Silly Santas

We had a very messy but very jolly party last Sunday. Santa was well represented. First we had the real thing...

And then a host of imitators - some better than others...

You guys are always up for whatever crazy schemes I throw at you. Thanks for partying with me! An extra special heartfelt thank you to Matt & Matt, who stayed past 10 pm helping me mop up shaving cream. You guys are the best. I'm definitely raising your salaries in 2008.

A reminder that youth group is now on break until '08. Come on out this Sunday night for our church's candlelight service with live nativity! 5pm in the sanctuary. See you then.

A Christian Christmas

Isn't Christmas a Christian holiday? Well, sometimes. I think it depends on whether our focus is on shopping malls and stuff, or on the baby in the manger - the coming of the God who "emptied himself... taking the form of a slave..."(Philippians 2:5). And I think it depends on whether we're asking "how much can I get this christmas?" or "how much can I give?"

There are many ways to put the right stuff back into Christmas, and it doesn't mean we all have to become monks and nuns. I get mailings from an interesting organization called "Alternatives for Simple Living." Their website will get you started thinking about practicing a different kind of christmas celebration. And for a more radical take on celebrating Christmas differently, visit http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/.

Also, if you're looking for a good book to give as a gift, may I recommend Shane Claiborne's book as a great read for anyone on your list, teenagers and adults included. To hear from Shane himself a little bit about his own perspective and what he's about, check out this little clip

I hope you and your family experience true peace this Christmas.

I'm Dreaming of a White... Elephant?

So how perfect is it that its now officially the Christmas season, and we get this fluffy white snow falling from the sky??!! I couldn't be cozier sitting here in my office, watching the snow fall, sipping my coffee...

My friend Matt has a holiday tradition on his blog - every advent season he posts a link to the "Saint Nicholas website" - a helpful resource in learning about the man behind the myth. So I am following his lead - here you go.

Speaking of the big white guy in the sky - I have it on good authority that he's gonna pay an early visit to Haddonfield, this Sunday night in the youth lounge. In fact, his visit might just interrupt our Youth Group Christmas Party!! You won't want to miss it:

All Ages Christmas Party

Sunday Dec. 9th, 7-9pm

Youth Lounge

Bring: a White Elephant Gift

What's a white elephant gift, you ask? It's some piece of junk from your house (your old Barbie, a VHS recording of star treck, a used dog leash, your collection of little green army men, etc.) which is wrapped up to look like a perfectly nice gift. Remember, "one person's trash is another's treasure." You might leave with the Schreck poster you've always wanted! Plus, this is our last gathering until '08.

So, round up some friends, wrap up some junk, and be there Sunday night!

Real Live Missionary

Eryn Frederick is one of the missionaries we support as a church. She works for a group called "Foundation for Peace." She has been serving in the Dominican Republic these past few years, but is now moving on to serve in Africa, in the country of Kenya.


She will be coming to speak about her experiences here at our church - mark the date! Monday, December 10th @ 7 pm. I know she has some amazing stories to tell, and will be sharing what its like to "serve Jesus by serving the poor" in the third world. This event is open to anyone who wants to come. Be there!

Here we go again

...into another crazy Christmas season! Sorry I missed my regular weekly posting last week - I was busy eating! I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving, and remembered to actually give thanks (if you forgot, take a second right now and tell God thanks for whatever comes to mind - its a good habit to get into).

Last night, Matt Nussbaum, Matt Mackowsky and I went down to the Electric Factory in Philadelphia to hear a talk by this guy Rob Bell. His talk was called "the gods aren't angry," and it was all about how we live our lives trying to appease god (i.e. do good things so god won't be mad at us and will bless us), when really, God loves us and wants to free us from that whole effort, which is what Jesus is all about. It was very thought provoking, and I'm glad we went.

Rob Bell also has a series of videos he made, which might end up being the topic of a spring sunday school class for you senior-highers. Take a look at this little sample clip and tell me what you think...



This Sunday: we are back to regular youth group, and since I know some of you have been wanting to play "sardines in a can" for a while now, we will be sure to leave some time for it.

Chicago Mission Trip People: Due to the outcry of HMHSers wanting to attend the winter dance on December 7th, we have postponed the babysitting fundraiser (new date TBA). We will still meet on Sunday Dec. 2nd in the chapel after the 11oclock service to discuss the coming year - plan to be there for about 1/2 hr.

So Proud...

That's how I felt when I heard that 30 of you spent your day off from school working at Kids Alley in Camden. You make me so proud!

