Newsletter Archives
Below are online copies of our monthly newsletter. If you have any questions, or if you would like more information regarding any of the events listed, please email zmyg@hotmail.com
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January- 14-17- WINTER RETREAT!!! It's gonna be fun. Talk to Jeff or Candi Stoltzfus for when and where information for meeting on Friday. 22-Mar.26
We will be meeting Saturday nights instead of Sunday nights for Youth Group because of Bible Quizzing. 23-26 Every Sunday evening we will be at Bible quizzing. For info on which churches on which nights, talk to any of the quiz coaches.
Hiking Trip by Amy Trusty Happy New Year! Five members of the youth group took a weekend out of their fall to go backpacking and I'd like to fill you in a bit. First of all, I must say this was the perfect time of year, entering autumn, being surrounded by the colorful leaves of God's creation. The five courageous hikers were Ben Horning, as our map holder, Dan Trusty as our experienced brains, Chad Sensing for all our military needs, Eric Shellfire and me, Amy Trusty, as leaders and tag along (we alternated). The entire weekend we acted as a team helping one another and making sure any wild beasts ate no one. Not to mention getting me to act as "one of the guys". (My parents greatly appreciated that when I returned home) We hiked over a period of two nights, two days, on about a nineteen mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. We arrived around 8:30pm Friday, hiked in about a mile, found the flattest portion of ground we could, set up camp, which consisted of not much more than sleeping bags and a fire ring, had a little snack and reviewed our plans for our biggest challenge, the next day. Several hours later, we arose, packed up, and headed out. We had the opportunity to stop at the Pinnacle for lunch, and although it was quite foggy with low visibility, it served as a nice cool place to recuperate. We finished the afternoon off with several mile of hiking, and finally at roughly 5:00pm, we were able to retire for the day. That is, after we gathered firewood and washed up at a nearby spring (how refreshing!). Just knowing that we had three short miles to go in the morning brought a smile to my face. This was a great conversation time for us, not to mention a time of entertainment as Ben read us his "Crazy Eddie" stories. I think Saturday night was the favorite part of the trip. The strangest thing happened at around 4:00am, when we found ourselves wide awake and talking about the most interesting things. The stars were incredibly brilliant. Once again, God showed us the wonders of His Creation. All together this trip was a time of learning many Godly traits such as teamwork, tolerance, and most of all, perseverance. I praise God for the better friends I made, the things He taught me, and the things He continues to teach me.
Barn Party by Carrie Snead Q- What did you think of the Barn Bash? A- I loved it!!!
Q- What would you have done differently? A- It was all good, except for the amount of dust that enveloped us as we danced and gasped for breath!
Q- Have you seen the Skankin Buvas before?(editor's note…the SB's are a Christian Ska Band. For information on Ska, or Skankin'…talk to any of the youth. BH) A- Nope.
Q- What did you think of them? A- They were great in concert and a whole lot of "skankin" fun!
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September 1999Z.M.Y.G. the youth group on the news!
Dates to mark down
Sun, Aug 29 - Welcome to the new 9th graders!
Sun, Aug 29, 5pm - Prayer group leaders meeting at ACTV
Sept. 10-12 - Camp Hebron, We will be leading worship. Meet at 4:00 on Friday at the McDonald's in Morgantown. We will return Sunday in the afternoon. $31 for regular youth group attendees. topic: KNOW JESUS - speaker: Michelle Hershberger
Sun, Sept 12 - Hang out night. We will just be hanging out instead of having a normal youth group meeting since we will just be getting back from Camp Hebron.
Sun, Sept 19 - Youth committee meeting over lunch
Sun, Sept 19, 2pm - Singing in City Park, meet at ACTV
Sun, Sept 26 - Elections for youth committee
Sun, Oct 17 - Parents night at youth group
Fri, Nov 12 - Barn Party
Dec. 31 1999 New Years eve - Massive Millennial Kickoff Party
Welcome 9th Graders!
A very special welcome to the 9th graders who are joining us Sunday, August 29! We want to welcome you to our youth group meetings on Sunday nights. We meet for an activity at 6:30 at ACTV unless otherwise announced. Be on time because we often go to the park. Then we come to back to Lyn and Ruth's apartment (upstairs from ACTV) for our youth group meeting at 7:30. Our meeting consists of everyone saying their highlight of the week, announcements, worship, and a lesson. We try to be finished with this by 8:30. Then we break up into prayer groups which are led by youth group members. See Candi to find out what prayer group you've been assigned to. Prayer groups are followed by snack and fellowship. Our goal is to be finished with everything around 9 or 9:30.
Youth Group Outreach
On Sunday, September 19 we will be going to City Park in Reading to sing and play our instruments. We will need people willing to sing along, people willing to pray and people willing to talk to those that gather around. We will be meeting at ACTV at 2:00. Be on time because we will be heading over to City Park.
Activities at 6:30
The activities that we have every Sunday at 6:30 before youth group are designed so that you can invite your unsaved friends. Here's what will be happening the next few weeks so you can invite them:
Aug 29 Frisbee Football
Sept 5 123 American Eagle
Sept 12 Hang out Night
Sept 19 Twister
Pray For Our Missionaries
Stacey Shelford - in YES training in Baltimore preparing to go to Mexico
Karina Salas - in YES training in Harrisburg leading the Reading team
Janelle Herr - in school in Quito, Ecuador
Many of you - working at Code Blue ministries, teaching in children's church and Sunday School at Zion, leading a prayer group at youth group
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February 1999Dates to mark down Sat. Feb. 6 @ 5:30pm- Laser-Tag - meet at ACTV Thurs. Feb. 11 @ 8pm - decorating for banquet Fri. Feb. 12 - Sweetheart banquet (4pm for cooks, 6:30pm for servers, 7pm to attend) Sun. Feb. 21 @ noon - committee meeting at Zion Apr. 5 @ 6:30 - Roller Skating at Skateaway July 22-28 - St. Louis 99
Video Contest coming up This year's video theme is "the Whole Gospel for a Broken World" start thinking of ideas for what we could do with a music video on that theme.
