Winterfest 2008

We had 16 go to Winterfest from Denbigh this year (8 teens, 4 college age students and 4 chaperones). The entire trip was a blessing from God from the point we left Denbigh until we returned. Our accommodations were first class as Keri spent countless hours on the internet checking out just the right place for us to stay. While we were in Gatlinburg, we met many friends from other youth groups and enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather (70 degrees on Saturday).


The theme for Winterfest this year was “The Mission” and Jeff did a great job reminding us of why we need to tell others about Jesus. The Friday night session was all about KNOWING JESUS. Without us knowing Him we cannot be a good witness to others, first things first. On Saturday we had two sessions about BEING JESUS AND SEEING JESUS. Jeff used the scripture passage in Matthew 25:34—40 as a reference for us to act whenever and wherever we see Jesus. Finally, on Sunday…very early in the morning we gathered for worship with 7,000 of our closest brothers and sisters for worship (early session). During that session, we were all given a challenge to carry our red “The Mission” bibles with us to school for 30 days. Following those 30 days we are to then give the bible away to someone who needs to hear God’s message.

Along with the insightful lessons we were led in worship by Jerome Williams and the Praise Team from Rochester Church of Christ. We also experienced a great concert by Kutlass on Friday night and “The Sandman” who created works of art from sand while we watched in amazement.

There were so many different ways in which we were encouraged at Winterfest and it just reminded me of why we go there every year. Thanks to everyone who helped with this trip, especially the parents who encourage their teens to attend. There will be updated photos soon on our church website of our trip so check them out. We are already looking forward to next year!

What memories do you have from going to Winterfest?

Five Habits to Strengthen Your Marriage

Valentine’s Day is next week and I thought I would mention 5 habits that we all need to improve to strengthen our marriages. Everyone has heard that communication is important in any relationship, but just how do we do it? These five simple but crucial skills by Virginia Satir can make bad relationships good and good relationships even better. As with any habit though, these five tips need to be done consistently over a set period of time, whether they feel fake at the moment or not. Most of the time when we begin something new or different it does not come naturally and seem forced but the habit is worth it.
• Appreciations: Share five things you appreciate about each other. These can range from the simple "I like your smile" to the sublime "I like it that you were able to kiss and make up after I forgot to pick you up last night." Appreciations build up credit in the love bank. It can be a nice surprise to realize just how much our partners notice and appreciate.
• Wishes, Hopes, and Dreams: Describe three things you hope for in the long run ("I hope to complete a marathon by the time I'm 40") and in the short run ("This week-end I'd like to spend a half-hour alone with my dad when he visits.") A partner who understands your dreams is able to help them happen. Remember that hopes change as we go along and it's important to keep each other current.
• New Information: We often forget to update our partner about a change in plans or circumstances. We tell people at work or a family member and think we've told our spouse. Make the daily updates a ritual. Information like "The dentist said Bobby won't need braces after all" or "I'll have to be in San Francisco an extra day" is crucial to staying in-synch and feeling connected.
• Puzzles: Clear-up big or little mysteries before they become suspicions, jealousy, false assumptions, or resentments. Most "puzzles" have simple explanations. "You promised you'd water the tomatoes before you left this morning. What happened?" "The water was turned off. Was it back on when you got up?" You have to ask.
• Complaints with Request for Change: Get in the habit of saying what you want rather than what you don't want. Describe a specific behavior that bothers you and explain how you'd like it done. Instead of "I get furious when you call and don't leave a message," say, "Honey, when you call and get the machine, please don't say 'It's me' and hang up. Say why you're calling, and when you'll call back, or be home, or whatever it was you were calling to tell me." If you forget to say why you were calling. Call back. Even if it's long distance. It's an inexpensive investment in your marriage. Cheaper than a dozen roses.

Great relationships occur in the daily gift of sacrifice and in the way the person receiving the gift needs it given. Matthew 7:12 says… “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,…”

DO you have any other advice for married or soon to be married couples? We can all use some help from others!

Roger, over and out!

As I was reading through a blog on The Center of Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU) I came across the concept of youth and worship and thought I would pass on a portion of it to you. It was written by Walt Mueller, the creator of CPYU and you can read the entire blog at (www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=76960). His questions and proverbs are very insightful. Let me know what you think and if there are any other questions/proverbs that ought to be considered.

Roger, over and out


...In preparation for the seminar, we were all asked to submit the top three questions churches should be asking regarding youth and worship, and our top three Proverbs that should ground the church’s work in this area (for some strange reason I submitted four). Attendees were then to work at tables to add to, subtract from, and refine our suggestions, the results of which will be posted at some point on the Symposium website.

I thought I’d pass on my questions and Proverbs. Perhaps they’ll spark some thought and discussion in your church. As you will see, most of them grow out of my concern for fostering a culturally captive understanding of the faith by segregating the full Body of Christ apart from one another in worship.

My questions:
1. What must we do to facilitate intergenerational understanding that results in a willingness to gracefully participate together in corporate worship that is diverse (not catering exclusively to one generational demographic) and meaningful?

2. What must we do to enable the emerging generations to experience the wonder and awe of doing life together (both give and take) while integrated into the full Body of Christ, particularly in the context of corporate worship?

3. What must we do to enable meaningful intergenerational interaction and deep long-term mentoring relationships that are initiated by adults with youth in a manner that facilitates fully integrated (all of life) spiritual growth and formation?

My Proverbs:
1. Those who age-segregate worship, spoil the child.
2. To understand “worship” as merely singing or one hour of corporate gathering, is to not understand worship at all.
3. The one who acts justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly before God is a true worshipper, integrating faith into all of life.
4. God is the audience in worship. Not me.