What is crack-a-lackin’?  You know, it was funny last night.  When the Steelers were losing 13-3, I was getting all kinds of texts messages from youth members.  Y’all were laughing it up and having a good time.  Then, when the score changed to a Steelers victory, nobody would answer my texts.  That’s what you get with Cowboys fans.  Bunch of sore losers.  ha ha.

Due to the fact that doe season is in effect, we will not be playing paintball on December 13.  In fact, we will not be playing paintball until after the first of the year.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

They’re right around the corner.  I’m ready.  In fact, I’ve been tempted to break my wife’s rule of “no Christmas music til Thanksgiving”.  But I won’t, but it’s not b/c I’m scared of her or anything.  (She doesn’t know that I sit in the closet w/ my ipod and listen to all the Christmas music I want.  She can’t control me.  Besides, my therapist says it’s good for me.  Has anyone seen my banana?)

We are going to try to do some paintball on Saturday, December 13 from 1-4PM.

That’s all we have going on.  PE and I are working on a trip for this summer.  I think you’re gonna like it.

We had a really good time @ Kennywood on Saturday.  If you ever get the opportunity, please walk behind Janet in a haunted house.  It’s awesome.  All of the ghouls and monsters all head straight to her.  She’s like a magnet.

And watching Trent, Jenna, and Ali on the sky coaster was classic.  “I believe I can fly . . . “.

We will be leaving the church on Saturday, November 1 @ 1PM to head to Pittsburgh for Phantom Fright Nights.  We are planning to return to the church by 1PM on Sunday.  That’s the plan.  The only thing you need money for is snacks or souvenirs from Kennywood.

Also, we are not having a paintball game on Saturday, November 8.  PE informed me about hunting season, and I don’t want you guys running through the woods w/ guys w/ real guns.  We’ll try to plan an afternoon in December.

I have some info for you for our Phantom’s Revenge Fright Night @ Kennywood on Saturday, November 1.  First, the trip costs $50 per person, and price includes everything (Txt to Kennywood, transportation, overnight lodging @ Springhill Suites, and dinner and breakfast).  The only money you need is for spending money or snacks.  It’s a good deal.  Please see the flier in the blog for additional info.

But I need money by Sunday, October 26, 2008.  We are going to have to go on a first come, first serve basis w/ this trip.  Space is limited.  If you pay your money first, you are in.

And, due to the women’s conference at the church, we will not be having After The Game this week.  Sorry bout that.

After a little R and R, I am back and ready to hit the ground running.  I went to Pittsburgh w/ the family, and my kids got to run the bases after a Pirate game.  The bad news:  the Buccos lost (I haven’t seen them win in person for several years).  The good news: Bucco mgmt saw my son run the bases and want to sign him.  He’s faster than 2/3 of their team.

I tried to run the bases, but they wouldn’t let me.  And on a side note, tasers really hurt.

Big game tonight w/ the Steelers taking on the Ravens.  I hate the Ravens.  Bunch of no-talent thugs.  My predicted score:  17-3 Pittsburgh wins and takes commanding control of the division.

Our next After The Game will be Friday, October 10 from 9PM-12AM.

Don’t forget about Kennywood on November 1.

I know I haven’t made it to lunch yet.  I am making Thursdays my lunch day.  I will try to alternate between first and second lunches every other week.  I appreciate your patience and understanding.  God bless you all.

Also, we are starting small groups this Thursday (September 11).  We have our curriculum.  We are going to be studying Old Testament characters.  I know that the Old Testament is something that I need to study more.  It’s funny b/c when you are younger, you learn a lot about the Old Testament.  Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, David and Goliath, etc…  However, the older you get the more you tend to focus on the Gospels and Epistles.  We’re taking it old skool.  Tara D. will have the ladies, and I will be kicking it wit my boyz.

Start planning for the Kennywood trip.  It’s gonna be great.  Can I tell you how much I love Kennywood?  Kennywood’s website is temporarily down.  The link below is still good.  It’s on their end.  But the flier has all of your info.

We had a great time at the picnic.  Justin M. is crazy.  I’m putting some pics below.  Lots of swimming and eating.  Thanks to everyone who came out.  Hopefully, we’ll try to make this an annual thing.

That’s a question I have had asked of me a lot this past week.  I am coming to 1st lunch on Thursday.  I wanted to give a week or so to get settled in before I come in causing a ruckus.

Are you coming to the picnic on Sunday?  It’s gonna be a good time.  Lots of eating and boating.  But I need to figure out how I can get a radio on the boat to listen to the Steelers game.  Life’s tough sometimes, you know?  I will not be at youth tonight.  My kids have 2 soccer events going on tonight in different counties.  Family calls.  But Janet will be teaching, and I know she’ll do a great job.  But please let her know if you are coming to the picnic.  It helps us prepare.

Also, we are opening up the youth center after Lincoln’s game on Friday night.  Taco Bell is on the menu.  Bring a friend.

And, we had to change the date of our Kennywood Fright Night Get-away.  The new date is Saturday, November 1.  The price is $50 p/teen and that price includes ticket to Kennywood, transportation, hotel room, and dinner and breakfast.  The only thing you would need money for is snacks and souvenirs.  It’s a good deal.  Here’s a link to Kennywood’s website:  Phantom Fright Night.

And here is the flier for the trip.

Where do I begin?  First, we have a big ole shin-dig planned for Sunday, September 7, 2008.  It doesn’t cost a thing.  Here’s some info:

Next, beginning on Thursday, September 4, 2008, we are starting our small groups back up at 6:30PM.

Then, on Sunday, September 14, 2008 we will begin a 4 week series entitled “Heart of a Champion”.  You don’t want to miss this one.

Doug Fields says this about the series:  “The heart is at the center of our faith.  The Bible says the quality of our heart determines what we say and how we act.  The reflection of our heart shows whether or not we truly have embraced Jesus’ teaching and reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

We are also going to be having “After The Game” this year after all Lincoln home football games.  Come out to the youth center between 10PM-12AM for some free food and drinks.  Play some ping pong or some video games.  Here is Lincoln’s home schedule:

• September 5, 2008
• September 12, 2008
• October 10, 2008
• October 17, 2008
• October 31, 2008