Christmas carols singing...

The weather outside was frightful, but the caroling was delightful as more than forty members of Example crossed 24 Mile Road and headed into the condominium complex to share the news of Christ’s birth through song. Despite the temperature and the lack of proper thermal heating garments, it was great, melodic fun. Well, at least it was great fun. We also left this Christmas card explaining Example and why that package wrapped in swaddling cloths so many years ago is the perfect gift for everyone. LINK TO BROCHURE.

Several 2010 graduates who were involved with Example last year showed up and helped judge the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. The contest offered plenty of ugly and the three finalists were Coleson, Anna and Thomas. The judges were impressed with Thomas’ home-spun ugly and were enthralled with Coleson’s voice but in the end Anna’s sweater/apron combination was too hideous to overlook. Congratulations, Anna you are the 2010 Ugly Christmas Sweater Champion. Now be sure your mom doesn’t find out you borrowed her sweater.

The Example alumni also shared their experiences about avoiding drinking and drugs in college. Natalie, Kyle, Elizabeth, Amanda, Katie, Mandy, Dan, Michael, Hannah – thank you for your coming back to Example and sharing your experiences.

If you’re still shopping for Christmas presents, look no further. An Example t-shirt is the perfect gift. At only $15.00 it’s the perfect stocking stuffer for those on your list. See Mr. Brandt to get yours today.

Example Christmas Card:

This evening’s Christmas carolers were students from Lutheran North and they are members of a group called Example. Example is Lutheran North’s anti-drug/alcohol group. We believe that alcohol and drug use is not God-pleasing and Example is taking a stand against it by promoting safe alternatives. We know and show that drug and alcohol use does not have to be an inevitable part of the high school experience. We also know it is not a part of God’s plan for our lives.

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” - Romans 13:14

Example hosts monthly activities that provide fun alternatives and warn students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. There are plenty of high school students that don’t drink and use drugs and Example wants to share that message so other students will gain the needed confidence to avoid these dangerous temptations and any potential tragedies. The name for our group, Example, comes from I Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and purity.”

God sent his son, Jesus Christ, into the world, saved us from our sins and gave us the hope of eternal salvation with Him. Our response to this gift of hope, strength, compassion and grace is the foundation for Example. We strive to make God-pleasing choices in response to all that our Lord has done for us.

If you would like more information about Example including videos and pictures of past events, check out our blog: www.Lhnexample.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas and thank you for allowing us to bring some truly good news to you this evening: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Returns

This week the weather outside has been frightful but Example's Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest will be so delightful.  Plan on attending the next Example event Saturday, December 18 at 7:00.  Bundle up because we will go caroling across the street and share the message of Christ's birth with those living across 24 Mile Road.  Caroling will be first and then we will head back to school for some hot chocolate, cookies and the Ugly Sweater Contest. 

Wear the ugliest Christmas sweater, vest or smock you can find.

Perhaps Mr. Wangelin, last year's winner will help judge the contest. 
All Example alumni are invited.

Example: O, Give Thanks

The November Example activity was, of course, a lot of fun with a couple of twists added. Some may remember the innate dangers of last year's blind-man dodgeball. When Rebecca Trosper took a dodgeball off the face, while wearing vision-distorting goggles, I thought Sam Bernstein and his legal crew would be knocking down my door the next morning. We replaced blind-man dodgeball with blind-man scooter racing. Fear not parents, the carnage was kept to a minimum. Check the video for proof.



We also had several guests at this Example activity. If you listened to Our World His View on November 13, you heard Example hosting the radio show and you heard from several students from Denby High School. They are involved in a group with Pastor Benjamin from Resurrection Lutheran Church in Detroit. We invited Benjie, Kevin, and three girls from Chandler Park Academy to join us for Example. It's interesting to hear about the different and similar pressures, challenges and temptation all teens face no matter where they live. The solution is even more similar: Christ. Geographical location never limits our source of true strength and confidence.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

