From the DCE

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From our DCE

ifteen of our confirmation students attended confirmation camp the last three days of October at Camp Lu WiSoMo. They were joined by forty-five other youth from other circuit churches as they learned about the Ten Commandments. Pastors from each of the churches took turns teaching the entire group. On Thursday evening, they had the chance to practice talking about what they had learned during the "spoon game." Inthis game they have to avoid the "guards" (adults) while "smuggling Bibles" (spoons). Ifthey are caught by guards, they have to answer questions about what they've been learning. When I caught kids, I would ask them things like, "So, I've heard that you teach that we don't need to listen to the government, is that true?" or "I've heard that you teach that we don't have do anything good to get to heaven, is that true?" The kids did a good job of answering my questions accurately, although sometimes it was hard for them to articulate the fact that we don't have to do any good works to get to heaven because Jesus died on the cross for us, but we do good works in thanksgiving that Jesus died on the cross for us. Some of the kids even went out of their way to get caught, so that they could try to "convert" us guards!

Also at the end of October, we had the opportunity to take our youth to the Creation Festival Tour at the OmniCenter, where several Christian bands played and Bob Lenz spoke. When we then went to confirmation camp, one reason this was valuable experience became apparent: for the first time, I didn't have any conflict with the kids about keeping positive music playing the van, because the kids were familiar with the Christian groups that we were playing. Another valuable thing happened that Wednesday night: in response to invitations put out at that event and the previous Revolve Tour, several of our youth banded together to put their faith into action and sponsor Nilyeth Camila Urbano Clavijo, a seven year old girl from Columbia, through Compassion International. Their sponsorship will not only mean that Nilyeth gets the chance to receive healthy food, medical care, and help with school, but also that she will get to hear the good news that Jesus loves her and forgives her sins.

Finally, I would ask that you continue to keep our youth and young adults in your prayers and support them. Thank you to those of you who do regularly pray for them! Thank you for those of you who contributed items for college care packages! I am greatly encouraged when I learn that members are praying regularly for our confirm ands & our recent graduates. I am encouraged when I see you pour out love & support to our college students. We also have the opportunity for you to share in prayer with our confirmands during Advent as prayer partners. Please see me if you're interested.

In Christ,

Anne Gonzalez, DCE

PS. I am working together with Faith, La Crosse, on putting together a young adult servant trip to New Orleans March 15-22, 2009. If you or someone you know would be interested in going to the Gulf Coast to serve in continued reconstruction, please let me know so that I can send out more information. Total cost would be about $300.

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Adult Education Opportunities

Adult Bible Study meets Sunday mornings at 10: 15 CUll in the sanctuary. They will be studying where the apostles went after Pentecost.

Mom's Bible Study will meet on Monday, December 1 st at 9 am but not on December is". We will resume on regular schedule on Monday, January 5^thwhen we begin our study, Growing Strong with God.

Women's Bible Studymeets weekly on Wednesdays at 9 am. We are finishing up om' study of Psalms and will begin studying Job soon. We will take Wednesdays December 24^th & 31^stoff.

Men's Bible Study meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 am at Features in West Salem. They are continuing their study of the book of Proverbs.

December 2008 Youth Activities

Wednesdays, there will be no regular youth group during Advent. However, we encourage our youth and their families to join us for worship at 4:30 or 7 pm and dinner weekly at 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, December 2, 6-8 pm: Christmas Decorating

Youth are invited join the congregation in decorating the church for the Advent & Christmas season. Pizza wi 11 be provided at 6 pm for youth before we begin decorating at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, December 7- Signup Deadline for Sr. High Summer trip to Michigan

We are headed to MI to serve at a camp for underprivileged kids next June 21-27. We need to get our spots reserved, so please hand in your $50 deposit and registration forms!

Sunday, December 7,11:30 am- 2:30 pm: Youth Christmas Party

Bring yourself & a friend for a fun time celebrating our Savior's birth! Bring a small wrapped gift to exchange. Lunch will be included!

Sunday, December 14, 11: 15 am:Youth serve sandwiches

Youth will serve Subway sandwiches prior to the voter's meeting. Sign up to help.

Wednesday, December 17, 4-7 pm:Youth Serve Advent Meal

The youth will be providing dinner to the congregation between Advent services this week. Please signup to bring ingredients for our meatball sandwiches or to help.

Christmas Break game party? Last year, we had a fun time taking an afternoon to play board games during Christmas break. If you would be interested again this year, please let DCE Anne know when you'll be around over break.