FBCW Students

Planet Wisdom!!!

2010-03-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,

A few details for Planet Wisdom this weekend. Your parents should have gotten a letter, but just in case:

The plan is to meet at the church and be ready to go by 3:30 on Friday. If you can't make it by 3:30 let Randy know, and we'll work out transportation issues.

We'll be back at church on Sunday between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.

Please bring money for 4 meals. Most will be fast food, but once we will eat at Fuddruckers (mmmm). If you want any extra money for snacks or souvenirs bring that too.

Make sure you have:

-YOUR BIBLE
-One suitcase
-Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc)
-Deodorant
-Running shoes for LASER TAG (yyyaaaaayyyyyyy!!! CANNOT WAIT!)
-Swimsuit
-AND YOUR BIBLE!

We're staying at Wytestone Suites, 14525 Gideon Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22192. The conference is at Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge (close to Potomac Mills Mall).

If you have any questions, give Randy a call on his cell at 301-653-6648.

Last and not least, remember to prepare for an amazing weekend of worship. If you prepare yourself to hear from God this weekend, it could drastically change your life. Try to pray for God to work in your life and pull you away from any distractions going on right now so that you can focus completely (or steadfastly) on Him. Get ready for a great weekend!!! (and be aware that I WILL dominate in laser tag!)

James 1:4-5 "Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to Him." (English Standard Version)

Church Tomorrow - 1/31

2010-01-30T20:01:00.000-05:00

Early service and Sunday School cancelled tomorrow morning (1/31) but we are still going to be there for the 10:45. See you there!

Flat tires, The Office, and Romans 5

2010-01-27T23:06:00.001-05:00

So it seems like a lot of people are having "one of those weeks" this week. I am included in this...if you're wondering why I'm not at church tonight, it's because my tire blew out last night at like 11, and I'm stuck at home sitting around in sweatpants and watching The Office reruns...yay. So I thought I'd blog! (does this count as working from home Randy? hmmm...)

If you're like me it's really easy to complain about it when things aren't going great.
But the more Pastor Kempson preaches about it on Sundays, the more I'm trying to think about what it means to pray for God's glory instead of my own (John 17, in case you've missed it lately). I always want to pray for what I want, but it always seems like that just never..ever..EVER works out (hence why I am still driving my car and not my dream car: a beautiful Jeep Wrangler). But one verse God tends to slap me in the face with whenever I get whiny is Romans 5:3-5:

"…We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Rejoicing in our suffering isn’t exactly easy to do. I wasn’t rejoicing when my car rumbled to a stop, and you probably don’t rejoice when your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks your heart, there’s drama with your friends, you don’t look the way you want to and your family is driving you nuts. It's a lot easier to complain about how tough your life is and all the bad things happening in it than it is to praise and thank God during those times. But it helps to remember that GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE and always working everything together for His glory and our good(Romans 8:28). That's pretty awesome to realize! So if you're just trying to get through the week, remember that God is there with you helping you get through it, and try to replace some of your complaints with praise. After all, it’s easy to thank God when things are going well. That's what I'm shooting for, and I wanted to throw it out there in case anyone else is having “one of those weeks“ . Oops, another episode of The Office is coming on...gotta go…wish I could be there at church tonight with you guys!

Shell

Ski Trip

2010-01-20T11:39:00.004-05:00

All right, ready for a little snow and the amusement of watching me injure myself (Shelley again, btw)? Then strap on your skis (or snowboard) and come out for our ski trip on Friday, February 5th. You have the day off school (mwahaha gotta love teacher workdays if you're not a teacher) so we're going to go to Liberty Mountain for an all-day trip. A few important facts:

*We will LEAVE the church at 7 am, and be back sometime late at night. Don't be late!
*You have to choose one of the following ski packages, and hopefully you have already told Randy which one you chose:

1) Lift ticket only - $37
2) Beginner package (including skiing/snowboarding lesson) - $53
3) All mountain package - $64

And a tip I got from Cameron was that all you need to know for skiing is "pizza and french fries"...that's right, an eight-year-old is giving me skiing lessons, and I'm okay with it. Any questions, get in touch with Randy or me or tell your parents to do so.

