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!

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!

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!

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.

Youth News

Springfield Gardens Christmas Party – This annual fun, fellowship, and outreach opportunity has been set for 1-4 PM on Saturday, December 8, at the apartment complex on Commerce Street. Last year folks from Westwood helped by bringing goodies such as cookies, chips, and drinks; setting up, serving, and cleaning up; translating; taking pictures; and encouraging families and friends. This is a great family missions opportunity.

This week @ FaithStation: What does true peace really look like?

Youth Choir Cantata Schedule:
*Sunday, December 9 - Last youth choir rehearsal at 5 PM - Don't miss it!
*Saturday, December 15 - Combined choir rehearsal with orchestra at 2 PM in the sanctuary.
*Sunday, December 16 - Be in the sanctuary at 10:30 AM; girls wear black bottoms and white tops; guys wear dark pants, white shirt, and red tie.

Our Progressive Dinner and Christmas Party is set for Saturday, December 15. Meet at 4:45 PM in the Green Room. Wear your most formal dinner/dancing attire. You'll be put in groups, enjoy dinner, and then meet back at the church for the gift exchange and party. Please bring a wrapped gift (no more than $5 in cost - be creative) if you want to participate in the gift exchange. As always, we will also collect canned goods for the food pantry. Sign up deadline is this Sunday, December 9.

FaithStation Road Trip - FaithStation is hitting the road on Sunday, December 16! We'll be attending the "Jazz at the Vespers - Christmas Style" service at Convergence - A Creative Community of Faith. The service will feature Never in Denver, Harp 46, and Convergence musicians. This service is designed and led by musicians. Following the service is a reception in the art gallery. We'll meet at the church at 4 PM and travel over to Convergence in Alexandria. More details to come.

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

Random Question of the Week: How does your family decorate your house for the Christmas? Congratulations to Claire and Christina - they are splitting the prize for favorite Thanksgiving memory!

Youth News

Our annual Christmas Day Camp (Youth Babysitting) is this Saturday, December 1, from 10 AM - 2 PM. This is a service we provide to Westwood parents. Please show up at 9:30 AM if you are going to work the morning shift and at Noon if you are going to work the afternoon shift. You can receive service hours for this activity. Lunch will be provided for you. We still need adult help!

This week @ FaithStation: We will continue our discussion about what scripture says about God's heart for the hungry, poor, homeless, etc.

Springfield Gardens Christmas Party – This annual fun, fellowship, and outreach opportunity has been set for 1-4 PM on Saturday, December 8, at the apartment complex on Commerce Street. Last year folks from Westwood helped by bringing goodies such as cookies, chips, and drinks; setting up, serving, and cleaning up; translating; taking pictures; and encouraging families and friends. You can sign up to help at the welcome center in the narthex.

The Progressive Dinner and Christmas Party is set for Saturday, December 15. Meet at 4:45 PM in the Green Room. Wear your most formal dinner/dancing attire. You'll be put in groups, enjoy dinner, and then meet back at the church for the gift exchange and party. Please bring a wrapped gift (no more than $5 in cost - be creative) if you want to participate in the gift exchange. As always, we will also collect canned goods for the food pantry. Sign up deadline is Sunday, December 9.

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

Random Question of the Week: What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? Leave your memory in the comments for a chance to win free movie passes. Deadline is this Sunday - we will have the drawing at FaithStation!

Youth News

NO Church Family Night tonight!

NO Youth Choir practice this Sunday!

This week @ FaithStation: We will have a special roundtable discussion on the topic of Thanksgiving. Come join the discussion as we share about what we are thankful for and look at what scripture says about God's heart for the hungry, poor, homeless, etc. After FaithStation, we'll join the church in the "Hanging of the Greens", where we decorate the church for the Christmas season.

Our annual Christmas Day Camp (Youth Babysitting) is Saturday, December 1, from 10 AM - 2 PM. This is a service we provide to Westwood parents. Please sign up Sunday or sign up by emailing Stephen. If you'd like to be a part of the planning team (games, crafts, activities, etc.), please let Stephen know.

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

Random Question of the Week: What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? Tell your favorite memory in the comments and you will be eligible to win two movie passes at the Kingstowne Theatre. We'll have a random drawing on Sunday, December 2, from all those who comment.

Youth News

There are two fundraising walks you can participate in this weekend: the Help the Homeless Walkathon (Saturday, November 17)and the CROP Hunger Walk (Sunday, November 18).

Both raise money for great causes. See Tom Kern or Holly Schmitz if you are interested in the CROP Hunger Walk.

Don't forget: Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due this Sunday, November 18!

The church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner is Tuesday, November 20. Sign up Sunday at the Welcome Center in the narthex. Cost is $3.50.