Attention Quizzers! remember to write lyrics for the quizzing video... we need to record by the middle of February! Questions?? talk to Jeff... (you can submit lyric ideas via e-mail, or just hand them to Jeff or Candi)
St. Louis 99! July 22-28 Very Very soon, you should get a flyer from us giving the low down on our plans for this major event. You should start talking to your parents about it now, and making plans, and saving your bucks! It is gonna cost around $600. We will probably need to know by the end of the month, if you are going for sure or not. This sign up will also require a deposit. You definitely don't want to miss this trip... ask anyone who was at Orlando 97!
Hopewell All-Nighter... we were there! Last Friday night Zion Youth Group went to an all night party with Hopewell Youth Group (Elverson). There was about 100 youth there and everyone went over to Colonial Hills to stay there for the rest of the night. Most people spent the night bowling, playing volleyball, or hanging out in the arcade room. It was a lot of fun. Tim
Laser-tag Feb. 6 On the 6th of February the youth group is going to play laser-tag for the youth group activity. We are meeting at ACTV at 5:30 and anyone who wants to come along needs to bring 5 dollars if they want to play one game and 10 dollars if they want to play two games. Bible Study will follow at Naomi's hopefully around 7:30 - We are going to the place behind the Wyomissing Post office right off of Penn Ave.
DANGER: Picture you're on a boat on the ocean. You're sailing along just fine, but ahead of you, you see imminent danger. Of course the first thing you are gonna do is go tell everyone right? That way they can all be saved from danger. You know how to escape that danger. Are you gonna keep it to yourself or tell everyone? I think you'd tell everyone. So why is it that so many Christians are so afraid to tell others about Christ? We know that these are the end times and the end is coming soon while so many are just sailing along without a clue about what's coming up. Frankly, I'm disgusted!! We give so many reasons why we don't witness. Too scared. Well, God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear comes from Satan. Don't know what to say. The Holy Spirit will give you the words!!! Afraid you'll loose a friend. But at least the seed will be planted. Ashamed or embarrassed. God says that anyone who is ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of. I don't know about you, but I sure don't want God to be ashamed of me!!! So what's your excuse? I've brought it up to members of the youth group to organize an outreach team of some sorts. There are so many people who don't know the Lord and I think it's time we do something about it! If anyone is interested in becoming part of this or has any suggestions or ideas, please talk to one of the youth group committee members. God bless!! Love you all! Sue
Quizzing 98 Yeehaw! Quizzing is finally here! This year we're studying the book of Genesis. But, of course, there is no way to quiz without quizzers. Zion has three great teams to compete this year with many experienced quizzers as well as some new faces. In fact out of our whopping FOURTEEN quizzers, five people are new to the quizzing scheme. Participating in Zion 1 are Sue and Tim Spraut, Carrie Snead, Starla Mast, and Naomi Hornberger. Zion 2 has three of the five new quizzers, including Susan Sims, Jenn Grebe, and Dennis Eager. They also have Mike Assis and Jesse Test who quizzed last year. Kristen Herr, Keri Detweiler, Lyn Laudenslager, Shauna Nefos make up Since when is quizzing a full contact sport?? Since ZMYG showed up!Zion's third team. Zion 1 is being coached by Ruth Mast, while Zion 2 and 3 are coached by Jeff and Candi. Anyone can see lots of potential in each of these teams, all it takes now is plenty of practice! Jesse
Quizzing Schedule: Jan. 31 - 2pm at Zion Feb. 7 - 6:30pm at Hopewell Elverson Feb.14 - 6:30pm at Media Feb. 21 - 6:30pm at Hopewell Elverson Feb. 28 - 6:30pm at Sandy Hill Mar. 7 - 6:30pm at Neffsville Mar. 14 - 6:30pm at Forest Hills Mar. 21 - 2pm ACC Tournament at Ridgeview Mar. 26-28 - Invitational Tournament at Pequea Valley High School, Kinzers, PA
Romantics... Check this out. Lets talk about the upcoming fund-raiser for the youth group. It would be called the Sweetheart Banquet. All married couples young and old are invited to come. It's February 12, 7pm at Zion. We have a great menu and lots of fun, couple oriented games planned. It's twenty dollars a couple. So come out and support the youth group! (and don't forget to bring your sweetheart!) Jenn
Youth! - many of you signed up to help with the sweetheart banquet. Please be sure to show up at the time you scheduled yourself for... thanks a million. Also, plan to come to Zion to decorate on Thurs. night, Feb. 11 at 8pm.
Esh's Cabin This year was my first year going to Esh's Cabin for Zion youth groups winter retreat. The whole weekend was a blast!! Our guest speaker was Lin Fisher, and his wife Jo Jo was along too. Lin spoke about God's will, and three ways we can know what it is. Besides the great sessions, awesome times of worship, and excellent food, we as a group had fun creating bonds of friendship. Being there with all my friends, God showed me how much of a support my Christian friends are, and how important it is to seek God as a group. Recalling the games we played and the fun we shared brings a smile to my face, and to know that God gives us a joy in being his children makes me thankful. The cabin was a time of fun, worship, and relaxing, and I can't wait to go next year. Shauna Nefos
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June 1998the official newsletter thing of the Zion Mennonite Youth Group
Cool things coming to a youth group near you!
