Middle School Youth at the United Protestant Church of Palmer, Alaska

Here’s the draft of the children’s message for this Sunday. It would be terrific if you choose to come up front during the message. If you want to say something about the project, please meet me at the bookshelves at the bottom of the central stairs after Sunday School so we can make sure your comments are placed to show God’s sweetness best.

Suggestions for adjustments to make the message more effective are always welcome.

Proverbs 24:13, 14 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to the taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to the soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!

The snack time after church is great, too. What kinds of snacks are your favorite? Lots of us like sweet things. We eat sweet things on special occasions like birthdays, right? Sweet can mean good, too. It would be a sweet thing to bring a snack to someone else, perhaps someone who isn’t as quick to get to the snack table, like a grandma or grandpa. You’ve heard someone say “sweet.” It sounds good if a teenager says it.

For three weeks, the middle schoolers made a sweet project in Sunday School. We started out dissolving a whole bag of sugar into hot water and pouring it into glasses. We put sucker sticks into the glasses and then we left the glasses in our room. And guess what happened? We spent the next two weeks cleaning up the floor in the middle school room. Do you suppose the kids said “sweet” when they saw three glasses empty and all that sugar stuck in the carpet?

These are the sticks from some of the spilled glasses. After the first week, the crystals that were forming on the sticks looked like this: These crystals didn’t get any bigger. When the sticks weren’t submerged in the sugar water, the crystals stopped growing.

We left the glasses that were still full in the middle school room for another week. The next week we cleaned the rest of the sugar out of the carpet, and looked at the crystals. The crystals were bigger. Some of the kids ate their crystals. Some kids were gone, so their glasses stayed in the room until today. Today the crystals looked like this:

One of the scriptures we looked at during this project is Proverbs 24: 13, 14. Eat honey, my son for it is good, honey from the comb is sweet to the taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to the soul, if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. That’s a great promise. Another scripture we focused on was Psalm 119: 103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!

When you eat your sweet snack after the worship service, think about how sweet God is, and how sweet his promises are, even sweeter than honey.

Let’s pray together: Dear God, you are sweet. Sometimes we forget how sweet you are. Thank you for holidays and sweets. Thank you for the people who make snacks for church. Thank you for your sweet promises. Help us to share snacks with others so we can help show other how sweet you are. We pray these things in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen.

Middle School Update
August 10, 2008

Dear Middle Schoolers and devoted advocates,

Pastor Leisa asked if I’d present a children’s message this coming Sunday related to the candy crystal project. This was kind of a long project, and we shared a number of scriptures; there will be just one for the children’s message, but I haven’t picked the key scripture yet.

I would love it if any middle schoolers would share a short (like a paragraph) bit about their impressions of the project, or what about it helped them understand something about Jesus. Any volunteers? I’ll send a copy of the outline/talk block-out, probably Saturday. If you have some ideas about what you’d like to say, send them my way. We’ll meet briefly after Sunday School and before the worship service by bookshelves at the bottom of the central stairs. We’ll have some crystals to show that I’ve saved.

I left the glasses marked for the Yerbich’s in the Middle School room, so those are still growing.

It might be good to have a good geode to show, if someone has one. Paul might have one, but I’m not sure we can find it in just a week <grin>.

Also, we’re getting into the back-to-school mode, and it seems like a good time to ask if people are happy to remain on the Middle School update list or not. If for whatever reason your life is not needing an e-mail middle school update at the moment, please let me know. I usually copy a few extra updates and leave them on the credenza outside the church office, in case you ever you want to glance at a recent update, or you can check the church website.

Sincerely,

-=Bonnie

Bonnie Allen

phone/fax/message: (907)746-7571

church website: www.palmerlogchurch.org

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Middle School Update
August 9, 2008

Dear Middle Schoolers and fans,

Sweet Crystals

The crystals continue to grow in our classroom; I checked on them about mid-week. The sweet scripture:

Psalm 19: 7-11, The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the hearer. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Games

The Olympics started this week in China. This Sunday, besides checking out the crystals, we’ll chat about the Olympics, and look for lessons to help us in living out our faith. Paul used sports to help people understand what living out our faith means. The games scriptures:

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task God has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

I Cor 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Gal 5:6b-8 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Heb 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Sincerely,

-=Bonnie

Bonnie Allen

phone/fax/message: (907)746-7571

church website: http://www.palmerlogchurch.org

www.myspace.com/188175483

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Middle School Update
August 3, 2008

Growing

We found a surprise this Sunday in the Middle School room. Somehow three of our crystal growing glasses were spilled and sprinkled around the room. It was sticky. It wasn’t sweet.