Dates, Deadlines, and Deposits

2010-01-20T11:25:00.001-05:00

...for RETREATS AND CAMPS!!! (This is Shelley writing, by the way, in case you are wondering why there are so many exclamation points and caps.) All of your parents should have gotten a letter about the deposit deadlines by now, but just in case they didn't (or they happen to occasionally lose stuff, like yours truly), here are important dates:

Jan. 31st - $50 deposits for M-Fuge and Centrifuge are due in to Randy

Feb. 21st - $40 deposit for Planet Wisdom is due (p.s. a little bird told me there will be some LEGIT laser tag)

February 5th - Bring money with you for whichever package you choose for skiing ($37 for lift ticket, $53 for beginner package, $64 for all-mountain package).

So if you're going to be sure to SIGN UP on the posters on the youth wall (where the Sunday School classes are, for any newbies) and be sure to get your deposits in on time. If you're not going...well, you should go!!!

Sign up to get text messages with updates about youth group

2008-09-09T12:02:00.003-04:00

Students click here
Sign up for our TXT message alerts!

Youth Workers click here
Sign up for our TXT message alerts!

Parents click here
Sign up for our TXT message alerts!

Transportation

2007-06-19T09:55:00.000-04:00

Okay everyone: Randy needs everyone to sign up for our Summer Vacation Live events as soon as possible. We need to know whether or not you're going to certain trips so we can plan transportation for these trips. Randy will put sign-up sheets out in the Youth Hallway on the bulletin board. So when you have a chance soon, please mark down what trips you will be going on. Thank-you!

IMPORTANTE DATE CHANGE!!

2007-06-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

Attention all FBCW Youth! Due to Fall Sports Try-outs, the Kings Dominion Trip and the Scavenger Hunt will be SWITCHED!! The Kings Dominion Trip will now be on August 8th and the Scavenger Hunt will be on August 15th!! Please make sure to remark your calendars!

The Summer Vacation Line-Up!!

2007-06-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

Monday Night Bible Study: Starting June 18th. Bring your Bible, $5, and swimsuit to the William's (Nikki and Jessica) at 6:30pm. You must bring your Bible. Mr. Mark will make dinner every night ($5), then a study in the book of Matthew, then swim and hang out. This will be every Monday night of summer break.

Summer Vacation Live!!! (Previously referred to as youth VBS):
June 28 – Bowie Baysox
July 11 – Ocean City Day Trip
July 25 – FunLand in Fredericksburg, VA
August 8 – Scavenger Hunt
August 15 – King’s Dominion

Centrifuge: July 15 – 21 to Florida

Lock–In: Friday, August 31 (Labor Day Weekend)

Mark your calendars and get ready for a jam-packed summer!

Summer Vacation Live with the Bowie Baysox!

2007-06-14T12:15:00.000-04:00

On June 28th, we're going to the Bowie Baysox Stadium for a Hawk Nelson concert and Baysox game. We're leaving the church at 4 p.m. and returning between 10-11 p.m. We'll be calling parents on the way home. You need to bring money for dinner at the Stadium. The $15 needed for a ticket is due on Sunday, June 17th.

Bowling

2007-02-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

Following the Stewardship Banquet on Sunday, Feb. 18th, we will load up the bus and go bowling. You need $10.00 for a game and shoes. Bring more if you want to bowl more or eat. There is no school on that Monday.

State Youth Conference

2007-02-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

Final date to let me know that you are going to Ocean City in March is Feb. 18th. The trip is on March 9 - 11 and costs $80.00. I still have a few openings left, so call a friend or two and let's fill it up.

Teddy bears only!!!

2006-11-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

We have a change in our Teddy Bear N Truck collection. The hospital wants new bears only. They can't really use the trucks. if you bought one already, I'm sure there is someone that could use one. Just let me know.

Stuff coming soon

2006-11-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Awesome time last night!

Just a reminder to get your deposit in for our March conference in Ocean City by December 17th.

Also, sign up to go shopping at Arundel Mills on Saturday, December 9th. We will meet at 8:00am at the church and then make it back home by about 4:00pm.

Activities for November and December

2006-11-15T14:15:00.000-05:00

Student Conference in March

2006-10-17T09:53:00.000-04:00

Hey students,

You need to talk to the parental units about the student conference in March in Ocean City. I need to get reservations within the next couple of weeks for this trip. The dates are March 9-11, 2007. The cost will be $95.00. We are staying at the Carousel Hotel.

I need to know that you are interested in going to this conference by November 1st.

carousel hotel

Must listen to song

2006-10-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Hey Blog world! I just got an e-mail with this song on it. It is not being played by radio stations because of the Christian message. Anyway, read on and listen.

