Overflow Sr. High Ministries

Pancake Dinner

2012-02-06T14:46:00.001-05:00

Come join us for the annual GSLC Pancake Dinner on Sunday, February 26 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Our Sr. High Youth will be serving up “all-you-can-eat” pancakes to raise money for their upcoming Summer Workcamp in Belle, WV. This event is a great way to support our youth and enjoy friends and flapjacks at the same time! Please RSVP for this event on the bulletin board in fellowship hallway or contact the church office at 703-437-5020.

Have You Talked to a Donkey Lately?

2012-02-06T14:38:00.003-05:00

What is the weirdest story in the Bible? That was the question I was recently asked by a middle school student. I had to stop and think for a minute... after all, there are A LOT of weird stories in the Bible. There’s the story about the demonic pigs flying off a cliff (Mark 5:1-20); the one about a levitating severed hand graffiti-ing a wall (Daniel 5:1-31); the story of Lot’s wife turning into a giant salt-lick (Genesis 18:16-33); or the legendary Bear Attack of 846 B.C. (2 Kings 2:23-24). Despite the weirdness of all of those stories, there was one other story that stood out in my mind... the story of Balaam and his talking donkey.

Do you remember that story (if not, go read Numbers 22:21-39)? I remember first hearing that story as a little kid in Sunday School, and as an 8-year-old boy, a story about a talking donkey was absolutely hilarious (okay, even now it’s still pretty funny)! But the real meaning was probably lost on me. Rereading that passage as an adult, I realized I had missed something. See, Balaam was a prophet of God who spoke both blessings and curses. But he was also a sorcerer... which really angered God. “Now when Balaam saw it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as at other times, but turned his face toward the desert” (Numbers 24:1).

I guess it’s easy to miss that part. I was probably so caught up in the talking donkey that I never stopped to think why Balak, king of Moab, enemy of Israel, would have summoned Balaam in the first place. Balak wanted Balaam to call down curses on God’s people, the Israelites. It took a donkey to crush Balaam’s foot, make a complete fool of him, and remind him of his loyalties (Numbers 22:25). “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’... Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing on the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown” (vv.28, 31).

That got me thinking, what are the “donkeys” in my life? What “donkey” is God using to get my attention? We sometimes, for whatever reason, don’t see the work of God around us. As Christians, we’re a lot like Balaam; we know where our allegiance lies, but we so often answer to the summoning of the enemy... sin. And because of that, our hearts are divided. But God, in His great love, is there to remind us whose side we’re on. Sometimes that reminder is unexpected (like Balaam’s talking donkey) and sometimes that reminder hurts (like Balaam’s crushed foot). But the beauty of grace lies in its unrelenting pursuit to bring us back to God, even when we go down the wrong path. So keep an ear out for the “donkeys” in your life, and listen closely for the message God has for you!

The Zone - Sr. High Youth Retreat

2012-01-05T10:23:00.003-05:00

All Sr. High youth are invited to attend the upcoming Zone at the Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach, VA on March 2-4, 2012. The Zone is a jam-packed weekend of high-energy fun, praise, and spiritual growth. There will be concerts from awesome bands, games, beach-front fun, hilarious and inspiring speakers, late-night activities, and meaningful break-out sessions where you and your friends can hang out and take your faith to the next level. For those of you who attended The Quake, the Zone is the Sr. High version of that event. Whether or not you’re familiar with the Quake or the Zone, this is one weekend you don’t wanna miss! The cost for this awesome event is $150 (checks payable to GSLC), which includes the event, hotel and meal expenses. In order to attend, all youth participants MUST be registered and paid-in-full by TUESDAY, JANUARY 31... no exceptions! If interested, youth may sign up on the sheet in the Sr. High Youth Room (121). All youth who wish to attend this event must register by filling out a registration slip and returning it, with their full payment, to Andy Muich (DCE). If you have any questions or need a registration slip, contact Andy at 703-439-2758 or andy@gslcva.org, In the meantime, be sure to check out the Zone website: www.youthencounter.org (search for “Zones”).

"The Hunt" Is On!

2012-01-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

All Sr. High youth are invited to take part in the “The Hunt”... a massive mall scavenger hunt... on Sunday, January 29 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Tyson’s Corner Mall. Youth will form teams and hunt throughout the mall, racking up points by taking pictures of items/tasks from a huge list. In the end, one team will be declared the Ultimate Hunters and receive Scavenger Hunt fame... and a sweet prize, too! We will meet and depart from the Tyson’s Corner Mall food court (located on the uppermost level next to the movie theater). Be sure to bring either a digital camera or your camera-equipped cell phone and money for dinner in the food court after the game. If you’d like to participate in this awesome event, please sign up on the sheet in the Youth Room (121) or contact Andy Muich (andy@gslcva.org).

This Month @ Immerse...

2012-01-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

Perhaps the best way to see into someone's heart (other than surgery) is to read a personal letter written to someone they love. Over the next few weeks at Immerse we will take an in depth journey through 1st Timothy... a letter written by the Apostle Paul to his dear friend, Tim. During that time we will explore key aspects to a growing and intriguing faith, especially during hard times. In the end, it is our hope that you will discover ways to develop a long-lasting, vibrant faith... a faith that sustained Timothy (a teenager just like you) throughout his life. Come check it out! Immerse meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Youth Room (121).

Pressing On

2012-01-05T09:59:00.003-05:00

It has been an incredible year in the Muich house. This past March we welcomed our baby girl, Harper, into the world and the days since then have been filled with both blessings and challenges. It has been pure joy to watch her discover and learn new things. And for a baby practically everything is new. Right now she’s on the verge of walking. Have you ever seen an infant try to walk? There’s a lot of falling down involved in the process... a lot! Sometimes it takes a second or two for her to realize that something even happened. But when she finally realizes that she’s fallen... that she was standing and is now lying on the floor... the crying begins. And she looks around for me or her mom, for someone to acknowledge her pain and to comfort her. So when we hear her cry, we come to her. We pick her up and place her back on her feet.

No one likes to fall, yet we all do from time to time. And when we do, it is so comforting to know that we have a heavenly Father who is waiting with open arms to catch us or pick us back up again. But what happens when we’re pushed down or jump? The fall can be quite embarrassing and can sometimes cause damage, leaving wounds that last for years. What we thought was a sure thing turned out to be misleading or what we had hoped would fill us up has left us empty.

This is where pressing on and holding tightly to faith are important. We can’t quit after the first fall. We have to get back up again. Although my daughter may cry for a bit after the initial fall, she quickly forgets about it and tries again. The devil wants us to believe we are all failures and that Jesus can’t use broken people. We’ll let me tell you something... He can! He does! Our God is a God of second chances and He loves a good “underdog” story. Our job is to recognize God’s grace, for in doing so, we will come to see that it is given freely and often. There is this great verse in Hosea that speaks of this idea: “Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth...” (Hosea 6:3). I love the picture this passage paints. When we seek God, we’ll find Him... when we fall down, He’ll come to pick us up.

I don’t know how your 2011 was. Maybe it was a good year, maybe it was a bad year. Maybe it was one filled with joy and happiness or maybe it was one filled with challenges and heartache. Whatever it was, know that our God, the God of second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings, is there for you... watching over you... ready to catch you when you fall. Make this New Year one filled with that knowledge and find comfort in God’s grace. Keep pressing on. Press on towards the amazing things Jesus has in store for you. Press on even when you feel your fall was too far and your landing too painful. Acknowledge Jesus in the midst of your pain, and he will meet you there. We’re not perfect people. We need help sometimes. My prayer is that we would press on, deeper into Christ’s love, each and every day, that we would forget the past and strain towards what lies ahead. Happy New Year!

This Month @ Immerse...

2011-12-01T13:04:00.003-05:00

The anticipation of unopened gifts, the Advent candles being lit one-by-one, and the packed church on Christmas Eve all point to the sense that something important is coming. This spirit of anticipation and extravagance is celebrated and honored in Charles Dickens' classic story, A Christmas Carol. His story highlights a uniquely Christian virtue: self-sacrificial love. Not only does A Christmas Carol emphasize togetherness, reconciliation, and concern for the poor; it's also a critique of the times. A Christmas Carol is not a "Christmas" story in the sense that there are no angels or wise men; there is no manger or virgin about to give birth. But there are still many things it can teach us about the true meaning of Christmas and the reason for this season.

Come join us at Immerse during the month of December for our new series: Lessons Learned from A Christmas Carol. We will be watching the most recent Disney animated-movie version of this tale and follow that up with a discussion of what we can and should learn from this quintessential Christmas classic. Immerse meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Youth Room (121). Come check it out!

Overflow Christmas Party!

2011-12-01T12:53:00.002-05:00

All Sr. High youth are invited to the annual Overflow Christmas Party & "White Elephant" Gift Exchange on Sunday, December 11 from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Youth Room (121). Come enjoy festive food, games, and a movie. There is no cost for this party, but be sure to bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift (a cheap, or no-cost, funny gag gift). Invite your friends as well and join us for a festive fun time! Sign up on the sheet located in the Youth Room. For more information contact Andy Muich (andy@gslcva.org). See ya there!

Christmas Shoppe & Pasta Dinner

2011-12-01T12:47:00.004-05:00

Sr. High youth volunteers are needed to help out with the annual GSLC Christmas Shoppe and Pasta Dinner on Friday, December 9 from 4:00-8:00 PM. Money raised from the dinner will go towards the 2012 Summer Workcamp, so if you are a youth attending that event, you are expected to be there in order to receive credit and a portion of the funds we raise. We need helpers throughout the evening for this event so please volunteer if you are available. If you have any questions or would like to sign up to help, contact Andy Muich (andy@gslcva.org). Thanks!

Don't Forget About Advent!

2011-12-01T12:28:00.006-05:00

Christmastime is here / Happiness and cheer / A time that all / The children call / Their favorite time of year

Those are the lyrics to a classic Christmas song from a classic (and my personal favorite) Christmas film... A Charlie Brown Christmas. For many years growing up this cartoon marked the beginning of the Christmas season for me. My thought was, "If A Charlie Brown Christmas is on TV then it must be Christmastime!" And why wouldn't it be since the song starts off with the words: “Christmastime is here?!?!” Although my young mind was being influenced (and not necessarily in a bad way) by this holiday favorite, at the same time it was also being formed by a certain time in the church year known as Advent. Each year I noticed a certain transformation that occurred after all of the Thanksgiving leftovers had been eaten... a transformation both in my home and in my church. In both places the advent wreath was hauled out and was placed in a prominent spot. My Lutheran grade school teacher would bring out her advent calendar and each day she would pull this little slip of paper from the banner-like calendar and read a story pertaining to that particular period in the advent season. This season also included extra church services that we attended on Wednesday nights that began with a classic Midwest-Lutheran tradition... a soup supper. It was during this time that I heard familiar advent hymns, like my favorite, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” All of these things reminded me that it was not “Christmas-time” that was here; rather it was “advent-time” that had come upon us!

The word advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” Advent is a time of waiting. It’s kinda like the "I can't wait!" type of waiting that kids express during this time of year, as they eagerly anticipate the coming of Christmas morning and all of those brightly wrapped presents that will be waiting for them beneath the tree. As Christians there is definitely an anticipation in this waiting... an anticipation that culminates in another type of wrapped gift. But this wrapped gift is not wrapped in brightly colored paper with ribbons and bows; rather it is wrapped in pieces of cloth. This gift is also not found underneath a decorated tree; rather it is found in the most unlikely of places... a feeding trough for barnyard animals.

During advent, Christians gather in churches to symbolically reenact the waiting that the people of Israel, in the Old Testament, engaged in as they looked forward to the coming of the Messiah... the Promised One. Isaiah 40:3 records one of the more familiar advent prophecies: “A voice of one calling: In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” Isaiah is also famously known for another advent proclamation found in chapter 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Why is it important for the church to celebrate this time of the year (or any other for that matter)? One reason is that the church year provides a sort of re-ordering of the way in which we look at time itself. Robert Webber in his book, Ancient-Future Faith says that: “The Christian, in his or her view of time, makes a dramatic break with a worldly view of time and begins to consciously meditate on the aspect of Christ’s life currently being celebrated by the church.”

I think most teenagers (and many adults as well), live lives filled with a great deal of fragmentation and division. Time is something that many of them think they don't have enough of, given their busy lives between school, sports, work, band, choir, family, friends, and, if time permits, church. But there is a deeper issue at hand in regards to this fragmentation. Chap Clark in his book called Hurt, a foundational piece of work on the dual life of teenagers, notes that: "Alongside or, more accurately, beneath the superficial and all-too-often cosmetic layer of high school life, there are dark, lonely corners where the neon light of sanitized conformity seldom penetrates. Just below the sheen of coerced normality are the stress and strain of personal survival in a hostile world." The message of advent, the one where Jesus breaks into the world, is an important message to convey to teenagers and adults alike who desperately need an in-breaking of Christ into their daily lives. And the Christmas season with its busy-ness is a perfect time to both speak and receive a message of "peace on earth." May you have a blessed advent-time filled with the peace that only a loving Savior can bring... and merry Christmas as well.

Now Is The Time - Station 3

2011-10-10T11:47:00.005-04:00

PUT ON THE NEW

Supplies Needed

- suede or leather strands (cut to bracelet size)

- blue beads

"...for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature..." - Colossians 3:9, 10

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST... FORGET THE OLD, EMBRACE THE NEW.

Sometimes the sins we commit are hard to let go of, the mistakes we've made are difficult to forget, and the wounds we've received just won't seem to heal. In this passage, Paul reminds us to stop living in the past, to forget what's already happened and embrace what can become. Our old nature, a life marked by sin and evil actions, is stripped away and we are given a new nature; one marked by love and forgiveness. Martin Luther named our former nature "the Old Adam." He said that the Old Adam in us is daily drowned in the waters of our baptism and that a New Man emerges. Through Christ and his blood on the cross we are made new. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: the old has gone, the new is here!" So we need to start living like new creations, freed from the sin that once enslaved us... not hung up on the past... not committing the same sins over and over... not living apart from God.

