What’s Happening the Week of 5/19-

Sunday School -

This Sunday is the last week of classes for the summer. It all starts at 9am in the usual locations.

BOSTON 2013 Trip Meeting

We will meet this Sunday following the service (12:30) in the youth room to go over some fundraising information so please don’t miss out. It will help you raise money for the trip. Parents and students are asked to attend.

Spring Fling

This is our end of the year event and it all happens from 5-8pm on Sunday, May 19th. It’s gonna be a potluck meal and contra dancing in Brooktondale. Middle School families, please bring a generous main dish and salad to share and High School families, please bring a generous main dish and dessert to share. If you have a child in both groups you get to choose! Drinks and table service will be provided. After the meal we will recognize our Youth Staff and then enjoy some dancing for all. This event is for all youth ministry families; friends are invited so bring someone along and come join us for this great end of the year celebration!

The event takes place at the Brooktondale Community Center (524 Valley Road, Brooktondale). We will have a band play for the dancing. Please consider bringing a small contribution of $3-$5 per family to offset the cost for the musicians.

High School Bible Study

We will meet this Wednesday. Look for the van at IHS at 3:40 pm. We will head over to GIAC to do some volunteer work and will finish there around 5:30 p.m.

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/12-

Sunday School -

Classes are on today and will meet at 9 a.m. in the usual locations. Next week will be our final class before the summer break.

Youth Group Meeting!

No meeting tonight as it is Mother’s Day. Enjoy the day celebrating with your family!

Famine Funds

Your Famine Funds are due today! Please get them to Eric and be sure to fill out your t-shirt size if you have earned enough for one.

High School Bible Study

We will meet this Wednesday. Look for the van at IHS at 3:40 pm. We will head over to GIAC to do some volunteer work and will finish there around 5:30 p.m.

BOSTON 2013 Trip Meeting

We will meet following the service (12:30) on the 19th in the youth room to go over some fundraising information so please don’t miss out. It will help you raise money for the trip. Parents and students are asked to attend.

Spring Fling

The event takes place at the Brooktondale Community Center (524 Valley Road, Brooktondale). We will have a band play for the dancing. Please consider bringing a small contribution of $3-$5 per family to offset the cost.

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/05-

Sunday School -

No classes this Sunday because of the church breakfast at 9 am. We will see you next week at the regular times and regular locations.

Youth Group Meeting!

We are on tonight for our regular meeting. This will be the last “regular” meeting for some time so come and join us from 5-7:30 pm in the Youth Room.

High School Bible Study

We will meet this Wednesday at Eric’s house. Look for the van at IHS at 3:40 pm.

Spring Fling

This is our end of the year event. More details to come but be sure to set aside 5-8pm on Sunday, May 19th. It’s gonna be a potluck meal and contra dancing in Brooktondale so plan to join us!

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/21-

Sunday School -

Classes meet this Sunday at our regular time and place.

Youth Group Meeting!

We are on tonight for our regular meeting. This will be the last “regular” meeting for some time so come and join us from 5-7:30 pm in the Youth Room.

High School Bible Study

We will meet this Wednesday at Eric’s house. Look for the van at IHS at 3:40 pm.

Summer Trip Info

We have filled our initial 11 spots. However, we have a couple of students who are interested in going so we are trying to find a total of 5 ASAP who would like to go. Please let Eric know if one of these spots might be for you!

30 Hour Famine -

We are just over a week away from our 2013 Famine Event! You will need to stop eating at noon on Friday the 26th and then you can plan to join us in the youth room between 6-7pm. Please do not come any earlier as we will be doing much to set up for the event. You should bring with you the following items when you come:

something to sleep in (pajamas),
something to sleep on(air mattress, etc),
a sleeping bag/blankets
a pillow
a change of clothes for Saturday
tooth brush / paste / etc.
a coat in case it is cold outside
2 cans of frozen juice or 2 bottles of juice
Your Famine Packet – only if you have collected all your money!

You will get an email next week with the final details. Be collecting and asking everyone you see to help support you!

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/7-

Sunday School -

Classes resume this Sunday at our regular time and place.

Youth Group Meeting!

No meeting this week. Plan to join us on the 14th for a Photo Scavenger Hunt. More details to come but we will meet following the 2nd service for a lunch in the youth room (bring your own) and then we will head out into the community for some photo fun!

High School Bible Study

We will meet this Wednesday at Eric’s house. Look for the van at IHS at 3:40 pm.

Band Rehearsal -

No band rehearsal this week as Eric is in Boston checking out the site for our summer trip.

Summer Trip Info

30 Hour Famine -

Packets are available this Sunday morning from Sandy Sorenson. If you have not picked yours up, please see her before the 2nd service or after. She will be hanging around to pass them out. Also, remember to read up on setting up an online account. This is a great way to get support from friends and family who are out of the area! Famine dates are April 26-27.

Concert at Cornell -

The following link will take you to information on a pretty exciting concert taking place at Cornell on April 6th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/349997301777322/?fref=ts

United Pursuit is an up-and-coming Christian band that has been taking the industry by storm. I don’t much about the concert overall other than what you will find at the link above. Unfortunately I am out of town on vacation that day or else I would definitely be there. Just wanted to pass it along to you as we don’t get many opportunities like this in Ithaca. It might be a great event to bring a group of friends to.

The Day of Dialogue

Below is a link sent to me by a parent who thought it should be on the screens of parents and students alike. This is an interesting “event” that might be worth talking about and seeing if there is a way to implement. So check out the link and give me your feedback.

http://www.citizenlink.com/2013/03/26/citizenlink-report-students-share-christian-worldview/

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/31-

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Sunday School -

No classes this morning for Easter but we will return next week at our regular time and place.

Youth Group Meeting!

No meeting this week or next because of Easter and Spring break. So plan to join us on the 14th for a Photo Scavenger Hunt. More details to come but we will meet following the 2nd service for a lunch in the youth room (you provide) and then we will head out in the community for some photo fun!

High School Bible Study

No study this week as Eric is away on vacation. We will meet next on April 10th.

Band Rehearsal -

There will be no band rehearsal for the next 2 weeks but we will see you on April 11.

Summer Trip Info

30 Hour Famine -

Concert at Cornell -

The following link will take you to information on a pretty exciting concert taking place at Cornell on April 6th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/349997301777322/?fref=ts

The Day of Dialogue

http://www.citizenlink.com/2013/03/26/citizenlink-report-students-share-christian-worldview/

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/17-

Sunday School -

Please join us at 9am sharp in the youth room for our class. We will continue in our study of Hebrews and it would be very helpful for you to read the first 3 chapters of Hebrews.

Youth Group Meeting!

Happy St. Patty’s Day! So plan to join us this Sunday and wear some green to commemorate the day. We will have a variety of things we will do with a green twist on them! It all begins in the Youth Room at 5pm with some awesome interactive activities and then we will move into our lesson/discussion time. Come join and see what’s happening at youth group this week! We will finish at 7:30pm.

