Watch out Milton-Bradley: Journey of Life Game® unveiled tonight

2010-01-17T20:32:00.004-06:00

Members of Journey pose by the Journey of Life gameboard created by Kathryn Hopkins, Photo/Tom AtwoodAfter months of hype and speculation the Journey of Life Game was unveiled tonight in the Undercroft at St. Andrew's. Members of Journey each rolled the dice and took a turn. We'll see in two weeks who completes their "tasks" and who takes the early lead in this game. Here's a brief description:

'We have been through everything together'

2009-12-03T21:19:00.007-06:00

By Leigh Ann KesperIn my life I am most thankful for Tyler James Kesper. He is my brother and we have been through everything together. He knows me better than anyone will. He is there when no one else is. Tyler, you are the very best friend anyone could have. I love you and thank you.[Editor's note: This is part of a series of Journey essays about people we are thankful for in our lives.]

She makes me happy

2009-12-01T21:26:00.005-06:00

by Ryan GueldenerIn my life, I am most thankful for Marlene. She is my mom. She makes me happy when I am sad, and she cares for me when I am sick. She means a lot to me. If I didn't have her, I would be heartbroken. Mom, you are the nicest person ever.[Editor's note: This is part of a series of Journey essays about people we are thankful for in our lives.]

'No one could replace you'

2009-11-30T19:24:00.007-06:00

by Olivia HopkinsIn my life I am most thankful for my friend, Abby Reising. Abby and I have been best friends for 11 years. Through these years our friendship has taught me something new every day. I have learned about patience, teamwork, to not judge, that everybody makes mistakes, how to help others and yourself.To show gratitude I would say to Abby, "Abby, you are the bestest friend EVER! And

Thankful for my mom

2009-11-29T20:33:00.000-06:00

by Lauren WethersIn my life, I'm most thankful for my mom. She's been a constant presence since before I was even born, and I'm pretty sure we have a link--she knows, even if I'm at school, if there's something wrong, and sometimes my head hurts for no reason. I'd probably be completely lost without her.Mom, I might not always say it out loud, but you're the most important person in my life.

Journey gives thanks, even for the bad stuff

2009-11-29T20:32:00.011-06:00

Sometimes in Journey we raise questions that don't seem to have easy answers. Tonight was one of those nights. The Bible says to "rejoice always," and to "pray without ceasing." And the Book of Common Prayer, in the General Thanksgiving, says to be thankful "for those disappointments and failures" that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on God alone. Be thankful for the bad things that happen

Journey meets tonight!

2009-11-29T08:10:00.002-06:00

Normally, Journey meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. But since November has 5 Sundays, we will be meeting tonight, November 29, the fifth Sunday of November. See you there!

We are saints!

2009-11-01T20:52:00.005-06:00

Joe Babajan (above, left), a Journey alum, joined us tonight for pizza and the lesson. Joe is on his way to Camp Pendleton (CA) where he is a helicopter pilot for the Marines.Thanks to Joe Babajan for visiting his old Journey stomping grounds tonight. Just like 7 years ago, Joe was an active contributor tonight to the discussion, a sometimes heated debate over what it means to be a saint. We

Relationships

2009-10-04T20:19:00.009-05:00

The collage above not only represents different kinds of relationships, it is the result of relationships (and collaboration) among members of Journey, who created it tonight. (Click the image to see a larger, more detailed version.) Our meeting tonight was highly informative, with some of us learning for the first time what a "bromance" is. Definitely a modern relationship!We were also glad to

Pizza and Annie's: Journey 2009/2010 off to a healthy start

2009-09-20T20:26:00.009-05:00

Ryan Gueldener, new member of Journey, gets a front row seat for photo at Annie's as Journey meets for the first time this fall. Photo/Tom AtwoodJust remember, after the pizza tonight (and before the frozen yoghurt), we talked about the great commandment(s) in Jesus' answer to the lawyer's question in Matthew 22. These two commandments--love God; love your neighbor--will guide us this year as we

