Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Submerge Update - 12/12/12

Here's this week's updated (also available on our blog, just in case you lose the email) :)

1) Chick-fil-A Calendars!!  Tina Dubyoski still has calendars available to sell as a fundraiser for the Winter Meltdown trip.  These things are going FAST, so make sure you get some ASAP if you haven't already.  You can email her for more information.

2) Christmas Services - Just as a reminder to everyone: there will be no middle school services on Sunday, December 23 or Sunday, December 30.  We encourage all of our families to attend & experience these services together.  Here is a quick snapshot of the schedule, just to make sure everyone is on the same page...

Sunday, December 23 - Three Identical Services @ 9am, 11am, & 6pm.  (There will be no Pier 29 or Submerge offered during any of the services - Nursery/Preschool ONLY).
Sunday, December 30 - ONE Family Service @ 10am.  (There will be no nursery, preschool, elementary, or middle school programs provided during this service)

There will also be NO small groups (or any activities) for Submerge or Portside on Wednesday, December 26.

3) Winter Meltdown -  Just a reminder that if you have not turned in paperwork for this retreat, please hand it in as soon as you can.  :)

4) Bible Trivia Day - This coming Sunday, we will be hosting a Trivia/Game Show theme for our middle school service.  Please encourage your child to come with their Bibles & be ready for a lot of fun & to win some great prizes!!

Have a great week everyone!!!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Boscov's Fundraiser

This year, we will be participating in Boscov's "Friends Helping Friends" fundraiser.  This is a very easy fundraiser that will allow your child to raise funds for his or her youth group expenses with little effort on your part.  We will be selling 25% off shopping coupons (for most regular and clearance prices) for Boscov's that can only be used on the special Friends Helping Friends Day, Tuesday, Oct. 16th.  The coupons cost $5 each, so a customer only needs to spend $20 at Boscov's to recoup his or her money.  If they spend any amount over $20, they will be saving money by using the coupon while donating to a wonderful cause, Submerge!!

The amazing news is that for each coupon your child sells, the entire $5 will be added to his or her youth fund.  (What a terrific way to start saving for Winter Meltdown!!)  Coupons will be available on Wednesday evenings & Sunday mornings through October 14.  You can start with 5 coupons, and can get more as needed.  All income and unsold coupons need to be turned back in to Pastor Mark or Marsha Nusbaum.  Pick up your coupons today, and start raising money!!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Get Ready for Wyred 2012!!


It's almost time once again for our annual middle school lock-in!  This year, "wyred" will be held at the 4 Seasons Sport Complex in Carroll County, MD (located on Rt. 482), which means we have a lot more room to have tons more fun.  For more information about this event, please download an info packet here, and let us know if you're planning to attend by contacting us with the email address above.

It's going to be an incredible night, so make sure you invite your friends to come and hang out with us!!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

ministry update - 6/6/12

Good Afternoon!!

Here's this week's update - as always, let me know if you have any questions!

1) 5/6 Grade Trip - Here's the plan for this Saturday's activity that is just for current 5th & 6th graders:

12:30  Meet @ Crosswind
1-3      Swimming @ Adrienne Cave's
3:30    Dinner @ Pizza Hut
4:30    Play time @ Players (laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars)
6:00    Parent Pick-up @ Crosswind

So far, there are 8 students who have signed up to go, and I still have room for about 4 more in case anyone else is still interested.  If your child wants to go, please let me know ASAP.  Cost is $25 and includes activites at Players as well as dinner.  If cost is a concern for you, please let me know - I will work something out. :)

2) Updated Calendars - The summer calendars have been updated, and will be available in the Youth Chapel at any time.  Please make sure you stop by and pick one up.  (They will be hanging on the wall, on the left, as soon as you walk into the Chapel.)

3) Next Lesson Series - We are going to spend the summer diving into the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7).  Please encourage your students to spend some time reading through these chapters every week, and be open to discuss with them things they learn during the series or questions they have about the text.

4) Submerge T-Shirts - Our new summer t-shirts will be available starting this weekend!!  They are available in red, navy, green, black, & orange in sizes YXL - XXL.  Cost will be $10.  Make sure you grab one soon in your favorite color (or colors!).

5) Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - Don't forget to mark your calendars for our fundraiser on Saturday, June 23 immediately following our afternoon service (we should begin by 6pm).  Cost is $7 for adults & $4 for children 10 & under.  Come out and support our middle school ministry & stick around for a FREE movie in the outside parking lot!!

That's everything!  I hope everyone has a great week!!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

ministry update - 5/29/12

Hello Parents & Leaders!

