New Promo Video

Chili Sale Total!

We made 804.29 from the chili sale! That's pretty good considering how much (or how little) those of you who worked actually had to do!

Please make sure you say thank you to Ken Wasmer! We couldn't have done this without him!

Get your forms and deposits in and get your friends plugged in!

CHILI SALE INFO

We are off to a great start for our first fundraiser! Students, don't forget to help us sell and take orders this Sunday! Here are a few more details about the Chili Prep, let me know when and if you can make it!

Friday 11/7 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Make chili / clean up pans from cooking meat
2 -3 adults
4-6 teens

Saturday 11/8 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Put chili in containers/ mark containers/ clean up roasting pans
2-3 adults
5-7 teens

Sunday 11/9 between services and after 2nd service
Sell / deliver chili
1-2 adults
2-3 teens

Our First CHIC Meeting

Here's what you missed:
- Promo Video (below)
- Fundraising
-Chili Prep- 11/7, 6-9PM
-Chili Pack- 11/8, 1-3PM
-Chili Sale- 11/9, Coffee Hour
-Lucia
-Food Setup, 12/5
-Food Sale, 12/6

Download Forms over there --->.

Registration Forms and $100 Deposit are due to the Church Office November 31!

We are taking over church this sunday!

Don't forget that we are in charge of both services this Sunday! We will be showing video, and sharing the songs we sang, and of course you will be letting people in our church know how great your trip was. See you sunday for both services.

Our students are awesome.

Just a quick note to let you know that our students are awesome. I have not heard one complaint about work, communicating, housing, etc.. Sure, they have laughed at a few situations, but I am really impressed at how these students have stepped up in difficult situations. Many have had impromptu testimonies, total plan changes, etc...and they have just rolled with it.

THey are doing very well, and they are all having a great time. We are working very hard and getting very sweaty, but all is well. Today, one group had to lead an entire worship service with 20 minutes notice. I reminded them that God promises that his strength is known in our weakness. If they seek him, he will give them the strength to continue to love and serve. Sure enough the service went really well.

Thank you God.

We have one day of work left and our students (and leaders) can't wait for our day at the beach! We'll see you Sunday night!

We have landed safely!

We've made it here safely, thanks for praying and keep on praying! I probably won't be able to blog while I am down here, so if you need any emergency contact info, ask Dennis Carlson or Jim Coslow.

Flight Information

Here is our flight itinerary:

Sunday, June 22
DL 1691
DL 409

Sunday, June 29
DL 410
DL 1772-11.30PM

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR STUDENTS AT THE AIRPORT! WATCH THE FLIGHT STATUS AND PLEASE BE ON TIME!

Last Meeting Summary

Here's a quick rundown on our last meeting and everything you need to know, before you go.

Wednesday 6/18- turn in your passport and 3 forms(health, consent to travel/medical) into the church office, not at the picnic!
Saturday 6/21- 11AM-Noon, drop off all luggage, except carry-on.
Sunday 6/22- 4.15AM Students in the van, ready to go with carry-on but, without cell phone or ipods!

Extra packing items:
2 sheets
1 pillow
Spending $$$-($100, no large bills)
NO SHORTS, except for sleeping and beach
Gift for host family
Don't forget a journal and bible!~~Start Now!

Conflict in the group? ---> Matt. 18

Pick up a cd of the music, and learn the songs!

Read the bible stories!

Packing Reminder

If you have downloaded the packing list, here are a few additional reminders for what you should or should not wear. This list trumps the packing list! Also, watch for a itenarary to be posted in the links soon!

Don't forget about the prayer for everyone during our church services this Sunday. Please be there, just look for your leaders.

What to wear…
-t-shirts need to glorify God and edify others.
-no white t-shirts
-NO shorts, unless for sleeping or the beach.

