Laser Tag!!

BOSS was off to play laser tag today and we had record attendance, at least since I have been sponsor (admittedly not that long at 2 years now but still ...). Before we left, Pastor Brad asked this question of the youth: while we are out playing laser tag and shooting at each other, will people know we are Jesus followers?" The immediate response was No, but upon further reflection we agreed that we show that we are Christians when we act kindly to each other, stop and help people in need, and play fair.

Until next time ...
Lindsey

Easter Egg Hunt and more

We had such fun at this year's Easter Egg Hunt. As our primary service project to the Church, we pulled together to put on an even better event than we did last year. Six weeks of planning and numerous hours from both the youth and adults paid off. Special thanks to Sabine Bell for helping me with the planning stages, and special thanks to all the parents who took over the activity tables while the youth were spreading eggs.

We were very fortunate that Emily Hohertz sketched out this art piece, which was the primary activity for our older children. The finished product is not yet done, needing final outlines and decoration. However the design was lovely even in its beginning stages.

Not only that, our Gaga Ball Court saw some action last Sunday and even a little competition with ROCK. It turns out that size is no advantage in gaga ball and both Erik and Jan won several matches. I managed to pull off a win as did Pastor Lynnae.

As an added treat, Sparky stopped by and Pastor Lynnae told us a bit about his work around the country as an advocate for accessibility. What a blessing to have such a passionate person doing such important work in our congregation.

You don't want to miss our next activity!! Look for details in your email inbox, and be prepared for some fun!

Letter from the Sponsor 10/18/2012

I meant to post this on Monday but whew! This Capital Campaign, Creating Space for Grace, has kept me running all month.

We had a great time last Sunday 10/14. Our original plan to hike Wild Basin was unfortunately mudded out after the fabulous rains of the previous week. I had to bail out my leaky car twice and a third time awaits me. After waking up to the rain on Sunday morning and knowing it would be so muddy, I grabbed my trusty laptop and started digging for an alternative activity. I came up with a couple options and Pastor Brad and I settled on the Texas Natural Science Center. After late service and a brown bag lunch, we loaded six youth and my kiddo into our two cars and off we went. Since it was such a beautiful day, I put that leaky roof of my car down and took with me a trio of laughing girls who didn't mind the wind.

We were all quite windblown when we arrived but nothing a brush couldn't cure.

The youth were great and I was proud to be escorting them through the exhibits. We had time to explore all the floors and all found something fascinating.

In the spirit of It's A Small World, I ran into my cousin and his wife. It's always good to see them.

The trip tied perfectly into the Confirmation lesson that week on creation. What a great afternoon spent with God's Awesome People (GAP? how's that for an acronym?)

with you in God's abundant love,

Lindsey

We, guys and gals, Need. A. Name!

Say this five times fast: Abiding Love Middle School Youth Group.

That's so loooooooooooooong. And booooooooooooooooring. The high schoolers are The R.O.C.K. and we're not even A.L.M.S.Y.G. Almsyg just doesn't have the coolness of R.O.C.K.

Challenge: Name That Youth Group!

Attempt #1 G.I.G.L. Grow In God's Love, but that wasn't gonna fly. Even Ryan couldn't keep a straight face, and why would you want to when you just said

Attempt #2: G.I.G.G., which is what I'd like someone to do to some flounder, then cook it up for me. Yum! But Grow In God's Grace is definitely worth some work and effort on my part, even if I don't have tasty flounder at the end.
(Here's another gigg): 

Attempt #3: Your turn! Add it in the comments and I'll see you on Sundays!

Blessings,
Lindsey

Letter from the Sponsor (That's me!), 9/23/2012

Hi Parents and Youth,

What a great youth group yesterday for the beginning of our year. We had about half of our confirmation class but of course not everyone will be able to come every time. I am so thrilled with the year ahead. Our group Sunday was caring, generous, energetic and lively, prayerful and considerate, and thoughtful about both societal issues and personal challenges.

Special thanks to the K's for bringing us lunch. I picked up the sides and fruits before late service, and little was left over though they ate their fill. You'll be pleased to know that we finished 2.5 pounds of grapes and a pound of carrots, but had remaining chips. Plain sparkling water was mixed with Capri Sun for bubbly goodness. Saving the cookies for departure was a great idea since there was plenty of energy flowing through them already. We'll continue to do that.

Don't forget: all youth who will be going to activities off church property MUST have the transportation release and the medical information form back before they can go. They are attached and you can return them Sundays during Confirmation or scan and email to me or Pastor Brad. Also, November's Youth Gathering is coming. If you don't have the info Pastor Brad emailed, let him know and he'll send it again.

I also attached the food and devotion signup sheet. Youth, don't forget to pick a Sunday to lead devotion and families, please see if there is a Sunday where you can assist with food--light lunches, and fruit is popular.

You all will get a reminder email the Wednesday before a youth group so please reply if you know you aren't coming. We want enough food for all and we'll need a head count for field trips to make sure we have enough drivers.

Blessings,

Lindsey

Freshening for the New Youth Year

Our room has become a dull place other than the colorful walls painted by middle school youth of years past.

