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.

Merry Christmas!

Advent Devotions

Following The Star

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?

This is FaithStation! (Sunday, September 30)

Last Sunday we watched the NOOMA DVD Store and talked about anger. I hope you have been giving thought to some of the issues that were raised in the film and discussed in our time together. To help you with further reflection, I've listed the issues below. Please read them and feel free to continue the dialogue by making a comment to this post.

• Many people carry around with them a low-grade boiling rage.
• Anger is your body's way of telling you that your will has been blocked.
• The problem isn't anger; it's what we do with it.
• Is our response to anger about us (selfish kingdom) or about something larger than us (divine kingdom)?
• Is what we are angry about worth getting angry about?
• Has your anger scared you?
• Jesus' anger leads to healing and restoration (Mark 3:1-5).
• What can we do to ensure that our anger leads to making things better?
• What makes you angry?
• We were made to give ourselves to a cause bigger than ourselves.
• Have you given yourself to a cause bigger than yourself that is making the world a better place? How is it making the world a better place?

Finally, may you find encouragement in these words from Rob Bell at the end of the film:

"May you become aware of your anger. May you learn to channel it, to focus it, direct it into something beautiful. And may it fuel sacred acts of healing and restoration."

Remedy

Where there is pain, let us bring grace. Where there is suffering, bring serenity. For those afraid, let us be brave. Where there is misery, let us bring relief. Let us be the remedy.

If you haven't already checked out David Crowder*Band's new album, Remedy, do it now!

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.

Saturday, September 8

COST: $13

Meet at the church at 4:30 PM; return no later than 11:30 PM

Contact Stephen if you are not signed up yet and want to go!

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?

I Am Optimus Prime (well, at least 73%)

I saw this over at a blog I read regularly and decided to give it a shot. What Transformer are you?

I AM
73%
OPTIMUS PRIME

Take the Transformers Quiz

IMPACT Video!

Here it is - the long awaited IMPACT video! Also included is the IMPACT Staff Intro video. ENJOY!

Just For Fun!

Here's the leadership team for the PlanetWisdom Tour taking a little time out to dance! As you watch this, imagine the Church Staff, your Sunday School teacher, and/or your Small Group leader doing this. Wouldn't that rock?!?