Did that keep Middle Schoolers from seeing the goodness of God? No way!

The scriptures: Proverbs 13: 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

Proverbs 24: 13, 14 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to the taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to the soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Psalm 119: 103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!

The Middle Schoolers decided to leave the rest of the crystals growing this week, and new signs were posted. There was too much to clean up in one Sunday School time. Hopefully the mess won’t grow, but the crystals and the spirit of Jesus in hearts will.

Thanks, it was a great Sunday!

Love, -=Bonnie

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Middle School Update
August 2, 2008

Seeing is Believing

Last week we explored how we see and things that help us see. We put two dimes in two cups and filled one cup with water. We put the dimes in the same place in each cup, where they were hidden by the sides of the cup. Then we moved toward the cups, to see if we could see one of the dimes before the other one. The same dime was seen by each person first. The scriptures: Job 28: 11 He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light. Daniel 2:22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells in him. The better we know God, the better we can see things we can only see through him.

We heated some water and put in a whole lot of sugar until we made a super saturated solution (or something pretty sweet, anyway). Then we poured the solution into glasses with suspended wooden skewers and left them for the week.

Did you ever notice that if you look through a clear glass filled with water, things look different than they do if you aren’t looking through the glass and the water?

Microscopes and magnifying glasses let us see small things. Binoculars and telescopes let us see things far away. Glasses and contact lenses let us see clearly (if they are the right prescription). God is not small. God is not far away, and God provides each person with the ability to see Him clearly. How can we help our friends see God?

Growing Sweet Things

Something sweet is growing in the glasses we left in the classroom this week. It is growing bigger and more awesome each day. Hopefully something sweet is growing in our hearts, too. The scriptures:

Proverbs 13:19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

Proverbs 24: 13, 14 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to the taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to the soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!

This week in Sunday School, we’ll check out what has been growing in the classroom for the past seven days.

Be there.

Sincerely,

-=Bonnie

Bonnie Allen

phone/fax/message: (907)746-7571

We explored tsemptation a few Sunday’s ago, and I promised to provide the formula.

The temptation scripture is I Corinthians 10:1-13, the key verse, 13: No temptation that comes your way is beyond the scope of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

Mix the water and Borax until the Borax is all dissolved, (otherwise the temptation won’t form right as we found out in Sunday School). Pour the clear mixture into the white mixture. Add a bit of food coloring if it’s OK with nearby adults (often temptation is tinted with emotions like jealousy or anger). Stir and knead the temptation until it’s … tempting. Dump out any watery parts that don’t combine nicely. Enjoy exploring your temptation, then conquer it by putting it in an air tight container to keep until another day.

You can find Borax in the laundry supplies aisle. I use it to help keep my white clothes bright when I’m not mixing up a batch of temptation. Borax is a harsh soap-like stuff. I’ve read that Borax can give some people a rash. If your temptation irritates your skin, wash the skin it touched. Temptation is NOT edible. Do NOT put temptation in your mouth or eat it!

I feel like I’ve been very out of touch. My summer went berserk. It’s like I was swimming upstream in a challenging place then realized there was a waterfall downstream, rapids upstream, and no place to get out on the bank where I was. I haven’t had much time for fun, but I’m hoping that by about Halloween or maybe Christmas I’ll have more undesignated time. Meantime I probably won’t be seen much, but it doesn’t mean I’m less committed to God or to you. I’m simply frantically flailing at some dragons just off stage.

This week in Sunday School, since the forecast is for rain, we’ll do something fun indoors. We’ll have part one of a two-part episode, continuing and culminating in a sweet ending. Part one will focus on seeing God and helping others see God. Caution: part one will be hot. The scriptures:

Job 28: 11 He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.

Daniel 2:22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells in him.

