• Do Hard Things

    In case you missed the announcement at the five15 Retreat, Do Hard Things is coming to town and we're going to be a part of it.  To the uninitiated, Do Hard Things is a book written by Alex and Brett Harris.  On Saturday, September 25, Do Hard Things is a conference based on the book at Hylton Memorial Chapel.  Here's the deal:

    "The Rebelution's Do Hard Things Tour is coming to major cities across the United States in Summer of 2010. Each conference is a challenging one-day event for teens by teens who believe that our generation is ready for a change. Ready for something that doesn't promise a whole new life if you'll just buy the right pair of jeans or use the right brand of deodorant.

    "We believe that our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming. And we've noticed that once wrong ideas are debunked and cleared away, our generation is quick to choose a better way, even if it's also more difficult."

    I've added this to the calendar because it's a great opportunity either to participate or to serve—or both!  Turns out, the Marriott family are organizing volunteers for the conference, so if you're interested in serving, contact them directly, or send me an email.

    Want to learn more?  Check it out:

    Friday, August 27, 2010 (No comments)

  • Like to Sing?

    Ryan Holland is leading a high school choral group on Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30 pm at the church building. This choir is open to all high school students. Below is part of a course description. There is a $30 charge for the class. If you are interested or have additional questions, you can contact Susan Thorson - thorsonsusan(at)gmail(dot)com.

    Course Description: This is a performance based class in which students learn to sing and perform in a vocal ensemble. There will be a strong emphasis on singing with healthy vocal technique and diction for ensemble singing, singing with expression and musicality appropriate to the given genre of music, and sight singing. There will also be several evening performances.

    Thursday, August 26, 2010 (No comments)

  • Retreat Discussion Questions

    Parents,

    Hope you're all recovered and rested up from the retreat.  It took me a while, but it was worth it!  Even though we've been home from the retreat for almost a week (!) it's not too late to continue benefiting from the retreat.  We provided a lot of discussion questions, probably more than you could get through while you were there.  Here they all are in one place in case you want to continue the conversation with your teen:

    SESSION 1 — EPHESIANS 1:1-14 — Steve Whitacre
    Hello, My Name is Christian

    • ­ What are you most looking forward to about this retreat?
    • How have you been praying for this retreat?
    • Is there anything on your mind that would keep you from enjoying this retreat fully?
    • Look at the “Who Are You” page in your booklet. How do you answer the first question?
    • Where do you find your identity?
    • Are there ways that you have replaced your identity in Christ with something else? What effect does that have in your life?
    • What are some of the benefits of finding your identity in Christ? Which do you get most excited about?
    • What needs to change for you to live out your identity in Christ?

    SESSION 2 — EPHESIANS 1:5-6 — Seita Sakaguchi
    Hello, My Name is Adopted

    • ­What do you think is God’s attitude toward you? Angry? Frustrated? Annoyed? Welcoming? Joyful? Why do you think that?
    • What does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?
    • How does adoption reveal the love of God the Father for sinners like us?
    • Is adoption reversible? Why is this good news? What affect does this truth have on your soul?
    • What does J.I. Packer mean when he says, “Father is the Christian name for God”?
    • What’s one step you will take in the coming days to remember your identity as a beloved child of God?

    Recommended Resources for Further Study:

    • ­J.I. Packer, Knowing God, Chapter 19 “Sons of God”
    • Sinclair Ferguson, Children of the Living God
    • Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, Chapter 37 “Adoption”

    SESSION 3 — Mark 9:30-50 — Kenny Lynch
    Hello, My Name is Disciple

    • What is a disciple of Jesus Christ? How can you tell if someone is truly a disciple?
    • Are you a disciple? How do you know?
    • What were the two words that Kenny used to describe a true disciple? In your own words, what do each of these words mean?
    • Why is selflessness unnatural for us?
    • If you could become the very best at one thing, what would it be? What are you tempted to think you are the best at? Or the worst at? What does this reveal about you?
    • Where is God calling you to selflessly serve others right now?
    • Why does Jesus talk about being so ruthless with sin?
    • As Kenny was talking, did God bring to mind any sins that you need to be ruthless with?
    • If God is calling you to be ruthless with sin, how can the gospel give you hope for change?

    SESSION 4 — GENESIS 1 — Mark Mullery
    Hello, My Name is Imago Dei

    • ­ Who has the strongest family resemblance in our family?
    • What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
    • Can we name the five gifts God gave to man that make up the image of God? (Rationality, creativity, dominion, righteousness, and community.) How do you see these aspects of the image of God expressed in your or in others?
    • What does sin do to the image of God in people? Can you think of an example of how sin has distorted one of the five aspects of the image of God in your life?
    • Mark gave five implications of the imago Dei. Which of these do you think God is calling you to think about? What changes is God calling you to make?
    • How does Jesus restore the image of God in sinners? Can you think of any verses that show how this happens?

    SESSION 5 — EPHESIANS 1:11-14 — Steve Whitacre
    Hello, My Name is Spiritual

    • ­ How did God meet you during the worship and ministry?
    • Was there a prophetic word or a song that was particularly meaningful?
    • Who did you pray for and what did you pray for them?
    • Did God grant you conviction in any meaningful ways?
    • Is there anything you need to tell me?

