BY THE WAY...

Banquet starts at 7 and ends at 10:30 :)

Christmas Banquet FOOD LIST! MMMM!

HEY FAMILIES!

Merry Christmas!

I am PUMPED for this Friday's banquet! We are going to have so much fun. By the way, thanks to all who have volunteered to help! We could still benefit from a few hands, so if any parents are available, please contact me!

Here is your food list for the pot luck element of the dinner (turkey, potatoes, gravy and stuffing are provided). Please try to make a dish that could feed 6-8 people. For the sake of allergies, it would be GREAT if you could provide a note stating if any major allergens (eggs, milk, nuts, seafood, sesame, soy, and wheat) are part of the ingredients (sometimes it's obvious, but we don't want to take any chances)

Dessert, Veggies, Salad etc are fairly self explanatory. By 'Main Course', I mean things like casseroles, spaghetti, meatballs, mac n' cheese, Spam etc etc.

Guest List Food Info

Alexis Seward Main Course

Allie Pierik  Main Course

Alyssa         Main Course   via Ariane

Amanda Willis Main Course

Annika Friesen Main Course

Ariane Long   Main Course

Austin Greening

Ben Seward

Catriana Sembalyiuk Main Course

Daelyn Jones Main Course

Dan (Fernando’s friend) Main Course    via fernando

Daniel Wason

Destiny Davis Main Course

Erin Stach Main Course via Mike 

Fernando Plaja Main Course

Grace Mclaren Salad 

Haley Jones

Hannah Reed

James Tolsma Salad

Jennifer Lavzon Salad

Jon (Fernando’s friend) Salad

Katie Lyon Salad

Kendall Greening Salad

Kiersten Orlowski Main Course

Kimberly Mossey Dessert via Victoria M

Krystal D’sa Main Course

Leslie Cotter Potato Dish

Mack Huff Dessert

Marissa Simpson Salad

Mat Smith Veggies

Mike King Veggies

Monica Veggies

Nathan Miller Veggies

Noah Guengerich Dessert

Noah Reed Dessert

Nolan Munro Dessert

Rachel Smith Dessert

Rebekah Bolinder Main Course

Richelle Moriarty Dessert

Robyn Bolink Dessert

Sarah Ready Dessert

Selah Skinner Dessert

Steve Dessert via annika

Tristan Enns Dessert

Tyler Schindel

Victoria McFayden Veggies

Victoria Smith

Yekakey Wason Veggies

Zack Schindel Dessert

Zoey Westle Veggies

Ben Schnetzler   Salad

Questions? email rob@colwoodchurch.com or call 250 478 7113

Don't forget to bring a $10 wrapped gift and to dress up!

Christmas Banquet details

More details are emerging, but in the meantime, you should know:

- The Banquet is Friday, Dec 17th from 7pm to 10:30pm
- All Students must SIGN UP to attend the banquet! (hand in a registration form, email, or facebook me) by Friday, Dec 10
- It is a formal event to the best of our ability!
- Students will need to bring a $10 gift for our annual MEGAgift exchange
- We are providing Turkey and Potatoes, but the remainder of the meal will be potluck. I will be contacting everybody to let them know what they are bringing once the registration period is past.


The Banquet will be a BLAST!
In addition to a great meal, we'll be having our annual gift exchange, gingerbread house contest and eggnog chugging race.

I'm looking forward to it!!

P. Rob

Glow Gen - Parent help needed!!

Hey Parents!
Can you BELIEVE it? 2 updates in one month!!

I need your help!

We have 2 great December events coming up that rely on parental involvement, they are:

Dec. 14 (tuesday) - THE CORE heads downtown for an inner-city outreach to homeless people. Will include handing out blankets, cheeseburgers, warm drinks etc to the homeless. We need parents to a) keep us safe and b) provide transportation.

Dec 17 (friday) - GLOW GEN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BANQUET. A mere 3 days later, we have one of our FAVORITE events of the year. The banquet is a BLAST. Parents are a huge part of what makes the banquet swell, we need volunteers to:
- make food
- serve food
- clean the kitchen
- direct the kitchen
- youth leaders will, of course, be there to help, but our key priority will be entertaining the students and building relationships with them. That's why behind the scenes help from parents is so critical to this night!