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be meeting over at Eric’s house until 5:30. Many of you live out by the church and so let’s plan to carpool home.

Band Rehearsal -

There will be no band rehearsal for the next 3 weeks but we will see you on April 11.

Summer Trip Info

There is one spot available for the trip so get your deposit to Eric ASAP if you would like to go! We can still get more spots but we would need an additional 5 students to register for that to happen. Let’s see if we can make it happen!

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/03-

Sunday School -

Please join us at 9am sharp in the youth room for our class. We will continue in our study of Hebrews and it would be very helpful for you to read the first 3 chapters of Hebrews.

Youth Group Meeting!

We are on for our regular youth group meeting this Sunday. It all begins in the Youth Room at 5pm with some awesome interactive activities and then we will move into our lesson/discussion time. Come join and see what’s happening at youth group this week! We will finish at 7:30pm.

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be meeting over at Eric’s house until 5:30. Many of you live out by the church and so let’s plan to carpool home.

Summer Trip Info Meeting

This afternoon, all current high school students and their parents who are interested in our summer trip are invited to an information meeting. We will meet from 4-4:45pm in the youth room. You will get a chance to see some video, learn about what we are doing, and ask all the questions you might have. We will be serving with CSM in Boston this summer July 14-20. Spots are limited to 11 and will be available on a first come basis. A non-refundable deposit of $100 secures your spot.

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/24-

Sunday School -

Please join us at 9am sharp in the youth room for our class. We will continue in our study of Hebrews and it would be very helpful for you to read the first 3 chapters of Hebrews.

Youth Group Meeting!

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be meeting over at Eric’s house until 5:30. Many of you live out by the church and so let’s plan to carpool home.

Summer Trip Info Meeting

On Sunday March 3rd, any current high school students and their parents who are interested in our summer trip are invited to an information meeting on the trip. We will meet from 4-4:45pm. You will get a chance to see some video clips, learn about what we are doing and ask all the questions you might have. We will be serving with CSM in Boston this summer July 14-20. Spots are limited to 11 and will be available on a first come basis. I non-refundable deposit of $100 secures your spot.

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/17-

Sunday School -

Please join us at 9am sharp in the youth room for our class. We will continue in our study of Hebrews and it would be very helpful for you to read the first 3 chapters of Hebrews.

Parent Night at Youth Group – This Sunday!

All 6-12 grade students and parents are invited to join us for a follow-up of the Communication Class we had in January. Attendance of this previous class is not necessary to come and be a part of our time on the 17th. This will be a dish to pass meal followed by some discussion. Please plan to bring a generous main dish or salad. Drinks and table service will be provided. We will meet from 5-7:30 pm that night. We will provide childcare for children under 6th grade. Please RSVP if you are going to use the childcare so we have an idea of how many to expect. See you there!

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be meeting over at Eric’s house until 5:30. Many of you live out by the church and so let’s plan to carpool home.

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/10-

Sunday School -

Regular classes resume this Sunday. Please join us at 9am sharp in the youth room. We will continue in our study of Hebrews and it would be very helpful for you to read the first 3 chapters of Hebrews.

High School Youth Group

No Meeting this week because of the Super Bowl Party but plan to join us next week during our regular time and in the regular place!

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be meeting over at Eric’s house until 5:30. Many of you live out by the church and so let’s plan to carpool home.

Parent Night at Youth Group – February 17th

All 6-12 grade students are parents are invited to join us for a follow-up of the Communication Class we had in January. Attendance of this previous class is not necessary to come and be a part of our time on the 17th. This will be a dish to pass meal followed by some discussion. Please plan to bring a generous main dish or salad. Drinks and table service will be provided. We will meet from 5-7:30 pm that night. We will provide childcare for children under 6th grade. See you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/03-

Sunday School -

High School Youth Group

No Meeting this week because of the Super Bowl Party but plan to join us next week during our regular time and in the regular place!

Super Bowl Party!

We are getting together at Eric’s place this evening to watch the game on the big screen. All high school students are welcome to join us. The food side of the party is up to everyone who comes so please plan to bring a generous and creative dish of food to share with the group. Drinks and table service will be provided. It all begins at 5:30 and will go until the games ends or you need to be picked up. Please RSVP to Eric by Feb. 1.

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be heading down to Court Street Place (weather permitting) to do some work so bring some gloves and clothes to school that you don’t mind getting dirty! We will work down there from 4-6pm and your folks can pick you up there – 717 Court Street, Ithaca)

Teen Parent Youth Event – February 17th

All 6-12 grade students are parents are invited to join us for a follow-up of the Communication Class we had in January. This will be a dish to pass meal followed by some discussion. Please plan to bring a generous main dish or salad. Drinks and table service will be provided. We will meet from 5-7:30 pm that night. See you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 1/27-

Sunday School -

High School Youth Group

Come and hang out with us this Sunday from 5-7:30pm in the youth room. We have some great things planned so don’t miss out!

High School Bible Study

Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. We will be at Rebekah Stauffer’s home this week and it all wraps up at 5:30 pm.

Super Bowl Party!

We are getting together at Eric’s place this year to watch the game on the big screen on Sunday February 3rd. All high school students are welcome to join us. The food side of the party is up to everyone who comes so please plan to bring a generous and creative dish of food to share with the group. Drinks and table service will be provided. It all begins at 5:30 and will go until the games ends or you need to be picked up. Please RSVP to Eric by Feb. 1.

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What’s Happening the Week of 1/20-

Sunday School -

Plan to join us for the final Teen-Parent class! See the info below.

No Youth Group this week because of the Basketball Game Event

High School Bible Study

We will pick this back up after the New Year, meeting on the 9th and the 16th. Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. Your parents can get you at Eric’s house at 5:30 pm.

January Teen-Parent Class -

“Can You Here Me Now?” - Do you feel at times like you are in a Verizon commercial when talking with your parents? Does it seem that your home is a giant cell hole when trying to connect with your teenager: dropped calls that simply don’t go through? Let’s see if we can’t improve the coverage and thus the communication during this three week course. Our specific target audience is all students in grades 6-12 and their parents, However, if you are the parent of a “‘tween” (ages 9-12) then this could be helpful for you as well; the teenage years are just around the corner!

This is going to be a fun, humorous helpful, and engaging course on family communication so I hope all of you can make it a priority to be there. If you missed the first one, no problem, come and join us this week!

Cornell Basketball Game and Dinner -

This Saturday the 19th, come and hang out with us as we watch the Cornell Basketball game and enjoy a dinner provided by the University. The best part is that it is all FREE!!! At least for the first 28 people to get there. Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will meet in the parking lot of the synchrotron at 2:30pm. Alan can show us the short walk to Newman from there. It will be much easier to get in and out as far as parking goes. Email me, Facebook me, call me, or text me to let me know if you are coming.

