Fun, food, and fellowship were the main focus of the annual picnic startup meeting. A simple meal of hot dogs and hamburgers was served and everyone had a great time. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and begin to think about activities and programs for the upcoming year. One discussion for the evening was the annual youth mission trip, and even though it seems a long way off, plans need to be made early. The mission trip destination in 2008 will be Savannah, Georgia. It promises to be a time of service, learning, and growing that already have the youth excited! In the coming months, there will be a great deal of information distributed about this trip and ways to volunteer for this outreach ministry.

To the youth: it is never too late to join EYC - registration is still open! Please feel free to come to the meetings on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Church and see what is happening. The schedule for October follows.

YOUTH GROUP CALENDAR

• October 6: Pohick Fair - Youth help with Moon bounce and other games.
• October 7: Columbus Day weekend - No youth group
• October 14: Jr/Sr EYC groups meet, 6:30 pm
• October 21: All youth groups meet (5th/6th grade, Jr/Sr groups), 6:30 pm
• October 28: Jr/Sr EYC groups meet, 6:30 pm

As we settle into the routine of meetings and activities for this year, I want to thank the youth for helping me as I get to know them better, their parents for all the wonderful support given to both the children and the EYC, and the congregation for the support and prayers given as we all continue to grow and learn together. I am very excited about this year as we all expand our horizons together.