Now is the time to put on something new. Take a leather strand and three blue beads. These beads represent the water used in your baptism and the three persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in whose name you were baptized. Place the beads on the strand against the knot and then tie another knot to secure the beads. When you have finished constructing your bracelet, place it on your wrist. Wear this bracelet as a reminder of the new life you have in Christ and through your baptism. Remember that your old sinful nature has been stripped and washed away and that Jesus clothes you with a new nature; clean and forgiven.

Take a moment to pray to God. Ask Him to strip away the sins in your life, the ones you struggle with and the ones that keep causing you to stumble. Ask Him to wash you clean and forgive you for your past mistakes. Ask Him to send His Spirit into your heart to allow you to truly live as a new creation and embrace the newness of a life in Christ.

When you have finished praying you may move on to the next station.

Now Is The Time - Station 4

2011-10-10T11:23:00.004-04:00

KNOW AND GROW

Supplies Needed

- two chairs facing each other

"...and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him." - Colossians 3:10

STOP TRYING TO BE THAT OTHER PERSON... KNOW GOD AND BECOME LIKE HIM.

Take a seat.

We spend a lot of time comparing ourselves to those around us, and sometimes we go to great lengths to become like them. Maybe you wear things you normally wouldn't wear to look more like __________. Maybe you say things you normally wouldn't say to sound more like __________. Maybe you do things you normally wouldn't do to act like __________. Maybe you compromise the values you normally wouldn't compromise to fit in with __________.

We all do it one point or another. But why? Why do we spend so much time and effort trying to be like somebody else? Maybe it's to fit in with that group or to hook up with that guy or that girl. Maybe it's to be popular. Maybe it's to look cool or in some way rebel against what others expect of you. Maybe it's just because you're bored. Whatever the reason may be, Paul, in this passage, says to stop trying to become that other person and instead, become like God. If you're gonna try to be like somebody else... why not strive to be like your Creator, our perfect God? That's the challenge to Christians... not to become God... but to become like Him. And how can we become like God? Well, the first step is to discover who God is. You have to get to know Him. And through our discovery of God and who He is we are renewed in Spirit and truth.

Now is the time to get to know God and grow in your relationship with Him.

In the chair opposite you, visualize God Himself sitting there. Imagine the two of you sitting together, alone, with nobody else in the room. Now, get to know God. Ask Him questions. Interview Him. Pick His brain. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with Him. Tell Him your thoughts, your fears, your worries, your doubts, your hopes, your dreams. Ask Him how you can become more like Him. But don't do all the talking... wait awhile, be patient and listen. Hear what your heavenly Father has to say to you.

When your conversation has ended you may move on to the next station.

Now Is The Time - Station 5

2011-10-10T10:54:00.004-04:00

TEAR DOWN WALLS

Supplies Needed

- paper walls or bricks

- pens

"In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." - Colossians 3:11

STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT SEPARATES US AND START LOOKING AT WHAT UNITES US - CHRIST!

We do it all the time... we build up these walls that separate us from each other, walls that even separate us from God. We do it to keep out those who are different from us, those not in our clique or social circle, and those we look down upon, ignore, or even hate. We also build walls to keep us safe and comfortable. But here in this passage, Paul is challenging us to tear down those walls; to stop focusing on the things that divide us and to start looking at what unites us. And that common bond, the glue that holds us ALL together is Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul says that since Christ in all of us... He is all that matters!

Now is the time for you to reflect on the walls you've built up. Take a paper wall and a pen and inside the bricks write down some of the divisions you've created in your life. Maybe it's between you and a specific person, or a group of people. Maybe it's a wall you've built between you and your relationship with your family, your friends... even God. Maybe it's a roadblock you've constructed that's keeping you from growing closer to Christ. Maybe it's your own insecurities or fears that prevent you from including or accepting others or opening yourself up to a deeper connection with the Lord. Whatever they may be, list as many walls as you can think of.

Once you have filled in the bricks of your wall. Take a few minutes to connect with God in prayer. Pray that God would tear down the walls you've built that separate you from others. Pray that He would give you the courage and conviction to refrain from building new walls. And pray that God would allow you to see Christ in those around you and that in doing so, you would feel moved to love those people, regardless of who they are.

When you have finished praying, tear apart your paper wall. Do this as a symbolic act and reminder of the new life in which you now live through Christ's love and forgiveness. You may then move on to the next station.

Remember That Workcamp?

2011-09-21T09:05:00.004-04:00

Well, I finally got around to posting the highlight video from the 2011 Workcamp in Rocky Mount, NC. What a great trip! "Thank you" to all of the youth and adult leaders who made it such an amazing week! God's Spirit was definitely moving in that place. Enjoy...

2012 Workcamp Announcement!!!

2011-08-17T12:52:00.004-04:00

Hard to believe the summer’s just ended and we’re already making plans for next year. Hopefully by now you’ve heard about the Sr. High Youth Summer Workcamp. The Summer Workcamp is a long-standing tradition for the youth at Good Shepherd, and is certainly a favorite event for our teens. It’s an incredible week of service, fun, and worship with youth from all over the country. During this week, teens will serve people in a deserving community through home repair, light construction and carpentry, painting, yard work, and so much more. Not only that, they will get a chance to work as a team, building friendships that will last for years to come! If you’ve been a part of a Workcamp before, you know how life-changing this event can be... and if you’ve never been, don’t miss this opportunity to see for yourself what an awesome week it truly is!

The 2011 Sr. High Youth Summer Workcamp is Sunday, July 22 - Saturday, July 28 in Oak Hill, WV. The cost of this trip is $500.00 which includes expenses for travel, meals, and our “after-camp adventure”... a Class V whitewater rafting trip on the New River. Once you have registered, Good Shepherd will contribute $100 towards the total cost of the trip and fundraisers are being planned to help offset your costs. A $50.00, non-refundable deposit is due by Sunday, September 25, (the registration deadline for this event). All youth participants MUST submit a registration slip and deposit by that date. Space is limited for this event, and registration is on a “first-come-first-serve” basis, so please register as soon as possible in order to guarantee your spot on this Workcamp. We have spots for 25 youth and 5 adult leaders... but those spots are filling up fast! To sign up for this event, simply remove the registration slip from the letter you received in the mail and return it to the Church office (1133 Reston Ave. Herndon, VA 20170). Please be sure to include your deposit. Checks can be made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (include “Workcamp” in the memo line). If you have any questions or would like more information about the Sr. High Youth Summer Workcamp, please contact Andy Muich at andy.muich@gmail.com or 703-439-2758.

Coming Down from the (Rocky) Mount

2011-08-17T10:52:00.005-04:00

This past summer, 19 youth and 5 adults (myself included) from Good Shepherd traveled to Rocky Mount, NC to take part in a Group Workcamp. Together, alongside a few hundred other participants from across the country, we labored and served deserving residents of that community. What resulted from that week of service, worship, and bonding was a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Events like that are often termed “mountain-top experiences.” And having been there... I would certainly give it that label. It makes me wonder though, how we came up with that term. I guess it’s because you feel as though you've reached a new height, like you’re on top of the world, or perhaps it’s because you've experienced and accomplished something so great you can’t imagine topping it. I can’t help but assume the term has its roots in the experiences of certain individuals recorded in Scripture. If you read through the Bible you’ll see that “mountain” plays a major role in many amazing stories... Moses on Mt. Sinai; Noah on Mt. Ararat; Mt. Zion; the Mount of Olives; the list goes on and on. And incredible things happened on those mounts, experiences that forever changed those who were there and encountered God at that place.

One of my favorite “mountain-top experiences” occurs in Matthew 17. In this passage, Jesus brings Peter, James and John (three of his BFFs) up a high mountain. Once they reach the top, “Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus” (vv.2-3). Peter, always the one to speak up and be heard, yells out, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here!” Then he proceeds to draw up blueprints for three “Hero-of-the-Faith” Memorials (v.4). But before he can finish, a giant luminous cloud overshadowed them and spoke... it was God. God showed up on that mountain and set a few things straight. Having just encountered God himself, the disciples fell to the ground in fear and shame. But Jesus, in his infinite kindness and love picked them up and comforted them (vv.7-8).

Now that’s a mountain-top experience! Literally! I can only imagine the disciples wanted to stay in that place forever, on top of that mountain, and bask in what they just saw, reliving the emotion of that experience. But in the very next verse Jesus is bringing them back down the mountain, back to the rest of the disciples, back to the real world where their lives carry on.

For many of us who attended the Workcamp (and for those who’ve been a part of one before), we can relate to this story. It was a mountain-top experience and we encountered God in many new ways. The emotion can only be described as a “spiritual high” and coming down from that can be difficult, even scary. Because up on that “mountain” it’s easy and it’s safe to experience God and express our emotions through worship, and bonding and service. But it’s not the real world for us. Yes, Rocky Mount is a real place with real people, and the Workcamp is a real thing, but it’s not where God has called us to remain. Jesus wouldn't allow his friends to stay on that mountain and we can’t stay at Workcamp forever. He has called us to come home and show others the amazing impact that experience has had on our lives and to share His love with those who may not know it. On the final night at Workcamp we heard the words, “Serving Jesus doesn't stop here.” So true! We are called to serve Him and others right here, right where we are. There is work to be done right here! That spiritual high can’t last forever and sooner or later we all have to come down from that mountain-top experience. But the same Jesus who picked up his disciples, walked with them, and vowed to remain in their hearts, extends the same comfort, presence, and promise to us as well. My hope and prayer is that the love He filled us with during that week would overflow into the lives of those we encounter here and now and that we would live lives forever changed by the power of God.

The descent from your mountain-top experience, whatever it may have been, doesn’t have to be a dead fall. There are so many ways for you to remain connected to God throughout the year. Get involved in worship and Youth Group. Make it a habit to read your Bible and pray everyday. Spend time with other Christians who will keep you accountable. Make sure you are being spiritually fed. And if you need help with any of those things, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask...

A Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2011-06-21T15:08:00.002-04:00

Love. I can't help but talk about it... after all, it's still lingering in the air. That special time of the year has come and gone once again. No, it wasn't Valentine's Day or the candy-company-concocted Sweetest Day. It was prom season! Perhaps you noticed it too... the limos, the dresses, the tuxedos, the fancy dinners, the overabundance of Facebook photo albums... it really is quite the occasion and it's no wonder why so many people get wrapped up in the emotion of it all. One of my favorite parts of the prom season is hearing about the great lengths guys and girls will go to in order to get a date or ask someone to the dance. Their creativity knows no bounds. One guy's attempt in Connecticut even made national news and sparked a controversial debate on whether or not "the punishment fit the crime." It amazes me to see how they pursue the one they love (or at least have a crush on).

The story of Scripture is a true account of a God who is in pursuit as well. It's the story of a loving Creator who pursues His creation just as a lover passionately pursues the beloved or the hormone-driven teenager awkwardly, yet determinedly pursues his prom date. While God's pursuit of His creation may seem really strange to us, keep in mind that it's a metaphor. There aren't any weird romantic feelings involved here. But passionate, even romantic, human love is powerful stuff - Scripture even describes it "as strong as death" (Song of Songs 8:6)! And so it's the best symbol we have to describe the most powerful love of all... the love of God for us. Just as a lover pursues his or her beloved, so God pursues us and will go to great lengths to make His love known. And just as those in loving relationships live in faithfulness to one another, so we are to live faithfully to God.

In Hosea 1:2, God tells the prophet Hosea (hence the name of the book) to marry a prostitute named Gomer... knowing all along that she will cheat on him, break his heart, and be the most unfaithful spouse one could ever have. Why? Because their relationship and the pain of an unkept promise served as a mirror for God's chosen people. And like a mirror, it exposes something much deeper about how our unfaithfulness today affects God. When we stop pursuing our first love, God, and settle for things of such less value and meaning; when we replace Him with our stuff, even ourselves; when we start caring more about what others think of us than what He thinks of us; when we're seduced by the promises of popularity and success... guess what... we've cheated on Him. We've broken His heart. We've been unfaithful.

Now, if you've read Hosea all the way through (spoiler alert) you'll know that it's not all doom and gloom. There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Gomer is eventually redeemed. And in keeping with the metaphor, so are God's people. In the book, the prostitute-turned-wife is bought back with fifteen pieces of silver, five bushels of barley, and some wine. We were also "bought" back, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Even though we were unfaithful to Him, and even though we will more than likely continue to cheat on Him, God will never stop pursuing us, going to great lengths to restore and heal that broken relationship. Hosea 14:4 says, "I [the Lord] will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever." Love is a crazy thing (the rock band Queen would agree). And it'll make you do crazy things. But nothing... nothing... is crazier than the unconditional, relentless love that our heavenly Father has for us!

Happy Summer!

Pool Party!!!

2011-06-01T14:47:00.003-04:00

All Jr. & Sr. High Youth (grades 7-12) are invited to the "End-of-the-Year" Pool Party on Sunday, June 12 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Glade Community Pool in Reston (11550 Glade Drive). We've got the pool all to ourselves so bring a friend... or two... or three! Free swimming, pizza, and drinks. Sign up for this event by Friday, June 10. Sign-up sheets are located in the Youth Room or Fellowship Hallway or just contact Andy Muich (andy.muich@gmail.com). Hope to see you there!

Senior Brunch

2011-06-01T12:44:00.002-04:00

All high school seniors and their parents are invited to GSLC's annual "Senior Brunch" on Sunday, June 12 at 12:45 PM. Come celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another! For more information, contact Andy Muich (andy.muich@gmail.com).

A Little Inbox Inspiration

2011-06-01T12:30:00.003-04:00

Most of the time my inbox is flooded with junk. Yes, I have a spam filter... and yes, it's turned on. But for some reason, pointless forwards and annoying ads still seem to find their way in. I suppose it's mostly my fault. I do sign up and subscribe to a lot of different things. But every now and then something noteworthy, something forward-worthy graces my inbox. Awhile back I signed up for daily devotions/quotes from Brennan Manning. I would like to share one that came to inbox recently. It's an excerpt from his latest book, The Furious Longing of God. The quote is beautiful and speaks for itself. It's a powerful reminder of what it means to be a follower of Christ. I hope you find as much inspiration in these words as I did...

