HAPPY NEW YEAR! retreat and more...

Sunday is the deadline for signing up for the
retreat. Many of you have expressed interest in attending the retreat but I have very
few commitment forms. I need to know as soon as possible who is coming. Here is the
important information...

When: January 23-25, we will leave after school on Friday and be back around 1 on Sunday
(so before confirmation)
Where: We will be going to Oglebay in West Virginia
What: There is an indoor pool, as well as a fireplace, TV and kitchens in the cabins
where we will stay. There will be time for fun and games, as well as some Bible study
time. This will be the end of our January series on prayer.
Who: Hopefully you! All youth are welcome, and friends are welcome as long as we have
the appropriate paperwork.

The cost is $35 per person, but if that is a problem, do not hesitate to let me know and
the youth group can cover costs. If you have other questions, please let me know. The
most important thing is that I need to know who is coming. It is best if you can commit
at this point, but if you want to come and are not sure, that is helpful to know as well.
It helps me figure out how many adults I need and other logistical things.

On another note, I am still looking for a parent who can provide dinner on January 18 for
youth group, so if you might be able to help with that, I would appreciate it. Other
things going on in January are regular meetings for the first 3 weeks, and the week after
retreat will be the sub sale and also the winter jam concert. As always, you can check
the blog (sunburyyouth.blogspot.com) for up to date information, and sign-ups are on the
bulletin board.

Thank you all for all you do to help me do my job successfully, and for giving me the
opportunity to get to know your youth. This first year of being mostly full time (I went
full time June 1, was 30 hours a week before that) has been a great learning experience
for me and I am so thankful for all of you. I wish you and your families a wonderful new
year, and I am excited to start a new year of youth adventures.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Don't forget the Christmas party for youth group this week. Bring a white elephant gift - something from home or that costs $5 or less if you buy it. Nothing else is necessary - just come for a fun night of food and games and presents...

There's no youth group on December 28 so this is the last youth group of the year! :-)

We wish you a merry Christmas!

Tonight is caroling! Meet at 6:30 in the dining room tonight, and bring a plate of homemade cookies. and DRESS WARMLY, it's going to be COLD!

Tomorrow, meet at the church at 5pm for the trip to the zoo - if you have not told me that you are coming, I need to know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that I can make sure we have enough drivers. We will be back by 10. There will not be food, so eat before you come, or bring either food or extra money. The cost to get into the zoo is $10.

The Christmas party is coming up as well - bring a wrapped gift that is something you have from home that you know longer want (funny is good!) or something that costs $5 or less. We will have food and games at the party, which will be from 5-7 on Sunday December 21. Let me know if you have questions!!

I hope all your Christmas preparations are going well! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Can you believe it's already a few days into December? There are some exciting fun events coming up in youth group as we prepare for and celebrate Christmas...

This Sunday (Dec. 7) we will be having a Bible study and talking about Advent. Youth group is at the regular time of 5-7, but dinner is in the YOUTH ROOM because of the football banquet that is in the whole lower level. There will also be a leadership meeting.

Then, Saturday Dec 13, we will be joining the 2nd Saturday ministry and going caroling. Meet at 6:30 in the dining room and bring a plate of homemade cookies. Families are welcome. DRESS WARMLY! We will carol and then come back to the church for hot chocolate and cookies.

Sunday Dec. 14 we will go to the zoo for the wildlights. Meet at the church at 5. Eat before you come or bring food as there will be no food. Also bring $10 for the zoo (plus any other money you might want) and DRESS WARMLY!

Finally, Dec 21 we will have a Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. Bring a gift that you have at home but no longer want or something purchased for $5 or less. More details will be worked out at the leadership this Sunday.

If you have questions or want to RSVP for anything, leave a comment or contact me some other way... and have a GREAT day!