Glow Generation PARENTS!

Church Website

2011-08-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

In case you're curious re: the lack of blog updates - we've been utilizing a much more effect tool - the new website. From the youth section you can download various brochures, registration forms, information pamphlets and calendars.

In addition, the website features a 'mailing list' option which we may begin using for our parent communication.

If you have any questions, you can always email or call me!

rob@colwoodchurch.com
2504787113

UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS

Sept 16-18 Youth Retreat (see website)
Sept 20 - Parent Meeting
Sept 23 - Fall Kickoff Youth Service

Glow Youth is now for students Grade 8-12. Our Grade 7's are encouraged to join 58 Fridays.

Bless YA!

The Source - Discipleship

2011-06-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hey parents!

To give you a heads up, here is a brief overview of what's happening this summer.

Summer Heat - Wednesdays. You can download the brochure from www.colwoodchurch.com
The Source - Discipleship process. All Info is available on www.colwoodchurch.com
Glow - Various events/Dates throughout the summer. You can download the calendar at www.colwoodchurch.com

As you can see a theme is emerging... The info is available on the website! ;)

I'm especially excited to launch The Source, and would appreciate if you would take a gander at the PDF file on the website.
Come September, we'll be consistently running The Source (weekly), Glow (weekly) and The Core (quarterly). Major emphasis on discipleship.

In addition, we're having our own fall retreat at Cowichan River Bible Camp in September. I'd really appreciate some parent volunteer help - particularly in the food prep category. Let me know if you can help! (again, dates and info are on the summer brochure PDF)

Rob

Details for the SUMMER!

2011-06-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Summer is finally here? Or maybe you can't believe that it's here ALREADY?? Time flies. Either way, we are revving up for what just may be the best summer we've had in eons.

Please head over to Colwood Church's new (and much more useful) website at www.colwoodchurch.com. Click 'ministries' then click on 'youth'. There you will find links to a PDF document that contains dates for all our Summer events as well as an outline of this year's Summer Heat activities.

Help yourself!!
Have an amazing summer!

Rob

HM 2011 Itinerary

2011-05-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

HELLO AGAIN! Here is the copy and pasted itinerary for HistoryMaker.
Notes:
Parent Meeting (if you're kids are going to HM) is Wed, May 18th, 7pm in the Sanctuary
Want to know how much you owe? Call me at the church or email or facebook etc.

...

HistoryMaker 2011 Itinerary

Times are approximations

Friday, May 20

10:30am - Meet at the Church, Board Bus

11:00am - Depart to make 1:00pm Ferry (reservation)

4:00pm - Arrive at Hotel, Check - In

4:30pm - Head to Entertainment Centre for registration

5:00pm - Dinner break (if you were planning to shop, this is probably the best time)

7:00pm - Depart for Entertainment Centre

7:30pm - Main Session

11:00pm - Meet at bus, return to Hotel

Saturday, May 21

8:00am - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

9:00am - Depart for Entertainment Centre

9:30am - Main Session #2

12:00pm - Meet at bus, depart for short lunch break

1:10pm - Depart for Entertainment Centre

1:30pm Outdoor Concerts and #1 Breakout Sessions @Central Heights Church

3:00pm - Outdoor Concerts and #2 Breakout Sessions @Central Heights Church

4:30pm - Meet at bus, Depart for dinner

6:10pm - Depart for Entertainment Centre

6:30pm - Main Session #3

10:30pm - Meet at bus, return to Hotel

Sunday, May 22

8:00am - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

Pack your bags, we’re Checking Out!

9:00am - Depart for Entertainment Centre

9:30am - Main Session #4

12:00pm - Meet at bus, Depart for short lunch break

1:10pm - Depart for Entertainment Centre

1:30pm - Outdoor Concerts and Breakout #3

3:30pm - Main Session #5

5:30pm - HM Ends, Head for Bus

9:00pm - Catch 9:00pm ferry

11:00pm - Arrive at Church for pickup (please remember to be quiet for the sake of the church’s neighbors)

Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
33800 King Road
Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 8H8
Canada
Comfort Inn
2073 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC V2T 2X1

HistoryMaker MONIES

2011-05-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks!

If you would like to know how much you have fundraised, and how much you still owe for HistoryMaker, please call me at the church, email me (rob@colwoodchurch.com), or send me a facebook message!

Thanks! It's simpler for you to call me than for me to call each of you!

PS - I will have an itinerary prepared within the next few days

Rob

A look at upcoming SHTUFF!

2011-05-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

Thought you'd be interested in having an update regarding some of our upcoming stuff!

