Thriving Through Life’s Ups and Downs

Labor Day Retreat 2010
September 4, 5 and 6th
Mt. Cross Camp, Felton

Over 130 Bethel members and friends experienced a “thrilling time” at this year’s Labor Day Retreat as Mt. Cross was transformed into a mini amusement park.

Our speaker at this year’s event was Rene Schlaepfer, Sr. Pastor at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos and author of the book “Thrill Ride – Thriving Through Life’s Ups and Downs”.  Throughout the weekend Pastor Rene shared insights from his book highlighting, at times in amusing fashion, his own personal ups and downs.  Using scriptural references of the lives of Moses and David he showed us how God promises to be with us too as we navigate through the rollercoasters of our own lives.

The thrill ride theme was highlighted at worship with a liturgical drama “The Ride of Your Life” which followed riders waiting in line for a thrilling but unknown rafting ride.  Rafters were encouraged to take their faith outside the comfort and security of the “park” where they could experience great fulfillment and joy – as long as they follow their guide.   Worship continued as participants were divided into “boats”, complete with oars and flags. Members of each boat were encouraged to explore how they’ve experienced uncertainty as members of Bethel Church but also hope and joy for the future with Jesus Christ as our guide.

In addition to this year’s dynamic speaker, the usual fun activities were back – this year with an amusement park theme! Favorite events like the opening mixers, campfire, carnival, Olympics, and the variety show allowed for new friends to be made and reconnecting with old ones.  Retreat goers certainly had plenty to do but also had time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the beauty that surrounded them.

If you would like to view Pr. Rene’s sessions from the Labor Day Retreat weekend, videos are available online.  DVDs will also be available in the Bethel Library.

Many thanks to all the committee members who made this weekend possible. If you are interested in helping with next year’s retreat, please contact the church office.

Notes: LDR10-1 Mega Coaster! (163.6 KiB)

Notes: LDR10 - 2 Surviving The Dark Rides (130.3 KiB)

Notes: LDR10-3 Must Be This Tall To Ride (10.8 KiB)

Hear yee hear yee,

Your magnificent youth assistants have united to inform yall of this weeks youth events.

This Sunday we will be teaming up with the not quite senior high (junior high) to join Robyn in a discussion entitled “I Am”

Then on  Wednesday (9/29) we will be having potluck and a discussion at church. We ask that you bring food to share so that others may partake in eating your food. Yum (mark dre). Once our bellies have been filled, we fill be having our world famous “Dr. Phill, Jesus or Me” discussion. This is sure to be the highlight of your week so you won’t want to miss it!

Hope to seen yall soon, much love,

Mac Attack

and

Jeff

Hi Friends,
Here’s a little modification for Jeff’s recent awesome post: This Sunday, September 19th, we’ll meet from 9:30am to 10:20am to plan out this year in Sr High Sunday School. Come with ideas and questions. Your voice is needed. Oh yea, we’ll have food and beverages too.
Peace, Tom

Greetings my fellow youth goers,

Coming up on Sunday will be a discussion in the youth room at 9:15 in the AM. We invite all senior high members to attend.

On Wednesday we will have a junior/senior high BBQ at 5:30. Both youth and parents are invited to attend. This is one of many great bonding experiences between the senior and junior high members that you won’t want to miss. Bethel (alright mostly Tom) is famous for our amazing BBQ. For all of our vegetarian homies we will be serving veggie burgers and such. Do not worry, you will not be judged for being a vegetarian. We ask that you bring 5 dollars to help pay for the food you devour.

And finally for those of you who miss the color added by former youth assistants, don’t worry we haven’t forgot about you.

Hope to see you all (yall) at our upcoming events

Jeff

Hi Again Mexico Friends,
I’m uploading the six files again, this time in the correct format even. Sorry about that. If you have any questions, please email me at th----@------.net or call me on my cell at 408-309-9975. Talk to you soon.
Peace, Tom
2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Fact Sheet (50.3 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Itinerary (52.6 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Release (584.2 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Med Rel (1.5 MiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Checklist (27.9 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Donate Rcpt (63.0 KiB)

Hello Friends,
We’re drawing close to this year’s Adult Mission to Mexico Trip and I wanted to post all the important forms for you. Attached are 6 pdf’s with the goods. If you have any questions please email me at th----@------.net or you can call me on my cell at 408-309-9975. Please also pass this on to others who might be interested.
Peace, Tom
2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Fact Sheet (50.3 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Itinerary (52.6 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Release (584.2 KiB) 2010 Adult Mission to Mexico Med Rel (1.5 MiB)

Top of the morning to yall,

This upcoming Sunday we will either have a discussion in the youth room or we will be assisting in the Bethel carnival. Regardless of what we end of doing, we will meet at 9:30. As we are experts on both carnivals and discussions, it is a win win situation.

Over the years, some of us have had problems coming to church 9:30 before the service to gather with youths of a similar nature. If you are like me and happen to be one of the millions of Americans who is either tired in the morning or addicted to caffeine, I would recommend trying some of Bethel’s world class coffee. As a caffeine addict of several years, I often feel like staying home instead of having a wonderful time at church because I am not yet awake. But after seven or eight cups I am up, running and ready to start my day.

Before I start to ramble, this Wednesday we are meeting at Bethel at 5:30. We will start off this night by journeying to a TBD location to acquire some inexpensive food and the returning to church for a discussion. Bring ten dollars for food.

Tom has also asked me to reiterate that you are more than welcome, and in some cases encouraged, to bring your friends to church events. These include all Sunday morning and Wednesday night outings. We do not discriminate other religions and welcome them to come and hang out.

See yall Sunday,

Jeff