Check out the pictures:

Way to get religious!! We are now talking about making Kids Alley an ongoing project for our youth group. Stay tuned for more details.

This Sunday we will once again gather for regular youth group in the youth lounge. Believe it or not, this will be our second-to-last regular youth group of the year!! The week after is the all-church advent festival (11/25), then comes another regular youth group (12/2), then the youth group all-ages Christmas bash (12/9), then the church candlelight service (12/16), then we're off until '08!

See you Sunday

Kids Alley Cafe

This Thursday, we're finally getting to do some service in Camden! I've been wanting to see us get down to the city to do some outreach for a long time, and this is at least a start - hopefully much more will follow.

Details: meet at church @1 pm. we'll carpool down to kids alley cafe - an afterschool porgram for camden kids. they have numerous projects for us to work on. we'll wrap up by about 4:30 and be at church again at 5.

So, sleep in that morning, eat a good lunch, and be at church at 1:00 ready to go!

Happy Halloween

Thanks everyone for making last Friday's party the smash hit Halloween event of the season. I think we had about 150 kids here!! Let's do it again next year. Anyone who took pictures of the event, please let me know and/or email them to me at jsanderson@haddonfieldpres.org.

Change of Plans...

we were going to do a day trip to Philadelphia this sunday. That fell through. So Instead we'll have a... Movie Night!!

Meet up in the youth lounge from 6 - 8:30 for pizza, a great movie, and some discussion time. This should be a great way to wind down your weekend. Anyone who wants to recommend a movie for us can do so by leaving a comment on this blog post!!

Have a safe, happy and candy-filled Halloween! See you Sunday.

Halloween Party!!!

This Friday, we're throwing our first-ever, community-wide Halloween Bash!!

Live DJ, lights, games, dancing, vote-for-your-favorite-costume contest with sweet prizes, candy, popcorn, caramel apples, pumpkin bowling, and more! This is a great event to invite all your friends to. It is open to teenagers of all grade levels - anyone who wants to come! One catch: you MUST wear a COSTUME. So go grab a sheet, cut some holes in it, find a mask, do whatever you need to do to BE THERE!!

Friday Oct. 26, 8-11pm, First Presbyterian Church.

Represent!!

...that's what I'm gonna do this Sunday - thanks to Constance, Jennifer, Rachel and Samantha - winners of this year's "embarrass the youth pastor" contest. They won by raising $270 for Cropwalk! Way to go girls! Their prize? The chance to design Jeremy's Cropwalk T-shirt, which I will proudly wear for our six mile walk next Sunday. Check it out:

Bling on the front, Jesus on the back... hmmm. Anyway, if you want to be seen walking with me (or walking behind me, pointing and laughing) come on out this Sunday for the Cropwalk! We'll meet at Villa Rosa at 1pm for lunch, then head over for the walk at 2. we shuld be done by about 4pm. Represent!!

Knock Knock...

Who's there? YOU ARE!! Get ready for our annual door-to-door Cropwalk fundraiser this Sunday afternoon!


Last year it was a blast. None of us expected to raise over $1,000 like we did. This year, I bet we can do even better.

Best of all is the ridiculous stuff Jeremy has to do for the winning team. Last year, he did this:






(That's the disgusting milk-soaked baked potato the winning team made him eat). What will he do this year? There's only one way to find out... be there!


Meet up in the youth lounge at 4 pm. After some brief instructions, we'll split up into teams and hit the streets. We'll meet up again for dinner and sharing our totals. Bring $5 for dinner.
See you there!

Technology is Scary

Last Wendesday, I experienced my own little technologically-induced drift. Not as serious as a space station meltdown, but I did lose the use of my computer and felt pretty cut off from the rest of the world for about three days. If you tried to email me and didn't hear back, that's why. I sometimes fear a technology breakdown will send our civilization to a screeching halt. Good thing Jesus is bigger than technology. The funny thing is, without email and blogs to mess around with, I actually spent my mornings reading the Bible! What a concept...

In other news, it sounds like the house parties were fun. HUGE thanks to the Nussbaums and the Spinnellis for hosting. Between the caramel apples and the Gracie's waterice, I am confident everyone was well fed.

Speaking of food, this Saturday night is the church's big Pig Roast!!

I need about ten of you who want to help serve up the piggy! This means wearing some decent clothes (no rips or offensive graphics) and serving the food to a couple tables. It should be easy and fun, and you'll eat for free! Let me know if you want to help - jsanderson@haddonfieldpres.org.