What to wear to Church…
-ladies wear skirts, look respectful…no shoulders, dress shoes, bible
-men wear khakis, and button down shirt, bible

Day camp
-jeans, t-shirt, shoes, hat, sunscreen, NO shorts,

Sleeping
-long pj bottoms(or shorts) and shirt, NO shorts in public view,
-flipflops- for showers, etc… ear plugs

Beach
-shorts, shirt, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops,
-one piece bathing suit

If teaching the bible lessons, you must wear church clothes!

Remeber we want to respect our hosts as we serve them. It's not about us!

Drivers needed for trip to airport...

We need two van drivers for our 4.30AM departure to the airport on June 22. We also need two mini-vans/suburban/big autos and drivers with them.
Our vans will hold 28 people with the trailer for luggage. We will use the other two vans/etc.. for the other 8 people and luggage.

All luggage will be dropped of the day before we leave so we don't have to hassle with packing issues at 4.30AM! More info to come!

Please let me know if you will drive a van or if you will driver your vehicle.

I will see all students at the June 16th final meeting! 11 AM!

Final Meeting and Airport Plans

NEW UPDATE!!

OUR FINAL MEETING IS JUNE 16th, 11AM. You MUST be there, no more excuses. We will have a run through of our VBS, and we will go over final details: airport, lodging, clothing, packing, etc...

***NEW DEPARTURE INFORMATION! WE ARE NOT MEETING AT THE AIRPORT!
We are meeting at the church on June 22 at 4.30 AM. Delta's group reservations desk want us all there by 5.15 AM. Luggage and packing information to follow shortly.

No this is not my choice, the airlines have determined our departure times, and group check in etc... Look at it this way, at least we won't have to fight the crowds. Our arrival back from the DR is 11.30 PM, Sunday June 29th.

Also, Sunday, June 15th, our church is going to pray for us as a group. Please make sure you are at both services that Sunday, as they will also present you with something special, and will pray for you!

More info to come. Stay tuned!

May 17 meeting notes...

Just in case you missed this weekend's meeting, and many of you did, here is what happened. First and foremost, the rest of this VBS is in your hands. It is up to you to figure out what you missed from your VBS team, and especially to figure what you need to do. Each team will be meeting individually before our last meeting (June 16th) in order to get everything ready for our practice VBS on that day.

Here are the bible lessons for the week. Please read them all and BE FAMILIAR WITH THEM.
Day 1-Joshua 2- "God is real." (Rahab and the spies)
Day 2-Joshua 3-4 "God is with us." (Crossing the Jordan)
Day 3-Joshua 6- "God is strong." (Fall of Jericho)
Day 4- Matt 27-28, Mark 15.22-47, Luke 23.33-24.12, John 19-20- "God is awesome." (Crucifixion)
Day 5- 2 Kings 5- "God is in charge." (Naaman the Leper)

Here are our worship songs you must know:
Gracias Dios
Te Alabare
Tu Nombre Lavantare
Tengo Gozo
Cantare De Tu Amor Por Siempre

Here are our games to be played:
Soccer (M)
Tag (Tu)
Sponge Bucket (W)
Sharks and Minnows (Th)
Capture the Flag (F)
Extras...
Baseball
Kickball

Here are our crafts:
Poloroids/Picture Frames
Hemp Bracelets/Necklaces
Tie Dye Shirts

And lastly, our english lessons:
Alpahbet and numbers
English Phrases
Daily Bible Theme (God is...)
Worship song in English

Once again, please check with your VBS teammates to see what you've missed and what you have to do before our last meeting JUNE 16th!

Last Chance for the Silent Auction

Today is the last chance to turn in your 3 hour contribution for the silent auction! (mowing lawns, teaching math, piano lessons, washing cars, etc...) Please make sure you email your 3 hour offer and your name to lkennedy58@hotmail.com BEFORE SATURDAY!

If you do not take part in this, you will not receive any of the funds raised!

What you should be doing in the meantime...

As you find yourself just sitting around wishing you had something to do because you are so bored... here are a few things to do as you get ready for our trip.

