December at the Shire

Students and Parents,

Here’s the plans and happenings at the Shire up to Christmas and the end of December:

THIS WEDNESDAY’S MEETING: We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Shire at the regular time of 6:45 pm. Come ready for an enjoyable time catching up with friends, spending time in worship and learning from God’s Word.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT – GIRL’S NIGHT OUT: Girls! Shannon & Staci are looking forward to hanging out with you for a night out at Staci’s home from 6-9 pm.  They’ve got some plans for you that’ll be a lot of fun which will include making cookies, movie watching, hanging out with friends, etc.  They do ask that you bring along a snack or drink.  They’ll take care of the rest. Let Staci/Shannon know that you’ll be coming!

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT – GUY’S NIGHT OUT: Guys … we’re looking forward to a great night together with you … we’re still working on the details, but it’s going to be a great night and it’ll include dinner and some activity.  Plan on being with us from 6 pm to 9 pm or so ;) We’ll get you the details on Wednesday night at the Shire.  Let us know at the Shire on Wednesday if you're able to join us.  Hope you can.

NEXT WEDNESDAY – CHRISTMAS CAROLING:  Next week on Wednesday, December 14^th, the Shire is going to take our singing on the road and head over to the Colonial Park Care Center for about 45 minutes to spread some Christmas cheer to the residents at the facility. We will meet at the regular time of 6:45 pm and return by 8 pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:  For our last meeting of the year on December 21^st, the Shire is going to hold it’s Christmas Party.  The night will be filled with games, snacks, and short devotional. As usual, we’re going to hold a “White Elephant Gift Exchange.”  If you would like to participate in that gift exchange, please bring a wrapped gift costing no more than $5.

Lastly, here’s two upcoming things that you need to know about:

MISSION TRIP: We’re still 6 months out, but we’re in need of hearing in the next few weeks about interest in participating in a youth missions trip during the week of June 16-22, 2012. If those dates don’t work for you and you would go if they were a week later please let us know.  This will be a great week spent together, growing in Christ, serving those in need, and making a difference. A trip like this could change your life! Let Pastor Derek know of your interest.

SKI RETREAT:  Lastly, it’s that time of the year to start thinking about the Ski Retreat that will be held February 3-5.  The registration deadline for this event is January 15.  For all the details and forms, click here.

Big Mac Ski Attack 2012

Now's the time to start planning to be a part of this! The details are finally here for Winter Slam 2012 and we're really looking forward to this great weekend away! 

We'll be talking about this at the Shire over the next month or so, but here's the details, deadlines, and important things that you'll want to know related this retreat.

The Winter Slam will be held February 3-5, 2012 at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center and will have special speaker, Phil Pranger, and guest musician "Keith Conner."

On Saturday, February 4th we'll head over to Hidden Valley Resort where you can either snow tube, snow board, ski, go the the resort club, or just hang out as a group.

The cost is $85 + the cost of whatever activity you choose.

The registration deadline is Sunday, January 15 when all permission slips will be needed along with a $25 non-refundable deposit (Checks are to be made out to MPYM.)

Registration forms and permission slips can be download at the links below:

Winter Slam Registration Form

Parental Permission Slip

Skiing/Snowboarding Release Form (required for all snowboarders and skiers)

Ski & Snowboard Rental Agreement (two copies of this agreement required for ONLY those renting skis/snowboards)

Tubing Release Form (required for all snowtubers)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Students and Parents,

I’m writing to remind you that we will not be meeting at the Shire this Wednesday night … I hope and pray that all of you will have a great Thanksgiving with friends and family remembering God’s faithfulness in our lives. I want to encourage you to look for ways that you can be a blessing to others as you get together this Thanksgiving.  To help you with ideas of how you can do that, I’m pasting below some thoughts on how you can do that from an article that I came across.  Hope it’s helpful.

NEXT WEDNESDAY – SERVICE PROJECT NIGHT: We will be meeting at 6:30 pm at the Shire on November 30^th.  Please be prompt as some students will be going elsewhere for one of the service projects.

