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IMPACT Virginia! Bluefield Videos

Here are some videos from IMPACT. Enjoy!


IMPACT Video!


Thursday night video.


This is Deathball!

We're at IMPACT!

We're at IMPACT Virginia! this week. We're spending the week here in Bluefield. So far things are going well. I hope to post some pictures later in the week. Please keep praying for us!

Youth EnCounter (YEC)

YEC is Thursday and Friday, July 31-August 1. It is at the Richmond International Raceway again this year. There is big news - Kings Dominion has been added back to the schedule! Sign up begins this Sunday. Cost is $100 ($80 if you have a KD season pass) and includes the conference, hotel stay, a YEC T-shirt, KD pass and an all-you-can-eat dinner for Friday night at KD.

Sign up with your name and T-shirt size on the sign up sheet in the FaithStation room and turn in a $40 deposit by July 11. We will have a car wash fundraiser on July 19 to help lower costs. Click on the YEC banner above for more details about YEC!

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

VBS is July 7-11 and we need your help! VBS is a great opportunity for children to hear about Jesus and for youth to use their gifts in service! Sign up to be a worker for VBS starts this Sunday!

There will be a mandatory Youth VBS Worker Orientation at the end of FaithStation on Sunday, June 29. If you are or will be age 18 by VBS, you must complete the Protection Policy training that will be offered Sunday, June 29 at 10 AM in Whitten Hall.

We will have after-VBS lunch outings each day, with a special party celebration on Friday! More details will come soon!

Father's Day Contest

If you haven't done so yet, start thinking now about the Father's Day Contest!

These guidelines will apply:

• Do something special with/for your dad (or other special man in your life - grandfather, uncle, etc.)
• Take a picture with your dad during the something special you do
• Send the picture and a brief description of what you did to me

We'll have a random drawing of all the entries received while we are at IMPACT. The winning dad and youth will both win prizes!

IMPACT Virginia! Commissioning

IMPACT commissioning will take place Sunday, June 15, during the morning worship service. Please make every effort to be a part of this special time and invite your family to share in the moment as well.

The Perfect Alibi Trailer

Check out the trailer for Elaine's short film, The Perfect Alibi.

You'll have the opportunity to view the film on Saturday, May 31, at 7:30 PM in Whitten Hall.

Way to go Elaine! (And all the other Westwood youth and college students involved!)

Youth News

IMPACT Training Begins This Sunday! Our first training session will take place this Sunday at 4:30 PM in the Green Room. Other IMPACT training dates have been set for the following Sundays: May 25 and June 1. Note: there is no training on June 8 as previously advertised - sorry for any confusion this may have caused. Training is mandatory - if you cannot make a session, you must notify Tom Kern as soon as possible. Training sessions will take place from 4:30-6:00 PM in the Green Room.

IMPACT commisioning will take place Sunday, June 15.

Mother's Day Contest! Last Sunday was Mother's Day. We are having a simple contest that all youth are eligible to participate in - do something special with/for your mom and you (and she) can win a prize! Here's what you have to do:
*Do something special with/for your mom (or other special woman in your life - grandmother, aunt, etc.)
*Take a picture with your mom during the something special you do
*Send the picture and a brief description of what you did to me
We'll have a random drawing from all the entries received by this Sunday, May 18 - the drawing will take place that night at FaithStation (you do not need to be present to win). Your something special did not have to take place on Mother's Day - so if you still haven't done something with/for your mom, do it now!

Click here for this week's YS Student Newsletter. This week's issue contains a chapter from Generation Change, a book by sixteen-year-old Zach Hunter, that offers you ideas on how you can make a difference in the lives of others with the simple gift of clothing.

Click here for this week's YS Parent Newsletter. This week's issue has an excerpt from The Parent You Want to Be by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. It helps us understand why it's important to celebrate our children.

Upcoming Student Activities - Do you have an extracurricular activity (school or community) that you'd like us to know about? Email Stephen and we'll let others know about what you are doing so they can come out and show you support!

