Oakwood CRC Youth Ministry

Newsletter Vol 4/Num 2

2011-12-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 13, 2011

VOLUME 4 / NUMBER 2

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

Letter from Youth Ministry Director
Youth Group Schedule
Upcoming Events
Theme Verse

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

We are approaching a new year full of changes here at Oakwood. Not only will we be welcoming in a new pastor at the church, but we will also be welcoming in a new baby to the youth group family! Baby James Stapert is due to arrive somewhere around the end of March or beginning of April. As I prepare to go on maternity leave I want to give you some basic information on what will be happening. Autumn Savage has been working with me this year doing her ministry internship, and has agreed to take over the high school youth group meetings while I am on leave. John and Kristin Niewoonder will be leading the middle school youth group meetings during that time. Tim will stay as active as possible. Please give them your support, and if you’re able and willing to help them out in any way, please let them know! More information on locations of meetings will be made available closer to that time. I am planning to be back for the youth service at the end of May.

As always, pray for our youth and our leaders that God's will is being done in their lives and that he is leading and guiding us throughout this upcoming year.

God's Peace,

Debbie Westrate-Stapert

YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

6:15-8:30 PM at Oakwood

December 18

January 15

February 5

February 19

March 4

March 18

April 15 – possible alternate location - TBA

May 6 – possible alternate location - TBA

These are for 6th through 8th grade students. We encourage you to invite your friends!

HIGH SCHOOL:

6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House

January 8

January 22

February 12

February 26

March 11

March 25

April 22 – alternate location – TBA

May 13 – alternate location - TBA

Stapert's Address:

12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341

Near M-57 and Wabasis Road

Meetings include a family style meal. These meetings are for 9th through 12^th grade students. We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

Winter Retreat – January 27-28 at Oakwood. See information packet.

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

Saturday, December 17, Christmas Party: 11 AM to 2 PM

This Year's Theme Verse:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

~ Matthew 28:18-20 ~

Email any questions to the address below or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 ext-3003 (office) or at (616) 450-5509 (cell)

debbie@westrate.org

Like and follow our Facebook Page for current updates:

Oakwood CRC Youth Ministry

Newsletter: Volume 4/Number 1

2011-08-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 17, 2011

Volume 4 / Number 1

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

Letter from Youth Ministry Director
Youth Group Schedule
Upcoming Events
Theme Verse

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

As we close the summer of 2011, we start this new school year with anticipation and excitement for the new things to come. New friends, new classes, for some new schools, new challenges, and new experiences for all of us. This year we also have a new theme, one we started over the summer and will continue through the spring. We will be studying the Great Commission ("go and make disciples of all nations"), discovering what it means to be a disciple and then how we can go out and make disciples every day as well as in extraordinary ways.

As always, pray for our youth and our leaders that God's will is being done in their lives and that he is leading and guiding us throughout this upcoming year. And keep an eye out for information on upcoming events via Facebook, email, the blog, fliers, and bulletin announcements at church.

God's Peace,

Debbie Stapert

YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL: At Oakwood, 6:15-8:45 PM

September 18

October 2

October 16

November 6

December 4

December 18

These are for 6th through 8th grade students. We encourage you to invite your friends!

HIGH SCHOOL: 6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House

September 11

September 25

October 9

October 23

November 13

December 11

Stapert's Address:

12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341

Near M-57 and Wabasis Road

Meetings include a family style meal. These meetings are for 9th through 12th

grade students. We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your

friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

Saturday, October 22, Fall Party: Time TBD
Saturday, December 10, Christmas Party: 11 AM to 2 PM

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

Friday, November 18 - Sunday, November 20, Fall Retreat
Saturday, December 17, Christmas Party: 11 AM to 2 PM

This Year's Theme Verse:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with

you always, to the very end of the age.'”

~ Matthew 28:18-20 ~

Costa Rica Mission Trip: Post 3

2011-07-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hola de Costa Rica un otra vez!

We are all still doing well and are happy to be down here experiencing things that are new for most of our group. Last night after dinner we had what was called the "missionary night" where missionaries working with SCORE shared with us their testimony. Bethany was one, and Manolo also shared the history of SCORE in Costa Rica and inspired us in joining them in becoming fishers of men.

This morning we went grocery shopping and bought food for 7 families. We then went into one of the poorest areas in San Jose where thousands of people live in extreme poverty. We brought food to families living in tin shacks that are all connected to one another (see photos) and met some of the strong, Christian women living there struggling to raise their families. At least two of the families we shared with were worrying this morning if they would have any food at all today. One of those women's son fell off of a roof top a couple weeks ago and is now in the hospital fighting for his life. They are in desperate need of prayer. Please also pray for the pastor there who himself is living in poverty among them, but is often lonely and struggles with being alone most of the time. Only 8 families of the thousands in that area attend his church (there are a few other churches, but most do not attend church at all). We pray that God gives him the strength to minister to them and to stay strong in his own faith that God will provide.

This was a shocking trip for most of our group who had never seen such extreme poverty before. It was an eye opener for many and a reminder for those of us who have seen it before, to the power of sin in the world that people end up living in such poverty. But God is blessing those people with the pastor and the church, we pray that they open their ears and hearts to the word and love of God.

This afternoon we are continuing on our spiritual journey by going door-to-door visiting homes in the area of SCORE's Coronado location. After dinner we will be handing out sandwiches to the homeless on the streets of downtown San Jose (chaperoned by 3 Costa Rican police officers). I hope to post more later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Keep praying!

Dios los bendiga,

Debbie and the crew

2011-07-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello again from Costa Rica!

On our first workday, Monday, we spent the day at the SCORE center in Coronado. Tim and Tye mowed the massive lawn while we spackled walls, cleared out invasive grass from other plants (with machetes!), raked and picked up the mowed grass, painted fence, and moved gravel stones from the yard to the driveway. In the evening we went to Walmart to grab some snacks and sweatshirts for those who needed them. We also took the time to spend time with God in prayer and delving into the word both as a group and individually before heading to bed.

This morning, Tuesday, we woke up and spent the morning at the Irazu Volcano National Park. It was sunny, but was crisp. It was well worth the chill as it was beautiful and nothing we could truly experience at home in the States. After lunch we went to The Lighthouse orphanage where we played games and hung out with the children there, ranging in age from 2-23 years old. Marnie was able to use her specialty and help an 11 year old boy named Kevin with cerebral palsy. Kevin recently had surgery in Tampa, Florida and needs physical therapy. One little girl, Iris, wanted to come home with us while others wanted us to stay or at least come back.

We're having a great, and blessed time here, and are very appreciative of the prayers you're sending to heaven for us, especially for safety and wonderful weather!

Ciao from Costa Rica!

Debbie and the rest of the Oakwood missions team :)

Costa Rica Mission Trip: Post 1

2011-07-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello from Costa Rica!

We arrived Saturday afternoon, safe and sound, complete with all our luggage. Apparently for the past 5 weeks every group before us had lost at least one piece of luggage, so we are very grateful that we have all of ours. Our first night we went to the SCORE Villa for dinner and a short orientation, but found that they had too many groups to stay at SCORE so they brought us to Seminario Nazarino de los Americas, which is the Nazarine Seminary. Currently we do not have access to the internet from the seminary, though we hope to soon, so our blogging will be hit-or-miss. It gets dark here at 6 pm so by 7:30 some of us were already going to bed. Luckily Costa Rica is 2 hours behind us so waking up early isn't so bad and we don't mind going to bed early either.

