This Week

I spent some time working in the youth room this week. Check out our new improved media area. Yea, we have a large group of gamers in the youth group. This week a family in the church donated a 52 inch tv to the youth group so we had to make some room for it. Thanks Pete! Our "bowling seats" came from Gas City bowling alley. They are vintage 1950's bowling seats. A nice addition to our room.


I've also been doing some work around the church this week getting ready for youth group. We are having a Maze Daze tonight. Some of our youth leaders got together on Monday night and made a giant cardboard maze. It is huge. As you may already know we have gotten rid of our church pews in the sanctuary and set up with chairs now. Because of this we now have the flexibility to create some room for youth group on Wednesdays. This week we have been able to fill the entire space with a maze. Check out the pictures.

The view from the stage area...the maze winds under
these huge sheets of cardboard

View as you walk in...of our cardboard cafe'

View from up above

Argh!! What's that Word!

Okay, it's driving me NUTS....and I'm driving my family nuts! What is the word for going thru the corn fields after the harvest and picking up the left-over corn cobs. I'm guessing you use the corn to feed the squirrels...I personally have never done this. I've been trying to figure this one out for days and I can't STAND IT ANYMORE!!! BTW...I know the word is not "stealing"...as Wesley suggested!! Any other suggestions....~Jaye~

Corn Maze II

We had a great time at the Campbell's Pumpkin Patch.
We took around 39 people last night for youth group to a pumpkin patch in Wabash, In. It was a great time. We started out the night at the concession stand; pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie. Wash all that down with some hot or cold apple cider...good stuff! Of course the guys had to load up on hot dogs and loaded nachos. They had good prices and good grub.
After the food we went on a scavenger hunt. The Campbell's Pumpkin Patch staff had little objects hidden around the property. The youth group was given clues and set off to find them. It was cool.
After the scavenger hunt...the corn maze. The moon last night was full or almost full so it was pretty light in the maze. Most of the teens didn't have too much trouble getting through the maze. A couple of youth sponsors sneaked in the back way to try and scare some of the teens....it was too bright.
We ended the night with a hay ride. A packed hay ride.
A good time was had by all.
We took the camera, didn't take any pictures.

Monster Cookies

Ahhh...nothing says fall like a batch of Monster Cookies!! Way back when...when Brian was in college his mom made a batch of these to take back to the dorm guys. I don't know why but every fall since then it has become a tradition of ours to make these cookies. The recipe came from Brian's sister, Bette...be prepared it makes a huge batch of cookies. I don't have a bowl large enough to mix them in so I always get to buy a new tote for that purpose...one can NEVER have too many totes!!

4 c sugar
18 c quick oats
2# brown sugar
1# chocolate chips
1# butter
1# m-n-m's
12 eggs
8 t baking soda
1T corn syrup
1 t vanilla
3# peanut butter

Cream butter and sugars together. Mix in remaining ingredients, using a very large bowl or pan...or new tote!! For large cookies, drop by ice cream dipper onto ungreased cookie sheet, six per sheet. For regular sized cookies, drop by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 12 minutes...do not overbake. Cool about 3-4 minutes on cookie sheet, then remove to racks to finish cooling. Makes about 8-10 dozen regular size cookies. Be prepared to be baking for quite a while...we have stored the dough in the fridge for up to a week.

Campbell's Pumpkin Patch

Tonight I take the youth group to the corn maze. I'm looking forward to going, last year we had a blast. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Church

I have been going to church most all my life. I grew up in Merrillville, Indiana across the street from the pastors house. He invited us to church. My brother went for a while, my sister was very active, and I went. I started out just going to Sunday School. After Sunday School I'd head home and watch The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. That was pretty much the routine each week as I grew up. It's kinda funny, my parents never went but I can't remember not ever going. Maybe Sundays were a break from the kids for them. Once I hit my teenage years I started staying for the worship service. Now a million years later here I am a youth pastor. I still go to church every week. I can't imagine not going. I love church, I love the people, I love most everything about it. I have watched over the years people leave the church. They get angry, lose heart, whatever the reason. I don't understand sometimes why they do it when we go to the same church with the same people. Why don't they feel loved and accepted? How is it that they can't seem to find what they are looking for? I know in life as well as the church you get out of it what you put into it. ~Brian~

5 Free Itunes Song Credits for Facebook Users

Facebook is giving away 5 free itunes songs. Follow these steps:

Log in to Facebook.com

Search for “ticketmaster live”

Join the group

Redeem the 5 free songs link (or send me an e-mail with the code so that I can redeem the 5-free songs link!)

Thanks Stevan for the hook-up!!

Letter to Britney Spears

Dear Britney,
I have noticed the last few weeks that things in your life have been spiraling way out of control. I have been concerned about your life and have an offer for you. I understand the celebrity life style causes one to really question if someone has your best interests at heart of if they are trying to get a little fame or get your money. My offer is free of charge, and hopefully won't draw attention from Hollywood. You are welcome to come stay with our family, learn from my kids and go to church with us. Oh, it's what I would call a regular lifestyle. It might be good for ya. There are no drugs here, no alcohol and just some old fashion living. We've got a great church family that would be willing to invest in you and your children. I've also got this friend I'd like to introduce to you, he's all about unconditional love and forgiveness. You are welcome any time and for however long you need. Hope you take us up on this offer.
The Hollands

:)

Bears 27 Packers 20
Today is a good day~Brian