Our annual Christmas Day Camp (Youth Babysitting) is Saturday, December 1, from 10 AM - 2 PM. This is a service we provide to Westwood parents. Please sign up Sunday or sign up by email. If you'd like to be a part of the planning team (games, crafts, activities, etc.), please let me know.

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

Random Question of the Week: What does friendship mean to you?

Youth News

There will be a short meeting for all Threshold members this Sunday night after FaithStation.

There is a Service Project on Monday, November 5. Meet at the church at 10 AM and bring work gloves and rakes. We'll be done around 2 PM and we'll get lunch together around noon. ADULTS ARE NEEDED TO HELP DRIVE - PLEASE CONTACT STEPHEN!

The Youth Bowling Fellowship will take place Tuesday, November 6. Meet at the Bowl America in Burke at 11:30 AM. Pick up at Bowl America will be at 1:30 PM. Bring money for shoes ($3.40), games ($2.49 each), and lunch. There will be prizes for the best bowler and the worst bowler.

ALIVE! Middle School Conference sign up is ongoing. The conference is November 16-18. Cost is $85. A $20 deposit is due as soon as possible. There will be worship sessions, great speakers, bands, comedians, and more! Sign up deadline is Sunday, November 11! Right now, we have 8 students and adults going!

The Youth Choir is now working on the Christmas Cantata. The Cantata is Sunday, December 16, during the 11 AM service. Please come at 5 PM on Sundays if you want to be a part of the Christmas Cantata.

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

Random Question of the Week: What is special about today, November 2?

Youth News

Due to the wet weather and some scheduling conflicts, Saturday's Corn Maze has been cancelled. INSTEAD, we'll watch a movie at the Kingstowne 16 Theatre. We'll watch The Game Plan. It is rated PG and starts at 7:15 PM. Be at the theater at 7 PM on Saturday night. The movie should be over around 9:15 PM. Drop off and pick up are at the theater. Ticket cost is $9.50 ($8.50 with your student ID). The theater's address is 5910 Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315. The first youth that correctly identifies the alter ego and famous saying of the star of this movie wins a free movie ticket. Leave your name and answers in the comments.

ALIVE! Middle School Conference sign up is ongoing. The conference is November 16-18. Cost is $85. A $20 deposit is due as soon as possible. There will be worship sessions, great speakers, bands, comedians, and more! Please let me know by Sunday if you are interested in attending the conference! Right now, we have 8 students and adults going!

There will be a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) meeting Sunday, October 28, after the morning worship service. Lunch will be provided. This meeting is mandatory for all youth who want to be on the YLC. Contact me if you are unable to attend.

The Youth Choir is now working on the Christmas Cantata. The Cantata is Sunday, December 16, during the 11 AM service. Please come at 5 PM on Sundays if you want to be a part of the Christmas Cantata.

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

Random Question of the Week: Who's going to win tonight's football game between Lake Braddock and West Springfield?

Youth News

The funeral service for Keith Gilbert (Leah and Rachel's dad) is at 2 PM tomorrow (Saturday) at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Please remember the family in your prayers.

There will be a brief BWA World Youth Conference in Germany informational meeting this Sunday after the morning worship service in Room 18/20. We will discuss trip options, costs, fundraising, etc. If you are interested in this trip, please attend this meeting or, if you are unable to attend, please contact me so I can get you the information.

The Baltimore Blast Christian Youth Night is Friday, October 19. Enjoy an indoor soccer game and a post-game concert with Big Daddy Weave. Cost is $16. The final opportunity to sign up is this Sunday. WE STILL NEED ADULT SPONSORS FOR THIS ACTIVITY!

ALIVE! Middle School Conference sign up has begun. The conference is November 16-18. Cost is $85. A $20 deposit is due as soon as possible. There will be worship sessions, great speakers, bands, comedians, and more! Please let me know by this Sunday of you are interested in attending the conference!

The Corn Maze has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 27. We'll be heading down to Belvedere Plantation to enjoy the corn maze, fun barn, pig races, joust, zip line, and more. Cost is $12. Sign up this Sunday. WE STILL NEED ADULT SPONSORS FOR THIS ACTIVITY!

There will be a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) meeting Sunday, October 28, after the morning worship service. Lunch will be provided. This meeting is mandatory for all youth who want to be on the YLC. Contact me if you are unable to attend.

The Youth Choir is now working on the Christmas Cantata. The Cantata is Sunday, December 16, during the 11 AM service. There are 8 more rehearsals left. Please come at 5 PM on Sundays if you want to be a part of the Christmas Cantata.

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

Random Question of the Week: Which school's football team is going to go the farthest in the playoffs this year?

Youth News

Summit Lake Senior High Retreat is September 21-23! Sign up and pay your $20 deposit by this Sunday, September 9.