"The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make us brand-new creations. Not to make people with better morals but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in even greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love. This my friend, is what it really means to be a Christian." (Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God)

Happy June!

This Month @ Immerse...

2011-04-26T10:56:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what those hard-to-pronounce books at the end of the Old Testament are all about? Come find out in our new series at Immerse this May. Minor Prophet, Major Message will take a look at four of those lesser-known, harder-to-spell, oft-overlooked prophets... all who had important messages from God to share with His people. Those messages were important thousands of years ago, and they remain important for us still today. Check it out! Immerse meets on Sunday mornings in the Youth Room (121) from 9:30-10:30 AM.

Broken & Shed

2011-04-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

All high school and college-age youth are invited to a very special Quench Passion Week Worship Gathering on Saturday, April 23 from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Chapel. The theme of the evening is "Broken & Shed" and will focus on Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and what that sacrifice means for us. Come spend an hour reflecting on Jesus' ultimate act of love in this interactive, experiential worship gathering. Check out the video below for a "sneak peek" of Broken & Shed...

Broken & Shed from Andy Muich on Vimeo.

Pancake Dinner

2011-03-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hey boys and girls! It's time again for the annual GSLC Pancake Dinner. This year's event will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 4:00-8:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Since this event is a fundraiser for our Summer Workcamp, all participants are expected to help out. We need youth and adult volunteers to help with set-up, take down, cleaning, cooking and serving. We are also in need of electric griddles and warming trays. If you have any of those items, please bring them on Sunday. If you and your parent(s) are planning on helping with this event, please contact Andy Muich (andy.muich@gmail.com) as soon as possible. Thanks!

Coming Up For Air

2011-03-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hold your breath for as long as you can. No, seriously... do it right now... I'll wait. Okay, how long could you hold it? What did that experience feel like? Towards the end, how desperate were you for oxygen? I remember as a kid having competitions with my buddies at the pool to see who could hold their breath the longest while underwater. We'd suck in a huge gulp of air, puff out our cheeks, pinch our nostrils and stare intensely at one another... just waiting for someone to give in and come up to the surface, gasping for air. Looking back, it was kind of a terrifying experience. No one likes the feeling of suffocating, the desperation and longing for relief.

If you think about it, that desperation for air, that need for oxygen can be compared to our connection to God... especially our connection to God through prayer. Martin Luther said that "to be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." The way Luther saw it was that prayer is necessary, vital, to the Christian life and to our connection with God. Without it we're breathless, dead, but with it we're alive and truly living in an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. Psalm 34 takes this metaphor even further: "I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise. I live and breathe God..." (Psalm 34:1-2, The Message). Just a few chapters later in that book we hear a passage that speaks of our greatest need and longing: "As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God..." (Psalm 42:1-2, NLT).

As we approach Lent, a season that encourages reflection through prayer, take the opportunity to come up for air. If you've been holding your breath, not allowing God to "expand your lungs" through prayer, take this next month to reconnect with Him. Like any relationship worth preserving, communication is essential. Why should our relationship with God be any different? He wants to be there for you... He wants to be connected to you and know that He is a vital part of your existence. If you feel like your life right now is suffocating your relationship with God, pray to Him and ask Him to send His Spirit into you, filling you with a life-giving breath that frees you to truly live the life you were made to live. Happy March!

Free Wing Night!!!

2011-03-01T10:19:00.001-05:00

The Faith Lives of Ducks

2011-02-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher/theologian, told a story, a parable if you will, about a town where only ducks live:

Every Sunday morning the ducks waddle out of their houses and waddle down Main Street to their church. They waddle into the sanctuary and squat in their proper pews. The duck choir waddles in and takes its place, then the duck minister waddles forward and opens the duck Bible. He preaches to them: "Ducks! God has given you wings! With wings you can fly! With wings you can mount up and soar like eagles. No walls can confine you! No fences can hold you! You have wings. God has given you wings and you can fly like birds!" All the ducks shout, "Amen!" And then they all waddle home.

Kierkegaard used that story to get people, particularly Christians, to think about their God-given potential. We constantly hear about our potential in Christ. We read verses like Philippians 4:13 that says, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Or even John 14:12 that says, "I [Jesus Christ] tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." We sit in church or Sunday School, nodding our heads in agreement about the new life that can be ours through Christ and through a commitment to faith... but in the end, how often do you we act upon what we've heard? Like the ducks in the parable, we just say "Amen" and continue on with our lives, the same way we always have.

So maybe there is something more to a faith commitment. Maybe there's a piece that we're missing. James 2:17 says that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Wow. Strong words. But true nonetheless. It's still faith... but it's not a living faith. It's not a walking, talking, breathing, moving, hands and feet of God kinda faith! A true faith commitment is more than just saying you believe that God has given you a gift, it's the courage and tenacity to use that gift and share it with others.

In yet another story about commitment, Kierkegaard tells the tale of a man trapped on the edge of a cliff with raging fire burning towards him. The inferno is rapidly approaching and it will only be a minute or two before the fire reaches and consumes him. All of a sudden the man hears a voice from down below the cliff, in the darkness, calling out, "Jump!" Frightened, the man yells back, "But I can't see you! There's only darkness down there!" The voice from down below yells back, "Jump anyway! I can see you!"

No one tells stories about commitment better than Kierkegaard. Probably because, for him, commitment was the core of what it means to be a Christian. And he used that particular story, the one about the man on the cliff, to illustrate what he called "the leap of faith." Tony Campolo said that, "in the end, what is required in committing oneself to Christ is so overwhelming that only those who are desperate are ready to take that leap of faith and give themselves over completely to the voice that calls out to us."

So here's my challenge for you, for all of us. Spend some quiet time alone with God. Listen for Him. Maybe He's calling out to you but you've been so distracted by other things that the noise of busyness, complacency, and apathy has muted His voice. What's He trying to tell you? What commitment is He asking you to make? What gift is He urging you to share? After listening to God, pray that He would send His Spirit into your heart and that through Him and through His power, you will be able to do those great things... to act and not just speak... to soar and not just waddle. Happy February!

Noise - Prayer Station 1

2011-01-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

[UN]EXPECTED PLACES

Supplies Needed
- a digital photo frame
- various digital images of people, places, or things through which one might encounter God

Like Elijah, we often expect to encounter God in obvious places: in Church, in the Bible, in prayer... perhaps even in some miraculous sign or event. And when we don't "find" Him in those obvious places, we feel let down, misled, maybe even abandoned. But God is all around us! He is everywhere! Perhaps we are just looking in the wrong place.

Spend a few quiet moments looking at the images on the screen. As each image appears, ponder how you might see God in that scene. Don't forget that God can use the small, unexpected things in life to get your attention. Look closely and listen for His voice. Pray that God would speak to you, and that you would have the patience and commitment to hear Him clearly.

Noise - Prayer Station 2

2011-01-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

A GOD WHO HEARS

Supplies Needed
- Psalm 86 (printed out or in a Bible opened to that passage)

No matter how much noise, static interference or distraction is happening in our lives, we have a God who hears our prayers; our cries for help, our shouts for joy. Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on Psalm 86...

...Read the lyrics over and over again. Imagine the feelings of the writer as he pours his heart out to God. Sing this psalm, this praise-song, knowing that the same God who heard the prayers of King David hears ours as well. Pray these words with the confidence that God will lean an ear your way, and listen to the cries of His child.

Noise - Prayer Station 3

2011-01-25T12:06:00.000-05:00

ADDING TO THE NOISE

Supplies Needed
- a "boom-box" (cardboard box resembling a stereo with an opening on the top)
- paper cassette tapes (Google Image search "cassette tape" for templates)
- markers/pens

Everyday there are things in our life that add to the "noise," distracting us from hearing God's voice or muting it altogether. This is your opportunity to to reflect on those things in your life that are only adding to that noise. What things are coming between you and God? What sins, habits, emotions, doubts, relationships, activities, possessions are getting in the way of you connecting to God?

Take a few quiet moments to name those things. Be specific. Being able to clearly identify our distractions is the first step to overcoming them. Then, write them down on the paper cassette tapes and drop them into the boom-box. Pray that God would remove those distractions, that noise, and allow you to experience the fullness of life in Him.

Noise - Prayer Station 4

2011-01-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

SEEING THROUGH THE STATIC

Supplies Needed
- an "old" television set that plays static

Spend a few quiet moments staring at the static on the screen. Like the static snow, sin distorts the once perfect picture of life with God. It creates a fuzzyness that blurs the image of who God is, what He has done, and what He desires of us. In order to see that image more clearly, we must "tune in," focus on Him and listen for His commands. It's not as simple as it sounds, and we are easily distracted, but God is calling out to us! Listen. What is He saying? What is God trying to tell you right now? What is He trying to show you? If God were to appear on the television screen and speak directly to you, what would He say? Pray that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you would be able to see God for who He is and what He has done. Pray that He would reveal Himself and His will to you. Pray that each day you would grow closer to Him and in doing so, come to see a clearer picture of what it looks like to be child of God.

Noise.

2011-01-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

This past week at Quench (our Sr. High Youth Experiential Worship Service) our gathering centered around the theme "Noise." We focused on identifying the "noise" in our lives that distracts, deafens, even mutes the voice of God. He is constantly calling out to us... but can we hear Him through all of the noise we create?

For the message portion of the worship gathering we played Rob Bell's NOOMA 005, Noise... it was the perfect reflection piece. And allowed us to answer questions like, "Why is silence so hard to deal with?" and "Do you wish God's voice would be louder in your life?"and "Do you sometimes avoid silence because you're afraid of what God might actually have to say to you?" The evening's Scripture focus was 1 Kings 19:1-13, where God speaks to Elijah in a small, nearly silent, whisper. To really experience the passage, we added an interactive element to the reading. Participants used paper fans, Pop Rocks, and Atomic Fireballs to simulate the violent wind, earthquake, and fire in the story. This story causes us to ask the question: Is it possible that you are searching for God in the winds, the earthquakes, and the fires... and He's waiting to speak to you in the silence?

The final element of the worship gathering were prayer stations that reflected the theme, "Noise." Each station gave participants the opportunity to spend some quiet, even silent, time with God, and ask Him to speak to their hearts. Details of each prayer station will come in following posts. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the evening...

Things Change... God Doesn't...

2011-01-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

Change is inevitable. Agree or disagree? I think most people would agree with that statement... especially around this time of the year. Another new year seems to always bring change and resolution to make changes. Some people embrace the change, even welcome it, while others fear it. Some people avoid change at all cost while others deem it unavoidable and simply a fact of life. In the midst of change and an ever-evolving society it's easy to forget that we have a God who stays the same. As the writer of Hebrews put it, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). Or as God Himself said, "I am God... Yes, I AM. I haven't changed" (Malachi 3:6 MSG). A God who doesn't change is, at the same time, comforting and challenging.

David Bazan (formerly known as Pedro the Lion... an indie rock band in the late 90s, early 00s) wrote a heart-spilling song called "Letter From A Concerned Follower." In it he laments on God's inability (or refusal) to adapt to the changing times. He sings, "I hear that You don't change / How do You expect to keep up with the trends?" When I first heard that line I was appalled... of course God doesn't change! But then I realized how often I too had expected Him to change, to adapt... to accommodate me and my schedule, my choices, my beliefs, and the life I wanted to live. All the while, I was ignoring God calling me to change... "Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him" (Romans 12:2 CEV). "You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, so please Him and be truly holy" (Ephesians 4:22-24 CEV). That was His call for His people then; and it is His call for His people still today. God doesn't change... but we do. Instead of asking God to change, to accommodate your choices, or to squeeze into your busy lives, ask Him to be number one, top priority, forefront of your life. "These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:32-33 NLT).

It certainly is the trend, especially in this area, to be busy... which isn't in itself a bad thing. Where we get in trouble is when we push God away in order to make room for all of those things that keep us busy. I think, at times, we expect God to keep up with our fast-paced, over-committed lives; meanwhile, He is yelling out to us, "Be still! And know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV). Imagine the peace that would flood our lives if we only took His advice. It's the peace that comes with knowing who God is, what He has done, and what He is capable of doing. And it's a peace that comes when we slow down and create time and space for God to reveal Himself to us. Replacing our expectations and the expectations of those around us is not easy. It's radical and risky. It may mean that we miss out on some things, or even lose some friends. But obeying God and being a new creation was never meant to be easy... or popular... or safe. It was meant to give us a life worth living, and a hope worth living for. The good news is that our God, the God of new-beginnings, of fresh-starts, of second-chances, offers us all of those things. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, change is possible. Make this year different. Embrace the change that God is continually working in you. Stop trying to change Him, and let Him transform you into the image-bearer you were created to be. Happy New Year!

What Comes Down, Must Go Up (or Something Like That...)

2010-11-30T13:48:00.000-05:00

Alright, admit it, you've given some terrible gifts. No doubt you've also received some questionable gifts. It's no surprise God is the ultimate gift-giver. He doesn't give out of expectation, desperation, selfishness, ignorance, laziness, or any of the other reasons why we give. For Christmas, however, God gave us something no one expected... it was the greatest gift He could give... Himself. The same God who formed the heavens and the earth and who knew you before you were born was now a little baby. It may seem odd, maybe even absurd, that God's rescue plan for a world in need was a baby. But God's answer to the world's problems has never been material things. Instead of giving us more stuff, He gave us Himself. God entered into the very situation He wants to heal. God showed up in our neighborhood so we would know who the eternal God is and what He's really like. God now had a face and a voice and walked among us. The miracle of Christmas is this... God showed up!

How miraculous, and at the same time preposterous, that our God, our creator and sustainer, would put on flesh and dwell among us! But this incarnation, becoming human, was all part of His master plan and was necessary in order to rescue us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. No wonder it was hard for people to believe that a baby was going to do all of that! But God coming down allowed for the Son to be raised up, and in doing so offered us the hope of our own rising.

In his classic, Miracles, C.S. Lewis describes the Christmas miracle like this: In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still, if embryologists are right, to repeat in the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and seabed of the nature He has created. But He comes down to go up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he must almost disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders.