The evening ended with an excellent presentation by Dr. Charlene Irvin. Dr. Irvin, a parent of four Lutheran North graduated, worked in the Emergency room at St. Johns Hospital in Detroit and has seen lives destroyed through drug and alcohol. She shared the very real and very tragic consequences of drug use. Her encouragement to Example was to be informed about what will happen if she or another doctor sees you in the Emergency room, make God-pleasing decisions that don't involve alcohol and drugs and remain strong in your faith in Christ.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and Example has been such a blessing. Last Saturday there were nearly 80 students who enjoyed each others' company, enjoyed blind-man scooter and found comfort in knowing there are plenty of high school students who choose not to drink and use drugs. Oh, give thanks.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." I Peter 1:3

The Radio Trifecta

On Saturday, November 13 Example hosted the Lutheran radio show, Our World His View.  Joining Alayna and Chris were Kevin and Benjie, two young men who are involved with a group called Life Builders.  These four young men and women discussed the various challenges and solutions to growing up in today's world. 
Joining the discussion were four other Lutheran North students who pre-recorded conversations that related to the show's various broadcasts.  Dave, Marina, Paige and Brian discussed parents as role models, finding strength in scripture and spreading the Gospel message.

If Saturday morning was too early for your, click and listen to the show's podcast.

The next Example event is this Saturday, November 20 from 7:00 - 9:00.  The cost is $2.00 if you bring a can of food for the St. Peter food pantry or $3.00 without a food item.

Thank You

Example would like to thank Meijer for donating $10.00 to the Example Halloween Costume party.  It's good to know that Meijer cares enough about a group like Example and what it represents, to donate money to the cause.  Thank you for supporting Example.

Turn on and Tune in

Mark your calendars as Example completes the trifecta! 
On November 13 at 9:00 a.m., Example will once again take to the radio airwaves to broadcast its message of living a drug-free life in response to the forgiveness, mercy, hope and salvation God grants to us because of Christ's righteousness.

Call in and join the discussion: 866-423-9578

Our World His View is a Lutheran radio station and has invited Example back for another show.  This is Example's third opportunity to be a part of the show.

• In May 2010 Example introduced itself to the listening public of Our World His View - WLQV - 1500 AM
• In July 2010 three Example members discussed the role that parents have in helping their children live a drug-free life.

The Example Halloween Costume Party
was a great event.  Over seventy people attended, ate too much candy, laughed, enjoyed each other's company, marvelled at some of the costumes and listened to a parallel between Shadrach, Meeshach and Obednego and confidently living in 2010 knowing our God protects us from all harm and danger - including drugs and alcohol.

Fret not, pictures and video are on the way.

Example's Halloween Costume Party

Plan to attend the Example Halloween Costume party this Saturday at 7:00. 

Categories for the costume competition:

• Best Overall Costume
• Most Creative
• Favorite Teacher Costume.......be respectful.

As always....no cross-dressing. 

Admission is $3.00 and one roll of toilet paper. 

Raise the Banner!

This year's Example banner is up for all to see and realize that plenty of high school students are opting not to drink or use drugs.  Last year Amanda Brandimore (10) and Elizabeth Viviano (10) redesigned the Example logo.  Using their design we made permanent banners to hang in the cafeteria and at various events we host. 

The yellow paper banner is emblazoned with the hand prints of the students that showed up at the first Example event.  If you missed the opportunity, fret not.  There will be another chance to get your hand on the banner at the Halloween Costume Contest event on October 23.  Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. and the cost of admission is $3.00

Homecoming!

This is one of the greatest weeks of the year.  Students are roaming the hallways in pajamas, as superheros, pirates, Marios, Luigis or even Victor Von Dooooooooooooooom. 

Powder puff teams are practicing and some brave football players are "coaching" the Puffettes.  Soccer and football teams are preparing for their games during this Homecoming weekend.

Dance preparations are underway for "Hollywood Under the Stars"

Today students voted for their Homecoming King and Queen.  Who will win?  Attend the football game and watch the half-time pageantry unfold.  Homecoming is a lot of fun.

Students:

Please remember to make God-pleasing decisions.  Avoid alcohol and drugs.  The temptation to drink and use drugs certainly exists. Avoid the situation.  Prepare what you will say and do if you find yourself in a situation that is not God-pleasing. 