Don't forget to check the calendar at the bottom of the blog to keep informed of all that is happening!

Youth Family Cookout

Youth Family Cookout
Westwood Baptist Church
Sunday, May 4, 6:00PM to 7:30PM

Your whole family is invited to come celebrate with us at our annual Youth Family Cookout!

NEW THIS YEAR!

New Theme! New Menu! New Location! New Games!

We'll also have our first-ever 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament!

We'll grill up some fajitas and we'll have plenty of chips and salsa as we get an early start on celebrating Cinco de Mayo! Come for plenty of food, fun, and fellowship! Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs!

3-on-3 Tournament Information:

Must have one (and only one) adult on team

Must have at least one female on team

Can have 4 players on team and make two substitutions per game

Baskets count as one point; first team to 5 wins (or whoever is ahead at the end of five minutes)

Single elimination tournament

Winning team gets a prize!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP!

In the event of rain, we'll still eat and have games/activities in Whitten Hall and we'll reschedule the 3-on-3 tournament for a later date.

The Youth News

This year for IMPACT Virginia! we will be going to Bluefield. The cost for this missions opportunity is $160. All forms and payments are due THIS SUNDAY! Contact Tom Kern for more details. Forms and money can be dropped off at the church office between 9 AM - 4 PM weekdays or you may give them directly to Tom or Stephen. Forms can be found at the top right corner of the blog.

IMPACT training dates have been set for the following Sundays: May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8. Training is mandatory - if you cannot make a session, you must notify Tom Kern as soon as possible. Training sessions will take place from 4:30-6:00 PM in the Green Room. IMPACT commisioning will take place Sunday, June 15.

Sunday, May 4, is Senior Adult Day at Westwood. We will help to make it a special day by hosting a special luncheon for the senior adults after the worship service. We'll set-up the fellowship hall, prepare the food (soup, sandwiches, salad, desserts), and we'll serve the senior adults. This is a great way to show your appreciation for the senior adults in the church and to say thank you for all the support they give the youth group! Sign up with Stephen on Sunday or sign up by email.

We'll have our annual Youth Family Cookout on Sunday, May 4th, from 6:00-7:30 PM. We've got some new things this year! Since we'll be close to Cinco de Mayo, we're going to have a Fiesta! - so there will be lots of great Mexican food and games (pinata anyone?) for the entire family! We'll also be meeting at the church this year because we are having our first-ever 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament! Click here to see the details and to RSVP!

Wednesday nights are Church Family Nights. We begin with a meal ($3.50) at 5:30 PM, followed by youth topical seminars at 6:30 PM. Tom Kern is leading our current seminar, "Who Am I When Nobody's Looking?" It is a look at character development - "you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" We meet in the Green Room from 6:30-7:30 PM. Come join in the conversation this Wednesday!

Click here for this week's YS Student Newsletter. Inside this week's issue, you will find a devotional thought called, "Aren't All Religions Basically the Same?" It is taken from My Faith by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher.

Click here for this week's YS Parent Newsletter. This week, YS President, Mark Oestreicher, helps parents understand the transitions young teens are experiencing.

Remember to check the calendar at the bottom of the blog to stay current with what is happening in our youth ministry!

The Youth News

Youth Sunday is this Sunday, April 13! We will be leading the congregation in worship. We'll be focusing around the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10). We need the whole youth group to attend this service. Those who are leading/serving (greeters/ushers, offering, children's time, announcements, musicians, prayers, scripture readers, tech team, etc.) need to be in the sanctuary at 10:30 AM to review the service. The Youth Choir will be practicing at 10 AM in the sanctuary.

This year for IMPACT Virginia! we will be going to Bluefield. The cost for this missions opportunity is $160. All forms and payments are due AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Contact Tom Kern for more details. Forms and money can be dropped off at the church office between 9 AM - 4 PM weekdays or you may give them directly to Tom or Stephen. Forms can be found at the top right corner of the blog. IMPACT training dates have been set for the following Sundays: May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8. Training is mandatory - if you cannot make a session, you must notify Tom Kern as soon as possible. Training sessions will take place from 4:30-6:00 PM in the Green Room. IMPACT commisioning will take place Sunday, June 15.