What a great image of the directional action our God took! Coming down in order to raise us up. Brilliant! As Paul describes it, "he made himself nothing..." (Philippians 2:7) so that God's glory could be known. May we always remember the depths our God went to, all for our sake. And may we honor Him, not only this season, but always.

Happy December!

Christmas Party & "White Elephant" Gift Exchange

2010-11-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

All Sr. High Youth (9-12 grade) are invited to the annual Overflow Christmas Party & "White Elephant" Gift Exchange on Sunday, December 12 from 5:00-7:30 PM. Come enjoy free food, games, and a movie. There is no cost for this event, but be sure to bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift (a cheap or no-cost funny gag gift) and a friend... just please don't wrap up your friend. Feel free to dress up in your best (or tackiest) festive holiday wear. If you're gonna be there, let Andy Muich know by the morning of December 12. Contact him at andy.muich@gmail.com.

This Month @ Immerse...

2010-11-24T10:33:00.000-05:00

Join us at Immerse (Sr. High Bible Study) this month as we dive into a new series: A Nose So Bright: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the True Meaning of Christmas. On December 5 we will watch the Christmas classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and discuss how this animated film can point to and reveal the Truths of the Christmas holiday. Rudolph brought light into a dark and foggy world... and so did our Savior! Come check it out! Immerse

meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Youth Room (121).

Christmas Shoppe & Pasta Dinner

2010-11-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

Sr. High Youth volunteers are needed to help out with the annual CHRISTMAS SHOPPE & PASTA DINNER on Friday, December 3 from 4:30-8:30 PM. Money raised from this dinner will go towards the 2011 Summer Workcamp, so if you are a youth attending this event, you must be there in order to receive credit and a portion of the proceeds. We need helpers throughout the evening for this event so please volunteer if you are available. If you have any questions or would like to sign up to help out, contact Andy Muich at 703-439-2758 or andy.muich@gmail.com.

Turning the Car Around

2010-11-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

I've been spending a lot of time in the Old Testament lately. Our confirmation class recently covered major themes in the Old Testament and in preparation for teaching, I spent hours reading about how God interacted in the lives of His chosen people, the Israelites. The Old Testament is filled with accounts of God placing Himself, in very real, physical, and tangible ways into the story. And every time I read those stories, I am amazed at how God chooses to act... and how His people choose to respond. Take the Exodus for example...

God led perhaps one of the greatest escapes of all time. Thousands and thousands of oppressed people fled their slavery in Egypt by following His clear guidance and instructions. And all of a sudden, they were free. God had come through... just like He said He would. And things started off great. They were basking in the glow of their new found freedom, eagerly anticipating kicking back in the Promised Land. Then the grumbling started. The people became impatient. They complained about the wandering. Are we there yet? They complained about the food. Manna again?!?! They complained about Moses. Does he even know where he's going? And they complained about God. Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food (Numbers 21:5). And how did God respond to their grumbling and complaining? Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died (Numbers 21:6). Wow. His judgment was swift and serious.

I remember long car trips on family vacations where my brother and I would get restless and inevitably holler from the back seat, "Are we there yet?!?!" And my dad's go-to response was always, "I will turn this car around... I mean it... we will go right back home." He said he meant it. But he never did it. Except for one time. It must have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back because... he did it. He actually turned the care around and drove back home. I remember feeling so ashamed and ungrateful. I'm sure the Israelites never thought their complaining and lack of gratitude would result in a venomous snake attack, kind like how I never thought my dad would actually turn the car around. But it happened.

Stories like that seem embarrassing to us Christians when other people hear them. We almost want to apologize for God, or make excuses for Him. We say, "Well that was the Old Testament. Things are different now." Or "God didn't mean to hurt those people, He was just teaching them a lesson. If you forget to thank your mom for dinner, God won't kill you." But the unmistakable point, the unchanging message, is this: our ungratefulness is more serious than we think. In God's mind, giving thanks matters. He spoke through the apostle Paul about thankless people: Yes, they knew God. But they wouldn't honor Him as their God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result their minds became dark and confused (Romans 1:21 NLT). No honor... no thanks... foolish ideas... confused minds. In God's mind, giving thanks matters. It's a big deal. This month, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for all that you have, and for all that you've been given. And take the time to honor God as the giver of those good gifts. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Great Pumpkin Hunt

2010-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

It's baaaaack! All Sr. High Youth and their friends are invited to join us for the 2nd Annual Great Pumpkin Hunt. This year's hunt will be on Saturday, October 30 from 7:00-9:00 PM at GSLC. Come out and search for over a hundred hidden pumpkins, win sweet prizes, eat tons of candy, and enjoy some fantastic fall fun! There is no cost for this event but be sure to bring a flashlight, a jacket, night vision goggles (optional), and a friend... or two... or three... For more information contact Andy Muich (andy.muich@gmail.com).

A Messy (But Real) Life

2010-10-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

"My life is a mess." That is the opening sentence of Mike Yanconelli's book, Messy Spirituality (if you haven't read it, go pick up a copy today!). Mike goes on to ask the question: "What if genuine faith begins with admitting we will never have our act completely together?" I must admit that, at times, I am guilty of putting up a happy and perfect front in order to hide hurt and sin. And honestly, I think a lot of people, both teens and adults, in the church do the same thing. We have this fear of showing our true selves because... well... what everyone think of me? What will God think of me? I'm not alone in this struggle and neither are you. In fact, great heroes of faith have felt the same way. The apostle Paul wrote, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do... I know that nothing good lives in me... For I have this desire to do what is good, but cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do" (Romans 7:15-19). Basically, Paul is admitting that he's an imperfect mess without God. And he's right! The Bible is clear that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We all hurt. We all sin. And like Paul, we hate some of the things we do and we don't know why we keep on doing them.

So what's the easiest way to deal with these faults, these imperfections? We hide them. We cover them up. We dress up and go to church and smile. People ask how we are and we pull out the Christian "F" word... fine. We say "fine" even though sometimes we're anything but fine. Why do we do this? Because we don't want to admit we're not perfect. We don't want to spill our messiness on others. If we do, we think people will judge... or even worse, reject us.

But church is the one place we should be able to be real and messy. We all know we're flawed. We all know we're carrying around burdens and sin. So let's stop hiding behind the masks and be who we really are. Many people, myself included, think that you have to have it all together to come to church, to come before God. But, in fact, it's just the opposite. In the words of Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill, "God says to us, 'When you come to Me, come to Me with all your junk, with all your problems, come to Me all screwed up, all messed up. Let Me take care of it.'" We should come to God, just as we are, broken and needing to be made right, to be put back together. After all, "sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin" (Psalm 51:17, NCV).

I'll be the first to admit that being honest with who we really are is not easy. It's hard to be open and real, especially when we live in a world with fake people and unrealistic expectations. But there is hope... you're not alone. My advice to you is to find at least one other person you can be real with and who will accept you for who you are (a messy and imperfect sinner, saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus). Meet with this person regularly, pray with each other, keep one another accountable. In doing so, I believe you'll begin to overcome the fear of being yourself and see that it's okay to say "My life is a mess." Jesus came into a messed up world, to get messy and to save messy people. Without him, what a mess we'd be in!

An Update...

2010-09-09T14:50:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I posted an article called "A Fresh Coat." It was an article that came out of my experience painting the Sr. High Youth Room here at Good Shepherd. Below are a few pics of the completed project...

Youth Ministry Orientation

2010-09-08T17:09:00.000-04:00

The annual GSLC Youth & Parent Orientation will take place on Sunday, September 12 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. This "start-of-the-year" meeting is to fill in Sr. High youth and parents on all of this year's events, opportunities, activities, trips, etc. During the meeting youth will get a sneak-peak at this year's calendar and parents will have an opportunity to sign up as a volunteer for various events and activities. Don't miss this very important youth ministry orientation!

A Fresh Coat

2010-09-08T12:37:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I began a somewhat daunting and arduous task of painting the Youth Room here at Good Shepherd... well, at least to me it's a daunting and arduous task. My obsessive compulsive tendencies make a laborious, yet common, task like painting a room, exponentially more frustrating... but the end result is exponentially more satisfying!

There's just something about a room with a fresh coat of paint. Perhaps it's the paint fumes that induce that euphoric feel or the relief of a job completed. Perhaps it's the color that elicits happy feelings or the way it "ties the room together." Or perhaps it's just because it's something new. Whatever had been covering the walls before as been painted over and given new life, a new identity... a fresh coat. How wonderful would it be if we could simply apply that same treatment to our lives? Oh, we try! We try all the time. We buy new clothes, get a new hair style, hang out with new friends, _______________ (fill in the blank), all to achieve a "fresh coat."

Starting over, fresh and new, is so appealing, isn't it? I see a lot of this, and I'm sure you do as well, around this time of the year... the start of a new school year. For some of you it's simply moving up a grade, a higher rung on the socio-academic ladder; for others, it's a monumental transition and an opportunity to start new, to make this year count. So you say to yourself, "Last year wasn't what I wanted it to be" or "This year, things are gonna change." And you make a plan, you develop a strategy for starting fresh. Maybe it's your wardrobe, your attitude, your relationships or your friends, or maybe... just maybe... it's your faith, your life with Christ. Maybe you're saying, "This year is gonna be different... I'm gonna pray more... get more involved in youth group... witness to my friends... take my faith seriously." Whatever it may be, here's your chance, here's your opportunity to put on a fresh coat. Make a commitment, to yourself and to God, to grow deeper in your faith, stronger in your convictions, closer to Christ. Make a commitment to be active and engaged in a community of believers who will support you, build you up, and keep you accountable. Start fresh with renewed habits like reading the Word, praying, and worshiping.

Here's your chance, right now, at the start of this school year, to make this year different. And just like how painting a room can be, at times, difficult and frustrating, so can be maintaining that fresh start. But take heart, your not in this alone. Christ promises to be with you every step of the way. And the end result is totally worth it! Our God is a God of fresh coats, new beginnings, second chances. Everyday, through our baptism, we are reborn and given the opportunity to live new lives for Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" How awesome is that!?!? Everyday God is covering our old selves with a fresh coat... we are new! With Him, and through Him, make this school year the best one yet! Happy September!

Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010)

2010-07-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

I've had several requests to post the video Tyler and I made highlighting the "Dos and Don'ts" while at the National Youth Gathering. So, by popular demand, here is Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010)...

Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010) from Andy Muich on Vimeo.

Blogging the NYG - Post #8

2010-07-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

Here is a guest post from one of our Adult Leaders... Thanks, Don!

Well, we are on I-66 about 30 minutes from home…the 2010 NYG trip is almost over and as a parent, I wanted to convey a story that happened a little less than 24 hours ago. I was still checking us out of our hotel and it was time to begin our daily trek, this time it was to the Superdome for the closing ceremony. Andy, Adrienne, Kate and the kids began walking and I said that I would catch up to them. When I finally finished up at the front desk, I realized that the only way I was going to make it on time was to take a taxi (to be honest, I was not all that upset as my legs were sore and one of my feet had a blister on it from all of the walking that we had done around the city for the past 5 days). So I climb in the back of an orange taxi-van and the driver greeted me with a cheerful good morning, which I returned. He said that his business had not been good at all, but seeing 25,000 kids walking all over the city was heartwarming to him. For the next five minutes he told me that they had many, many conventions in New Orleans, with both adults and youth, but that the kids that he had observed over the last 5 days were by far the best behaved kids that he has ever seen! Wow, I said, that makes me proud to be an LCMS Lutheran. He then began to say how Martin Luther had started it all off (he got the number of theses wrong, but that’s alright) and made it possible for many churches to be started…"You should be proud"… he said. As we pulled up to the Superdome, I remembered what he had said about business this week and coupled that with the kind comments – and left him the largest tip that I had ever given for a $5 cab ride…when I gave him the $20 bill, told him to keep the change and thanked him for the conversation and the comments…he said, "Bless You!" – I have truly been blessed this week!!! – Don Kidwell

Blogging the NYG - Post #7

2010-07-23T16:41:00.000-04:00

DAY FIVE RECAP

I can't believe it's our last day at the National Youth Gathering! This week was filled with so much and has gone by so fast. But, all good things must come to an end. And what an ending it was! In true NYG style the Closing Event was one big party... loud, crazy and full of energy and surprises. It was a great sending for our youth. Take what you've heard and experienced this week and share it with everyone you know! It's that easy. Tell the story... tell who Christ is and what he has done for us... We have the truth and that truth needs to be told. Jeff Meinz gave a fantastic message and challenged us to do something more with what we share. Instead of updating our Facebook status with something lame, trivial, or selfish... share what really matters. Share something that may have an eternal consequence. Share what you BELIEVE!

The Closing Event ended with an incredible noise thanks to 25,000 "Boom Whackers." It was awesome hearing the different sounds come together in perfect harmony and rocking the Superdome. It was an unforgettable experience!

Now we are heading home... 20 hours on a bus, but totally worth it to take back a week of memories, new friends, and faith-building experiences! Thanks National Youth Gathering... it's been great!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Five...

Blogging the NYG - Post #6

2010-07-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

DAY FOUR RECAP

If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking...

That is a line from the stirring worship song, "How He Loves" and was a line sung by 25,000 youth and adults during this evening's Mass Event... by far the highlight of Day Four. As I looked around tonight, I thought, "when else are these kids going to experience God's grace in such a way?" When else will they be surrounding by 25,000 other youth who believe and share the same faith? When else will they have the freedom and comfort to sing out, praising God at the top of their lungs? When else will they hear the Gospel message in a packed arena? That's what makes the Gathering so special...

The worship at this evening's Mass Event was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. And I'm sure our kids felt that as well. The Superdome was silent as they reenacted Christ's death and marched his crucified body through the aisles. But that silence was quickly replaced with a roar of cheering and clapping as the Risen Christ appeared after his resurrection. The evening culminated with a mass communion meal... 25,000 people sharing in Christ's very body and blood... what an amazing site to see! And what better way to personally experience God's grace? God's Spirit was truly moving in the hearts and minds of those gathered in the Superdome. That same Spirit that made itself known at Christ's baptism and at Pentecost was present and moving in us tonight!

Here a few photo highlights from Day Four...