If you can help with either of these vunderful events, please email me or call me!
rob@colwoodchurch.com
250 478 7113


BLESS YOUR HEARTS! ... And warm your extremities in these frigid temperatures!!

Rob

GREETINGS!

Hello parentals!!

I LOVE you guys!
I'm daily thankful for such an encouraging parent group.

We have been having a blast at Glow since September, and are continuing to do so!! My heart really is to produce long term fruit, long term disciples in your kids. It's been great building relationship with them, getting to know many of them and seeing them grow over the last year. I look forward to more years seeing them grow through high school and graduate closer to Jesus than EVER.

November is a pretty quiet month.
The Core is next Tuesday, the 23rd at 7pm in the church.

December has:
The Core on Dec 14th at 7pm (will be offsite, but currently TBA)
Our Annual Christmas Banquet, Friday, Dec 17th! Details to come in December.

Bless you ALL!
Rob

Hallowed-Be Youth Party! Oct 29

G'day parentals!

Some details regarding our Oct 29th "Hallowed-Be"party...

Starts at 7:00
Ends at 10:00
Cost: $10 for Glow students, $5 for non-church friends.

Costumes are totally encouraged and part of the fun! (no demons, witches, or otherwise evil looking things). There will be costume contests, character contests and combination (team costumes) contests.

As well, we'll be having super fun inflatables in the gym and one of the parts I'm most looking forward to:
FEAR FACTOR!

Fear Factor is going to be a VERY entertaining game where  4 students will become contestants on our own live reality show in which they will be required to do especially gross and entertaining things within a time limit. I can't give away the details, but I will say that it will include nasty food and creepy crawlies.

As well, we'll be playing some other group games and the Glow Lounge will be open as usual.

Fall Teen Retreat

Hey everybody!

Just wanted to give a heads up regarding Fall Teen Retreat:
The current finalized dates are Nov 5, 6, 7 (Fri-Sun). The cost currently stands at $85 but may increase by $5 or so to cover group insurance for the weekend.

I don't have definitive arrival and departure times, but generally at Nanoose Bay the idea is to show up around dinner on Friday and leave around lunch on Sunday.

This is going to be a great weekend! Some of our local youth pastors (including myself) will be speaking over the weekend, and the City Youth Band from Glad Tidings will be leading worship. Fall Teen Retreat is classically an AWESOME weekend. Students love the relaxed feel and there is tons of time to just retreat and hang out with friends, as well as great times of worship together.

I highly recommend you register your students!

I'll have registration/permission forms available Friday night at Glow.

BLESS Y'ALL!

HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND!

Hey parents! Here is an Itinerary and other pertinent info relating to our upcoming Holy Spirit Weekend.
Please pray for our speaker, band and students - that we would truly have an encounter with God that would change our lives!

Friday PM/Saturday AM, Sept 24, 25

Cost: $10 at the doors (Friday night)

Speaker: Ben Johnson

Band: Glow Generation Worship Band

Itinerary

Friday

7:00 - Pre-service prayer in sanctuary

7:30 - Worship service

10:00 - Anticipated finish time.

GO HOME!

Saturday

10:30 - Preprayer in Sanctuary

11:00 - Worship service

1:00 - Pizza Lunch in the gym

2:00 - Meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park for Hit the Streets (Parents encouraged to participate).

3:15 - Return to Veteran’s Memorial Park to debrief and pray

3:30 - Get picked up at Veteran’s Memorial Park

About 'Hit The Streets'...

• Students will be meeting at Veteran’s Memorial Park (Goldstream/Veteran’s) and sent out in teams to pray for anybody they come across in downtown Langford.
• Students and their Parents must make their own arrangements for transportation to and from Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Parental Participation is greatly encouraged and would be appreciated in order for this event to be effective.

In other news... our Parent Meeting has been scheduled for TUESDAY, SEPT 28 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BLESSINGS!