Youth Choir begins this Sunday, September 9, at 5 PM, in the Music Suite. Contact Pat Close for more information.

Small Groups sign up has begun! Sign up with Stephen! We will be having a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) small group this year - let Stephen know if you are interested.

Church Family Night (CFN) begins Wednesday, September 12. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30 PM. Dinner costs $3.50. Reservations must be received in the church office by noon on Monday. Youth activities are from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Awakening Festival '07 is Saturday, September 15, at the Bull Run Park - Special Events Center in Centreville. Featured artists include Toby Mac, Barlow Girl, DecembeRadio, NeedToBreathe, This Beautiful Republic, Mainstay, Ashes Remain, and speaker Tom Davis. There will also be rock climbing walls, gladiator jousting, giant slide, volleyball, and much more! Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. The group rate is $13 for groups of 10+. Sign up and pay by September 12 if you are interested in going. This is a great event for the whole family!

Open House @ FaithStation is Sunday, September 16, from 6-8 PM, in Whitten Hall. Youth, parents, and youth workers are invited. There will be a catered meal, a presentation about our youth ministry, and we'll worship together! RSVP to Stephen.

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 going to be your best class this semester? Why?

Youth News

Demolition Derby is Saturday, September 8. We'll meet at the church at 4:30 PM and return back around 11:30 PM. Cost is $17. Not sure? Let's see what Tom has to say: Picture this. School has just started...the tension is rising already. You've had a week for the stress level to mount. Your head is already being crammed with useless knowledge. Brain about to burst. UNLESS...you find some way to release all of that tension and unwind. What better way than a good, old-fashioned demolition derby? A uniquely American (REDNECK) sporting event that focuses on total destruction of more than 100 cars, vans, (and sometimes buses), all in an effort by the Silver Hill Lion's Club to raise scholarship money. Sign up deadline is Sunday!

Summit Lake Senior High Retreat is coming soon (September 21-23)! Sign up and pay your $20 deposit by Sunday, September 9.

Small Groups sign up has begun! Sign up Sunday! We will be having a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) small group this year - let Stephen know if you are interested.

Youth Choir begins on Sunday, September 9, at 5 PM, in the Music Suite. Contact Pat Close for more information.

Church Family Night (CFN) begins Wednesday, September 12. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30 PM. Youth activities are from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Awakening Festival 07 is Saturday, September 15, at the Bull Run Park - Special Events Center in Centreville. Featured artists include Toby Mac, Barlow Girl, DecembeRadio, NeedToBreathe, This Beautiful Republic, Mainstay, Ashes Remain, and speaker Tom Davis. There will also be rock climbing walls, gladiator jousting, giant slide, volleyball, and much more! Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. The group rate is $13 for groups of 10+. Sign up Sunday if you are interested in going. This is a great event for the whole family!

Open House @ FaithStation is Sunday, September 16, from 6-8 PM, in Whitten Hall. Youth, parents, and youth workers are invited. There will be a catered meal, a presentation about our youth ministry, and we'll worship together! RSVP to Stephen.

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

Random Question of the week: How many games are the Redskins going to win this year?

Youth News

Fantasy Football is back! Do you have what it takes to be crowned champion of the FaithStation Fanatics? If you think you do, let Stephen know and sign up your team before this Monday. On Monday, any remaining league spots will be offered to interested adults.

Summit Lake Senior High Retreat is coming soon (September 21-23)! Sign up and pay your $20 deposit by Sunday, September 9.

Small Groups sign up has begun! Sign up Sunday! We will be having a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) small group this year - let Stephen know if you are interested.

Threshold Meeting this Sunday at 4 PM in the FaithStation Room. Attend this meeting if you are interested in being a part of the worship band team.

Demolition Derby is Saturday, September 8. We'll meet at the church at 4:30 PM and return back around 11:30 PM. Cost is $17. Sign up Sunday! Not sure? Let's see what Tom has to say: "Picture this. School has just started...the tension is rising already. You've had a week for the stress level to mount. Your head is already being crammed with useless knowledge. Brain about to burst. UNLESS...you find some way to release all of that tension and unwind. What better way than a good, old-fashioned demolition derby? A uniquely American (REDNECK) sporting event that focuses on total destruction of more than 100 cars, vans, (and sometimes buses), all in an effort by the Silver Hill Lion's Club to raise scholarship money."

Youth Choir begins on Sunday, September 9, at 5 PM, in the Music Suite. Contact Pat Close for more information.

Church Family Night (CFN) begins Wednesday, September 12. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30 PM. Youth activities are from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Open House @ FaithStation is Sunday, September 16, from 6-8 PM, in Whitten Hall. Youth, parents, and youth workers are invited. There will be a catered meal, a presentation about our youth ministry, and we'll worship together! RSVP to Stephen.

