Project 35

The 9th grade girls class (and friends) collected dry goods and canned items for the Salvation Army in early September. A lucky few who weren't at band, cheerleading, volleyball, or basketball practice met Monday, 9/22 at the Salvation Army Alabaster location to purge their food bank pantry of out of date goods. We worked a mere hour and half but were able to complete the task and learn how to make up bags of groceries for recipients. We were all shocked at the massive number of can goods that were out of date and could not be used except for distribution to the homeless.. Carolyn McGilvray, in charge of social services, showed us the ropes and explained that their clients are primarily living on disability in amount of $600 a month or less so the three times a year they can come for groceries really helps them stretch their money for medication, rent, and transportation. The girls loved it so much that they want to come back once a month. They also were introduced to some new foods like pinto and garbonzo beans (What are those?!)

Those participating were Marissa Wilkins, Lashae Chin, Kim Frank, Abby Frank, McKay Wilkins, and Laurie Wilkins.
- Kim Frank

See You At The Pole - Steven and Savannah

On Wednesday night at AREA 51 Jeff interviewed Steven Stone and Savannah Thigpen who shared about their experience from both Thompson High School's and Pelham High School's See You At The Pole event, a prayer rally around the campus flagpole.

Thalon - "Lola"

In case you missed it, Thalon rocked the house tonight.  Here's a clip of their song Lola:

Project 34

On Saturday, September 20 Westwood students partnered with Iglesia Biblica Hispana de Alabaster for an outreach/ block party event.

We started things off by loading tables, chairs and other party equipment into three vehicles.
Rain threatened to cancel the event, but we remembered Phillipians 4:6 where Paul reminded us to "..not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, bring your requests to God." ...and God came through!

Emily Stansell prayed for us, asking God to make this a successful event while asking for specific attention to the rain. Once we arrived in Montevallo, rain was never a factor. We unloaded and set up all the chairs, tables, a homemade puppet theater (PVC pipe is awesome) and began blowing up and stringing balloons for a little party atmosphere. Then people just started coming. Mr. Bobby thought we would have to go door-to-door to invite people, but apparently, in this neighborhood, if there’s an outside party, you just know to show up. Over 50 people came. God came through yet again!

Students face-painted, made balloon animals, swung a jump-rope and jumped on a trampoline with the children, while the adults chatted, made contacts and shared Jesus. The Hispanic church put on a puppet show, acted out a sketch (not a skit!) and did a little bell ringing.
Pastor Jose’ Luis Leon then gave a short talk and invited everyone to come to the church next Sunday. Finally we ate some nachos and packed-up. Sorry about your nose Robin!
God really came through and we had a great time.

Random quote heard during the event: "It’s not a pizza, it’s a baseball!"

Team Westwood members included: Morgan Jordan, Courtney Jordan, Casey Barnes, Andrew Wash, Jacob Ferguson, Victoria Baggett, Abby Frank, Emily Stansell, Bobby Culpepper, Lillian Culpepper, Robin Bird and myself.

Tom (I tell good jokes) Bird

Hey Mom!!

I also want to write a special "thank you!" shout-out post to my mom and the wonderful people at her work (Complete Foodservice Solutions). You've probably never heard them mentioned before but, they have been very generous over the past year in supporting projects and other things in the student ministry. They've donated the food for many of our trips to Kids First, the nursing home and other things like Student Life Camp. As well as let us use their super freezer to make frozen t-shirts for games!

You guys are awsome and ... thank you! We greatly appreciate your support!

Be sure and leave a comment to thank them for all they do!

Project 33

For Project 33 we went back to Kids First Awareness Center. The group included Mrs. Martha, Elizabeth and Grace Earwood, Andrew Wash, and Morgan Jordan. When we got there we tutored the kids for about 30 minutes by helping them with their homework and reading. Then we did a Bible lesson on the prophet Jeremiah and talked about how God knows us and has a plan for us. We were intentionally created to live for our creator. The best part of the day, for me, was to see how much progress these kids seem to have made since this summer. It seems like they are beginning to open up to hearing about God and learning more about Him through His word.

Afterwards we went outside and played slide tag. Brief history on this game: The first time that we went to Kids first we played slide-tag and the they thought it was the coolest thing ever. (really, it was a game that I learned at soccer practice in high school that I hadn't even planned on playing that day) Since then, just about every time we have gone I have given them a few 'options' for games to play, but EVERY single time we never make it past the slide-tag option. Now, the first thing asked when we walk in the door is "Can we play slide-tag today?" They even listen better to the lesson if we promise slide-tag afterwards.... crazy, but funny!

It has been a blast bringing God's word into the lives of these kids. Keep listening for more info on our project at Kids First next month. We would love for you to be a part of it!

ps. I definately forgot to bring the camera this time...(oops!)... so all the pictures are from previous trips.

(100th post!!) Coming Soon to Area 51......The Andrew and Lacy Band.

Definition of The Andrew and Lacy Band: the limit as greatness approaches awesome.

This up and coming young band is filled with the same amount of promising talent as music lovers find in ALL other popular bands. Their anticipated debut album,"Bringin' Down the Rails" featuring the hit single, 'Do you have a Riddle?' is sure to please the fans with its energetic, creative, and completely honest lyrics. Their two person drum duo...ahhh the sound of clashing cymbols and rythmic tamborine skills...create a sound unlike any other. This unique sound of almost harmonious raw talent can be enjoyed by audiences of young men and maidens, old men and children. It's enough to make a random guy in the audience want to stand up and scream... "OH SNAP!"

Seriously! Okay, I'm totally kidding. Just wanted to do a fun post and give a shout out to all our readers... thanks for following the blog and investing in the student ministry! Keep leaving comments, they most definately make me smile:)

We Won't Be Quiet/Garrett Austin gets jiggy wit it...

So, this is a fun song in general, but you have to see Garrett throw down about 2/3 of the way through this song.  No words...should have sent a poet...

Middle School PURSUIT

Often times parents today will say, "I can help with the math homework and baseball, but I'm gonna let someone else handle all that spiritual stuff..."

PURSUIT is designed to enable and equip parents to come alongside their middle school student and assume the role as the primary discipler in their son or daughter's life; to provide an opportunity for a relationship founded in Christ to take root.

This past Sunday we kicked off our first semester of PURSUIT and, as far as I can tell, things went great! I could not hold back my eager smiles of excitement as people began to arrive at Area 51... and they just kept coming! We were blown away by the turnout. After things got started and everyone had their share of Chex-mix, we talked about our purpose and goals behind Pursuit. Then Pastor Les Hughes talked with the parents while the middle schoolers went upstairs to hang out with me. Overall it was a great night... and we had a blast!

It's NOT too late for you and your student to join PURSUIT!! We meet THIS Sunday, September 14, at Area 51 @ 6:00.

Lacy

Project 32

For Project 32 we teamed up with the Hispanic church that branches from Westwood. We helped throw a "block party" in a local mobile home community as an outreach for Hispanic families in Alabaster. It was really cool to work alongside the Hispanic church. Our part of the team included Michael Barnes (the amazing balloon shape-maker/ soccer star), Casey Barnes (photographer/ backup soccer star), Mr. Stacy (the adult presence) and Liz Hinrickson (protected the younger kids from Michael and Casey's intense soccer skills!!) Other activities included... face painting, puppet shows, handbells and eating nachos of course! It was a lot of fun and they are planning to do another one soon so keep an eye out for more upcoming projects. Here are some pictures from Saturday....

Middle School Wild Game Night

So, we went completely unspiritual last night during the middle school hour and just had fun.  We call it Wild Game Night.  Here's a clip of some of the craziness: