Headed out of town...
Yep, me and a few youth pastor buddies are taking off for the National Youth Workers' Conference in Anaheim for about a week. Have no fear, for we leave you in good hands.

XStream gets up and running this week, with Chick Chat starting at 6 for ladies (guys, we'll meet starting in October), followed by games, worship, teaching, and a whole lot of good stuff. Our staff will be looking for you at 1250 University Drive Wednesday evening.

House Party will be meeting this week at Calvary, from 7-9 Sunday night. Our staff will be running the show, which should include some quality God-time, a slideshow from the Welcome Weekend (Destination Unknown, yeah right...), and other such goodies.

Take some time to pray for the 8 of us who are traveling to CA for this convention. I am so excited about what God wants to do in and through us. Pray that our relationships are STRONG and that UNITY rules. You know what happens when UNITY hits the people of God? Check it out.

Pics from the Welcome Weekends are coming...

Wanna hear the new RelientK songs before they are released? Take a sneak peek here.

Hey folks, here's a few tidbits for you...

This Wednesday: See You at the Pole is the national day of student-led prayer, and will take place September 15. Students will be gathering at their school's flagpole, and there will be a rally Wednesday night at the Assembly of God (Whitehall Road) at 7 pm to see what God did during the day and give students an opportunity to invite their friends to come share some laughs. We're bringing in a national skit group for laughs and a tasteful presentation of the Good News.

This Friday: Senior High Welcome Weekend--DESTINATION UNKNOWN! We'll be rolling out from Calvary at 4 on the 17th and be returning the 19th. The cost for this mystery weekend: $65. It is going to be one for the memory books, so encourage your students to attend! Students will need a packed dinner, normal clothes, a sleeping bag, and shower stuff. Of course, students will need a permission slip and a medical release form. We'll hold these med forms all year, so you'll only need to submit one.

XStream will be starting Wednesday the 22nd at Calvary, with Chick Chat and Young Lions meeting at 6 (that's girls' and guys' stuff, led by our fearless Team XStream,), and our worship, teaching, and games going from 7-8:30. Hope to see you there! I can't wait!

I was sent this from a friend, and thought I'd pass it on to you.

Holy Sprit,
giving life to all life,
moving all creatures,
root of all things,
washing them clean,
wiping out their mistakes,
healing their wounds,
you are our true life,
luminous, wonderful,
awakening the heart
from its ancient sleep.
-- Hildegard of Bingen

Let's get this (House) Party started!
That's right, senior high students, this Sunday is the first House Party of the season. We'll be meeting at Calvary from 7-9 in the Fellowship Hall.

House Party is for senior high students only. If you're looking for a great place to connect with friends, check out the eternal truths of Christianity, take some steps in finding your "place in this world," and have a ton of fun, you're ready for House Party!

If you haven't signed up for the first ever Senior High Welcome Weekend--DESTINATION UNKNOWN--now's the time. We roll out September 17th and come home the 19th. Send Kim a note to let her know you're ready for a road trip! You don't want to miss this, I promise. It'll cost you $65, and it'll be worth every penny.

Here's a summary of what ahead for us in the world of XStream.

1. Parents' Meeting/Student meeting this Wednesday--yep, TODAY--from 6-8 at Calvary. We were planning a bonfire for students and a meeting for parents at Harvest Fields, but the weatherman says RAIN is here for a while. This meeting is for all parents, and all students. I'll be meeting with you parents while the students are hanging out and playing with Team XStream. I'll have the leaders for middle school and high school make appearances so that you can meet your student's leaders. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about our team this year!

2. Middle School Welcome Weekend this Friday and Saturday. You should have received a post card in the mail about this, and you'll receive more info at the Parents' Meeting. But here's the scoop: We'll be pulling out from Calvary as close to 4 as possible Friday. Please have your youngin' pack ONE BAG. They'll need shower stuff, a sleeping bag (we're tenting), a set of clothes they can get MESSSSSSY in, a garbage bag to transport said MESSSSSSY clothes home in, and a complete change of clothes (even shoes) for the stop at Lakemont and the ride home. The cost for 7th and 8th graders is $25, for 6th graders it's $15. Students will need a permission slip and a medical release form. We'll hold these med forms all year, so you'll only need to submit one.

3. Senior High Welcome Weekend--DESTINATION UNKNOWN! We'll be rolling out from Calvary at 4 on the 17th and be returning the 19th. The cost for this mystery weekend: $65. It is going to be one for the memory books, so encourage your students to attend! Students will need normal clothes, a sleeping bag, and shower stuff. Students will need a permission slip and a medical release form. We'll hold these med forms all year, so you'll only need to submit one.

4. See You at the Pole is the national day of student-led prayer, and will take place September 15. Students will be gathering at their school's flagpole, and their will be a rally that night to see what God did during the day and give students a chance to respond to the gospel. We're bringing in a national skit group for laughs and a tasteful presentation of the Good News.

5. House Party (senior high students) will begin September 12. XStream will kick off September 22 at Calvary.

As always, we appreciate your prayers and support as we come alongside you to aid in the development (spiritual and otherwise) of your students!