Sunday we woke up and went to church at the newest SCORE property in Coronada. We had an American preach to us in English, which is unusual, but Jose translated into Spanish for the Tico (Costa Rican people) members. After church we played soccer and volleyball with the church children before eating lunch. We then went sightseeing where we were able to see the oldest church building (now in ruins) that was originally built by the Spanish in 1540. It was pouring and though we were wearing rain coats and using umbrellas, we all got soaked. It was the coldest day in at least weeks and we were all wishing we had brought warmer clothes. After the ruins we went to La Basilica de los Angeles, where every year in August 2 million Costa Ricans walk to to pray to the Virgin Mary statue for miracles. They walk for up to 2 weeks, sleeping on the streets, to get there. They start their journey next week. The story behind it is interesting, but shows us how much the true word of God is needed here. I will share it later when I have some more time. After that we went back to the Villa(after changing) for dinner and we met the people from another group who arrived earlier yesterday. After dinner we went back to the seminary and hung out, playing games. It's been a new experience for Kyle, our YOM worker, because so many of us are female. I think it's a little like a zoo for him, watching in amazement at how girls act. Luckily we don't have any drama :)

This morning Tim and Tye are mowing while the girls are cleaning the ministry training center here at SCORE Coronada, as we wait to get paint from the store. We will be painting and doing community projects later today as well. So far it has been a great trip and everyone is learning quickly how some ways to communicate are universal, and some things are unique to different cultures. We have definitely been appreciating God's creation, both the beauty of the culture and people, but also the natural plants and even the rain that keeps this rainforest area alive and beautiful. Keep praying for us as we continue to work and meet the people down here. Also, pray that if it is God's will, we are able to have dry and warmer times so we can get more work done than we can while it rains.

Right now I can't seem to get pictures up, but I will if I can later, otherwise I will once we get back to the states.

God's peace from Costa Rica,
Debbie Westrate-Stapert
Youth Ministry Director

2011-06-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 5

JUNE 09, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letter from Youth Ministry Director

Summer Schedule
Upcoming Events

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

This past year our youth group meetings and lessons have centered on the theme of the seven deadly sins vs. the fruits of the Spirit. It has been a wonderful change to have a theme, for the youth to know ahead of time what we would be studying, and to be able to connect all the lessons to each other. These past few months I have been searching for a new theme for this next year and have been feeling lead by God that we need to move for Him, to become more bold in the telling of Him outside of youth group, to challenge those around us to stand up and be radical in their commitment to God. And so, having been convicted by the Holy Spirit, we have a new theme which we will start on this summer: Living Out The Great Commission.

We will start with learning what it means to be a disciple and follower of Jesus first and then move on to how we are to create disciples throughout the world. This new theme will not be as easy or as straight forward as this last year's, and so I covet your prayers that God will lead me in planning these lessons.

Also, pray for our mission team as we go to Costa Rica to spread God's Word and love.

God's Peace, Debbie Stapert

SUMMER SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Mystery Location Bible Studies

July 6 4:00-7:00 PM
July 13 4:00-7:00 PM
July 27 4:00-7:00 PM
August 3 4:00-7:00 PM
These are for incoming 6th through outgoing 8th grade students. Please call if you need a ride to the church. We encourage you to invite your friends!

HIGH SCHOOL: July Youth Group

6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House

Sunday, July 10
Sunday, July 31

Stapert's Address:
12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341
Near M-57 and Wabasis Road
Meetings include a family style meal. These meetings are for incoming 9th through 12th
grade students. We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your
friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

- VBS: We need assistants for leading groups and activities. Please see Tammi Savage if
you want to help out.

- Mystery Location Bible Studies (see schedule section)

- July 16-22: Mission Trip to Costa Rica

- End of Summer Party: Date/Location TBD

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

- VBS: We need leaders for our groups and activities. Please see Tammi Savage if you want
to help out.

- July 16-22: Mission Trip to Costa Rica

- August 5-7: HS Camping Trip, Interlochen State Park

- End of Summer Party: Date/Location TBD

“18 Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with
you always, to the very end of the age.'”

~ Matthew 28:18-20 ~

A Letter from the Youth Ministry Director

2011-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

This past year our youth group meetings and lessons have centered on the theme of the seven deadly sins vs. the fruits of the Spirit. It has been a wonderful change to have a theme, for the youth to know ahead of time what we would be studying, and to be able to connect all the lessons to each other. These past few months I have been searching for a new theme for this next year and have been struggling to find something that would be meaningful and would serve as a long-term theme. At the same time I have been feeling lead by God in my personal life to move for Him, to become more bold in my telling of Him outside of youth group, to challenge those around me to stand up and be radical in their commitment to God. And so, having been convicted by the Holy Spirit, we have a new theme which we will start on this summer: Living Out The Great Commission. This new theme will not be as easy or as straight forward as this last year's, and so I covet your prayers that God will lead me in planning these lessons.

We are going to start with these lessons during our middle school Mystery Location Bible Studies by learning about people from the old testament who lived out their daily lives in devoted service to God, including King David and Daniel as well as a few others. These bible studies will be held at mystery locations on July 6, 13, 27, and August 3. These are for incoming 6th grade students through outgoing 8th grade students. More details will be posted as we get closer (including times and a list of things to bring).

For our high school this summer we are going to attempt something a little different. I was asked this year to have the high school youth group continued throughout the summer. Doing that is a little difficult to plan due to vacations, vbs, sports and music camps, the mission trip, etc. But I did like the idea. So we will try to meet on two Sunday evenings to do a normal youth group at our house as we do during the year. We will meet July 10 and 31, and do lessons on two people in the old testament who were devoted to the service of God, though different people from the middle school so that the incoming 9th grade students don't cover the same things twice. These youth groups will be for incoming 9th grade students through graduated seniors.

More upcoming events, including the annual pool parties and the high school camping trip, will be on the newsletter coming out later this week. Please be aware that Tim and I are leaving on vacation the afternoon of June 10 (this Friday) and will not be back until late on the 25th. Please pray for our safety and that we are able to find spiritual rest and meet God as we hike, backpack, mountain bike, and climb mountains through Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

In Christ,

Debbie Westrate-Stapert

YMD

Ladies Day Out and Guys Go Paintballing

2011-03-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ladies Day Out:

Thursday, April 7, we will have a day where we ladies go into Grand Rapids and do something just us ladies. Right now I'm still deciding what we will be doing, so I am taking votes (majority rules). Should we 1. go to a mall and shop (or window shop), 2. go to Naked Plates and paint pottery, 3. some other idea you come up with. We will meet at Oakwood and leave at 10 am and be back at 3:30 pm. Mom's are welcome to join us! Please let me know your ideas and if you will be able to come no later than Friday, April 1 via facebook, email, or in person.

Guys Go Paintballing:

Tim and I are planning a day just for you guys to go paintballing over at Woodland Paintball. Details below:

What: Paintball

Where: Woodland Paintball, 6688 Ingalls Road in Belding, MI

When: Thursday, April 7

Time: Meet at Oakwood at 4pm or meet us there for the 4:30 play time

Who: Oakwood guys in middle or high school, dad's are invited to come as well, please invite your friends (guys only!)

