(Hillside umc) Xzone’s Weblog

MKAY, i’m sorry – i should have posted earlier, but there’s been so much good stuff going on, I forgot … XZONE has had a great crowd of 110-120 junior highers each week. Week 2 was “taste & see” night, and we had a 15-foot Ice Cream Sunday to go along with Psalm 34:8; Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Then on Week 3, it was “lost & found” night where I lost some candy in a giant pan of flour, and the “pie ninja” made a visit: Luke 15:10, In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – - At Sunday School, we took a look at the Nicene Creed for two weeks, and last Sunday we discussed the meaning of Communion. – - Tomorrow is “PARENT NIGHT” at XZONE, and we invite all parents of 7th & 8th graders to attend. – - We are less than 3 weeks away from our first overnight event of the year, check out www.hillsideyouth.com for all the details. It only takes $40 to get you signed-up.

Wow – what a full night. I bet 140+ people were in the room. Welcome to all our new 7th graders. Thanks to all our leaders, and everyone who shared/spoke about God’s provision this past summer. – - I visited FISH club at ET Booth jr.high this Wednesday morning. They are starting to gear-up to ignite their school for God. – - Last Sunday we had 56 at Sunday School (9:30). This week could be even more. – - 57 days away from our 1st RETREAT! Info coming soon … next Tuesday at XZONE will be “taste & see” night. Lots of ice cream.

School year is here … I went up to ET Booth to visit on Tuesday this week. The FISH club sponsors said they’d love to start ASAP (like next Wednesday). Students are excited, and so are our servant-leaders. We had a meeting this week – and they are a gifted & blessed bunch. This should be a great year … XZONE starts on Tuesday (10th) in Celebration Hall at 7:00 pm. >> Pictures, Calendars, & extra info available at www.hillsideyouth.com

details:

Mall Hunt

We just got back from our KHO mission trip to Kentucky … 26 youth & 4 adults repaired seven roofs. Alltogether we had 3 salvations from our church, and 3 salvations from the homeowners. How awesome is that?? – - we’ll get pictures on www.hillsideyouth.com real soon – - We will also show a video in church in a few weeks that highlights our trip. Thanks for all the prayers. Remember that Sunday School is every week at 9:30 am, Mall Hunt is on Thursday July 29 (6:00-7:30 pm). Weekly XZONE program will start again on Tuesday, August 10th. PEACE!

XZONE news & notes: (#1) Our skating event was small, but a lot of fun – (#2) we have a new website! www.hillsideyouth.com – (#3) the skating photos are up at the new website – (#4) there is no Sunday School on the 4th of July, but there is a cool outdoor church service at the YMCA – (#5) KHO mission trip leaves on July 11th, if you want to “see them off” we’ll be at the 8:30 am Traditional Church service before we leave. – (#6) Chris is out of town on vacation this week, but all packing lists, calendars & information is availabel outside his office, room 2005, in a wooden box. – (#7) at the end of July, we’ll have “mall hunt,” one of our most fantastic & rowdy events … QUESTIONS? email chris at cmixer@hillsideumc.org – but he won’t check it until after vacation … lol.

Hey XZONE friends (Hillside’s jr.high youth group) … “Band Camp” was a huge success last week. We didn’t just jam together, we discussed what God looks for in a worshiper, and how to give Him glory while we’re onstage. Looks like we’ll have some awesome worship next Fall at XZONE … At Sunday School we discussed “God the Father” on Father’s Day. PSALM 103:13 says God has compassion towards us like a Father for a child, PROVERB 3:11-12 says He also corrects us like a Father would a child. This Sunday we’ll discuss “alternative” forms of worship – like painting. Then we have a KHO mission trip meeting after church (around noon) … Lastly, we have a mystery XZONE event for everyone on Tuesday Jun 29th (12:00-1:30). Keep your eyes open for details <<

Long time, no post … here’s what’s new: This past Sunday was “promotion” day and we moved up our new 7th graders into XZONE Sunday School at 9:30 am. We discussed how many names in the Bible were descriptive, and how God knows us each by name. We’ll continue with “names” this Sunday. – - VBS started today! Thanks to all the leaders & decoration people. We’ll get pictures online soon. – - Next Monday starts BAND CAMP. That’s a chance for musicians to come together & learn worship songs. Here’s the flyer with details: Band Camp FLYER. – - TNT (the sr.high youth group) meets on Tuesdays for Upper Room, and Sunday nights for Bible Study. Both are open to rising 9th graders. – - If you want a Bible Study to do at home, you can pick one up from Chris, or download it here: THESSSALONIANS study. It’s set up to read day-by-day all summer long. My favorite verse from last week was 1 Thess 5:1, “our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power.” – - lastly … eMAIL Chris if you have any questions about dates or times … CMixer@hillsideumc.org

Tuesday was quite a night! – One of the largest crowds ever since we had 3 grades present. We showed some “year-end” videos, and had a little fun with the rising 7th graders on our “couch.” But really the night was about sharing what God has done this past year – Thank you to Brandon S, Sam W, and Jenny L for getting in front & sharing. I agree – to the 6th graders: Jump into youth group with both feet. – to the 7th graders: it’s time to step up as leaders next year. – and to the 8th graders: God has new & exciting things in store for you; no need to be sad about leaving us … Also a big thanks to Andre, Chandler, and Jim Thomaston for leading worship. >> This Sunday is “Pentecost” which is a big day in the life of the church. The 1st Sunday in June will be “transition/promotion” day for our Sunday School classes. Peace & Blessings, everybody!

Last night had to be on of the top-10 XZONE’s for the year. We started outside at the new seating area, where Carys J. shared her testimony. Then we prayed for each other before moving inside to hear from Michael Marsilio, Cristina King, Kelly N., & Andrea E … to top off the night the drama team did an amazing job of bringing the Gospel to life, and the worship band led us right to where we needed to be. – - Thanks to everyone … 15 different people presented, led & shared about Jesus last night. I’m constantly reminded that the church is led by the body of Christ; not just 1 guy named “minister.” – - Next Tuesday will be our last XZONE of the year, and we are inviting rising 7th graders to see what we do. I appologize in advance if th night goes past 8:30 – - there’s a lot of exciting stuff to share & wrap-up!