events in the next week and over the summer

High School: Monday the 18th from 6:00-8:30 - swim/BBQ party to end the school year and celebrate the graduating seniors. Bring a side dish, like salad chips or a dessert. come hungry for hotdogs and hamburgers!

High School: June 8th from 6:00-8:00pm - Bowling Night at Rocklin Lanes bowling alley. (2325 sierra meadows dr, Rocklin) Games are $4.25 a piece, but bring a little extra money for shoes or games or food. This is just a fun hang out time, Michael is leading it and I am not going to be there (honeymoon).

Middle School: May 31st - end of school year party during service. Bring any type of game or ball to play a game you wish, and we will have a fun party all day! There will be desserts, fun, and bring a friend too!

Middle and High School: Summer events - Sun Splash - Tuesday, June 23rd from 11:00am to 6:30 pm, but meet at sun splash at 10:45am to check in together. Price for ticket is $16 a person. We will be having lunch at In-n-out or there at sun splash, so bring extra money for lunch and a snack. Subway is also right inside Sun Splash. Be sure to bring a bathing suit, towel, sun screen, and money. Special – If you invite a new friend, both you and they get 5$ off the ticket price!!!

Middle and High School: Summer events - Thursday, July 23rd - Six Flags in Vallejo. Meet at the church office at 8:15am to get there for the beginning of the day before it is too hot or crowded. Price is $30 a person (which includes gas), but bring extra money for lunch and dinner. Be sure that they wear tennis shoes (Would be terrible to lose a sandal and walk around without them all day) and bring sun screen. Special – If you invite a new friend, both you and they get 5$ off the ticket price!!!

Bonfire and BBQ night at Costanzo's farm

What’s going on: We are having a bonfire and movie night at the Costanzo’s farm!!! We will start the night off with a BBQ at 6 pm (bring snacks/desserts) then have some fun playing games before dark. We will have a bonfire and then play some night games too!

When: Friday, April 10th, from 6:00pm to around 10:00pm
The BBQ is starting a little after 6, so show up then for the food!

Where: Costanzo’s house - Address is 2701 Riosa Rd. Sheridan, ca, 95681 - It is about 40 minutes from Woodcreek, so plan accordingly. North on 65 for about 15 m. Talk to me if you need a ride

What to bring: Clothes that can get dirty, as there will be running and hiding on the farm. Food to share with others– chips, desserts, side dishes, etc. Hotdogs/hamburgers are going to be provided. Bring a flashlight and shoes (sandals will not work well). Also, as this is a free and fun event, INVITE A FRIEND!!!

Are Mormons Christians?

At Monday night Bible study, the topic of mormonism was brought up, what they believe, if they are christians, etc. Here are a few websites you can look at that describe what mormons believe and how they view Jesus, heaven, God, salvation, and more.

Feel free to talk about this further on here or in person, ask questions, post about any findings you have or things you think people should hear!

http://dare2share.org/mormons

http://www.truthinloveministry.net/urgency.htm#TextAnchor

New House

For all of you who haven't heard, I have been in the process of buying a house. As of Friday, we have a house!! :) It's such a cool house too, i hope to have some type of house warming party (once we fix it up) and celebrate. It's near royer park and its going to be such an amazing house. it needs some fixing up though, cleaning, painting, etc, but we got a few months to get it ready.
Carly and i already spent time cleaning up the yard, and there's a lot more to do but it's going to be such a beautiful house.

yeah, so this is my big news, which i am still SO excited about!
ask any questions or share any big news going on with you!

- josiah

High School movie night

Who likes movies? Do you? I sure do!
We are going to watch a movie together over at Jacob Wilkinsons house, a new one that's come out recently called Fireproof. I hear it's really good and look forward to seeing it. If you are interested in coming, it is next saturday, the 21st, from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
it will be a lot of fun!
if you come bring some type of snack or dessert to share. I'll be bringing pizza

see ya there

What's new?

Hey everyone, what's new with you?
Update on what's been happening in the youth ministry - Had a movie day yesterday to celibrate a day of school off (for those who had it). We watched pink panther 2 and had some good laughs there and at in-n-out. We are on for monday night next week, so see you there. - This friday/saturday is a girls only sleepover at carly's apartment. Let me know if you are interested in going. Next saturday is the ski trip, and one of the friday's in march is the bo(mb)n-fire at the costanzo's place. ATF is coming up and will be a blast!!!
That's what's coming up, we have been learing about friends and relationships at our meetings, and keep coming to learn more about that and other interesting fun topics.

feel free to talk about what's new and exciting!!!

snowboard and ski trip

Westside invites you to join us for a ski and snowboard trip up to Donner Ski Ranch. Saturday, February 21st, we are going to leave early in the morning (drop off and pick up from church office) and go up to the mountain for a day of fun. it is open to the whole church and any friends you want to bring.
lift tickets cost 32$ for teens, and 40 for adults. rentals on the mountain are 32-35$, but you can get rentals before hand at a store like sports chalet.
i already know a few that would love to come to this, but give me an email, a call, talk to me in person, or leave a comment here. we need the money by feb 15th to get our group rate, and i have equiptment rental forms that need to be signed by your parents in advance!

this is going to be a lot of fun, hope you can make it!