Sunday, May 4, is Senior Adult Day at Westwood. We will help to make it a special day by hosting a special luncheon for the senior adults after the worship service. We'll set-up the fellowship hall, prepare the food (soup, sandwiches, salad, desserts), and we'll serve the senior adults. This is a great way to show your appreciation for the senior adults in the church and to say thank you for all the support they give the youth group! Sign up with Stephen on Sunday or sign up by email.

We'll have our annual Youth Family Cookout on Sunday, May 4th, from 6:00-7:30 PM. Since we'll be close to Cinco de Mayo, we're going to have a Fiesta! this year - so there will be lots of great Mexican food and games (pinata anyone?) for the entire family! LOOK FOR YOUR INVITATION SOON!

Wednesday nights are Church Family Nights. We begin with a meal ($3.50) at 5:30 PM, followed by youth topical seminars at 6:30 PM. Tom Kern is leading our current seminar, "Who Am I When Nobody's Looking?" It is a look at character development - "you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" We meet in the Green Room from 6:30-7:30 PM. Come join in the conversation this Wednesday!

Click here for this week's YS Student Newsletter. Inside this week's issue, you will find a devotional thought about safe sex called, "What Jesus Might Say to You." It is taken from Conversations with Jesus by Youth For Christ.

Click here for this week's YS Parent Newsletter. Inside this week's issue, you'll find an article from Mark Oestreicher, the president of Youth Specialties, that deals with young teens and their struggle with doubts.

Remember to check the calendar at the bottom of the blog to stay current with what is happening in our youth ministry!

Spring Break Activities!

DINNER & WIZARDS GAME
Monday, March 17
Meet at Franconia-Springfield Metro at 4 PM.
Dinner at Fuddruckers
Visit Chinatown
Wizards game vs. Atlanta Hawks
Bring money for Metro ($6.65), dinner ($7-$12), and game ticket ($10).
Game ticket money can be a check made out to Westwood.
Pick up at the Metro around 10:30 PM.

LASER TAG
Wednesday, March 19
Meet at Shadowland Laser Adventure Center
in Alexandria (5508 Franconia Rd.) at 4 PM.
Cost is approx. $15 for 2 adventures.
Click here for Shadowland's waiver form - must have to play!
Bring extra money for snack bar (optional).
Pick up from Shadowland at 5:30 PM.

JUBILEE SERVICE PROJECT
Saturday, March 22
Meet at the church at 9 AM.
We'll journey to Bealeton (south of Warrenton) for a service project at Community Touch followed by lunch/hangout time with Cornerstone's youth group.
Come prepared for indoor or outdoor work and be ready to get messy!
We'll return back to the church around 2:30 PM.

Students
Please RSVP to Stephen and let me know which activities you will be attending. Click here for a permission form for the week's events.
Adults
We need chaperones and/or drivers for these events. Email Stephen if you are available to help. Thanks!


HOLY WEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES @ WESTWOOD
Palm Sunday - Vivaldi Gloria - March 16 @ 11 AM
Maundy Thursday Service - March 20 @ 7:30 PM (hangout at Starbucks after)
Labyrinth - March 20 & 21
Easter Sunrise Service - March 23 @ 6:30 AM (Springfield Country Club)
Easter Sunday - March 23 @ 11 AM

Mama Mia's 2008 - "TV Like You Have Never Experienced Before"

Saturday night's Mama Mia's was wonderful! The hard work of so many people really paid off as over 200 people enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti supper and show. A big thanks goes out to John Freeman, Ariel Goldchain, Wren & Jeanette Meyers, Patti Rothwell, Mark & Ginger Schiffner, Tom Kern, Pam Bryson, Holly Schmitz, and Donna Hill for all their leadership! And an even bigger thanks goes out to all the other volunteers who helped prepare and serve the meal, decorate, plan the show, participate in the show, and clean up afterwards! Without you, Mama Mia's is not possible! The big beneficiary of Mama Mia's (after all the fun had by all) is youth missions! THANK YOU CHURCH FOR SUPPORTING US!

