Extreme Home Makeover - Church Edition at Convergence

Mike, Jessica, Reggie, and I spent some time today over at Convergence helping to do some clean up work at this new church re-start. We spent the day with Todd Cullop, one of Convergence's co-pastors. Convergence is doing some exciting and creative things! Todd invited our group to come worship with them one Sunday night. We'll definitely be taking him up on that offer! Keep on the lookout for the details about our trip to Convergence.

One Week

"in one week...

you retreat to the desert - if you are found - you will be arrested.

you share in a meal prepared in your honor... teaching others a lesson in what it truly means to honor.

you are celebrated by the masses with cheers of gladness and hope.
and yet you remain humble.

the turmoil and stress of knowing what is about to happen begins to creep into your mind.

you foreshadow the inevitable. but they don't understand."

This excerpt is from a powerful post at Lenten Hobo. As you prepare for Holy Week, let your heart be touched by reading the full post here.

Youth News

We celebrate with Jeremy and Erin, our Winter Retreat leaders, in the birth of their daughter, Shiloh Noelle, this morning! Congratulations!

IMPACT Virginia! Final Registration Deadline is this Sunday, April 1! See previous post for more details!

Make sure you check out yesterday's post about our Spring Break Activities.

The Youth Choir will rehearse this Sunday morning at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary.

Youth Sunday is April 15. If you want to help plan the Youth Sunday service, please contact Stephen as soon as possible.

Make sure you check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed about upcoming events.

Random Question of the week: Which Final Four team is going to win it all: Florida, UCLA, Georgetown, or Ohio State?

IMPACT Final Registration Deadline Is Sunday!

DON'T MISS OUT!

Forms and money are due Sunday if you want to take part in IMPACT Virginia! this summer! We are going to the Eastern Shore the week of June 24-30. Cost is $135. Forms will be available Sunday at the church or you may download them from our Google Groups web page. Contact Tom if you have any questions.

Spring Break Activities

Saturday, March 31

Extreme Home Makeover - Church Edition

at Convergence
10 AM-2 PM

Meet at church at 9:30 AM

Bring work gloves

Lunch provided

Tuesday, April 3

Band Jam

6:30-8:30 PM

At church

Pizza provided

Learn guitar (guitars provided)

and

pick out new worship songs for FaithStation

Wednesday, April 4

Nationals vs. Florida Marlins game

11 AM-6 PM

(return time dependent on game length and travel time)

Meet at Franconia-Springfield Metro at 11 AM

Cost: $8.50 for game ticket, $6.25 for Metro

Thursday, April 5

Maundy Thursday Service

7:30 PM

At church

Worship and Communion

Friday, April 6

Bowling

10 AM-NOON

Bowl America in Burke

(Meet at bowling alley)

Cost: $3.40 for shoes, $2.49 per game

Please RSVP for the Convergence Service Project by Friday.

RSVP for the Holy Week activities by Sunday.

Permission forms available from Stephen and from our Google Groups page.

This is FaithStation! (Sunday, March 25)

Sunday's sixth session of The 24/7 Experience found the student travellers in the desert outside Phoenix learning about the topic of the wilderness. We discussed this quote by author Eugene Peterson:

"This happens in the wilderness. You see more, hear more, yes, believe more....A sense of holiness takes shape; the sacred surfaces. Everybody - at least everybody who has anything to do with God - spends time in the wilderness." (Leap Over a Wall, Harper San Francisco, p. 72.)

We talked about life maps - specific and creative ways to mark our life journey's peaks, valleys, and the times in between. Our challenge for this session is to spend time in solitude, asking God to show us how he's been at work in our lives and where he may be leading us. We also discussed exploring and engaging in some of Christianity's ancient spiritual disciplines, such as solitude, fasting, contemplation, prayer, study, etc. Comment on the idea of solitude and being in the wilderness by Sunday, April 15, for a chance to win the book, The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg. It is a great way to explore spiritual disciplines.