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/30-

Sunday School -

No classes this but plan to join us next week for the Teen-Parent class!

No Youth Group This Week! -

We will not be meeting through the Christmas and New Year’s. Our next scheduled meeting is January 13 so we will see you then!

High School Bible Study -

We will pick this back up after the New Year, meeting on the 9th. Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. Your parents can get you at Eric’s house at 5:30 pm.

January Teen-Parent Class -

This is going to be a fun, humorous helpful, and engaging course on family communication so I hope all of you can make it a priority to be there.

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/22-

Bell Ringing -

The youth ministry is signed up to ring the Salvation Army Bell in the mall just outside Target on Saturday the 22nd from 5-6pm. All 6-12 grade students are invited to join us. We will have songbooks and spend the hour singing carols and ringing the bell. This is a simple, yet effective way to encourage those passing by as they hear the carols and to help the Salvation Army raise some support so please make it a priority to join us for this. The more the merrier! Parents, we would love to have you join us as well!

Sunday School -

No classes this week or the next so enjoy the later mornings!

No Youth Group This Week! -

We will not be meeting through the Christmas and New Year’s. Our next scheduled meeting is January 13 so we will see you then!

High School Bible Study -

We will pick this back up after the New Year, meeting on the 9th. Eric will be at IHS at 3:45 to pick up anyone interested in coming. Your parents can get you at Eric’s house at 5:30 pm.

January Teen-Parent Class -

This is going to be a fun, humorous helpful, and engaging course on family communication so I hope all of you can make it a priority to be there.

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/09-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

No Youth Group This Week! -

This week is the Middle School Christmas Party. If you’d like to help prepare, serve and clean up then please contact Stacy Ives or Sandy Sorensen.

High School Bible Study -

No study this week as Eric is away. We will be back the following week on the 19th. Eric will be at IHS in the church van to pick students up out by the buses at 3:45. You can be picked up at Eric’s place at 5:30 pm. Come and join us!

Christmas Party

Be sure to check the calendar page for information regarding the H.S. party on the 16th. You will need to RSVP to Sandy Sorensen or on the BG Youth Ministry Facebook page by Thursday the 13th!

Bell Ringing -

The youth ministry is signed up to ring the Salvation Army Bell in the mall just outside Target on Saturday the 22nd from 5-6pm. All 6-12 grade students are invited to join us. We will have songbooks and spend the hour singing carols and ringing the bell. This is a simple, yet effective way to encourage those passing by as they hear the carols and to help the Salvation Army rise some support so please make it a priority to join us for this. The more the merrier!

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/02-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Youth Group This Week! -

We will meet from 5-7:30 pm in the youth room this Sunday for our regular meeting. This is a great time of connecting, sharing, singing, learning, and growing so come and see what’s happening at youth group this week!

Shoe Boxes -

We still have about $40 to raise to cover costs for the shoe boxes. If you were not able to contribute but would like to help, please bring $3-$5 to youth group this week to be a part of the effort.

High School Bible Study -

This Wednesday we are starting up a Bible study that will meet after school each Wednesday. Eric will be at IHS right after school to pick up any of you who are planning to come. We will leave school at 3:50pm so come right out and meet me near the buses. The study will be at Eric’s house and will go from 4-5:30 pm. All H.S. students are welcome to join us. You will need to arrange a ride home there. Let’s spend some time in the Word together in the middle of each week!

Christmas Parties -

Be sure to check the calendar page for information regarding the H.S. party on the 16th. There is an important RSVP date for you to remember and as always, this is an excellent event to bring friends to so step out and invite someone to join you this year!

Bell Ringing -

The youth ministry is signed up to ring the Salvation Army Bell in the mall just outside Target on Saturday the 22nd from 5-6pm. All 6-12 grade students are invited to join us. We will have songbooks and spend the hour singing carols and ringing the bell. This is a simple, yet effective way to encourage those passing by as they hear the carols and to help the Salvation Army rise some support so please make it a priority to join us for this. The more the merrier!

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/18-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Youth Group This Week! -

Shoe Boxes -

The Youth Ministry filled 15 boxes last week! Thanks to all of you who were a part of putting that together and making it happen. If you were not able to contribute but would like to help, please bring $3-$5 to youth group this week to be a part of the effort. We have $70 that we would like to collect to cover all of the expenses.

NO Youth Group on the 25th! -

This is the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend so enjoy the Sunday recovering from your Turkey coma and get your homework done from the long weekend. We will see you on the 2nd!

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/11-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Serving Sunday This Week!

This Sunday, instead of our regular youth group meeting, we are going to spend a few hours serving our community. All High School students are asked to help us rake the leaves of some folks who are in need of this service. Please bring a lunch with you to church as well as a change of clothes, gloves, a rake or a blower if you have one. We will eat lunch right after the 2nd service and then head out to rake some leaves. We will return to the church by 4pm. See you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/04-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Corn Mazing 2012! -

We are heading over to the Corn Maze at T-Burg Mini-Golf this Sunday! This is for all 6-12 grade students and friends. Cost is $6 plus any extra money for snacks or games that you would like to bring. You should dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and wear shoes that you won’t mind getting very muddy. We will meet at the church at 5 pm sharp and return around 7:45. You are welcome to meet us over at the maze at 5:45. Parents, I may need some help with transportation so please let me know if you are available.

Serving Sunday!

Next week, instead of our regular youth group meeting, we are going to spend a few hours serving our community. You will receive final details this coming week but plan on some leaf raking (which will most likely happen after church) and/or some time sorting clothing at Catholic Charities. More info to follow but let’s plan to spend some time serving others in big need!

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/04-

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Candy Gathering 2012 -

Canceled for this year due to all the rain.

Corn Mazing 2012! -

We are still on for this tentatively. We will have to see how muddy the maze is towards the end of the week. Please check back here on Saturday for our final decision.

We are heading over to the Corn Maze at T-Burg Mini-Golf on Sunday Nov. 4^th. This is for all 6-12 grade students and friends. You will need to sign up with Eric by the 2^nd if you plan to come. Cost is $6 plus any extra money for snacks or games that you would like to bring. You should dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and wear shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy. We will meet at the church at 5 pm sharp and return around 7:45. Parents, I may need some help with transportation so please let me know if you are available.

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/28 -

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Youth Group this Sunday -

During our regular Youth Group meeting this Sunday we are going to head over to IC to spend some time praying over the city. This is part of the greater church Prayer Walk Week . This may be a new experience for many of you but let’s step out and trust God as we intercede for our community through prayer. We will meet during regular youth group time so join us at 5pm and we will be done at 7:30 pm.