Here's the Update for this week:

1) Volleyball Practice - We are having an Intro to Volleyball session tomorrow night, Wednesday, May 30 from 7-8:15pm in place of our usual middle school small groups.  This will be a time to cover some of the basics of the game, as well as begin working on some easy exercises. 

Volleyball Practice for middle school will take place from 6-7pm on the following Wednesdays during the summer: 6/13, 7/11, & 7/25.  This will be for any middle school student that is serious about improving their volleyball skills.  Anyone interested in joining these "practices" should sign up using the form in the Youth Chapel or by letting me know via facebook or email.

*2) Camping Trip Sign-Ups* - The dates for this event have slightly changed due to a reservation change.  The new dates are Wednesday, August 22 through Friday, August 24.  We are still at Cunningham Falls State Park, we just changed sites in order to be closer to the main swimming area/activities.

Please make sure you are checking your family calendars & figuring out which events your middle school student can participate in.  If they are able to go to the "Back to School Camping Trip" on August 22-24, please use the following website to sign them up here.  Please remember, this trip is for students who are currently in grades 5-11 (most of our graduating seniors will be off to college by then).  You can also sign up to donate some of our camping supplies by using the form on the website.  We only have a limited amount of spaces, so make sure to sign them up ASAP!

3) Spaghetti Dinner / Family Movie Night - On Saturday, June 23, we will be having a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at 6:00pm that will go towards events & activities for Submerge.  Cost will be $7 for adults & $4 for children 10 & under.  Following the Dinner, we will be having a free Family Movie Night in our church parking lot from 8-10pm!  Bring a camping chair & come out to support
our middle school students!



4) 5/6 Grade Trip - Final details for our 5/6 grade trip (for next Saturday, June 9) will be available by this weekend.  We are planing on meeting at the church & then going over to Players for some laser tag & other activities, and then heading out for swimming (potentially) & a bonfire.  Cost will be $25 and will cover all activities at Players, as well as dinner & supplies during the bonfire.  I do not have exact times yet, but it will take place in mid-late afternoon into the evening hours.

5) Drama Team - There is no drama practice throughout the summer until school kicks back in for the Fall.

As always - if anyone has any questions about any of these events, please email me back or speak with me on Wednesdays or Sundays!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

ministry update - 5/22/12

Hello Parents & Leaders!

Here is this week's Submerge Update:

1) Drama Team - Tomorrow night (5/23) is the last night of drama practice until School starts back up in August.  Mallory is having a small drama party from 6-7pm for all students who are currently a part of the drama team.

2) Camping Trip Sign-Ups - Please make sure you are checking your family calendars & figuring out which events your middle school student can participate in.  If they are able to go to the "Back to School Camping Trip" on August 23-25, please use the following website to sign them up here.  Please remember, this trip is for students who are currently in grades 5-11 (most of our graduating seniors will be off to college by then).  You can also sign up to donate some of our camping supplies by using the form on the website.  We only have a limited amount of spaces, so make sure to sign them up ASAP!

3) Ministry Move Up Day - I want to make sure things are clear regarding grade specific events during the summer.  With the exception of the graduating seniors (class of 2012), all elementary, middle, & high school students will be considered as their current grade level until school starts at the end of August.  Sunday, August 26 will be our "official" move-up day for all students that will be transitioning into the next ministry program (especially 4th & 8th graders).  I apologize for any confusion regarding grade specific events during the summer.

4) Volleyball Practice - Volleyball Practice for middle school will take place from 6-7pm on the following Wednesdays during the summer: 6/13, 7/11, & 7/25.  This will be for any middle school student that is serious about improving their volleyball skills.  Anyone interested in joining these "practices" should sign up using the form in the Youth Chapel or by letting me know via facebook or email. 

Also, we are having an Intro to Volleyball session, which will be held next Wednesday, May 30 from 7-8:15pm in place of our usual small groups.  This will be a time to cover some of the basics of the game, as well as begin working on some easy exercises.

As always - if anyone has any questions about any of these events, please email me back or speak with me on Wednesdays or Sundays!

Have a great week!!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

ministry update - 5/16/12

Hello Parents & Leaders!

Here's the quick update for this week:

1) Deeper 1.3 - Aaron Long is touring with his band during the next few weeks, and will be leading worship during tonight's Deeper 1.3.  Normally, we would have our regular small groups tonight, but in light of the special "concert", we will be taking the middle school students into the main sanctuary with everyone else.  If your child will be with us tonight, please consider joining us for this special worship time.