New Year

Welcome to a new year!!! it's called 2009 and we now have a little over 350 days left to spend in this year. What are you going to do? what sort of changes are you going to make? are you going to work hard to become a better person, perhaps go on a mission trip or serve some homeless? are you planning on making new friends? perhaps being nicer to your siblings? this is the start of a new year, think about what you are going to work on. Personally, im going to work on being less lazy and finally getting in a regular schedule for bible reading and prayer. i also hope to get fully ready for my upcoming marriage. it's going to be a busy year but such a good year! i am excited and hope you are too.
leave a comment letting us know what you are planning on doing this year.

God Bless
- josiah

ps. comments are now being moderated, i'll allow them asap, just post like usual. sorry about this needed change

Video from Video Scavenger Hunt

Sorry about the jumpy camera, the videographer claims immunity as it was his first attempt at filming. Also, if someone wants to come help me make this video more fancy, let me know! i don't know how to do transitions or music or intro-exit or anything like that.

Money, or lack of money...

I know most of you don't have any credit cards or even bank cards, but i still think this is important for you to hear. For the past 30 years, we as americans have started living beyond our means. to explain that in an easy way, if you spend 35000$ a year, but only make 30,000$, you are going into debt slowly. every year 5,000$ in debt is added, and we are stuck years later with a huge amount of money we need to pay off, but are not able too.
For years, our society and culture have tried to tell us what we "need" to have in order to "fit in" or to be cool. We "need" a new outfit every month, or a new car every year, or the newest video game. The problem is we often are living outside our means, our ability to pay for these things. It seems simple right now, if you have money you can spend it, if you don't, why spend it at all? but when you start growing up more, you realize how easy it is to put something on a credit card, even if you know you can't pay it off. you just "needed" that new dvd player and couldn't live without it.
I am not trying to point fingers at anyone. i am simply warning you of the danger of greed, of jealousy, and of wanting 'just a little bit more'. American's have developed into a consumer nation that need the next newest thing. I know people who need to get the newest laptop whenever it comes out, or the newest bmw, or the newest outfit.
I challenge you to begin working today on being satisfied with what you have. Life is much easier when we are happy with what we have. If you ever need a real life example, just go visit some poor countries in africa or south america. There are so many happy people there, completly content with what they have. They have food, shelter, and a ball to play with, what else do they need?
Our nation today is facing a crisis, a problem with money and debt and housing markets and bad loans. All of these could easily be fixed or even avoided if we as a nation would save money instead of overspending, if we would be satisfied with what we have, and if we were willing to give to those who need help.
my challenge to you today is to become the generation that will turn america around, move us from a needy, greedy nation to one that is satisfied and generous. Do you think you can do this? I believe in you! I believe that with God anything is possible. I am praying for our nation and i encourage you to join me. Thank you for reading and sorry that this is long. i hope you read to this point :) God bless you!

Trivia Game 2

Here is a new game of Bible trivia! every right answer gives you a point. first to 10 wins

News flash!!! email me the answers at jgelsinger@westsideroseville.org. you can use the comment section to ask questions or talk, but just send me the answer in my email so others can participate. you will have a day or two to answer each question, so check back often!

Trivia # 1 = God called Abraham of the old testament out of what city? - Answer: Haran - only B.J. answered correctly, so points: B.J. - 1, everyone else - 0

Trivia #2 = Name 2 things Jesus did on the Sabbath day that the Pharisees got mad at Jesus for doing. Good work B.J. - Jesus did miracles and his disciples picked some grain on the sabbath that made the Pharisees very mad at Him. Points - B.J. 2, everyone else - 0

Trivia #3 = How was the Holy Spirit first seen when Jesus' disciples recieved it? Answer: Tongues of fire on the shoulders of each disciple! pretty awesome sight that must have been.
Points: B.J. - 3, Fredthefish - 1, Everyone else - 0

Trivia # 4 = When God destroyed the world and only saved a few people on a wooden boat, what was his sign to us that he would never wipe us out in a worldwide flood again? Answer: A rainbow
Points: B.J. - 4, Fredthefish - 2, Nate - 1, Heather - 1, Everyone else - 0