Cost: $25 will get you play time, a mask, a gun, and 500 paintballs

RSVP: to Debbie via email or facebook by Friday, April 1st

*MANDATORY: You MUST have a waiver form filled out in order to play. If you are a minor coming with out a parent, please make certain you have that filled out before coming or you won't be able to play. It's a good idea for everyone to fill it out before you go to save on time. If you invite a friend, be sure they have a waiver form as well. Waiver forms can be found on their website or I can email one to you.

http://www.woodlandpaintball.com/node/15

If you have any questions, let me know! (and no, I'm not going, I just created the event, Tim is in charge once you get there)

Youth Ministry Newsletter, Vol. 3/No. 4

2011-03-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER
MARCH 24, 2011	VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 4
IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from Youth Ministry Director Sunday Night Schedule with Topics Upcoming Events LETTER: Dear Parents and Youth Members, As we enter spring, we are reminded of our new life with God thanks to the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Due to Easter falling at the end of April this year, our youth group calendar and calendar of events becomes a little tighter than usual. In order to make up for some of that, we are planning an all-guy activity as well as an all-girl activity the Thursday of spring break. We also are going to be attending the LEO concert at Greenville Community Church on Wednesday, May 4. LEO is a band that will soon be touring with Skillet, and has signed with Skillet's new label company. You can find some of their music on youtube.com. All of these activities are for both middle and high school youth combined. May 22^nd will be our annual youth service which will be planned by our youth. If you would like to be a part of planning that service or having a role in it, please speak to me. We will also be celebrating our graduating seniors that day, having a church potluck after the service in their honor, and then the final high school youth group of the school year that evening at our house. It will be a busy, but wonderful day! Keep an eye out for information regarding this summer's events, as well as a quick survey regarding the youth program here at Oakwood. God's Peace, Debbie Stapert	SUNDAY NIGHT SCHEDULES MIDDLE SCHOOL 6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood CRC 04-17-11 Patience, Kindness, Goodness 05-01-11 Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self- Control 05-15-11 Fruits of the Spirit vs. The Seven Deadly Sins We encourage you to invite your friends to come to our meetings and our events! HIGH SCHOOL 6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House * 6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood 03-27-11 Do Hard Things* 05-08-11 Start Here** 05-22-11 Start Here* Oakwood Address: 8750 Storey Road, Belding, MI 48809 Stapert's Address: 12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 Near M-57 and Wabasis Road We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your friends!
UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS - Thursday, April 7, Guys go Paintballing, 4 pm at the church - Thursday, April 7, Ladies Day Out, 10 am at the church - Wednesday, May 4, LEO concert at Greenville Community Church, 5:45 pm at Oakwood - Sunday, May 22, Youth Service followed by all-church potluck - July 16-22, Costa Rica Mission Trip	UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS - Thursday, April 7, Guys go Paintballing 4 pm at the church - Thursday, April 7, Ladies Day Out, 10 am at the church - Wednesday, May 4, LEO concert at Greenville Community Church, 5:45 pm at Oakwood - Sunday, May 22, Youth Service followed by all-church potluck - July 16-22, Costa Rica Mission Trip
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ~ Colossians 1:9-14 ~
If you wish to receive future newsletters by email and have not already requested it, please email your request with your name and email address to Debbie Stapert at: debbie@westrate.org Email any questions to the above address or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 (office) or at (616) 450-5509 (cell) Check out our blog at: http://oakwoodcrcyouthministry.blogspot.com
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Oakwood CRC Youth Group Newsletter vol. 3 no. 3

2011-01-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 6, 2011

VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letter from Youth Ministry Director

Sunday Night Schedule with Topics
Upcoming Events

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

As we begin another calendar year, we look back at 2010, and are thankful for the blessings God has poured out upon us. In 2010 we had a lot of great things happen within our group. We had four high school girls commit themselves to God through a public profession of faith. We also experienced spiritual, personal, and group growth through our mission trip to Asheville, NC this summer. Our high school students were able to come together over that mission trip as well as our summer camping trip. Our middle school students enjoyed having mystery location Bible studies again, including a day of service, while studying what it means to be a Christian according to the book of James.

In 2011 we look forward to the things God has planned for us. Through the 30 hour famine, our high school students will get a glimpse into what it is like to go without, as too many people in our world do. Both middle and high school students have been given the chance to take a week to travel to Costa Rica and help spread God’s word through evangelism and active love. I am very excited to see what else this new year will bring us!

God's Peace, Debbie Stapert

P.S. High school students, please take note that we have altered our meeting location for 3 upcoming dates.

SUNDAY NIGHT SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL

6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood CRC

01-16-11 Anger

02-06-11 Gluttony

02-20-11 Lust

03-06-11 Fruits of the Spirit: Love

03-20-11 Joy and Peace

04-17-11 Patience and Kindness

05-01-11 Goodness and Faithfulness

05-15-11 Gentleness and Self-Control

We encourage you to invite your friends to come to our meetings and our events!

HIGH SCHOOL

*6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House **

6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood CRC

01-09-11 Attacking Anger *

01-23-11 Gluttony and Greed *

02-13-11 Leaving Lust Behind **

02-27-11 Do Hard Things *

03-13-11 Do Hard Things **

03-27-11 Do Hard Things *

05-08-11 Start Here **

05-22-11 Start Here *

Stapert's Address: 12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 Near M-57 and Wabasis Road

Meetings at our house will include a family style meal. Meetings at church will have snacks and dessert. We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

- February 11-12: Winter Retreat at Camp Roger

- July 16-22: Mission Trip to Costa Rica

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

- February 4-5: 30 Hour Famine with Church of the Servant

- July 16-22: Mission Trip to Costa Rica

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

~ Lamentations 3:22-24 ~

If you wish to receive future newsletters by email and have not already requested it, please email your request with your name and email address to Debbie Stapert at:

debbie@westrate.org

Email any questions to the above address or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 (office) or at

(616) 450-5509 (cell)

Check out our blog at:

http://oakwoodcrcyouthministry.blogspot.com

Oakwood Youth Ministry Newsletter: Vol. 3 No. 2

2010-10-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 19, 2010 VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 2

IN THIS ISSUE:
 Letter from Youth Ministry Director
 Sunday Night Schedule with Topics
 Upcoming Events

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

We have truly been blessed with beautiful weather this fall! The leaves are turning colors and falling, preparing for the winter months. We have also been blessed this fall with the opportunity to sign up for an international mission trip for the summer of 2011 to Costa Rica with Youth on Mission. YOM is the organization we used this past summer in our mission trip to North Carolina. We have already hosted the informational meeting, but if you would like to see the information packet on this opportunity, please let me know so that I can get it to you as soon as possible. The deadline to sign up and pay your deposit is November, 7, 2010.

Keep your eyes open for fliers with information on upcoming events, including the Christmas parties and retreats. If you have any interest in being a part of or planning this year’s Christmas Eve program, please contact Tim Stapert at 616.901.3205 or tim.stapert@gmail.com.

Please continue to pray for spiritual growth within our youth as well as God's will for their lives. Also pray for our leadership team and that we continue to follow God's will in guiding the youth.

God's Peace, Debbie Stapert

SUNDAY NIGHT SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL
6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood CRC

11-07-10 Sloth
12-05-10 Greed
01-16-11 Anger
02-06-11 Gluttony
02-20-11 Lust
03-06-11 Fruits of the Spirit: Love
03-20-11 Joy and Peace
04-17-11 Patience and Kindness
05-01-11 Goodness and Faithfulness
05-15-11 Gentleness and Self-Control

We encourage you to invite your friends to come to our meetings and our events!