This Saturday, May 7, 9-2 - CARWASH Fundraiser for HistoryMaker
Next Saturday, May 14 - Food prep, TBA
Next Sunday, May 15, 10:30 - 2:30 Lunch Fundraiser, after church

Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00pm in the Church Sanctuary - A Meeting for parents of youth going to HistoryMaker

Friday, May 20th - Sunday, May 22 - HistoryMaker. Details and Itineraries will be available very soon.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me or call me!
rob@colwoodchurch.com
250 478 7113

Bless ya TONS!!

Rob

Laser Tag, Car Wash

2011-04-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

FYI:

Grade 8's and 9's who have already signed up can meet at the church at 6:00 Thursday for LASER tag! We're taking a 15 passenger van. bring $14. We'll be back at 8:45.

Next week the Gr's 10-12 are going, and there are still spaces left!

ALSO, This Saturday we are having a HM fundraiser CARWASH. Be at the church at 9. Approximate finish is 2:30. Weather permitting.

THANKS!!

Rob

More Recent News

2011-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

HistoryMaker Fundraisers:

THIS WEEKEND:
Saturday from 10am-Noon at the Church, we are preparing FOOD.
Sunday from 10:30am - 2:30ish, we are serving the lunch!
Sign up pronto!

LASER TAG:
Jr. Highs (gr. 8 and 9) April 14th, $14 @ Laser City -- Rides and meeting time TBA
Sr. Highs (gr. 10-12) April 21st, $14 @ Laser City --- Rides and meeting time TBA

If you have a copy of the Glow brochure, you may notice that we have a PURITY series scheduled for May. We are going to postpone it until JUNE, when I have more female leaders available to teach the girls' portion.

BLESS YOU!!!!

Upcoming Dates and Cancellations

2011-03-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

I was just reminded that an update re: Spring Break would be a good idea! Here is the plan over the next few weeks.

March 18 - Glow
March 25 - NO GLOW (Leaders away at a training conference)

April 1 - Glow
April 8 - Glow
April 15 - Glow
April 22 - Golden Glowbs (our home-made movie marathon)
April 29 - Glow//Outlets night

We also have HistoryMaker Fundraisers on these dates:
Sunday, March 20 - SoupOff at CPC
Sunday, April 17 - Lunch at CPC (this date may change)
Saturday, April 16 - Carwash at CPC

Thanks!
Rob

HistoryMaker Fundraisers and updates!

2011-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!
Just wanted to let you know that on March 20th, we're having a fundraiser for the students who are attending HistoryMaker. We're planning to do a big 'soup competition' and encouraging individuals in the church to make a massive pot of soup and enter it for prizes.

This will also double as a lunch, and we're charging entry by donation. I think it will be fun! We'll do taste tests (costco-style) and have a vote for the 'People's Choice' and 'Pastor's Choice' awards. And in addition to the taste tests, everybody will be able to have a full bowl of soup, a bun and a drink.

Just wanted to give you the heads up in case your kids want to be involved, it's a great way to cut some of the HM costs. The profits will be split between all the students who volunteer. We'll have sign up sheets at Glow over the next 2 weeks. Also, if you guys want to help out in any way, we would love to have you!!

We also have Car Washes scheduled for April 17th, and May 7th.

Our other scheduled lunches are somewhat 'up in the air' unless any of you are interested in taking charge of the kitchen with some other parents and throwing together a lunch with the students helping. Let me know if you can help!

Bless ya!
Rob Penny

Youth Pastor

Colwood Church

ph: 250 478 7113 fax: 250 478 3107

rob@colwoodchurch.com

RE: How Can I Help My Kids Stay Pure? from Sunday morning

2011-03-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents!
As part of our Love, Sex and Fire series, this past Sunday somebody asked the question, "How can I help my kids to stay pure?"

Plumbing the depths of my great wisdom and child-rearing experience (just kidding), I'd love to add to what Pastor Al said with a few thoughts of my own.

First:
- DADS need to set the tone and be the spiritual head of the house; the leader and defender of the family. Don't shy away from talking to your kids. It's the greatest disservice you could do them.
- Don't expect the church to make your kids pure, that's up to you and Jesus.

Communicate.
One of the most important things you can do is explain why. For most kids, being 'not allowed' is not a strong enough reason to withstand temptation and peer pressure. I grew up believing that there were countless things that I was "not allowed to do because I was a Christian". It is SO MUCH more than being not allowed!! For the most part I was a pretty decent kid, but it would have been much better for me to stay pure out of strong convictions, than out of guilt.

When other students ask your child "Why won't you have sex?" their answer should not be "I'm not allowed, because I'm a Christian."

Some students have been conditioned to respond, "I'm saving myself for marriage", which is a great start, but if you ask them "WHY?" ... They won't know what to say.