Make sure you wish all our college students good-bye if you haven't done so already! GOOD-BYE! HAVE FUN AT COLLEGE!

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 are you looking forward to most this upcoming school year?

Youth News

Goo Games & Picnic tomorrow at the church at 3 PM. Wear clothes you can get messy and bring a towel and change of clothes!

Car Wash Fundraiser Saturday at the church from 10 AM - 4 PM. Bring towels, hoses, scrubbers, brushes, etc. Lunch will be provided! Proceeds go toward Youth EnCounter and the Youth Missions fund!

Old Rag trip is next Wednesday, July 25! Sign up in the FaithStation room.

The next Brown Bag Bible Study will be Thursday, July 26.

Sign up for YEC (August 2-3) with Stephen as soon as possible - space is limited! YEC will cost $75 this year - a reduction in price from the last several years - yay! A $25 deposit is due at sign-up! YEC is ALL-NEW this year! Come be a part of something new, different, and exciting!

L1FE Retreat - August 9-12 in New Jersey. Cost is $30. Deadline to sign-up is Sunday, July 29. Space is limited!

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 has been the best part about your summer so far?

Youth News

Graduate Recognition Sunday is June 10. There will be a special breakfast for the graduates at the Abernathy's at 9:30 AM and the graduates will be recognized and will receive their gifts from the church in the worship service later that morning. Parents are invited to join their seniors for a special FaithStation that evening.

IMPACT Training this Sunday! We will hold mandatory Impact Training Sessions from 4:30-5:45 PM this Sunday and next Sunday, June 10. This training will take place in the Green Room and is for all adults and students going to Impact! Contact Tom Kern for more information!

Impact Commissioning Service will be Sunday, June 17. Please attend the service as the church commissions us to be Impact missionaries!

Nationals game on Monday, June 18! Celebrate the end of school by joining us to see a Nats game! Details will come soon!

Brown Bag Bible Study begins on Thursday, June 21, at 12:30 PM. Bring your lunch and Bible and come explore the Bible together! The first BBBS will meet at the Hodge's house. Contact Stephen or Leah for more information and for rides.

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 are you looking forward to most this summer?

Youth News

ATTENTION 2007 High School graduates! Help us recognize you on Graduate Recognition Sunday by emailing me your name, high school graduating from, college attending, proposed field of study, other plans if not college, etc. Also, parents should send pictures (from baby to senior portrait) of their graduating seniors to Marty Freeman. There will be a special breakfast for the graduates at the Abernathy's at 9:30 AM on Sunday, June 10, and the graduates will be recognized and will receive their gifts from the church in the worship service later that morning.

KMT Musical Theater presents The Secret Garden on Friday and Saturday, May 25-26. Performances are held at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale at 8 PM. For tickets, contact Donna Hill at 703-628-1340. Support Westwood's own Justin Alderson, Erin Donnelly, Pat Close (Director), and Donna Hill (Producer).

IMPACT Training begins this Sunday! We will hold mandatory Impact Training Sessions from 4:30-5:45 PM on the following Sundays: May 27, June 3, and June 10. This training will take place in the Green Room and is for all adults and students going to Impact! Contact Tom Kern for more information!

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

Random Question of the week: Who is your hero? Why?

Youth News

The Youth Family Cookout at the Gray's is this Sunday from 5:30-7:30 PM.

In accordance with Westwood’s Child Protection Policy we will hold a required annual training session for workers with youth, children, and preschoolers on Sunday, May 20, from 8:30-9:30 AM. If you are currently a volunteer or would like to work with the young people of Westwood, please plan on attending this training session. Training will be held in the main section of Whitten Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Lora Johnson. Youth who are currently age 18 or older or will be by VBS (July 13) need to attend this training as well!

We have two contests running - the Mother's Day Challenge Contest and the She's Back! Contest. The deadline to enter is this Sunday before the Cookout.

ATTENTION 2007 High School graduates! Help us recognize you on Graduate Recognition Sunday by emailing me your name, high school graduating from, college attending, proposed field of study, other plans if not college, etc. Also, parents should send pictures (from baby to senior portrait) of their graduating seniors to Marty Freeman. Thanks!

KMT Musical Theater presents The Secret Garden on Friday and Saturday, May 25-26. Performances are held at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale at 8 PM. For tickets, contact Donna Hill at 703-628-1340. Support Westwood's own Justin Alderson, Erin Donnelly, Pat Close (Director), and Donna Hill (Producer).

We will hold mandatory Impact Training Sessions from 4:30-5:45 PM on the following Sundays: May 27, June 3, and June 10. This training will take place in the Green Room and is for all adults and students going to Impact! Contact Tom Kern for more information!

If you are on Facebook or are thinking of joining Facebook, join our This is FaithStation! group by clicking on the link found above.

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 hobby?