New room, basketball, break, and more

Well, its as busy as ever around here. It has been really fun finally getting into the revamped youth room. It is a very exciting and functional space now, and we can definitely cram more people into it then before. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this project happen so quickly, easily, and cheaply (at least to our ministry).

In 22 hours it will officially be one of my favorite times of the year: March Madness! I'm on draft like 16 of my bracket and am finding it a little harder this year with all the parity. Despite that I find myself picking a lot of chalk (favored teams) into the Elite Eight, which is probably a huge mistake. I'm putting my trust in Pitino and Louisville and am returning to my favorite March team, Gonzaga, this year, thinking they will beat a not entirely healthy UNC team. If you have not filled out a bracket for our massive youth group competition please do so. They are on the info table in the youth room and no basketball knowledge is necessary. Winner gets a 24 pack of the soda of their choice. Also, this Friday from noon-5ish everyone is invited over to our house to watch the action on the big screen. We had a ton of fun with this last year as everyone simply routed against all my teams.

To spring into break we are inviting all middle schoolers in Diane and Dan's small groups to our house from 6:30-8:00pm this Friday night. We'll provide drinks, snacks, and plenty of fun, you just need to provide yourself.

I will be around this weekend, preaching at the morning service and at high school youth group, but will leave Monday morning for California. Despite claims to the contrary this is actually a "business trip," although the spring break timing and warm location may seem suspicious. I will be at a youth ministry conference at Saddleback Church Tuesday-Friday, then spending two days taking in Cali with my wife. Therefore, there will be no youth group March 25th or March 29th. Both groups will start back the following week, with April 1st being Middle School's first night of the 6:30-8:00 schedule.

Have a blessed weekend, may your brackets not bust, and have a safe, relaxing, and fun Spring Break!