STIX 'N STONES

Video Parody - What Is Love?

This was a video parody that some of our students made for the retreat this past weekend.  Check it out!

An Amazing 2Twenty Retreat

This past weekend we hosted a retreat for students in grades 6th - 12th.  It was a fantastic time in every way.  There was: roller blading/skating, indoor soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, competitions and more.  Fun was in the air!  The only thing it didn't include was much sleep (I'm still recovering from that one).

But it wasn't just fun and games.  There were many lives that were changed.  During the day we had small group discussion sessions as well as topical breakouts taught by some of our leaders.  We also held nightly services where students renewed their commitment to Christ, were filled with the Holy Spirit, received healing, and made decisions that will definitely impact their futures.  It was a wonderful sight to see them pursuing Jesus and worshipping with all of their hearts.  There was such a great atmosphere there.  God is moving on this young generation!   

Getting Ready For Winter Retreat

Only 11 more days until our Winter Retreat in Erie, PA (for students in grades 6th through 12th)!  February 29th is coming up quick.  There are more than 125 people going at this point. 

If you're a student, it''s not too late to sign up.  Hurry and get your registration and deposit in THIS WEEK to reserve your spot.  This will be one of the best weekends of your life!

If you're a parent, don't let your teenager miss out on this great opportunity.  It's worth the investment.  This is one of the most spiritually impacting things we do all year long!

Click Here for a copy of the retreat brochure and registration form.   

2Twenty Texting Competition

In our Sr. High 2Twenty service tonight, we had a texting competition.  The winning small group gets FREE admission to Splash Lagoon at Winter Retreat if they register by Wednesday, February 6th.  The first person to accurately text the phrase, "I am going to winter retreat!" during the service is declared the winner.  The first and last name of the person who sent the text must also be included in the text.

The purpose of the this blog is to announce the winner and the winning small group.  So........here it is!  Sarah Krzewinski was the winner, and she represents Ben Davis' small group!  Congratulations!  If you attend Ben's small group, make sure you register for Winter Retreat by February 6th to receive your FREE admission to Splash Lagoon.  Way to go Sarah! 

A New Fundraiser For Winter Retreat

We are hosting our annual Winter Retreat on February 29th - March 2nd in Erie, PA.  This is one of the most anticapted and spiritually impacting events that we do all year long.  Every student needs to be a part of this life-changing weekend!

In order to cover the costs of retreat, we have made a couple of different fundraisers available:

1. Candy Sales - We have been offering this for the past several weeks.  Click Here to see more about that option.
2. Hoagie Sales - This is another option that we just started making available last night.  For each hoagie that is sold (for $5.00), $2.25 goes towards the cost of the retreat.  All orders and money must be turned in no later than Wednesday, February 6th.  Therefore, if you're interested, Click Here for more information and to download your necessary forms (2 of them). 

Our desire is to make it as easy as possible for every student to attend Winter Retreat.  We don't want anyone to miss out!

Candy Fundraising (Made Easier) & Winter Retreat

Our youth ministry is providing fundraising candy for students to sell as an opportunity to offset the cost of Youth Winter Retreat, February 29th - March 2nd.  If students sell just 4 boxes of candy (about 200 candy bars), that will cover all but $8 of their retreat costs! 

We chose to use Jackson Candy Fundraising, a company out of California (they also have a warehouse in Cleveland, OH).  They have been great to work with so far.  They ship straight to your doorstep without charging any extra costs.  We received our first order in just 2 days - pretty impressive!  The profit margins are also very competitive and fair.  If you need a simple fundraising idea, you might want to try them out.   

Gregg created an information sheet for our volunteers who will be managing the candy sales, as well as an instruction/responsibility sheet for parents and students when they "sign out" for their boxes of candy.  (Gregg is the 2Twenty Middle School Pastor who actually does a whole lot more than Middle School!):

• Click Here for the volunteer information sheet for candy sales
• Click Here for the parent & student instruction/responsibility sheet for candy sales

Candy boxes can be picked up by students and/or parents during the following times:

• Wednesday or Friday nights at the 2Twenty Building (go to the snack bar area)
• Sundays between the 9am and 11am services and after the 11am service in the concourse at APC

HAPPY CANDY SALES!

The Boiling Point - Winter Retreat '08

Last night we had a GREAT Winter Retreat Planning meeting with about 15 people.  Most of those in attendance were students involved with 2Twenty (our student ministry).  Our retreat will be February 29th - March 2nd in Erie, PA at Family First Sports Park.  It will be for those in 6th through 12th grades.  To access the retreat brochure or for more information, CLICK HERE.  This is actually one of the best events that we do all year long!  Not only is it FUN, but it's also one of the most spiritually impacting.  I believe that this retreat is something that no student should miss out on!  It has significant life-changing potential.   

One of the most spiritually defining moments in my life happened on a retreat/camp when I was in high school.  I can honestly say that I would not be the person that I am today without having attended that event.  I'm praying for those same kind of spiritually impacting moments to occur at this year's Winter Retreat as well!