Happy Independence Day! We’re halfway through the summer with tons more fun and adventure ahead. Many thanks to Barb Brown who took middle schoolers on a faith exploration journey these past three weeks during Sunday School. I took one weekend and escaped with my folks and my “office in a box” to their cabin on the Yentna. It is a wonderful place to re-connect with God. The beavers were busy with their projects, and we with ours. We watched baby moose and baby ducks frolicking in the pond with their parents closely supervising, while stern eagle parents eyed the fast food menu for their eaglets. Everyone is cheerful when fish is on the eagles’ menu. The weather was great and we enjoyed a fantastic cook-out, eventually cheerfully removing all marshmallow stickiness. I left a project or two unfinished to ensure I could return.

Vacation Bible School sounds like it was a terrific success, with middle schoolers’ contributions very much appreciated. I’m really interested in hearing specifics of the adventures, so expect to tell your tales of what you loved best the next time we get together.

This Sunday we’ll be mixing up a batch of temptation in Sunday School. The scripture passage is I Corinthians 10:1-13. After Sunday School, you can take some with you. If your parents agree, you can see how other family members handle it! Nicole came early last week and got a sneak preview. This tempting session will be worth getting up for. Be there!

Don’t forget that you can bring your favorite tunes into Sunday School anytime during the summer. We’ll have either my little CD player or a TV we can plop CDs into. If you have an MP3 player we’ll either pass it around, or see if we can score some external speakers. It’s fun to share music. We’ll chat about both the tune and the lyrics, so be prepared to say why you like the song and the artist.

June 14

4 eggs (improves fluffiness, makes the ice cream melt slower, helps keep the water and cream from separating)

2 ¼ cups sugar (besides making the ice cream sweet, sugar improves the body and texture)

½ teaspoon salt (it wouldn’t taste as good without salt)

¼ ounce packet unflavored gelatin (helps prevent large crystals, gives substance, absorbs some free water)

¼ cup instant milk powder (optional, increases the solids content which gives more body. Use fresh, or omit; it can give a stale flavor)

4 cups of light cream or half-n-half (the cream gives richness, smoothness, and flavor)

Up to about 6 cups milk

2 Tablespoons vanilla (use less vanilla if you’re making another flavor ice cream)

My mom didn’t cook the ice cream, and we all ate it and loved it, but cooking the ice cream mixture before you freeze it will pasteurize it, so the modern method includes cooking. I used my mixing bowl as the top of a double boiler, to avoid scorching.

Put the eggs in a metal mixing bowl and beat until light. Mix the gelatin with the sugar and salt, then gradually add to the eggs, beating until the mixture thickens a bit. Mix in the instant milk powder. Add the cream next and four cups of milk, and stir it all up nicely with your mixer, a spring stirrer or a whisk. Hold on the vanilla. Move the metal mixing bowl to over the top of a pan that has some water in it, or transfer the mixture to the upper section of a double boiler. While stirring, heat to about 70°C (160°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, the mixture will be steaming, but not boiling. Then cool the mixture as quickly as possible by placing the upper section of the double boiler into cold water. Cool the mixture to below 18°C (65°F).

The ice cream is best if the mixture stored in the refrigerator overnight before it’s made into ice cream. This improves the whipping qualities of the mixture, and the body and texture of the ice cream. Try to give it at least four hours in the refrigerator.

Stir in the vanilla (or other flavoring) just before you freeze the ice cream. Freezing makes the ice cream cold, and puts air into the ice cream, which makes it fluffy and delicious. That’s why ice cream makers have dashers, and why shaking or tossing your ice cream if you don’t make it in an ice cream maker is important.

Make sure your ice cream making container and dasher are clean. You can put them in the freezer after they are scalded (or sterilized in the dishwasher) so they start off cold.

Fill the ice cream container about 2/3 full with cold ice cream mixture. The ice cream expands as it freezes and air is incorporated into it. If you make the ice cream in an ice cream freezer, add enough milk to fill the freezer about 2/3 full (the recipe calls for up to six cups of milk). If you don’t have an ice cream freezer, putting some mix into a small jar with a wide mouth and a tight fitting lid works fine. Other recipes suggest small zip-lock freezer bags, but only fill bags about half full. We used the disposable bowls with lids, but some of them didn’t hold up well. You can use duct tape to ensure lids stay tight depending on what containers you have. Place the jars or small freezer bags into larger zip-loc freezer bags about half filled with crushed ice and about ¼ cup salt. We used rock salt.