Candy Gathering 2012 -

All 9-12 graders are invited to Mattie and Eric’s house (409 Hook Place) onMonday evening, the 31st, for an awesome night of gathering candy and a bonfire! You should come with something to gather candy in, a costume (this is optional) and warm clothes. If you can bring a camp chair for around the fire, that would be very helpful.Plan to arrive at our place around 5:30 and we will be gathering candy from around 5:45-7:30 and then will get around the fire for hot dogs, hot chocolate, hot cider, and some…well, candy! If you would rather not come for the candy gathering then please feel free to join us around 7:30 for the bonfire! If you would like to bring a snack to share, that would be great! I will supply the dogs, drinks, and fire. If it is raining hard, then we will not meet but if it is only drizzling, then I will put up the tarp and we will still be on. Check out the Facebook event and let us know if you are coming – as always, friends are welcome! Parents, you are welcome to relax around the fire while the kids are out or you can join us hot dogs later in the evening.

Corn Mazing 2012! -

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/21 –

Sunday School -

We are on for our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Youth Group Meeting!

We are meeting this Sunday evening so come and hang out for a bit. It all begins this Sunday @ 5 pm down in the youth room at church. We are just beginning to discuss our theme for the year – “He Make All Things Glorious.” We have some great things planned so don’t miss it!

Prayer Walk – Sunday the 28th

During our regular Youth Group meeting on this Sunday we are going to head over to IC to spend some time praying over the city. This is part of the greater church Prayer Walk Week . This may be new to many of you but let’s step out and trust God as we intercede for our community through prayer. We will meet during regular youth group time so join us at 5pm and we will be done at 7:30 pm.

Corn Mazing 2012! -

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/14 –

Sunday School -

We are back to our regular class time beginning at 9am in the youth room. Don’t miss it!

Youth Group Meeting!

We are on for this Sunday evening so come and hang out for a bit. It all begins this Sunday @ 5 pm down in the youth room at church. We are just beginning to discuss our theme for the year – “He Make All Things Glorious.” We have some great things planned so don’t miss it!

Praying on the Commons – Sunday the 28th

During our regular Youth Group meeting on this Sunday we are going to head down to the Commons and spend some time walking the area and praying. This is part of the great church Prayer Walk Week . This may be new to many of you but let’s step out and trust God as we intercede for our community through prayer. We will meet during regular youth group time so join us at 5pm and we will be done at 7:30 pm.

Kick-Off photos are up!

You can see them here

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/07 –

Sunday School -

No Classes this week as we only have one service at 10:45. See you next week when we are back to our regular schedule.

First Youth Group Meeting of the Year!

All 9-12 grade students are invited to join us for this first youth group meeting of the year! It all begins this Sunday @ 5 pm down in the youth room at church. Come and check out what’s happening, meet the new staff, meet some new friends, and reconnect with some old ones. We will have some great things planned so don’t miss it!

After Youth Group Get Together

Because of the holiday weekend schools are off on Monday. So, Liz and Lydia Psiaki have invited us all over to their place for some food and a movie. We will leave the church in the van around 7:45 or so and we will watch a movie (TBD) and then you can either be picked up there or back at the church around 10:15. Bring a snack to share and let’s have a blast!

Kick-Off photos are up!

You can see them here

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What’s Happening the Week of 9/30 –

Sunday School -

Classes continue this week at 9 am. All high school students (grades 9-12) will meet in the Youth Room which is on the bottom floor of the Family Center. Eric and Matt Farrar will be teaching your class.

Class begins at 9 AM so please make every effort to make it there on time!

Fall Family Kick-Off 2012

This Sunday, September 30th, all Youth Ministry families are invited to join us for our annual Kick-Off event. This year’s theme is: Scottish Highland Games! Drinks, and table service will be provided but we are asking each M.S. family to bring a main dish and salad to share and each H.S. family to bring a main dish and dessert to share. We will have lots of games and activities for the whole family! So plan to come dressed accordingly and enjoy a great time with about 100 other folks as we begin the new Youth Ministry year. We will begin right at 4pm and will wrap it up at 7pm followed by a bonfire for those interested in staying around for that.

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What’s Happening the Week of 9/23 –

Sunday School -

Class begins at 9 AM so please make every effort to make it there on time!

Clean Up in Shindagin

We are planning a clean up date in Shindagin Forest this Saturday, September 22nd. We will meet at the church at 9 am and head into the forest, in the van and other vehicles, where we will clean up trash dumped off the side of the road. Each person should bring gloves that can handle damp/wet material, a water bottle, shoes that can get muddy, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is open to all students and parents in the high school ministry. We will finish at noon and head back to the church where you can be picked up around 12:30. Contact Eric for more info! Parents, I really would like to encourage you to join us. This is a great memory for you and your child to have: working alongside each other. So consider join us!

Fall Family Kick-Off 2012

On September 30th, all Youth Ministry families are invited to join us for our annual Kick-Off event. This year’s theme is: Scottish Highland Games! Drinks, and table service will be provided but we are asking each M.S. family to bring a main dish and salad to share and each H.S. family to bring a main dish and dessert to share. We will have lots of games and activities for the whole family! So plan to come dressed accordingly and enjoy a great time with about 100 other folks as we begin the new Youth Ministry year.

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What’s Happening the Week of 9/16 –

Happy Fall –

I hope you all had a great summer! I know school started this week and that often carries with it both excitement and sadness as you say goodbye to summer. However, there is a season for everything as we read in Ecclesiastes 3. So as we head into the fall season, we are gearing up for a new year in the Youth Ministry and much planning is in the works. We are doing Staff training over the next few weeks so that is why we will not have any youth group meetings until the Kick-Off on September 30th. Check out below what is coming up and we hope to meet you if you are new and reconnect of you’ve been around for a while!

Sunday School -

Class begins at 9 AM so please make every effort to make it there on time!

Gathering at Emma’s

We are going to get together out at Emma Preston’s camp on Sunday the 16th. Here is what you need to know: we will meet at the church at 4pm and head over to her place from there. This is just like a summer drop-in and so each person should bring a generous side dish to share. Hot dogs, burgers, and drinks will be provided. We will have the net there as well as bocce and a variety of other games. This is a great event to invite some youth group friends you haven’t seen in a while. We will return to the church at 8pm for pick-up. See you there!

Clean Up in Shindagin

We are planning a clean up date in Shindagin Forest on September 22nd. We will meet at the church at 9 am and head into the forest, in the van and other vehicles, where we will clean up trash dumped off the side of the road. Each person should bring gloves that can handle damp/wet material, a water bottle, shoes that can get muddy, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is open to all students and parents in the high school ministry. We will finish at noon and head back to the church where you can be picked up around 12:30. Contact Eric for more info! Parents, I really would like to encourage you to join us. This is a great memory for you and your child to have: working alongside each other. So consider join us!