-------------------- Ideas for being a blessing this Thanksgiving!

Okay, we all know what the holiday will be like. Lots of food, football on television, odd ancient relatives with more hair coming out of their ears than on their head, and, between the kisses from over-perfumed aunties, lots of boredom. But did you ever think that maybe this holiday YOU could make a difference on the enjoyment meter? We know that the tendency is for you to disappear into your own world on your smartphone or portable computer thingy, or just hang with your dopy cousins and be bored together. So, these ideas will help make your Thanksgiving the best one you’ve ever experienced and endear you to your family members.

• Ask older people to tell you stories about their life. What was living on a farm like? What was life like for you during the war? What was it like to use a pay phone? How was being a teenager in those days different than today? Did you really see the Beatles play live? Etc. You might find hidden treasure sitting on your living room sofa!

• Be the designated photographer. Shoot photos of family members – especially the ones you don’t see often. Get everyone’s e-mail address and email copies of your photos to everyone.

• Clear the table, do the dishes, take out the trash – but do it intentionally. Recast yourself as the “Busboy” – you’re trying to BLESS the adults, so take the initiative and get things cleaned up before anyone can even ask to do it. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have doing these kinds of chores with a go-for-it attitude!

• If someone beats you to the Busboy job, then you choose to be the “Waiter” or “Waitress.” Refill people’s drinks, bring out more appetizers, ask whether anyone needs anything… all the actions that good waiter or waitress would do to earn a tip – but you do it to bless everyone else!

• If people will be watching football, volunteer to make things a little more interesting. Here’s an idea to try: take “bets” on the game (not just win/lose, but maybe point spread, or will this next play be a run or a pass, etc.) Figure out a way to track the standings of the participants. The grand winner gets his or her car washed by you!

• Organize some Thanksgiving games for the little kids. The adults will think you’re a hero! Here are some ideas: Pin the Tail on the Turkey, Turkey Trivia (You can find Thanksgiving trivia or quizzes online.) Create a flag-football game with the little kids that you play in the backyard. Play “Marco-Turkey” – it’s like “Marco Polo” that you play in a swimming pool, but you play this in the garage or smaller roped off area. Blindfold one “Pilgrim” who has to tag the “turkeys” (the other kids who are crawling around on all fours.)

When you do some or all these ideas, you’ll transform your Thanksgiving experience. You’ll probably discover that the best part of the holiday has nothing to do with feasting, turkey, football, or cranberries. You’ll discover the joy of blessing others, of connecting with family, and of making lifetime memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a busy next few weeks you don't want to miss!

Here’s a few updates that you’ll want to be aware of in regards to the Shire over the next few weeks:

TOMORROW - CORN MAZE: Tomorrow, 10/14, the Shire is meeting at the church at 7 pm to head out to tackle a corn maze … come join us … the cost is $10 … if you haven’t let us know you’re coming yet, please reply to this email.  Hope to see you tomorrow!

GUYS BIBLE STUDY:  This Sunday, the Guys Bible Study is starting at Ryan’s House in the evening.  It’s going to be a great time as always … if you can make it contact Ryan/Andrew for details.

NEXT WEDNESDAY – NIGHT OF SERVICE: Next Wednesday is going to be a little bit of a different night at the Shire as some of the group will be heading to the Paxton Home to serve at a game night and others will be serving in another way that we’ll let you know about when you get here.  HERE’S THE PART YOU NEED TO KNOW:  WE WILL BE STARTING AT 6:30 PM AND NEED YOU TO BE HERE AND READY TO GO AT THAT TIME. See you then … come ready to serve!

SERVICE PROJECT: BETHESDA MISSION SOUPLINE: On Tuesday, October 25 from 4-6 pm is another opportunity to serve at the Soupline.  Talk with Derek to find out how you can serve.

PUMPKINFEST: Two Wednesdays from now (10/26) we’ll be holding the PUMPKINFEST from 6 to 8 PM.  Invite your friends and come on out for what’s going to be a night full of food, pumpkins, games, and friends … all we need you to bring is a snack or dessert to share.

FALL RETREAT: Lastly, November 11-13 is going to be this year’s fall retreat.  For details and registration info, click here. We really hope you can make it … it’s a great time every year!

FOR PARENTS: If you haven’t yet turned in your permission slips, please download and get them in to us. Here’s the link.  It will be sufficient for all of this year’s activities.

Update for this Week at the Shire

GUYS NIGHT RECAP: Thanks Ryan for having the guys over to your place this past Saturday night, it was a great time!

2.      BIBLE STUDY: We’ve mentioned about a few different possibilities for another Bible Study for those who want to dig deeper into God’s Word  … Last week at the end of our meeting, an announcement was made about starting up one of these groups that would meet on Mondays from 3-4 pm on a weekly basis.  We’d like to start this up this coming Monday.  If you are interested in being a part of this, please reply to this email or let Derek know on Wednesday night at the Shire.

3.      CORN MAZE: Next Friday, we’re getting a group together to head out to tackle a corn maze … that’s October 14^th and we’ll meet here at the Shire at 7 pm.  If you want to be a part of this group the cost is $10 and we’ll need you to sign up by next Wednesday night’s meeting on October 12 so we can work out all the transportation details.

4.      FALL RETREAT: Don’t forget that we’re going to be having the fall retreat on November 11-12.  Mark it on your calendars … we’ll be having more details on that for you in the next two weeks!

That’s all for now … we’re really looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday night!

FOR PARENTS: If you haven’t yet turned in your permission slips, please download and get them in to us. Here’s the link.  It will be sufficient for all of this year’s activities.

Shire Reminders - Bowling Anyone?

Students & Parents,

THANK YOU: We want to thank everyone who made it out to the Shire last night. It was good to see everyone together and get to give you an idea of where we’re headed for this year and the kind of activities that we’re looking forward to.  Please put the activity and meeting dates on your calendars. If you didn’t get the list, click here to see it.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Another way to stay on top of what’s going on at the Shire is by liking the Shire at http://www.facebook.com/dmcshire, following on twitter at http://twitter.com/theshireym, or subscribing to our blog at http://dmcshire.blogspot.com/

PERMISSION SLIPS:  Parents, please fill out and hand in the permission slip that you can find at this link.  It will be sufficient for all of this year’s activities.

RSVP ASAP: THIS SATURDAY – BOWLING FOR PIZZA: This Saturday, September 17, we’re looking forward to seeing you here at the Shire from 4:30 to 7 pm.  We’ll be heading over to ABC North to go bowling. After that we'll head back to the Shire for pizza.  Pizza will be provided, but bring along $10 for bowling. Please let us know through emailing youth at devonshirechurch dot come  if you’ll be coming bowling by tomorrow (Friday) at 6 pm. Bring a friend and we’ll look forward to seeing you here!

SHIRE Meeting & Event Calendar

This year at the Shire we’re looking forward to a great time of growing in our relationships with each other and with Christ.  Our main meeting times are September through May on Wednesday nights from 6:45-8 pm.  Year-round we have Sunday School every Sunday from 9-10:15 am.  Listed below you will find the extra activities scheduled thus far and dates we will not meet.

September 17 - Bowling for Pizza

September 27 - Service Opp: The Soupline at Bethesda

October 14 - Corn Maze

October 25 - Service Opp: The Soupline at Bethesda

November - 11-12 Fall Retreat

November 22 - Service Opp: The Soupline at Bethesda

November 23 - No Meeting

December 9 - Guys & Girls Nights

December 14 - Service Opp: Christmas Caroling

December 21 - The Shire’s Christmas Party

December 28 - No Meeting

January 13 - Scavenger Hunt

February 3-5 - Ski Retreat

March 16-17 - Planet Wisdom Conference

April 27-28 - 30 Hour Famine

May - Laserdome

June - Missions Trip

This Week's News

FOLLOW UP FROM LAST WEEK

Last Wednesday, we were so blessed to have Ben Kreps (a young man who came through the youth ministry here at Devonshire around 19 years ago) share his testimony of Christ’s mercy and grace in his life.  I pray that you were encouraged through his testimony as he spoke from Ephesians 2:1-8.

