impossible to bear? What is it that has seemed impossible, period? Have we looked at it through this verse before? Man, it says that we can do this thing through Him who gives me strength! Praise God! Give it to Him! Last night we took a look at the giants in our lives. Just like the story of Joshua and the explores who were sent into the Promise Land only to report that there were great giants there and that although it was everything God said it would be there was no way they could overcome the giants! They actually got together and wished they were back in Egypt or even dead instead of facing these giants! That is crazy! Or is it? How many times have we encountered giants in our lives and felt the trembling and fear. Be strong and courageous! God can and will deliver you!

Gear Up!-Trek Details to Start Pouring In

OK, with Wednesday having come and gone so has the deadline for Trek so now we are set with our crew for this year. I still have two on the list to confirm but as of now our crew consists of 10 of us including me. So, first of all remember July 19th will be here soon, very soon, so start training now. I say that mainly for myself! HA! Second, remember that the first payment is due this Sunday of $95. Yeah, I know, that's soon but it is also the first of the month, the best time to try and start our payment schedule. Remind your parents. I will soon have medical release forms and such for you to begin to fill out. I will also have details about the need for measurements for fitting you to the gear we will rent so stay tuned!! I am pumped!

LTC- Last Minute Details

Hi everyone! Here are the details that I mentioned that I would post Sunday morning during announcements. Please give Darla or I a call or shoot us an email if you have any questions.

• Bus is leaving Friday @ 11:15 AM- Eat before you come or grab a bite and eat it on the way
• Families or individuals (those coming without parents) need to bring money to help pay for pizza Friday night and for dinner Saturday night
• We will be eating @ Fuddruckers Saturday night
• Breakfast Saturday morning will be in a room to be announced from 8:30-9:30 AM.
• Each family will be responsible for loading up your own stuff and having out of your room by checkout time which is 12:00 PM
• Debbie Woosley has offered to be available @ 11:30 AM to meet folks down stairs to put some of their stuff in her van until we can transfer things over to the Church bus or other vehicles.
• If you signed up for Art remember to bring your art with you to turn in Friday when we arrive.
• Remember that we are schedule to have our presentation and awards next Sunday night, April 19th at Church. We will need to display all pre-convention items in the foyer and all participants will have opportunity to preform Sunday night. Awards will be given following our presentation.
  

Summer's Comin'!!

Man, when May hits look out!! We have some exciting things to look forward to this summer! Stay tuned to this blog for a summer planner of events to be published soon! You won't want to miss it! Concerts, work camps, summer camp, trek, fun trips, mystery trips... just to name a few! :)

LTC Details

Reminder, that if you plan to go to the youth rally this Sunday you need to make sure your coaches are aware. I think that most groups will still be meeting for practice since so many are involved in LTC and not in the youth group. Also, remind your parents that the $50 is due for the hotel rooms.

Coffee Fellowship this Sunday- Bring your breakfast!

Just a reminder that we are signed-up to provide the breakfast items for this Sunday morning and the next for the kick-off of our coffee fellowship. So please remember to ask your moms to make their special recipe sausage rolls and cinnamon rolls or just remind them that you need to make a run to Walmart! See you at 9:00 AM!

Youth Rally this Sunday Night!

Remember, no SNL this Sunday night due to the youth rally in Wichita Falls @ Edgemere. We will plan to leave the Church at 2:15 in order to make it on time. Also, make sure that you bring along a belt for one of the activities that they have planned and money for Starbucks and convenient store stops. Now, if Jamie is in labor, or out of labor, because bambino is here, I and/or we probably won't be going. SO stay tuned...

Rock and Worship Concert Canceled

I know, I know, this may not be what you wanted to see but I have a hunch that many of you were probably not going to make it anyway. If you know me very well you know I hate to cancel things but I think this is a good idea. First, it will be very late when we get home and I know that several have a district track meet on Saturday, April 4th. Second, I am not sure that we would even be able to get in and even if we did we might miss out on a lot of the concert due to how long the line will probably be. Third, well, third, is my bambino that is on the way. I really don't need to leave Jamie behind right now when we are this close. I actually had already asked Bryan Ray to take those of you who wanted to go but I have a feeling that many of you have already considered most of these things already and have changed your mind. Anyway, stay tuned, this summer promises to have several more opportunities for concerts! Thanks!

Dream Team Meeting

Dream Team Meeting Monday, March 23rd. Items to discuss: Senior Sunday, LTC, summer plans, 4th Sunday fellowship, and more! For those of you who follow our blog to see what our kids our doing, the dream team is made up of individuals from our Church who would like to be involved in the planning of events for our students. Anyone interested in coming and being a part of this group is more than welcome to join us at our house. Thanks!

Meeting with Parents of our Seniors "09

Senior Parents, lets plan to have a meeting next Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM at the Church to discuss plans for this year's Senior Sunday which is now set for April 26th!

Girl's Movie Night

This Saturday Night @ Jamie's house at 7:00 PM. Bring a friend and a snack or drink to share. Remember, leave the guys at home! They wouldn't enjoy the movie anyway. I'm sure it will be very girly!