Trivia # 5 - Jesus was 'transfigured' on a mountain top with a few of his disciples watching. Two men came to talk with Jesus, who where they? Answer - Moses and Elija
points: B.J. 5, Fredthefish - 3, Nate -1, Saul - 1, Heather - 1,Everyone else - 0

Trivia # 6 - Jesus' friend was dead for 4 days before Jesus raised him from the dead. Who was this friend? Answer - Lazarus, Points: B.J. -6 Fredthefish - 3, Saul - 2, Nate - 1, Heather - 1, and everyone else - 0

Trivia # 7 - Describe how heaven is going to look. You should use some scripture to back up your answer. (there are many right answers) Some of the answers: beyond our mind's imagination, Heaven is a treasure that is hidden, An eternal dwelling, Heaven is paved with street of gold. Good answers, my favorite is 'where we can praise God face to face'.
Points: B.J. -5 Fredthefish - 3, Saul - 2, Nate - 1, Heather - 1, Emily - 1, and everyone else - 0

Trivia # 8 - What city was Jesus' house in? Answer - Well, trick question here, Jesus himself never owned a home, his parents did in Nazareth, but the answer is either 'none' or 'heaven'.
Points: B.J. -4 Fredthefish = 3, Saul = 2, Nate = 1, Heather = 1, Emily = 1, Carly =1, and everyone else = 0

Trivia # 9 - Who had a test involving 2 women and a baby and a sword? Answer - Solomon, he did that test to figure out who's baby it was and it proved how wise he was.
Points: B.J. -3 Fredthefish = 4, Saul = 2, Nate = 1, Heather = 1, Emily = 1, Carly =2, and everyone else = 0

Trivia # 10 - When given a plate of baby back ribs, a good jewish man will -
A) bow politely and thank you for the meal and eat it with a fork and knife
B) give you a hug and run off with the ribs before you can take them back
C) thank the lord for this bountiful feast and share it with their family
D) refuse to eat them
Answer : D - Jews will not eat pork.
Points: B.J. - 2 Fredthefish = 5, Saul = 2, Nate = 1, Heather = 1, Emily = 1, Carly =2, and everyone else = 0

Trivia # 11 - Solomon states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of ? what is it?

Movie

If any of you are interested, Rachael Sippel is inviting the youth group to go see Eagle Eye after church on sunday the 19th (in a few sundays). The showing is at 1:50 at Century 14 theater. Post here or let her know if you are interested in going.

Trivia

I have decided to spice this blog up. I wanted to develop something fun and easy for you to participate with the blog without spending a ton of time on here. We are going to do a trivia, where i will keep score for you guys.
The 'First' one to answer the trivia question right gets one point.
Try to see how many points you can get!!!

Trivia #1 - David talks about a salvation for Israel that comes out of Zion. Who is he talking about? Answered by isaiah - Jesus/messiah

Trivia #2 - The year of Jubilee was to be observed every ____ years by the Israelites. During this year, land would be returned to the owner if sold, and no harvesting was to take place. Answered by B.J. - 50th year

Trivia #3 - The first Disciples that Jesus calls to follow him are _________ and _______? Answered by Isaiah - Peter and Andrew

Trivia #4 - Who wresled with an angel of God and lived to tell about it? Answered by B.J. - Jacob

Trivia #5 - We do not know when Jesus is going to return, but we are told to do something to be ready. What is it? Answered by Isaiah - Watch

Trivia # 6 - Who were the only two people in the Bible to never die? Answered by B.J. - Elijah and Enoch

Trivia #7 - What happened when the 4th seal was broken? Answered by B.J. - Pale horse was set free on earth.

Trivia #8 - There was a story where one guy cut the corner of a kings robe without him knowing. Who were these two people? Answered by B.J. - David and Saul

Trivia #9 - Jesus was asked to pay taxes, so he told peter to go do something to get the money to pay the taxes. What was it? Answered by Nate - Fish and he would find money in the mouth of the first fish he caught.

Trivia # 10 - A woman was thrown from her upstairs window, trampled by horses, and then eaten by dogs. Who is this woman? Answered by B.J. - Jezebel

Trivia #11 - When the devil was given control over one persons life in the Bible to do as he wished, what was the one thing the devil could not do to him? Answered by B.J. - The one thing was he could not kill him

Trivia #12 - Who saw God write on the wall, and got so scared his knees shook and his face turned pale? Answered by B.J. - Belshazzar saw the hand writing on the wall

Trivia #13 - Somewhere in the Bible it talks about a statue made out of 5 different things. What were the materials used and what was the significance? Answered by B.J. - Gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron/clay that depict nations to come

Trivia # 14 - What is different about our high priest today than the high priests of the Old Testament? Answered by B.J. - Jesus is our high priest who we can talk through to God whenever, instead of going through the High Priest like in the old testament. Now we can talk to God any time or any place!!!

