Register today for VBS “Many Colors.” We will have lots of fun focusing on the Joseph story and his coat of “Many Colors.” We have been busy planning music, art, drama, storytelling, outdoor activities, and snacks. I am sure everyone will have a great time and learn a lot.

Of course “Many Colors” will not be possible without many volunteers. Please sign up on the Many Colors volunteer page.

Volunteers are any youth rising 7th grade and above.

• Eastern Shore Work Camp: June 18-22
• Vacation Bible School: June 25-29
• Malawi Link: July 30-August 16
• Belize Exchange: August 3-12

Mark Your Calendars!

June 25th through June 29th

Submitted by Noah Simpson

This past Sunday our confirmation group went bowling. We met at the bowling place around 5:30 and started bowling. Bowling was pretty fun, most of the people showed up to bowl, so it was a good turnout. We split into teams of two with about 5 people on each team. Every body did pretty well while myself did not do well at all. Even though there were a few gutter balls, there were some good bowls, and even some strikes. Over all it was a fun night of bowling.

Sunday Night Bowling

A special thank you to Ginger White and Ellen Selig for being troopers with the youth bowlers Sunday night.

The Good Shepherd 2012 Confirmation began this past Sunday evening. One thing we decided is that after each time we gather one of the youth will submit an article for the weekly e-mail. This week’s article is written by Lex Selig. I hope you will be energized by the spirit of this group’s stories as they travel together on the path towards confirmation.

Can you guess who is in the confirmation group this year?

Submitted by Lex Selig

This week’s youth group was very interesting. We made structures out of marshmallows and toothpicks, and Lawson Driskill, Noah Simpson, and Lex Selig made the highest tower. We also had fun playing a new game, Guess Who This Is, where all of the parents had sent in baby photos and you had to guess who was who.

After playing a few games and activities we all sat down to discuss what we thought was important and what needed to be stated for us to really understand what we were doing in confirmation. We came up with a list of things for the question, “Why are you here?”, asked by Ben Blanchard. Some of the things on the list were, to learn about the church, to learn about Jesus, to learn what goes on in the church, and also to connect with others/to bond.

Towards the end of our evening we discussed what we needed to do to be able to focus and learn about God. We talked about this with the parents, Ben, and us. We agreed on a basket designated for all cell phones, and a clock in every room.

The next youth confirmation group meeting is on February 12th at COGS (Church of the Good Shepherd).

It’s difficult to decide who to thank first. Whether it be the kids who kept up the spirit of the trip, Ben being the organizer, or the adults who took time out of their schedules in order to ensure all of our events were conducted timely, efficiently, and safely. With that being said, I would like to thank everyone for a wonderful and memorable weekend. Before this weekend I couldn’t ski. After this weekend, well, I still can’t ski but I’m confident enough to give it another go. Everyone was very supportive and helpful to everyone else’s needs. Each person brought their own experiences, talents, and personalities to this trip making it a realization to most everyone. After speaking to all of the children, adults, and everyone at the Grace Church near wintergreen I would like to remain involved and strengthen the ties I had made over the weekend and contribute my own experiences, talents, and personality. Not to be over repetitive but just one more thank you to everyone from Mission, St. Andrews, and Good Shepard. May more good times be had by all.

Ramone Escalante

*Ramone is in the U.S. Navy and is new to Norfolk and Good Shepherd. He grew up in Chicago. Please say hello and give him a big Good Shepherd welcome!

Youth and adults from Good Shepherd, The Mission of the Holy Spirit, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, traveled together for a weekend of skiing, community, and to visit some old friends from Grace Episcopal Church.

A special note of thanks to Ellen Selig, John Meek, Rick Martin, Carter Fur, Shari Parker, Rosanna Cotoure, Bob Howell, Greg Murphy, Ramone Escalante, and Josh Stephens who served as team leaders for the weekend.

The youth were asked reflective questions about the weekend. Here are their responses:

1. If you were to write a book about the weekend what would you title it? (Remember…it’s a bestseller.)

• How To Have Fun In The Cold
• Therapy For Those Afraid To Be Without Their Cell Phones
• Carving The Journey
• I Left My Wallet In Bob’s Car And Other Stories From The Lift
• How To Have Fun With No Sleep
• Weekend With Schuwan
• Ouch! My Bum Hurts
• How To: A Survival Guide To Ski Trips Without Beds, Showers, Towels, Or Cell Phones.

2. What in particular about our time at Grace Episcopal Church will you remember in 5 years?

• The stuff about fornication from the scripture. That stuff about how our bodies are God’s bodies, we don’t own them. So did I forget deodorant this morning or was that God?
• The last verse of the hymn when everyone sang really loud.
• Everyone singing Lift Every Voice And Sing.
• Communion with my best friends.
• The priest said my name when she gave me communion.
• The church was so small and relaxed. They greeted us like we were their favorite grandchildren coming to visit.
• (This is Ellie btw) The story about the Bishop who gave his shoes to the other guy. I lost mine yesterday and Ellen found me some more to wear. Now Carter has them.
• I didn’t know Ben played the organ.
• How the priest remember my name from last year and said it during communion.
• The lady telling us about when the man had a shotgun pointed at her and Robert Davenport because he thought they were breaking in the basement.
• Singing in the choir for the first time in my life.

Saturday October 22 7:00 PM–10:00 AM Sunday morning

Bring Your sleeping bag, pillow, and your imagination as we put our car together for Trunk or Treat!