A big group of students got together at 3pm on Sunday to take a "Road Trip" to St. Andrews in Burlington. St. Andrews is a church that was started about a year ago. It was started by a group of people who wanted something "new". It is a Christian church but they don't have a church building---so they have been meeting in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist church in Burlington.
You know it's unusual as soon as you walk in. You're encouraged to get something to drink and eat. Once you have that, then you walk to your table. They have about 12 card tables set up with table clothes and candle center pieces. Scattered around the room are floor lamps. It feels like you're walking into a restaurant. Pastor Kevin was at the front of the room sitting on a stool holding a guitar.
The funny thing is, we walked in with 30 people and almost doubled the number of people they had attending. Oh, and of course, we were kind of late. But that seemed okay with them. We sang a few songs and then the service was open to anyone to wanted to share or make song request. We were encouraged to answer a few questions: "How has God brought good news to your life this week?" and "How have you been set free?" or "How has your sight been restored?"
It was a unique service even for them. It was nice and it was... interesting at one point...
Bonus: They fed us all dinner. Spaghetti, Mac and Cheese, Soup, Dessert. It was a great spread of food. Of course, a trip to B-town wouldn't be complete without a trip to Dunkin Donuts!
Sardines and Cramps
First, let's give a big shout out to Adam, Andrew, Isaac and Conor. They stacked wood on Sunday for Darlene Simmons. Good work boys. Isaac, put some ice on that finger.
With the weather holding a bit, students stayed outside for a bit. Since Lucas is still on crutches, we had a crutch race. Some how a wheelchar showed up as well, but it was Travis on crutches that made it look easy. He made the three spins, rounded the corner and withstood a barrage of things being thrown at him. Then there was the odd circle game. It was interesting to see how many girls were avoiding the boys. But it was Anna and Sawyer that needed to be pulled out. Sawyer went all out to clear his name. He dropped to one knee in front of Anna and sang one of the most touching renditions of "You are my sunshine" I've ever heard. Sawyer...you're the man!
From there, it was all "baby preacher" I can't say anything else about that. Although that did set up my talk on the Bible. I truly believe the bible is our handbook for life. No, maybe not cramps, but certainly about hope, love, loss, family, loneliness, choices, eternal life, etc... I do hope you'll see the benefit of learning about God in His word. Be ready for 1-minute Say So.
What would the evening be without Sardines? And on top of that...Jen made cupcakes for everyone to celebrate September birthdays. Thanks Jen!
With the weather holding a bit, students stayed outside for a bit. Since Lucas is still on crutches, we had a crutch race. Some how a wheelchar showed up as well, but it was Travis on crutches that made it look easy. He made the three spins, rounded the corner and withstood a barrage of things being thrown at him. Then there was the odd circle game. It was interesting to see how many girls were avoiding the boys. But it was Anna and Sawyer that needed to be pulled out. Sawyer went all out to clear his name. He dropped to one knee in front of Anna and sang one of the most touching renditions of "You are my sunshine" I've ever heard. Sawyer...you're the man!
From there, it was all "baby preacher" I can't say anything else about that. Although that did set up my talk on the Bible. I truly believe the bible is our handbook for life. No, maybe not cramps, but certainly about hope, love, loss, family, loneliness, choices, eternal life, etc... I do hope you'll see the benefit of learning about God in His word. Be ready for 1-minute Say So.
What would the evening be without Sardines? And on top of that...Jen made cupcakes for everyone to celebrate September birthdays. Thanks Jen!
Crazy Mad Wood stacking
The second night of USM wasn't a tradional one for sure. Between Conor dressed in drag on a date with Ben, and Sawyer doing his best to sell us toilet paper; the evening was interesting to say the least. We welcomed a few more newbies (what a night to start coming). I talked with everyone about the things in life that we don't have much say in. Between parents, teachers, employers and others...much of our life is decided for us. However, in the area of faith, it's personal. You can't force someone to have faith...it's their choice. It's your choice. Okay, after all that...we loaded 31 people in 6 cars and drove to the Hindmarsh's and stacked 3 cords of wood in 35 minutes. Not to shabby!
Move up
We welcomed the newest group of students to USM on Sunday. The 7th graders were welcomed with couple of funny skits by performed by Dave and Paul Wood and the Drama Team. And nothing says "your part of USM" like drinking Ginger Ale, lighting a candle and making a game out of it. We all sat on the floor to illustrate that, regardless of age or class, we are all on the same level when it comes to God. That's our starting point! We ended the evening with a classic game of Jacoby Can-Can.
September News
Did you know that the average rainfall for June and July for our area is 7 inches of rain? Did you know that we saw over 12 inches of rain those two months this summer?
It's no wonder why everyone is saying "I can't believe summer is over!"
Well, whether you believe it or not...you are back to school. It's out of your control. As much as we might have wanted to reach up and stop the rain drops from falling...it was out of our control.
USM is every Sunday night. We talk about things that are hard to believe.
We talk about things that are out of our control. Every Sunday night we talk about stuff that you or someone you know, need to talk about.
Of course, it's always a fun night, lots of laughing and it's the perfect way to get ready for MONDAY MORNING.
I also want to make sure each of you are at Sunday School. Middle school, Mr. Estey and Mr. Luke are back! We welcome all the 7th graders.
High School will be at the Brown's every Sunday morning at 11:15am for LIFE TOGETHER. Jen and I are very excited about this class, we hope you are too!
SEPT 28. "ROAD TRIP" 2:30pm - 6:30pm
St. Andrews Church in Burlington
It's no wonder why everyone is saying "I can't believe summer is over!"
Well, whether you believe it or not...you are back to school. It's out of your control. As much as we might have wanted to reach up and stop the rain drops from falling...it was out of our control.
USM is every Sunday night. We talk about things that are hard to believe.
We talk about things that are out of our control. Every Sunday night we talk about stuff that you or someone you know, need to talk about.
Of course, it's always a fun night, lots of laughing and it's the perfect way to get ready for MONDAY MORNING.
I also want to make sure each of you are at Sunday School. Middle school, Mr. Estey and Mr. Luke are back! We welcome all the 7th graders.
High School will be at the Brown's every Sunday morning at 11:15am for LIFE TOGETHER. Jen and I are very excited about this class, we hope you are too!
SEPT 28. "ROAD TRIP" 2:30pm - 6:30pm
St. Andrews Church in Burlington
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