Upcoming Events

Hey guys, here's the 411 on the events that are coming up soon:

Middle School Fall Retreat

• when: October 19-20
• where: Shocco Springs, AL
• what: a weekend getaway where you can take some time away from your busy schedules to CONNECT WITH GOD and GROW WITH BELIEVERS
• cost: $50 --- ($70 if you want to play paintball)

October 31st Bash - Featuring Candlefuse

• when: Wednesday October 31
• where: Area 51 (Westwood's Student building)
• what: inflatable games and a concert with Candlefuse. This is a great time to invite your friends!

Check out Candlefuse at: www.myspace.com/candlefuse

Drama Team Poll

The poll is closed...Congratulations Andrew!!! Also, Jared and Michele tied for second with five votes each. Third place was a four way tie. Congrats to all- you all do a great job serving through drama. Thanks!

Things to know:
- Keep checking back in for a "tie-breaker rematch poll" for the praise band - COMING SOON!
- I am taking suggestions for future polls - so leave me a comment.
- Jeff thinks that the praise band can beat the drama team in a little basketball competition....what are your thoughts?

Comment on the poll here!

Praise Band Poll

Oh SNAP!!! The final results on the poll put Carson and Nick tied for first place with 9 votes each (I thought you had it Carson!). Followed by Mark in second place with 5 votes. Jonathan Turman and Jonathan Thigpen tied for third with 4 votes each.

Congrats to all! Thanks for voting everyone.

Comment on the poll here!

How To Shout Without Screaming (Part 3)

Week 3- Shouting with Your Words

Yesterday we wrapped up our 3 week series on sharing Christ with your friends. Over the past few weeks we challenged you to consider making a comittment to reaching out to 1-4 of your friends this school year. Last night was really cool as many of you came forward to make that commitment. I am certain that God can use all of you in an amazing way to impact the lives of your friends. Now, as you go to SPEAK the good news of Jesus Christ to your friends, remember that .... the "right words" are important.

How do I Shout with the right words and effective communication?

1. Talk with EXPERIENCE
2. Talk with GENTLENESS
3. Talk with CONFIDENCE

a simple plan to remember is:
- Admit you're a sinner
- Believe in Jesus
- Commit your life to him

4. Talk with your FRIENDS

• pray for the right time
• look for the right time
• speak athe the right time
  
  

One last thought:
Your lifestyle matters, your desire to be a good friend matters, and your sensitivity to commumicate matters. God uses people like you to bring GOOD NEWS.

(my apologies to Whitney for not having the scripture to go with all the points - I will put them up asap!)

Lacy

High School Beach Retreat

The High School Beach Retreat was a blast! We spent Labor Day weekend in Panama City Beach, Florida, and what a weekend it was! The weather was perfect, and the ocean was beautiful.

We stayed at Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center and had to pack into every single bed we had. It was cozy to say the least, but it was a lot of fun. We had our own pool, basketball court, and sand volleyball pit. Speaking of which, the 1st Annual High School Beach Retreat Sand Volleyball Competition was won by "Team Generic," which consisted of the Praise Band and Jake Miles. It was a Dream Team-like performance as they demolished their opponents in an undefeated run.

Students also engaged in numerous pool noodle fights and endless games of "Mafia." Our Retreat speaker Jarrod Jones was even sucked into the Mafia fever.

Jarrod spent the weekend challenging students to embrace the "Backwards Life," adandoning the ways of our American culture and instead, living and loving like Jesus. We were led in worship by the college praise band, who introduced some new songs or worship like "All Because of Jesus," "Everything," and "Spring of Life." Also, Michelle Kaylor and Nick Williams created their own dance to "Happy Day." I expect it to become a nation-wide craze.

Here are some more picks of the weekend:

See you next year.

Jeff