Have you ever wanted to ride like those cowboys you see in the old westerns? Float down the river on a tube? do a scavenger hunt with a video camera? go Electric dancing? Play a nice game of Frisbee football? Basement Rugby anyone? Want to relax and play a calm game of killer croquet? Laser Tag? Mini-Golf? Go on a pleasant picnic and play wacky baseball? You always have wanted to do these things, but havent gotten around to it or just didn’t know how or where to do it?
Come check out the Zion Mennonite Youth Group ASAP. The exciting activites above are just an example of some of the fun things we have got planned for this summer! We want you and all your friends to come and join us as we fellowship, worship our Saviour, and have fun! Gone are the days of boring card games because new and exciting things are on the way. If you have any activity suggestions, just let me know
Charissa ~ Events Coordinator
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Sun. May 24 - Killer Croquet W. Reading Park 6:30pm
Sun. June 7 - Picnic at French Creek after church. Sign up sheet for food n the youth room. Praise celebration at Zion 7pm
Sun. June 21 - Miniature Golf at Zinn’s 6:30pm
Sun. July 12 - Church at Esh’s Meadow - Youth Group afterward at the meadow (JR High invited to join us!)
July 19-26 - Service Project in Kentucky
Aug 1 - Tie Dye Shindig 4pm bring $1 and something to dye. Esh’s meadow.
Aug 9 - Tubing in Birdsboro after church
Sept - Camp Hebron - (we’ve been asked to lead worship again)
Sept 29 - Roller Skankin Party
Next time we get rained out for our activity, on a sunday night, we are gonna play Laser Tag ( if it is raining, bring 5 bucks)
If you have any questions about what we are doing week to week, call 610-286-6148 anytime on sunday... we will be leaving messages about where we are, and what we are doing
Mennonite Service Venture
Our Summer Trip Service Project
July 19-25 ~ Hazard Kentucky
Heading toward Kentucky this summer, YOU have the opportunity to serve your neighbors. Here is another chance to put action behind your words when you say, they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
If you consider this your youth group, and are in regular attendance, the cost to you for the whole week is gonna be $30; if you have a friend interested in coming along, their cost will be around $100 (still a bargain.)
We will be SERVIN’ at Lotts Creek Community School, a nonprofit school located in the Appalachian mountains. We expect to be helping them move into a new classroom building, and also doing some home repair and cleanup for local needy families in the community. Joining us will be another small youth group from Indiana.
We need to know who is going along by June 1, so put this week aside on your summer calendar, and plan to come along.............Servin’la la la.......
SKANKTIFIED
The Lord has blessed us in many great ways through our Servin’ song. Skantified is a compilation of songs from Christian Ska bands from all over the country. You can get this CD in any major Christian bookstore, but have we got a deal for you
As a youth group fund-raiser, we are selling these CD’s for $12 (much cheaper than the bookstores) Buy this while you can... and sell it to your friends. This is a piece of Zion Mennonite Church history, and you can support the youth group at the same time! Hey.... its better than selling hoagies.
for additional information, feel free to contact Jeffrey or Candace Stoltzfus at 610-286-6148 or 610-378-1378 or Jstoltz@christcom.net Official Youth Web page: http://zmyg.tripod.com
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December 1997Official Zion Youth Group News
Dates to mark down
Sat. Dec. 13, 7am! Coating Chocolates as a fund-raiser YUM! Bring a lunch.
Sun. Dec. 14 Deadline to sign up for quizzing
Fri. Dec. 19 Spaghetti dinner to support Lyn. Come at 5pm to help. We are also looking for people to donate food. etc.
Sun Dec. 21 Singing at Hawthorne Home. Bring a packed lunch, or meet at the church at 1:30pm
Sun. Dec. 21 No Youth Group... Christmas program at church 7pm
Tues. Dec. 23 6pm - Christmas Caroling and bring $5 for our annual Walmart Gift Exchange meet at Ruth's
Wed. Dec. 31 8pm New Years Eve Bash at Zion. If you are under 18, we must have your parents permission to leave before 6am. Bring a snack or drink.
Wed Jan 7, 7-9pm First Quiz Practice/Kickoff party at Zion.
Fri. Jan 9-11 Winter Retreat at Esh's Cabin. Meet in ACTV parking lot 5pm. Returning by 4pm Sun.
Sun Jan 11 Lyn's Y.E.S. Commissioning service at LMH. Leaving ACTV at 5pm
Sun Jan 18 First Quiz Match
Sun Jan 25 2pm Quizzing at Zion... practice during first service.
Outreach Team
every other Monday at 6:30pm
Dec. 15 Christmas Cards for Nursing Home
Dec. 29 Groceries for a needy family
God is doing exciting things in the Outreach Team! We have been visiting Spruce Manor Nursing Home, which is only a few blocks from my house. We are making many friends! And people are really willing to listen about Jesus' love now because they have seen it through our actions. . . . "they don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" . . . And we are no longer going there because they are older people who we feel sorry for, but because they are our friends who we enjoy spending time with!! One of Lyn's new friends, has called her and asked if we could bring a group out to sing. What a perfect opportunity -- Zion loves to sing!! last Monday we went and sang some Christmas songs, and some worship songs. Many expressed their appreciation. Please try to plan on going with us to the Hawthorne Home Dec. 21 (Sun afternoon) you will be blessed as you serve others.