Fall Family Kick-Off 2012

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What’s Happening the Week of 9/09 –

Happy Fall –

Sunday School -

Classes start this week at 9 am. All high school students (grades 9-12) will meet in the Youth Room which is on the bottom floor of the Family Center. Eric and Matt Farrar will be teaching your class.

Class begins at 9 AM so please make every effort to make it there on time!

Gathering at Emma’s

We are going to get together out at Emma Preston’s camp on Sunday the 16th. More details will be coming but plan on spending some time with us for dinner and games and just hanging out. This is a great event to invite some youth group friends you haven’t seen in a while.

Clean Up in Shindagin

Fall Family Kick-Off 2012

On September 30th, all Youth Ministry families are invited to join us for our annual Kick-Off event. You will get more information next week but our theme this year is Scottish Highland Games! So plan to come dressed accordingly and enjoy a great time with about 100 other folks as we begin the new Youth Ministry year.

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What’s Happening the Week of 7/29 –

Summer Calendars

Below is the link the to the calendars. Please download them and check out all that is going on this summer. Click here…

Summer Newsletter & Calendar 2012

Bible Study this week -

We will meet at Eric’s house (409 Hook Place) this coming Wednesday from 4-6 pm. This is for both girls and guys so bring your Bible and join us!

Drop-In at Stewart Park

All High School students are invited to join us down at Stewart Park this Sunday from 5-8pm for some food, fun, and fellowship. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring a generous side dish to share with the group. Friends are welcome so bring someone along!

DAKS Deposit Due

If you are planning to join us for our Lake George Camping trip this year then you will want to get a $50 deposit to me to reserve your spot. If you do not get it to me by this Sunday, then the overall trip cost goes from $120 to $150 so don’t be late! Check the calendar at the link above for more info.

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What’s Happening the Week of 7/15 –

Summer Calendars

Below is the link the to the calendars. Please download them and check out all that is going on this summer. Click here…

Summer Newsletter & Calendar 2012

No Meetings or Bible Studies this week -

Please be praying for the team traveling to and working in Red Lake, MN this week. We will return to Ithaca on the 23rd.

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What’s Happening the Week of 7/8 –

Summer Calendars

Below is the link the to the calendars. Please download them and check out all that is going on this summer. Click here…

Summer Newsletter & Calendar 2012

Red Lake Trip Meeting -

All of you who are going to Red Lake this summer, we will meet this Sunday after the service in the upstairs room of the Ministry Center (brown building). Plan to meet from 11:30 – 2:30 and parents, your attendance is requested as well. Please bring your forms with you and we will see you there!

No Bible Studies this week -

We are off this week and our next meeting won’t be until the 25th! See you then…

Mini-Golf and A&W -

Hey you all, come join us for some golf and food over in Cortland this Monday, July 9th. We will meet at the church at 3:30 pm to head over in the van or you can meet us there around 4 pm. We will golf and then head over to A&W for dinner. Cost for golfing is $6.50 and you should bring money for dinner. We should be back to BG by 7:30 or you can be picked up from A&W by 7 pm. Friends are welcome so see you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 6/24 –

Graduation Sunday!

Congratulations to all of you who graduated this past week! Way to stick it out and reach your goals. This Sunday is Graduation Sunday at BG and students will be involved in the service in all kinds of ways. Graduates, please plan to join me up in front when I call you up to simply state your name and where you graduated from. See you there!

Summer Calendars

Below is the link the to the calendars. Please download them and check out all that is going on this summer. There are many activities planned, thanks in large part to Zac Adams and Natalie Eckroth being in Ithaca this summer. Having said that, please don’t feel obligated to do it all, just what fits for you. Click here – Summer Newsletter & Calendar 2012

Red Lake Trip Meeting -

All of you who are going to Red Lake this summer, you mus attend a meeting on Monday from 1-4 pm in the youth room.

Girl’s Bible Study -

All H.S. ladies are invited to Natalie’s place (212 Giles Street, Apt.9) on Wednesday 4-6 pm. Bring your book if you have one and a Bible.

Guy’s Bible Study -

All H.S. guys are invited to join us in Center Ithaca next Wednesday from 4-6 pm. Bring a Bible and we will continue on in our discussion.

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What’s Happening the Week of 6/17 –

Summer Calendars

Girl’s Bible Study -

All H.S. ladies are invited to Natalie’s place (212 Giles Street, Apt.9) on Saturday @ 10:30 am. Bring your book if you have one and a Bible.

Guy’s Bible Study -

All H.S. guys are invited to join us in Center Ithaca next Wednesday from 4-6 pm. Bring a Bible and we will continue on in our discussion.

Gladiator Games -

On Saturday the 16th, all M.S. and H.S. students are invited to join us for a great event. Family Life is bringing the Gladiator Games to Trumansburg, NY at the Trumansburg Fair Grounds in partnership with Alive Between the Lakes from 4-8 pm. Come for 4 hours of intense and high adrenaline fun as you compete against other youth groups to become the 2012 Gladiator Games Champion! The games include: air mattress relay, tug of war, tennis ball assault, obstacle courses and much more! We are planning on having more than one team of 10, so come out for the fun.

I am willing to take the van from the church but it only holds 12 and most of the other leaders are gone so I will mostly likely need some parents to drive. You can meet at the church at 3:15 on Saturday and we will be back around 8:30 pm.

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/20 –

Summer Calendars

Darien Lake

If you are going with us this Saturday then you need to be at the church at 7:45 am. We will leave at 8 am. Bring with you $20 for your ticket, and $ for food (lunch and dinner) while there. I will have a cooler in which you can put food if you’d like to save yourself some $. We will leave the park at 8 pm and arrive back at the church around 11 pm. If you’d like to go, but have not let me know, then please get in touch with me before Friday eve.

Red Lake Trip Meeting

We have a mandatory meeting this Sunday in the youth room from 2:30-4:30 pm. Please be there on time!

Drop-In at Stewart Park

All H.S. students are invited to join us at Stewart Park down by the small pavilion from 5-8 pm. Please bring a generous snack to share with the group. No hot dogs this time but drinks will be provided.

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/20 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations. This is the last week before the summer!

Spring Fling

OK folks, here are all the details you should need to join us for the awesome event.

Who: All 6-12 grade Youth Ministry students and Families

What: Our end-of-the-year shindig/get together/ho down

Where: The Brooktondale Community Center right in downtown Brooktondale! See the map below

When: May 20th – 5:00 – 8: pm

Other details: This is a dish to-to-pass meal beginning @ 5pm. Middle School families are asked to bring a main dish and salad, per family, to share. High School families are asked to bring a main dish and dessert, per family, to share. Table service and drinks will be provided. Then at around 6:30 pm we will begin some square dancing with a real band and caller. Things will wrap up at 8pm. We really hope that all of the youth ministry families will come and share in this great time together as we wrap up the year!

