February 2008 Parent Update

Hi Parents!
Wow, I blinked my eyes and January was over --- totally vaporized! With the upcoming opening of the Vineyard Student Union, time is flying by for us here at the Vineyard. However, there are many exciting stories to share with you and opportunities to invite you to serve. If this is your first ‘Parent Update’, here’s a sketch of the monthly contents to keep you connected to what is happening in our department:

Things That Make You Say, “YES!" (good news)
‘Up Next’ (upcoming events and notes)
Building Pics (progress on the Student Union -- the new student space)

Things That Make You Say, “YES!"
SnoDaze: (for those of you unfamiliar with it) is the Middle School winter getaway usually involving skiing. This year, SnoDaze involved almost 100 students and leaders for an all-nighter at the Countryside YMCA and a day of skiing at Perfect North. Of course, loads of fun was had by all and there was only one injury (thank you Jesus!), but the real story was about friends. Many students brought friends from school for their very first ‘church’ experience. While the program did not involve a gospel presentation as to “close the deal” on a salvation decision card, the love of Christ was being shared generously through outgoing students, adult leaders and staff who were very intentional to engage and involve every student. One story involves a parent who remarked how his son brought a ‘thug’ to the event. Well, the young man had a great time and stated that he “would definitely have to come again!” Way to go middle school students!

Campus Impact: times are changing at Princeton Community Middle School! We have targeted this school for outreach and have prayed for the presence of administration approval on campus for the purpose of building relationships with students and launching a club ministry. In waiting mode all school year, the principal recently initiated contact, inviting us to begin club work with approval from the superintendent! We also made a presentation of our “Be the Change” school assembly program to the guidance counselors. They are interested in having 125 7th graders experience the program at the Student Union in early May! This is incredible!

A few weeks ago, our High School team took the students over to the Student Union to see the construction progress up close. While there, a vision was cast for students’ friends who don’t yet have a relationship with Christ. Students were asked to paint these names on the floors of the classrooms in the high school side of the Commons. Over 200 names were recorded and prayed over by the team, students and volunteer staff!

Up Next
NEW WEB SITE Our new online destination, www.vineyardstudentunion.com has been launched to provide a bevy of information for students, parents, volunteers and any other interested parties. The site contains info on subjects such as: middle school, high school, events, parent info, volunteering opportunities, current teaching series summaries, staff info and a countdown clock to the grand opening! Podcasts of celebrations, a virtual tour of the Student Union and staff blogs are on their way. Check it out!

VOLUNTEER STAFF With the opening of the Student Union arriving in: our Volunteer Staff needs are soaring! Nearly 100 new roles need to be filled in the areas of hospitality/check-in, traffic and the café for the Student Union to function each weekend during celebrations. We feel parents would be wonderful for these roles and I’d like to extend an official invitation for you to consider joining our Volunteer Staff. VCC will host a serving fair February 16-17 with a big tent out front. We will have a booth advertising our openings. Please stop by and sign up for your spot!

MIDDLE SCHOOL
*678* 7|Spot --- middle school is headed to ‘faith’ night at the Cyclones hockey game on Friday February 22. Meet at VCC South Lobby at 7 pm sharp with $8 plus extra $$ for food. Transportation will be provided to and from the game. Students need to be picked up from VCC at 10pm. (Click here for more information)

Sexuality Retreat - April 18-19: the annual in-house conference on the very important topic of sexuality. Yes, it’s for middle schoolers. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that the middle school years are rampant with experimentation and we take the opportunity to provide a balanced approach Biblically and psychologically. All content will be available for review for parents prior to the event. (Click here for more information)

HIGH SCHOOL
Friday Night Fights --- Feb 29: an evening of fun combat centered around huge inflatable games, a great night to bring a friend who has never attended church! FNF runs from 7-9 pm in the VCC gym. Cost is $3 at the door, or $2 with a canned good for donation. (Click here for more information)

SOS ’08
Summer of Service June 16-20 (grades 7-12). Registration is now open for VCC’s premier student outreach conference! Sign up now to take advantage of the best price for the conference. Special guests include Family Force 5, Vicky Beeching, Flat Foot 56 and more! Check out all the details at www.summerofservice.com!

Building Pics - Check out some recent building photos!

That’s all for now. If you have any questions or comments, please shoot me an email at: Bryant (at) vineyardcincinnati.com Bryant@vineyardcincinnati.com

Have a great day!
Pete Bryant