Ruth Hornberger
So anyway, Annette went to the barn party at Jason's...
I was kinda of upset because we got to the barn party late so we missed the hay ride, but I heard it was a bore anyway (ha ha ). The most
fun I had was playing train wreck, and that was just crazy fun. It was a little more violent then other times I played , but that's what made it fun. One guy even lifted another guy just for his hay bail. Of course Jason had to try to get me to put marshmallows in my mouth. It was lots of fun! I really enjoy doing things with other youth groups from our conference, even if its not Quizzing.
Annette
Write for our Newsletter!
Would you like to see your article printed in the Newsletter? All you have to do is write it and e-mail it to Jeff at jstoltz@christcom.net
If you don't have e-mail, just give Jeff your hand written copy. Article ideas: tell us about your prayer group; what did we do at the latest youth event? , who were you able to help with the outreach team?, critique your favorite Christian book or CD, tell us what God 's been doing in your life, interview a member of our church who's had an impact on your life. etc.
ACC Quizzing
Schedule for 1998
Jan 18 John 1,2,3 6:30 pm Hopewell
Jan 25 John 4,5 2:00 pm Zion - Birdsboro (we will be practicing during the first service (8-10am) since this is super bowl Sunday.
Feb. 1 John 6,7:44 6:30 pm Ridgeview
Feb. 8 John 7:45,8,9 6:30 pm Forest Hills
Feb. 15 John 10,11,12:11 6:30 pm Groffddale, Media, Paradise
Feb. 22 John 12:12,13,14 6:30 pm Neffsville
Mar 1 John 15,16,17,18:27 6:30 pm Forest Hills
Mar 8 John 18:28,19,20,21 6:30 pm Petra, Old Road, E-town
Mar 15 Review John 6:30 pm Hopewell
Mar 22 ACC Tour John 2:00 pm Ridgeview
Mar 27 - 29 Invitational Tour Kidron Ohio
official quizzing home page (not much online yet)
http://www.redrose.net/craigpd/web/accquizzing98
Winter Retreat.
Our guest speaker will be Paul Leininger (and his wife Connie) from Sandy Hill. Bring Bible, Sleeping Bag, Pillow, warm clothes, games, etc. Sign up in the Youth room after you have given Candi your $15. Expect a great weekend together!
Fund-raisers
We are starting to raise money for our service project/missions trip this summer. Plans are being made now with Sandy Hill youth group concerning where we will be serving. I would encourage all youth to dig in, and make these fund-raisers worthwhile.
Christmas Chocolates Sale
Orders are due by Sunday Nov. 30. We are making some extra boxes to try to sell later. We need your help to produce these items. Let Naomi know if you will be helping make the chocolates on Sat Dec. 13 at 7am.
WJTL -Zion rocks the airwaves
On a snowy/rainy night in November, the Zion youth group joined ranks at a well known travel plaza in Ephrata and made the half hour trek to the WJTL studios. We were greeted by Holly and soon met Kurt, Aaron, Chris, and Phil. In the studio, Phil Smith allowed us to make some song requests, some of us were interviewed on the air, and some read the weather report. In the production room, Chris Strayer allowed us to help him create a promo that may be used on the air someday. Holly played 30 song clips and we rated them from 1-5. In another room we were encouraged to call everyone we knew, requesting donations for WJTL. The team that raised the most money got first picks of the prizes. Because of a tie, the winning team was chosen by a trivia quiz, then we had a pizza party, and showed our hosts the Servin' video. As the evening drew to a close, we said good-bye to our new found friends and headed out into the cold wet night
for additional information, or for high quality termite and pest control, feel free to contact Jeffrey or Candace Stoltzfus at 610-286-6148 or 610-378-1378 or Jstoltz@christcom.net
Official Youth Web page: http://members.aol.com/zionYgroup
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the official newsletter thing of the Zion Mennonite Youth Group Now with expanded distribution! (all the Church Mailboxes) Now the whole church can find out what trouble our youth are getting into.
Dates to mark down
Oct. 26 - Hoagie orders due Sun.
Oct. 26 - ACC Youth Rally at Petra (in the evening.) We are doing a skit about Orlando...if you are involved with the skit (or want to be) pack a lunch... we will practice at Zion 1:15pm Fri.
Oct. 31 - (Halloween) Spiritual Warfare Prayer 7pm-? at Zion
Sun. Nov. 2 - 4pm Youth Committee meeting
Sat. Nov. 1 Sat Morning 4am(wow) - Come help make, deliver, and sell hoagies with us
Tue. Nov 4 - Junipers (was Parson Brown) at J.O.Y. 7pm
Fri. Nov 7 - 7:30pm Barn Party with many other youth groups at Jason Hershey's
Sat. Nov. 8 - Youth Leaders Discovery Day
Thu. Nov. 13 - Zion Night at WJTL! (and pizza yee-haw) more info to come.
Tue. Nov 25 - Riveredge at J.O.Y. 7pm (Chris and Jason's band)
Outreach Team Has moved to Monday @ 6:30 at Ruth's apartment. If you want to reach out, and serve Christ in practical ways, call Ruth to participate.
Shiny New Youth Committee
Our brand new Youth Committee for 1997-98 is off and running with new energy, excitement and ideas.
Serving you this year is . . .
+Ruth Hornberger - Spiritual Advisor Serving the Lord and our youth group through adding youth leadership and counsel to prayer groups (keeping in touch with fellow prayer group leaders) initiating outreach projects, service projects, and events that would build up the group spiritually, and taking responsibility for one lesson each month.
