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

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).

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!

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.

8:30 p.m. Sunday 1/15/12

Click for details

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

We will meet this Sunday night at 5:30. Don’t forget your homework! It is due Sunday night. ALSO! Remember the change the date for actual confirmation. Due to situations beyond our control Bishop Hollerith is unable to be with us on our scheduled date (November 20th). The actual confirmation date is now set for January 8th at the 10:00 am service.

Under the creative direction of the Parker family and the Marshall family, all Jr. High youth are invited to join in the fun. The night’s theme is:

CANDY!

We will be preparing for Trunk or Treat on Oct 30th. See you Sunday, October 9th from 5:30-7:00 PM!

I hope you had an awesome summer! I have missed you and I am excited for us to get together and catch up! Next Sunday evening at 5:30 we are going to make catch’n up happen! The Good Shepherd middle school youth (6th-8th grade) and parents are invited to a “Catch’n Up Cookout at the home of Heather Mills and family.

The Youth Committee has put together a top notch plan for teenagers this year and we are excited to share it with you! Part of the plan for Sunday is for the parents to go over plans/ideas and answer any questions that may arise. The cookout will not only be fun but helpful for parents especially for 6th grade parents who may be new to programs for teenagers. We have a printed calendar for the year ready for you. Even though Sunday night is just for middle school youth the calendar has all activities for 6-12th graders to aid in organization of busy lives at home!

While the parents are “detail’n” it the youth will be knee deep in team building games. They may be a bit messy so I wouldn’t recommend the youth wearing their new school shoes!

Back to the Cookout! Heather is providing the condiments and the dogs/burgers. The youth committee will provide the buns, the coolers and the ice. We would love your help in providing the sides and letting us know if you will be coming! Here’s how we will do it:

First Letter Of Your Last Name

• A–G: Canned Drinks (for cooler) (and a roll of duct tape)
• H–M: Chips or sides that involve potatoes (and a roll of duct tape)
• N–R: Fruit or Dessert (and a roll of duct tape)
• S–Z: Side Dish Of Your Choice (and a roll of duct tape)

Please email me and let us know how many are coming from your family. Also spread the word! I can’t wait to see and hear from each of you!

Peace,
Ben Blanchard