If you have not joined a team for the Vacation Bible School yet, you need to do that first. The teams that have room on them are the music team, the bible teaching team, and English lesson team. Send me an email to let me know what team you want to join, then I will connect you with the proper people so you can get started.

During our next team meeting we will wrap up everything we are doing for the VBS and make sure all our preparations are in place.

Our last meeting will be a run through of the whole VBS program. Yes, the bible team will teach their lesson, the music team their music, and so on. Please be prepared and do not try to figure it out as you go.

One way to show the estudiantes in the DR how much we care is by our preparation for them.

In the meantime, I know most of you are very busy and somewhat stressed about wrapping up the school year. Please know that I pray for you very often, and that 'you can do all things through Jesus who gives you strength'(Phil.3.14) and the sun will rise tomorrow no matter what!

Hang in there!

Our Final Meetings Dates

Please mark these on your calendar in INK. You must make both of these meetings! We will be finishing our preparations for the VBS trip.

May 17th 9AM-1PM
June 16th 11AM-2PM

Also, if you haven't gotten your talent to offer for the silent auction, please do so immediately to Linda Kennedy or Linda Arnold.

Memory Verse

At out last meeting, everyone was given this verse to memorize. Please make this a priority!

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
1 Cor.9.19-23

Costs and Shots

Watch your mailbox this week for an update on how much you've raised so far. Our final payment to Merge is due on May 22, so your final payment is due to the church office by May 15th. There will also be information about our last fundraiser, the Silent Auction(May 4/11 between services) and what is expected from each student.

Our own nurse for our trip, Barb Coslow, talked with her CDC people and they said the area where we are going is very safe and we shouldn't feel any need to get more than the usual vaccines and shots. So there you have it, no more shots!

See you all at the mandatory meeting this Sunday afternoon. If you are prepared to get down to work, it shouldn't be too long.
Don't forget the craft making on Sunday night for the ladies, and something else for the guys.

Get the cans!

I need someone to get the cans and bottles from church before the Good Friday service! Please call me if you have any questions. Don't forget only those who recycle will receive credit! Rapido!

Updates...

Recycling Cans...
We have people bringing cans into the church to be recycled now. This means that all students must participate by picking up the cans, recycling them, and then bring the money back to church to Peg. If you do not participate, you will not get any of the recycling money credited to your account.

Silent Auction...
The Silent Auction is May 4 and 11. Please see Linda Kennedy or Linda Arnold for more info and what you must provide for the auction.

Future Mandatory Meetings...
We need to get working on our VBS plan for the students in the DR. We will have a 2 hour meeting on Sunday April 6th, just after church, lunch included. We will also have a meeting on April 20th from 6-8PM.
Also, on April 6th- All students are making a craft to take to the DR with them, either for their family, or for the estudantes!
Here is a list of stuff to bring: Old jeans, hot glue gun and glue sticks, needle and thread, Bedazzler, fabric paint, beads, ribbon, material, iron on patches, buttons, lace, braiding, etc.

See you soon!

Say Thank You!

Last weekend, between the chili sale, the DR dinner, and the 'Deal or No Deal' we raised just over $1700 towards our trip. Don't forget to thank Ken Wasmer for all his help with the chili-sale and Linda Kennedy for the DR dinner. I added a new download for everyone to look at. It contains information on expectations for our trip, a packing list, and some helpful spanish phrases.

Also, if you missed our mandatory training last weekend, please see me for the video to see what you missed. I hope you are getting excited, we only have 118 days left before we leave. Please be thinking about ideas and activities for our day camp with the middle school students there!

By the way, if you are selling pizza kits, this Saturday is the last day for orders!

Trip Cost

Ready for some great news? It looks like the total cost for our trip is going to be $1010.00, including airfare on a reputable airline even! I hope this helps as a measurable target for your fundraising efforts!

Mandatory Training this Saturday!