2) Wednesday Schedule - In case you have not yet received a calendar (which can be picked up in the youth chapel at any time), here is a brief outline of how our Wednesdays will look during the next couple of months...

** denotes a change from the current, printed calendars
5/16 - Deeper 1.3
5/23 - Small Groups / Last Drama Practice
5/30 - No Small Groups
6/6 - Small Groups**
6/13 - Small Groups
6/20 - Deeper 1.3 **
6/27 - Small Groups
7/4 - No Small Groups / Independence Day
7/11 - Small Groups
7/18 - Deeper 1.3**
7/25 - Small Groups

3) Upcoming Events - If your child has not yet signed up for our summer events, please make sure to grab a Summer Sign-Up Survey from the Youth Chapel & mark which events they will be participating in.  Here is a list of a few activities that are coming up...

June 9 - 5/6 Grade Activity (Laser Tag/Bonfire)
June 23 - Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser / Family Movie Night
July 27 - 7/8 Grade Inner Harbor Trip (& Oriole's Game)
August 23-25 - Submerge/Portside Camping Trip (Please sign up for this ASAP - spots are limited)

If you have any questions about any of the activities, please let me know!  Thanks!!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

ministry update - 5/10/12

Sorry that this week's post is later than usual - I waiting for official movie times to be released so I could finalize the plans for the Guy's Overnighter.  Here's what's going on this week:

1) Summer Packets & Surveys - If you have not yet received a packet of information pertaining to our summer events, please either download the file attached to the weekly email or see me this Sunday for a hard copy.  I need to make sure that everyone gets this packet, so that information gets out to everyone.  Also, there is a Parent Survey at the back of the packets, please, please fill this out & turn it in to me ASAP. 

2) 7/8 Grade Trip Change - The date for the 7/8 Grade Trip to the Inner Harbor has been changed to Friday, July 27.  There were some schedule conflicts for that Saturday - hopefully this doesn't affect anyone's plans to participate.

3) Youth Camp Reminder - Just a reminder regarding Youth Camp applications - all applications & fees need to be turned in directly from your family.  Please see the Summer Info Packet for more information about this event.  Applications are available in the Youth Chapel, and will need a Pastor's signature before mailing (just bring it to me either when you pick it up or before you mail it).

4) Guy's Overnighter Details - Here are the final details for the Guy's Night tomorrow evening:

Cost: $20 (covers pizza, movie ticket, snacks, drinks)
6:00pm         Drop off at church/Pizza (yes, we're covering dinner too)
6:45pm         Head over to Westminster Mall
7:30pm         The Avengers in 3D
10:00pm       Return to Crosswind
10:15pm       Nerf Wars, Snacks, Video Games, Capture the Flag
2:00am         Lights Out
7:30am         Wake-Up & Clean Up
8:00am         Parent Pick-Up

What to Pack:
Sleeping Bag & Pillow
Nerf Guns (please label what belongs to you)
Extra Video Games/Controllers (this is optional - please label what belongs to you)

If you have any questions about any of these things, please let me know!  Have a great week!!

Monday, April 30, 2012

ministry update - 4/30/12

Submerge Parents & Leaders!!

Here are the updates for this week!

1) Drama Practice - The last Wednesday for Drama Practice will be on May 23.  The group will pick back up & restart in September, once School kicks back into gear.

2) Volleyball Practice - Starting in June, I will be having "practice" for anyone interested in learning how to play volleyball during the summer.  I will be alternating each week between middle school & high school students, in order to keep the groups more manageable to work with.  The dates for middle school practice will be June 13, July 11, & July 25.  Please note: this is for students who want to seriously learn how to play the game - not for anyone that just wants to "have fun".  :)  There will still be "casual" volleyball games after 8pm on Wednesdays during the summer.

3) Guy's Overnighter - Friday, May 11 is a overnight activity for only middle school boys.  Cost for the night is $20 and includes movie ticket, pizza, & drinks/snacks.  **Anyone not going to the movie, only needs to pay $10 & can meet us at the church around 10pm**  Items needed include: sleeping bag, pillow, nerf gun (typically $10-$15), and any personal video game equipment that students may want to bring (consoles, games, controllers, etc. - please have them clearly mark which equipment belongs to them before arrival).

Currently, here is the schedule for the night:

5:30-6pm     Meet at the church & drop off gear
6pm              Load up & head to Westminster Mall
TBA             See "Marvel: Avengers"(optional)
10pm           Arrive back at Crosswind
10:30pm-8am   Nerf Wars, Video Games, & Sleep!!