Blogging the NYG - Post #5

2010-07-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

DAY THREE RECAP

Another full day at the National Youth Gathering. Today's theme was LIVE and was focused on how we can and should live out what we believe. We had the opportunity today to put our faith into action by participating in an off-site servant event. Our group was assigned to help clean up a therapeutic riding center just outside New Orleans. The center caters to physically and mentally handicap children, youth, and their families. Although the center was not greatly affected by flood waters, Hurricane Katrina's forceful wind and rain did some major damage. Much of what we cleared out and cleaned up was remnants from the terrible storm. It was a wonderful experience to be able to get out into the community and give some of our time (and sweat) to those in need. It was a blessing for us to be able to serve the people here and in doing so, share a message of love. We truly are created to do good works, and opportunities like these allow us to let our light, the love of Christ, shine for others to see.

The rest of our day was spent at the Convention Center. More sessions, more activities, more concerts, more fun! A highlight was hearing Bob Lenz speak on what he calls "The Dignity Revolution." Bob's message was one of unconditional love and acceptance no matter what a person looks like, no matter how popular (or unpopular) they are, and no matter what the world says... every person is a loved child of God.

This evening's Mass Event was filled with energy and was punctuated by a powerful message from Rev. Matt Popovits. The core of his message centered around the question, "What is God doing in your story?" We all have a story, written by God, and it's filled with characters and settings, and plots that have helped define our life and faith experience. His message challenged us to take a deep look at what things God is doing in our lives and how our lives will be different as a result of this Gathering. How will we take what we've heard and experienced here back home and put it into practice in our every day lives. I cannot wait to see what story God is writing in the lives of our youth. He is going to amazing things!

We ended the night with a side-splitting comedy show by the always hilarious Skit Guys. A great end to a great day!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Three...

Blogging the NYG - Post #4

2010-07-20T09:22:00.000-04:00

DAY TWO RECAP

Today was the first full day of the National Youth Gathering... and full it was! We started the day off with a large group (8,000) Bible study that introduced Sunday's theme... LISTEN. "We believe in the Word made flesh; therefore, we speak so others can LISTEN and hear His Word through us." The Bible study explored Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well in John 4. And as we heard their conversation unfold we had the chance to consider her life-changing encounter with Jesus we find ourselves asking, "God, are You saying something to me that I haven't been hearing?" Often times are our world around is noisy and full of distractions and it becomes hard to listen to what really matters... so we settle for something less. But, as seen in this story, lives are changed when people meet... and listen to... Jesus.

After the Bible study, our youth had the opportunity to attend a few "breakout" sessions. They chose sessions from 40 speakers speaking on a wide range of topics... from what it means to be a man in an MTV world to the reality of love in light of Twilight... from seeing Christ in Martial Arts to seeing God's role in and desire for our lives (a session lead by a favorite of our group, Rev. Bill Yonker).

The Mass Event this evening was a powerful one! As always, the music was full of energy and praise. Another favorite of our group, the Skit Guys, performed and were absolutely HILARIOUS! The Jesus Painter was there also, adding so much to our worship experience. We were blown away by illusionist Brock Gill who somehow managed to get President Kieschnick into a straight jacket... and also managed to get out of his own... while standing on broken glass. But, at least for me, the highlight of tonight's Mass Event was the main speaker, Kellie Stocker, who told the heart-wrenching story of her 18-year-old daughter's death. She spoke about the pain, the anger, the questioning God, but also about the hope and faith that pulled her through the tragedy. But her daughter's unexpected death also gives us the message that we need to live every moment of our lives for Jesus Christ... the one thing that truly matters in this world, and the world to come. Thank you Kellie for sharing your story and inspiring us to make the most of the time we have and honor the one who gives us that time.

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Two...

Blogging the NYG - Post #3

2010-07-18T09:56:00.000-04:00

DAY ONE RECAP

The 2010 National Youth Gathering officially kicked off last night with the Opening Celebration at the Superdome. That stadium truly was the home of the "saints" as 25,000 youth and adults gathered to sing and praise God. What an amazing event! The worship music was powerful and filled with energy. The "Sand Painter" was phenomenal. The speaker was inspirational and his message was one filled with hope and promise. The evening seemed to center on the question: "Why has God brought you to this place?" And in our family group time we dove deeper into that thought. What reasons does God have for bringing you here this week. Is it something more than just time spent with friends or a fun vacation? What amazing thing is God's Spirit working in you? I can't wait to see those amazing things this week. I can't wait to see the power of God working in the youth gathered here. I can't wait. God is awesome and I think we all felt that last night! - Andy

Here a few photo highlights from Day One...

Blogging the NYG - Post #2

2010-07-17T11:51:00.000-04:00

An update from the road...

After a looooong night of driving we find ourselves traveling this morning through Alabama. After a brief stop for breakfast, chocolate milk, and plastic toy instruments, we set off again towards New Orleans. En route, the boys dominated the girls in a game of 'Battle of the Sexes' and earned much-deserved bragging rights (at least for the time being). We should be arriving in NOLA sometime after lunch. It's gonna be a great day and everyone seems excited for tonight's opening Mass Event at the Superdome. I can't wait to see what's in store. The first night of the NYG is always filled with excitement, awe and inspiration. I'm sure we won't be disappointed this year! More to come... - Andy

Blogging the NYG - Post #1

2010-07-16T20:03:00.000-04:00

Well, we're on our way! We just left Good Shepherd and are traveling with the group from Our Savior's Way (Ashburn) to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. Everyone made it on the bus... I checked... twice. Only 19 hours to go! Luckily our charter bus comes equipped with free WiFi (which is why I'm able to post this). Look for more updates to come. - Andy

OK so less than an hour in and we are already bored. Camille votes that someone start a movie but she's been told that that is a dumb question so she went into the bathroom and cried. Not really, kind of an inside joke. Wow we already have inside jokes for this trip. That's how you know its going to be good. P.S. If you press the stop button over our head, does the bus come to a screeching halt? Woah, inside joke number two. P.P.S. I can't type. - Laketa aka Leta

Now for all you folks at home anxiously sitting at your computers wondering how we are going to nourish ourselves on this tiresome journey- I will ease you of your anxiety. First: Nutter butters, oreo cakesters, cinnamon poptarts, strawberry poptarts, smores poptarts (who really likes poptarts anyway?) lots of gum, oatmeal butterscotch cookies, gummy bears, sour gummy worms (God's poor creatures) nutri-grain bars, one apple (to share :/) oats bars (?) and lots of other food products of nutritional value. I hope you can sleep tonight now that you know that your beloved is well fed. Have a great night! - Camizzle aka Camille.

New Orleans here we come!!!!

National Youth Gathering

2010-07-08T11:02:00.000-04:00

16 Sr. High youth and 4 adults from GSLC will be in New Orleans, LA July 17-21 for the LCMS National Youth Gathering. Along with 25,000 other youth from across the country, they will spend a week praising God, connecting with other believers and having a fun-filled faith experience. Those representing Good Shepherd are: Phil Devine, Sophia DiSilvio, Wolfe Drake, Claire Drew, Ryan Dufrene, Matt Ellison, Melissa Ellison, James Gill, Kate Hayes, Chase Kent, Leta Kent, Camille Kidwell, Don Kidwell, Diego Mordhorst, Adrienne Muich, Andy Muich, Kate Pichan, Rebecca Pinckney, Matthew White, and Tim White. Please keep these youth and adults in your thoughts while they are away. Pray that God would send his Spirit into their hearts and that what they experience while at the NYG will be truly powerful and a memory that will last a lifetime.

You can keep up with the GSLC group at the Gathering by checking this site or the Overflow Facebook Page (click here). On these sites you will find updates on their Gathering experience (as it's going on) and perhaps a few photos as well.

Pool Party!!!

2010-06-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

The GSLC Youth "End-of-the-Year-Summer-Is-Here" Pool Party is Sunday, June 13. The party is from 7:00-9:00 PM at Glade Community Pool in Reston. Only $5 for swimming, pizza, and drinks. Come out for great night of summer fun! We've got the whole pool to ourselves, so there's plenty of room for you and your friends. Let Andy know by Sunday morning if you're gonna be there.

Congrats Seniors!

2010-06-02T10:01:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors! You made it... way to go! I pray that God would continue to guide and protect you as you begin this new journey into college and beyond. I pray that His Spirit would remain in your hearts and minds and that you would experience the joys, challenges, and opportunities of the coming years with a peace that only our Father in heaven can offer. God's richest blessings to you all!

Come celebrate your graduation and your time spent in Sr. High at our Senior Brunch on Sunday, June 6. The brunch will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 12:30-2:00 PM. All high school seniors and their families are invited. I hope to see you all there as we take time to honor your accomplishment and send you forward with God's blessing.

This Month @ Immerse...

2010-06-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

Join us at Immerse (Sr. High Bible Study) this month as we dive into a new series: Things You Should Be Glad Jesus Never Said. Each week we'll take a hilarious and thought-provoking look at what life as a Christian would be like if Jesus had said things such as: "I am your friend... I just don't have time for you."; "You're not allowed to have fun unless you're laughing at the devil."; "You're all evil... there is no hope... that is it."; or "You'll never get into heaven now... you had your chance and blew it." Jesus said a lot of things... but you should be glad he never said any of those. Immerse meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 in the Youth Room (121). Come check it out!

Adding to the Glow

2010-06-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

When I stepped onto the campus of Concordia University at Austin, TX, in the fall of 2001, my eyes were bright with expectation. I remember feeling both nervous and eager to be entering a Christian college and to see where that would take me in my relationship with God. I couldn't wait to encounter God in ways I never had. I was ready to experience knowledge and community in a whole new way.

But as the weeks passed, I began to realize something was missing... and that something was God. I couldn't seem to find Him anywhere, and worse yet, I had almost given up the search completely. I saw traces of Him everywhere - in chapel (we had a campus chapel service every morning at 10:00 am), in classes, even in the Bible verses taped to bathroom walls and lining the hallways of our dorms. I'm sure God was there in that place... the problem was, I couldn't feel Him. I had attended Lutheran schools my whole life (preschool through college) so I knew what a "Christian campus" looked and felt like. Even in those Christ-centered environments I had to be intentional about living out that verse Matthew that calls us to "let [our] light shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (Matt 5:16, TNIV). I imagined that on a college campus it would be easy to be a bright light among the darkness. But in reality, being there was a huge test to my faith; I didn't know how to let my light be seen when everyone else's light was shining just as brightly.

I began to accept the distance in my relationship with the Lord. It wasn't long before I let the busyness of college life take precedence over my connection to God. Classes, exams, events, concerts, road trips, dorm life, parties, sleeping in on the weekends all took priority and my light got dimmer and dimmer. I relied on the occasional chapel service or Theology course for my "fill" of God. I stopped trying to be an example since no one around me seemed (at least to me) to need one. But one morning, as I was standing in chapel signing, I realized how many voices could be heard... not individually, but combined, creating one, loud and powerful sound. And that's when it hit me: God doesn't have a statute of limitations. He doesn't tell us to lead a Christ-like life only if there are people watching. He doesn't tell us to be a light shining on a hill only if there are no other lights around. He wants us to live for Him everyday, no exceptions. Our light may not always shine as bright as someone else's, but it certainly adds to the glow. It doesn't matter whether you attend a secular university or a Christian college; we all spend our lives in two different worlds. We should do all that we can so that our light, the love of God, is shining bright and that, together, we are adding to the glow of Christ's love and redemption for this world. With all of those lights shining, proclaiming the love of Christ, the world can't ignore our beaming glow. And when others see true love radiating from within us, they can't help but want to be a part of it. That's when amazing things happen. That's when lives are changed. And that's when God reveals a small glimpse of heaven, right here on earth. Happy June!

Saving Lives on an Empty Stomach

2010-05-12T14:36:00.000-04:00

Assuming it takes you two minutes to read this announcement, 36 children under the age of five will have died by the time you have finished. 36 children in two minutes! And those deaths are from poverty, hunger, and hunger-related diseases - all completely preventable. The problem is huge but the solution is not. Just $30 a month (roughly $1 a day) can help feed and care for a child in most developing countries. As students go 30 hours without food, they'll get a taste of what it's like to be hungry, all the while reaching out to those in actual need. And as they do that, their compassion will grow: for people around, and those right here at home. World Vision's 30 Hour Famine started in the US 18 years ago as a way for junior high and high school students to help save - and change - the lives of children. By going without food for 30 hours and raising money to help needy children, young people gain a deeper awareness of the needs in our world and realize that they can play a vital role in making a difference. During their 30 hours, students go without food (but drink plenty of water) to experience true hunger and learn powerful lessons of compassion for those who live with hunger daily.

This year's 30 Hour Famine will be held Friday, June 4 to Saturday, June 5. The fast will officially begin on Friday morning at 7:00 AM and will end on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The bulk of the event will be a Lock-in at Good Shepherd beginning Friday night at 8:00 PM and ending Saturday afternoon with a "break-fast" meal. We are asking that each participant raise a minimum of $30 ($1 for each hour of fasting) as a sign of charity and commitment to this event. The Lock-in portion of this event will feature tons of group games, community time, late-night activities, worship experiences, live music, a community service project and more! If you would like to sign up for this event or need more information contact Andy Muich (DCE) at 703-439-2758 or andy.muich@gmail.com. As soon as you sign up you will receive your donation packet and can start collecting funds. Youth must sign up for this event no later than Sunday, May 23. Don't pass up this incredible opportunity to save the lives of children around the world!

Thoughts at a Stoplight

2010-05-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

The other day I was driving home from work, just like so many days before. I was driving a route that I drive every single day. It had become so routine, so automatic, that I thought to myself, "I could probably drive this with my eyes closed." Except for one thing... stoplights.

As much as I loathe getting stuck at a stoplight, they do serve a necessary purpose. They make driving safe, controlled, and to some extent, easy. When you approach a stoplight, you instantly know exactly what to do. If it's red... you stop. If it's yellow... you slow down (or speed up, depending on how late you are). And if it's green... you go. As I sat at yet another stoplight I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if everything in life had its own stoplight?" Think how easy making decisions and plans would be. All you'd have to do is ask... "Should I do this? Is this the right decision?"... and BAM... green light... you've got the go ahead. How great would that be? And then I started thinking, what if God used a stoplight? What if that's how He chose to communicate with us?" All we'd have to do is ask, "God, is this what You want from me?" Is this the path You want me to take?"... and BAM... an instant, clear and unmistakable answer. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. That's not how God works. He doesn't give us a stoplight, He gives us faith. And unlike stoplights, faith requires no site at all.