Rob

September is here! In a couple days

Hey!

After one school season and one summer of experience, I am feeling pretty PUMPED for September! Definitely learned a lot in my first 3/4 year!!

Some notes for you:

1. Sept Kickoff is FRIDAY, the 10th!

2. The Core is a monthly meeting geared towards our core group of students (those who call Colwood their home church, and Glow their home youth group). It's purpose is to empower our students to become leaders and give them a chance to provide feedback and let their voices be heard. It'll also be a great time of worship and encouragement! First one is Wed, Sept 1st. NEXT WEEK.


3. We are hoping to establish Outlets on high school campuses this season (lunch hours) as opposed to evening home groups. FYI. I'm considering some alternate plans for our home schoolers.

4. September 24, 25 is our Glow Holy Spirit Weekend. It takes place Friday night as usual, but will be followed up with a Saturday morning session. The event will probably have a very small cost to help cover the costs for our guests ministers. Registration and details will be announced at our Sept. Kickoff!

5. I'm hoping for a parent meeting at the end of September. The evening of Wed, the 29th is our current tentative date.




I AM SO EXCITED for this season of youth ministry at Colwood Church! I'm anticipating great things and so thrilled to be in a position of health so that we can grow like crazy!!

BLESSINGS!!

Rob

SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER!

Hey folks!!

Well, summer is nearly over and this is the first I've updated the blog to fill you in on updates. My bad!! What I anticipated to be a summer packed with fun events, has actually been pretty slow as students are spread out on family vacations, camps etc. Due to low interest, a lot of our events are being cancelled. We'll live and learn for next summer.

Just to fill you in...
REGARDING SUMMER HEAT:
As you may have heard, one of our summer interns was unable to complete his internship with us this summer. One of his primary duties was to oversee our annual Summer Heat events. With me now overseeing Summer Heat, I had to make some tweaks and thus our actual events may be different than what you picked up in your Summer Heat brochure. I apologize for any confusion or miscommunication.


Here is how SH has turned out so far. We've got one event left and I'm hoping we'll get some interest.
July 29 - Ultimate Frisbee - CANCELLED due to lack of interest.
Aug 12 - Paintball - CANCELLED due to lack of interest. (registration was due by Aug 3)
Aug 26 - Witty's Beach - Please let me know if you're interested in coming.


GLOW
Our weekly Glow services have been maintaining. Remember, they are on Wednesday nights for the summer. Our last Glow is August 25th before we take a two week break. Our September kickoff will be Friday, Sept 10 (back to Fridays for the school year).

ALSO NOTE:
Sept 24th, 25th is our Holy Spirit Encounter weekend. Ben Johnson (Next Gen Ministries Director for BC/Yukon PAOC district) will be joining us for Friday night and Saturday morning sessions where our students will be receiving teaching about the Holy Spirit. We are praying for some powerful experiences. This is a FREE event, but there will be registrations.

Oct 22, 23, 24 is Fall Teen Retreat at Nanoose Bay Camp. This is an AMAZING weekend and I am looking forward to it! Keep your ears open for details and costs.

Youth Rally and things to note!

Hey parents!

The details surrounding the upcoming PAOC Island-wide youth rally are as such:

Friday, June 25th
The bus is leaving the church at 5:00pm
There are only 35 spots available, and students need to sign up with Phil or Candace (phil@colwoodchurch.com, candace@colwoodchurch.com). They are filling up very quickly!
Everybody should bring $5 to cover the cost of gas, and the bus.
The Rally starts at 7:00,  and is at Evangelistic Tabernacle in Nanaimo. I would expect it to be over by 9:30, bringing us back to the church by approximately 11:00.


On another note...
FYI Our Glow worship meetings are going to be held on Wednesdays for the summer. Our first Wednesday night meeting will be June 30th. In September, the current plan is to switch back to Fridays.

Our Outlets are shutting down for the summer as well. They will be finishing up during the last week of June. During the summer we are planning to maintain a weekly guy's bible study night, and a weekly girl's night. Phil and Candace will be leading these! They will most likely be Thursday nights.