An interesting paradox relating to teenagers and sex is that they are mature enough, yet not mature enough. In other words, as individuals they are not emotionally or mentally mature enough for marriage etc. Yet, physically, their bodies are more than ready and their hormones are at their peak. Telling them they have to wait is like telling a middle aged man he has to wait until he is 85 before he can drive his new Corvette. Fat chance he is going to wait without a good reason to.

In order for your kids to STAY PURE, they have to choose it for themselves, not have it imposed onto them in the form of rules. It needs to become a conviction of their own. In order for them to choose it for themselves, they need to understand WHY it's so important. And they need you, their parents (especially their dads), to explain it to them.

Once you've established this, then you can start imposing some practical guidelines together:

Practical:

- No internet access in their bedrooms.

- No use of the internet-enabled family computer after everybody else has gone to bed.

- It is a good idea to follow these same guidelines for TV

- Remember - iPhones, iPods, Blackberry's etc can also access the internet through either WiFi or 3G networks. If you're going to allow your kids to have these types of devices, it would be a good idea to have an honest discussion with them about their dangers and temptations. Set up some guidelines and do regular checks (especially if you have boys :P ).

- X3Watch and Covenant Eyes are great options for accountability software.

- Dads: when you talk to your sons, be honest. Don't tell them everything you've done because we don't want to validate the behavior - but we do want to communicate that it truly is every man's battle, including yours. This helps them to realize that they are part of a battle, and not a perverted freak of nature. It also let's them know that talking to their dad is a safe thing to do, it helps removes the inclination to hide their struggle.

-Dads: Your daughters need you to talk to them too. You might not need to have the 'Porn Talk' with them... but they need to know the truth about men. She needs to know that any boy who pressures or even suggests sex DOES NOT LOVE HER, he is simply being selfish. She needs to know that love is patient and does not force it's own way; that the young man who truly loves her will be willing to wait. Let her know that the moment sex becomes a pressure - she should run. When young men start thinking 'sex', they are not thinking about what's best for your daughter, but about what will please them the most - and Love is not selfish. Your daughter may not realize this, and think that giving into the pressure will show that they love each other.

You daughter needs to decide for herself what her response will be before she finds herself in that position, and so she needs you to talk to her.

I wont suggest an age to start communicating about these issues, but I will leave you with an astounding fact. According to Dr. Les Parrott the average age that youth become sexually active is 12 for boys, and 13 for girls (this statistic is already 12 years old).

There is no time to waste!!!

Bless you guys!!!!

Rob

GlowGen All Nighter Details!

2011-02-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents!!
Below is a detailed itinarary, but to start - here are the IMPORTANT details:

- $5 entrance

- The theme is SuperHeroes, costumes are encouraged!

- Bring a pillow for the pillow fight (goggles are optional - I was highly ridiculed for making them mandatory, haha!)

- There will be a guys sleeping room and a girls sleeping room. But then again, that would defeat the purpose of an All Nighter.

- The movie options will include SuperMan Returns (PG), and some G rated movies (ie. The Incredibles etc).

- Please pick up your kids at 7AM on the DOT. Trust me, our self sacrificing youth leaders will all want to go home.

- Breakfast will be McDonald's McMuffins and fruit (I think). Snacks will be available during the night.

- There will be rules. The most important one is that NOBODY is allowed outside. If any student sneaks outside, we will be calling you to come get them. Zero Tolerance :)

Give me a call if you have any questions!!!

Feb 25th, GLOW ALLNIGHTER Plan

THEME: SuperHeroes

Schedule is completely approximate! Expect most events to take LONGER than scheduled.

7 - 9:30

Regular Glow Service

10 - 11

Mayflower

Food

Video Games

Board Games

Glow Lounge

Make Your Own Sundaes

11 - 12

Talent Show

SuperHero Showdown

12 - 12:15

Midnight Pillow Fight

1:00 - 2:00

Gym Games

2:00 - 3:30 - Entire group

Sardines

The Grog

Extreme Leader MakeOver

3:30 - 5:30

Movie in the Sanctuary

5:30 - 6:00

Worship and Devotions

6:00 - 7:00

Breakfast and GO HOME

WELCOME TO 2011!!

2011-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hello powerful paternals and marvelous maternals!!

I like to write long essays (seriously, I do), so for your sake I will try to make this one short!!

1. Our 2011 vision statement for Glow Generation Youth is 'We Should Know', and is based on Hebrews 5 and 6 which exhorts us to grow in maturity and be able to teach others what we believe. In essence, this year is dedicated to equipping your kids to be able to share their faith. A huge emphasis is going to be placed on Apologetics and explaining some of our less understood Christian characteristics (for instance... "Why exactly are you 'waiting for marriage...????" or, "Why won't you get drunk with us???"). We want students to be able to say something truer than "Because my pastor said I'm not supposed to".