There is this wonderful verse in Hebrews that gets to the core of what faith truly is. "By faith [not sight] Abraham... obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). This passage is referring to Abraham up and leaving his homeland, his comfort zone, that place of content, and enter a new place, a place of uncertainty and unfamiliarity. Why? Because God told him to. Now, the part that gets me is that Abraham followed God's command, blindly... not knowing where that journey would take him... but trusting in God to carry him through. In a time before GPS or Mapquest, that must have taken a tremendous amount of faith on Abraham's part. Too many of us want to see our entire way through a new journey before we even begin. Imagine if we had the ability to see our way from beginning to end. How would we ever develop faith and trust in God to lead us every step of the way?

The author L.B. Cowman wrote, "Remember, after the words 'In the beginning' comes the word 'God.'" Since the beginning of time God has asked us to take a step of faith and depend on Him... not ourselves. Or as it says in the Bible, "With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow" (Proverbs 3:5-6, CEV). There will be times in your life when God will give you the green light and say "Go!" And we will have to rely on our faith that does not see but believes... believes that if God is the one sending you on this journey, He'll be the one bringing you home. Don't let opportunities pass because of a fear of the unknown. Change can be a scary thing, but regret is even more haunting. Think about all the lost opportunities while we sit around deliberating after the light has turned green. Make the most of every opportunity God presents to you, knowing that He is with you. Although He doesn't use a stoplight, God still gives us direction. He gives us the Holy Spirit that whispers His will in our hearts and minds. It's up to you to pray and to listen to the Spirit's guidance. I pray that we would all possess the faith of Abraham, the faith to put our whole trust in God, and when God calls us to set out on a new path or tackle a new challenge or take our faith to the next level, we would go with the peace and joy that only He can offer. Happy May!

This Month @ Immerse...

2010-04-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

Last May we asked you to pick the topics you wanted to discuss on Sunday mornings at Immerse. Well, YouPick is back! Join us on Sunday mornings during the month of May as we take a look at and discuss the topics voted on by you. Each week we'll be focusing on a different social justice issue. So come share your thoughts and opinions on these highly debated issues. Week 1 - Peace: What is Your Response to World Conflict and Violence? Week 2 - Abortion: What is Your Response to the Pro-Life / Pro-Choice Debate? Week 3 - Water: What is Your Response to the Clean Water Crisis? Week 4 - Death Penalty: What is Your Response to Capital Punishment? Immerse meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Youth Room (121).

Quench 4.3.10

2010-04-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

Here a few images from this past weekend's Quench: Passion Week Worship Gathering. The theme was "The Passion" and focused on Christ's ultimate act of sacrifice and love. We took a look back at Christ's final hours and what his actions on the cross mean for us today. The highlight of the evening was when students had a chance to come forward and nail their "sins" (written on red index cards) to our cross. While they did so, "Jesus Paid It All" was played in the background. "Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead..." After they had nailed their sins to the cross, they received a stamp on their hand that simply read "PAID." Christ paid the price of our sins, a debt we could never settle on our own. A special "thanks" to everyone who came to worship with us... I hope it greatly added to your Easter experience.

Eggsalting the Prince of Peeps

2010-04-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

"Easter... that's a weird tradition..." says Jim Gaffigan during one of his stand up routines. The sarcastic comedian then proceeds to have a dialogue with himself about our Easter traditions...

"Easter, the day Jesus rose from the dead... what should we do?

"How 'bout eggs?"

"Oh, well, what does that have to do with Jesus?"

"Alright... we'll hide 'em."

"I don't follow your logic..."

"Don't worry... there's a bunny."

...and the crowd bursts out in laughter and so do I. It’s that “funny-ha-ha” kind of laugh that has a bit of “wait-a-minute-that’s-kinda-sad” mixed in. He’s got a point. What do eggs have to do with Easter?

Growing up, we ALWAYS went to church on Easter Sunday. Granted, we went most other Sundays as well, but Easter Sunday was the big one! I knew from a very young age that that day was different from all the other Sundays because my mom made me get super-dressed-up. She’d make me wear some sort of uncomfortable suit and button-down shirt (usually pastel in color) and a clip-on tie. We’d get to church to find that it was packed, packed with familiar faces, not-so-familiar faces, and faces I had never seen before. And the music was different too. It wasn’t just the typical organ or piano. There was an entire symphony orchestra in the front of the church. The music was loud and festive and the service was LOOOOONG! As a Sunday School All-Star (an actual title given to those with “all-star” attendance... I kid you not), I was well aware that Easter was the day Jesus rose from the dead and that’s why that Sunday was different from all the rest. It was a day to look forward to each year (except for the suit and tie)... but it didn’t really mean much to me. That is, until we left the church parking lot.

As soon as we got home, it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt. For me, that was what Easter was all about! I loved hunting for those pastel-painted hard-boiled eggs. And I was good at it too! A few days before Easter I would go out in the backyard and scout out the area, trying to decide where the best hiding spots would be... anything to give me an advantage over my competition. And even if I didn’t find the most eggs I knew there would be an Easter basket waiting for me inside... a basket filled with those neon-colored, sugar-coma-inducing Peeps and chocolate bunnies and Cadbury Creme Eggs buried in a forest of fake grass clippings. But as much as I loved those baskets, I was confused. Even as a kid I remember asking, “What does all of this have to do with Jesus?”

Even now, several years and a theology degree later, I still have the tendency to lose sight of what Easter is all about. And I’m not alone... just look around. It’s become this bizarre mix of commercialism and Christ, tradition and truth and has pitted a rabbit against a Redeemer. Instead of exalting the Prince of Peace we’ve turned it into eggsalting the Prince of Peeps. Now I’m not trying to knock traditions or do away with the Easter Bunny and candy (I would be devastated without those Cadbury Creme Eggs), but seriously... isn’t the empty tomb sweet enough? What’s more satisfying than the confidence of eternal life? Paul addresses this in the book of Romans: “Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” (Romans 6:3-4, NLT).

That’s the true sweetness of Easter. With any sugar-rush, what goes up must come down... but the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection will never let us down. Without Christ’s resurrection we’d have no hope of our own. Easter without the celebration of His triumph over sin and death is just another Sunday. Or as Paul put it, “So if the dead won’t be raised to life, Christ wasn’t raised to life. Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins... If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else. But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life” (1 Cor. 15:16-20, CEV). And this Good News isn’t just for Easter, it’s for every single day! We can (and should) live in the hope of our resurrection and in the promise of eternal life with God, a promise that will never go stale. Happy Easter and beyond!

Fools for Christ

2010-04-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Anyone pull any good pranks today? In 1957, BBC did a show about the cultivation of spaghetti trees. Many asked how to grow their own spaghetti trees in their own backyard! Burger King was even in on the fun, when in 1996 they announced the creation of a "left-handed" whopper, designed to have the condiments drip out of the right side of the bun. People bought these burgers and also requested the old "right-handed" burgers. April Fools Day has been around for a long time. First documented in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. "The Nun's Priest's Tale" took place "Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two." Chaucer probably meant 32 days after March, which would be May 2nd. But readers took it to mean March 32, which would be April 1st. In this story, Chauntecler gets tricked by a fox. Today, of all days, you should watch your back for rubber snakes and other silly jokes. This isn't the only day, however that you should be cautious for tricksters attempting to fool you into false teachings. Remind you of anyone? Like the fox in the Canterbury Tales, the devil is out there to to trick you everyday. You have to be ready to avoid his temptations and traps. How do you do this? 2 Timothy 2:25-26 says: "...in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." You have to trust in God to forgive you and lead you on the right path away from the devil's snares. There is temptation all around us everyday, not just April Fools day. But remember that Jesus loves you, and that's no joke.
Oh... April Fools! Leta and Camille wrote this. :D

Social Justice Month

2010-03-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

The poor, the mournful, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the peacemakers, and the persecuted... the Bible says that those are the ones who are blessed. Blessed though they may be, they still are crying out for help. April is Social Justice Month at Overflow Sr. High Ministries. Join us on Sunday mornings at Immerse as we take a look at several social justice issues around the world and in our own backyard. Come discover what the Bible has to say about these issues and what our response should be. Find out what it means to act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly. This month's focus will culminate in our 30 Hour Famine (April 23-24). Be a part of this discussion and make a commitment to take action and reach out to those in need. Immerse meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in the Youth Room (121).

Quench: Passion Week Worship Gathering

2010-03-17T10:55:00.001-04:00

Experience the power of Holy Week in a whole new way at "The Passion" our Quench: Passion Week Worship Gathering. Jesus' ultimate act of passion and love changed the world and forever altered the fate of humanity. Come find out what the cross really means for you and everyone you know. Spend time reflecting on Christ's death through powerful videos, images, songs and messages. The Quench: Passion Week Worship Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 3 from 7:00-8:00 PM in the GSLC Day Chapel. All Sr. High and college-age youth and their friends are invited.

Team Trivia Night

2010-03-15T18:59:00.000-04:00

So you think you know everything, huh? Come test your knowledge of useless pop-culture trivia and random facts at the Sr. High Youth Team Trivia Night on Sunday, March 21 from 7:00-9:00 PM. You and your friends will form teams of 2-3 and compete for sweet prizes and the title of "Smartest Youth Alive." Teams can sign up on the sheet in the Youth Room (121) or sign up by contacting Andy (andy.muich@gmail.com). Awesome prizes, hilarious trivia, and free pizza! Friends, like always, are welcome to attend this event... and the more teams the better the challenge!

Lent: Our Journey Toward Easter

2010-03-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

So here we are in the midst of our journey toward Easter, also known as Lent. This is the season in the church year when we pause to think about Jesus Christ's suffering and death and what that means for us.

Christians observe Lent in many different ways. Some take part in the rituals of the season: ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday, Seder meals on Maundy Thursday, and slamming the Bible shut on Good Friday. Others use Lent to simply meditate on the gravity of what Christ endured, contemplating their sins that brought him to the cross. Others still partake in self-imposed "sacrifices" or give things up as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. For those who participate in that tradition, the desired outcome is a closer, more focused connection to God and His ultimate gift of love. I typically observe Lent with a combination of all of the above. In years past I tried fasting, praying more, or giving up things I love like red meat, coffee, or even Facebook. But, without fail, the same thing happens each year... a week or so into my self-imposed forty days of sacrifice... I give into the cravings. I end up focusing more on what I'm depriving myself of than on Christ's supreme sacrifice.

I think if we're honest with ourselves we'd realize that Jesus could care less if we go forty days without coffee or red meat or Facebook or whatever else we think we're sacrificing. God's take on the whole thing: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice..." (Hosea 6:6). What Christ really wants from us is EVERYTHING! He's asking for everything. To quote C.S. Lewis, "Christ says, 'Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want YOU. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it...'" (from Mere Christianity). Somehow I doubt we'll ever see that on an Easter card. Yet, as followers of Christ, we know Lewis is right and that the act of dying to one's self continues every hour of our lives. Lent gives us the opportunity to experience Christ's death and resurrection in a deeper way - and with it, our own need for ongoing death and resurrection.

Now, I'm not saying that giving up something for Lent is wrong... in fact, there are many who have grown closer to God and more aware of His love through abstaining from those things. What I am saying is that our sacrifice should never trump the sacrifice of God's only Son. It's not about us! If it were, we'd fall short every time. The popular Lenten hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" says it all...

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an tribute far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Nothing we give up can ever compare to what God gave up. Jesus Christ, on the cross, should be our focus during this season... and every season, for that matter; because, with that singular act of love, he rescued humanity and now we have redemption and forgiveness and hope of eternal life.

I'll leave you with a passage from Brennan Manning's classic "The Ragamuffin Gospel." For me, this passage sums up what Lent and the journey toward Easter is all about...

"The cross accomplished way more than revealing the love of God. The blood of the Lamb points to the truth of grace: what we cannot do for ourselves... God has done for us. On the cross, somehow, someway, Christ bore our sins, took our place, and died for us. Jesus Christ bore our sins and bore them away. We cannot wash away the stain of our sins, but He is the Lamb who has taken away the sins of the world."

What is Ash Wednesday?

2010-02-17T15:26:00.000-05:00

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. Perhaps you have heard of it, maybe even celebrated it in worship, or have seen people walking around with a cross made of ash on their forehead. But what is Ash Wednesday? And why is it such an important day in the church year? Click on the link below to read a great article on what Ash Wednesday is all about and what lessons we can learn from observing this day.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/20533-the-many-lessons-of-ash-wednesday

This Month @ Immerse...

2010-02-12T16:12:00.001-05:00

Join us on Sunday mornings in February for our new series, "The Kingdom: Stories from Jesus." During this four-part series we'll be taking a look at some of the parables 0r stories Jesus told. Find out what those stories meant back then... and what they mean for us today. Immerse meets every Sunday morning in the Youth Room (121) from 9:30-10:30 AM.

Movie Review: To Save A Life

2010-02-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

SUMMARY

Ever since Jake Taylor was a kid, he was the type of guy you couldn't help but like. For Jake, life is good. He has a ton of friends, a basketball scholarship, a hot girlfriend and a really bright future. Not much to get down about, right? Enter Roger Dawson. He was Jake's childhood best friend before Jake's growing popularity pushed him out. Tired of not fitting in and having a place to belong, Roger walks onto his high school campus and, with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart, makes a tragic move. Jake is devastated by what Roger has done, and something in him changes. In seeking answers in his own life, one question plagues him the most: Could I have saved him? He finds himself deeply compelled to reach out to kids on the fringe - kids who aren't viewed as cool enough. But, this decision among other things, threatens Jake's world. He may lose his friends, his scholarship and even his reputation by asking, "What do I want my life to be about?"