Movie reviews for "Avengers" can be found at the two following links:
IMDB.com
PluggedIn.com

PLEASE have your child sign up for this activity by Wednesday, May 9 in order to make sure everyone gets a ticket for the movie & there are enough snacks/drinks for everyone.

4) Deeper 1.3 - This Wednesday, our Submerge small groups will be participating in Deeper 1.3 instead of meeting together for discussion.

 Please let me know if you have any questions!!  Have a great week!!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

ministry update - 4/24/12

Hello parents & leaders!  Here is this week's Submerge Update!!

1) Gurly/Burly Night - We are still working out the details of this night, but here's what we know: we're going to keep things simple & only have an easy activity for Friday night, May 11.  The guys will probably be going to see the movie, "The Avengers" & we don't know exactly what the girls will be doing just yet.  More details will be given out as soon as things are nailed down.

2) Parent Meeting - Due to a lack of response for the Parent Meeting/Lunch that was scheduled for Sunday, April 29 @ 12:30pm, we will instead be meeting on the same day (this coming Sunday) at 10:15am in the Youth Chapel.  I will be sharing the game plan for our summer activities as well as a look ahead into the events planned for the next school year.  Please do your best to make it to this meeting!

3) Youth Camp - Applications are out & available for the summer camp held in Emmittsburg, MD from July 14-18 (ages 12-17).  If anyone is interested in going this year, please pick up an application this week!  The deadline for the early bird rate ($175) is Friday, May 11 & will need to be mailed in to the Camp Office that is marked on the application.  I personally recommend that this camp only be attended by students who are at least currently in 7th grade, given the age range of the entire camp.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this activity. 

Please note: This is an optional activity - students from our church will be attending Camp, but we will not be recruiting chaperones or "officially" organizing a group.  It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to work out the details for all applications & transportation.  We would love to know if your child will be participating, but we will not be handling application deadlines & travel arrangements.

I think that's everything....for now!  :)  I hope everyone has a great week!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

ministry update - 4/17/12

Hey parents!  Here's the latest update for what's going on in Submerge...

1) Parent's Meeting/Lunch - Sunday, April 29 @ 1pm
I realize that this meeting is just under two weeks away, but I realized that I need to try to get with everyone and explain our summer calendar & begin sharing some vision for the Fall (just so everyone can know what to expect).  I will take care of ordering some subs/sandwiches so that everyone won't have to worry about needing to grab lunch after church.  If you can make it, please RSVP back to my email & let me know how many will be coming with you (spouse & children included).

2) Crosswind Serving Day - Saturday, May 5
Our church is doing a community wide serving day and we want you & your family to be a part of it!!  What better way to teach the children & youth in our church about the need for serving the community, then by being a part of it as a family?!  You can sign up for various projects & opportunities by stopping by Guest Services this weekend & speaking with Matt & Erin Lamb.  Our goal for the weekend is to have over 200 volunteers from Crosswind going out into the Westminster Community & showing them the serving heart of our church!

3) Gurly/Burly Night - Friday, May 11
We will be doing two separate activities on this night - one for the girls & one for the boys.  The exact details of the night have not yet been finalized, but I will let you know as we get closer.  The cost for this activity will probably be around $20 or less per student.

That's everything for now.  I hope everyone has a great week!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

ministry update - 4/10/12

Hello Parents & Leaders,

What an incredible weekend we had at Crosswind Church!  We broke an attendance record with 1,015 people this year & around 19 of which that made commitments to accept Christ as their Savior!!!!  God is truly doing some amazing things at our church, so let's keep spreading the word!  :)

Here are just a few quick updates for Submerge for this week:

1) YFC Lock-In, Friday, April 13
- Youth For Christ is hosting an all night middle school lock-in at the YMCA in Hanover, PA this coming Friday night from 11:30pm to 6:30am.  We will be meeting at Crosswind at 10pm & will return for parent pick-up by 7:30am. Cost is $10.  So far we have 7 students that have signed up: Kyle Mathias (paid), Grace McKinney (paid), Courtney Sarem, Brandon & Dylan Waltemeyer, Mike McCreary, & Shaun Martin.  If your child is planning on attending, please let me know ASAP - I only have room for 6 more students.

2) Leader's Meeting
- There will be a leader's meeting for all current & interested volunteers this Sunday at 1:00pm at the Pizza Hut in Westminster.  We will be discussing some of the upcoming events as well as the game plan for the summer calendar.  Please RSVP to me whether or not you can make it, so I can give Pizza Hut a head count.

