Locked In !!!

Perhaps you didn't hear the news that the Youth Group had a lock-in last Sunday night. Whenever there is a Monday holiday from school, Betty Ann likes to have some event for the youth, whether it's a lock-in or a games night or something else that can go later than the normal Sunday night youth fellowship. For Columbus Day, it was a lock-in. Many, many thanks to Betty Ann for all the hard work in planning the events, and to Debbi Bryarly for feeding the whole crew throughout the night. And thanks to Wal-Mart for not kicking us out during the scavenger hunt (they were very gracious!).

One of the events was called "Stump the Geezer" - a forum for the youth to pose to me difficult questions about the Bible or about theology. I guess I'm the geezer. The first part was like the game "Balderdash", where teams of students were trying to come up with their own answers to the tough questions. I must say that all the teams had very good answers. All the leaders were very pleased with our students' ability to ponder a question and draw upon Biblical knowledge and even logic to formulate a response.

The second part of the activity was a bit unplanned, but also very rich. The game turned into a wide open forum of questions. Our students have a healthy concern for some of the most intriguing questions about the Bible. At times, I felt like Jackie Chan with 8 ninjas coming at me from every direction!

And, yes, they did stump the geezer. Someone asked about the curse of the serpent in Genesis 3 and his "offspring." Who are these offspring? I had absolutely zero recollection of any teaching on that interesting question. Perhaps I could blame that on the late hour? (Later, I read that scholars also find the reference puzzling, but see that it most likely refers to the same concept found in John 8:44, that those who do the deeds of the devil have the devil as their "father.")

Please convey your gratitude to Betty Ann for the sacrifice she makes for our youth. Please pray for her and for all our youth. Please pray about offering your help to Betty Ann for various needs within the Youth Group.

Of course, every time I try to stay up all night with the youth, I do in fact feel more and more like a geezer. Perhaps the game is well-named after all.

Thank You, FFN

For well over a year, we have had "Family Fellowship Night" on Wednesday nights, with a shared meal and then activities for every age group. We've added to our fellowship and gotten to know each other well. Plus, we've had some excellent food provided by Wolfpack Catering (thanks, Bob and Cheryl!).

We believe, though, that Family Fellowship Night (FFN) has run its course. Bob and Cheryl are off on their adventure to start a signature barbecue restaurant downtown ("Smokin' Lobos"). Plus, not all of the goals we set out for FFN were realized. Many were, but not all. The after-dinner program is just too late for young families, and young families were exactly who we were trying to serve better.

So, we are going to retire FFN. August 20th will be our last evening for the FFN format. Starting on the 27th, we will have a new schedule. The youth Bible study will continue to meet from 7pm-8:30pm. The elementary program will be suspended, until we can find a better time for it. The adult program is going to return back into homes. Home groups will be reformulating, so if you're interested in a home group, please contact an Elder or me.

The home groups have provided a level of friendship and intimacy in Christ that just isn't possible in a wide-open sanctuary or classroom, so we're excited to see group get back into people's homes. The home groups will be free to study whatever topic they choose, including the option of helping one another apply the sermon into our daily lives.

As the groups get defined, we'll be sure to keep you informed. In the meantime, please thank Bob and Cheryl for the fantastic meals we've had. I know I'm going to be one of their regular customers!