Zion Student Ministry Mission Statement

To create an environment where youth are encouraged to grow in relationships to God and others and learn to spread the love of Christ.

Have you used GoodSearch or GoodShop yet?  Zion’s Youth Ministry just deposited a $98 check from GoodSearch because you have designated us to support.  Just like Google or other search engines, use GoodSearch, and, if you do online shopping, we can earn a percentage of your purchases if you go through GoodShop.  This is a very easy way to help support Zion’s Youth Ministry.  As always, we praise God and appreciate all of your support.

Events for All Youth

2009 Summer Juarez Mission Trip Registration Deadline – extended  If you are in 8^th-12^th grade, this trip is for you!  We have some spots open still.  I have a deadline with YouthWorks on January 11.  At that time, if you are not signed up, you most likely will not be able to go.  We also want to fill up to 2 “Junior” counselor positions.  If you have graduated High School but will not be 21 in August 2009, consider filling one of those positions.  Talk to Lisa for more information.  REMEMBER, I must have your deposit by January 11 if you are planning on going.

Youth Mission Trip Chaperones – we have 3 female chaperones ready to go, but we need at least one male chaperone.  If you are willing/able to help, the dates are August 1-9, 2009.  Please talk to Lisa for more information.

Christmas Turkey Dinner Thank You! Thanks to all of the youth and parents who helped with the Turkey Dinner this year.  Special thanks to Dave and Bev Nieting for the HOURS of work on this to make it a wonderful dinner!  Participants earned roughly $14 per hour working that night!  That money goes into your family account here at Zion to help you pay for Zion sponsored Christian events like Mission Trips or Youth Gatherings.

Plan Ahead for our ALL YOUTH February Event – Skating and Spaghetti Dinner!  Back by popular demand!!  Sunday, February 8 we will leave Zion at 2pm to go to the Minneapolis Depot Ice Rink.  After that we will enjoy dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.  We will return no later than 8pm.  Cost:  Admission for Ice Skating is $6; Skate Rental is $6; and don’t forget to bring your own money for the Spaghetti Factory dinner.  We do need some adult chaperones to join the party!  In order to have enough transportation, and to make restaurant reservations, please be respectful and sign up and pay the $6 admission fee by February 1.  Talk to Lisa if you have any questions.

Confirmation Ministry

Confirmation Classes will resume on January 7, 2009 promptly at  6:30pm – Please be respectful – making sure you are here on time is greatly appreciated.

Confirmation Records  If you want to make sure that you are on track for completing this year’s Confirmation requirements, take a look at the master record book outside of Pastor Krienke’s office next to the postage meter.  If there are any discrepancies or questions, please talk to Lisa.

Confirmation Parent’s Night will be on Wednesday, January 14.  We hope to have a special guest speaker this day talking about internet and text messaging items – and things to be aware of.  If you are the parent of a 6-8^th grade confirmation student, please make plans to be here.

Plan Ahead… Feed My Starving Children Trip for Confirmation Students:  February 21 – 11:00-2:00.  We will travel to the FMSC in Chanhassen again and package bags of food.  This is an amazing and wonderful opportunity to put your servant hearts into action!  Please let Lisa know if you will NOT be able to attend.

Items for our College Students

Online Chat  Jared Betterman and Lisa Day have been working on something that is very exciting as we start 2009.  With a desire to ‘meet’ with our Zion College Students (and their friends) we will be starting an online chat.  There are some GREAT books out there that talk about growing in faith and apply very well to you!  Jared selected the first one – Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli.  We will discuss 1 chapter each meeting time (so you don’t have to do a LOT of reading for this).  Our meetings will be on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of the month and will go from 8:00-9:00pm  We are planning on using the AOL Chat and have it as an invite only room.  In order to do that, if you are interested, please give either Jared Betterman or Lisa Day your AOL screen name – or get an AOL screen name and then give it to us.  Lisa’s screen name is daydce (or daydce@yahoo.com)  You will also need to get the book – talk to Lisa Day if you are interested and she will line you up with one.

Volunteer Opportunities??  If you are home for a bit of time and don’t want waste your vacation doing basically nothing, why not consider spending some time serving our Lord by volunteering in our community?    You may be able to get your friends together and have a good time serving others.  Contact Lisa Day if you are interested in hearing some of the opportunities available to you.

Events for Sr. High Youth Only (Grades 9-12)

Sunday JAM - for 9^th-12^th graders - is led by Mike Schumacher.  Mike will be using Nooma videos and other creative resources throughout the year to help you grow in knowledge and faith.

Wednesday JAM – Kate Dressel is leading this group again.  This class is currently looking at “Jesus Did It” a Bible Study in a Can – it’s an “Experiential Multimedia” opportunity complete with hands on activities and prizes.  This is also open to all 9^th-12^th graders and their friends.

2^nd Annual LUTSEN Snow Retreat – Register by January 7 We will again be traveling to Lutsen this year to enjoy the snow – either skiing, snowboarding or just having fun ‘up north’.  The dates are January 16-18, 2009 (Friday-Sunday).  There is no school on Monday so we will stay a little later than last year.  We will leave at 4pm (or as soon as possible) on Friday and return at about 9:30 pm on Sunday.  Cost will be $160 (not including ski/board rental).  This includes all meals on Saturday and breakfast/lunch on Sunday, 2 nights lodging, 2 full day lift tickets, swimming & hot tubbing at the Grand Marais Recreation Center, and transportation.  Need to Rent?  Handle this on your own before we leave:  go to www.lutsen.com ; click on “Plan & Buy”;  select “Rentals”; decide what you want and finish your purchase online(this saves time and money).  Pick up a liability and registration form from Lisa.  Forms and money must be turned in by January 7. 

Events for Jr. High Youth Only (Grades 6-8)

Sunday JR. JAM - DARE TO BE DANIEL – Our Director of Student Ministries, Lisa Day is very excited to be teaching our 6-8^th graders this year.  We are having a wonderful time looking at how bold of a witness Daniel was for his Lord and how we too can be bold witnesses for our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Confirmation Information  - don’t forget to read the important Confirmation Information included in this newsletter.

Jr. High Snow Tubing – Saturday, January 24.  We will leave Zion at 2:30 pm and travel to Buck Hill for 2 hours of tubing fun.  We will then stop for a pizza supper on the way home.  We will be home around 7pm.  Cost is $22 and includes tubing, transportation, and supper.  Bring WARM clothes, boots, and good gloves/mittens (preferably not knit ones).  Sign up and pay by January 18.  You can download a ‘generic’ activity registration for from the Zion website and add all of the specific information.

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