Also this weekend, we have our first mission trip meeting. Any of you in 8th grade or older are invited to come with your parents to learn about our summer 2008 trip and put your name on a sign-up sheet. The meeting is in the chapel, immediately following the 11:00 worship service this Sunday morning.

Finally, be sure to bring friends to youth group this week. Regular time and place. Good times and deep conversations are guaranteed!

See you soon.

Thank you...

...for hanging out with me last weekend!! We had a great lock-in, and 43 kids showed up for Whirlyball!! Next time we'll rent a bus!! Special thanks to the dads who missed an epic Phillies game to drive for whirlyball. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

OK, so this weekend, get ready for youth group House Parties!!

Here are the details:

6th&7th Graders: meet at the Nussbaum Residence (18 W. Summit - click for directions)

Time: 6-7:30 pm

What: The Matts will lead you in some games and fun, you'll eat pizza, then walk together to Gracie's to enjoy some waterice! Please arrange to be picked up at Gracie's at 7:30 pm!!

8th - 12th Graders: meet at the Spinelli Residence (244 Merion - click for directions)

Time: 6-7:30 pm

What: The Spinelli crew will be hosting you in their home for games, pizza and other good times.

Everyone should bring $3 for pizza. Please make sure to RSVP! You can do so by emailing me: jsanderson@haddonfieldpres.org

Animotos

Check out these links for the two videos Maria Watson made of our trip to South Dakota. Those of you who went on the trip - send this post to all your friends, neighbors, and anyone who supported our trip, so they can see what we did! I think the videos are pretty cool...

Video #1

Video #2

Big Weekend

...Coming Up. This weekend, the 6th & 7th Graders will experience the excitement, the drama, the exhiliration of a no-holds-barred Church Lock-In!!! The Matts and I are busy prepping all kinds of games and other assorted stuff to occupy us until the wee hours.

Here's what you need to know:

Arrive at church at 7:30 pm. Bring modest PJ's, a change of clothes, sleeping stuff (bag and pillow) and $3 for breakfast. Parents, rest assured - we will get some sleep. In the morning we'll eat breakfast, and then you'll head to your Sunday School classes as usual (or have your parents pick you up at church at 9:00 am).

Then, on Sunday afternoon (yes, I'm a masochist), it's what you've all been waiting for. The return of the... Whirlyball!!!

This is an all-ages event. Meet up at church at 3pm. Bring $10 - this covers your admission, as well as pizza dinner. Rides will be provided from church to the HollyDell Ice Arena. We'll have the court from 4-5, then eat pizza from 5-5:30 or so. Plan on getting picked up back here at church at about 6:30pm. This is a great chance to bring new friends to youth group.

Questions - you know how to reach me. I hope to see all of you this weekend!!

Inside the Beach Ball

My apologies to anyone whose clothes got ruined Sunday night, either with fizzy Alka Seltzer or with neon paint...

Let me just say that you guys did an amazing job on the room, and with a little extra help from Danielle and Maria Watson, we got the place looking like the inside of a huge beach ball! It's better in person, but check it out:

Now that the fumes have settled, let's try the place out!! Same gameplan for this Sunday... remember to bring your $3 for pizza, and we'll have games, good times and other surprises ready to go.

On another note, anyone who didn't go on the South Dakota trip but wants to hear the group share about it, come out to church on Saturday night at 7pm. I'm told donuts will be served, and we will share some pictures, music and memories from our trip. Everyone is invited!! For a mini version of our slideshow, check out this link.

See you soon...

Back in the Swing

Thanks to everyone who came out and made our Softball Kickoff a rousing success! Not exactly a competetive game of softball, but just right for the occasion. And the hot dogs were yummy! Check out these pics...

This week, get ready for the all new, streamlined, 2007 model Youth Group!! Our first regular gathering is this Sunday night. Here's how it will go:

5:30 - 6th & 7th-graders show up for an hour of crazy good times with Matt, Matt and Jeremy.

6:30 - 8th-12th-graders show up - everyone eats pizza and hangs out together for half an hour.

7:00 - 6th & 7th-graders head home. 8th-12th-graders get their own hour of crazy good times.

8:00 - Everyone heads home to finish (start?) their Monday homework...

If you haven't been a regular youth group attender, give us a shot this Sunday - I think you'll have fun.

See you then.

Kick-Off!!

Fall is back, school is in session, and youth group is up and running!! By now you should have received your mailing, with a calendar of fall events, and information about the new Sunday schedule.

This Sunday, we start things off in true American style, with a good ol'fashioned softball game and barbecue!! We're talking slow lobs, everyone on-base, all the time, high scores, low stress, all-ages softball (with a side order of badminton for those not interested).

