Merry Christmas!

I wish I had a cool picture for this post, but I don't - oh well. Yesterday was our last night to meet at Area 51 for the year. To wrap up the semester Jeff talked about how God has equipped us with everything that we need to live for Him. We looked at the story of Mary in Luke 1:26-38. In this passage we see that despite Mary's fear and uncertainty of what God had called her to do, she was obedient. Her response was, "I am the Lord's servant," and "may it be to me as you have said."

Everyone has something that they know God has called them to do, whether it is having a consistent quiet time or accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. It's different for each person. Last night Jeff left us with a dare. He said, "I dare you to do whatever it is that God is calling you to do." You know what it is... so the question is are you going to take the dare? Are you wiling to step out on faith and see how God uses you when you are obedient to Him?

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3

I wish I had something profound to say to end this, but (once again) I don't. I do, however, hope that you stop for a second and think about the verse above and the truth that it has in our lives. This Christmas break can be like any other Christmas break and it would probably be pretty good. Or - you can intentionally seek after God by being obedient to Him and find that He can use you in an incredible way! Will you take the dare...

Here are a few things to remember over the break:

-We will not meet on Wednesday nights at Area 51 again until January 9, 2008
-Deadline to sign up for Mexico is THIS sunday December 16
-No LIFE groups on Sunday December 23
-High School Disciple Now is January 25-26... so sign up!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

-Lacy

Ladies Night

Before I begin, I would like to point out that...yeah...that's my hot wife and cute baby over there>

Last Night at AREA 51 we spiced things up by changing the speaker. Instead of hearing Jeff speak one more boring time and hearing one more stupid story about Taco the cat, we thought we would let everyone get a woman's perspective. So, Jeff's wife Lori and our Student Ministry intern Lacy both gave an incredible message.

Their theme was loving God on both the inside and the outside. Lacy went first and talked about truly loving God. She taught out of John 21 when Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, and the conclusion of the story is Jesus telling Peter to follow him. Lacy explained that you can say you love God all you want, but true love means you will follow him no matter the cost.

Lori (a.k.a the hottest wife ever) spoke next about loving God with our outside. Specifically, she spoke to girls about the way they dress. I won't tell you what she said, because...well...only she can get away with talking about the way girls dress. I can't, so I don't. I will sum it up the way she did. Ephesians 5:3 says, "Among you there must not even be a HINT of sexual immorality." She challenged girls to examine their closets to see if there was "even a hint of immorality" in their wardrobe.

Suffice to say, they both did an incredible job. I am so lucky to have an amazing wife who is gifted to minister to teenagers. I realize that not every student pastor has that joy. I am blessed. I know it. I married out of my league. I know it. We make cute babies. I know it. (That's just to see how many people actually read our blog...)

I am also very thankful for Lacy. She does an incredible job as our intern. Specifically she has gotten Middle School CORE Groups off the ground this semster, so for all you parents, make sure the next time you see Lacy to thank her for all she does.

We have one more Wednesday night this semester, and unfortunately, you will have to put up with me preaching. But, make sure your there. It will be a great time.

-Jeff

Holiday Schedule

Here is our Wednesday night schedule for the holiday season:

November 21 - No "121" or "Inside Out" (Thanksgiving)
November 28 - No "121" or "Inside Out" (Family Advent Service at the main campus)
December 5 - meet @ Area 51
December 12 - meet @ Area 51
December 19- No "121" or "Inside Out"
December 26- No "121" or "Inside Out"
January 2- No "121" or "Inside Out"

. . . and after that it's back to normal!

Mexico 2008

We are going on a mission trip to Mexico over spring break - March 15-22, 2008. Over the past few years we have had the opportunity to go and reach out to the poeple in Mexico. This year we get the chance to go back and continue the work that God has already done through Westwood and other churches. We will be serving in many different ways including - painting, playing with children, and distributing food and clothes. Here are some things you need to know about the trip:

- the cost is $100

- there are only 45 spots available

- you MUST have a PASSPORT to go this year (it takes about 6 weeks to get one so don't wait!)

Deadline to sign up is December 16

Sign up packets are available at Area 51. If you have any questions leave a comment or call the church at 664-0122.

Project 51

Westwood Student Ministry has an ambitious goal for 2008, and we are calling it Project 51. Here is what it is:

We are going to try to accomplish 51 different mission/service projects over the next year. This is a daunting task. If you do the math rather quickly, you realize that we have to average 1 project a week to make that happen!

However, I believe it is a God-given assignment. I usually don’t say things like that, but I really believe that God has led us to take on the challenge.