Journey ends with a picnic, resumes again in the fall

2009-05-24T17:28:00.007-05:00

Of course the journey never really ends, but at St. Andrew's, Journey ended for the year Sunday afternoon with a picnic at the Winston Brown Recreation Complex near the Watershed Nature Preserve. The weather was perfect, the grill was sizzling and Ellen's homemade chocolate chip cookies were the best batch she has ever baked, she claims. It was great fun, and we'll see you all in the fall, when

What we are praying about

2009-03-22T13:09:00.017-05:00

At the Journey meeting last Sunday at St. Andrew's, we talked about Paul's letter encouraging the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing," and to give thanks "in all circumstances." So, we came up with a list, a long list, of what we are thankful for: the good things, and the not so good things in our lives. Using sticky notes, members of Journey wrote down specific challenges and specific

Parable of the Talents

2008-11-16T15:02:00.003-06:00

Matthew 25:14-3014 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents.17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made

Journey resumes, visits fundraiser at Annie's; frozen custard for Faith-in-Action

2008-09-22T20:38:00.012-05:00

The first Journey meeting of the new school year ended at Annie's Frozen Custard Sunday night, where proceeds from sales went to help Faith-in-Action Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. Photo/Tom AtwoodEllen Atwood makes the supreme sacrifice--eating frozen custard--to help FIA. Photo/Tom AtwoodOlivia Hopkins and Lauren Wethers enjoy the first Sunday evening of fall. Photo/Tom AtwoodAdam Douglas, James

Coming soon - photos from Annie's

2008-09-21T20:16:00.002-05:00

Watch this space for photos from our first record-setting Journey meeting of the new school year tonight.

Where do I belong?

2008-04-20T21:23:00.017-05:00

Tonight in Journey we talked about belonging. Why is it important? Where do I belong? Where do I feel the most connected?In today's gospel reading, Jesus talks about preparing a "place" for his disciples. He says he is "the way, the truth, and the life." What does that mean? And where is this place he is preparing? Do we belong there as children of God?Where do I belong?To help sort this out, the

Signs of the risen life at St. Andrew's

2008-04-06T22:31:00.010-05:00

Photos by John Stewart and Ellen AtwoodAfter reading the story of the disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, members of Journey were asked to identify signs and symbols of the risen life of Jesus in that scripture, as well as in Acts 2:36-47. One of the main symbols, of course, was bread: the disciples' eyes being opened as Jesus broke bread with them. But there were other signs

Easter Gratitude

2008-03-23T14:02:00.023-05:00

Shanice RiceThis Easter I am especially grateful for Jesus coming into my heart and saving me, and my family loving me the way they have.Chase HopkinsThis Easter I am especially grateful for the opportunities I have been given.Ellen AtwoodThis Easter I am especially grateful for eating chocolate and cookies! (But really) I am grateful for Jesus and his strength to endure all of the pain and

A Cross To Bear

2008-03-21T20:34:00.004-05:00

by Lauren WethersTo me the cross represents not just the suffering of Jesus, but also the suffering of everyone. Kind of like the saying, 'a cross to bear.'Journey art by Lauren Wethers

Plain and simple

2008-03-19T09:42:00.004-05:00

by Scott StewartTo me, the cross means God, plain and simple. Because Jesus died on the cross we have been saved.

We Are Loved

2008-03-17T21:35:00.020-05:00

by John StewartJourney art by John StewartTo me, the cross means love and forgiveness. Because Jesus died on the cross, we'll always know that we are loved.

I can believe in miracles

2008-03-17T07:46:00.008-05:00

by Olivia HopkinsJourney art by Olivia HopkinsTo me the cross means alot. And it has taken me a long time to realize all that Jesus gave up for us. It shows the love he had for us, and how self-less he was. Because Jesus died on the cross I am here today, and I can believe in miracles.

What the Cross Means to Me

2008-03-16T19:42:00.020-05:00

Journey art by Shanice RiceTonight in Journey we talked about the cross, and more specifically, about the paradox of God suffering: God entering the world, entering all that is in the world, including suffering.What does Jesus' suffering and death on the cross mean to members of Journey? The answers will be posted here each day this week, starting with Shanice Rice, who visited Journey for the

To me, the cross means...