3) Upcoming Lessons (Sundays) - Here is a list of the upcoming themes that we will be focusing on in our Middle School Services during the next several weeks:
4/15 - Bullying
4/22 - A Changed Heart (opening ourselves to God's Word)
4/29 - A Changed Mind (guarding our thoughts)
5/6 - A Changed Walk (becoming like Christ)
5/13 - A Changed World (being the right kind of influence)

4) Upcoming Small Groups (Wednesdays) - Here is the plan for our small groups for the next several weeks:
4/11 - Healthy Friendships
4/18 - Deeper 1.3
4/23 - Wise Choices
5/2 - Deeper 1.3
5/9 - Wise Choices
5/16 - Wise Choices
5/23 - Wise Choices
5/30 - No Small Groups

That's everything for now - have a great week!!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Ministry Update - 4/2/12

Here are this week's updates. Have a great week!!

No Small Groups - Due to the busy Easter weekend, there will NOT be any middle school small groups (or Deeper 1.3) this coming Wednesday, April 4. Instead, we would like everyone to come out as a family to our Good Friday service on April 6 @ 7pm.  *Please note: Portside is still having a sleepover for the high school students on Wednesday night until 9am Thursday morning.*

YFC Lock-In - So far we have 6 students signed up for the All Night Lock-In held at the Hanover YMCA on Friday, April 13.  If anyone else is interested in going, I need to know by Easter Sunday so I can arrange for transportation.  Cost is $10.  More info regarding the schedule for the night will be available soon.

Easter Services - Please remember that there will be NO middle or high school services for Easter weekend.  Please enjoy the celebration with your family during one of our three services: Sat @ 4:30pm, Sun @ 9 & 11am.

Easter Eggs - If anyone is interested, we need some help counting & sorting Easter Eggs this Wednesday night starting at 6:30pm in the Youth Chapel.  We should not need to go any later than 8pm, so please make sure that anyone who is dropped off is picked up by that time.

That's it! 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Ministry Update - 3/14/12

Here's this week's update!!

1) Easter Services
Just in case you haven't heard yet, we have decided to not have any middle school services on Easter weekend (there will also not be a Portside service that Saturday as well).  This will allow all of our main services to be "equal" so that they all offer the same programs for visiting families.

2) Please Pray for Sunday's Service
This week we will be wrapping up our series about the Holy Spirit, by having a special prayer time for students to seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Please set aside some time each day, between now & Sunday, to pray for the hearts of our students - that they will be receptive & open to however God chooses to move in their lives.  I would even encourage you to fast one or more meals during the rest of the week & allow that special time to be used for your focused prayer time.  Near the end of this past Sunday's service, I asked the students to raise their hands if anyone would like to have the kind of experience with God that the Holy Spirit can bring, and nearly EVERY ONE OF THEM raised their hands!  Please, please, please keep this service & our students in prayer this week.

3) Girl's Sleepover
In case you are not aware, here are the details for the middle school girl's night on Friday, March 16.  Cost is $5, and the evening will begin at 7pm & end promptly at 8am.  Everyone should make sure they bring a sleeping bag, pillow, & clothes to change into for "flour wars" (preferably dark clothes).  Flyers can be picked up at the sign-in table on Wednesday night.  After pick up on Saturday morning, everyone is encouraged to head over to Applebee's to help support Portside's Flapjack Fundraiser from 8-10am!  (cost is $7/adults & $5/kids for all you can eat pancakes!!)

4) Upcoming Events
Friday, March 16 - Girl's Sleepover ($5)
Friday, April 6 - Good Friday Service @ 7pm
Friday, April 13 - YFC Lock-In @ Hanover YMCA ($10)
Saturday, May 5 - Community Service Projects
May 11-12 - Gurly/Burly Weekend (separate events for guys & girls)
Friday, June 1 - Submerge Mystery Dinner Theater

I hope everyone has a great week!!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Ministry Update - 3/7/12

Just a quick update for everyone!!

1) Easter Services
After a lot of discussion and thought, we have decided to not have any middle school services on Easter weekend (there will also not be a Portside service that Saturday as well).  This will allow all of our main services to be "equal" so that they all offer the same programs for visiting families.

2) Tonight's Baptism / Deeper 1.3
Since today is the first Wednesday of the month, Submerge will be participating in Deeper 1.3 instead of meeting with their regular small groups.  When your child is dropped off, please make sure they know to go straight to the main sanctuary to meet up with the rest of the group.  Also, I want to personally invite you to participate in tonight's Deeper service as well, since it is open to all ages & ministries of Crosswind.