Fall Kickoff and Bigger and Better Photos

There are new pictures up on the youth ministry website. You should check them out. Click on this link and they should be right there. Some are pretty funny, like Joey's face or Emily getting a bucket of water dumped on her. Let me know what you think!
http://youthgallery.westsideroseville.org/

The Bigger and Better photo's are up, check out what each team ended up with and how much fun we had! Sadly, my team lost, but we still had good stories, like helping a needy family.

Everything

Jesus loves you.
He is is always there, even when things seem terrible and there is no hope.
Jesus is just waiting for you to reach out to him and allow him to help you.
Are you willing to give up your sin, the things that are a wall between you and God?
Do you want to be with Jesus like the girl at the beginning of this video?
The road may seem long and hard, but Jesus will be there for you and he is there for you right now!

Do you believe in God

The song "cassie" by flyleaf recently stood out to me. It describes the scene at Columbine High School shootings, where one girl was killed for standing up for her faith in God. The song speaks out on how she gave her life up instead of rejecting God. She was asked if she believed in God, and her answer of "yes" meant that the shooter killed her for her faith.
Flyleaf sings this song to ask each of us if we would be willing to do whatever it took to live for God. Would you be willing to die for God? Would you give up your life to be true to your faith?
If we are willing to die for God, shouldn't we live our lives for him too?


CASSIE
The question asked in order
To save her life or take it
The answer no to avoid death
The answer yes would make it

Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
Say yes to pull the trigger
Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger

All heads are bowed in silence
To remember her last sentence
She answered him knowing what would happen
Her last words still hanging in the air
In the air

Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
Say yes to pull the trigger
Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger

How many will die
I will die
I, I will say yes

Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
Say yes to pull the trigger
Do you believe in God
Written on the bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger
Do you believe in God
Do you believe in God
Do you believe in God
And I will pull the trigger

Video

I liked this video, thanks for sending it Dylan. it is called "Everyday Life"



What do you think?

School

This is the post you never wanted to see, but it is becoming a reality (if it is not already). School is back, it's starting, it's begun! cheer, boo, hiss, yay. what are your feelings about being back at school? what are you going to do this year that might be different than last year?
who is going for strait A+'s? haha, who wants to simply pass?
well, it's short, but i want to see how you guys view school.

Silence

How many of you have stopped to listen to God in a place where you could hear him? this world is filled with noise that distracts us, keeps our attention, and keeps our focus away from God. Ipods, screaming babies, beeping, cars zooming past, construction, air planes, concerts, TV, talk radio and so much more. Have you ever tried listening to God, but given up after 5 minutes and turned your ipod back on? try this: go out to the wilderness, a quite place, a back room, and just spend half an hour in silence. Listen for God, listen to your thoughts, focus on what God wants you to do. This world has become so loud and noisy, i think we are having a harder time hearing God. Think about it, be silent and listen. Get back to me with any new insight or ideas on how to do this.

Video Games

Here is where you can talk about video games, let the prayer blog be about prayer requests, not Halo 3...
anyways, video games have become one of the past times of many youth and adults today. There are games for all ages and for all different types of audiences. one major caution is to read the ratings on the game, they are put there for a reason. Often there are M rated games with lots of swearing and other sort of stuff that parents have no idea are in video games. some games also have poor themes, like grand theft auto... stealing, shooting cops, prostitutes, and more. Its fun to play something that you will never get to do, like jump 20 feet and shoot aliens on halo, but realise that all the things we play just affect how we look at the world. Some people get addicted to video games and often lose out on life, friends, relationships, jobs, etc. It's an extreme case when this happens, but it still happens. Be careful what you play, what you let your little brothers and sisters see, and just use your time wisely.
i have played some video games in my day, and still enjoy playing with some friends of mine, but there was a time where i would spend hours each day playing a dumb video game, i would lose sleep, time, my homework suffered, and it was all for a video game... i retired myself after a while, but it still was hard to give it up and be free of that "addiction".

Games are great to play with friends and they allow us to have a good time. What kind of games do you guys (and by guys i am being generic, guys and girls both play video games) enjoy?

How can we use video games to reach out to other non-christians or have a good time with your friends?

It would be cool if you guys would invite your friends over for game nights, or just use the video game avenue to reach out to non-christians. Any ideas about doing this? feel free to share.

Also, what kind of games do you enjoy most? maybe if we find a lot of people who like a certain game we can put something together.

Batman

For those who are interested, B.J. is going to see the new batman movie at 2:20 this sunday, the 27th. People like Josiah and others might join. if you are interested, hope u can make it! It's nothing really big, just if you want to see it have your parents drop you off earlier or talk to me and maybe we can eat after church then go wait in line for it. it is at UA Olympus theater off N. sunrise.