2008-03-16T19:24:00.004-05:00

by Shanice RiceTo me, the cross means forgiveness of sins; knowing what Jesus went through to give me salvation. I can wake up each and every morning and know that Jesus suffered for me so that I can be forgiven, and live a better life.

Expectations: a four-letter word?

2008-03-11T11:51:00.007-05:00

by Donna IrelandTom, as I briefly mentioned to you on Sunday, I took a look at the website and read the teens' thoughts. I still think of the words "brutally honest" in describing what I read. Maybe "expectations" should be a four-letter word. It is just so easy to become shackled by wanting the best, being the best, that enjoyment of life is just a fantasy. Life is a struggle, no doubt, and

Love, Which Created Me, Is What I Am

2008-03-06T18:07:00.000-06:00

by Tom Atwood(for Riley and Ellen)Life is not simple. I don't want to mislead you about that. Some people will try to break it down for you in terms of good and evil, right and wrong, black and white. I have found that things are usually on much more of a slope than that, especially as you are trying to find your way in the world.When you were little, your mother and I urged you both to "be good.

A Barbaric Way to Solve Problems

2008-03-05T06:31:00.002-06:00

by Ellen AtwoodAn example of the darkness I see in the world today is violence. It seems that violence has to be the answer to everything. Big debates in foreign countries are solved by war. Many innocent men and women lose their lives each day to violence. I think that war is a barbaric way to solve problems, and that violence should not be the answer.

Darkness

2008-03-04T21:26:00.000-06:00

by Aaron HugginsAn area of darkness in my life is my self-doubt. Things that get me thinking about the "what if's" in life. What if I get a bad grade? What if I mess up at my job and get fired? What if, what if, what if? I hope that God will help light the way through my self-doubts, and give me the confidence to succeed.

Breaking the Rules

2008-03-03T06:26:00.017-06:00

by Olivia HopkinsThe most difficult part about being a teenager is stress and pressure. I feel a good pressure to do my best, but sometimes I feel that there is a bad pressure around me. A pressure to pass up opportunities to help solve issues that need to be addressed in our world, just because I don't want to break any rules. There have been a few small occasions in my life when doing the right

The Man Born Blind

2008-03-02T08:07:00.018-06:00

The Man Born Blind. Written and performed by Tom Atwood.© 2005 Tom Atwood. All rights reservedI'm so excited about tonight's Journey meeting that I wrote a song for the occasion. Well, that's not exactly true. I wrote a song about today's scripture reading, the story of the man born blind as told in the Gospel of John. The song, originally titled "Jesus Spits," was inspired by a sermon

Journey Art

2008-02-28T08:43:00.001-06:00

Temptation. Artist: Riley Atwood (click image to enlarge)

'I Hated Sunday School!'

2008-02-24T13:59:00.006-06:00

by The Rev. Virginia L. Bennett, D.Min. Photos courtesy Virginia Bennett. (Click images to enlarge slideshow)I was raised in the 2nd largest Lutheran Church (not Missouri Synod) in the country. It had 6000 baptized members. So my first impression of church/religion was something that awed me, made me feel as though this must be about something 'enormous'. A picture of the nave and sanctuary is in

Messages from Journey

2008-02-19T12:10:00.011-06:00

This is the first in a series of messages from members of Journey. The messages--short essays, really--are being written during Lent, and will be posted on this website. The messages are intended not only for parishioners at St. Andrew's, but for anyone on the planet with access to the Internet. The topics are random. However, one thing the writers (ages 11 - 18) have been asked to do is to think

What St. Andrew's Has Meant...

2008-02-19T12:00:00.002-06:00

by Aaron HugginsWhat St. Andrew's has meant in my life is a leg to stand on. St. Andrew's has been a place where I can feel safe and welcomed. It's a place where I can learn and have fun, worship, and just be with others like me. I can grow and come alive at St. Andrew's, and be with people who support and help. It's like being with a second family, with all the love and care of one, and it makes

The Most Difficult Part About Being a Teen...