3) Girl's Sleepover
In case you are not aware, here are the details for the middle school girl's night on Friday, March 16.  Cost is $5, and the evening will begin at 7pm & end promptly at 8am.  Everyone should make sure they bring a sleeping bag, pillow, & clothes to change into for "flour wars" (preferably dark clothes).  Flyers can be picked up at the sign-in table on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings.

4) Upcoming Events
Friday, March 16 - Girl's Sleepover ($5)
Friday, April 6 - Good Friday Service @ 7pm
Friday, April 13 - YFC Lock-In @ Hanover YMCA ($10)
Saturday, May 5 - Community Service Projects
May 11-12 - Gurly/Burly Weekend (separate events for guys & girls)
Friday, June 1 - Submerge Mystery Dinner Theater

I hope everyone has a great week!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ministry Update - 2/22/12

There's a lot to cover this week, so I'm just going to jump right in!

1) Upcoming Events
Friday, March 2 - Baltimore Blast Game w/ Ashes Remain concert ($20 plus money for food/snacks)
Wednesday, March 7 - Deeper 1.3 & Water Baptism
Sunday, April 1 - April Fool's Service
Sunday, April 8 - Easter Sunday!!
Friday, April 13 - YFC Lock-In @ Hanover YMCA ($10)

2) Water Baptisms
If anyone (or your child) is interested in being baptized, we are doing baptisms at the next Deeper 1.3 on March 7.  Our middle school students already participate in this service on the first Wednesday of every month, so it's the perfect opportunity if any of them haven't been baptized yet.  Please let me know if your child is interested, so I can talk with them about it.

3) Dateable Debrief - Part 5
This coming Sunday we will be wrapping our series on dating & relationships.  I will be highlighting all of the key points from the last 4 weeks, as well as re-emphasizing all of the main points that I brought up in the Parent Email that was sent out at the end of January.  My three main points will be: 1) Singleness is a gift, 2) Set proper boundaries, 3) Focus on the friendship.  Please make sure you are setting aside time to process with your child about the things we are discussing, and helping them work out the appropriate boundaries, guidelines, & expectations that you have for their dating habits.

4) Next Series - Who is The Holy Spirit
Starting in March, we will be looking deeper into the Holy Spirit - who He is, what He does, how He helps us today, & what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is all about.  Please pray with us as we seek to give our students a solid understanding of the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

5) Wednesday Pick-Up
Just as a reminder, our Wednesday night small groups are over at around 8:15pm.  Please make sure your child is picked up by at least 8:30pm, so that the building can be completely locked down for the night by 8:45pm.

If you have any questions about any of the items discussed in this week's post, please send us an email or comment in the section provided below this post.  I hope everyone has a great week!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ministry Update - 2/14/12

Good Afternoon Parents & Leaders!!

Here is your weekly update for what's going on in Submerge!

Calendars / Upcoming Events
If you haven't already picked up a calendar, you can grab one before or after small groups or our Sunday service.  Please make sure your student(s) sign up for any upcoming activities at the check-in table before & after any of our scheduled services.  Here's the next few events on the line up:

Monday, Feb. 20 - Ice Skating @ Reisterstown Sports Complex from 12-3:30pm.  Cost: $15
Friday, March 2 - Baltimore Blast Game w/ Ashes Remain Concert.  Cost: $20
Friday, April 13 - YFC Lock-In @ Hanover YMCA.  Cost: $10

Hoodies & Jackets
I have only heard back from 2 people that are interested in a Submerge hoodie or jacket!  If anyone is else is interested, please let me know ASAP.  I am willing to order more , but there have to be at least 10 people interested.  This can be a great way to support our ministry & help get our name out in the community.  The price per sweatshirt is going to be around $25.  These sweatshirts will be open to ANYONE - students, parents, family members, etc!  If you would like one, please email me what size(s) you need, as well as whether or not you would like a full hoodie or a zip-up jacket.

Dateable Debriefing - Part 4
This Sunday will be part 4 of our "Dateable" Series.  We will be discussing the principle: "If I will do it for you, I will do it to you", and will look at the character issues that often show up in relationships.  Students will be challenged to evaluate the integrity of their friends, by paying attention to how they treat others.  This principle not only shows itself out in dating relationships, but in everyday relationships as well.  Please make time to discuss this idea with your child at some point next week, so they can have some follow through on the challenge.

Focus Group Meeting - Feb. 17 @ 7pm
This Friday we are having a Focus Group Meeting in the main auditorium to discuss constructive opinions & thoughts about how Crosswind can be more effective as a church. This is your chance to share your thoughts. Everyone will have an opportunity to share. Everyone will be involved. Your participation will help guide our Church Health Team and Leadership as we develop and implement strategies for the future. This is your chance to have input. This is a big deal…and we both want and need you to be here.