Don't forget the mandatory training this Saturday morning at 9AM. Tammi will be with us to let us know all kinds of stuff about our trip and what to expect and prepare for. PLease be on time so we can start on time! Also, afterwards,you can pack chili for our chili sale for fundraising credit.

Recent Letter

The following is a recent letter that went out to everyone going on the trip. Please make sure parents and students read this.
Also, please send out a support letter to your family and friends. There is an example in the column on the right.


Dominican Republic Trip Fundraising

I first want to remind all of you that the most up to date information can be found on our blog (www.faithhsm.blogspot.com). This is the best way to find out current info about the trip.

Fundraising…
Unfortunately, only a few of the students took advantage of our poinsettia fundraiser and were able to raise some funds. Our Lucia fundraiser just a month ago was a great success, and we raised about $3100 for the students who participated. Our church board has agreed to support each student with $200 towards their trip cost, unless you are able to do with out it due to fundraising, or your own funds.

We have a few fund raising opportunities coming up that you need to be aware of and be a part of if you want to raise money for this trip.

• Can Drive (ongoing)- We will have a spot at church where anyone can drop off their cans and bottles specifically for our trip to recycle and use towards the trip. Each student will need to take a turn at helping to recycle the cans in order to receive funds. Starts Feb. 1st!

• Chili Sale (Feb15th-16th)- With Ken Wasmer’s guidance, we will give samples of chili and take pre-orders for chili. Then a few people will help Friday night to prepare the chili. Saturday will require many to scoop the chili into containers and get them ready for Sunday’s pick up.
o Friday night-6PM -6 adults (before parent meeting)
o Saturday -1PM- as many students as possible
o Yes, I know it’s the same weekend as the training, but it’s the only time that Ken can do, so I hope you can make it. It’s a whole DR weekend!
o Please shoot me an email letting me know if you can help on either the 15th or 16th.

• Little Ceasar’s Pizza Sale- (ongoing)- This is a simple fundraiser where you sell pizza kits to as many people as you can. Please aim at people outside the church as much as you can. See Theresa Menko for more info, or email her at theresemenko@sbcglobal.net

• Talent Show- (Mar 14 or April 4th) This will take every student helping out with their talents either by performing, or serving in some capacity. Parents will also help by preparing deserts for sale during the show. Please see Linda Kennedy for more info.


DON”T FORGET ABOUT THE PARENT QUESTION AND ANSWER DESSERT WITH TAMMI BIGGS ON FEBRUARY 15TH OR THE MANDATORY MEETING FOR STUDENTS ON FEBRAURY 16TH @ 9AM -1PM! Both will be in the fellowship hall at church.

Meet Your Leaders!

Name, rank, serial number, job, etc
Christin McFadyen, B, 1220 (hehehehe), Administration and Marketing for Covenant Retirement Communities Corporate Office

How long you've been tight with Jesus-Why?
Jesus and me? Yea, we go way back. :) I accepted Christ at a young age (8 or so?), though it's a constant journey of growth. I find his grace amazing and his forgiveness overwhelming. His provision is always there, even in the toughest of times. Jesus is passionate for his children and for helping people to know him, and that's what I want to be like -I want to be passionate for Jesus.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Hanging out with my husband, Jon, watching movies or our favorite TV shows on DVD, spending time catching up with friends, and most currently reading Harry Potter!