+Naomi Hornberger - Fund-raiser Coordinator Serving the Lord and our youth group through initiating and planning fund-raisers.
+Lyn Laudenslager and Mike Assis - Events Coordinators Serving the Lord and our youth group through initiating and planning special events, trips, parties etc. , and choosing and preparing an activity for every Sunday night from 6:30-7:30.
+Starla Mast -Secretary Serving the Lord and our youth group through taking and distributing minutes of the monthly meeting, finding someone to bring snack, and to remind them by phone once during the week
+Annette Frederick - Church Relations Serving the Lord and our youth group through aggressively involving our youth group in the Zion congregation through dramas, announcements, bulletin inserts, special events, and other creative ways of including our group with our larger church family. Actively encouraging a healthy relationship between our group and the parents of the youth by initiating friendship building activities, and special events.
We are excited about how Jesus is going to teach us, use us and shine through us in this coming year! He has great plans for our church!
Saturday, September 27th... was a day packed full with fun. A few weeks after Charissa's birthday party, the youth group organized a surprise birthday party for Keri Detweiler at her house. The whole youth group had fun celebrating her 16th birthday doing things like shaving a balloon and playing Egyptian Rack-O (rat kill??). Afterwards, we all drove to the Conestoga Corn Maze and had a blast trying to go through the maze in the dark, only with our flashlights and a map. We all had fun and being by all that corn, inspired Dan to come up with the Corn Dance. It's a great dance that anyone can try. Also, we had fun just hanging out with the other youth groups that were there, and even playing some practical jokes using a Porta-Potty. It was a great day, both for Keri and the Youth Group! Michael Assis
Youth Leaders Discovery Day
A neat opportunity is coming up in November for youth committee members, parents of youth, and anyone interested in youth ministry. This morning is designed to gain understanding into what it means to be a youth, parent of youth, or a loving adult relating to youth.
These Seminars are being sponsored by ACC and Lancaster Conferences, November 8th from 8:30-1pm. They are going to be held at Mellingers Mennonite Church (near LMH) The cost per adult is $15, but is free for youth. Please let Candi know if you are interested in attending with us.
Servin Videos for sale $10 make sure you get one!! (every youth should have one... to show your kids and grand kids how crazy you were when you were a teen)
CAMP HEBRON
I had an overall Great experience at Camp Hebron. Some of my highlights would include: The challenging sessions with Stan Dean encouraging us to WAKE UP and dream. The corny get to know ya games they always play when you get there. (OK no not really:-) How about singing "going to the chapel" every time we went to sessions. Our late night rook game that turned into a chat session. Meeting other youth groups and assuring them that Yes, there are some half-sane people in Zion's Youth Group. Singing Praise God from whom all blessings flow with our little moshing groove in the middle. Just being with are zany, nutty slightly physco group at Zion and having a blast. - Lyn
Ruth Writes: I loved just spending time with all my friends! We had a HAPPY -hip-hop- happening'- hoot-n-nanny -hum-dinger of a time! Leading worship together was great because we all love to sing! The speaker was very challenging, and helped us to "WAKE UP! and dream!" . . . PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! . . . . CAMP HEBRON . . . . WAKE UP! . . . (very early!), fellowship, singing, dancing, kazoos!, marshmallows, "bubble up your belly", more singing, volleyball, psychos!, ska!, water balloons, bubble contests, friendships, skankin!, worship, joy, dreams, visions, GOD!!!!!
Mike Writes: Spending the weekend at Camp Hebron was great. The food was good, the speaker was great, and it was plain fun. It was great getting to be in the worship team, especially with Zion up there. Also, the tournaments they had were great. The volleyball was a lot of fun, even though we lost. It was a week filled with great times, learning new things and getting to know new people. The only bad part was when it ended.
Janelle Writes... some things I enjoyed were as follows: great singing, flying home, 3B ice cream (I saw an ice cream shop out here named that!), playing volleyball, reaquainting myself with some friends I hadn't seen since Orlando or last Camp Hebron, going on a toilet paper quest with Keri for our cabin,introducing my roommate to y'all, AND performing "The Flowery Song" for everybody Saturday night:)
Barn Party November 7 1997 @ 7:30. come to my house/ barn/ abode/ whatever. there is gunna be one big hootnannie of a shindig-----major barn party consisting of a hayride/ bonfire/ haytunnels/ games/ food/ fellowship with many many people. So far, my youth group/ Sandy Hill/ Maple Grove/ Old Road/ Ridgeview/ Paradise/ Media and now you guys are invited. We (my youth group) did this last year. I'm expecting up to two hundred people to come. Anybody that hangs out with youns, Zion and Company, is invited. Tell Annette that maybe we'll get some smallows that are marshed. My house is your house. Invite whoever. The more the merrier. -Jason Hershey
for additional informationre: this newsletter, or for free yodeling lessons, feel free to contact Jeffrey or Candace Stoltzfus at 610-286-6148 or 610-378-1378 or Jstoltz@christcom.net Official Youth Web page:
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Official Youth Web page
http://members.aol.com/zionYgroup
A web page has been started, but we don't have a whole of stuff online yet. . . actually it is quite slim. if anyone wants to volunteer to work on it let me know. I can help teach you if you have some previous computer experience.
Nominations/Elections
Nominations for our new youth committee will begin today. We will accept nominations until Sunday, September 14. You can nominate anyone who regularly attends our group. Please feel free to nominate yourself if you would like to be on the committee. You many also nominate the people who currently hold the positions. Elections will be held at youth group on Sunday, September 21. If you cannot be at present for the elections, you can call Jeff and Candi after Wednesday on the week of the elections to vote.