As always, if you have any questions about any of the events or topics, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Have a great week!!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ministry Update - 2/8/12

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Just a few quick things to update you on...

Inclement Weather
Due to the potential for inclement weather, we will be cancelling all evening activities at Crosswind tonight (Feb. 8) - this includes small groups for Submerge & Portside.  The weather advisory states:

"HAZARDOUS TRAVEL DUE TO LOW VISIBILITIES AT TIMES AND SNOW-COVERED ROADWAYS... ESPECIALLY UNTREATED SECONDARY ROADS. THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING RUSH-HOUR COMMUTE WILL BE IMPACTED".  

Because many of our members live off of back roads in Carroll County or commute from long distances, it is safer to cancel our activities all together.  Please stay home & enjoy time with your family tonight.

Upcoming Events
There are a few upcoming events that I want to make sure you get onto your calendars.  Please make sure your student(s) sign up for any activities at the check-in table before & after any of our scheduled services.

Monday, Feb. 20 - Ice Skating @ Reisterstown Sports Complex from 12-3pm.  Cost: $15
Friday, March 2 - Baltimore Blast Game w/ Ashes Remain Concert.  Cost: $20
Friday, April 13 - YFC Lock-In @ Hanover YMCA.  Cost: $10

Hoodies & Jackets
If anyone is interested in ordering a Submerge hooded sweatshirt or zip-up jacket (similar to the ones that were given to those who participated in Winter Meltdown), please let me know.  I am considering ordering more if there are enough people interested.  This can be a great way to support our ministry & help get our name out in the community.  The price per sweatshirt is going to be around $25.  These sweatshirts will be open to ANYONE - students, parents, family members, etc!  If you would like one, please email me what size(s) you need, as well as whether or not you would like a full hoodie or a zip-up jacket.

Dateable Debriefing - Part 3
This Sunday will be the third part of our "Dateable" Series.  We will be discussing the principle: "How it begins is how it will end", and will look at how typical relationships start & finish.  Students will be challenged to focus on answering the question, "How do I want to be remembered" so they can make sure to build the proper boundaries & guidelines within a relationship.  How they act & the choices they make will affect how they are remembered by the other person - if we teach them to "begin with the end in mind", it will help them to think through the decisions they make.  Please make time to discuss this idea with your child at some point next week, so they can have some follow through on the challenge.

That's everything for this week!  Make sure to "like" our facebook page (facebook.com/taketheplunge) to stay current on daily updates & announcements!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Ministry Update - 2/2/12

Hello Parents & Leaders!

Here is the full ministry update for Submerge:

Super Bowl Sunday
In light of the end of the football season, I want to encourage everyone to wear their favorite sports team jersey or shirt this Sunday.  It's just a fun way to show team pride & who doesn't want an excuse to pull out their football jersey one last time?!

Hoodies & Jackets
If anyone is interested in ordering a Submerge hooded sweatshirt or zip-up jacket (similar to the ones that were given to those who participated in Winter Meltdown), please let me know.  I am considering ordering more if there are enough people interested.  This can be a great way to support our ministry & help get our name out in the community.  The price per sweatshirt is going to be around $25.  These sweatshirts will be open to ANYONE - students, parents, family members, etc!  If you would like one, please email me what size(s) you need, as well as whether or not you would like a full hoodie or a zip-up jacket.

Ice Skating - February 20, 12-3pm
Monday, Feb. 20 is President's Day, and I am organizing a trip to the Reisterstown Sports Complex.  Cost will be about $15 & will cover skate rentals & admission.  Students will need extra money if they wish to get anything from the Concession Stand.

Dateable Debriefing
This Sunday will be our second part of the "Dateable" Series.  We will be discussing the dangers of getting too involved (emotionally, financially, etc) into relationships, & how the typical model of dating actually sets us up for a pattern of divorce in the future.  Our focus will again be on building better friendships with those around us, and setting proper "space" boundaries.  In order to get the most out of this series, please make sure you are discussing with your child the topics that we are addressing, & use it as a platform for helping them build appropriate guidelines in their relationships.

Offering Wars!
During the month of February, we are doing an "offering war" between the boys & girls - the winning group at the end of the month will receive a pizza party!!  Currently, the boys are winning with a whopping $2!  Please help build excitement during these "wars" & help your child see the importance of giving finances to God (as worship).

