Announcements

The Internet: Friend or Foe? There are a lot of things on the Internet that people in this world could do without. Some of the things are down right wrong and people should never go down those dark alleys (enough said). Some things are brainless and dumb. They basically kill time or keep you from doing something more important. Some of those I’ve found myself staring at are 1. www.worldrps.com which is the World of Rock, Paper, and Scissors 2. www.wackyuses.comListerine as deodorant?If you ever burn the roofof your mouth use CoolWhip. 3. www.buffo.comThe World’s StrongestClown. As my wife says(and her mom says),”Ifyou have time for that youhave time for violin lessons.”

But guess what (this is where you say, “What?”). There actually are some good websites for Christian families. Here are some sites I have found that are clean, fun, and very helpful at times.

-www.kids-in-mind.com I was talking to a parent in church and she was saying her child wanted to see Eragon in the theaters. This is the site I referred her to because it tells you everything you’d need to know about the movie as a parent. Preview a movie before you spend the $$$ and before your children see something you don’t want them to see.

-http://life.familyeducation.com As it says on the site, you'll find information for parents on every aspect of family life. You can even find out how to avoid car craziness (I used this one this past Christmas to Minot…6 ½ hours AHHHHH!!!)

-www.funschool.com (it jumps to the correct page) This site has a variety of fun activities for all ages. I actually spent some time (probably too much time) playing All Aboard and setting up a train track.

-www.webmath.com Don’t remember how to do some of those math problems your child brings home? Want your child to see how a problem is worked out? This is an amazing site! Math was not my strongest (LUNCH WAS!!!).

There will be links to these sites on the Youth and Family page of the church website: www.hopelutheranchurch-walker.org

Have some site suggestions? Let Chad know!

What’s the buzz?

-Advent Event Rocked!!! Thanks to all the helpers that made that event fun (Donna, Donna, Stacy, Toni, Beth, Ollie, and the clean up crew)! Check it out next year!

-Random fact: Americans charged a total of $480 billion on credit cards in 1990. That's equal to $1 million every minute.

-On Nov. 29 th the 10 th-12 th graders braved the morning cold to help Ben Tande cut, split, and deliver 3 huge loads of wood to some wonderful Hope members in need of it. Once again…it was COLD, but they did it and we warmed up back at the church with some good eats and some fun.

-Big thanks to Martha, Stacy, and all the Best Christmas Pageant Ever participants! Great job!

-The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.

-Are you a Christian Music lover? Want to sample a Christian CD of a band before buying for you or someone else? Check out the Hope Lutheran Christian CD Library. It is in Chad’s office, but is available for all to use and enjoy. There is a sign out folder with the CD’s. Just talk to Chad or stop in the office.

-Whether you did or didn’t go to San Antonio (youth or adult) you can recapture or experience some of the fun and inspirational speakers by talking to Chad. He has DVD’s from the gathering titled Speakers, Bible Studies and Sermons, and Highlights and More. Check it out in the same Christian Music Folder (it’s red).

-Thanks to everyone that has donated pop to the youth pop machine. This has been a great fundraiser for the youth. If you’d like to donate pop (any flavor) please feel free to drop it by Chad’s office or the main office.

-The average child in the United States will wear down 730 crayons by his or her tenth birthday and the scent of Crayola crayons is among the twenty most recognizable to American adults.

What’s Coming Up?

-Hey 7 th-12 th grade, on Jan. 21 st it is time head south to Brainerd to go to The Lodge and their indoor water park. This is definitely a “Bring a Friend” type of event (in fact, if you want to get $1 knocked off your cost, bring a friend). We will leave at noon on that Sunday, and return at 7:30 p.m. (enough time to still do homework you didn’t finish already). The cost is $7.00 and you’ll need money for supper (Taco Bell). You can use points for this activity. More information will be mailed to you.

-DRIVERS NEEDED-Are you interested in being a driver for the trip to Brainerd on Jan. 21 st? Chad is looking for some drivers that would be willing to haul some kids to Brainerd. If interested please contact Chad. Thanks!

- MENTOR NIGHT on Jan. 28 th from 6-7 p.m.

-MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH FEB. 19 th. The 7-12 grade ski trip to Giants Ridge is set to go that day. If the youth numbers are low, we will open the bus to the congregation like last year.

- CAMP SUNDAY!!! Time to start thinking about summer camp, and Pathways will be coming to Hope Lutheran on Sunday, Feb. 11 th to let us know of the variety of camping options for 2007. There will be camp music and Wayne (the puppet) will be making an appearance to talk about camp.

-January and February Youth Groups are as follows: Sr. High – Jan. 3 rd and 14 th

Jr. High – Jan. 17 th and 24 th