HIGH SCHOOL
6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House

10-24-10 Eliminating Envy
11-21-10 Slewing Slothfulness
12-12-10 Getting Rid of Greed
01-09-11 Attacking Anger
01-23-11 Gainsaying Gluttony
02-13-11 Leaving Lust Behind
02-27-11 Do Hard Things
03-13-11 Do Hard Things
03-27-11 Do Hard Things
05-08-11 Start Here
05-22-11 Start Here

Stapert's Address: 12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 Near M-57 and Wabasis Road

We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

- Saturday, December 11, Christmas Party, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader movie and pizza
- February 11-12, 2011 Winter Retreat
- July 16-22, 2011 Mission Trip to Costa Rica

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

- November 12-14, Fall Retreat at Cran-Hill Ranch with Church of the Servant

- Saturday, December 4, Christmas Party

- July 16-22, 2011 Mission Trip to Costa Rica

"This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'"
~ Isaiah 48:17 ~

If you wish to receive future newsletters by email and have not already requested it, please email your request with your name and email address to Debbie Stapert at:

debbie@westrate.org

Email any questions to the above address or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 (office) or at
(616) 450-5509 (cell)

Copyright © Oakwood CRC Designed by Templatesbox.com

High School Youth Group: Time Change

2010-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, September 26, we will have our first high school youth group for the school year. We will meet at the Leppink's house from 3-7 pm (not the original 4-8 pm). Please bring your swimsuits as well as long pants and sweatshirts! If you need directions, feel free to call or email me! (email works better right now since my phone is being finicky) As always, food will be provided!

Book List and More

2010-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I will post a list of books, music, and movies to be on the look out for. Sometimes I will have seen/read/heard these things, other times they will come as a recommendation from another youth ministry director or youth ministry organization. This is the first list!

Books: Youth Culture

Friends Without Benefits - by Ron Luce: This book will come out on September 28, 2010. "This is a book dealing with the sexuality crisis facing so many teens in our culture today. It is a practical guide for how young people can navigate these tumultuous and sometimes confusing waters. Myths of peer pressure and legend are dispelled, as they are unraveled scripturally with many testimonies of real young people. This book is a valuable resource for your teenager or for parents who want a glimpse into the real world of issues facing this generation."

Books: Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Mythology

Oracles of Fire series - by Bryan Davis: This series ties in with the Dragons in the Midst series written by the same author. These books are mythical and are set in various times from just before Noah's Ark through the days of King Arthur. Reviewed for youth 12 years old and older.

Books: Suspense

The Lost Books series - by Ted Dekker: This is the young adult series that ties into Dekker's previous Chosen series about the seven lost books of history. Dekker's books have a sound theological base underneath the fantasy and suspense, that has a way of bringing readers to a more vivid vision of God. Reviewed for youth 13-18 years old.

Books: Drama

Christy Miller Collection - by Robin Jones-Gunn: A great series for young ladies that will take them through romance, drama, and even some action, showing them how to stay true to their identities in Christ.

Music:

Sanctus Real - Pieces Of A Real Heart album

Israel Houghton - Love God. Love People. album

2010-08-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 24, 2010 VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 1

IN THIS ISSUE:
 Letter from Youth Ministry Director
 Sunday Night Schedule with Topics
 Upcoming Events

LETTER:

Dear Parents and Youth Members,

This past summer has been spirit-filled! We have been successful in all that we have done including our mission trip, Bible studies, and camping trip! As we leave summer behind us and enter into the new school year and the fall, we are getting ready to start up our regular Sunday night meetings again.

Middle school students and parents, this year will be similar to what we have done in the past with regular meetings at the church and special events. Our meetings will include activities, lessons, and snacks. Please consider signing up to bring snacks and/or drinks to one or more of the meetings. The snack sign-up sheet is on the youth table beneath the youth bulletin board.
High school students and parents, at the request of the youth and with approval by the Youth Ministry Team, we have decided to make all regular Sunday night meetings at my and Tim's house unless otherwise noted. These meetings will include a full dinner as well as a lesson/discussion and time to hang out and play games. To sign up to provide dinner for the group, see the sign-up sheet on the youth group table under the youth bulletin board. We have also decided to change from having a winter retreat, to having a late-fall retreat, which seems to work better for most of the high school students' schedules. We will be going to Cran-Hill Ranch, November 12-14, with the youth group from Church of the Servant. More details will be provided closer to the date. Also, be on the look out for information on our International Mission Trip 2011! I am currently looking at different locations and different organizations, trying to come up with the most rewarding and cost-appropriate trip. I hope to have information out to you around the middle of October. If you have any thoughts, concerns, or questions, please let me know!

Please continue to pray for spiritual growth within our youth as well as God's will for their lives. Also pray for our leadership team and that we continue to follow God's will in guiding the youth.

God's Peace, Debbie Stapert

SUNDAY NIGHT SCHEDULES

MIDDLE SCHOOL
6:15-8:45 PM at Oakwood CRC

09-19-10 Seven Deadly Sins: Introduction

10-03-10 Pride

10-17-10 Envy

11-07-10 Sloth

12-05-10 Greed

01-16-11 Anger

02-06-11 Gluttony

02-20-11 Lust

03-06-11 Fruits of the Spirit: Love

03-20-11 Joy and Peace

04-17-11 Patience and Kindness

05-01-11 Goodness and Faithfulness

05-15-11 Gentleness and Self-Control

We encourage you to invite your friends to come to our meetings and our events!

HIGH SCHOOL
6:15-8:45 PM at Stapert's House

09-26-10* Sins vs. The Spirit: Introduction

10-10-10 Punching Out Pride

10-24-10 Eliminating Envy

11-21-10 Slewing Slothfulness

12-12-10 Getting Rid of Greed

01-09-11 Attacking Anger

01-23-11 Gainsaying Gluttony

02-13-11 Leaving Lust Behind

02-27-11 Do Hard Things

03-13-11 Do Hard Things

03-27-11 Do Hard Things

05-08-11 Start Here

05-22-11 Start Here

Stapert's Address:

12392 Holmden Dr., Rockford, MI 49341

Near M-57 and Wabasis Road

*Our first meeting for high school will be held at the Leppink's house instead of the Stapert's house as long as the weather cooperates. We will start at 4:00 PM and finish at 8:00 PM Bring your swimsuits if you wish to swim or boat! For Leppink's address, please email me or look in your Oakwood directory!

We encourage you to carpool to and from the meetings and to invite your friends!

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

- Saturday, October 16, Fall Bonfire

- Saturday, December 11, Christmas Party

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

- November 12-14, Fall Retreat at Cran-Hill Ranch with Church of the Servant

- Saturday, December 4, Christmas Party

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

~ Galatians 5:22-25 ~

If you wish to receive future newsletters by email and have not already requested it, please email your request with your name and email address to Debbie Stapert at:

debbie@westrate.org

Email any questions to the above address or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 (office) or at
(616) 450-5509 (cell)

Copyright © Oakwood CRC

Oakwood Sunday School Kick-Off Picnic

2010-08-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

On September 12, 2010, we at Oakwood will be starting our Sunday school program for the 2010-2011 school year. To kick off the school year we are having a church picnic! The picnic will start right after Sunday school finishes. Chicken will be provided, but we are asking that everyone bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share. There will be organized games for the whole family as well as plenty of other activities to choose from. Invite your neighbors and friends to come to church at 9:30 am, Sunday school for preschool students through adults, and to stay for the picnic afterwards! It will be a great time filled with fun, food, and fellowship!

