Hi,

     We all have moments in our lives that we will never forget. Moments and events where we can remember exactly where we were when we heard about those moments or when these events happened. Here are some of my memories. I was in second grade in Henderson, Texas walking home from school on that sad day in November when President Kennedy was assassinated. In 1986, when the Challenger exploded after takeoff, I was working in construction and was on one of our jobs at River Oaks Bank and Trust when I heard the news. It was only eight months later that year when I was again up on the 4th floor of the River Oaks Bank and Trust with laborers and bank officers huddled around a small TV cheering as Mike Scott of the Astros threw that memorable no hitter. Since the Super Bowl is this Sunday, I have to tell you about my most memorable Super Bowl. It was Super Bowl X, back in 1976. The Cowboys were playing the Steelers in the Orange Bowl in Florida. I was always an Oiler's fan so I was definitely cheering for the Boys that day. No way could I be for the dreaded Steelers. Anyway, the Steelers snuck one over on the Cowboys and won 21-17. I must admit that I mainly remember the first half but not much of the second half. Do you want to know why? It was not because of the halftime show even though the UP WITH PEOPLE singers were somewhat uplifting. The reason why this game made my list of moments I remember is because my then girlfriend of a couple of years, Leslie, decided that halftime was the best time to break up with me. I guess she missed out on the uplifting positive message of UP WITH PEOPLE. Maybe she thought the message was BREAKUP WITH PEOPLE NAMED STEVE. Now I must admit that I could not imagine why she would not want to hang out with me. And to break up with me at halftime of the Super Bowl? What was she thinking? I was crushed for a while. I mean, how could the Cowboys lose to the dreaded Steelers? OK, I was bummed out for a while about Leslie, too. But out of my darkness came a bright light named Beverly. (OK, I admit that is a cheesy line.) Later that year, Beverly and I began to hang out some and before we knew it we were a couple and I never looked back. Just in case, I was sure to not watch the Super Bowl the next couple of years with Beverly so those games would not be ruined or make my memory list.

     So we all have times in our lives that we hold near and dear. I don't have to tell you that we are in the memory business here at the church. I know that every one of our summer workcamps make someone's list of moments they will never forget. They still make my memory list. It is most important that we have these positive uplifting moments of faith on our lists to overcome those things on our memory list that are not so positive. As parents it is critical that we help our youth find those moments that they can build on for the rest of their lives.

     So make workcamp a priority for your youth. Our high school workcamp is June 7-13th in Cameron, Texas. Our middle school camp is June 21-25th and we will be working in Houston and going to San Antonio for our fun day. You can be a part of these camps too. I can think of no greater way to connect with your youth and have a positive common experience helping others.

     Applications will be available soon online and outside the youth office. Please take note of the deadlines and get your stuff in before them. It makes life easier for us.

                            See you Sunday,


                            Steve

p.s. SAVE THE DATE!!! In February we will be gathering with parents and youth for our program of SEX, GOD, AND ME. Watch for more info but it will begin on Sunday, Feb. 8th with meetings with moms and daughters in the gym, and dads and sons at the Refuge. The youth will have this as our topics at MYF's during this time. We will have a combined youth only worship at the Refuge on the 15th. We will gather back as parents and youth for a combined session and worship in the gym on Feb. 22nd. The Reverend Daniel Irving and his lovely wife Jean will be leading that time with us. You need to be a part of this as a family.

p.p.s. If you missed my stewardship letter last week, I know you will want to read it. Here it is.