In March, 2005, this song was performed at a Diamond Rio concert. They received an immediate standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it! Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it because it was considered politically incorrect. Consequently, the song was never released to the public. If this song speaks to your heart, share it with friends and loved ones. Then let us cease being the silent majority and join together -- not as a particular political party, but as Americans!

Click here -Diamond Rio Song

Randy's blog

2006-09-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

Just a note that I have created my own blog. So you can jump over there and check it out or click here.

WNL

2006-09-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, just a reminder about Wednesday Night Live on Sept. 27th. We are doing a carnival theme with a bunch of hotdogs and nachos. Plus a lot of giveaways. So, bring your friends.

Check this game out

2006-08-30T14:20:00.000-04:00

Just came across a new game...Go check it out!

Tiger Golf

Take on the tricks and traps of this fiendish golf course.

Play this free game now!!

Swim Party Aug 19th

2006-08-15T14:21:00.000-04:00

Hey all youth and new 7th graders!! We are going to Mark and Julie William's house (really, it's Nikki's, they just get to live there) for a swim party this Saturday August 19th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Come hungry and bring your swim suit and towels. We want to welcome the new 7th graders that night, so be nice to them and let them know what an amazing group we are.

Pastor Randy

Long time...

2006-08-15T14:19:00.000-04:00

Long time no talk. Sorry about that. Just recovering from summer and re-setting for Fall. So here we go... Check out the next few posts for little nuggets of info and events coming soon to a youth group near you.

Shoot us a note just so we know you are still alive.

Coming home from Lynchburg

2006-07-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

Student Life Mission Camp 2

2006-07-17T23:22:00.000-04:00

Student Life Mission Camp

2006-07-15T19:58:00.000-04:00

High School Camp meeting

2006-07-05T14:48:00.000-04:00

There is an informational meeting on Wednesday, July 12th at 7:00pm in the youth room. We have details to go over and mission project to work on. Please be there is you are going to camp.

Grub Club

2006-07-05T14:35:00.000-04:00

Come and join me this Thursday (july 6th) at 11:30am at the mall's food court for lunch. Bring money for lunch and we will eat together and gnaw on some food for thought (i.e. light Bible study). I do have a challenge for you this week that will change your life, so come and see what that's all about. Anyway, have your parental units drop you off at 11:30 and then pick you up by 1:30pm.

Comin' Home

2006-06-30T13:03:00.000-04:00

Myrtle Beach Update

2006-06-25T22:38:00.000-04:00

Long time no see

2006-06-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Here I am trying to get more traffic on the blog and I ditch it for a week. My excuse, I was on vacation. That is a lousy excuse, though, because I was near a computer at least half the time.
Anyway, I'm back for a day or two and then off to Myrtle Beach SC for Centrifuge. I will call from there with some updates using the audioblogger.

Graduations

2006-06-07T09:48:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS GRADS!!!!

Have an awesome week of celebrations and end of year events. Stay safe and enjoy these days. They go by quickly.

I am Superman

2006-06-06T09:23:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to be Spidey, but, oh well. I can handle the flying thing.

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman		85%
Spider-Man		75%
The Flash		65%
Robin		55%
Wonder Woman		40%
Iron Man		40%
Supergirl		35%
Hulk		35%
Batman		30%
Green Lantern		30%
Catwoman		20%

You are mild-mannered, good,
strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

What a fun afternoon

2006-06-04T17:37:00.000-04:00

So I got to experience a feature on my Jeep that I've never had to experience before, and hope never to again. I have a theft deterent system on my car that if you jump in your car and immediately try to start it, it will shut the whole electrical system down. It thinks that it's being stolen. Everything shuts down. Your engine won't start, the lights don't work and the windows won't go up or down. Oh yeah, about the windows, they were down. With rain on the way. Long story short, my friend Dave Potter called his dad and figured out a solution (unhook the battery cables from the battery for a minute and reconnect, it reboots the computer). Then Dave came to the rescue with his cohorts James, Xavier, and Jordon. He went to work and the Jeep started right up. Dave, YOU ROCK!!!

Feedback from some WNLers

2006-05-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

Don't let this be you

2006-05-31T16:00:00.000-04:00

Turn that frown upside down and come to WNL tonight!

Tonight!!!

2006-05-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

Or...this could be you. Tonight, at 6:00pm.

TONIGHT!!!

