BRYAN ELDER

Birthday:5-8-75
Life Verse:Palm 27:1 The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear
Hobbies:Paintball
Least Favorite Food: you don't get this figure by having a least favorite food
Favorite Movie: don't watch much
A quote live by: It's not about perfection, it's about progress

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

On Sunday, Dec. 7th, after church, 7th and 8th grade girls were caught getting in the spirit of Christmas. First, they went to Walmart where they purchased Christmas gifts for teenage orphans; second, they decorated their classroom; third, they stamped Christmas cards for recovering soldiers; and, lastly, they had a surprise going away party for Ashley who will soon be traveling to California with her family (and boy was she surprised). What a great bunch of girls!

A Christmas Story

Last night, Pastor B. spoke about the events leading up to Christ's birth, focusing on John the Baptist. It was very interesting as the night started off with a human-tree decorating contest (see the video below), but the evening ended with a genuine message about Christmas (ask your teen(s) for details).

JOSEY EMERY

Nick Name: Jo - really only used by close family & friends
Birthday: 6/25/80
Life Verse: I have two... "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7 & "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" Proverbs 27:23
Hobbies: walking, baking, reading, watching movies & taking pictures
Favorite Food: My favorite "anything" depends on my mood!! A few foods I really enjoy are shrimp scampi, pizza & reese's cups, french fries & chocolate or peanut butter milk shakes
Least Favorite Food: spinach
Favorite Movie: No favorites...but enjoy Chick flicks & comedies
A quote live by: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Disco Bowling

Who would have thought that bowling with a 70's theme could be so much fun? We did...check out our groovy movie:

Leader Profile: RYAN SMITH

Nick Name: Smitty
Small Group Community: 7th and 8th Grade Boys
Birthday: June 11, 1983
Life Verse: Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Hobbies: Teaching 2nd grade, Coaching High School Soccer and Basketball.
Favorite Food: Steak
Least Favorite Food: Saur Kraut
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
A quote live by: "God's gift to you was life. Your gift to God is what you make of it." & "Don't Worry about Failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you dont even try."

Leader Profile: DOUGLAS EMERY

Nick Name: Doug
Small Group Community: 9th and 10th grade
Birthday: 03/01/1977
Life Verse: "Trust in the Lord w/all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
Hobbies: Paintball, hunting
Favorite Food: Pizza and wings
Least Favorite Food: onions & green peppers
Favorite Movie: I don't like any particular movie well enough to call it a favorite - just being honest
A quote live by: I don't live by quotes

Godview

No matter who we are, we all have a Godview. The way we think about God affects how we interact with our world. Through this next series, we want teens to see how their view of God shapes the way they live. Look for more on this topic in the following verses: Matthew 16:13-23; John 18:10, 17; John 21:15-19.

Project Safe Kid '08

This past weekend, Project Safe Kid was a blast! From handing out candy to just hanging out with friends, teens seemed to have fun. The Jr. High girls took the show with their pirate ship table decked out with candy cannons. Go girls! Check out the video of them getting ready for the night...there are also some pics of the garage Halloween party.

Leader Profile: TRISHA DAWN DIXON

Nick Name: Trish
Small Group Communtiy: 7th and 8th grade girls
Birthday: October 29th
Hobbies: Singing, dancing and cooking with my family in my kitchen!
Favorite Food: chocolate!
Favorite Movie: I love most movies, dramas mainly.
A quote I live by: "It's not about me."
Favorite Scripture: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28)

Hayride @ the Hooks:

Last Sunday, teens had a blast playing football and ultimate frisby, singing around the campfire, and going on a hayride! The turnout was great and the sense of community was awesome. One thing that we, the leaders, are trying to accomplish is a sense of community among teens in the garage. We want them to feel like they are a part of a community instead of apart from it @ Zion. Getting teens together for fun events helps them want to do life together and be a collective light for Christ in their nation. As Francis Schaeffer says, “Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful –Christian community is the final apologetic.”

The first week of 40 Days

Wow, I can't believe the first week of our 40 day adventure is already over. Hopefully this week you got to spend tons of time soaking in how much God loves you. During these 40 days get a chance to spend time talking with your teen about what you are growing in and what you are studying. There is nothing cooler then witnessing your parents growing in their faith.

If you didn't get a chance to start on the 40 days last week don't give up. Start this week and jump in and make it a priority to be spending time this week.

Pastor B