Creation Fest 2008 info meeting

Creation Fest 2008 info meeting is tonight [Sunday March 30] at 7 pm in the fellowship hall. The cost per person for the four day event, including ticket, camping fee, gas, food for breakfast and evening meals is $165.00 per person.  A $105.00 non-refundable deposit is due by Sunday April 20th.  

Youth Center News March 30

Hey guys! The youth center is getting pretty close to ready. All carpeting and flooring are done, all cabinets and office areas are complete, and the bathrooms are ALMOST done. There’s a sign-up list in Karen’s office for those who want the first five flushes. [or...NOT!] Anyway, we also have donations of a computer server and wireless hub for internet access, and the funds for a digital projector. The espresso machine will be installed soon so we can open our coffee bar.

Right now we’re waiting to receive an occupancy permit from the town. Once we get this we can start using the building. Our first BIG activity is the Superchick concert followed by a lock-in on Saturday May 3rd. Look for the official dedication during the first or second week of May.

Bob Marshall trip, update 2

The backpack trip to the Bob Marshall June 21-27 is already half filled! If some of you are waiting to see who’s going, talk to your friends: deadline is April 13th. A $100 deposit made out to “Athelas Outdoor Ministries” holds your spot. You ain’t chillin on da list till we have yo bling! [wow, that was scary...]

Great news: We got permission to fish along the way! You’ll need a valid Montana license and your fishing gear.

Bob Marshall Backpacking Retreat, 1st update

   Bob Marshall Skyline from Big River Meadows

We had our guides Marty and Darla Kaarre from Athelas Outdoor Ministries talk with us about our trip, [June 21-27], last night. Great stuff! Our route will start at Swift Reservoir and follow the South fork of Birch Creek, Strawberry Creek, and return on the North Fork of Birch Creek. The length of the trip is 30 miles, with possibilities for side trips. We’ll cross Gateway Pass and Badger Pass along the way, and will visit spectacular Gateway Gorge. Most of the trip will be at or above tree line with incredible open views of the surrounding mountains. Most of this trip will also be in prime grizzly habitat, and we will provide bear spray if you don’t have your own.  In case of emergency there’s a forest service cabin with a satellite phone at the half way point.  Plan on about 5 miles a day with 40 lb backpacks.

What to expect: We will travel every day rain or shine, and will probably hike across snow on the mountain passes. Our days will start with a big breakfast and devotions, [Darla Kaare is a legendary backcountry cook!], and we’ll be hiking by about 8:30 am. Each day you can expect to be traveling 5-7 hours to get to our next campsite. We will be going up and down in elevation: our longest day will include a climb of about 1100 feet.  During the first 36 hours you will learn a lot: wilderness safety, using bear spray, emergency procedures [lost person, lightening, first aid], how to travel as a group, setting up camp, and outdoor cooking. As the trip goes on you will learn about navigation, hazzard evaluation, and have a chance to lead the group as we travel. Your guides are not there to do everything for you, but to teach you how to do things for yourself and keep you safe. You will have the satisfaction of accomplishing a lot! Each day will end with bible study and prayer.

There’s a possibility that we can fish along the way. We’re working on this right now, and will let you know. Except for our guide, no one else can carry a firearm. Also, because this trip is a retreat, please do not bring an ipod, cd player, cell phone [it won't work, anyway], or game boy. Instead, bring an open heart and experience the life changing presence of God!

How to sign up: The cost for the trip is $235, and includes food and snacks, guide fees, transportation, tents, and group cooking equipment. You will bring your own clothing, hiking boots, water bottles, personal hygiene items, backpack and sleeping bag. To sign up for the trip you need to give Pastor Greg a $100 deposit payable to “Athelas Outdoor Ministries” by April 13th. We can’t save your spot until we have your deposit. Your deposit is non-refundable after June 7th. You’ll also need to have your parents sign release forms and fill out a medical info form. We can take a maximum of 12 students. We have some equipment and clothing that we can lend. If you would like to use your own equipment, Pastor Greg will need to see it first. We also have some money available for financial assistance.

 Badger Pass

 

W.W.G.G.D.?

What Would Gnome Guy Do? Leave a post and tell us what Gnome Guy should do during his normal gnome day. See, he’s raising his poor little plastic hands! You must tell him what to do!!

Walking makes me tired…can I ride?!

                                                                                          

When I was young lad [about 300 years ago, give or take] I used to have these romantic ideas of traveling through the wilderness like John Coulter or Jim Bridger. I planned my trips guided more by my dream than by common sense. On the day when I would get dropped at the trail head [where my mom would cry all over me, hug me, and nearly singe me with her burning cigarette] and the car would drive away, I’d put my backpack on and realize…

just how flipping heavy it was.

Being Jim Bridger is hard work, ask anyone. So, when I was sure none of his friends were looking, I’d hitch hike. Traveling around the mountains in air conditioned comfort, I would occasionally roll down the window to point out a sight to my driver. Eventually I’d give some food away to lighten my pack and get back on the trail.

Isn’t that a lot how we sometime walk with the LORD? The burden gets heavy, the miles get long, and the inspiration is drowned in perspiration. We think we need to hitch a ride and coast for a while. Maybe we think we need to give up on the journey and hang out. But Jesus says,  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). Give him your burdens. Recover your vision and dreams. Let Jesus do the hard work. If he can bear the cross for you, then he can take care of everything else.

Creation Fest 2008

Here’s the latest on Creation Fest 2008. There will be a parent/student meeting for all who plan to go this year on Sunday March 30, 2008 at 7 pm in the fellowship hall.  The youth board has ordered 30 tickets in advance so we can get a camp spot assigned to us as a group.  The cost per person for the four day event, including ticket, camping fee, gas, food for breakfast and evening meals is $165.00 per person.  A $105.00 non-refundable deposit is due by Sunday April 20th.   In the past, people who purchased tickets and couldn’t go have sold their tickets to others. If you get stuck, we’ll be happy to give you some names to contact. We will need parents to help with fundraiser to help defray the gas and food costs. If you would like more Information or would like to be a chaperone, please call Pastor Greg or the church youth office.