Salt in the ice is critical to transforming the ice cream mix into ice cream. My mom says to use plenty of rock salt in layers with the ice. She uses at least two cups of salt to start around her gallon ice cream maker, and adds more when she adds ice. Whatever method you use, you should have soft ice cream in 20 or 30 minutes. Eat immediately or put the ice cream into whatever container you like and place it in the freezer to harden.

The salty transformation scripture: Colossians 4:5-6, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Recently a friend took Paul and me to see Prince Caspian. We liked it very much even though it differs from the book. Some of you have read the book or seen the movie. Prince Caspian is all about what happens to our faith and how we act when God seems far away. Our perceptions of God’s distance affect our actions. Jesus was here 2000 years ago, and did some amazing things, but what’s keeping him occupied now? Why do some people see him more clearly than others? Why doesn’t he talk to me?

How do you feel about a Prince Caspian oriented series and overnight/campout? We could chat about characters like Caspian X, Doctor Cornelius, Trufflehunter, Nikabrik, Trumpkin, Reepicheep, bulgy bears, Pattertwig, Glenstorm and such. We could make and eat some Narnian food, play some Narnian games, and see how our Narnian adventure unfolds differently from the last time we visited.

I couldn’t find a release date for the Prince Caspian DVD. We could wait to return to Narnia until we could be sure of watching the DVD during the overnight, or we could watch the BBC version of Prince Caspian, and view the new version during another gathering later.

Sunday School starts at 9:00 June-August. This week Barb Brown is facilitating Sunday School. She has planned something Jesus oriented and fun. VBS activities continue as well. Be there, high hee and a low ha!

I saw Tessa at Carrs yesterday and was reminded to pick up a liter of Diet Coke (it was on sale! Providence!). We’ll break out the Mentos stash tomorrow and see what happens when we put in the whole pack. The Coke and Mentos scripture was James 1: 19-20, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” It was a reminder that when we stay connected with God we can avoid eruptions (except for sweet ones).

But that’s not all! There’s more! The scripture for tomorrow is from Colossians 4:5-6, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” We’ll explore how salt can be instrumental in making profound (and tasty) changes, and see how that might relate to Vacation Bible School interactions. Salty conversations in Sunday School, tomorrow morning at 9:00.

BTW, if anybody has any of the small containers we used to make butter, please bring them. We’ll need a bunch of small containers like that for tomorrow, and I’m having difficulty locating enough for everybody.

Today middle schoolers at Sunday School noticed a glowing pickle is more impressive (but also more noticeably aromatic) in a darkened room than outside in broad daylight. Only by being plugged into the Holy Spirit will our actions reflect our faith. People plugged into God stand out like a light emitting pickle. BTW, I ate the pickles we used today, and they tasted like any other grilled pickle.

Vacation Bible School is Mon-Fri, July 23-27, 9:00 to noon each day. Middle Schoolers can be involved in a variety of ways. During Vacation Bible School, you can participate by helping guide groups of kids from station to station. As an assistant group leader, you get to know the kids well. Alternately, you can help out at a specific station. There are games, snacks, science, storytelling, and crafts stations. As an assistant station leader, you’d use your talents in a specific area. Middle schoolers are also encouraged to help with the opening and closing, showing enthusiasm during songs audience participation activities.

Before Vacation Bible School starts, middle schoolers are encouraged to help turn the church into a rainforest. We’ll be making all manner of rainforest creatures and plants. We won’t be putting up sets or decorations until just before VBS (at least not in the sanctuary, as the church is being used for a more formal activity the Saturday before VBS).

It’ll be a great adventure, and more fun with more middle schoolers! The VBS coordinators are Sarah, Mica and Sterling’s mom, Ms. Maffe, and Ellie’s mom, Ms. Chidsey. They are interested in each person using their talents, so let them know what you do best.

Ms. Maffe and Ms. Chidsey will have leadership training and set/decoration making Tuesday evenings at 7:00 until VBS begins. Come and explore God and the rainforest canopy, learn some great new songs, and enjoy your friends all at the same time.