"Once Upon A Mattress"

Randa and Ainsley went to see the Washington Irving Theatre Society's "Once Upon A Mattress" on Saturday night. They were there to support Hannah and Katy as they performed in the musical. Hannah was The Jester, while Katy was one of the Ladies. By all accounts, it was a splendid show! For a taste of the performance, check out the pics and video below:

Hannah "The Jester" singing with "The Minstrel" and "The King."

"Pure" Fashion Show and Charity Fundraiser

Annie and I went to the West Potomac Academy Fashion Design's "Pure" Fashion Show and Charity Fundraiser on Friday night. We were there to support Sasha and Kaitlyne's designs and modeling. This was my first fashion show and I must say that it was definitely an interesting evening. It was very artistic and I was happy to see so many people - family and friends - supporting these students and the worthy causes, especially the Red Cross. Congratulations to Sasha and Kaitlyne for their incredibly beautiful and creative work!

A glimpse of the evening through video and pics:


Sasha working the runway!


Kaitlyne working the runway!


Kaitlyne finishing off the modeling of the original garments!

Pics of Sasha and Kaitlyne with their designs, along with Haley, Annie, Kyle, Tina, and Chris as we waited for the models after the show.

All Creatures of Our God and King

Enjoy this inspirational art film from 30frameproductions, with music by the David Crowder Band.

Youth News

Hannah and Katy will be in the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" (Princess and the Pea) at Washington Irving Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at 7:00 pm. Hannah is the 'Jester.' Katy is a 'lady in the chorus.' Tickets are $5. If anyone wants to go as a group, most people will be going Saturday night.

Sasha and Kaitlyne's Fashion Design class will be doing a fashion show on Friday, March 23, at 7 pm, at West Potomac High School. See them model and see their handbag designs. Tickets are $8 in advance. Let Darla know if you'd like to go.

Westwood’s fourth annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be from 2:30-4:00 PM on Sunday, March 25, at the church. Children ages three through the fourth grade will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with an afternoon of exciting activities. Youth who signed up need to be in the narthex at 2:15 PM to get your assignments. If you signed up, please show up--everyone has an assignment and is needed!

Youth Choir Rehearsal Schedule:
March 25 - 5 PM rehearsal
April 1 - Palm Sunday, meet at 10:30 AM in Sanctuary
April 8 - Easter Sunday, meet at 9 AM with Brass, go to Sunday School at 9:45 AM, put on robes at 10:45 AM
April 15 - Youth Sunday, meet at 10:30 AM in Sanctuary

Spring Break Week Schedule:
Saturday, March 31 - Extreme Home Makeover - Church Edition at Convergence (Service project)
Tuesday, April 3 - Band Jam at church
Wednesday, April 4 - Nationals game
Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday Service at church
Friday, April 6 - Bowling at Bowl America in Burke
Look for more details and permission forms soon!

Youth Sunday is right around the corner. If you want to help plan the Youth Sunday service, please contact Stephen as soon as possible.

IMPACT Virginia! Registration is ongoing! Turn in your forms and $135 to Tom to reserve your spot for Impact. Hurry Up! Spots are going fast! Get your hard copy forms from Tom or Stephen (church office) or get them from the Files page of our Google Groups web page! You must have a free Google Account to access our group web page.

Make sure you check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed about upcoming events.

Random Question of the week: What is your favorite hymn and your favorite praise song?

Displace Me

Keep watching the blog for more details.

Girl Scout Cookies - YUM!

Here's the letter from Phil acknowledging receipt of the cookies and notes we sent him that we passed around Sunday night at FaithStation. Remember to keep praying for Phil and for David as they serve in Iraq.

----------------

16 March 2007

Lisa,

I received the cookies and am simply amazed at the quantity and variety. I have shared with the office team and our group and the building occupants. Many Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman, Iraqi Nationals and Civilians are enjoying the taste of Thin Mints, Samoas, Do-si-dos and of course the “best” Girl Scout cookie the Trefoils.

I especially enjoyed the notes from all of you. As I sat on my bed last night and read each one of them I am so thankful of how God has blessed me. Zina our Iraqi interpreter has told us that a lot of Iraqis believe that Americans do no have any families. She thinks that the occupation has been good as well as bad. Good in that Iraqis have knowledge of other people in the world and bad in that it has stirred up a number of bad influences that were not in play before the war. The suppression has been lifted but a lot must be done cement a good relationship.