Get in Here Ministries?

What a great night we had last night! I saw some familiar faces that I had not seen in a while. We had a great time of worship together. We laughed a lot, ate some cookies, and enjoyed our time together. We talked last night about our cure for the world. The cure that we possess in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Savior and our awesome God who gave His Son for all of us so that we could be with Him for eternity. We talked about the joy we have in knowing that our sins are forgiven and forgotten. The ironic thing is that this cure we possess is greater than any cure imagined today. Greater than it would be to possess the cure for cancer or aids or any other type of disease. Why is it greater you ask? Because the cure we have found saves us for eternity! Jesus is the cure for a lifetime of sins and is our payment due for our atonement. He paid the ultimate price. He is the ultimate sacrifice! Thank you God for sending us your Son! So what do we do with this cure we possess. We watched a comical video of sorts of two guys who were trying to spread the word of Christ through what they called Get in Here Ministries. Although it was humorous, it was also very real in portraying our inability to spread the good news of Christ because we as humans are getting in the way of the message. We sometimes have it all wrong in our approach to sharing the gospel with others. Here are some scriptures that we looked at and I would encourage everyone to go back and take a look at these. The scriptures tell us exactly how we should share the good news of Christ. Love you guys! Ross
I Corinthians 9:19-23, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, John 3:16, Peter 3:15-16

Sing-Song Trip

With the Banquet being moved back one week I decided last minute that we ought to go to Sing Song. We went last year and had a blast! So, I know that at least 6 or so of us will head out Saturday to catch the show in Abilene. If you want to come and happen to look at this blog I need to know by 2:00 PM TODAY. Thanks! Text or call me.

Date Change for Someone Loves You Banquet

In order to allow time for the kitchen and, more importantly, the bathrooms to be complete over in the Activity building Dorman and the Elders have asked us to move the Banquet back one week. So, think about it, a banquet specially designed for say 150-200 of our elderly with no bathrooms! That spells disaster!! So, we will wait. By March 1st the state of the art kitchen should be complete and we can celebrate our sweethearts and the completion of the kitchen at the same time!

Sign-ups this Sunday

This Sunday I will be passing around two important sign-up sheets. One is for Pine Springs Camp in June, June 14th-20th. The other is for Wilderness Trek which will be July 18th-25th. The main reason for the early sign-up sheets is to see how many of you are planning on trying to come. So, if you know already that your in or you feel confident that you plan to go, sign-up Sunday!

Parent Meeting this Sunday!!

Remember that this Sunday afternoon at 4:30 PM is our parent/LTC meeting! We need all LTC participants, parents and coaches to attend!

February Birthdays!

Ian Woosley- 4th
Myra Kate Thomas- 7th
Tristan Owens- 16th
Christian Kondracki- 21st

TREK!!

Just a quick update on our Trek plans for this summer. I believe we have a week picked out. July 18-25th. Stay tuned for more details! It will be here before you know it!

Super Party!

This is Super Sunday! Well, in my opinion every Sunday is super Sunday but this Sunday actually is the date for the Super Bowl. Since the teams in the big game aren't the Cowboys or the Broncos and since the commercials will probably be horrible as usual, than we will just have to have fun without them! We will certainly have our Madden Tournament and other games as well as food, lots of food! I say that, I guess that part actually depends on us. Lets all make sure we plan to bring lots of finger foods and drinks. Remember, our kitchen is in shreds so there will be no place to prep or clean up so plan your food accordingly! See you there!

Parent Meeting is next Sunday!

Our big time parent meeting is next Sunday at 4:30! We will start off with a meeting discussing our plans for LTC so all participants, parents, and coaches need to attend. Coaches, if you have some dates set for your practices please bring those so that we can compare and get a schedule together for all practices. Following the LTC portion of the meeting parents and I will be discussing our upcoming summer as well as Senior Sunday and other events just around the corner. Please make plans to attend.

Someone Loves You Banquet

Remember that our Someone Loves You Banquet is Sunday, Feb. 22nd. We are planning to perform our version of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We will spend some time preparing for our roles in the next few weeks so stay tuned!

January Birthday's

Kaitlin Pharis- Jan. 2nd -TODAY Happy Birthday Kaitlin!
Whitney Norman- Jan. 3rd
Brooke Doyle- Jan. 5th
Kylie Pearce- Jan. 3oth

2009 begins NOW

Well, here we go, the Christmas trees are coming down, the lights are coming down, the sweets are being put away or thrown out and all the Happy Holiday times come to an end. Kind of sad huh? Well it shouldn't be! 2009 promises to be one of the best years yet for our youth group! This is a Trek year! Yahoo! We kick everything off with the Heart of Texas Youth Retreat in Brownwood. If you wish you would have attended more events in 2008 well, start it off right this year with this retreat. You won't be disappointed! Also remember that SNL will be in The Attic @ 6:00 PM and Victory lunch starts back up again this Wednesday with pizza! I can't wait to see what this year brings! For me personally, the hope, joy, and anticipation of a little boy has gotten me pumped!