This past Sunday, we had a great time with the group that got together for lunch and then headed over to see “Soul Surfer” movie.  If you have the chance to get to see the movie sometime, I’d recommend it.  Here’s the trailer link for the movie.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday Night: We’re looking forward to seeing everyone Wednesday night as we finish out our few weeks, working through some topics from the book of Proverbs. I want to encourage you to bring along your Bible. 

NEXT WEEK

Next week is Holy Week and we will not be meeting on Wednesday night, but would invite you to come out on Thursday night to the Maundy Thursday service that will be held in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFO ABOUT CREATION: The deadline for registering to go to creation at the lower price will be here in just two weeks … April 25^th is the deadline for our cheapest prices!  Here’s the link to info on this event, costs, etc.

MOVIE TIME!

On Sunday afternoon, April 10, the Shire Youth Ministry (grades 6-12) will be going as a group to see the 2:10 pm showing of SOUL SURFER.  SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Cost of the tickets for students is $5 and price for adults is $6.50.  Reserve your ticket by getting your money to the church office or the Shire meeting by this coming Wednesday night (4/6). (To see the trailer, click here)

Recap Video/Slideshow from the 30 Hour Famine

Here you go ... the slideshow that we showed tonight at the meeting of our time last weekend at the Famine ...

Great job in raising approximately $2,250. Awesome job!  Thanks everyone for their support and generosity.

Click here if you can't see it above ...

Update on Shire Happenings

1.      NEW SERIES:  This Wednesday we are going to begin a series in which we will focus on the book of Proverbs.  No matter what the challenges are that we face, Proverbs is a book where we’ll find wisdom that we all desperately need.

2.      **NEW ENDING TIME:  Beginning this Wednesday we will end our meetings at 8:00 pm which will allow our meeting to conclude at the same time as our elementary age ministry.

3.      THIRTY HOUR FAMINE: This weekend, March 4-5, starting at 7 pm at the church is the 30 HF and it’s going to be a great time spend together learning, and serving. Click here to read up on what to bring, click here for more info on what the famine is, and click here to donate to our group’s fundraising effort online.

***The 30 Hour’s of fasting from food will start at 12:30 pm or after your lunch.

4.      BETHESDA MISSION SERVING OPPORTUNITY: Parents and students … on the 2^nd Tuesday of March, April, and May you have the opportunity to join in on opportunity to serve at Bethesda Mission on the Soupline.  For the service opportunity, we will meet at the church at 4 pm and return at 6:15 p.m. Space is limited, so please let me know if you would like to be a part of the group.

5.      CREATION FESTIVAL: You can sign up and purchase tickets for Creation.  Here’s the link to info on this event, costs, etc.

What To Bring to the Famine this Friday Night at 7 pm

In case you can't see it ... here's a list of what you're to bring to the "Famine" this Friday at 7 pm at the church ...we'll finish the famine on Saturday night with the Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30 p.m. ... Come ready for a great time filled with activities, friends, and serving!

• Pillow and Blanket
• Bible
• Change of Clothes
• Toothbrush
• Games
• Movies
• Sponsor Packets
• Sponsor Money (Make checks payable to World Vision
• Good Attitudes
• Smiles

GodView: Panoramic

Listed below the summary of what we talked about tonight is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.

Session Three: Panoramic

The tendency for each one of us is to think we have God all figured out. But this week is about one simple truth—we don’t. This week we want students to see how the more they come to know God, the more they will realize they’ll never really know Him completely. There is always more of God to know. He’s that big, that mysterious, that amazing. At the close of this series, we hope your student will walk away with the desire to pursue a relationship with God and to know God more every day.

Session Three Parent Cue: What is mysterious to you about God? Is it comforting or frightening to know there are things about God we don’t have figured out? Why or why not? 

