A general rule of thumb when planning events for teenagers is to take the number that have indicated interest in coming and figure out a “real” number that is traditionally one or two people less than the original number.  Much to our surprise on January 16, every single person that signed up to come participate in cutting material for shoes to be sent to the Sole Hope ministry showed up!  Not only did we have the entire list, but a few more that weren’t on the list were gathered around the table ready to help in this mission project.  It was incredible to see our youth tracing patterns, cutting up old jeans and milk jugs, and just having fun being the Jesus’ hands and feet.  At the end of the time together we were able to send cutouts for eight pairs of shoes to go to toddlers in African countries who walk around barefoot exposed to all kinds of diseases.  It was a great day, and to show how God was in control, even though I did not anticipate as many as showed up we had a couple of slices of pizza left over!

                Exciting things are happening in youth ministry at FBC Swannanoa!  February we have some time to fellowship together, dig deep in a new Bible Study, and even work together to raise some money for Caswell!  We will also be in prayer about the next way we can serve through a mission project.

February 5; 5:30pm: The Gardners have invited us up to their house for Super Bowl Party.  It’s going to be a potluck event so chat with one of the Youth leaders about what to bring if you don’t know already.  We will gather at the church and ride up in the vans. 

February 26; 8:30am: “Mimi Biscuits” Caswell fundraiser in the Family Life Center.  The Youth will serve some fresh homemade biscuits before Sunday School to anyone who wants a good breakfast. The menu and cost is still TBD but will be posted in the bulletin, on the screens in the Sanctuary, as well as some fliers around the church.  Proceeds are for the youth going to Caswell this summer for the Youth Conference. 

March 18; Deadline for non-refundable Caswell Deposits.  We are going July 2-7, 2012.  Space is limited this year so priority will be given to those who attend youth Bible Study, Wednesday evenings, and other youth functions regularly (90% of the time)  We will be sending out an information letter to the houses of those who have signed up as of January.  Feel free to contact Stephen to see if you (or your child) are on the list.  

God Bless,    Stephen McMahan