For a detailed list of preaching topics, as well as all major dates from now until summer - grab an updated Glow brochure from the church foyer!

2. Our nearest major event is happening February 26th and it is a (highly demanded) ALL NIGHTER. My leaders and I are in the epic planning phase, but I want you to know that I could use a ton of help!! If you are free to help us out in shifts that night, please contact me!

3. HistoryMaker is coming up FAST... I can't believe it's nearly here already. Fundraiser are starting. Our first lunch is Feb 6th after church. Please have your son or daughter sign up with me! HM Registration info will be made available asap.

4. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call me!!!

Bless ya!!

P. Rob

BY THE WAY...

2010-12-14T11:44:00.001-08:00

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

Christmas Banquet FOOD LIST! MMMM!

2010-12-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

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!!

2010-11-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T12:30:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

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:

No prohibited substances
Stay with a group at all times
Make sure your room leader knows where you are at all times
Respect the property of TWU
Respect your leaders
Pastor Rob needs to know about any medications/health concerns etc
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!

2010-05-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-03-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

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

NO GLOW FEB 5TH

2010-01-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Parents!

Friday, Feb 5th (2 weeks from today), there is NO YOUTH. The youth leadership team is heading to a conference for training and team building!

Don't forget!

Help Rob/Outreach Details

2010-01-19T20:37:00.001-08:00

Hi!

I pray that all you and your families are healthy and enjoying God's awesome favor!!

I would REALLY REALLY appreciate it if some of you were able to check out my blog (robpenny.blogspot.com) and give some feedback to a survey I have posted there. It is part of a school project that I am working on.

In other news, I have some more concrete outreach details for you:

Meet at the church at 5:30 (this Sunday).

We will pray and have a briefing, then drive into town (we're taking a 15 passenger van).

Once downtown, we'll purchase burgers, then split into groups.

At approximately 7:30 we will regroup and have a debriefing before heading home/back to the church.

PLEASE, if you have any blankets you can give away - send them with your students this Friday, OR drop them off at the church, OR bring them on Sunday.

Thank you and bless you all!

OUTREACH DETAILS: Jan 24

2010-01-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents!

Our next scheduled Outreach event is Sunday, January 24th. The current plan in the works (I am very excited about it) is:

A WARM BLANKET/CHEESEBURGER GIVEAWAY!

The plan currently being developed looks like the following:

- Over the next couple of weeks, we collect CLEAN blankets, in GOOD SHAPE (not an opportunity to get rid of our junk).

- Teams of guys/girls, with leaders, will hit the downtown streets around dinner time on the 24th.

- We will hand out blankets to shivering street people.

- As an added bonus, we'll also give out some McDonald's Cheeseburgers! YES!

- Perhaps even some dog treats for their dogs.

Any questions, comments, concerns? email me rob@colwoodchurch.com, or comment on this blog post!

More details to come.

2010-01-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Happy NEW YEAR!

This Friday, Jan 8th is our kickoff service!

Here is a calendar for January and February:
Jan 8 - Glow Service
Jan 15 - Glow Service
Jan 22 - Glow Service
Jan 24 - Outreach (details to follow)
Jan 29 - FUN night

Feb 5 - NO GLOW
Feb 12 - Glow Service
Feb 19 - Glow Service
Feb 26 - FUN night
Feb 28 - Outreach (details to follow)

This is our current calendar, but it is subject to subtle changes or additions.

Keep in mind, our annual HistoryMaker Youth Conference is quickly approaching (May 21-23, in Langley). Keep an ear out for fundraising events and further details. In the meantime, encourage your teens to save their pennies!

Many thanks to you parents! It is great to be able to come alongside you and I pray that our youth ministry is a healthy supplement to the love and work you put into parenting!

DEC update!

2009-12-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents!

Thanks for checking out the new parent blog. I hope this works as an effective way for me to communicate with you! Please pass this blog address on to other parents you know who may not attend Colwood Church. www.glowparents.blogspot.com

December is coming to a close and, looking to the new year, I am so pumped about a brand new start for this youth ministry and kicking off all our new vision for the new year! Check back in January for an update regarding small groups.

Remember, no matter what your students tell you - on Friday nights, the doors open at 7:00 pm. You can plan to pick your students up at 9:30.

Upcoming Dates:
Dec 18 - Christmasy Acoustic Worship Night
Dec 20 - Hot Chocolate Give-away at Langford Walmart
Jan 8 - Glow Generation KICKOFF service!

Studies show that on a list that ranks the people who influence your teens (I read this in a book somewhere), Youth Pastor's are somewhere around 10th place. Guess who is FIRST? Parents! So I send up group prayers for you all! Be encouraged!

-Rob