So, why are we doing this?

Let me begin with a question. If Westwood were to suddenly disappear tomorrow (the people and not the building...of course), what, if anything, would Alabaster miss? Is there anything we are doing to live on mission in our community? Sadly, I think the answer isn’t good. However, we are not satisfied with sulking over that. We are going to do something about it. And, that is what Project 51 is about.

We want to try a lot of projects and services in order to discover that one way we can serve Alabaster. And, that leads me to how we are going to do this.

Well, every student does not have to be available for every project. That would be impossible. However, through LIFE Groups and CORE Groups we will hopefully provide every student at Westwood with multiple opportunities to serve.

Let’s face it. We are a consumer society, and church is often as much about us as Wal-Mart is. I believe that Project 51 is an excellent teaching opportunity for students to learn that life is simply not about us...not about me.

Watch for our stories around the church and on our blog.

- Jeff

(hard) CORE groups: Middle School

This semester we kicked off our first ever middle school CORE group and it has been really cool. Over the course of this semester we have been walking through a book called My Faith and looking at what it means to be a "Christian." We have been asking question such as: What do we believe? How does our faith effect our life? What does God want outta me? What is the church? And lots of other great questions. Mr. Lee, Mrs. Lisa and I have had a blast getting to hang out with the group and see them learn about their faith. Last week I even caught myself looking forward to being the quarter back for the guys who play football in the parking lot afterwards!

I am excited about these last few weeks as we wrap up the semester for Christmas. Here is our schedule for the remaining weeks:

Sunday November 11- CORE groups (read Sections 10 and 11)

Sunday November 18- CORE groups (read Section 12 -last section!)

Sunday November 25- NO CORE groups (Thanksgiving Break)

Sunday December 2- last week of CORE groups for the semester.

To any parents who are reading this, I would like to invite you to come and hang out with us on our last week, Sunday December 2. We love being with your students and want to meet you as well. The last week is going to be kind of an "end of the semester" party it would be great for you to come and be a part of that with us.

(and to anyone in my CORE group who is reading this..."word")

Lacy

October 31 Bash

We had a blast last night at the October 31 Bash. Candlefuse and Tomorrow's Comeback (complete with power ranger costumes) rocked! People came dressed up as everything from Paul McCartney (see photo to right) to Captain Jack Sparrow to one of the wise men (see picture below).

The inflatables were a lot of fun too...

There was an inflatable slide that was taller than the building!

Everyone was getting pretty competitive on the football/basketball inflatable because Karly was giving candy away to the winners. Emma Kate was the best though...
Thanks to all our volunteers who helped out! (especially Mr. Tim since he had to stand at the top of the super tall slide all night) You are all great!

How NOT to be a Fool (Week 3)

To wrap up the series on How NOT to be a Fool, Jeff talked about three important areas of our lives to apply the BEST QUESTION EVER: In light of my past experiences, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wisest thing for me to do?

These three areas are:
1. Time
2. Money
3. Sex

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. "
Ephesians 5:15-17

Just a reminder- This Wednesday is the October 31 Bash. Come hang out with us at Area 51 from 6:00-9:00. There will be inflatable games and a concert featuring CANDLEFUSE.
****NO MASKS PLEASE****

Middle School Retreat Pictures!

Middle School Fall Retreat 2007

The Fall 2007 Middle School Retreat was totally OUTSTANDING! Here are some highlights:

• The school bus ride was far better than expected.


• No one got sick on the bus and our precious driver found the way. (The bus driver had shared with Lori and I that he could not see well at night….ugh!)


• The facilities at Shocco were wonderful for a retreat, FAR better than our destination on last year’s retreat. (That’s my personal bias.)


• The fellowship among the students was a blessing to watch, especially in the cafeteria when everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Gene’. She was totally blessed by the experience
  
• It seems that “paint ball” is a far more serious sport than anyone ever thought! Mr. Jim was welted in several places, I guess the students had no sympathy for the veteran.


• Apparently Jeff thinks he is young and vigorous because he suggested paint ball for the afternoon activity. Well, leave it to Middle School students to show a man what he’s made of. While there were no fatalities, let’s just say Jeff and the praise band look great….covered in BLUE!!


• Everyone at Thompson Middle who went on the retreat better avoid the girls basketball coach. Let Gene’ tell her why Leah has a boot on her ankle!


• Finally, the most significant point that Jeff made clear, as he always does, that our success in life and in relationships will be about our “seeking and pursuing God”. As an adult, it was a great reminder to me and I hope it was a challenge to our students that “God is everything!”