An RSVP would be very helpful as we aren’t sure just how many we need to plan for. You can email me or let me know via Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, the youth ministry has a Facebook page which we use quite often to get info from and to send out evites to events. Please consider searching for BG Youth Ministry and then like the page. You will then get announcements and info from there.

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/13 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations. Only 1 more week left!

Youth Group -

No meetings this week because it is Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there. I pray it is a nice day filled with special things just for you!

Spring Fling

OK folks, here are all the details you should need to join us for the awesome event.

Who: All 6-12 grade Youth Ministry students and Families

What: Our end-of-the-year shindig/get together/ho down

Where: The Brooktondale Community Center right in downtown Brooktondale! See the map below

When: May 20th – 5:00 – 8: pm

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What’s Happening the Week of 5/6 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations. Only 2 more weeks left!

Summer Trip Meeting -

On Sunday afternoon, all students and parents of those attending the Red Lake Trip this summer are asked to be at our planning meeting from 3:30-4:45 in the youth room. We will go over some important information regarding the summer trip particularly in the area of finances and fundraising. Please make every effort to be there and we will start right at 3:30!

Youth Group -

We are on this week for our regular meeting so plan to meet us in the youth room from 5-7:30 pm. See you there!

Spring Fling

All youth ministry students and families are invited to join us May 20th for this end of the year party! Location is still being determined but we will begin with a dish-to-pass meal @ 5pm. Middle School families are asked to bring a main dish and salad, per family, to share. High School families are asked to bring a main dish and dessert, per family, to share. Table service and drinks will be provided. Then at around 6:30 pm we will begin some square dancing with a real band and caller. Things will wrap up at 8pm. We really hope that all of the youth ministry families will come and share in this great time together as we wrap up the year!

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/29 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations.

Youth Group -

We are on this week for our regular meeting so plan to meet us in the youth room from 5-7:30 pm. See you there!

Spring Fling

All youth ministry students and families are invited to join us for this end of the year party! More details next week but this will begin with a dish-to-pass meal @ 5pm. Then around 6:30 pm we will begin some square dancing with a real band and caller. Things will wrap up at 8pm.

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/29 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations.

Youth Group -

No Meeting because of the Famine – take the time to recover!

The 30 Hour Famine -

We are meeting this Friday between 6-7 pm in the youth room. Be sure to stop eating as close to 12 noon as possible in order get all 30 hours in. Make sure for the Famine that you bring the following with you or you will be bummed!

2 bottles or frozen cans of juice to share
WARM WARM WARM sleeping gear (sleeping bag, mattress, pillow)
WARM cloths for working outside on Saturday
As much cardboard as you can carry!
Your donations – only if you have it all collected. (You have until May 13 to turn it in)
Some weeding tools for our service project on Saturday.

????? Done Forget These Items ?????

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/22 –

Sunday School -

Classes are on this week and meet at 9 am in the regular locations.

Youth Group -

We meet this Sunday in the youth room from 5-7:30 pm. Come join us and maybe invite someone to come with you!

30 Hour Famine -

Our Famine event is April 27-28 this year and we have a huge group of folks participating! Remember to keep praying for an amazing weekend but also keep collecting donations! The more we raise, the more kids we help!

Don’t forget your cardboard for our Shanty Town huts. Bring all the cardboard you can on the day of the event!

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/08 –

Good Friday Service -

I want to strongly encourage all youth ministry families to be a part of our Good Friday service at 7:30 pm this Friday. If you do not typically come, why not do so this year and watch how much more powerful Easter morning is!

Sunday School -

No classes this week because it is EASTER SUNDAY! HALLELUJAH!!!

Youth Group -

No Meetings this week – we will see you next week at 5 pm in the youth room!

30 Hour Famine -

Our Famine event is April 27-28 this year. Packets will be available from Eric or at Youth Group this week so see him to sign up. You will be getting more details soon but get your packet today and being collecting donations so we can help out as many kids as possible!

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What’s Happening the Week of 4/01 –

Sunday School -

Class for all high school students meets this Sunday from 9-10:20 in the youth room. See you there!

Next week is Easter and classes will NOT meet. Enjoy the Sunday celebrating Jesus’ resurrection with your family!

Youth Group

We are meeting this Sunday from 5-7:30 in the youth room. Come and and encourage others as we talk, pray, sing, and think! See you there!

Good Friday Service

30 Hour Famine -

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/25 –

Sunday School -

Class for all high school students meets this Sunday from 9-10:20 in the youth room. See you there!

Youth Group

We are meeting this Sunday from 5-7:30 in the youth room. We will be loading up the van and heading over to Ithaca College for the service that BG is putting on there in the chapel. We will be back to the church by 7:30 for pick-up.

30 Hour Famine -

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/18 –

Sunday School -

Class for all high school students meets this Sunday from 9-10:20 in the youth room. See you there!

Youth Group

We are meeting this Sunday from 5-7:30 in the youth room. Looks like we might even be outside for some of our time together so come and join us!

30 Hour Famine -

Our Famine event is April 27-28 this year. Packets will be available from Eric or at Youth Group thisweek so see him to sign up. You will be getting more details soon but get your packet today and being collecting donations so we can help out as many kids as possible!

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/11 –

Sunday School

Class for grades 9-12 meets from 9-10:20 am in the youth room. See you there!

High School Summer Trip

Deposits for the trip are due to Eric by March 11! There are still a couple of spots left so get your $75 non-refundable deposit in soon! Cash or checks made out to Bethel Grove.

Karaoke Night This Sunday!

We are having an evening of fun and entertainment. Come and sing or come and laugh at other’s singing as we hang out in the youth room and do Karaoke. We have a huge number of songs to choose from. We will also have some pizza. Don’t like to sing? No problem, there will still be fun galore. Bring $4 for food and we will see you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 3/04 –

Sunday School

Classes for grades 6-12 meet at from 9-10:20 in the usual places. See you there!

Youth Group

High School meets tonight in the youth room for our regular youth group meeting. At all starts at 5pm and wraps up at 7:30.

High School Summer Trip

Deposits for the trip are due to Eric by March 11! There are still a couple of spots left so get your $75 non-refundable deposit in soon! Cash or checks made out to Bethel Grove.

Karaoke Night Next Week -

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/19 –

Youth Group -

High School meets tonight in the youth room for our regular youth group meeting. At all starts at 5pm and wraps up at 7:30. See you there! Because most of you do not have school on Monday, plan to go out and enjoy some food with all of us after youth group. Bring some money and we will work out rides.

Snack Schedule

Parents, there will be a snack sign-up available which covers all the youth group meetings for the reminder of the school year. If you have yet to provide a snack for youth group this year, please plan to sign up for one day this spring. The kids really appreciate it! If you have already provided a snack this year but just can’t wait to do it again, then you are welcome to sign up as well. Thank you for your support!

High School Summer Trip Info Meeting

We are meeting that afternoon before youth group for info out about our summer work trip to Red Lake, Minnesota. That’s right, MINNESOTA!!! This is gonna be an awesome experience for all who go. If you come at 4pm you will hear all the details about what you can expect so I hope to see many of you there!

Sledding Day -

We are supposed to go sledding at Rice Hill on the 26th after church. However, we need something to make that happen. So, next week all the details will be posted here. Obviously if there is no snow then we are not going. However, just to be sure, check back here on Saturday afternoon for the update! If we do not go sledding, then we will have a regular youth group night that evening. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY…

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What’s Happening the Week of 2/12 –

Youth Group -

High School meets tonight in the youth room for our regular youth group meeting. At all starts at 5pm and wraps up at 7:30. See you there!

Snack Schedule

High School Summer Trip Info Meeting

We are meeting before youth group on Feb. 19th to get info out about our summer work trip to Red Lake, Minnesota. That’s right, MINNESOTA!!! This is gonna be an awesome experience for all who go. If you come at 4pm you will hear all the details about what you can expect so I hope to see many of you there!

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What’s Happening the Week of 1/28 –

This Saturday!!! -Alive Between The Lakes Local Youth Outreach Event -

Wacky Winter Games! 2012

See the full flyer a couple of posts back for what you can expect. We have been really praying about this event and I see it as a great opportunity to expose students from all over the Ithaca area to the Gospel. So don’t give up on inviting people to join you – it’s free and there are cash prizes!Are you kidding me?

We will have a group meeting at the church and heading over. If you plan to join us, please be at the church before 5pm. The vehicles will leave promptly at that time. I will need to be there very early doing set up so we will have the church van and some leaders driving over. I may very well need parents to drive as well. It looks like we have a potential of 25 kids to go from the BG parking lot. Right now, I have room for 22. That means I will need a parent or 2 to help with transportation. Please let Eric know ASAP if you are able to help in this way. You can come on Saturday and if we don’t need you then you are free for the evening.Vehicles will leave Trumansburg right around 8pm and should be back at the church sometime around 8:30 so they will need to be picked up at that point.

Youth Group -

No meetings this week or next week but we will be back on the 12th in full force!!!

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/11 –

High School Youth Group

We are on this Sunday for a regular youth group meeting from 5-7:30 pm in the youth room. Come and join us as we talk about Losing Our Life in His!

Alive Between The Lakes Local Youth Outreach Event -

Wacky Winter Games! 2012

See the full flyer in last week’s post below. Right below that is a link to a printable pdf. Our goal is to have each us print lots of these and hand them out to all our friends. You will find all the information you should need in last week’s post.

We will have a group meeting at the church and heading over. I will need to be there very early doing set up so we will have the church van and some leaders driving over. I may very well need parents to drive as well. Parents, can you let me know if you would be willing to transport students on that day?

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/11 –

High School Youth Group

Happy New Year! We are on this Sunday for a regular youth group meeting from 5-7:30 pm in the youth room. Come and join us as we talk about the new year and you will hear what you can be a part of this summer!!!

Alive Between The Lakes Local Youth Outreach Event -

Wacky Winter Games! 2012

This is our semi-annual area youth outreach event. We are planning to Rock the Trumansburg High gym this year and we are praying for a great showing! Put this event in your phones with reminders so you don’t plan anything else that evening! Below the flyer you will find a link to a pdf to pass out to your friends. Why not print a bunch of them and hand them out? Let God do the work on bringing students, you just get the info into their hands! This is for all 6-12 grade students. Let’s get the word out and being to pray that God would move hearts and lives toward HIM!

Print this PDF and hand out to everyone => Wacky Winter Games Flyer

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/11 –

No plans for this week so enjoy your last Sunday before Christmas! Be checking back her after New Year’s to see what’s happening. There are no official meetings planned until the 15th but there might be some fun stuff going on before then.

Merry Christmas!

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/11 -

Christmas Party!

Let’s ring in the season together from 5-8pm on Sunday the 11th! Come and enjoy a fabulous sit down meal served by parents followed by a second-to-none gift exchange. This is a dress-up event please – guys: no t-shirts, shorts, or jeans. Ladies: an appropriate dress would be awesome!

Cost for the event is $4. In addition each person will need to bring a wrapped gift of no greater than $5 for the gift exchange as well as 2 canned goods for our food drive. This event is open to all 9th-12th

grade students

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What’s Happening the Week of 12/6 -

Youth Group

We are meeting this week at our regular time of 5pm on Sunday night. Tonight we will talk about what it means to lose our lives in His so bring your Bibles and join us for a great timeof games, food, discussion, and prayer. We will wrap it up at 7:30 pm – I hope to see all of you there!

Christmas Party!

Cost for the event is $4. In addition each person will need to bring a wrapped gift of no greater than $5 for the gift exchange as well as 2 canned goods for our food drive. Friends are welcome so invite away – the more the merrier! Please RSVP to Eric by Dec. 7th! This event is open to all 9th-12th grade students.

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/13 -

thankful-people

What’s Happening the Week of 11/13 -

Wings Chow Down!

All High School students are invited to join us at Wings Over Ithaca in the East Hill Plaza this Friday for their glorious buffet! Cost is $9 and covers all the drink, wings, fries, and macaroni salad you can eat! We will meet at noon and the buffet is open until 1:30. Let’s get the chow on!

Youth Group

We are meeting this week at our regular time of 5pm on Sunday night. We are almost finished with our series on Relationships so come and hear Matt and Emily this week as they bring their thoughts to the topic. We will wrap up right around 7:30. See you there!

Losing Our Life In His – A Worship Night

On the 20th of November, we will meet in the church for our first worship night of the year. These are different from our regular meetings and are opportunites for you to do some reflection and listening for the voice of God. They are usually creative events using all of the senses to bring praise and adoration to our Creator. Please plan to join us at 5pm in the foyer of the church. Come prepared to focus on our theme for the year: Losing Our Life In His.

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What’s Happening the Week of 11/06 -

Youth Group

Snacks -

I will have a sign-up sheet for people to bring snacks so if you have not yet done so this year, please consider taking a week and helping out. If you are not going to be there this week but are willing to sign-up, then please drop Eric an email and he will fit you in…Thanks!

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/30 -

High School Youth Group

High School only this week. We will meet at 5pm. Try to get there right at 5 as we will be watching a movie which we need to begin at 5:10. It is an interesting movie that I hope will generate some thoughtful discussion and response. We will wrap up right around 7:30. See you there!

Candy Gathering w/ a Bonfire!

All 6-12 graders are invited to Mattie and Eric’s house (409 Hook Place) on Monday evening the 31st for an awesome night of gathering candy and a bonfire! You should come with something to gather candy in, a costume (this is optional) and warm clothes. If you can bring a camp chair for around the fire, that would be very helpful.