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I love going on missions trips and really want to be able to help out. I miss our youth group at FCC a lot since Jon and I relocated to Chicago, so it'll be super fabulous to spend time with them again. Also, I lived in the DR teaching during college and I'm really excited at the possibility of going back to the island - it's a beautiful country. While living in the DR, I learned that the country has an interesting mix of religion (the country is predominantly Catholic, but with other religions throughout the country such as Voodoo) and I'm excited to see how God is working there.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Jon McFadyen (pic above), - super awesome, 0123456789, seminary student, "Hi"

How long have you been tight with Jesus? Why?
15 years and 3 years.- Accepted Christ at 12 years old and renewed my walk at 25. Because there is no other way to live.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Movies, bike riding, anything that I can do with my bride

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I can't think of anything that I would rather do with those students. They are an awesome group of students and following God's direction with them is one of the best experiences I can think of. And, I get to go to the DR.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Barbara Coslow, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Nurse Practitioner

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
Jesus has always been a part of my life, but I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of 8. He is always my strength and help.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Favorite way to spend free time: Hanging out with family & friends, watersports, reading, needlework, cooking

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
My family has always been supportive of missions even when I was a young child, & I've participated in Mission Trips with FCC in the past. Also, I recognize the youth as being a vital part of the church and am looking for opportunities to support them. In addition I feel God has given me the gifts to serve others wherever He leads me.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Tim Gotberg, Building Manager @ Faith Covenant Church, High/Middle school youth leader
How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
I've have a relationship with Christ since I was in elementary school. I originally accepted Him as Lord and Savior at a summer bible camp. Christ has made all the difference in the world to me and He can do the same for you. I can think of no better way to give back to the one who has given me everything than to honor God with my own life.
Favorite way to spend your free time?
Long walks on the beach, and trying to school on Justin on the golf course.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
Why wouldn't I want to spend a week with student's in the DR. These types of trips are life changing and so life giving that it would be wrong for me not to go. I was afforded the same kinds of opportunities when I was in High School, so I want to be a part of affording these student's with a similar opportunity. Giving back just a piece of what was given to me gives me great pleasure and humbles me to the core.



Name, rank, serial number etc…
Elizabeth Ann Cummings, Child of God, Wife, Mother of two (19 & 21), As young as my tongue and older than my teeth…, HISgal, School Psychologist in Troy

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
I claimed Christ as my Savior when I was 11 years old but didn’t recognize His claim on me until I was 16. What I mean is, I wanted a change in destination for eternity when I was 11 – but not a change in me, or my life, until I was 16. (And that was only a few…well okay, quite a few years ago) Finally, I got the point that God wanted a relationship with me that I didn’t have to wait for – I didn’t have to die to be close to Him – it started now, every day – every moment if I am interested!

Favorite way to spend your free time?
The truth? I watch way too much T.V. – but I love to read – science fiction/myth, legal thrillers/mysteries. (My favorite authors – John Grisham, Frank Peretti) I am newly introduced to Ted Dekker and David Baldacci. I also like to work out at the gym and I love sports – tennis, volleyball and softball – and I love to watch basketball. I can’t shoot a basket to save my life so I live vicariously through those who can.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I have a missions background and truly want to get involved with God at work – all over the world. My own experiences in foreign countries (Switzerland and Africa) have profoundly impacted my life. I get high on seeing God touch the lives of others and love to be a part of that, in whatever capacity He calls me. Participating in God working in the lives of our kids, when they are away from home and more dependent and sensitive to His leading….I can’t wait. Seeing God use our kids to touch the lives of others – this time in the Dominican Republic…Wow! Now that’s abundant life!



Name, rank, serial number etc…
Justin Saxton, JP5, wannabe lowrider

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
Initially in middle school sometime, then I wrestled with God through high school, and started to give him more and more control. Why? My life is better when He is in charge. More enjoyable, more fun, more meaningful, and just plain more…

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Lately, rebuilding an old motorcycle(pre-twins therapy), playing with Jake/ Addie in the snow, losing to Melis in any game we play.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I am lucky enough to say its part of my job! (Thanks God.) I think our students will get a better sense of God at work through them and around them, once they are outside their comfortable surroundings.

Heads Up!

Remember, remember the 16th of February! 9AM -1PM Mandatory Training for all students and leaders going. There will be a question and answer session for parents with Tammi on the 15th @ 8PM. Also, watch your mailbox this week for important info about fundraising! Don't forget to email or call me if you have any questions.