"Dear friends, I urge you , as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul."   - I Peter 2:11

Parents:
Please help your children make God-pleasing decisions by reminding them to be safe and smart in what they do, where they go and who they are with.  Contact the families that will be hosting parties to make sure they will not allow alcohol.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." 
                                                           - Romans 12:2

Example's First Activity

There were eighty students that showed up for Example's first activity of the year. What did we do? Plenty. Check the video and check your calendar for October 23. That's the next Example event and it involves a Halloween costume contest. Details will follow but for now watch this short video from the first activity.

Example 2010...Launched

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " 
                                  - God, as he speaks to us in Isaiah 41:10

There were eighty people at Example's first activity of the year!  No bones were broken, no teeth jarred loose, one bloody nose, plenty of pizza and a gym full of high school students enjoying each others' company without drugs or alcohol.  Thanks be to God!

The video is in the works and should be posted this week.

It was also good to see Example/LHN alumni Brooklyn Bridge.  She even volunteered to video some of the events. 

Get ready for Example's Halloween costume party on October 23 at 7:00.  Prizes awarded for various categories. 

Example's 2010 Kickoff

Example's first activity of the year is this Saturday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Bring $2.00 and a willingness to have fun, laugh and enjoy the company of others who also believe that drinking and drug use is not God pleasing and is not an inevitable part of the high school experience.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

                               -I Timothy 4:12

Videos

So what goes on at Example activities? 
Check out these videos to see what you've been missing.


Blindman Scooter

2010 Kickoff

Kickball Tournament

Winter Olympics

Relay Night

WoW

W.o.W.

 for August 23

As many are heading off to college for the first time, returning to the dorms or apartments or walking through the high school doors, there may be some anxiety on what to expect.  God's Word alleviates all these anxieties.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.            
                                -John 14:27

WoW

W.o.W.

Word of the Week

Each week Example will share a portion of God's Word on this blog.

WoW for the week of August 16

Colossians 1:21-23

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Irony: Radio Show Video

Here are some video snippets of Example's radio show.  Sorry, Katie/Amanda we couldn't fit in your phone call.

Example on the radio

On Saturday, July 31 Example took its anti-alcohol/drugs message to the airwaves.

Listen to the broadcast! 

Mr. Brandt hosted the Lutheran radio show, Our World His View while Coleson Wrege, Kyle Wangelin and Alayna Brandt were in the studio discussing the challenges and rewards of being involved in Example.

This was the second time Example was given the opportunity to be on Our World His View. The first was back in May as the school year wound down. During this broadcast Alayna, Coleson and Kyle discussed the benefit of knowing there are students that share the same beliefs about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. They also offered advice to parents about the important role they have in helping their children battle the pressures of drug and alcohol use.

The broadcast also included a discussion with Pastor Jonathon Bakker, assistant pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and at Christ the King Lutheran Chapel on the campus at Central Michigan University. 

Nancy Donahue, director of community programs with Macomb Family Services, also joined the conversation discussing the legal implications involved when parents allow underage drinking.

Even though it was the end of July this will be a great springboard for another great year for Example.  The intent of Example is to provide an alternative to the weekend drink-fest and to spread the message that alcohol does not have to be an inevitable part of the high school experience.  There are a lot of Lutheran North students who believe that message and don't drink or use drugs.  There are also students who need to hear the message that in Christ all sins are forgiven and there is strength in the God's grace.  Perhaps some have made decisions that are not God-pleasing.  That doesn't mean they are excluded from Example.  Actually, Example is right where they need to be. 

Look around our blog for more information about Example and check out the blog during the school year to see what's on deck.

Some activities coming up this school year:

Grade school visits to share the message of Example to the young ones.

Halloween costume party.  Mr. Hardy dressed up as a cow?  Absolutely!

Indoor/outdoor road rally.

Speaking to LHN freshmen about the keys to a successful high school experience, including Example.

Example Alumni updates
Return of the water relay, Example Winter Olympics and toilet papering another teacher's room....