This year's theme was "TV Like You Have Never Experienced Before" and the show centered around Ariel's new PlasmaTron 3D-HD-RV-1000 television. Enjoy these videos of the show!

Introduction to the Show & "Crazy Bunch" Song


Ariel's Mantuary


Oh, No! It's a Re-Run!


Shakespeare, Anyone?


Erin Sings


IBJ Syndrome


Caffeine Cafe


Target Commercial #1


A Book Report on Peter Rabbit


Sweet Smile Toothpaste Commercial


Kids Say The Darndest Things!


Bald Men's Hair Club


Hannah Sings


Ariel Sings(?)


Target Commercial #2


Lassie


Breaking News from the BBC


The Wizard of Oz - "Over the Rainbow"


The Wizard of Oz - "Munchkin Land" & "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"


Melancholy Moonlight Mortuary, Mini-Mart, & All-Night Body Shop Commercial


The Altos "Sing a Song"


I was not able to record all the acts - check church library for complete show.

JUBILEE Retreat Pictures & Videos

We had a great time at the JUBILEE Retreat! Check out the pictures and videos to see what you missed!

JUBILEE Retreat Theme Song, Give Reviving


After-Dinner Fun with Twitchy!


Marty's Bizarre Eyes!

IMPACT VA! Bluefield

It's that time again! We are registered for another great week of Impact Virginia!

Impact Virginia! is a coed youth missions opportunity involving teenagers in "hands on" ministry projects in Virginia. Baptist youth from across the state join forces to make an impact on local communities through a variety of ministry projects focusing primarily on home renovation and construction needs of low-income, elderly, or special needs families. Each Impact Virginia session involves from 150 to 300 youth assigned to work teams of 8 - 15 persons. Participants work all day on their sites under the supervision of qualified construction coordinators and other adult leaders. Impact Virginia works with local housing and social service agencies and Baptist Associations to designate priority housing needs. Work includes painting, roofing, cleaning, interior/exterior renovation, and general carpentry. Morning and evening worship celebrations will help begin and end the day of work with the right spirit and attitude. This year we will be going to Bluefield, Virginia. The cost for this missions opportunity is $160. All forms and payments must be turned in by Sunday, April 6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EARLY REGISTRATION SPECIAL: SAVE $25 AND PAY ONLY $135 IF YOU TURN IN YOUR FORMS AND MONEY BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29! See Tom Kern or Stephen for forms. Forms may also be found on our Google Groups page. NEW! You can also find the forms here (.pdf) and here (.doc).

I'll leave you with this message from Tom. After you read it, I think you'll be as fired up about Impact as I am!

"Just want you to know that I am really looking forward to this IMPACT Virginia! opportunity...

...It gives us a chance to put our faith in action...in plain sight...for the world to see

...It gives us a chance to strengthen our own belief...surrounded by other believers

...It gives us a chance to serve others...as we know we should

...(And, it's great fun)

...But in the middle of your preparation for this week on a construction site...

...Take a moment to think about the Carpenter

...Who travels with us, and

...Who works right alongside each of us

...Our reason for believing."

Famous Couples Party (2008) Pictures

Famous Couples Party!

You’re invited to come join in the hilarity at the Westwood Baptist
Youth Group’s NEW AND IMPROVED 8th Annual
Famous Couples Party
February 9, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Grab a friend (or two) and dress as your favorite couple (or trio)!
i.e., Green Eggs & Ham, Barbie & Ken, The Blues Brothers, Charlie's Angels, etc.

Be Creative!

PRIZES AWARDED FOR BEST COSTUMES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT CATEGORIES!
Everyone in costume is eligible for a special door prize!

Food! Fun! Fellowship!