Lastly, we've made a slight change to our Glow evenings.
The doors USED To open at 6:30. Then I switched it to 7.
Now, I'm switching it AGAIN, back to 6:30. Some feedback we've got from students indicates that they miss having more time to hang out, so I want to make sure that they're getting lots of time for that!

Any questions? Feel free to call me or email me!!
MANY BLESSINGS! You guys are the REAL pastors! Discipleship happens in the home.

- Rob
rob@colwoodchurch.com

Recent News

Hey everybody!

Please see below the last 4 blog entries. All are related to our last Parent's meeting regarding:

- Historymaker dress code
- Historymaker info/details
- Important upcoming dates
- Summer schedule (possible change of weekly gathering)

Please read it all, and give any feedback to rob@colwoodchurch.com

MANY BLESSINGS!

Rob

HistoryMaker DRESS CODE POLICY

Written by some of our Girl Leaders...

Glow Generation Dress Code Policy

As a group pursuing purity and Godliness, we have a few boundaries set up which we feel are necessary. The boundary in regards to dress code is that we would treat one another as brothers and sisters. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 says this: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.” The second verse that addresses dress code is found in 2 Timothy 2:9-10: “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” This isn’t saying, don’t braid your hair or wear sackcloth. But what it does say is dress in moderation, and be appropriate. Look at yourself and say, “would this be appropriate to wear in front of my dad and my brother?” Most girls that attend Glow are familiar with the church and the expectations it has in regards to dress. These boundaries are not set up to make someone feel as though they are inappropriate, but instead these boundaries are set in love. In “Dating Delilah” Pastor Judah Smith says this: “Boundaries actually bring security. Boundaries create freedom. Boundaries provide direction. Boundaries allow you to explore and establish your identity. Boundaries generate purpose.” (Proverbs 22:28)

Just in case...Here are some specifications:

Clothing should not reveal any undergarments. 

Tops should not be low cut or show cleavage.

Spaghetti straps tops are not appropriate, and if a tank top is worn bra straps should not be seen.

Bare midriffs are not acceptable. All shirts or tops of any style should touch the top of the pants or skirt when the person's arms are above their head, without the person having to tug them down. (Praise test)

Shorts, skirts, skorts and dresses must be of appropriate length. A general guideline would be no shorter than mid-thigh.

Beachwear is to be confined to pool-related activities.

String bikinis and skimpy two-piece bathing suits are not appropriate for Historymaker. If you do not own anything other than this please bring a dark coloured tank top which ensures that nothing inappropriate be revealed.

Room leaders have the right to decide whether or not appearance of clothing is acceptable and can request that the student return to their room to change to appropriate clothing. 

HISTORYMAKER! All important parent info... please read!

INFO: 

Accomodations - Trinity Western University dorms (Douglas Hall)

Transportation - Wilson’s Transportation provided School Bus and Driver

Leave Friday, May 21, from the church. Meet at 11am, depart at 11:30am

Return Sunday, May 23, pick up at the church, approximately 9-9:30pm (depending on which ferry we are able to catch)

Bring pillows and sleeping bags - but please pack light (ladies) as there is no luggage bay on the bus. Luggage will be going on laps and under seats.

Don’t forget: toiletries (ESPECIALLY DEODORANT, BOYS), toothbrush, bibles, notebooks, teddies, money for food (3 lunches, 3 dinners), snacks. Also bring your own shower stuff, including towels (this is not a hotel, so soap etc is not provided). The girls will have access to two bathrooms with 4 shower stalls, the guys have 1 bathroom with 2 shower stalls.

DO NOT BRING: laser pointers, anything dangerous or distracting, anything illegal, inappropriate reading material or digital materials (be aware of what your child has loaded on their iPods/iPhones/PSP’s etc)

GUIDELINES/RULES:

As laid out in the brochure:

1. No prohibited substances
2. Stay with a group at all times
3. Make sure your room leader knows where you are at all times
4. Respect the property of TWU
5. Respect your leaders
6. Pastor Rob needs to know about any medications/health concerns etc
7. BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!

