We were having some web issues so I apologize that the summer events did not show up on the calendar until just a short time ago. Just a little reminder that we’re off to the Boardwalk this coming Wednesday at noon and you need to RSVP to me or sign up on “The Wall” by tomorrow to save your spot. (check the event details or Kristen’s update for specifics).

Next week is the River Float and the following week is The Houseboating Trip. All Sr High youth are invited to join our youth group and two other’s from Southern California as we spend an action filled week together. We’ll start out Saturday night, July 24th with a BBQ at Bethel, spend the night at church, worship outside in the morning, and then head to Lake Don Pedro for 5 days of houseboating, wake boarding, fishing, eating, studying, hanging out FUN! The trip will conclude Friday afternoon, July 30th. The total cost for the trip is $350 and the money is due by Wednesday, July 21st. Signed up as of right now is Michael Schrey, Alex Nadell, Jonathan Stolan, Rachel Gaardsmoe, Emma Rothwein, Trevor Leimer, Andrew Barton, Jessica Cohan, Luke Ferguson, Kevin Biehl, and Lindsay & Kristen Bryson. There is only room available for alternates as of right now.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the rest of the summer events and make sure to check out the website for details.

Peace, Tom

Esperanza is also very actively pursuing the safety concerns and I am including an email from the Chair of the Esperanza Board as to her personal commitment to get the accurate facts.

Please contact me with questions and/or concerns. I will keep you posted as to our plans.

Peace, Tom

Here’s Jan’s letter:
March 15, 2010
Dear Esperanza groups,

Yesterday, March 14, 2010, the United States Department of State web site upgraded the Mexico Alert to a Warning. We immediately became aware of this status change and met this morning to determine the course we will take and share that information with you.

As a group leader of 19 consecutive years and board member since 2001, I will be going to Posada this Wednesday to observe, ask questions, and try to assess. We, as a board, remain committed to your safety and take our duty seriously. We pledge a thorough investigation of what impact this might have on our valued groups. We also have a contact with the American Consulate in Tijuana to determine what increase danger might be present. Statistically at this time, Tijuana is increasingly safer with a sizeable reduction of violence during the past 12 months.

Please look for an update later this week.

Jan Kline

–
Aimee Khuu
Esperanza Registrar
206-228-2082
es----@------.com
www.esperanzaint.org

This coming Wednesday, September 16th, we’re having our 09/10 season youth ministry kickoff.  Come join us as we hook you up with some freshly BBQ’d delicacies, and fill your minds with info.  We’ll start at 6:30pm and be all finished up eating our ice cream sundaes by 8:30pm.  Come get the scoop on Wildside, other Jr High Programs, the Sr High Event Line-up, get registered on our youth website and much, much more.  Please RSVP if possible to me at th----@------.net.  Thanks a bunch!

Peace, Tom Hoegel - Youth Director

I want give you the scoop on several upcoming things.  So, here it goes:

Boating Trip: Tomorrow is the deadline to sign up and pay for this fun filled, one day event (see the last post for details).  The cost is $55 to cover fuel, drinks and food while we’re out at the lake.  You also need to bring about $20 to cover morning snacks and dinner on the way home.  The sign up sheet is on “The Wall” and I’ve got room for 12 people max.

Beach Bonfire Night: This coming Wednesday, August 12th from 5:15pm to 10pm.  The cost is $10 plus bring money for dinner.  We’ll spend the sundown enjoying each other’s company, some singing, sharing, and smores.  Sign up on “The Wall” to save your spot for this one as well.

Malibu Grand Prix: I’m moving the date of this event because Chico State changed the move in date for Julia.  What’s a dad to do but take his girl to college?  We’ll be going to Malibu on Monday, August 17th at 5:30 pm and I’ll have the cost and details for you in a couple of days.

Youth Assistant Applications: Its time my friends:  Any incoming High School Sr is encouraged to apply to be one of Bethel’s Sr Hight Youth Assistants this year.  If you are interested, please contact me in the next day or two.  I’ll be accepting applications this coming week and the decision will be made in the next two weeks.  Here’s what I need from you:  A typed letter indicating why you want to be a youth assistant, what gifts you have to offer, what you are most passionate about this coming year for Bethel’s youth group, and a section talking about your grades in school.  I also need you to submit something showing your creativity (art, writing, video, song, its up to you), and a note from your parents indicating their support for you as a youth assistant.

Labor Day Retreat: Make sure to sign up for or annual “all congregational” retreat.  We always have a great time and this retreat is sure not to disappoint.  You can sign up Sunday morning at the registration table.

That’s about it for now.  If you have any questions, comments, or random facts to share, you can always email me at th----@------.net

Peace, Tom