End of October Activites

The month of October is Pastor Appreciation Month. So far, every year, the church has a potluck to celebrate. We received all sorts of wonderful cards and gifts. It is great that everyone took the time to thank Joshua for all his work. The kids even painted "Pumpkins for Pastor".

Our decorative pumpkins all in a row...

If you follow Stefani on Facebook, you know that a Hobby Lobby opened in Gaylord. She and three ladies from church made a trip to enjoy its awesomeness. Stefani will be finding more excuses to go to Gaylord more often. Especially, since a Tim Hortons/Cold Stone Creamery also recently opened in Gaylord.


Stefani had her first 456er (the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade youth group) events that she and Kim, the co-director, headed this month. The first was more of a Bible study. We are going to focus on Genesis and move our way through an overview of the most popular accounts in the Bible. The second was an "Octoberfest" party. We had Root Beer and Bratwurst, played games, and painted pumpkins. Our turn out was low, but we had so much fun! At the suggestion of a youth volunteer at another church, we played "Minute to Win It" games. The one that got the biggest laugh was "Nose Dive". (Click on the words and it will take you to a description.)  After the party we headed to a Senior High Youth bonfire at Mary Kay and Don's house. We enjoyed hanging out with the Youth huddled around the fire eating pizza and making s'mores.  


We had a busy, but fun October!


God's Blessings,


Joshua and Stefani

Onaway Homecoming 2010

One of the things we have picked up at these conferences about youth ministry is to build relationships with the kids. One of the ways to do this is to attend their activities. 
We decided to attend the high school's homecoming football game. The Onaway Cardinals lost, but it was fun to see everyone. Afterward, we had an impromptu get together at church with a few of the high school youth. 

One of our girls was on the Homecoming court. It was not a good night for formal wear. Brrr.

We also attended the 7th and 8th grade football game the next night. One of our boys plays and one of our girls cheers for them. This game was much better than the high school game. Although the Cards lost, they put up a fight. The only touchdown scored was by the young man that attends our church.

 

Stefani and Marina, one of "our kids". Marina is all ready for the dance. 

Players and cheerleaders with their parents on the field.

It was a chilly weekend, but we enjoyed it.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Michigan District Pastors' Conference

Joshua and Stefani headed to Traverse City to the Grand Traverse Resort for the All Pastors’ Conference. The subject of the conference was “All Who Wander Are Not Lost…”. The focus was the gap in attendance of the college age and the early twenties demographic. There were two dynamic speakers. Rev. Tony Cook, who is currently a professor at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Our second speaker was Ken Ham. He began the Answers in Genesis movement and started the Creation Museum. We heard so much useful information and are excited to apply what we have learned. 
The conference wasn't all business. We had some free time to shop and go out to eat. Of course we went to Target. We also went to our favorite restaurant in Traverse City, Mackinaw Brewing Company. 
It was also great to see people from other churches we have met over the year. Stefani enjoyed catching up the ladies at the the wives lunch. She can't wait to see them again at the Katie Conference.

The view from the glass elevator. You can see Grand Traverse Bay in the distance.

We stayed on the 11th floor. The wives lunch was on the 16th floor. 

 

Our room...the bed view.

Our room...the view from the door. Check out the fall colors through the window.
 

Who needs a phone by the potty?
 

The view from our room. This does not do the trees' colors justice. 

The conference room that we spent quite a bit of time in.

God's Blessings,


Joshua and Stefani

Our Last House Guests of the Season

Stefani's parents arrived right after Sue for their week long vacation. We enjoyed exploring Northern Michigan together. 

Sunday afternoon we went to Mackinaw Crossings and discovered Mackinaw Trail Winery, a wine store that had tastings. Needless to say wine was found and enjoyed! 

Monday, we went to the Gaslight district of Petoskey. On a previous trip to the area Stefani discovered Fustini's Oils and Vinegars and knew she had to take her dad there. You can taste all their olive oils and vinegars before you buy. Since her dad's birthday was the following day, she let him pick what ever he wanted!