Camp Hebron
We will be leaving for Camp Hebron as soon as we can on Friday. Please let Jeff and Candi know how early you can make it to Morgantown. Consider leaving work a bit early if you can. Because we are stopping by Messiah College to pick up a few of our friends, AND we are responsible for leading worship Friday night, we may need to leave as early as 4:00 or 4:30.
We are excited about leading the Worship, and are anticipating the Lord doing really cool things. Anyone who wants to join us on the team is welcome... if you can SHOUT to the Lord! (and if you can make practice - time yet to be determined) Please pray ahead of time that we would ALL be able to be used by God in a powerful way to bring his people closer to him, and able to Worship him in Spirit, and in Truth. Be prepared to open up and share God's greatness with your friends!
Bring along: Bible, sleeping bag, flashlight, sunscreen, bug repelant, underoos
we have talked about doing FIF "a flowery song" for the talent show Friday night. (Jon plays a rockin ska bass!) If you want to sing a lead part, let Jeff know... yall will share the lead mics, and everyone else is invited to skank and sing the chorus all together. ENERGY is the key word as you may have guessed, so please only plan to join us if you think you could probably lose control.
Youth Group Press
Our youth group has gotten a lot of media attention. Recently WJTL played our song on the radio. Our video has been know to be seen on the local cable tv system. Mentions in Menn. Weekly Review. . . Annette's picture in the Orlando Que Pasa thing, write ups coming from Currents, and a small local newspaper has also asked to interview us about our video.
Outreach Team
Thursday nights @ 6:30 at Ruth's apartment. If you want to reach out, and serve Christ in practical ways, show up!!
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Outreach Team
God is doing amazing things in the Outreach Team which meets Thursday nights @ 6:30 at my apartment. He is opening many doors and leading us right where He wants us to be! Satan is being bound and God is winning many victories!! Hallelujah!
We will be starting ministry in nursing homes and hospitals on June 12. And hopefully, after that, the first Thursday of every month. It is a very open and needy mission field, and God is definately leading us into it! He has even provided flowers for us to hand out! Audrey Ann florists will be donating flowers to us once a month!
Jesus is doing abundantly above all that we can ask or think - for He is a God of Miracles! Keep praying for this minstry. There is such tremendous power and eternal value in prayer! And you are always welcome to join us on Thursday nights!
Hello everybody.
This is just to fill those of you whom I didn't get to e-mail or talk to lately in on things that have been going on in my life and in the life of my school. God did miraculous things for us by bringing a revival to our school (Gateway Christian). It's been such a wonderful move of the spirit. I've never experiences anything like it. God has just melted the hearts of the students, male and female, young and old, and they have turned their sinful hearts completely over to God. I've seen guys who were star basketball players fall on their knees, lift their hands, cry, and just praise God with all their hearts. It's been amazing. And in my own life I've had such joy and peace. Even on days that I have nothing to be happy about, I'm happy anyway. God has been so good to all of us. I would just aske that you keep me and my school in prayer 'cause some things are going on that are bringing the students down. I know it's just one of Satan's little tactics to rob us of our joy, and I know we are more than conquorers so keep praying!
Thanks! I love each one of y'all very much. God bless!
Love in Christ, Sue S.
The Fund-raiser!
a Kiss the Pig contest
Manny Esh, Forrest Stine, or John Rush
One of these fine and upstanding men in our church will soon find themselves very close (too close) to a big old pig!! As our summer fund-raiser for next years missions trip, we are having a contest to see who will come up with the most votes, and therefore have to do a little hog smooching.
This is how it works. Everyone in the church has the chance to vote for who they would like to see kiss a pig. From week to week the totals will be noted on the "thermometer" in hopes that it may motivate some sort of giving competition. Political Campaigns are allowed. For example, Manny and Forrest might gang up, and try to convince everyone to vote for John. John might retaliate by writing out a big check in vote for Manny.
We will accept votes up to the very last minute literally. July 13 at Esh's meadow, the pig will be ready, final last call for votes will be tabulated, and the winner will then have to pucker up!! And the funds are all going toward a worthy goal... what a blast
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Dates to mark down
March 2 - Orlando down payment due
March 2 - Youth Committee Meeting
Wed March 5 - Orlando Meeting with Parents 6:30pm
Sat March 8 - Video Pre-production Meeting
March 21-23 - Ohio Invitational Quizzing Tournament cost $25
Tuesday, April 1 - Skateaway party
April 6 - Orlando registration, and payment due
April ?? - Masque-rave party
May 4 - Orlando final payment due
July 29 through August 2 - Mennonite Youth Convention at Orlando 97
Quizzing
Next couple of weeks
March 2 - 6:30pm Hopewell Elverson
March 9 - 6:30pm Groffdale Mennonite
March 16 - ACC Tournament - Ridgeview 2pm
March 21-23 - Ohio Invitational
Organizational meeting for video contest
rescheduled for March 8, 5:30pm at ACTV
This meeting is for anyone who is interested in helping to organize/produce the video to enter into the Orlando video contest. Everyone will have the opportunity to be involved, so if you just want to be in the video, DON'T come to this meeting. If you want to create/ write/ organize/ produce/ etc. then don't miss this hard working meeting. Bring a covered dish, or money for pizza.
