Drug/Alcohol Presentation at Dakota High School

Even though last Wednesday's SnowPocalypse was frightful, you didn't miss the opportunity to hear this presentation.

THIS Wednesday, February 9 at 7:00 Dakota High School is offering a presentation on the dangers of drug and alcohol use.  Students need to be accompanied by a parent or just let me know.  I'll be your chaperon for the assembly.  Dakota High School just wants to make sure you don't get unruly during the presentation.

Check your calendar and then check out this opportunity to learn more about how to battle drug and alcohol use.

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