I want to share a some praises: The first is a result of the generous giving and support of our church family, including many of you! We finished our collection for the 30 Hour Famine and raises slightly over $2400! That money will be split between 3 organizations: World Vision (Hunger), Hope International (Poverty) and Love 146 (Child Trafficking). Praise God for the opportunity to serve those in need.

Secondly, I want to thank the time and effort of our dance team, led by Sara Habecker. The girls spend a lot of time practicing dance in order to share it as an act of worship. This past Sunday they did just. Their giving back in worship is really what worship is supposed to be: Worship isn't about us...It is about giving praise to the One who deserves our praise to begin with. Thank you girls!

Finally, I want to share a praise from our One Worship Night this past Sunday. This was the third time we've done One Worship and I think certain elements made it the best of the three. There was more connecting between students than ever before as conversation, encouragement, prayer and worship was had around their mission to live out Humility, Love, Grace, Peace and Justice in their schools. I very much appreciated the small group of 12 students from Grace who came out because instead of some of our other "fun" nights, this was a time of worship and mission and to see those who are passionate about that really makes my heart swell with excitement.

THIS WEEK:
  • Sunday Encounter: Sunday 10-11am
  • SNL: Guy/Girl Night, This Sunday, 6:30-8:30pm: We're celebrating the end of our year of guy/girl nights with a fun night you don't want to miss!
  • Graduation information: If you have a high school or college graduate, we're recognizing them on Sunday May 31st. Email me their name, where they're graduating from, their plans for after graduation and any other special info you want included. This Sunday is the deadline to get that information to me!

The Month of May...

  • Sunday Night Live: This week: GUY/GIRL NIGHT
  • Youth Camp Registration: Visit Pocono Plateau's website for more details, including online registering. Youth Camp has been a staple of Grace Youth Group for years and this year will be no different. A $100 scholarship is available per child simply by asking me! Please register and pay for camp, let me know you want the scholarship, and I will send a check in your name via the mail.
  • Creation Festival Sign Up: The largest Christian concert/camping experience in the country, this 5 day event is a MUST-DO at some point in your teen's life! (Not to mention you adults!) The remaining tickets cost $115 and can be purchased up until June 21st. Click here to visit the official Creation website.
  • Breakfast at Water Street: Saturday May 30th we are serving breakfast at Water Street Rescue Mission, serving and connecting with people in our own community in need of food and shelter. We can only take 10 teens so they must sign up. We meet at Grace at 7am and will be back at 10am.
  • Graduation/Confirmation Sunday: Sunday May 31st we recognize our confirmation class of 2009 and all high school, college and other graduates.
  • Encounter Breakfast: Sunday May 31st also marks our last Sunday Encounter for the school year as we break for the summer months. We will be having a more relaxed time of fellowship and food from 10-11am.
  • BBQ Bash: And to wrap up the day of celebrations, we are celebrating the end of the school year just a week early with barbeque and games. Special time is 5:30-8:30pm out in the corner field of the church. *If weather is bad, we will have a normal SNL from 6:30-8:30 and the rain date for the Bash will be June 21st.
The Month of June...
 I'm working on getting summer calendars finalized and out to you all very soon. Still to be put on the calendars is our summer Bible study, special "field trips" and more. Until we get that finished, you can mark some of these dates for the start of June on your calendars:

June 7th = NO SNL
June 14th = The Start of Host Homes (Location still needed!)
June 15th = Man Gym (An open gym and small group time for guys on Mondays)
June 17th = Barnstormer Fundraiser
June 21st = Host Home at the Tremblays: 1023 Flagstone Court, Lancaster, PA
June 24-28th = Creation