WRITE LYRICS FOR OUR LOONY VIDEO!
our preliminary plan is to write and record a SKA! song [yahoo!] and then make a music video to it. So we need you to help write the lyrics to our song. . . We will take everyone's lyrics, and try to put them all together (Jeff is gonna give 5 bucks to whoever writes the best lyrics!) [hey janelle... I owe you 5 bucks if you read this!!] So get a copy of your lyrics to Jeff on or before March 7 and ska ska ska ska!
the song needs to "creatively define service from a Christian perspective"
think-WHAT IS SERVICE??
for brainstorming, check out Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 25:31-40, Luke 10:25-37, John 15:11-17, Acts 2:43-47, Romans 12:9-13
the song will probably be shot in a housing development of some sort where we can stage many "service" events (mowing someone's yard, helping a cat out of a tree, helping the downtrodden etc.) write about these in your lyrics so we can sort of act them out on the video.
be crazy with it. . . the more energy the better!
you don't have to rhyme at all if you don't want to
you could write a rap, or whatever
should be funny! ha ha ha!
Mennonite Youth Convention
ORLANDO '97 - July 29-August 2
Theme: God's Kingdom: Beyond Illusion
Purpose: To invite youth convention participants to: make a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ, be touched by the moving of the Holy Spirit in the church, receive healing and hope, and extend it to the world each day.
leaving Monday night getting back Sunday Afternoon
Heading toward Orlando on a Bus with Sandy Hill, Media, and Zion-York.
registration, transportation, food, lodging $400
active participation in Zion Youth Group -$175
fund-raiser participation over the past year -$_____
total balance you owe (pay Candi anytime) =$_____
down payment due March 2 $_____
payment with registration due April 6 $_____
final payment due May 4 $_____
anyone is welcome to join us at any time if there is room on the bus, but anyone signing up after March 2 will have to pay the full price ($400)
Some of the things that the Youth Convention Planning Committee hopes will happen as a result of Orlando 97'
Youth Will:
Experience an encounter with God in worship as the highlight of the convention.
Catch a vision for mission and evangelism.
Discover that service and peacemaking are important dimensions of Christian discipleship.
Better understand Anabaptist faith and catch a glimpse of the ennonite Church in North America and Puerto Rico.
Impact the Orlando community so that when the event is over, we will leave behind more followers of Jesus.
Embrace, experience and be transformed by the uniqueness and diversity of the Mennonite Church.
Build bridges of integration:
a.MC and GC
b.Racial/Ethnic
c.Urban and rural
d.Youth and adults
Create lifelong friendships.
Empower youth leaders in their ministry.
for more info. on the Mennonite Church Youth Convention, check out their web site at
http://www.thelocalnet.com/mbcm/
Meeting with parents
Wednesday
March 5 @ 7pm
to: discuss trip details, go over registration forms, go over schedule, discuss available service projects (30 in the Orlando area) and extra events while we are in Orlando etc. etc.
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Youth Retreat Report
Here is a summary of the annual youth retreat at Esh's cabin from Naomi and Charissa's point of view. Here goes.
Friday. Left ACTV at about 7:30 pm after trying to get Lyn's keys out of her car. Woohoo, Lyn! We finally arrived at the cabin at about 10:30 pm. We all picked our beds and get our stuff organized. We ate snacks and played games. Everybody went to bed around 3:30 am.
Saturday. Had our first session. The speaker was Denny Rentschler. The sessions were challenging and the worship was great! The Elmos disappeared for 3-4 hours. There was a battle between Elmo-lovers and Elmo-haters. There were even Elmo body parts appearing everywhere (like the eyeball in the hot chocolate)! They tried to get Jon Frederick's tickle-me-Elmo, but to no avail. He ate, slept and even went to the bathroom with it. After another good evening session, the FUN began. We played four games: The Three Solemn Judges, Lighthouse and King Bobo's Ring. There were then Rook tournaments. Ruth and Lyn, and Naomi and April were the champions. Others were playing guitar and bongos, reading and fellowshipping with one another. Then a bunch of the psycho people took a walk at 3:30am in 7 degree weather. Psycho nuggets!
Sunday. Today practically everyone had to be forced out of bed because we were all so tired. Ate breakfast. Had church. Packed. Played card games. Ate. Did our cleanup assignments. Then we prayed and left. The ride home was our highlight. We talked to the other three vehicles in our party over headsets. Of course, I, Charissa, added to the ride with my wonderful kazoo playing! I was the envy of most everyone! Had a stop at McDonald's. Then Naomi and I sang to Jamie over the headsets! Ruthy then sang to him, but it wasn't heartfelt. All of a sudden we were back in the parking lot at ACTV. Then we burned Elmo!
The End. Charissa and Naomi.
Some other highlights:
Ruth - running around like Batman at 3am
Conrad - getting to know people better
Monica - learning Lighthouse
Carly - when she found the cabin after being lost in the woods for an hour
Starla - the walk at night with a torch
April - sleeping
Janelle - listening to VeggieTales
Sue - worship
Denny - being a solemn judge
Candi - showing Janelle, Lyn and Annette my favorite spot in the woods
Jeff - a nice calm and relaxing weekend.
Ministry Opportunities
rave \'ra-v\ vb [ME raven] 1a: to talk irrationally in or as if in delirium 1b: to declaim wildly 1c: to
talk with extreme enthusiasm 2: to move or advance violently : STORM : to utter in madness or frenzy - rav.er n
frenzy \'fren-ze-\ n [ME frenesie, fr. MF, fr. ML phrenesia, alter. of L phrenesis], fr. phreneticus
1a: a temporary madness 1b: a violent mental or emotional agitation 2: intense usu. wild and often disorderly compulsive or agitated activity.