WHEN: September 12 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm

WHERE: Oakwood CRC

8750 Storey Road

Belding, MI

Contact Debbie Stapert if you would like to help organize, set up, or have any questions! debbie@westrate.org or (616)450-5509

Middle School Mystery Location Bible Study #4

2010-07-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the last of our middle school mystery location Bible studies. After reading through the first four chapters of James, we leaders thought it would be appropriate for a surprise service project. We went to a couple in our church's house to help them out with some things they couldn't do themselves. We buried the underground electric dog fence, scraped and started painting the back of their barn, and removed dead branches and old wood from their yard and put it into a burning pile to be used in the burning area we cleaned out. It was good to see the youth working together and working hard to help someone else out. Unfortunately I could not help them very much as I injured my knee again, but we had some wonderful adult leaders come out to help besides myself. We had Tim Stapert (my ever devoted husband), Carissa, Rocky, and Carrie Roer. Bobby Moore met us at the church after work with Pizza. We ate dinner at the church and did our Bible study on James chapter 5, afterwards we got into a water balloon fight in the back parking lot. It was a wonderful way to finish the Summer's Bible study!

In James chapter 5 we find four discussion points. The first is about James' warning to the wealthy that they will "weep and wail with misery" because of the way they spend their money. It does not say that being wealthy is a bad thing, only that hording of the wealth, being self-indulgent with the wealth, and not helping others was sinful against God. We talked about what self-indulgence means, what it is, and how we each do it personally in our daily lives and what it keeps us from doing that is right and good. The next discussion point was about being patient, how when we are patient greater things will come to us than if we indulge in instant gratification. We also discussed how we must be patient, but also be prepared for the Lord's coming at any time. The third discussion point was on swearing on heaven or earth or anything else. Swearing, in this sense, does not mean cursing, but promising things we may not be able to keep. Swearing upon the Lord's name is especially bad because when we do that we presume to know God's will, and presume to have control over it. James says that if we do this we are to be condemned. Our last point of discussion was on powerful prayer. What makes prayer powerful, how do we get that powerful prayer, and what can powerful prayer do? Prayer is most powerful when it is earnest and heartfelt, asking for God's will to be done, and being patient in it. James says that the prayer of a righteous man is not just powerful spiritually, but also effective. He brings up the story of Elijah who was able to pray to God for the rains to stop and again for the rains to begin. We spoke on how we should not get stuck in a routine of prayer, where prayer becomes something we do without any meaning, but also that we need to practice powerful prayer with more frequency than we often do. We closed our evening with a group prayer in which everyone participated.

The book of James was a wonderful book to do a Bible study on. It is one of the most popular books to use for these sorts of things because if it's practical applications for daily life as a Christian, even though some, Martin Luther included, were not sure that it should be a part of the Bible at all (very little reference to Jesus, no reference to the resurrection). If you have not done a study of the book of James, or have not done so recently, I urge you to read through it with a guide (you can find one online or in a store), thinking and reflecting upon what it means for your personal life as a Christian and how it can lead you to build a better relationship with God and His children around you.

High School Summer Camping Trip

2010-07-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from taking the high school students on a weekend camping trip to Interlochen state park and Sleeping Bear Dunes national lakeshore. We left on Friday, July 23, in the early afternoon and arrived at the campsite around 4:00 pm. We immediately set up camp, got firewood, and started making dinner. After dinner some people put on their swimsuits and we all headed down to Duck Lake to either swim or wade in the water. The shoreline was rocky so that meant we all needed to start skipping stones, Tim held the record for first and second with 17 and 14 skips in a row. After skipping the stones we headed back up to camp to start roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. Saturday morning we woke up and had pancakes for breakfast before heading out to the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes. While we were at the dunes it misted rain for a while and then poured for about 5 minutes, but it was nice and fun anyway. Some of the group did the full hike out to Lake Michigan, but at a running pace so they did it about 3 times as fast as the rangers said it would take. We then had a picnic lunch at the beach and a bunch of us ran up the initial dune and would roll or run down it. After the dunes we went to Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan to swim. The water was freezing but many of the youth went out anyway. Afterwards, we headed back to the campsite to make hobo pies for dinner over the fire, played some beach volleyball, went for another swim, and made more s'mores. Sunday morning we woke up and started packing up our stuff, we had worship with devotions and singing, ate breakfast, and finished packing up. It was a wonderful and relaxing experience filled with fellowship and fun!

Middle School Mystery Location Bible Study #2 and #3

2010-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately we do not have pictures from these two weeks available as I forgot my camera. :(

Mystery Location Bible Study #2

For this year's second location bible study we found ourselves at the home of Vicki and Chuck Goss (grandparents of some of our youth), and spent our time playing some backyard soccer and hanging out in their pool. We even did a jumping contest with three judges for hight of splash, width of splash, and creativity.

This week's Bible study was on James chapter 2. We discussed what James says about the rich and the poor, and how we treat them. We discussed how favoritism is forbidden, how we are to treat the rich and the poor equally. We also talked about why it is important to obey the laws sent down by God. When we violate any of God's laws, we violate God's will, so we must strive to be good in all things. We can take comfort in the fact that we have not murdered, committed adultery, or stolen things from our neighbors, but if we have even so much as lied we have put a blemish on our soul. Our next question was about what James' proclamation that "faith without works is dead" means. Similar to a portion of our discussion from the first week, we discussed how a true and living faith is one that has a divine spark within our soul that urges us to help others and to do good things in Jesus' name. It is this spark that urges us to help someone up when they've fallen, give someone our pen when they've forgotten theirs, cook a meal for someone who is sick, or go on a mission trip to help others less fortunate than ourselves. If we do not have this spark within us, this willingness to help others when they need it, then our faith is dead and meaningless. As our minds move our body, so our faith must move us to do good.

Mystery Location Bible Study #3

For our third location Bible study this year, we went to the Double R Ranch and floated down the Flat river on tubes. After we did that we went to the park in downtown Belding for volleyball and hamburgers which was graciously cooked by Rocky and Carrie Roer.

This week we talked about James chapters 3 and 4. Our first thing was about teachers and why they must be careful. First we defined who James is talking about when he uses the word teachers, and decided that this means anyone in a leadership role, specifically ministers, school teachers, and parents. James admonishes teachers to be careful because he knows that a teacher can lead many astray. Teachers have a heavy responsibility as they cannot tell their students to "do as I say, not as I do", for students will naturally start emulating their teachers. Because of the influence they have, a person who becomes a teacher will likely be more heavily judged for his/her words and actions. The next topic was about controlling our tongues and the things that we say. We can all think of times where our thoughtless words have lead to difficulties in relationships with others or have lead to dangerous things. It is important for us to have control over what we say, as words can do so much harm even unintentionally. We then spoke about the difference between Earthly 'wisdom' and Heavenly wisdom. Earthly 'wisdom' is not wisdom at all, but is unspiritual and demonic, it allows some to take advantage of others and comes from jealousy and selfishness. Earthly 'wisdom' creates chaos, where as Heavenly wisdom fosters order and happiness. Heavenly wisdom is "first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

From chapter 4 we sought out answers to three more questions. The first of these questions was 'where do fights and quarrels come from?' James says that fights and quarrels come from our selfish desires within us. When we want something so badly, we are ready to commit sins against God for that. Sometimes what we want are actual, material things, but it can be the longing to be right or to be better than another person. If we look deep into our minds we can usually find that the root of our problems with others is the result of our desire for something that is either positively or negatively connected to the other person's desires. Our second question is in regards to what James says about judging others. By judging others or speaking harshly against another person, we place ourselves above the law, and as God made the law, we are placing ourselves above God. Our third, and final question on chapter 4 is about James' warning not to boast of our control over our own destinies. We do not know what will happen even tomorrow, so we cannot boast about what will be in our future. James reminds us that every aspect of our lives depends upon God. We must pray always for God's will in our lives and trust that God's will for our lives is good and perfect.