Don't let anyone look down on you becasue you are young, but set an Example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 

- God as he speaks to us in I Timothy 4:12

Example ...to the world!

Back in May Example made its radio debut on the Lutheran radio show, Our World His View. 

On Saturday, July 31at 9:00 a.m. Example returns to the airwaves and this time will actually host the hour-long radio show.  Coleson Wrege, Alayna Brandt and Lutheran North graduate, Kyle Wangelin along with Mr. Brandt will discuss the challenges and rewards of living a drug and alcohol free life while in high school.  This broadcast will also focus on the important role parents need to have during this crucial time in their children's lives. 

Parents, call in with your reactions and suggestions and share them with the listening audience.  866-423-9578.

Students call in with your reactions, insights and suggestion and share them with the listening audience. It's not hard to do.  Simply dial 866-423-9578 and share your experiences with Example.

There will be several other guests on the show as well.  Pastor Bakker is the campus pastor at Christ The King Lutheran Chapel  at Central Michigan University and Zion Lutheran Church.  He has given chapel at Lutheran North and spoke to several of Mr. Brandt's classes last year about the realities of college. 
Nancy Donahue will also join the show.  Nancy is the prevention director for Macomb Family Services and moderated the Example town-hall discussion where parents and students heard various experiences on alcohol and drug abuse from recovering addicts and other experts related to this issue.

So set the alarm and tune your radio to 1500 AM this Saturday, July 31 at 9:00 a.m. , listen to the show and call in with questions or suggestions: 866-423-9578.

Example Kickball

Nearly 90 people battled each other in the most intense kickball tournament ever hosted at Lutheran High School North.  In the end a Victorious group emerged by besting SuperNova Slammers in a dramatic bottom-of-the-fourth, come-from-behind win.

The Faculty team, Unvanquished, played valiantly and behind Miss Carson's pitching and Miss Haupt's kicking, were able to vanquish all foes until they realized a win in this tournament would disqualify them from international competition.  Not wanting to jeopardize their 2012 Summer Olympic hopes, they allowed Victorious to remain victorious.   

This marked Example's last activity of the year.  The Lord has blessed this group with students who love to have fun and laugh while at the same time promoting the message that alcohol and drugs do not have to be an inevitable part of high school.

Team Victorious won the tournament and took home the coveted trophies:  small horse heads on plastic sticks.  Ahhh, the spoils of victory!

See all the dramatic action from the tournament.

LOOK...and listen to Example on the radio!

The message of Example is getting out.  On Saturday, May 15 Example was on the radio show Our World His View for the entire hour. 

Pastor Brad Smith interviewed three members of Example and Mr. Brandt about the group, its challenges, its benefits. 

Listen to the podcast of this show!  Click on the May 15 show.

Dont' Touch That Dial

This Saturday, May 15, at 9:00 A.M. three Example members will be on a live radio show, Our World His View.  Tune in to 1500 AM from 9:00 - 10:00 A.M.  as they discuss the benefits of Example and the challenges of promoting a drug and alcohol free life in high school. 

Pastor Brad Smith of St. John Fraser hosts a Lutheran radio show and has various guests each week.  This Saturday Example will share its message to the world, or at least Our World His View's listening audience.

You can be a part of the show.
CALL IN!  The last half hour of the radio show is your chance to call in.  Share your thoughts about the important role Example has in the lives of young men and women and their parents. 
866-423-9578

Graduation Party Drinking Dangers for teenagers AND Parents

Graduation parties are just around the corner.  Here is a great article from the May 6 issue of the Romeo Observer that warns parents and students about the dangers of underage drinking at these gala events.

Police to crack down on grad party drinking

by CHRIS GRAY

Observer Staff Writer

 

If you're a parent living in Romeo who plans on letting your kids and their friends drink during prom or graduation, consider yourself warned.

With milestone events like graduation and prom on the horizon, the Romeo Police Department is cracking down on parents who allow underage drinking to occur. The department is also advising parents to talk with their kids about the dangers of drinking on prom night.
Police Chief Greg Paduch said he has grown concerned because the department has been hearing more and more stories about parents who allow their teenagers to drink at parties, especially those celebrating high school graduation.