    SESSION 6 — EPHESIANS 2:10 — Steve Whitacre
    Hello, My Name is Busy

    • What was a highlight from the retreat for you?
    • How did the five15 Challenge go for you? Who did you get to know that you didn’t know before?
    • What did you learn?
    • What is one way you’ve been encouraged while here on the retreat?
    • What is one area in which you are experiencing conviction to change?
    • What is one step you’re going to take to change in that area? How can I help you make progress in that area?
    • What is one way you’ve grown in passion on this retreat?
    • What are you going to do at home to continue growing in passion?
    Tuesday, August 24, 2010 (No comments)

  • Retreat Weather

    The weather report for the retreat looks great!  Pray that those afternoon thunderstorms stay away.

    Friday, August 13, 2010 (3 comments)

  • Retreat Road Trip Eats

    No retreat I'm a part of would be complete without some good, fresh, local ice cream.  I have no local knowledge, but I know someone who does.  Mr. Peiffer knows the area and suggests that we check out either (or both!) of two local establishments.  Here's the info:

    Both of these are more or less on the way (meaning, they are both in Pennsylvania).  If you try them and hit on a good flavor, let me know.  And as always, if you stumble across a different place that is tasty, let me know!

    If you are more of a pizza person, I can personally vouch for Pizza Delight in nearby Halifax.  It is by far the best pizza I've ever had in Halifax.  Check it out on your way out of town on Wednesday!

    Wednesday, August 11, 2010 (No comments)

  • P-Nats = Double-Header!

    BONUS: Turns out, one of the games last week was postponed for rain, so tonight is a double header! You may arrive earlier for the 5:00 pm game and your $1 grandstand ticket will be honored for both games tonight!  See you there.

    Monday, August 9, 2010 (No comments)

  • Pray for the Retreat

    Friends,

    The retreat starts one week from today!  Please be praying.  I keep thinking about how the Bible urges us to "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).  Here are some ways you can pray for the retreat:

    • Safe travel
    • Terri Morstad as she finishes up the final details and that God would bless her for her work
    • Preachers (Steve, Seita, Mark, and Kenny Lynch) and worship band
    • Salvation of souls
    • That everyone would better see Christ for who he is
    • The presence of the Holy Spirit
    • That everyone would grow in their relationship with God
    • That the retreat would be fun and memorable
    • That everyone would interact in humility
    • That parent-teen relationships would be strengthened
    • Good weather and protection from sickness
    • That we would grow in reaching out to others
    • That we would not be distracted by our responsibilities
    • That we would be filled with a greater passion for Christ
    • That the gifts of the spirit would spread through the teens
    • That God would meet our parents in a special way
    • Pray for me as I lead five15
    • Pray that everyone would be eager to learn and grow in God
    Sunday, August 8, 2010 (No comments)

  • Saturday, Sunday & Monday!

    Don't forget: a change of plans plus two big events this weekend:

    1. SATURDAY: Parents Meeting Postponed. Remember there is no parents meeting tomorrow night.  This has been postponed until September and will occur at the 9/11 five15 Meeting.
    2. SUNDAY: Worship & Ministry Night Sunday night.  6:30pm.  One of the main goals of this time will be to pray for everyone who is coming on the retreat!  It will also be a great appetizer for the worship and ministry night we have at the retreat, so come ready to be prayed for and to pray for others.
    3. MONDAY: Potomac Nationals.  6:30pm.  It's “Dollar Monday” at the P-Nats. The first pitch is at 7:00 p.m., but we will meet at the stadium at 6:30 p.m. to get the limited $1 grandstand tickets. Hot dogs are $1 and parking is $4. Bring cash. We'll sit together on the third baseline in the cheap seats!

     

    See you there!

    Friday, August 6, 2010 (No comments)

  • Directions to Camp Hebron

    Here are directions to Camp Hebron from the church building.  This is not the only way to go, but is a good suggestion from someone with local knowledge (thank you Mr. Peiffer!).

    1. Turn left onto Ox Road/VA-123 N (3.6 miles)
    2. Merge onto 1-66 E toward Washington (4.9 miles)
    3. Merge onto 1-495 N/Capital Beltway via exit 64B toward Baltimore (crossing into Maryland) (10.4 miles)
    4. Keep left to take I-270 Spur N via exit 38 toward Rockville/Frederick (2.0 miles)
    5. I-270 Spur N becomes I-270 N (30.1 miles)
    6. I-270 N becomes US-40 W (1.2 miles)
    7. US-40 W becomes US-15 N (entering Pennsylvania) (68.3 miles)
    8. Take the exit on the left onto US-11 S (2.8 miles)
    9. Continue onto PA-581 W (NOT EAST) (2.7 miles)
    10. Merge onto I-81 N (7.3 miles)
    11. Take exit 67A for US-22 E toward PA-230/Harrisburg/Cameron St (0.2 miles)
    12. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for US-22 W/US-322 W/Lewistown/State College and merge onto US-22 W/US-322 W/Mountain View Rd (Continue to follow US-22 W/US-322 W) (6.1 miles)
    13. Exit onto PA-225 N/Peters Mountain Rd (6.4 miles)
    14. Turn Right onto Camp Hebron Rd (2.6 miles)
    15. Camp Hebron entrance is 3 miles ahead and on the right side of the road.