Middle School Mystery Location Bible Study #1

2010-07-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

For our first of four middle school mystery location Bible studies, we went to Fallasburg park where we did a scavenger hunt, had a picnic, played a game of whiffle ball, and started our study on the book of James. These are some of the pictures from the whiffle ball game and the photo-scavenger hunt that day. Below is a synopsis of what we discussed in our study.

We are studying the book of James, which teaches us how to live a proper Christian life. James lays out for us righteous, Christian principles to live by, but also encourages us to not just believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but to show our faith in our daily lives. Through James chapter one we learn that as Christians we should be joyful when we face trials, because our faith will become stronger through it. We tried to come up with a good definition for the word 'joy' and how we can be joyful even when we are going through difficult and sad times. Those who went on the mission trip shared the story of the Haynie family, whom we had helped, and how they find joy in their faith despite the trials they are going through. James also tells us that temptation does not come from God, but comes from within ourselves. We discussed what this means, how giving in to those temptations can cause death to our souls, and how we might combat these temptations and desires within ourselves. James then encourages us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" as anger does not lead to a righteous life (1:19). We talked about how being quick to become angry can often lead us into misunderstanding and can ruin relationships with people we love. Being slow to speak and quick to listen will allow us to better understand what others mean, avoiding needless conflict. Lastly, James tells us not to "merely listen to the word" (1:22), and deceive ourselves in that we are good Christians, but commands that we do what it says. We considered Paul's decree that we are justified by faith alone (Romans 1:17; 3:28; 5:1), and discussed if these two ideas were contradictory. We discovered that though we are justified by faith alone, when that faith is true we are compelled to live it out by that same faith and "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep (ourselves) from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27).

Summer Newsletter: Vol. 2 / No. 5

2010-06-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

OAKWOOD YOUTH MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

June 29, 2010

VOLUME 2 / NUMBER 5

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letter from Debbie Stapert

Upcoming Events

LETTER:

“To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ;

Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”

I start and finish this letter to you, parents and youth members, in the way of the book of Jude. I've always loved the way the letters in the New Testament begin and finish. I love the beginning of Jude for more than one reason, but especially because of the word choices; called, loved, and kept. All these words are words of belonging, they give us the sense that we belong to God and we belong with God. In today's world everything is about belonging to something or someone, it's about fitting in and being like everyone else while at the same time it's about belonging only to ourselves and being uniquely individual. This world is contradictory, the world's culture and expectations a paradox. As Christians we are not to belong to this world and it's trappings, but to belong instead to God.

Last week some of us went on a mission trip, and we found while we were there that often the purpose of a trip like that isn't solely to bring hope and the Word to others, but also to remind each of us who we are in Christ and to strengthen our own faith.

The trip was amazing, our group bonded together while creating new relationships and strengthening ones we already had. We met and became fast friends with the Haynie family, who despite being through many difficult times, had a foundational faith in Jesus that nothing could crush. Their amazing faith and love, hospitality and humility, were testimony to us, lending us perspective and hope within our own lives. Many of our youth rededicated their lives to Christ that last night at worship, glory be to God!

Please continue to pray for our ministry as we bring you activities, trips, and Bible studies this summer and as we plan for the upcoming school year as well. As always, be on the look out for fliers at church, emails, and blog posts on upcoming activities.

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Debbie Stapert

*Jude verses 1-2 and 24-25

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS

- July 7, Mystery Location Bible Study, 4-7 pm meet at Oakwood

- July 14, Mystery Location Bible Study

- July 21, Mystery Location Bible Study

- July 28, Mystery Location Bible Study

- August 21, End of Summer Party at the Emerson's, 4 pm. (Incoming 6-8^th only)

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

- July 23-25, Camping trip to Interlochen State Park

- End of Summer Party, date and place TBD

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”.

~ 1 Peter 1:13-16 ~

If you wish to receive future newsletters by email and have not already requested it, please email your request with your name and email address to Debbie Stapert at:

debbie@westrate.org or youthpastor@oakwoodcrc.org

Email any questions to the above address or call Debbie Stapert at (616) 794-2770 (office) or at

(616) 450-5509 (cell)

Middle School Mystery Location Bible Studies

2010-06-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Middle school mystery location Bible studies start up again starting July 7th! We will be doing them every Wednesday in July, so that is July 7, 14, 21, and 28th. On the 7th we will be meeting at Oakwood at 4 pm and returning at 7 pm. If you are not at the church by 4:10 we will leave without you! Bring clothes you can be active in, including gym shoes, and if you'd like, a water bottle as well. Other dates will have other times depending on our activity. If you or your child would like to come but cannot find a ride, please let me know so that we can find a carpool. I am also looking for available parents who are willing to at least drive us to and from locations. If you are able to drive or provide a larger vehicle with at least 7 seats, please let me know a.s.a.p.!

Thanks,

Debbie Stapert

Mission Trip - Day 6: Oh Go Take a Hike!

2010-06-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon the group split up to go on two different activities. 15 people went white water rafting on the French Broad river, while the others of us went to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park to go hiking. This blog post is about the hikers and our trip out there.

On our hiking trip were Tim and myself, Jackie Leppink, Ted and Joe Bruin, Liz Wittenbach, and Jennifer Wyngarden. We didn't get started as early as we'd have liked to as some of us had to go grab the trailer, get it packed, and then wait while as some of the white water rafters needed to take one of our vans to go get water shoes. When we got on the road we found ourselves stuck in traffic created by construction and then again in the little town of Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a tourist town with many types of shops catering to many types of people. They also have Ripley's Believe It or Not, haunted houses, mirror mazes, and quite a few wedding chapels. What they don't have are grocery stores (but we'll get back to that). Because it was already later in the afternoon we decided to do a shorter hike than originally planned and took the trail to Laurel Falls. It was beautiful and fun, we sat in the waterfall and climbed all over the rocks, and met some people from Grand Rapids as well!

After our hike we split up, the guys to head to the campsite and get the tents set up, and the ladies back into Gatlinburg to pick up groceries for dinner and breakfast. As the guys got to the camp the ranger warned them that there had been a bear frequenting that site due to people leaving food and smelly things all around and received a strict warning that if we left anything out that smelled we would receive a large fine. They then went to the campsite and started setting up the tents. They had set up four of the tents when suddenly they heard thunder and lightening and the rain started pouring down on them. Unfortunately one of the tent's rain fly was not hooked on properly and the tent flooded. Fortunately I had packed an extra tent after our experience with flooding at Alive last year, so we were still fine on tent space.