Tuesday was Stefani's dad's 47th Birthday. We decided to have a low key day. We had a picnic of McDonald's on the shore of Lake Huron. Later, we had a dinner of Manzana's pizza and Dairy Queen for dessert.

Wednesday was a trip to Alpena and two lighthouses. Once we got to Alpena we were hungry. We consulted one of Stefani's mom's travel books. They decided to head to the John A. Lau Saloon. It was yummy! We highly recommend it. Then we went to Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. There was so much history about the shipping industry in the Great Lakes. Along with a full size replica of a ship. We also learned the hard way that just because they say adults can climb through a tunnel, one should not!  We also went to the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and the New Presque Isle Lighthouse.

Thursday we explored Mackinac Island. We went last Labor Day, but it is impossible to take in all the Island in one day.  We decided to take a carriage tour. After Stefani went with her grandparents and has decided it is a must do on the Island. It is the best way to see the Island if you are not a serious bicyclist. Plus, the tour guide that we had, Joe, is the best! (Stefani had him twice this summer. He is definitely worth requesting.)

Friday, Stefani's parents made their way south. They made a stop in Frankenmuth to enjoy its uniqueness. 

Stefani's dad, Ted, driving the boat.

Stefani driving the boat through a storm. 

Stefani's mom, Kelly, driving the boat. Keeping those hands at 10 and 2. 

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse.

Joe, the best carriage tour guide on Mackinac Island.

There was a bad bike accident on the Island. The ambulance is one of the only vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island.

We had a great time with Stefani's parents! We were very glad they decided to visit.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

First Anniversary Picnic

Joshua's first anniversary in ministry was July 26th.  The church celebrated with an outdoor service and picnic on August 15th. It was clear skies and a bit toasty for the festivities. We really enjoyed celebrating this milestone with our church family.

Joshua ready to preach. 

The all important food. 

The kids playing games.

The picnic was a great success! We want to thank everyone involved!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Sue's Visit

Sue, Joshua's sister, came for her first visit "Up North" this past week.  We showed her the major sights: Church, Petoskey, Mackinaw Crossings, Ocqueoc Falls, the beach of Lake Huron, and Mackinac Island. Not to mention all the yummy places we have to eat!  We enjoyed showing her the "new" home we have talked so much about.

Shopping in Petoskey.

Awwwww. Christmas card pictures?

At our favorite eatery, Manzana's.

 

 Sue, Lady Liberty, Stefani.

Another great visit with family!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering 2010

We recently attended the Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering held on the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor. We took 6 Youth. For many of them it was their first retreat. The theme was "All About Nothing". It was based on Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  One powerful message!
We were kept busy the whole weekend. There was a carnival, mass events, a Servant Event, water games, a concert, a prayer walk, and family time. Our Servant Event was to work at a food pantry. We helped clean and sort food. For many of our kids this was the first time giving of their time this way.

Our group has the honor of making the banner for this event every year.

This Swen and Dean. They are two brothers that have an amazing ministry of singing, being silly, being serious, and connecting with kids. Aargh!

This is Pastor Bill Yonker. He is the Senior Pastor at Immanuel East Dundee, IL. He is dynamic and really holds the kids attention.

Here we are receiving our instructions for the Servant Event. The Pantry is part of the organization Feeding America.

Stefani doing some heavy lifting.

What a good looking group?! The Pantry was at 1 Carrot Way. Hence, the carrots.

We think everyone had a great time whether they showed it or not. (You know teenagers.) The adults enjoyed seeing God work in the Junior High kids. If we (adults) can guide them along the path they are on, THE Church (not just Lutherans) will be in good hands. So, please INVEST in your youth through prayer, your time, and/or finances. They are the future (insert Whitney Houston lyrics here). 


God's Blessings,


Joshua and Stefani