Here are the details:

When: Sunday Sep. 9th, 4-6:30 pm

Where: Challenge Grove Ballfield, Cherry Hill (click here for directions)

What to bring: baseball glove, side dish or dessert

Who: the whole family!!

Rain Location: Fellowship Hall (we'll play kickball instead!!)

This is going to be a very fun, laid-back, last-hurrah-of-summer kind of event, and I hope everyone come out for it!

Here's looking forward to an awesome new year of youth group...

Jeremy

Finally...

In an effort to improve upon last year's performance, your oh-so-clever youth leader has finally created a Calendar to aid your family in planning for youth events!!

Over in the right hand column of the blog, there is now a section called "Calendar Pages." Click these links for a (much) larger image of each month's calendar. These are also coming to you via your mailbox.

Did somebody say "it's about time"?!!

Look for youth group mailings next week, and posts with details about our fall kick-off and other upcoming events in the days to come.

Enjoy those last summer hurrah's!!

Putting The Word Out

Kelly Looking Horse, one of the Lakota locals we met in South Dakota, challenged us to take the cause of the Lakota back to our homes and communities. So far, I'd say we've got a solid start:

Yesterday we sent about ten boxes of backpacks and school supplies to the Cangleska Battered Women's Shelter in Pine Ridge, hopefully just in time for school.

On Wednesday, Alex Marshall, Matt Nussbaum, Matt Mackowsky, Mia Spinelli and I gave a slide show and spoke at the Haddonfield Rotary Club Luncheon. I was told afterwards that the club is considering making a financial gift to support the Lakota. Praise God!

Finally, we got our five minutes of fame in last Thursday's Haddon Herald. Check out the pics below, and see me for the text of the article if you're interested. They gave us a whole page!

Next up - Mission trip people should mark your calendars for Saturday evening, September 22nd! Our group will show slides and talk about the trip at a special dessert event for the congregation. The Nussbaums are hosting a dinner reunion for the group beforehand that you won't want to miss! Hope to see you all there.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars

I saw an amazing documentary recently on PBS. It told the story of Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars - a musical group from africa with an amazing story. These guys are my new heroes. Check out the clip below.



The group is coming to Camden! Don't miss their free concert at Wiggins park in Camden, Tuesday August 14th at 8 pm. You will not believe how infectious their music is - your feet will be moving!

Unfortunately I have a meeting and won't be there, but if any of you go, tell me about it! Rarely do we get a chance to see such remarkable people up close like this.

Check back in the next two weeks for posts about upcoming youth group stuff and fall kick-off events.

Pine Ridge

Well, we're back.

I think we can all say that our time in Pine Ridge exceeded expectations - the beauty of the land and people, the relationships we formed, the impact of seeing poverty up close and then doing something about it... It was an awesome experience and we will never be the same.

I am putting a few of the many pictures we took below.

Andrew Spinelli helped us sum things up in his sermon from last Sunday:

"The work we did this week was certainly a short term success for many families, helping with the tasks of building beds, painting, and repairing roofs. But the reason we came was to understand. Our job was to absorb the culture and live their pain every day of our lives. To spread awareness, all aimed at saving a dying culture once filled with spirituality and pride. To Remember."

I couldn't put it better myself.

The Re-Member Tipi

Sean and Anne, feeling the effects of sawdust

The girls' room

Mia and Feather Rose

A Watson family Powwow

Emily,Meredith, Alex, Haley, Danielle, Mia and Andrew in the Badlands

Lakota Speaker Will Peters

Kelly Looking Horse sings the Lakota National Anthem

Steve and Natalie get the job done

Matt, Matt, Danielle and Mia headed to Wounded Knee

MeChurch

Thought this was funny...




Calling the shots... hmmm. Hopefully its not the members, not the pastor, not the session calling the shots, but the Holy Spirit, working through all of us together. What do you guys think? Do we have a MeChurch, or a GodChurch?

Bad at Goodbye's

The sad moment has come - this Sunday we say goodbye to Amy. She's laughed with us, cried with us. She's rock-climbed with us, done the "worm" with us, IHOP'd with us. She's led us and taught us. She's IM'd us , she's vegged with us. She's countrified us (I now know who Keith Urban is). She's been there through thick and thin. We will miss her.

So let's let her know it. Be there this Sunday at 6:00 for a goodbye bash.

This is also our last regular youth group until fall. I will be using the blog and email to announce random summer events (we may try another whirlyball trip this summer, or maybe some movie nights), so remember to check in.

This has been an awesome year. good luck with finals and such. see you sunday.