::THEFACTORY

LAST SERMON AS A SINGLE MAN

This Wednesday, I'll be giving my last sermon as a single man. I'll be sharing some reflections on my journey thus far and some thoughts I have as a result. Looking forward to you being able to join us on Wednesday night in theBURN. - PJ

INTERESTING MORNING

Yesterday was an interesting event in the history of theBURN. We began something that has yet to be done in our time together, but it seems to have gone really well. For those of you who missed it, in both the junior high and the senior high service, I (PJ) played the part of the atheist and this simple question was presented :

"I'm an atheist, convert me."

It's amazing what happens when we "try" all our tactics and plans. We see how simple our thinking is and how much we are missing. Most people were frustrated. Many people got intense. It just wore others out. All in all, it was fantastic and I'm looking for our Sunday morning forums to grow even more. Let's continue the conversation with questions, comments, concerns and anything else you'd like to add. It was a great morning. Tons of love. PJ

(Note, this was not a "training seminar" like some wacko churches out there. It was simply a discussion on presenting Jesus to those who don't know them. Hopefully it doesn't come off crazy.)

WHAT A WEEKEND

We are two days removed from 210 and I have to say that I am very pleased with how it went. Pastor Chris and I wanted to try something different that wasn't going to have all of the "hype" of other events but was simply going to present Jesus. We care about prayer, being people of prayer and raising up students who feel the same way. I say it was a success...There seem to be a lot of stories generated based on what God has done. That couldn't make my heart more happy. I'm so thrilled for you students who were able to attend and had a significant moment at 210. Andy echoed Chris and I's heart completely with all of the sermons directing all of us to think less of the weekend and more of the lives we live after it. May God continue to inspire us to be people who lives fully devoted to Him. My prayer is that 210 was the catapult to such a life. TONS OF LOVE!!! - PJ

GIRLS GROUP CANCELLED TONIGHT 10.20.08

Following 210, the ladies of theBURN are going to be taking a break. Join us next week for our time of discussion and hanging out. Thanks ladies!

CHACHA

Tyler introduced me to a new service that is available on the internet / through text message. It's a site called ChaCha. A couple of his buddies are working for them and the premise is that you can ask them questions and they'll answer them for you. It's pretty fun. Here are a couple of mine :

PJ : How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

ChaCha : A woodchuck would chuck about 700 pounds. Compared to beavers, groundhogs / woodchucks are not adept at moving timber.

PJ : Finish this famous quote : "if you were directly above him, how could you see him?"

ChaCha : In the movie Top Gun, the next line is by Maverick. He says "Because I was inverted."

PJ : Does garlic have upset stomach as a possible side effect? I have a serious case of the trots.

ChaCha : Yes, garlic can cause upset stomach in some people.

Give it a run and try to stummp ChaCha. They are smoking me so far with no winners from this guy. Have a great Wednesday! - PJ

LACK OF AUDIO

For those of you who check out the audio, we have been out of commission recently due to services that we have attended with our church. We will be back and better than ever this week. Coming to an audio device near you soon. - PJ

THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT

Rachel and I would like to send a HUGE thank you to Laura Ernce (and also to Daniel) and everyone who attended the wedding shower last night. It was a thrill to have all of you celebrate our wedding with us and have some fun finding out which wheel Rachel would be or which TV show I would be. We are really excited for our wedding and are so blessed to have some many people who care for us. Love to all of you. Mucho appreciado! - PJ

210 PACKING LIST

For those of you who will be traveling with us to 210, the packing lists are available in the youth room and also by download (click here for the list). Be sure to pick one up so you aren't missing anything once we get to Roach. Here's to this weekend! - PJ

WEDDING SHOWER AFTER PARTY

All Fan of Justin and Rachel,

A reminder that this Sunday's After Party is a Wedding Shower for your favorite youth pastor and his bride-to-be! It will be Hope in the youth center from 6-8p.m.

Please come even if :

-you already attended another shower. You don't have to bring another gift unless you want to.
- you can't bring a gift. This is a time to shower Justin and Rachel with love and support.
- you're a guy and think the whole idea is stupid. This isn't about you!

The main idea is to celebrate with Justin and Rachel, and spend some time set apart just for them to let them know how much we love and support them. Parents are welcome, but not required. Gifts are fun, but not necessary (click here for gift ideas, but these are ideas only...). The most important part of the gathering is the people, and the more the merrier!

See you Sunday at the Shower!

Laura Ernce
lernce@sbcglobal.net

TWITTER

Ryan suggested to me a while back that I get involved in yet another social networking site. I quickly dismissed it because it seemed like another reason to waste time on the internet. However, Twitter is quickly gaining steam and it is connecting people in new ways. You simply answer the question "What are you doing?" and continue to post what's going down. It makes for an interesting afternoon. It also can link to your Facebook page and update it with new tweets (and MySpace with an app). It's pretty cool. Check it out. - PJ