Plan to arrive at our place around 5:30 and we will be gathering candy from around 5:45-7:30 and then will get around the fire for hot dogs, hot chocolate, hot cider, and some…well, candy! If you would rather not come for the candy gathering then please join us around 7:30 for the bonfire! If you would like to bring a snack to share, that would be nice. I will supply the dogs, drinks, and fire. If it is raining hard, then we will not plan to meet but if it is only drizzling, then I will put up the tarp and we will still be one. Check out the Facebook event and let us know if you are coming – as always, friends are welcome! Parents, you are welcome to relax around the fire while the kids are out or you can join us during the food time.

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/23 –

Tackling The Corn Maze

We are heading over to the corn maze at T-Burg Mini Golf again this year.We will leave from the church this Sunday, the 23rd, sharply at 5:15pm and return by 7:45pm. Invite a friend to come along – cost will be $6.00. You are welcome to bring a little extra money for the game room or snacks if you’d like.

Consider bringing a flashlight, boots (it may be muddy) and warm clothing. If it is raining pretty good, we will simply have youth group at the church instead! Plan to sign up with Eric by the 20th! Parents, I might need some help with transportation, please contact me via email if you are able to help out!

Candy Gathering and a Bonfire!

Our Time In The Jungle

Monday was a very special day for me as we took our bags of items into the Jungle to encourage the residents there. Here are a few things that I wanted to share with you that touched me and I hope will touch you as well…

Carmen (who was our guide) shared a story about a guy who has recently gone into rehab. We heard how he came to be homeless and about his current addiction struggles. Addiction is a powerful thing. Carmen was clearly touched by this mans’ life and story and some of the kids were as well. I know I was.

In each bag we handed out we had placed a note, picture or card of encouragement. Penny, one of the residents, was there today. When she received her bag she was so touched it brought tears of joy to her eyes. When she opened her bag the first thing she grabbed was the letter. It was a poem written by one of the BG youth moms. She was holding it dearly and could not stop talking about how special it was. The title was something about…”For Someone I love whom I have never met.” Penny never looked at another thing in her bag, she just kept looking at her poem.

We met another man who is special to Carmen and we had the chance to pray with him. One of the students, Miss Quigley, was brave enough to step up and pray for this man on behalf of the group.

All in all we were welcomed with joy and thanksgiving. God has made each of those people for a special reason. They are pretty much cast off from society, but the reality is they too have feelings and desires to belong. They were touched to think that people, teenagers none the less, were thinking about them. Our hope is to figure out a way to be a further encouragement to these people so keep coming back here to see what is in the works!

Sandy

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/16 –

Into The Jungle!

An exciting ministry opportunity has come up, especially if you have a bent towards helping the homeless. From now until October 17th, we will be creating bags to hand out to residents of “The Jungle”, Ithaca’s fine homeless establishment. Here is what needs to be in each bag: toilet paper, bottled water, deodorant, disposable propane cylinder(s), pudding (yum!), batteries (AA & C) and a friendly, encouraging card/message.

I am working on this with 14 home school teens and we will be going into the Jungle on the 17th to hand these bags out. If you would like to participate you can either: (1) create a bag with the items above and deliver it to me (2) purchase one or several of the items and give them to me (3) Create cards to put into the bags and give them to me (4) Help create the bags with donated items.

Come early to youth group this Sunday, 4 pm, and bring any donated items with you and help us put them together to create bags. This is a real practical way to encourage others in the community.

Sandy Sorensen

Youth Group

Come and kick it with us in the Youth Room this Sunday at BG from 5-7:30pm. Both High School and Middle School are meeting so come and be a part of things! The High School group is in the middle of a series on Dating and Relationships. This week we will be hearing from Andy as he bring us some Biblical reflection on what should shape your thoughts and minds as you consider dating. Middle School just started a series on Encounters with Jesus. We are looking at interactions Jesus had with various people in the Gospels and how they were changed as a result. Come and hear about Jesus in a fresh and new way!

Tackling The Corn Maze

We are heading over to the corn maze at T-Burg Mini Golf again this year.We will leave from the church on the 23rd sharply at 5:15pm and return by 7:45pm. Invite a friend to come along – cost will be $6.00. You are welcome to bring a little extra money for the game room or snacks if you’d like.

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/9 –

Youth Group – Come and kick it with us in the Youth Room this Sunday at BG from 5-7:30pm. Because of the day off from school on Sunday, we will be having a BONFIRE after youth group. So feel free to join us for hot dogs and s’mores from 7:30-9 pm. It looks like it will be an amazing night for it so come and join us!

Tackling The Corn Maze – We are heading over to the corn maze at T-Burg Mini Golf again this year. We will leave from the church on the 23rd at 5:15pm and return by 7:45pm. Invite a friend to come along – cost will be $6.00. Plan to sign up with Eric by the 20th!

Into The Jungle! - An exciting ministry opportunity has come up, especially if you have a bent towards helping the homeless. From now until October 17th, we will be creating bags to hand out to residents of “The Jungle”, Ithaca’s fine homeless establishment. Here is what needs to be in each bag: toilet paper, bottled water, deodorant, disposable propane cylinder(s), pudding (yum!), batteries (AA & C) and a friendly, encouraging card/message.

If there is enough interest in donating items and creating bags as a group we could meet before Youth group (1/2 hour) on the 16th to put the bags together. Let me know what you want to do!

Sandy Sorensen

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What’s Happening the Week of 10/2 –

Youth Group – It’s a high school only youth group. Come and kick it with us in the Youth Room at BG from 5-7:30pm.

Tackling The Corn Maze – We are heading over the the corn maze at T-Burg Mini Golf again this this year. We will leave from the church on the 23rd at 5:15pm and return by 7:45pm. Invite a friend to come along – cost will be $6.00. Plan to sign up with Eric by the 20th!

If there is enough interest in donating items and creating bags as a group we could meet before Youth group (1/2 hour) on the 16th to put the bags together. Let me know what you want to do!

Sandy Sorensen

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What’s happening the week of 10/24 –

Youth Group - Our first meeting of the ’11-’12 school year happens this Sunday the 25th. All students in 6-12 grade are invited to meet in the youth room starting at 5pm. The evening will be filled with games, music, discussion, and food so come and join us! It will all wrap up at 7:30 pm. See you then!

Hands of Christ service day! We are meeting at church at 9am sharp this Saturday the 24th and then heading into the Shindagin forest to pick up trash. You should bring gloves, good shoes for going up and down banks, and a water bottle. We will return to the church at 12:30. Let’s be the Hands of Christ as we serve our community!

Kick-Off Pictures! Pictures of the Kick-Off are up on the BG Youth Ministry Facebook page – be sure to search for the page, like it, and then check them out or you can see them on the Media page. There are some great photos!

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