Your youth committee's latest brainstorm for ministry outreach is to have a Masque-rave party (mas-ker-\ra-v) n. An assembly of persons wearing masks and disguises in a funky - groovin- extremely enthusiastic- techno-frenzy- filled setting.) The idea is to invite all your friends, neighbors, co-workers, peers, and anyone that needs to know Jesus out to Conestoga gym (if they let us) for a night of frenzy fun and fellowship. As an evangelistic outreach, our goals will only be fulfilled if you invite your unsaved friends. We haven't set a date yet, but we are looking towards the spring sometime. Make sure you come wearing a crazy costume with lots of friends ready to have a hip-hop-happenin' time! There will be prizes for the most creative costumes, and a time where the simple gospel will be presented. . . So, start telling your friends about it. We guarantee it will be like nothing you've ever experienced before in your lifetime!
Ruth Hornberger
Upcoming Fun-draisers!
Saturday February 15 Sweetheart Banquet - Banquet planners/organizers have once again given the youth group the opportunity to serve the couples In our congregation, and at the same time raise some funds. Please plan to attend if you can.
WAY FAR AWAY DATES!
March 21 - 23 - Ohio Invitational Quizzing Tournament
Tuesday, April 1 - Skateaway party; more details later
Spring -
July 29 through August 2 - Mennonite Youth Convention at Orlando 97
Quizzing
Well, quizzing time is here. We are studying I Samuel, and if you've never seen a quiz, come and support us quizzers! Special thanks to those who continue to support us as secret sponsors, and match attendees!
February 2 - Forest Hills, 6:30 pm, I Samuel 10,11,12,13,14:1-14
February 9 - Conestoga, 6:30pm, I Samuel 14:15-52,15,16
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December 1996Got a Great Fund-raiser Idea?!?
Be sure to let Jeff and Candi (286-6148) or Janelle Herr (286-9756) know.Christmas Cookie Sale
Wow and a big thanks to those who helped bake all night long. . . Ruth, Naomi, Tara, Janelle, Annette, Beth & Candi. And a big Whoop to those who sold cookies, and didn't spend all their time flirting.
Ministry Opportunities
It's really exciting to see what God is doing in us as a Youth Group! We are all continually growing closer and I know He wants to use us in mighty ways for Him!
If anyone is interested in becoming involved in a drama team that ministers to children in the hospital, come talk to me right away! We are going to have skits, puppet shows and songs for the children. Also, if you know of any puppets or props that we could borrow, we would greatly appreciate it!
Anyone that has any other ideas for ministry opportunities, feel free to come talk to me
Ruth Hornberger
Quizzing
The time is fast approaching when we get out those little boxes with the green and red lights and exercise our thumbs and our memories. So get out your Bibles, and look up I Samuel and start learning it! We're gonna have a great season of Bible quizzing. The coaches have decided to limit the number of weekday practices that can be missed to two (we will be counting more than half an hour late as an a missed practice. Please consider this as you look over your schedule to see if you have time for quizzing. There will also be a basket in the youth room for your ideas about who is on what quiz team and when and where we should practice during the week. The deadline for suggestions is next Sunday, December 22.
Sunday, December 22 - Christmas caroling with Hampden Mennonite Youth followed by hot chocolate, worship, and prayer groups. Meet at the Frederick's 4:30 youth group at the Frederick's 7:30pm
Sunday, December 29 - No Youth Group
Sunday, January 5 - Fellowship Meal/Worship Celebration at Zion 4:30 pm?
Mennonite Church Youth Convention - Orlando 97
July 29 - August 2
Are you going? We need a for sure, uh-huh, without a shadow of a doubt, "unless Mt. St. Helen's blows" response by Jan 12, 1997 (less than a month from now) If you are planning to go. We already have several fund-raisers planned and are planning more, so the final amount you will need to pay is not certain yet. Your price will not be more than $300 (that's less than $50 a month between now and when we leave), but you will need to pay at least $100. Food lodging, registration, and transportation are all included in the cost Hint: The more you help with the fund-raisers, the less cash you'll need to fork over.
Upcoming Fund-raisers!
Monday, January 27 - Skateaway party from 6:30 to 9:30 (see ad on this page)
Upcoming Events
Music, Noise, Food, Fun, Piņata, and much more. What I'm talkin' about is the New Years Eve Party! Another cool thing is that we all gather together to pray in the New Year! A new addition to the New Year's Celebration is the gift exchange! so don't forget to bring your $5 Bring all your friends!
Schedule:
6:30 pm leave from church -
7:00 pm Walmart
8:00 pm Church for gift exchange
10:00pm new years party
8:00 am cleanup/continental breakfast
Friday, January 10 through Sunday, January 12 - Youth retreat at Esh's cabin
Hey! The youth retreat is coming up! There'll be lots of stuff. . .games, sledding, and maybe even bear hunting. (funny things happen to Elmo here, too!) Sign up today, as this is on a first come first serve basis.
Sunday, January 12 - Orlando 97 deadline for registration
Sunday, January 19 - First quiz match (can you believe that is coming up already?)
WAY FAR AWAY DATES!
Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23 - Ohio Invitational Quizzing Tournament
Tuesday, April 1 - Skateaway party; more details later
July 29 through August 2 - Mennonite Youth Convention at Orlando 97
Hey! the Youth are in Charge!
Not yet, but on January 5 we'll be leading both Sunday morning services. It's YOUTH SUNDAY! If you are gonna be around, See Charissa or Lyn for your part in the services. (8:30 & 11 am)