The many notes and packages we all receive from home reminds us all the time of the love of our families and friends.

Again Thanks to all of you and to you Lisa for your leadership with the Girls and Youth of Westwood.

God Bless,
Phil

This is FaithStation! (Sunday, March 18)

Sunday's fifth session of The 24/7 Experience found us observing the student travellers in Nashville, Tennessee. There they learned about spiritual gifts and the importance of knowing them and using them to build the Kingdom of Heaven. We met Candi Pearson and Steve Fee, two musicians using their gifts to draw people closer to God. This session challenged us to see our gifts, whatever they may be, as important to God and his plan for our lives. We were challenged to see how we can use our gifts in everyday life to build the kingdom of heaven.

To find out more about spiritual gifts, check out these scripture passages: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11. To take a free spiritual gifts analysis, click on the link below:

Spiritual Gifts Analysis

What are your gifts and how can they help our youth group be a ministry for God's Kingdom?

Saint Patrick's Day

We had a great time at our "Top of the Evening" St. Patrick's Day church-wide fellowship last night! Kudos to all the youth who showed up and made the night (especially the games) special! What do you know about Saint Patrick? Check out these links to find out more about the holiday and the man behind it:

The History of St. Patrick's Day - The History Channel

Saint Patrick - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Patrick

SWEET! A Baby Shark

Enjoy some more of Jeremy Foster's humorous wisdom and get out of your box! Have a great weekend!

Youth News

A "Top of the Evening" Fellowship is scheduled at 6 PM on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, in Whitten Hall. Everyone is encouraged to wear green and each family is asked to bring a dish of that color for a potluck meal—a salad, vegetable, main dish, or dessert. In addition, bring your favorite board game and be ready to compete in "The Amazing Race - Westwood Style".

There are only two more rehearsals for Youth Choir before performances on Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and Youth Sunday take place. Please attend these important rehearsals!

Easter Eggstravaganza help is needed! Westwood’s fourth annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be from 2:30-4:00 PM on Sunday, March 25, at the church. Children ages three through the fourth grade will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with an afternoon of exciting activities. Youth are needed to help with the egg hunts, as story time helpers, game helpers, and as preschool group guides. Sign up with Stephen on Sunday.

Youth Sunday is right around the corner. If you want to help plan the Youth Sunday service, please contact Stephen as soon as possible.

IMPACT Virginia! Registration is ongoing! Turn in your forms and $135 to Tom to reserve your spot for Impact. Hurry up - spots are going fast! Get your hard copy forms from Tom or Stephen (church office) or get them from the Files page of our Google Groups web page! You must have a free Google Account to access our group web page.

Make sure you check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed about upcoming events.

Random Question of the week: What team in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has the best nickname?

March Madness Hits Overdrive Tomorrow!

Here's the "One Shining Moment" video from last year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. March Madness has begun with Niagara taking the last spot by winning the play-in game last night. Are your brackets ready?

This is FaithStation! (Sunday, March 11)

Sunday's fourth session of The 24/7 Experience found us observing the student travellers in Atlanta, Georgia, meeting with Damian Boyd about the topic of unity. The students visited The King Center, The Paschal Center Restaurant (soul food), and Destiny Metropolitan Worship Center and discussed what unity should look like. As Jesus Followers we are challenged to see ourselves as Christians first and foremost. The world will see the love of God by the way that we love each other. We are to continue to fight the problems of racism and discrimination that are still present in our world (and churches) today. We are to live in the Kingdom Culture. Thoughts?

"The Ultimate Gift"

Looking for a good movie to see? Try The Ultimate Gift. We saw the trailer for this when we saw Amazing Grace earlier this month. It looks excellent and is sure to be a discussion starter for some good conversations about what is most important in life.

SAVE DARFUR

Videos highlighting the crisis in Darfur.

This is what we have talked about on several occasions at FaithStation, including last Sunday. What can you do? Is your school participating in the Dollars for Darfur campaign? If not, why don't you be the one who gets your school started!