    Camp Hebron § 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032

    Bonus coming soon: two road trip ice cream stop recommendations.  Stay tuned.

    Thursday, August 5, 2010 (No comments)

  • Retreat Details

    By now you should have all gotten an email with the details for the retreat in it.  In case that letter hasn't arrived for some reason, here is everything you need to know:

    • Please pray! Pray that God will meet us by making His Word clear to us. Pray that He will grant conviction of sin. Pray that we’ll love the gospel more! Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pray for Mark Mullery, Seita Sakaguchi, Kenny Lynch, and me as we prepare to speak. You can use the enclosed prayer bookmark for prayer points.
    • Don’t miss the Sunday night August 8 Worship and Ministry Night. It will start at 6:30pm and will focus on praying for the retreat and those attending.
    • Come to the retreat ready to reach out. Remember the five15 Challenge! Think ahead about how you can serve, encourage, and include people from our youth ministry you may not know.
    • Pack wisely. Please plan ahead to serve others with your clothes: plan on bringing clothes that are modest and don’t draw undue attention to yourself. Speaking of packing, here are some items you may want to remember to bring:

    BE SURE TO BRING:

    • Bible, journal, pen
    • Soft-sole sneakers are needed for use in the gym.
    • Hiking boots
    • Bug repellant
    • Sheets, towels, a pillow and a blanket are provided, but you may want to bring a larger, thicker bath towel and/or beach towel (IMPORTANT: guys staying in the Cottage and all campers need to bring all of the above)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen
    • Modest clothing
    • Grungy clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet
    • Towel drying rack
    • Flashlight (+ fresh batteries!)
    • Snacks
    • Sweater/jacket (the meeting room can get chilly)
    • Sports equipment: Frisbees, balls, tennis rackets, ping pong paddles…

    A couple other IMPORTANT DETAILS:

    • Registration begins Sunday, August 15 at 4:00pm (retreat schedule on reverse) so you don’t need to miss church.
    • Dinner on Sunday starts at 5:30pm, first session at 7:30pm.
    • Plan on about 3 hours driving time (143 miles) from Fairfax if there is no traffic.
    • Cell phone coverage at Camp Hebron is limited. There are landlines, but you will need a calling card. If you want to leave an emergency number for family, it is: (717) 443-4775. Please don’t call this number unless it is an emergency.
    • Fill out the enclosed Sovereign Grace Activity Participation Agreement form and turn it in at Registration when you arrive (you may list multiple family participants on one form by listing each name on the “Name of participant” line).
    • Fill out the enclosed Camp Hebron Information and Release Form for each retreat participant. Turn it in at Registration.
    • Reminder: August 5 deadline for online registration for High Ropes and Climbing Wall optional youth retreat Adventure Activities.
    • Enjoy the enclosed “Road Bingo” game for some road trip entertainment on the way down. You could win a prize on Sunday night!

    SCHEDULE:

    SUNDAY, 8/15
    4:00p Check-in begins
    5:30p Dinner
    7:00p Check-in ends
    7:30p MAIN SESSION #1
    10:00p Snacks in Sylvan Dining Area; Gym open for basketball / volleyball
    11:00p Quiet Hours & Inside
    12:00a Lights Out

    MONDAY, 8/16
    8:00a Breakfast
    9:00a MAIN SESSION #2
    12:00p Lunch
    1:00p Team Challenge (Meet outside Sylvan)
    3:30p Recreational Time: Ultimate Frisbee (A-Frame field), volleyball, basketball (gym open), boating on lake, hiking, etc.
    5:15p Clean up for dinner
    5:30p Dinner
    7:00p MAIN SESSION #3
    10:00p Snacks in Sylvan Dining Area; Gym open for basketball / volleyball
    11:00p Quiet Hours & Inside
    12:00a Lights Out

    TUESDAY, 8/17
    8:00a Breakfast
    9:00a MAIN SESSION #4
    12:00p Lunch
    1:00p Group Picture: Retention Pond off path in front of Sylvan
    1:15p Team Photo Scavenger Hunt
    2:30p High Ropes (meet in front of Sylvan)
    3:00p Climbing Wall (meet in gym); Recreational Time: Ultimate, volleyball, boating on lake, hiking, etc.
    5:15p Clean up for dinner
    5:30p Dinner
    7:00p MAIN SESSION #5
    Worship & Ministry Night
    10:00p Ice Cream Sundaes in Sylvan Dining Area; Gym open for basketball / volleyball
    11:00p Quiet Hours & Inside
    12:00a Lights Out

    WEDNESDAY, 8/18
    8:00a Breakfast
    9:00a MAIN SESSION #6
    11:00a Check-out, Clean-up, Go home

    Friday, July 30, 2010 (No comments)
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