"They think they're doing their kids a favor by not allowing them to go out and drive while drinking, but on the other hand allowing them to drink in their own homes is a liability," he said.

He said if the department catches word of a party where underage drinking is taking place and investigates it, they will cite the homeowners and teenagers and will contact the parents of those teens.
"It is not going to be tolerated, I strongly discourage parents from doing it," he said. "It is not a parent's decision to allow other kids to use alcohol."
He said parents may think it is all right because the kids are under their roof, or even if they take their keys, but this doesn't make it okay.
"You could have 30 or 40 kids at your house, you can't keep track of all of 'em," he said. "You don't know if a couple kids have snuck away or somehow gained control of a vehicle."
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the number one cause of death among youths age 15 to 20 are motor vehicle accidents. In 2005, 28 percent of teens who were killed in motor vehicle accidents had been drinking.
Figures from monitoringthefuture.org show that around 90 percent of 12th-graders surveyed in 2009 said it was "fairly easy" or "very easy" to obtain alcohol.
The penalty for serving alcohol to minors is a misdemeanor offense regardless of circumstances.
Romeo High School's prom is scheduled for May 21. The following are a few tips from the Romeo Police Department about preparing for a safe prom night:

• Know all the "hot spot" destinations that groups may plan to meet at before or after prom.
• Discuss the school's prom rules with your teen and the consequences for violating them.
• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom goers.
• Stay up for a prom-goer's return home and let them know you'll be waiting.

 Residents who have tips regarding parties that may include underage drinking are also encouraged to call the undercover party patrol unit of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office at (586) 307-9375.

Example Kickball Tournament

The LAST Example event of the year is Saturday, May 15.

Get your chums, cronies and a chingu or two or three or more to form your kickball team for the Example Kickball Tournament.

· Each team must consist of only 10 players.
· Each team must have at least four girls.
· Register your team with Mr. Brandt. Registration for each team is $20.00. If you do the math, and it's so simple that even an English teacher can do the math, that averages out to $2.00 per person. Be sure to pick a great name for your team. The team with the best name is spotted 2 runs before the game even begins.  :)
· The first round begins at 5:30 on either the baseball or softball fields.

Not a kickball aficionado? Go anyway to enjoy a hot dog and pop and relax as the year winds down.

The tournament bracket will be posted as soon as all teams have registered.

Pre Prom Activities

There are so many fun and exciting activities that go on before Prom to make sure it's a great event: spirit week, hair appointments, nail appointments, picking up the tux, ordering flowers, assembling the perfect Prom play list, getting the right people at the right table, making sure the batteries in the camera are fully charged and many others.

This week, it has been the same for Example. 

There have been various activities that Example has sponsored to make sure students enjoy Prom, remember Prom, live through Prom and make God-pleasing decisions before, during and after Prom.

On Monday students pulled into the parking lot and saw a crashed car on display.  It's a visual reminder of what to avoid.  On the cars, were statistics that revealed the realistic dangers of drinking:  Each year 5,000 people under 21 die as a result of underage drinking.

There were also scripture passages that reminded students of God's plan for their lives and the source of real strength found in our Creator and Savior: 
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him..." -James 1:5

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - I Corinthians 10:31

On Tuesday Frank M. Jones, III from Macomb Family Services, spoke to the health classes about the pressures, dangers, solutions and alternatives to alcohol and drug use.

...later that evening, Example hosted a town hall meeting discussing various issues of drug and alcohol use to nearly 200 parents and students.

Each day before chapel students explained why they were not drinking or using drugs at Prom.  It took a great deal of courage to stand in front of peers and explain why they care about making God-pleasing decisions, why they care about their bodies, and why they care about their friends.

On Thursday morning students blew up balloons and attached messages that reminded students to make God-pleasing decisions at Prom and every day of their lives.

 

...later that day the students attached the messages to every car in the parking lot.

 

All week students could read the explanations on the bulletin board that explained why people were choosing not to drink during Prom.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an Example for the believers in speech, in life,

in love, in faith and in purity.

 - I Timothy 4:12