Meanwhile, in Gatlinburg, we were searching for a grocery store that we had seen on the way in, but accidentally hooked left instead of turning right at one point and we ended up going fifteen more minutes past that before we could turn around. When we turned around we became stuck in a small traffic jam caused by a one-car accident. I was able to search for a grocery store on my blackberry and found one on the other side of the town, closer to the national park, so we decided to go there instead. We got through the town's busy tourist traffic only to find that the store was closed for remodeling! We asked a local and found that the only grocery store was the original one we saw on the other side of the town, so we headed back that way again making certain to take the correct turn this time. In the end we had driven through the town five times. We then started heading to the campsite which was 31 miles out of Gatlinburg on winding roads. I was driving and ended up getting carsick, which is unusual for me. When we finally got to the campsite it was already getting dark and the store was closed and out of firewood, so I had to take what they had left of the kindling in order to build the fire we needed to cook. Soon the white water rafting crew showed up and we were able to build a fire and eat in the dark, lit only by a lantern and a few flashlights.

By the end of the day we were all exhausted, and still many of us stayed up late talking about the week, what we learned, sharing stories, and hanging out. It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun as well as learning how to be hospitable visitors. We learned that when we help others and give to others we often receive more than we give. The Haynie family were so gracious and faithful, they blessed us in so many ways, teaching us that missions aren't just about us helping others, but others helping us. To God be the glory as it was a blessed trip indeed!

Mission Trip - Day 7: On the Road Home!

2010-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

We are now on the way home from Cades Cove campground. We left a little later than I was hoping so our arrival time is still up in the air. The youth will call their parents an hour to a half hour before arrival. I will update the blog when we get home with detailed descriptions of yesterday's activities. Keep praying for safe travel back home!

D

Mission Trip: Day 5 - Finishing it!

2010-06-24T21:17:00.001-07:00

Today was our last day on the work site, and we were all sad to say goodbye, and many wanted to stay longer! We finished drywalling (mudding/sanding), and primed most of the drywall before we ran out of primer. We also had a team working on painting another side of the house that had never been painted the yellow of the rest of the house. People framed the windows, put in the door, dug a trench for the drainage pipe, and put up gutters. We bought laminate flooring that looks like wood for them to put in at another time, but some of our guys stayed back to give a tutorial on putting the flooring in and to start it out for them. Our hosts were so welcoming and fun, and after all our hard work they treated us to some pizza, catfish, baked beans, cornbread salad, and a peas and onions salad. Ernie makes the world's best lemonade (the only other I've had that is as good is Ted Bruin's), and we were all fighting over being able to get it. We got the chance to meet more of the Haynie family today as well. A few more of their daughters stopped in to check out the house and brought along a few more of the grandchildren. It was a blessing to be able to sit and talk with them about everything, especially random thing but most importantly everyone's accents. We shared facebook and email contacts with the daughter Karista so that we can all keep in touch. Tomorrow morning on the way to white water rafting we will stop in to grab the trailer and say an official goodbye as the thunderstorm rolled in as we were packing up and we were rushed to get away from the torrents of rain, causing many to lose the opportunity to say a proper goodbye.

For those of you wondering, the white water rafting was changed from one place to another due to low water levels on the pigeon river and so we have switched to a place on the French Broad instead. Hikers are not affected by this move. We will still be staying at Cades Cove campground on Friday night.

Many thanks for all the prayer and support we are receiving from you! You are wonderful!

~ Debbie

Day Three Teams

2010-06-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

On Day three we divided up into teams. This helped us work better together, and get much more accomplished!

This is the painting team: Mrs. Leppink, Anna, Liz, Ted and Emily! They were responsible for painting and priming the siding of the house! They also helped with priming the walls of the room on day Four.

This was Drywall team number two: Ben, John, Jason, Lane and Tim.

They worked on measuring, and cutting sheetrock, then gluing and screwing it in place.

"The Studs"

This cleverly named team was in charge of studs!

The guys had to measure and cut wood to extend the frame of the exterior wall, so that the drywall could be hung. They also worked on the exterior of the house later by helping hang the siding.

The "A-Team" (aka: drywall team #1): Andrew, Carissa, Alissa, Bobby, Zach.

Named because they were supposedly the most superior team in the league, the A-team worked well together cutting and mounting extremely heavy, easily dent-able sheets of drywall, using many power tools in the process!

-post by: Carissa Roer

Blessed

2010-06-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today made me feel worthy of coming on this trip. I had been struggling feeling needed or even useful for this mission trip. Yes, I did feel called by God, but i hadn't felt a specific purpose for why I was called. Today I felt God revealed his purpose in me coming on the mission trip.

The construction today was wonderful. We all worked well together, and accomplished so much. We split into teams and each team focused on a specific aspect of construction. We finished drywalling the inside of the room, as well as insulating the exterior wall, and painting and putting up siding. Near the end of the day we started mudding the drywall. When it came time to leave for dinner the mudding was not quite to a good stopping point. We quickly packed up and came back to the college for dinner. After dinner Tim and Bobby were going to return to the Haynie's to finish the first round of mudding. I was debating going with them, seeing as i have mudded before and could be useful help, yet the whole youth group would be traveling in to the city of Asheville for free time. I eventually chose to join "Drywall Buddy Bobby" and Tim, returning to finish working.

I am so blessed I did.

In between mudding rotations, i was able to sit and talk with Ernie and Carista and other family members. It was so wonderful getting to know the whole family. Ernie loves to talk. If you will listen, she will talk. Her voice is so gentle and calming, and her stories so entertaining, it was easy to listen. She told me many stories about the members of her family; the struggles, the laughs, the scary times. I felt so welcome sitting around with them.

Since James got sick, Ernie has taken care of him, and had to adjust to a new lifestyle. I really felt for Ernie. While she was describing the changes and struggles, memories of my own family life, and my mothers failing health, came flooding in. My heart seemed to be in rhythm with hers. I felt the fear that permeates every inch of you, when the word "cancer" comes. I felt the confusion and frustration that comes when someone you love doesn't act like themselves because of their sickness.

Ernie knew from yesterday that my mother had breast cancer, so she ended up asking me more about it. I was able to share with her the struggles i had, and relate to her current struggles. I wish i had been more eloquent with my words, or more bold with my beliefs. But at that moment, i felt real. I felt there. I felt exactly where is was meant to be. The darkness all around, with the light of the moon and the tiki torches illuminating just our conversation.

I'm so glad for that one moment. I feel so blessed.

Mission Trip: Day 4 - Dry Wallin' (by: Alissa Patton)

2010-06-23T19:15:00.001-07:00

On day four we had a adventure. We started the day with big smiles on our faces. Tim had assigned us all to teams. There were drywall teams one and two, the painters, the insulation helpers, and the "Studs". When we got there we went right to work. First to unload and to split up into our groups and we did a lot of things. As of right now both the drywall and the wood siding are up. Some of us also had some fun with the paint while going over some of the older siding that we did not replace. The windows are finally secure in the wall. As more and more jobs got done we were able to really get to know the family. Curtis and I had nice long conversations with everyone in the family and how they were oh so excited just to know we cared. We could really see that with all the things that they have been going through Jesus was in there hearts. Later that day we were able to walk around downtown Asheville. It was truly beautiful. When people say southern hospitality they really do mean it!!!! We were all so happy to go including Tim`s van ( the silver bullet). On our way back to the collage Tim almost missed the turn into the dinning hall parking lot and ran over the curb. We all had to go to the bathroom after that. :)

Written by Alissa Patton

Comics from day one and two...

2010-06-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

More to come later!

-Carissa Roer

Mission Trip: Day 3- Floorin' It! (By Emily Kunkle)

2010-06-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today on this crazy adventure, many things were accomplished. Including building a floor and drywalling a ceiling! This is pretty exciting for the family and for our team, especially since us girls can now officially say that we helped build a house. Fortunately and unfortunately there was one injury today. Carissa decided to get stung by a bee, not once, but twice. All is well though, and she is now laughing and visiting Bobby's family.