In the unfortunate and unlikely event that a student would behave so poorly as to negatively effect the experience for other students, they will be SENT HOME (you would have to pick them up). This event is meant to be a BLAST, little tolerance will be shown for students who are ruining it for everybody else due to their poor behaviour.

Our accommodations are slightly different this year, than in year’s past...

• Students will be sleeping 2 to a room, each with their own bed (as opposed to 4 in a room sharing beds).
• Leaders will be overseeing 2 rooms each (4 students). In most cases, leaders will not be sleeping in the same rooms as students (there will be no adults in rooms with minors)
• Therefore, please have a conversation with your students about their behaviour when they are in their rooms alone (noise level, respect of property, hyperactivity, coarse joking etc).

MODESTY:

Especially for the ladies, as the weather is warming up, we’ve already been noticing an increase in the amount of visible skin. 

See attached guideline, written by some of our girl leaders.

June 4th, June 25th, IMPORTANT DATES!

June 4th - We are inviting a local (BC) worship/rock band (Hathaway) to come and lead us in worship for the evening! Another local band (Mayflower - which also happens to be MY band) will be opening for them! It should be a great evening of worship.

We're asking that everybody bring a twoonie ($2) to get in, as we want to be able to bless Hathaway and their ministry.

Also, expect the evening to start earlier and end later (Most likely 7-11)

June 25th - We will be joining with all the other PAOC youth groups on the Island for a Youth Rally at Evangelistic Tabernacle (Nanaimo). It will be an AMAZING time, with great worship and preaching. When I was a student, I LOVED coming together with all the other youth groups and realizing that we are a part of something BIGGER.

I am not sure how we're going to arrange transportation. Ideas? rob@colwoodchurch.com

Weekly Glow Generation youth meetings, change of day?

Hey all!


Here is a test to see if ANYBODY is reading this.


I have been considering switching the evening of our weekly Glow youth meetings to a mid-week day, for the summer. Of course, I'd love to have your opinion and input first.


I know many of you are used to having it on Friday nights, as we have always done, and so the thought of changing it might feel threatening. Here are the reasons:


1. Summer attendance always drops due to students and leaders going on summer vacations, camps, retreats etc. Since many of these vacations take place on the weekends, have Glow on a mid-week night would increase summer attendance.


2. It gives my leaders the option of being able to take weekends off over the summer.


3. It allows your kids to not miss out on Glow Gen when your family goes camping for the weekend (etc)


If it 'sticks', we may possibly keep it that way.


What are your thoughts on this? email me, rob@colwoodchurch.com!

REMINDERS AND UPDATES!

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to say a couple of things:
History Maker registration DEADLINE is May 14th.


This coming Sunday is our last official fundraiser (lunch after church). Make sure your students sign up as there is limited space. There is a possibility that we may reschedule another Car Wash if we can find time for it.


I have really been praying for more youth leaders. I know several of you parents have offered to help, but I am trying to keep our key youth leaders in the 'under 30' category as we like to keep it young. If you have recommendations on young adults who would make good leaders, please email me!


I know this youth group business can be expensive, but I want to remind you that in addition to History Maker, Teen Camp is coming up quickly! Believe it or not, summer will be here in no time. You are not under any pressure to register and pay soon, but I thought you would like to know that if you register before April 30th, you will be able to register without HST. After April 30th it will be a lot more expensive!


Lastly, our OUTLETS (small groups) have been picking up momentum! We are having a blast in small groups. Encourage your students to come out, it's a great time. Every small group includes prayer, bible study and group discussion for a period of time, but we also have a lot of plain old fun. Contact me if you want to connect your student to an Outlet.
There is a group for:
budding musicians
gr. 7 girls
gr. 7 and 8 boys
gr. 9 and 10 co-ed
In addition, we're hoping to launch another girls group (gr. 8 and 9) within the next couple of weeks.


I hope you enjoyed my use of multiple colors. It may appear girly, but I was hoping it would make it easier to distinguish between thoughts!


BLESS YOU! 