That's it for this week!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!!  Please keep the high school ministry in prayer, as they will be at a conference in Ocean City all weekend.  It will be exciting to hear all that God will do in their lives this weekend.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Purity Overview

Parents, Here is the information and follow up for you as we talk about purity in the vital preteen years that your child is in right now.

PURITY

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The word pure means free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind. The thoughts and behavior of the people of God need to be pure. Think about the best kind of jewellery: pure gold. My ring is gold plated. How much does it cost for 1kg of gold? $32,000 Think about a bottle of water, you wouldn't want it if it wasn't pure.

THREE AREAS OF PURITY

  1. Pure deeds − Luke 6:46; 1 John 5:3; James 1:21−25.
  2. Pure words − 1 Peter 2:1; Matthew 12:34−37; James 3:2−8.
  3. Pure thoughts − Matthew 5:8; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Prov. 4:23.
 
Many believe their thoughts do not matter, so long as they do not actually practice evil deeds. But pure thoughts are essential to a pure life, because our thoughts determine what we say and do. Pure thoughts lead to pure words and pure deeds.
 

STUDY ON JOSEPH

In the Old Testament, Joseph is an example of purity. He had pure thoughts. When Potiphar's wife made sexual advances toward Joseph, he refused. The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife is found in Genesis 39:7-9.
 
I think it would have been almost impossible for Joseph as a young man in his prime to say no to temptation without his love for God. With the extreme focus on sex and love in our culture, the same is true for us. Many women have a desire to be loved and are willing to give up their purity hoping to fulfill that need. The lies of our enemy Satan deceive us into believing that sex brings love, and we pay the price of guilt and disappointment.
 
Gen. 39:1-6a, Gen. 39:6b-10.
  • How did the temptation to sexual impurity come to Joseph?
  • What motivated Joseph not to succumb to this ongoing temptation (Gen. 39:8-9)?
  • Read Jesus’ words in Jn. 14:15, 21. How do they relate to Joseph’s decision to remain pure?

PURITY TAKES PLANNING

Purity doesn’ just happen, and the heat of the moment is not the time to decide what your boundaries are.
 
Prov. 14:15 
1Corin. 10:12 
Lam. 3:40 
 
  • Do you agree or disagree with the importance of “giving thought to your steps” and “examining your ways”?
  • Think of a personal situation or experience you were in that you shouldn’t have been. Did you have a plan beforehand to prevent you from getting there? How might a plan have helped you prevent it?

Monday, January 2, 2012

Ministry Update - 1/2/12

Good evening Parents & Leaders!!

Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas and a fantastic New Year's holiday!!  Now that things are back in full swing, I want to make sure everyone is up to speed on everything going on.  So, be prepared, this may be a bit of a long-ish post, but please make sure you look it over so you don't miss anything important.
1) Wednesday Nights - Starting this week, January 4, drama practice will start back up at 6pm & our small groups will start back up at 7pm.  Also starting this month, on the first Wednesday of each month, the middle school ministry will be participating in "Deeper 1.3" in the main sanctuary.  Deeper 1.3 is a special time of prayer, worship, & teaching that is open for anyone at Crosswind to be a part of.  It will take place every month on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.  Submerge will be participating only during the 1st Wednesday of each month, and we will be in our small groups for the rest of the time.
2) Dateable Series - Starting this coming Sunday, January 8, we will be doing a 6-8 week series on Dating & Relationships based on the book "Dateable" by Justin Lookadoo.  The series (as well as the book) will focus on several principles that students need to understand about how relationships start, end, & what it takes to make them work....correctly.  I want to encourage everyone to be a part of this process along with your child, by asking them about what they have learned, and talking to them about how the principles can apply to their lives (and most importantly, their dating habits).  I believe that if we can help them discover a solid basis for building relationships, it can save them from a world of heartache & heartbreak as they get older.  I also want to encourage you to purchase the book and read through it (on your own or with your child) as we go through this series, so you can have a better idea of what we're talking about (and in turn have a better grasp on how to talk to you student about the principles).  Here is a link to Amazon.com where you can purchase the book for just around $10.

3) Winter Meltdown Retreat
- There are two important things about the upcoming retreat @ RVR.  1) The final payments are due by Jan. 15.  If you need to know what the remaining balance is for your child, please let me know.  2) We are having a meeting on Sunday, Jan. 15 @ 10am in the Youth Chapel to go over all of the final details with everyone going on the trip.  If your child is attending, please try your best to make this meeting so you don't miss any important info.  I will also be giving everyone their sweatshirts that day (to bring with them to the retreat).

If you have any other questions, please let me know!!