Yesterday at the end of the day, the freshmen four (Ben, Nick, Tye, and Connor) decided to come up with a game called "Mattress Surfing" while the girls (Arianna, Liz, Lane, Mrs. Leppink, and I) watched the Bachelorette at ten at night. Overall though, Andrew defeated everyone in Mattress Surfing, going far past the water fountain! We then got yelled at for breaking the three rules all at once. 1.) Do not be loud 2.) Do not move the furniture (which we did because we used the mattresses) and 3.) No running in the halls. Oh well..... :D (That is the new generation's smiley face)

(P.S. Debbie was not involved with this mattress surfing)

Today we also broke another rule 4.) Do not have a paint fight. Arianna decided to paint my hair and ear, and I completely covered her arm. All in a day's work. We (Mrs. Leppink, Arianna, Liz, Curtis, Ted, Jen, Kenzie, and I) painted (well tried to) the siding of the house, while everyone else put the flooring in and drywalled the ceiling.

We are trying to pick up a Southern accent while we are down here, so families, beware. These dorm rooms are very hot, along with everything else down here.

EMBARRASSING MOMENT OF THE DAY: Jen and Arianna both have the same loofa, and Arianna accidentally used Jen's by mistake. Poor Jen.

I also fell off my bed. In case you were wondering.

In case you missed the title, this is Emily Kunkle typing this blog for Debbie.

More coming tomorrow!!!!!!

Mission Trip: Day 2 - On the Job

2010-06-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

This morning we got to the work site, met the homeowners, and started taking apart the rotted siding and flooring on the house. The homeowners are some of the nicest people in the world, and even with all the trials they've had to deal with these past few years (see previous posts), the husband's mantra is "it's in God's hands". The first thing we did was take down the old sliding door and then the outdoor wall. While most stayed at the work site to work on the house, a few of us went to Lowes to pick up the building supplies. After lunch we started taking down the trim on the walls and redoing the floor joists. We also dug out the flooring from the two rooms and tore down the wall between the two rooms in order to make it into one large room. At the end of the work day we left Tim, Mike, and Bobby behind to finish putting in the framing for the outside wall. This evening we are just hanging out and playing games in the dorm. It's been a long and hot day, but we have gotten a good headway on the work and it has been a very good day. The youth wanted me to start a list of our injuries on the blog so you can see how our accident-prone group is doing, so here it is.

Almost injuries:

-Lane and Jackie stepped on nails and had pieces of wood stuck to their shoes

-Zach also stepped on a nail but it didn't get further than his

shoe

-Everyone was swarmed by a bunch of bees after Tye stepped on their hive hidden in the insulation, Zach was swinging his crowbar and hammer and almost hit a few bystanders, everyone was running away from the bees screaming and yelling... we have video ;)

Injuries:

-Kenzie stepped on two nails, puncturing her foot

-Carissa got hit on the head with a piece of wood coming off of the wall

-Ted got swiped by a board as well and now sort of resembles an Asian Harry Potter

-Arianna was stung by a bee on her elbow

-Curtis was stung by twice on the forearm by a bee (he's allergic to bees so this was a bit of a to-do, but he's fine and doing well)

Arrived!

2010-06-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Mars Hill, NC at 4:45pm. We have eaten dinner and collected our t-shirts. Currently we are having free time which some are using to relax, and some are playing basketball or exploring the campus. The pictures here show lunch on the road at the Tennesse welcome center and a couple pictures of us hanging out in the dorm. As you can see, John Leppink's dorm room door is a little small for him. :) Tim and Mike are at our worksite checking out the damage and figuring out what all we have to do now. At 8pm we will have our orientation and worship service, after which we will be heading to bed. Thank you for your prayers for safe travel and please keep praying!

Mission Trip: Departure!

2010-06-19T10:22:00.001-07:00

We will be leaving early tomorrow for our mission trip to North Carolina! Youth and leaders will be meeting at Oakwood at 2:45 AM, Sunday, June 20th and leaving by 3:30 AM. Please pray for our safety as we travel. We will be traveling in three vans, two seven passenger vans and one fifteen passenger van, and will be pulling a trailer. We expect to get to the college where we are staying around 4-4:30 PM. Below you will find a list of the youth and leaders going on the trip so that you can pray for each one individually if you wish. We are all very excited and are expecting a fun, adventurous, and Spirit-led trip!

Leaders:

Debbie Westrate-Stapert

Tim Stapert

Mike Wittenbach

Jackie Leppink

John Leppink

Bobby Moore

Carissa Roer

Youth:

Alissa Patton

Andrew Leppink

Arianna Leppink

Ben Docter

Connor Middlebrook

Curtis Kirkendall

Elizabeth Wittenback

Emily Kunkle

Jennifer Wyngarden

Joe Bruin

Lane Heyboer

Mackenzie Bracey

Nick Geisen

Ted Bruin

Tye Wittenbach

Zach Kunkle

Summer Schedule

2010-06-19T10:21:00.001-07:00

June 20-26 - Mission Trip to North Carolina

June 28-July 2 - VBS at Oakwood. If you want to volunteer to help out, contact the church office at (616)794-2770

July - Middle School Mystery Location Bible Studies - Due to some unforeseen conflicts with some of the locations, the original dates (the four Wednesdays in July) are currently being rearranged. I will let you know the official dates as soon as I hear back from some very important people.

July 23-25 - High School Camping Trip with Church of the Servant

The month of August will bring us some pool parties; the exact dates and locations still TBD.

Summer!

2010-06-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Only 5 days until we leave on the mission trip to Asheville, North Carolina. We leave extremely early on Sunday morning, and covet your prayers for safe and swift travel! I spoke with the homeowner of our work site today and talked with her a bit about her husband who has terminal kidney cancer. He has had it for 3 years now, and has outlived the life-expectancy the doctors gave him. Recently his cancer has become worse, his stomach is starting to bloat and the cancer has spread to his other kidney and into his brain. Please pray for the husband and their family, for healing and strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tonight our Youth Ministry Team meets to solidify the summer schedule post-mission trip, and to discuss a few things for the fall and coming year. If you ever have any ideas for things we could do or thoughts on the things we do currently, please let me know! The summer schedule will be up soon, so keep your eyes open for that. If you currently do not receive an email with the newsletters and would like to, please send me an email at debbie@westrate.org

Debbie Stapert

A New Beginning

2010-06-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family of Oakwood CRC,

As the Youth Ministry Director at Oakwood CRC, I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog so that friends, family, and youth could keep up with all that is going on within the youth ministry here. Through this blog I will keep you updated on group events, the regular meeting schedule, our topics of discussion, and more. I will also give access to other leaders to use this blog to post some things here as well.

One of the things that triggered this blog's start is the mission trip we will be doing in Asheville, North Carolina this summer. We will keep church members, parents, friends, and family members updated during the trip through this blog so that everyone can see our progress. We will be leaving early on Sunday, June 20th and getting back late on Saturday, June 26th. Before leaving for the trip, each youth member and leader has been given a 40-day devotional that brings us through the book of Acts, getting us ready to become disciples and true servants of the Lord. If you would like a copy of this devotional to see what we've been reading, please let me know either by commenting on this post, in person, or via email (debbie@westrate.org).

God's Peace!

Debbie Stapert