APRIL-MAY

hello!

there is a LOT of stuff going on for the next two months (what's new!?).

register for HistoryMaker as soon as possible! There are very limited tickets left at the $78 dollar price. After they're gone, the price jumps to $110 (plus there is the additional $130 to be paid for the trip cost). Register quickly! The deadline to register is May 9th.

Did you gasp when you saw that the trip cost was an additional $130? Here are some fundraising dates which your son/daughter can participate to offset the cost!
Sunday, April 18th (Lunch)
Saturday, April 24th (Car Wash)
Sunday, May 2nd (Lunch)

The actual HistoryMaker event is Friday, May 21 until Sunday, May 23. We'll be leaving Friday morning and arrive late Sunday evening. An itinerary is found in the registration brochure (a more detailed one will be available closer to the date)

We are staying in a dorm hall at Trinity Western University.

An outreach event, and a FUN event are currently being planned, stay tuned for more info.


God has been doing fantastic things at Glow Generation! Many students (some who are not even Christians) have been tasting and seeing that the Lord is GOOD! (Psalm 34). A number of students have accepted Christ or rededicated their lives. Youth Ministry at Colwood is picking up momentum!!

Be blessed!!!
Rob

the next couple of weeks...

hello parents and guardians!

here is a lowdown on what is shaping up for the next few weeks!

this Friday (March 26) - GLOW youth worship service
this Saturday (March 27) - MANAFEST concert. $5 at the door. Opens at 7:30.
this Sunday (March 28) - BBQ Youth Fundraiser (for HistoryMaker) after church.

NEXT Friday (April 2) - NO GLOW service (Easter)
the FOLLOWING Friday (April 9) - GLOW will be @ Saanich Baptist Church for the Gear Up Conference (5:30 - 9:30)
Saturday (April 10) - Day 2 of Gear Up Conference, @ Saanich Baptist (12:30-9:30)



PHEW!!! that was a lot!

Don't forget to hand in your teen's History Maker registration ASAP to get the best price. Registration forms can be picked up at the office.


THANKS!

Rob

Latest news!

Hello parents!!

I can't believe how quickly time flies!
Here is an update on the latest news!

Outlets (small groups) are up and running -- talk to me for more info

HistoryMaker registrations are OUT - you can pick one up here at the church. All applicable info is included in the brochure/registration, including info on fundraisers!
Not sure what HistoryMaker is?? Check out www.historymaker.ca

This month, March 27th (Saturday) we are having a Christian rapper (Manafest) come for a performance at our church! The cost will be $5 at the door. Encourage your students to come, and this would be a GREAT night to INVITE friends!!! www.manafest.net

Thursday after-school drop in sports is CANCELLED due to lack of interest!


I hope you are all keeping well!!!
Rob

Feb - March News!

Hello Parents!

I want to update you on some of our current events!

THURSDAYS, after school, from 3 - 4:30 we opening the gym for DROP IN SPORTS!

Also, OUTLETS (small groups) are starting over the next couple of weeks:
Grade 7 girls are Thursday nights
Grade 9 and 10 Co-Ed are also Thursday nights.
Youth who are involved with Worship Bands are going to be having an Outlet (TBA)
Everybody else can meet with me here at the church, alternating Wednesday nights, starting March 3.

Outlets are meant to be a more personal method of discipleship than our Friday night services. We'll be praying together, talking about relevant issues, hanging out, eating food and growing closer to Jesus.

I believe that small groups are an integral supplement to spiritual growth and I hope your students are able to come out to them regularly! As our leadership team grows, we'll hopefully be able to launch new groups (junior high boys, senior highs etc).

HISTORYMAKER is coming! The dates are May 21-23 (Fri-Sun). The event is held at the Langley Events Centre. We will be staying at Trinity Western University. Please encourage your students to start saving their hard earned dollars. There are also some fundraisers coming up. More info will be available soon!


Please continue to pray for the youth of our church and of our city! Pray for:
- Me and Chelsea
- A strong, excited, leadership team
- That God would move among our students
- That we would follow the vision he is laying out for us - no distractions!

I appreciate you! You are the wise ones - compared to you, I know nothing!!

Rob