Merry Advent

My mailbox is flooding with Christmas cards and welcome greetings from many friends.  I don't usually ponder pre-written messages, but this one caught my eye:

"The Word did not become a philosophy, a theory, or a concept to be discussed, debated, or pondered.  But the Word became a person to followed, enjoyed, and loved."

We gather in the name of Christ, the Word made flesh at Christmas.

Christmas Party -- Dec. 18, 6:00 p.m.

All youth and their friends are invited to join the gang at our annual fantastic Christmas party!  We will have pizza and homemade goodies, so come with an empty stomach.  Bring a White Elephant gift ($5 maximum or priceless homemade object).  We will sing some carols and play some games and generally celebrate the season!  Please come!

Advent and Christmas Schedule

Dec. 4 -- Scotch GUARD/TAPE 6:00 p. m.
We will wrap up our study of the Beatitudes and discuss potential Christmas service projects.  Think of ways we can work together to donate time, talents, or other gifts to a worthy cause.

Dec. 11 -- Scotch GUARD/TAPE 6:00 p.m.
Continue to work on service project, and plan Christmas party (Food? Gift exchange? Games?).

Dec. 18 -- Scotch GUARD/TAPE 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Party

Dec. 25 -- NO GUARD/TAPE
"For unto us a child is born."  Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Jan. 1 -- NO GUARD/TAPE
"Here we bring new water from the well so clear
For to worship God with this happy new year."
(words from Medieval carol, c. 1500 A. D.)

Advent is Coming!

The youth are invited to participate in the lighting of the Advent wreath during a regular 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service.  Please contact K. K. if you would like to join the group representing Scotch TAPE/GUARD.   UPDATE:  We will light the candles on Sunday, November 27.

Lessons Learned

It is hard to be righteous by yourself.  We practice righteousness in the company of others.  Do not make your friends hunger for righteousness.  Offer them justice, empathy, and kindness.  You are the one who will fill the hungry with good things.

Corn Maze Wrap-Up

Thanks to all the youth and adults who joined us at Lakeview Farms' Corn Maze.  We slogged around in the mud for over an hour and before completing our punch cards.  I appreciate that everyone kept good attitudes and good attention to the day's real purpose:  having a great time together!  Regular youth group meets next Sunday, Nov. 6, at 6:00 p. m.  Have a fantastic Halloween!

Games and More Games

This is a running list of all games played at youth group.  Bring your ideas to the next meeting!

Four on a Couch (Oct. 9)
Statues to Go (Oct. 16)
Battle Candyland (Oct. 23)
Corn Maze (Oct. 30) -- Actually, we went to a REAL corn maze, so this may not count.
Blokus (Nov. 6)
Round Robin Ping Pong (Nov. 13)
Make Room for Wilson (Nov. 20)
Piggy Needs a Signal (Jan. 8, 15)
Dog Eat Dog (Jan. 22)
Telephone Pictionary (Jan. 29, Feb. 5)
Nibblety Pibblety (Feb. 19)

The Beatitudes

Reading and discussing God's Word is a central part of each youth meeting.  We have some amazing thinkers in our midst -- all under the age of 18.  If you want to hear your friends' great ideas on Jesus' teachings, join the conversation on Sunday nights at 6:00.  
 
In October, we covered the first three Beatitudes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn:  for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek:  for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:3-5

In November we will cover the next three Beatitudes:

Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:6-8

Worship Aids

Scotch TAPE and Scotch GUARD refer to the Jr. and Sr. high school student groups at Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, Hillsboro, OR.  We meet jointly most Sunday nights at 6:00 p. m. in the youth room.  We play games, sing songs, pray, and investigate the Bible together.  Each night opens with a Call to Worship:
Leader:  We gather...
ALL:  ...in the name of Christ.
Leader:  We gather...
ALL:  ...in the name of Christ.
Leader:  And how many people are there in the room?
ALL count the number, pointing to each person.
Leader:  Is that more than two or three?
ALL:  Yes!  (or any answer in the affirmative)
Leader:  Then we know...
ALL:  ...Christ is with us.

Each night ends with The Lord's Prayer.

Our Father, which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.

November Schedule

November 6
Daylight savings ends!
Scotch TAPE/GUARD 6:00 p.m.

November 13
Scotch TAPE/GUARD 6:00 p.m.

November 18-20
Cascade Presbytery Youth Assembly

November 20
Scotch GUARD (Jr. High) only 6:00 p.m.

November 22
Thanksgiving Lessons and Carols Service 7:00 p.m.

November 24
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Let all that is within me bless the Lord.
Let all that is within me praise His Holy Name."


November 27
Youth group light Advent wreath 10:00 a.m. (regular worship service)
NO Scotch TAPE/GUARD