This Week at the Shire

FINISHING THE GODVIEW SERIES:  Tomorrow night, we are finally, going to finish out the Godview series.  Bring your Bibles along with you as we’re going to study it and pray that God would enlarge our view of Him use us to do some extraordinary stuff with our lives.

2.      THIRTY HOUR FAMINE: Next weekend, March 4-5, is the 30 HF and it’s going to be a great time spend together learning, and serving. Click here for more info on what the famine is … and click here to donate to our group’s fundraising effort online.

3.      BETHESDA MISSION SERVING OPPORTUNITY: Parents and students … on the 2^nd Tuesday of March, April, and May you have the opportunity to join in on opportunity to serve at Bethesda Mission on the Soupline.  For the service opportunity, we will meet at the church at 4 pm and return at 6:15 p.m. Space is limited, so please let me know if you would like to be a part of the group.

4.      CREATION FESTIVAL: You can sign up and purchase tickets for Creation.  Here’s the link to info on this event, costs, etc. 

Creation Festival Dates and Deadlines

Just wanted to get the dates and deadlines out to you all regarding Creation (June 29-July 2) this summer with the Shire.  If you aren't familiar with the festival, click here. Here the details for our group:

COST: The cost is $125.00 (12+ years) and $50 (6-11 years). This price includes an admission ticket and food for the event.

DEADLINE: The registration deadline for this event at this price is April 25 with a $90.00 deposit. After this date and until June 1st the cost of the event will increase to $135 (12+ years) and $60 (6-11 years).

**We will plan on doing a fundraiser of some in May to help offset costs.

To register, please contact the church office at 545.8485 or youth@devonshirechurch.org

This Weeks News from the Shire

Here are a few items that we at the Shire would like to share with you and some that we’d love to hear your response on:

1.      TONIGHT’S MEETING IS CANCELLED.

2.      WINTER SLAM INFO FOR THIS WEEKEND:  Click here for important information regarding leaving and returning times, contact numbers, what to bring, etc.  Make sure you check this out, and if you have a remaining balance please bring it with you on Friday or drop it off at the church office.

3.      CREATION FESTIVAL: Next week is the first deadline for tickets to be ordered for the Creation Festival this summer.  The dates for the event are June 6/29-7/2.  If you’re not sure what the Creation Festival is you can click here … but here’s our request for feedback … could you let us know if you have interest in going this summer to this event?  Also, can you let us know if you have gone in the past and know at this time that you will probably not be attending this summer?  

This kind of feedback will help us in planning for the trip at this time. AT THIS POINT WE’VE HEARD MINIMAL FEEDBACK ON THIS.

Have a great night and see you this Friday at 5 pm for the Winter Slam, Sunday, or next Wednesday!

Winter Slam 2011 Important Details For This Friday

When to Show Up:  Friday, February 4^th @ 5:00 pm! (Don’t be Late!)

Where to Show Up: Front Entrance of the Church

What to Bring:

-          Bible

-          Snow Clothes

-          Some extra cash for pit stops on the road & Lunch on Saturday & Sunday

-          2-liter and/or Snacks/Cookies

-          Bathing Suit (If doing the Club Option) – No bikinis (Or shirt over bikini)

-          Normal Clothes

-          Sheet and/or sleeping bag

-          Pillow

-          Deodarant/Shampoo/Soap, etc.

-          Sport clothes (If doing the Club Option)

-          Towel

-          Underwear

-          An Awesome Attitude

What NOT to Bring;

-          iPods

-          Cell Phones

-          Jewelry

-          Water Guns

-          Tickle-Me-Elmo

-          Whining

When we will return:  Sunday, February 6^th @ approximately 3:00 (We will make a call when nearby)

Mission Trip Anyone for This Summer?

To all middle school and high school students ... are you interested in being a part of a trip filled with serving people this summer in Charleston, WV?  The dates for this week are July 24 to 29.  If interested, please talk with Derek about your interest ... deadline for signing up for this trip with a $60 deposit is February 13.

Check out the promo video below or click here

5 Days of Hungry

GodView: Distorted

Listed below the summary of what we talked about tonight is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.