REVIEW

I had a chance to see a sneak-preview of To Save A Life back in October of 2009. The movie's sponsor, Outreach.com invited DC-area youth workers to a private screening of the film; one, to introduce it, and two, to get feedback from the people who live out this movie everyday. The film centers around Jake and his struggle to find his identity and purpose in/for life, but the film also spotlights Chris, a youth pastor, and his efforts to find meaning in the circumstances of the teenagers in his life.

The film was written by "real life" youth pastor Jim Britts and was produced by Sherwood Pictures (the makers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants). To be honest, I did not have high expectations for this film. I don't have anything against Christian filmmakers or Christian films per say, but the vast majority of the ones I've seen have been overshadowed by poor production value, cheesy acting, contrived storylines, and subpar writing. I was totally and pleasantly surprised by the end of this movie. Fantastic acting, filming, writing, and perhaps the most realistic portrayal of teen life I have seen in a movie thus far. The fact that the screenplay was written by an actual youth pastor allowed for natural dialogue between the characters. Their stories could easily have been plucked from conversation or real life experiences.

Bottom line... go see this movie! This film gives an accurate glimpse into the messy lives of teenagers and honestly deals with some heavy issues (sex, abortion, drinking, drugs and suicide to name a few). But, unlike most mainstream films dealing with that subject matter, To Save A Life offers a hope for redemption and a second chance that only God can provide. This movie will no doubt move and inspire you to reach out to someone who is "just dying to be heard."

*To Save A Life is rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements.

To find out more about To Save A Life and to view the trailer go to www.tosavealifemovie.com.

"Here's to the crazy ones..."

2010-02-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

In 1997, Apple Computers unveiled an advertising slogan that simply said, "Think Different." Brilliant! Those two words combined launched a whole new attitude and way of thinking when it comes to technology, innovation, design, and function... all trademarks of Apple products. I'm not trying to get into a Mac vs. PC debate, but there is something to be said about Apple's strategy to "think different." That slogan helped create an entire subculture of loyal followers and fans. A major piece to this ad campaign was the series of commercials called "The Crazy Ones" which featured images of famous historical figures, known for thinking different. During those commercials the narrator offered the following dedication...

"Here's to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. The ones who see things differently. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Recently we finished up a series on Sunday mornings called "Different." During this series we had some great discussions on what it means to be "different" from the world (the unchurched, or non-Christians). As followers of Christ we are called to be different... to act different... to think different... from those who are apart from Christ. In John's gospel we hear Jesus praying these words: "I'm not asking you to take them out of this world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth" (John 17:15-18, NLT). We are in this world but not of it. Yet, we so often fall for the trap of conforming to the ways of this world, to its expectations, standards, criticisms, and judgments. We buy into the lie that says it's more important to fit in than stand out. We do not belong to the world, but we let the world own us. Paul writes in Colossians, "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world..." (Colossians 2:20, NLT). We, as Christians, should be "the crazy ones"... the ones who see things differently. Because if Apple was right, "the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." How are you changing the world for better? For Christ? How are you thinking differently from the world? If someone on the outside, looking in at your life, saw the way you live and interact, would they know that you've got something inside that makes you different? Would they know that you are filled with the Holy Spirit and are living a life a transformed life because of the relationship you have with Christ or would you look no different than everyone else?

This month, regardless of whether you are a Mac or a PC, I challenge you to "think different", to stand out, to truly be the salt and light that God called you to be. If you don't know where to start, pick up a Bible and read John's gospel. You'll quickly see how different Christ was from the rest of the world and how different his message was from what other were saying. It's not easy being different and there will be people who will put you down or won't understand... but that's okay. Jesus never said it would be easy, he just said it would be worth it.

"New Year... Now What?" - Station 1

2010-02-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

Supplies Needed
- 2 large tables
- black tablecloth or fabric
- white tablecloth or fabric
- waste basket
- note cards / paper
- pens
- station instructions

Station Set-Up

Position the two tables parallel to each other. Cover Table #1 with black fabric and place on it the waste basket, note cards, pens and Table #1 instructions. Cover Table #2 with white fabric and place on it note cards, pens and Table #2 instructions. Participants start at Table #1, and once they are finished, turn around to Table #2.

Instructions for Table #1

Take a moment to reflect on this past year. Reflect on the ups and downs, the joy and sadness, the good and the bad.

Using the note cards and pens provided, write down the struggles, pain, sorrows and regrets you experienced this past year. Once you have released those things, place your note card in the waste basket as a symbolic act of throwing away the things of the past, the moments and choices you would like to forget. Now (both figuratively and literally) turn your back on those things and continue on the table behind you.

Instructions for Table #2

Having turned your back on the things of the past year, you are now free to look ahead. God says through the prophet Isaiah, "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past." We have a God who forgives and forgets... now it is your turn to do the same.

Using the note cards and pens provided, write down the hopes and dreams you have for this new year, your expectations and desires, your promises to both God and yourself. In what ways will you make this year different? What commitments are you willing to make?

Once you have written down those things, place the note card in your pocket and carry it with you as a reminder of your hopes for this new year. Finally, offer up a prayer to God asking for His help in keeping the promises and commitments you made.

"New Year... Now What?" - Station 2

2010-02-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

Supplies Needed
- 5 mirrors
- signs for each mirror (see below)
- station instructions

Station Set-Up
Label the mirrors 1-5 and hang them on a wall or place them on a table in numbered order. Create signs to be read under each mirror that ask the following questions...

Mirror #1: HOW DO I LOOK? How do I measure my worth by my appearance?

Mirror#2: WHAT HAVE I ACCOMPLISHED? How do I measure my worth by my achievements?

Mirror #3: HOW WELL AM I LIKED? How do I measure my worth by others approval?

Mirror #4: WHAT DO I OWN? How do I measure my worth by my affluence?

Mirror #5: HOW DOES JESUS SEE ME? How does Jesus measure my worth?
No matter how insignificant you feel... Jesus loves you.
No matter what others say about you... Jesus accepts you.
No matter what you've done... Jesus wants to be with you.

We often fall for the trap of judging our worth by appearance (How do I look?), achievement (What have I accomplished?), approval (How well am I liked?), or affluence (What do I own?). However, if we truly know Jesus, and who he is, we find that he- no matter how insignificant we feel, what others say, or what we've done- love us, accepts us, and desperately wants to be with us.

Spend a few moments looking into each mirror and answering the questions posted below them. When you have had a chance to look at the the mirrors and answer the questions, take another moment and offer a prayer to Jesus Christ, thanking him for loving you, accepting you, and wanting to be with you, regardless of how you may see yourself.

*Adapted from a prayer station found in "Sacred Space" by Kimball & Lewin

"New Year... Now What?" - Station 3

2010-02-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

Supplies Needed
- several bamboo or straw beach mats
- large standing cross
- station instructions

Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven..." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat and go home!" and the man jumped up and went home! (Matthew 9:2, 6-7)

This story helps us address some reasons why the thought of changing can paralyze us. Whether is our anxiety about being alone or different, fears of the future, past regrets, or doubts about our abilities. God has given us community (the paralyzed man's friends), himself (saying "Be encouraged..."), and freedom from guilt (forgiveness) to enable seemingly impossible change (transformation in and through Christ).

Kneel or lie down on the mat- symbolically placing yourself before Jesus, like the paralyzed man in the story you just read. Then ask yourself, "What are the anxieties, fears, regrets or doubts that have paralyzed me from changing or being transformed by Christ?"

Finally, stand up- healed and restored- just like the man in the story. Offer up a prayer to God asking for forgiveness, love and peace to take the place of those things that once paralyzed you from change. When you are finished, move on to the next station.

*Adapted from a prayer station found in "Sacred Space" by Kimball & Lewin

Quench 1.31.10

2010-02-01T14:57:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos from last night's Quench: Experiential Worship Gathering. The theme was "New Year... Now What?" and focused on transformation, change, and making this year different from the past. Photos and descriptions of the gathering's prayer stations will be posted soon.

New Year... Now What?

2010-01-28T16:55:00.000-05:00

Our theme at Quench this month is "New Year... Now What?" All high school youth are invited to join us on Sunday, January 31 from 7:00-8:00 PM for our monthly experiential worship gathering. We'll be taking a look back at this past year and look forward at the year to come. This will be a powerful worship experience, one that you won't want to miss! Come check it out...

Overflow Wing Night

2010-01-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

Hey high-schoolers! Come out to Glory Days Grill (21800 Towncenter Plaza in Sterling) this Wednesday, January 20 for our 2nd Annual "Overflow Wing Night". Free wings from 7:00-8:30 PM (while they last)! There's no cost for this event, but please let Andy know if you're planning on coming, no later than Tuesday, January 19. Hope to see you there!

White Flags for a New Year...

2010-01-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

Well, another year is upon us. Personally, I love the start of a new year. Every year I make a resolution to change something about my life, typically something to do with health or habits. What about you? Do you make these resolutions? Year after year we make these little promises to ourselves... these resolutions... that this year, this year, things will be different, this year things are going to change. And some years we keep those promises, we make those changes. But most of the time we don’t. We might start out strong and with the best intentions of seeing it through, but eventually we lose steam and fall back into our old habits. And the cycle continues... “next year, next year things will be different, next year things are going to change.” So why does this happen? Will- power and self-control (or lack thereof) certainly play a part, but I think the problem lies in our refusal to surrender. Part of us still wants to hang on to what we resolve to let go. I think this also applies to the resolutions we make with our faith life. We say things like, “This year I’ll read the Bible more”... “I’ll pray more”... “I’ll get involved with church”... “I’ll take my relationship with Christ seriously.” And for any number of reasons, we break that promise we made to ourselves.

I heard a song a few weeks ago called “Lay Your Weapons Down” by Brand New Shadows (click here to check out the video). The last verse of the song goes like this...

It’s been a year I’d rather not remember

But the memory’s where the answer’s found

I know you see my white flag waving

Would you please lay your weapons down?

Hearing that song got me thinking about the concept of surrendering. We often think of “surrender” as a negative thing... like a sign of weakness or giving up. But true surrender is not a “giving up” but rather a “letting go.” When we surrender to God, we’re letting go of the things that hold us back and keep us from a right relationship with Him. Maybe it’s been a year you’d rather not remember. Maybe it’s been one filled with heartache, pain, or disappointment. If so, wave your white flag, surrender, let go and let God take over. Now, I’ll admit, that is much easier said than done. Pain is real, hurt hurts, and scars constantly remind us of the battles we’ve fought. But we have a God who is so much bigger than anything the world throws at us. In the Bible we hear Jesus say, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT). Why do we so often break our promises, our resolutions? Because we rely on ourselves to make the change. So this year, instead fighting those battles alone, wave your white flag of surrender and ask God to step in and create real change, real transformation in your life. After all, God has promised to be with us and sustain and that is one promise that will not be broken.

I’ll leave you with a word of encouragement and hope in the promise of renewal. “...God’s home is now with His people. He will live with them, and they will be His own. Yes, God will make His home among His people. He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever... I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted.” (Revelation 21:3-5, CEV). Happy New Year!

Overflow's Advent Experience

2009-12-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

This past Wednesday night was Overflow's Advent Experience, an Advent-themed experiential worship gathering. The gathering was a prayer walk, consisting of several stations, each with its own Advent reflection. It was a great night for our students to put away the busyness and distractions of Christmastime and spend one hour focusing on Christ and the true meaning of the holiday season. Below are a few pictures from the evening. The individual prayer stations will be posted soon. (p.s. A special 'thanks' to Brian over at Rethinking Youth Ministry for some great prayer station ideas.)

It's Christmas! Let's Party!

2009-12-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

Hey guys and girls! Merry Christmas! Come out and enjoy some festive fun at our annual Sr. High Youth Christmas Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange. The party is on Sunday, December 13 from 4:00-6:30 PM in the youth room. There will be games, prizes, tons of food, and a movie. There is no cost for this event, but be sure to bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift (a cheap, or no-cost gag gift) and a friend! Ugly Christmas sweaters are optional. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for this event contact Andy Muich (DCE) at andy.muich@gmail.com. Hope to see you all there!

This Month @ Immerse...

2009-12-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

Come join us at Immerse on Sunday mornings in December for our new series, "Indescribably Beautiful: The Gospel According to Our Favorite Christmas Movies." Each week we'll watch scenes from some classic Christmas movies and discuss what these films have to say about the real meaning and message of the holiday. We'll be taking a look at scenes from A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Story. Immerse meets on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the youth room.

Indescribably Beautiful

2009-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love Christmastime. It is without a doubt my favorite holiday season. I love the music, the weather, the food, and of course the presents (who doesn’t?). But I also love the movies. One of my favorite holiday movies is the 1983 classic “A Christmas Story.” If you haven’t seen it, one TV channel runs it continuously for 24 hours starting Christmas morning. The movie is the story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get his one Christmas wish – an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle... to which everyone (his parents, teacher, even Santa himself) replies... “No... you’ll shoot your eye out!”

There is a great scene in the movie when Ralphie’s dad (referred to as, “the old man”) receives a “major award.” See, the old man entered a newspaper trivia contest and won by answering the question: “What was the name of the Lone Ranger’s nephew’s horse?” After some time, a large wooden crate is delivered to the house and the old man immediately knows that it’s his award. He quickly pries open the crate, digs through the packing straw and pulls out... a leg. But it’s not just any leg, it’s a stocking and high-heel clad leg lamp... the definition of tacky. Ralphie, his mom, and his brother all stare at the lamp, jaws-dropped. To them it is bizarre (to say the least) and not at all the “major award” they had in mind. But not to the old man. To him, it’s... it’s... the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. He says, “Would you look at that? Isn’t that glorious? It’s indescribably beautiful!” With the greatest of pride, he positions it in front of the widow, plugs it in, and runs outside to admire his prize. Naturally, his neighbors gather around, curious about the glowing leg in the old man’s front window. They ask, “What is that?” The old man, with a tone of unconditional love, boasts, “...it’s a major award... I won it.”

This scene is a beautiful picture of our relationship with God. Our heavenly Father, much like Ralphie’s father, shows an unyielding sense of pride and unconditional love towards his prize. And we, as those redeemed by the blood of Christ, are our Father’s prize... His pride and joy. Though sin makes us ugly and undesirable, to God we are “indescribably beautiful.” This reminds me of the verse in Jeremiah that says, “I [the LORD] have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself...” (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT). We are a prize, a major award, won by Christ’s death and loved unconditionally and undeservedly by our heavenly Father. I hope you’ll never look at that leg lamp the same way again.