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) will begin on Sunday, March 11, three weeks earlier than in past years. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Youth News

March Madness is coming! Think you know college basketball? (Or, are you just feeling lucky?) Join our Yahoo! Sports FaithStation Hoops Fanatics private group and see if you can fill out the best bracket. Join us for March Madness and see if you have what it takes to earn the ultimate in bragging rights! Click on the link and join our group by entering the following information: Group ID#: 29148 Password: faithstation. You'll need a free Yahoo! ID if you don't already have one. Make sure you fill out your entire bracket (all rounds) after Selection Sunday (March 11) and before the first game tips off on Thursday, March 15.

A "Top of the Evening" Fellowship is scheduled at 6 PM on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, in Whitten Hall. Everyone is encouraged to wear green and each family is asked to bring a dish of that color for a potluck meal—a salad, vegetable, main dish, or dessert. In addition, bring your favorite board game and be ready to compete in "The Amazing Race - Westwood Style". Sign up at the welcome center in the narthex.

Easter Eggstravaganza help is needed! Westwood’s fourth annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be from 2:30-4:00 PM on Sunday, March 25, at the church. Children ages three through the fourth grade will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with an afternoon of exciting activities. Youth are needed to help in the nursery, with the egg hunts, as story time helpers, game helpers, and as preschool group guides. Sign up with Stephen on Sunday.

Youth Sunday is right around the corner and we are having a planning meeting this Sunday night, March 11, after FaithStation. If you want to help plan the Youth Sunday service, please come to this meeting in the Green Room right after FaithStation.

IMPACT Virginia! Registration is ongoing! Turn in your forms and $135 to Tom to reserve your spot for Impact. Get your hard copy forms from Tom or Stephen (church office) or get them from the Files page of our Google Groups web page! You must have a free Google Account to access our group web page.

Make sure you check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed about upcoming events.

Random Question of the week: What two historically significant birthdays were celebrated last Friday (March 2)? Hint: Think 'Turning 50' for one and '1836' for the other. Be the first to correctly guess one and you win the candy bar of your choice! Please include your name and desired candy bar with your guess.

Zach Hunter - Student Abolitionist

Check out what students like you can do to change the world!

This is FaithStation! (Sunday, March 4)

Sunday's third session of The 24/7 Experience found us observing the student travelers in Washington, D.C., meeting with Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission. International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery, and oppression. The key word was 'justice.' Gary opened the eyes of the students to the many injustices taking place around the world. He shared God's feelings about injustice - God hates injustice! A key idea that was shared by Gary is that God chooses to use us to accomplish his will in the world. As a result of this reality, our challenge is to have hearts for justice like God. Are you willing to say to God, "I give you all that I have?" How does God using us to accomplish his will in the world change the way you view your life?

Comment on these questions by Sunday, March 18, for a chance to win Gary Haugen's book, Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World.

The Story of "Amazing Grace"

The story behind the song Amazing Grace.

Bad To The Bone!

Here's the latest short video from Jeremy Foster. If you've ever tried to kick a field goal, you'll get a 'kick' out of this!

Youth News

We are scheduled to go see the movie Amazing Grace this Saturday, March 3. We'll see the 1:05 PM showing of the movie at the Kingstowne 16 theatre. Meet at the theatre at 12:45 PM. Cost is $7.50 for the matinee. The movie is about two hours long. For those that would like to talk about the movie afterwards, we'll head across from the theatre and get some ice cream and talk.

Don't forget: We are giving away a copy of the book, Jesus With Dirty Feet, by Don Everts at FaithStation Sunday night. For a chance to win the book, make a comment on the Tuesday, February 13 post. We are also giving away a "Jesus Was Homeless" T-shirt on Sunday night. For a chance to win the T-shirt, make a comment on the Tuesday, February 20 post.

IMPACT Virginia! Registration is ongoing! Turn in your forms and $135 to Tom to reserve your spot for Impact. Get your hard copy forms from Tom or Stephen (church office) or get them from the Files page of our Google Groups web page! You must have a free Google Account to access our group web page.

Make sure you check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed about upcoming events.

Random Question of the week: What is your all-time favorite movie? Why?