See what I mean? Two lonely pieces of furniture, and a folding table and chairs too short for it. On the other side behind me are some beanbags but three of them are losing their stuffing. However, I, a mom,  and two of the youth dreamed today of ways to bring our energy and excitement back into the room. Suggestions included:

• mini trampoline
• yoga balls in place of chairs
• sofa and love seat in one corner
• floor pillows
• large collage but we don't have a subject yet
• constellations done in glow-in-the-dark stars. Four ceiling panels = four seasons
• game chairs in place of the bean bags
• air fresheners (running outside is sweaty, right?)

Here is our wish list. If you have something off the list that is more in your way than useful to you, we'd love to have your donation. This year I'm hoping to focus on reusing and making useful items that are no longer needed rather than buying new. All of us have something in our garages that is in the way but still has life in it. Ugly wood furniture is made beautiful by paint, and for some reason teens and preteens love the concept of painting things, though not the cleanup that follows if I remember myself at 13 correctly.

This year, we're also adding in a service expectation of 10 hours a semester. My two stalwart youth helpers have picked out their project and want to build a gaga ball arena. Sounds like fun (to watch) to me!

I can't wait to see the transformation of our room and ourselves as we gather each week for Confirmation, and twice a month for Youth Group. I will see you next week at Rally Day!!

Live Nativity Scene

The Abiding Love Middle School youth re-enact the Nativity Scene... click here!

Middle School Youth Events

The middle school youth group will be meeting immediately after confirmation on March 9th for a meaningful youth group event. Let’s have some fun with friends after learning about God’s word at confirmation!

We will meet on March 22nd to help hide eggs for the Easter Bunny during our Abiding Love Easter Egg hunt. After the hunt, we will have some fun decorating the church properties for the great Easter Celebration!

We will not be having confirmation or a youth group meeting on March 23rd due to it being Easter!

Middle School Youth Group Meetings

The next Middle School Youth Group meeting will be held on February 24th at 6:00PM, immediately following Confirmation Class.

We will be traveling to Blazer Lazer Tag for a seriously fun night. Bring a friend and be
ready to play.

The Austin Crop Walk is scheduled for March 2nd. Please let us
know if you are interested in joining our group in an effort to stop
world hunger.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Middle School Youth Group meetings will be held on February 10th and 24th at 6:00PM, immediately following Confirmation Class.

The Middle School Youth will be providing the light Lenten meal before the 6:45 Worship Service on Wed., Feb. 13th. If you haven’t signed up to bring something, please contact Janea Escobedo at allcyouth@austin.rr.com. We will need the youth to arrive by 4:45PM. 100% of the free will offering will be divided between the youth who participate to help pay for your summer camp.

Please remember to turn in your money and all orders for the Candle Fundraiser to Janea no later than Wed., Feb. 20th! 50% of all your sales will go toward paying for your summer camp.

Middle School Youth Group Meetings

The Middle School Youth Group will be meeting after Confirmation Class on January 27th, and again on February 10th. Emails will be sent to all the members to let you know what we’ll be up to. Hope you can make it!

Middle School Youth Group January Meetings

Youth Group for Middle School will be held January 13th and January 27th. Both meetings will begin immediately after Confirmation Classes from 6:00PM until 7:30PM. Bring a friend and have some fun!

Movie Time Dec 27th !

The Middle School Youth are going to the movies! On Thursday December 27th, all middle school youth are encouraged to bring a friend and experience an inspiring journey to the North Pole, as seen in IMAX 3D. That’s right! We’re going to see “The Polar Express” at the Bob Bullock Museum.

RSVP to Janea if your interested. The cost will be $8.00 per youth. We will be preordering the tickets, so PLEASE email us ASAP. allcyouth@austin.rr.com

Middle School Youth Meeting

The Middle School youth will be meeting on Sunday December 9th from 6:00 to 9:00PM. We will get into the spirit of Christmas by shopping at Barton Creek Mall for an inexpensive gift, then going to the Escobedo home for a Christmas party where we will exchange our gifts, eat (of course) and play games. Don’t miss it!

Zombies and Scary Movies

Dear Marty,
I love scary movies! Really I do! I love things jumping out and lots of blood. And, while we are on the topic....I love things that blow up and chase you around! I have bad dreams sometimes, but that isn't because of the movie! Duh. My mom says that I am polluting my brain. My dad doesn't say much of anything. What's your take on the "PG" - perfectly great or parental guidance?
Signed, Zombie wanna be

Dear Zombie,
Well, first of all, I think it is - PN - perfectly normal for you to like the scary and action type films. You sure never get bored watching them! The thing is sometimes too much of the scary and otherwise gory is over kill (ha ha). What I mean is, sometimes it starts to take over your thinking and get in the way of your relationships with others and with God. If you find yourself sitting in front of the TV for hours on end and ignoring your responsibilities and lessons, well then maybe it's time for a break. If you find yourself thinking about the movie characters and stories even when you aren't watching them...well then maybe you are not spending enough time in the real world. Parental guidance is about your good welfare not about a punishment. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a story and real life. When you really get scared - for yourself - well then I would say it is time to shut the show off!

Signed, Marty Rambo