Session Two: Distorted

Many of us have a distorted Godview because we think God’s primary goal is either for us to be good or for us to be happy. While there may be some truth in those statements, if we see those as His primary goals, then we walk through life with remarkable–and self-made–expectations. Then, when those expectations aren’t met, our faith is shattered and destroyed. This week, we want students to see that following God is bigger than our expectations. Following God requires surrendering control.

Session Two Parent Cue: When you think about the things you pray for or about, or the verses you hang on to, or even the way you perceive God, are those all based on your own personal happiness? How would our prayers and likes look different if we were more concerned about surrendering control?

Feedback Needed: Friday Night Activities & Creation

I trust that you’re enjoying the day off from school … here are a few things that I wanted to touch base with you on:

1.      GUYS NIGHT & GIRLS NIGHT: This Friday night from 6-10 pm we are holding two activities for students.  One for the girls and one for the guys.  The guys will be meeting at Ryan Harris’ home and the girls will be meeting at Staci Adams home.  Both events will include dinner and some fun activities for everyone to enjoy for the evening. If you plan to come to either of these gatherings please respond to this email and let us know. (If you need directions we can get them to you then- Ryan lives close to Arooga’s on 22 and Staci lives near CD High School.)

2.      CREATION FESTIVAL: In the next few weeks it will be time to get in our order for tickets to the Creation Festival this summer.  The dates for the event are June 6/29-7/2.  If you’re not sure what the Creation Festival is you can click here … but here’s my request for feedback … could you let me know if you have interest in going this summer to this event?  Also, could you please let me know if you have gone in the past and you know that you will not be attending this summer?  This kind of feedback will us in planning for the trip at this time.

That’s all for now … enjoy the snow … and we’ll see everyone tomorrow night at the Shire … I encourage you to invite your friends to come along with you … we’ll have a good time!

GodView: Microscopic

Listed below is the summary of what we talked about tonight.  This “parent cue” is designed to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.

Session One: Microscopic 

No matter who we are, we all have a Godview. And the way we think about God affects how we interact with our world. Many people struggle because they have a negative or distorted view of God. This first week, we took a look at the life of one of Jesus’ closest followers who struggled for the very same reason. In the end, we want to challenge students to begin to see how their view of God shapes the way they live.

Session One Parent Cue: Both of you grab a piece of paper, and take three minutes to write down all the things that come to mind when you hear the word “God.” Both of you be honest, and don’t just write the words that you think you should. There’s no grade for this.

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT IN JANUARY: GODVIEW

Here is an overview of what we’re going to be talking about throughout the rest of the month of January.

Series Overview

What comes to mind when you think about God? Who do you believe God is? How do you believe God interacts with you personally and with your world? These are questions we are going to be addressing over the next 3-4 weeks. You see, every one of us has a Godview whether we think about it or not. For many of us, it’s just a vague impression formed when we were younger. For some, it’s an image of Someone against whom we have a strong resistance. For others, God is personal and mysterious, offering an adventure to anyone ready to pursue a relationship with Him. While we can never really know everything about God—because He’s that big and that mysterious—the things we can learn about Him shape the way we respond to whatever life brings. That’s why author A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Love Hungry: March 4-5

Click Here to see a 30 Hour Famine promo video if you can't see it above.

A New Study on Sunday Mornings

This Sunday, the middle and senior high school students will begin a new study on Character. This is a combined class that starts weekly at 9 am and will meet across the hall from the Shire.  Here's a summary of what this study will focus on:


"The Old Testament is full of amazing stories about remarkable people. From the very beginning, God has been at work in people’s lives, whether kings, prophets, judges or ordinary individuals. By looking at how God worked in their lives, we see God’s character, His love and provision, His judgment and discipline, and His redemptive plan for humanity.

Character reveals how people of the Old Testament encountered God in amazing ways and their lives were drastically changed. In this study your students will be challenged to see how an encounter with God will change their lives forever."

Here We Go!

Tonight's the first meeting of 2011 and we're kicking off an event so don't miss out on hearing all the details!