Recapping:::10.19.08

1) Ok, so I have to admit that I was completely confused on the date of Chris's birthday.  Gosh...a bit of an embarrassing mistake to make, but I think Chris is probably over it by now. :)  Thanks for the great treats Sunday night, Chris!

2) Next Sunday, October 26th, Stephanie has offered to bring in a snack for everyone (also to celebrate Kevin's birthday.)

3) Mark your schedules::: Light the Night is Thursday October 30th at 6:00pm at the church.  This is a way for kids in the area to "trick or treat" in a safe environment where the adults of the church will have their car trunks opened and decorated for Halloween and filled with candy.  Very cool.  As the youth group, you are welcome to come dressed up and do a little trick or treating if you wish, but either way I'm hoping to have some sweet activities prepared out in the field.  Obviously it will be dark by that time of night, so our games should be extra fun and entertaining.  Also, the will be cider and hotdogs to munch on and maybe some donuts too!  It should be great!  (And even better if YOU are there!)

4)  Operation Christmas Child:::You all have boldly decided to set an awesome goal of filling 20 shoeboxes to send to kids overseas.  Here's the plan.  On Sunday November 2nd, our youth group activity will be taking a little trip over to Dollar Tree and picking up some final items to make these shoeboxes AWESOME!  

Last night, I gave you a JOB:::these next 2 weeks search your own house for nice items with which to fill your boxes.  This will save you a LOT of money and it will also show your willingness to share your "wealth" of stuff with others who would appreciate way more than we do!  These are the types of things you should look for (keep in mind, you can choose to fill the box for a boy or a girl):

• Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yos, jump ropes, crayons, coloring book, slinky (make sure all these toys are like new!!!)
• Personal Items:  toothbrush, toothpaste (any extras from your last visit to the dentist???), soap bar, combs, etc.
• Other:  hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, tshirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, watches
• DO NOT INCLUDE:  war toys, knives, chocolate or food, liquids or lotions, breakable items. 

5)  On the spiritual discipline Bible Study:::I was very proud of those of you who tried your best to do a Bible study this week.  Keep up the good work!  If you didn't get a chance to study a few verses of Scripture last week, try it this week!  Any questions?? Talk it through with each other...CALL me (440-813-7025) or EMAIL me (melanieeccles@gmail.com).  No question is stupid or too crazy to ask.  

6)  This past Sunday we talked about Controlling the Tongue.  Though it doesn't seem like a "spiritual discipline" because you don't sit down and do it (like you would prayer or bible study), it's something that we must discipline ourselves to keep under control.  Our tongues (the words that come out of our mouths) are very powerful.  They have the ability to tear someone down and break their hearts and spirits OR they can strengthen another person and give them encouragement to believe that they have value and are loved.  

Would you rather be loved? or Shamed?  Try to give someone a word of encouragment this week.  "Great job on that test!"  "Nice play!" or even a simple thank you accompanied by a smile can make someone's day a little better.  

This week:::notice how your words affect others; don't say something unless you really truly mean it; THINK before you speak; keep from yelling and cursings; speak the truth in love.   

And remember to look up the chapter in the book of James that describes the power of the tongue.  (Hint:  look at your "control of the tongue" handout if you  have one.)