2006-05-31T15:51:00.000-04:00

This could be you! I have a great gift for the person with the most friends tonight.

2006-05-30T11:34:00.000-04:00

Country Fair

2006-05-28T08:52:00.000-04:00

Today's the day for the Country Fair. I still need some help with the games and activities for the children. If you can give up about an hour of your life, then let me know by showing up at 3:30 today to help me set up.

Thanks

Youth Sunday/ Graduate Recognition

2006-05-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

June 4th is our day to lead out in worship for second service. If you want to sing in the choir, we will practice this Wednesday night at 6:40pm. We are going to join the adult choir for two songs. I will also need ushers, anouncers, etc... Be willing when I come to you and ask for your help.

Country Fair

2006-05-22T16:37:00.000-04:00

I need help for Country Fair. I would like all the youth to run our games for the children. There is an inflatable slide, paintball, and other fun games. If you can be there, please sign up outside the youth room, or comment back to me, or e-mail me. Thanks. There is some major BBQ grub for dinner when we are done with the games. It starts at 4:00pm this Sunday!

What a weekend!!

2006-05-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

First of all, it really started Thursday night when 8 of us went to Reisterstown MD for a training with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns and others. That was very, very cool. Chipotle never tasted so good! Then, I had the privelege of doing the funeral and graveside service for Cheri McMahon on Friday morning (please continue to pray for Jay and Samantha). Saturday was full of baseball with my boys. Then I got to preach both morning services (Pastor and Debbie are on mission to Scotland (pray for them). Then Sunday afternoon I got set up for the preschool steppin' up (graduation) service. All those little voices sang great!

Now it's Monday and I am getting final details done for Country Fair and Youth Sunday. Read the above posts for more on those.

Youth Choir back by popular demand

2006-05-18T09:17:00.000-04:00

Hey all you songbirds out there. We need your help for Youth Sunday June 4th. We are going to merge with the adult choir again for two songs that morning. We need to practice these songs next Wednesday night at 6:40pm. Please make plans to be there.

Wednesday Night Live!!

2006-05-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

In just two weeks is our last WNL of the school year. Let's make this a big blowout and bring a ton of friends. In fact, there will be a prize for the person with the most friends. We are also going to have a huge Mexican dinner spread (tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, etc...). Plus this huge, gigantor, inflatable obstacle course. So big, we might have to put it outside.

Prayer Request

2006-05-15T16:22:00.000-04:00

Samantha "Sammie" McMahon's mom, Cheri, passed away yesterday. Sammie is in the 9th grade and comes pretty regularly. Pray for her and her family for this great loss. We will miss Cheri.

Celebrate Jesus

2006-05-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Frankie Shelton is speaking at Celebrate Jesus. The date is Saturday, May 20th at Thomas Stone High School. This would be a great event to attend, especially with your friends. Frankie used to be a member at FBCWaldorf. Go check it out. Celebrate Jesus

Do you look like your dog?

2006-05-10T10:31:00.000-04:00

I think these people do! Check out the link.
Dog Owners

Wednesday Night

2006-05-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that tonight is Guys and Girls night.

Check out this link to Hawk Nelson. They are one of my favorite new Christian bands.
Hawk Nelson

Great night last night

2006-05-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

Last night was amazing! We had a lot of fun just hanging out during open gym. Then, right before Bible study, we played a weird, bizarre baseball/kickball/something game (must have been Pastor Randy's idea). Anyway, if you missed it, come next week.

Message from Pastor Randy

2006-05-02T17:01:00.000-04:00

The Da Vinci Code

2006-05-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

The Da Vinci Code comes out on May 19th. There is a huge buzz about this movie. The book that the movie is based on has a lot to say against what we believe the Bible claims. Such as Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene, and the Bible as a product of man, not God. If you want more info, here are some links. One from Lifeway and the other from Focus on the Family. This could be a great opportunity to share the truth with friends that raise questions about Jesus and who he is. If you need more resources, let me know.
'The Da Vinci Code': A Brilliantly Crafted Deception
Focus on the Family's Response to "The Da Vinci Code"

Summer Camp Paperwork

2006-05-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

Just a reminder to get your paperwork in for summer camp. The medical and release forms need to be notarized. This Sunday May 7, we will have notaries here at the church after both morning services. Otherwise it's on your own and I need them by June 14th.

Jelly Bean Winner!!!

