I know, I know...there's no snow for snow camp, but notice I used the words "winter retreat." Many of you can relate to the lovely spring time weather we've been experiencing...with temperatures in the 50's and 60's. If I had known it was going to be like this in JANUARY I would have scheduled a week of summer camp. This is crazy! I guess this is the reality to the old quip, "Christmas in July".
Here We Go
None the less, it is winter and we've have kicked off our retreat season. This past week we served an overflow group from our friends down at Montrose Bible Conference. We hosted over 80 men and women who were part of the conference whole of 600+ people. That's right, I said over six hundred. I bet some of you youth pastors who are reading this just felt your heart skip a beat or two. I suppose there are two sides to a retreat like that. One is the shear volume...what a challenge. But the other side is the IMPACT. As I have come to understand, this group came to Montrose Bible Conference 20 years ago with approximately 70 people. That group started to grow, many of attendees went into full time ministry - and they now attend the conference with their "new" group. I like that side of the coin...it looks alot like the book of Acts and the account of the early church.
Looking Ahead
We thoroughly enjoyed serving this group and are blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their lives. Next weekend we are very excited to be serving and ministering with David's Church from Millersburg. Kelly and I have had the privilege of getting to know the youth pastor and his family (as well as many of the leaders from the church). It will be a sweet reunion and a great weekend of ministry.
Christmas in Sauquoit
This past weekend Kelly, Natalie, and I were able to make a day trip up to the Utica Area to visit Kelly's family on her dad's side. It was the annual collage of Christmas, New Year's, and The Big Family get-together. We had a wonderful time with Kelly's grandparents, aunts, uncles, moms and dads, cousins, and little Owen (the newest member of the family).
We don't get to see everyone up there very often. I tell you what though, every time we go, it's as if you live next door...and for me - as if I've been a part of the family my whole life. What a blessing.
Prayer Requests:
> Montrose Bible Conference - the men and women who spent four intense days worshipping God and being challenged to a new life revolution.
> David's Church - is coming to Arrowhead this weekend. The leaders are excited and anticipate a great weekend of ministry with a small group emphasis.
> The Shepherds Spring Retreat - we are excited for another retreat and are anticipating a great turnout.
> Youth Staff - over the next few months they will be devoting their time to school, work, church, camp and family. That's a big and important list. Pray that they will continue to seek God's direction and priorities in their lives.
> Leadership Staff - we are praying and searching for young men and women to fill our summer leadership positions for Shepherds Camp and Day Camp.
Ben's Favorite Recipes: Deli Monte Cristos
"This is one of those sandwiches that sets off every sensor in your mouth"
4 slices of rye bread
4 thin slices of deli ham
4 thin slices of deli turkey
2 Tablespoons of coleslaw
2 Tablespoons of Thousand Island salad dressing
2 slices of swiss cheese
2 eggs
On two slices of bread, layer a slice of ham and turkey, coleslaw, salad dressing and cheese. Top with remaining ham and bread. In a bowl, whisk the eggs. Brush the egg (onto the bread) on one side of each sandwich.
Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Place both sandwiches in the pan - with the egg-brushed side down. Brush the other slice of bread on both sandwiches with the egg. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping the sandwhiches to cook both sides.
Note: you may want to increase or decrease the amount of coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing according to your liking.
The Baby Report:
Here we go again...and gladly I will add. The baby report is back in action. Kelly has a doctor's appointment coming up soon, which I'm sure will produce some great details...like due date and whatnot. So far so good though. Kelly has been feeling slightly ill the past few weeks. That may not seem like much to some of you moms, but compared to the ease of being pregnant with Natalie, this is kind of a new ball game. Kelly is doing great. Not only is she a mother with an 18 month old (on Thursday the 11th) but she's pregnant too. Kelly has been doing an amazing job of cleaning, cooking, household necessities, shopping, hosting friends, and caring for Natalie...AND being pregnant. Wow, what a woman.
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GoodSearch update:
Total - as of January 6th, 2007 - $17.68
GoodSearch for Arrowhead
It's NOT about the number of SEARCHES.
It's about the NUMBER of PEOPLE searching.
Email everyone you know and ask them to join you...and GoodSearch for Arrowhead.
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