Happy December and Merry Christmas!

What is Advent?

2009-11-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

Yesterday marked the official first day of Advent. But what exactly is "Advent"? Isn't it just a countdown to Christmas? Or is it something so much more? Check out this great article on the meaning of Advent...

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/19167-the-final-countdown

Happy Thanksgiving...

2009-11-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant

Israel

, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling.

O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise, for the Lord is coming to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you.”

Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

(1 Chronicles 16:8-13, 23-36, NLT)

Pasta Dinner & Christmas Shoppe

2009-11-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

GSLC's annual "Pasta Dinner & Christmas Shoppe" will be held on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 from 6:00-9:00 PM. This is a wonderful holiday event and one that we look forward to all year. We are still in need of Sr. High Youth volunteers for this event, so if you are available, please consider helping out. We need volunteers to help with the dinner, gift-wrapping, ornament sales, and helpers for the "Lil Kids' Christmas Shoppe." If you would like to lend a hand with this event, please contact Andy Muich at andy.muich@gmail.com. Please also consider inviting friends, neighbors or relatives, everyone is welcome to join us that evening. Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 1

2009-10-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

"Our Father, who art in heaven..."

Supplies Needed
-digital photo frame
-various digital images depicting God, heaven, fathers, etc.

Look closely at the pictures on the screen. Focus on one or two that remind you of this part of the Lord's prayer. God invites every one of His children to come before Him in prayer. Put yourself in the picture, or consider the situation in the picture. How is God speaking to you through the image?

Here is God's invitation to speak to Him, child to Father. He doesn't require us to address Him in formal words, but to address Him as "Dad." And, as the perfect Father, He listens to His dear children and is able to provide all that they need.

As you pray...
+ Take your relationship with your earthly parent(s) to God. Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving, ask for forgiveness, for guidance, for reconciliation... for whatever that relationship needs.
+ Share your deepest fears, your hidden conflicts, your strongest desires... whatever you wish to share... with your Father in heaven.
+ Remember our Father, the King of heaven and earth, can move heaven and earth to provide everything you need in this life and the next.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 2

2009-10-27T11:16:00.000-04:00

"...hallowed be Thy Name..."

Supplies Needed
-portable CD player(s)
-headphones
-several praise & worship CDs

Put on the headphones and disappear for awhile. Be taken away by the music, listen to the lyrics, pray with the singer. Let the poetry and beauty of the sound capture and express your heart.

Here we state a truth: God is Holy. He alone is the Holy One and everything else is dim and dull and imperfect compared to Him. Here we ask that we keep God's Name holy by living lives that reflect that holiness.

As you pray...
+ Ask for forgiveness for the times you've fallen short of reflecting God's holiness.
+ Spend time in silence and awe that this God of wonders would choose to love you.
+ Give thanks for the gift of a relationship with such a God.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 3

2009-10-27T11:07:00.000-04:00

"...Thy Kingdom come..."

Supplies Needed
-a bowl of candy

Take and eat a piece of candy. This is not a snack to satisfy your appetite, but a touchable, taste-able reminder of the goodness of God. Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

God is the King of the universe, of heaven, and of His church on earth (all believers). Here we pray that the Holy Spirit would come and stay with us... that His Kingdom would come to us. We also pray that His eternal Kingdom would quickly come.

As you taste the sweetness of the candy and as you pray...
+ Give thanks for the gift of God's Holy Spirit, His continual guiding presence in your life.
+ Give thanks for the "tastes" of heaven you see everyday in the way God blesses you.
+ Pray that you would be aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life.
+ Ask for God's continued grace and guidance to live a life that is faithful until death.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 4

2009-10-27T10:58:00.000-04:00

"...Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Supplies Needed
-notebook paper or index cards
-writing surfaces
-pens or pencils

Write your prayer. Write your thoughts, your fears, your needs, your hurts, hopes, joys... anything. Express yourself to God in written words, just for Him to read. When you are finished, take your written prayer with you.

God's Will seems elusive at times. There are so few earthquakes, burning bushes, and stone tablets being handed out these days. But God's Will is more knowable the better you know Him. Here we pray that His Will would be obvious to us and that we would live a life directed by it.

As you pray...
+ Recognize that God's Will is not secret or unknowable to you.
+ Ask God to make His Will known to you.
+ Ask God to help you see the needs of others.
+ Pray that nothing would get in the way of you living your life according to His good and perfect Will.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 5

2009-10-27T10:48:00.000-04:00

"Give us this day our daily bread..."

Supplies Needed
- several Bibles of different translations and paraphrases
(you may wish to bookmark or highlight meaningful passages or verses)

Search God's Word for His precious promises. Find answers, comfort, strength, peace...

Here we pray that God would give us everything we need for this life and we recognize that all we have comes from Him. This part of the prayer is about trust that God will provide.

As you pray...
+ Give thanks to God for everything He has given to you.
+ Recognize those moments you've been selfish or unsatisfied with God's gifts and ask for forgiveness.
+ Ask for a change of heart... a heart of satisfied thanksgiving for God's gracious gifts.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 6

2009-10-27T10:38:00.000-04:00

"...and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

Supplies Needed
-craft sticks
-large, standing cross

Think about the times in your life where you've hurt someone because of sin. As you ponder, break a stick into pieces as a symbol of the brokenness we experience as sinful humans. Break additional pieces as you are reminded of those who have hurt you. Break these pieces as a reminder of the brokenness we feel from when they hurt us. Now, lay all of the broken pieces at the foot of the cross, the true symbol of forgiveness and healing.

Anytime we are in God's presence we have to acknowledge our position before Him... we are sinful and do not deserve anything, not even for our prayers to be heard. So, we beg for forgiveness and to be made right with God, and we vow to treat others as He has treated us.

As you pray...
+ Recognize your sinfulness.
+ Lay your sins at the foot of the cross.
+ Name the sin that keeps coming back and give it over to Jesus.
+ Picture in your mind those people you need to forgive, ask for forgiveness for not forgiving them and vow to make the relationship right.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 7

2009-10-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

"...and lead us not into temptation..."

Supplies Needed
-rocks or stones

It's not that we're asking God not to tempt us... He doesn't do that. We're asking Him to guard us and keep us safe from temptation, from our own sinful nature and from the devil. In Matthew 4 we read, "Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." Are you in the desert? Where do you see Satan working to tempt you? In this same story the devil tempts a hungry Christ to turn rocks into bread to satisfy His hunger. Where have you let rocks become bread in your life?

As you pray...
+ Name those things that regularly tempt you.
+ Ask for God to send His holy angels to protect you during temptation.
+ Ask that God would strengthen you to stay away from situations where temptation is especially strong.

As you leave this station, take with you a rock to remind you that Christ is our rock, our firm foundation against the things that cause us to stumble. He is the Living Stone and Breath of our salvation. It is He who leads us away from temptation as we realize His presence in our lives.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 8

2009-10-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

"...but deliver us from evil."

Supplies Needed
-(1) candle

Focus on the candle's flame, its flickering movements, colors, shapes, and warmth. Use this line of the prayer or your own words to God and repeat them over and over again. Meditate on those words. Sit in silence and listen to God's words to you.

Evil is real and it's all around us. The devil is real and he works hard against God's people. There are battles being fought for our souls. Here we pray that God would guard our souls and keep us faithful to Him until death or his return. We pray that God would bring light into a dark world.

As you pray...
+ Thank God for being protection against evil.
+ Pray for safety from everything the devil would do to steal your soul.
+ Pray that God will keep your light strong in a world of darkness.

"The Lord's Prayer" - Station 9

2009-10-26T15:37:00.000-04:00

"For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen."

Supplies Needed
-paper or large index cards
-markers

Using the materials here and your creativity, express yourself to God. Create a masterpiece for His gallery, or simply draw a picture to hang on his refrigerator. Here is your chance to express what He has laid on your heart. It is an opportunity to communicate your faith and trust in that what He has promised will come true.

We can ask all of these things of God because nothing is too much for Him. He has promised that He is for us, His children. And His promises are guaranteed. When we say, "Amen," we really are saying, "You will do what You have promised... I believe it."

As you pray...

+ Have confidence in God and His promises.
+ Say, "Amen" with a heart that trusts in God.
+ Be refreshed and renewed, having spent time in the presence of a caring, loving, and holy God.

Quench 10.25.09

2009-10-26T15:10:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday evening was our first Quench: Experiential Worship Gathering of the year. The theme was centered around "The Lord's Prayer." The prayer was split into its nine parts (introduction, seven petitions, and conclusion) and each line was given its own, unique prayer station. Our youth had the the opportunity to travel around the room to each station, meditate on that particular line, and offer up a prayer using various mediums. The upcoming posts will contain descriptions and pictures of each of the nine stations, as well as suggested prayers. Below are a few snapshots from the evening.

Choose Your Own Series

2009-10-21T16:13:00.000-04:00

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe... November is “Choose Your Own Series Month” at Immerse. Sr. High students can choose from 3 different series on Sunday mornings... pick one and go through that series for the four weeks. Choose from... “Relationships By Design”- an in depth look at God’s design for our relationships, from friendship, to dating, to marriage; or “Comparative Religions” - a study of 4 major world religions and how they compare and contrast to Christianity; or “How Not To Be A Slug” - a unique look at Proverbs, a tiny passage in the Old Testament with a huge message for us today. Immerse is open to all youth in grades 9-12. We meet in the youth room (121) every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM.

The Great Pumpkin Hunt

2009-10-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

All Sr. High youth (9-12 grade) are invited to take part in GSLC’s first ever Great Pumpkin Hunt on Sunday, November 1 from 7:00-9:00 PM. This is an awesome event that’s just like an Easter egg hunt—but instead of eggs you’ll be searching the church grounds for 100+ mini pumpkins. There will tons of candy, and sweet prizes, so be sure not to miss this one! Bring with you a jacket (it might be cold), a flashlight (it’ll be dark), night vision goggles (optional), and a friend (or two, or three, etc.). Sign up on the sheets in the youth room or the fellowship hallway.

The Masks We Wear

2009-10-06T10:15:00.000-04:00

Well it’s October… and you know what that means… Halloween. Personally, I cannot think about Halloween without conjuring up thoughts and images of costumes. Maybe if you’ve been out shopping recently at Target or Walmart you’ve seen that they have an entire section of the store filled with costumes, masks, and other disguises. I guess it’s a pretty popular holiday. And I think Halloween is popular for several reasons: (1) The candy… who doesn’t love a pillow case full of chocolate and sugar? and (2) For one night of the year, it is socially acceptable (and encouraged) to dress up in a costume, put on a mask, and pretend to be someone you’re not. I’m sure many people would like it to be Halloween all year round… not so they can dress up like a ghost, or Sponge Bob, or Barack Obama; but rather so they can be someone else. We spend a lot of time wearing masks, don’t we? Pretending to be someone different. So much sometimes that we even forget who we really are. And exactly who are we? Well, if you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, “we are God’s masterpiece… created new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10, NLT). That’s who we are, that’s our true identity. Yet, sometimes we try and disguise our identity to fit in with the world around us… to be a part of that group, or that clique… to be accepted by others that don’t understand our true identity or reject it altogether. So we put on a mask that covers up the fact that we are God’s masterpiece, set apart to do His will. We may say that we believe in Him, that we are followers of Christ, but on the outside we look, think and act no different than unbelievers. I challenge you then, to take that mask off… to stop pretending to be someone you’re not… to be proud of who you are—a loved, child of God… and to embrace your true identity. Happy October!

Scary... Gross... Weird...

2009-09-23T12:23:00.000-04:00

Bear attacks. Supernatural graffiti. Suicidal pigs. The Bible is filled with bizarre stories. Come join us at Immerse on Sunday mornings in October for our new series: Scary, Gross, and Weird Stories from the Bible. Each week we’ll take a look at an out-of-the-ordinary story from the Good Book and discuss what lessons we can take from the seemingly strange event. Immerse is open to all youth in grades 9-12. We meet in the youth room (121) every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM.

Time Management

2009-09-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

Time is a funny thing. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say… “I just don’t have enough time” or “If I only had more time.” Maybe you yourself have said something similar in the past or may in fact be saying it right now. The thing is, we will never have more time. There will always be 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute (FYI: There are 31,566,926 seconds in a year). The amount of time we actually have is a given… it’s the same. Not only that, but it’s the same for every one. You have the same amount of time as I do… as everyone does. Now, it is what you fill your time with that makes a difference. What do you fill your time with? What do you spend your time doing? Is it worth your time? I hope so. How we spend, donate, waste or whatever our time is a matter of priorities. If something is important to you, if it has true meaning and significance in your life… odds are you spend a lot of time on it. Right? But what should our priorities be? To answer that, we need only to look to God, the Creator of time. Not only did God create time to give to us here on earth, He is also the supreme example of time management. He created the universe and EVERYTHING in it in 6 days and still found time to rest on the 7^th day. How well are you doing at managing your time? Are you giving time to God, to His church, to the things He said should be priorities in your life? Life is busy, true. But God is busier… and He always has time for you. I challenge you this month, at the start of this school year, this sports season, to really look at where you are spending your time and what your priorities are… do they match up? If not, clear your schedule. Get into a habit of devoting your time, first to God and your brothers and sisters in Christ, and everything else will fall into place. After all, He is the one truly worthy of all our time… every hour, every minute, every second. Happy September.

"Back-2-School" BBQ

2009-08-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

All Sr. High Youth (including incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors) are invited to the "Back-2-School" BBQ on Saturday, August 29 from 4:00-6:30 PM. The BBQ will be at Brown's Chapel Park (Brown's Chapel Rd. in Reston). There will be free hot dogs and hamburgers, volleyball, basketball, backyard games and more. There is not cost for this event but please sign-up on the sheet located in the Fellowship Hallway by Friday, August 28. If you have any questions contact Andy Muich (DCE) at 703-439-2758 or andy.muich@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!