2006-04-18T12:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Jessie, I am now the proud owner of 10 red jelly beans. Thanks for playing. Keep your eyes on this blog for more info and fun.

Another new feature

2006-04-12T15:17:00.000-04:00

You can now leave comments without registering. Before they are published though, I will have the option to accept or reject any comment. So comment away!

New Addition

2006-04-12T14:56:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

We now have a link to a calendar for all of our activities. Just look on the right side of this box. I already have the big summer activities on there and how we break for Wednesday nights. On each event, you can click on it for more details. Just trying to keep up with traffic on this information highway. Soon, you will also be able to link to this blog and our calendar from the church's website.

Awesome Lock-In

2006-04-11T11:37:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

First, to those that went to the lock-in, thanks for an amazing time! Second, to those that couldn't make it, we missed you!!

There were over 50 of us that stayed all night. It was a blast hanging out with everyone, making new friends, bowling, kickball, hide and seek, basketball, DDR, soccer, a "shredding" good devotion, etc...

Thanks to all the adults that stayed up all night. We couldn't have done it without you. Thanks Donna for driving the bus.

Contest #2

2006-04-11T11:06:00.000-04:00

Being that it's Easter on Sunday, and our culture is consumed with jelly beans at this time, the first person that brings me 10 red jelly beans will win a prize.

Joshua was the son of Nun

2006-04-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Aron Green!!! He called me with the answer on Sunday afternoon.
As most of you know, Aron is a huge Nats fan. Today is the National's home opener. Go Nats!!!!

Easter Week/ Spring Break Contest

2006-04-09T08:52:00.000-04:00

"Who is Joshua the son of?"

The first student (sorry adults) to answer this question in the comments area of this blog, or comes and tells me, or calls me, they will receive a nice prize. Some clues on Joshua... He was Moses' aide. He was also one of the 12 that went out to spy on the promised land. He and Caleb were the only 2 of their generation to enter the promised land. He also led the Israelites to walk around the walls of Jericho and make them "come a tumblin' down".

Pastor Randy

Random Randy Ramblings

2006-04-05T13:53:00.000-04:00

It's cool to start your week off just right. Sometimes it starts off rotten and it's hard to get going through the rest of the week. Anyway, here is how mine started.

On Monday I got to go to opening day for the Orioles at Camden Yards. Not only did I just go, I was treated to a buffet up on the 6th floor of the wherehouse that sits behind right field of the park. It was also a great game (Orioles came from behind to beat the TB Devil Rays). Three of the four home runs hit dropped just in front of us to the section below. Did I mention club level seats?

Tuesday, I got to meet Benjamin Arthur Williamson. Benjamin is, at this moment, only 37 hours old. Mom and dad are Dawn and Matt. Congratulations!!!!

I know report cards come out this week, so I pray that all of you have a great rest of your week.

Thank you God for great friends, a great job working with amazing students, 3 fantastics boys and a beautiful wife.

Pastor Randy

Sunday Nights

2006-04-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Just a note about Sunday nights at 5:00pm. We are going through a study called FUEL that takes us through the entire Bible. There are some cool video stuff that goes with it and then we discuss. We have already hit creation and the fall of man, but next week is about Cain and Abel. Come check it out and then stay for church and our lock-in that night(see lock-in post). Hope you had a great day!!

Pastor Randy

Youth Worker Training

2006-03-29T17:09:00.000-05:00

For all youth workers. There is a training event at our church this Saturday, April 1st (no, this isn't an April Fool's Joke). It is put on by the BCMD and will happen from 9:00am - 12:00noon. Lunch is provided. This is a follow up reminder. You should have received a postcard in the mail last week. Any questions, just give me a call.

Pastor Randy

Jonas Brothers

2006-03-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

This is a new Christian band. Their video "Mandy" plays on MTV. Jonas Brothers are 3 pastor's kids who have a genuine, "real deal" faith. Their uptempo pop-punk style gives life to positive lyrics. It's music on Red Bull!! You can download their new song "Mandy" from http://jonasbrothers.com/download and enter passcode: jbMANDY1

Lock-In

2006-03-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

LOCK IN
APRIL 9, 2006
AFTER EVENING SERVICE UNTIL 7:00am

bring money for bowling, favorite snack, and your game systems and/or board games

First posting

2006-03-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Just trying this blog thing out. If it works, this is where you can come and get info on upcoming events. So, check it out and send your friends to it.

Pastor Randy