• Great student Pastor!! Great students!! Great Praise Band!! Our Awesome God!!!
  

Hey students, tell Jeff and Lori how much you appreciate their hard work and how much they obviously love you all and work hard for the Glory of God!!

Ms. Martha Earwood

(more pics coming soon!)

How NOT to be a Fool (week 2)

Hey guys, here's a quick recap on what Jeff spoke about this past Wednesday night.

We discussed making wise decisions by asking...

The Best Question Ever: "In light of my past experiences, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wisest thing to do?"

So, whether you have a big decision to make this week or just a small choice, maybe you can apply this question to help you choose wisely. I hope everyone has a great week!

How NOT to be a Fool

Last night was the first week of a 3-week series we're doing called How NOT to be a Fool. Over the next few weeks we are going to be talking about making wise choices based off of Proverbs 27:12 which says:

"The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble."

Jeff kicked off the series by talking about two questions...
-The WRONG question: Is there anything wrong with it?

-The RIGHT question: What is the wise thing to do?

Come and hang out with us next week as we answer the question: What is the wise thing to do?

P.S. Deadline to sign up for the Middle School Retreat is THIS Sunday (October 14, 2007)

How to Shout Without Screaming: Update

Check it out ---- a couple of weeks ago on September 5 many of you came forward and made a commitment to share Christ with 1-4 of your friends throughout this semester. Well, you've had some time, so we want to get some feedback from you on how things are going (everything from your wins to your worst attempts). We want to hear from you.... so leave a comment!

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

How To Shout Without Screaming (Part 2)

Week 2 - Making Noise with Your Lifestyle

Biblical terms describing an attractive, christian lifestyle:

• You are like SALT - Matthew 5:13
• You are like LIGHT - Matthew 5:14-16
• You are like a FRAGRANCE - 2 Corinthians 2:15

What do others find attractive about a christian L.I.F.E.?

• Laughter and Joy
• Internal attractiveness
• Faithfulness to God's way
• Endures through tough times

Final Question: Your life is constantly being watched. What do you think others are seeing?

Also, just as a reminder, next week you will have the oppotunity to commit to reaching 1-4 of your friends by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them. One way to do that is by having an attractive lifestyle that reflects Christ. Be thinking and praying about making that commitment.

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words." - St. Francis of Assisi

Lacy

Recap: Ski Trip

Congratulations to the 10th grade guys LIFE group for a GNARLY trip to the lake!! We had 12 guys to go to Logan Martin Lake at General Lee camp grounds on Sat. the 25th. Five of the 12 guys learned how to wakeboard and all 12 learned how to crash, flip, and burn on the tube!! Special thanks to Glenn Austin for his help and taking the pics......also to Blake for the video! YOU ROCK 10TH GRADE!!!

DC (Don Collins)

How To Shout Without Screaming

This past Wednesday night we started a three week series called "How To Shout Without Screaming." Here are some things to remember from week one:

Making Noise with Your Friendships
Good news comes from good friends who...

1. Take an INTEREST
2. Are AVAILABLE
3. Speak less, LISTEN MORE
4. Use words that BUILD UP
5. CORRECT

Take - home actions...

(1) Evaluate your friendship CAPACITY
(2) Think of 1 or 2 of your non-christian friends
(3) Commit to PRAY for those friends daily

In 3 weeks we will be asking students to make a commitment to try to reach 1-4 specific friends with the good news of Jesus over the course of this school year. So, as you walk through this week be thinking about how can God use you in the friendships you have.

Lacy

Welcome!

What's up guys? Welcome to the first ever Westwood Student Ministry blog (aka "51 Blog"). This is a place that you can come to get the latest new about our ministry, upcoming events, recaps on our latest events and more. I also want to hear back from you so be sure to post your comments, stories, and questions.

To get us started here are some things coming up in the next few weeks:

CORE Groups - are our Sunday night discipleship groups. This year we will have a middle school and a high school group. Both will be starting on Sunday September 9, 2007.

• Middle School - will meet at the main campus from 6:00 - 7:00pm on Sunday nights. We will be going through a book called My Faith by Kurt Johnston and Mark Ostriecher.


• High School - will meet at Tim and Sandy Enloe's house on Sunday nights at 6:00pm. You will be going through a book called Thinking About God: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Fisher Humphreys
  

Thanks for checking out the blog. Keep checking in to hear more about upcoming events and other stuff. I hope everyone has an awesome week!

Lacy