Location: Westwood Baptist Church, 8200 Old Keene Mill Road
Whitten Hall

Can’t find a partner or don’t have time to pull together a costume?
Come anyway!

You won’t want to miss the fun, games and refreshments!

Lenten Devotions

Youth News

Make plans now to be a part of our February is for FaithStation Lovers! Week. We'll kick off the week with our annual FaithStation Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 3. We'll have our regular Youth Dinner at 6 PM, followed by the game! We'll have plenty of snacks and drinks and we'll even have a game table set up for the non-football lovers out there. Also for entertainment, we'll get to watch Jessica throw a pie in Marty's face! At the party, you'll find out who your Secret Sweetie is and you'll get some helpful hints on how to make Secret Sweeties Week an awesome time for all! Secret Sweeties takes place from February 4-8. The week concludes with the Famous Couples Party on Saturday, February 9 at 6 PM. Grab a friend, pick a famous couple, and come dressed as that couple. This is a costume party and prizes will be given in several categories, including best costumes, most original, most creative, and more! Of course, there will also be food, dancing, and games! Make plans now to join us for this exciting week!

SECRET SWEETIES SIGN UP DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL STEPHEN TO SIGN UP!

JUBILEE Retreat - See Below for Special Discount Information!
All youth are invited to join us on a retreat February 15-17 with Cornerstone Baptist (Warrenton) as we explore the idea of Jubilee. We will investigate how God seeks reconciliation in our relationships locally, globally and environmentally in our world today. On the retreat we will pray, have conversations, and work together to bring jubilee into reality. We'll also have lots of fun! Jon Middendorf will be our speaker and we'll have a guest worship band. We'll be staying at the LivingStone Monastery in Newport News. We hope you can make it! Feel free to bring a friend! The cost of the retreat is $125. A $50 deposit is due Sunday, February 3. Special Discount Available - Save $25 off your total cost if you turn in your deposit on time! Cost includes retreat T-shirt along with all meals, lodging, and activities for the weekend. Financial assistance is available - see Stephen.

Special Ash Wednesday Service
The youth will observe Ash Wednesday in a special service on Wednesday, February 6. The service will be from 6:45-7:30 PM in the sanctuary. This meaningful service of reflection and repentance marks the beginning of Lent. Scripture, music, prayer, and the imposition of ashes will highlight the service. As always, Church Family Night begins with a meal ($3.50) at 5:30 PM. Join us for this special evening!

PlanetWisdom Student Conference Is Coming Soon!
The PlanetWisdom Student Conference is coming to Hylton Memorial Chapel on March 7-8. The cost is $40. The conference will be led by Mark Matlock, Sean McDowell, The Skit Guys, and Addison Road. The theme is Become More and is based on 1 Peter 5:6. This theme of complete surrender to God fits in nicely with this year's youth group theme of "Whatever." Join us for an exciting and unforgettable experience! See Stephen to sign up and/or to discuss financial assistance.

THINGS YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING
Tonight, Friday, and Saturday

South County One Act Plays (featuring Scott Morgan and Justin Alderson)
7:30 PM in the auditorium; COST: $7

Friday

Lake Braddock Chorus Silent Auction and Swing Dance
(featuring Erin Donnelly and Andrew Rothwell)
7-10 PM in the cafeteria; Cost: $5 (includes food, fun, and dance lessons)

Saturday

Region One Act Play Competition at Lake Braddock SS

Don't forget to check the calendar at the bottom of the blog for more event information!

"He put a new song in my mouth..."

In response to our discussion last night at FaithStation, we crafted songs to God that are expressions of our "God moments" - those times in our lives when we know deep in our souls that God is present. As promised, here is mine. If you'd like to share yours, please add it in the comments section.

Your love, O LORD, is beyond words.

When I find myself at the end of my rope;

When I find myself without hope;

When I feel that I am all alone;

You are there.

You are there, in the shadows.

You are there, in the silence.

You are there, in the middle of all the chaos that is life.

In unseen and unexpected ways, O LORD, you make your presence known.

And that makes all the difference.

Thank you LORD.

If only there were words to adequately express your love and your presence.

Thank you LORD.

You are enough.

Movie & Dinner Saturday Night!

JOIN US FOR A MOVIE & DINNER ON SATURDAY!

DATE: Saturday, January 26

TIME: Meet at 4 PM; Pick up at 7:30 PM

LOCATION: Kingstowne 16 in Alexandria

MORE: Bummed you couldn't go skiing? Come watch Juno with us.

Juno is nominated for best picture this year. We'll get dinner afterwards and talk about the movie over at Johnny Rockets (next to the theatre). Bring money for the movie and for dinner. The movie is rated PG-13. Please bring a note from your parents saying it is okay for you to see the movie. A great review from a Christian perspective can be found here.

RSVP to me so I know to look for you!

Parents and Youth Workers are welcome to join us!

Youth News

February is for FaithStation Lovers! Week
Sign up this Sunday to be a part of our February is for FaithStation Lovers! Week. We'll kick off the week with our annual FaithStation Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 3. We'll have our regular Youth Dinner at 6 PM, followed by the game! We'll have plenty of snacks and drinks and we'll even have a game table set up for the non-football lovers out there. At the party, you'll find out who your Secret Sweetie is and you'll get some helpful hints on how to make Secret Sweeties Week an awesome time for all! The week concludes with the Famous Couples Party on Saturday, February 9. Grab a friend, pick a famous couple, and come dressed as that couple. This is a costume party and prizes will be given in several categories, including best costumes, most original, most creative, and more! Of course, there will also be food, dancing, and games! JOIN IN THE FUN BY SIGNING UP THIS SUNDAY OR SIGN UP NOW BY EMAIL!
Sign up for Secret Sweeties by Thursday, January 31!

JUBILEE Retreat

All youth are invited to join us on a retreat February 15-17 with Cornerstone Baptist (Warrenton) as we explore the idea of Jubilee. We will investigate how God seeks reconciliation in our relationships locally, globally and environmentally in our world today. On the retreat we will pray, have conversations, and work together to bring jubilee into reality. We'll also have lots of fun! Jon Middendorf will be our speaker and we'll have a guest worship band. We'll be staying at the LivingStone Monastery in Newport News. We hope you can make it! Feel free to bring a friend! The cost of the retreat is $125; a $50 deposit is due February 3. Cost includes retreat T-shirt along with all meals, lodging, and activities for the weekend. Financial assistance is available - see Stephen.

What's Happening On Wednesday Nights?
Wednesday nights are Church Family Nights. We begin with a meal ($3.50) at 5:30 PM, followed by youth topical seminars at 6:30 PM. Currently, we're talking about dating and relationships on Wednesday nights. Come join in the conversation! We meet in the Green Room from 6:30-7:30 PM. We'll kick each night off with a game and then we'll get down to our discussions. Come this next Wednesday as we explore these topics: Friendship Before Romance, Being the Right Person, and Finding the Right Person. Don't miss it - you might even hear some embarassing stories from my dating days!


PlanetWisdom Student Conference

The PlanetWisdom Student Conference is coming to Hylton Memorial Chapel on March 7-8. The cost is $40. The conference will be led by Mark Matlock, Sean McDowell, The Skit Guys, and Addison Road. The theme is Become More and is based on 1 Peter 5:6. This theme of complete surrender to God fits in nicely with this year's youth group theme of "Whatever." Join us for an exciting and unforgettable experience! See Stephen to sign up and/or to discuss financial assistance.

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

New Newsletter

I sent out the first of our revamped Youth News newsletters this afternoon. I hope you will look at it, read through it, and then send me feedback on it. If you didn't get it, shoot me an email and I'll get you on the list. I'd like to know if you like it, what you think of the new format, any suggestions you have, etc. I'd really like our newsletters to be great communication tools, not just another email in your inbox. So please send your feedback.