2008-02-19T11:40:00.000-06:00

by Devon DuddingThe most difficult part about being a teenager today is the expectations. It is very difficult to balance the goals and responsibilities of friends, family, and school. I no longer have the comfort of always living in the moment. Slowly it seems that I must place my thoughts on the rapidly approaching future. With looming thoughts of college, it's hard to balance time with friends

In My Life, I Am Most Grateful For...

2008-02-19T11:06:00.001-06:00

by Ellen AtwoodIn my life, I am most grateful for my parents. They have always been there for me. My mom and dad have always provided me with everything I need. Clothes, food, and most importantly, opening me up to believing in God. Without my parents I would not be as close to God as I am right now. They did a really great job bringing me to church each Sunday. My life would be incomplete

I Am Most Grateful For My Laugh...

2008-02-19T11:00:00.001-06:00

by Zach BanningIn my life I am most grateful for my laugh. Because I laugh at everything, and it is awesome. And it is contagious. Sometimes it annoys people, but some people like it. And, it is funny (and some people could really use a good laugh sometimes if they are bitter). It is great. And that is why I am grateful for my laugh.

Scripture for today's Journey

2008-02-17T16:49:00.002-06:00

Nicodemus Visits Jesus (John 3:1-17)Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’

Super Bowl Pre-empts Journey

2008-02-01T09:07:00.000-06:00

Since the Super Bowl was played at the same time that Journey was scheduled on Sunday, I decided to cancel Journey, since the Super Bowl has become almost like a national holiday. We will meet again on Sunday, February 17, at 5:30 pm. See you then.-- Tom

'Are you the one who is to come?'

2007-12-16T08:17:00.001-06:00

Joie de Vivre (Joy for Life). 1930. Robert Delaunay.The painting above is French impressionist Robert Delaunay's attempt to express joy through shapes, colors, and images. Joy like the joy John the Baptist must have felt in prison when he received an answer to the question he asked Jesus (through the disciples): "Are you the one who is to come?" John asked. And Jesus answered, "Go and tell John

Deep Peace

2007-12-02T13:45:00.000-06:00

Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point Trail. Painting by Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902).Deep Peace. Music by Bill Douglas. Lyrics based on an old Gaelic blessing:Deep Peace,of the running wave to youDeep Peaceof the flowing air to youDeep Peaceof the quiet earth to youDeep Peaceof the shining stars to youDeep Peace of the gentle night to youMoon and starspour their healing light on youDeep Peace to

Journey Beatitudes

2007-11-05T07:53:00.000-06:00

In Journey this week, Jesus turned our notions of happiness upside down as we read and discussed the Beatitudes. It was difficult to understand how happiness can come from mourning, loss, hunger, and feeling outcast.However, we agreed that happiness--blessings--can indeed be found in the darkest moments of life, even for teenagers. And so, the assignment for each member of Journey was to write a

Happy are those...

2007-11-04T08:15:00.000-06:00

When are you happy? Really happy? Today, as we celebrate All Saints Sunday, Jesus offers some surprising ways for us to seek happiness. Jesus' revolutionary message--what he says will make you happy--is probably not a message you are getting on TV, magazines, movies, or your iPod. We will talk about it tonight at Journey. See you at 5:30 for pizza in the Undercroft.Today's Journey ScriptureLuke 6

An apple a day...

2007-10-28T21:50:00.001-05:00

Members of Journey and St. Andrew's church school bob for apples and enjoy Halloween fun at party and bonfire Saturday night outside the parish hall.

Halloween party this Saturday, Oct. 27, 6 pm

2007-10-25T17:05:00.000-05:00

The church school teachers are holding a Halloween party on October 27th. They promise games, food and fun starting at 6 pm until 8 pm at St. Andrew's.From Tonja Banning:We are looking for donations of apples, hot dogs, candy, marshmallows, graham crackers, juice boxes, chips, beer and wine. We are also in need of Halloween decorations such as spider webs, signs and tombstones. If the

Wrestling with God

2007-10-21T20:40:00.001-05:00

The artwork (left) created by Olivia Hopkins (Sharpie on paper) at Journey tonight illustrates a painful moment in her life. We discussed the role of prayer in moments when we are hurt, frustrated, confused (see Aaron Huggins' sketch below) or angry. It is in these moments when we sometimes struggle with God--maybe not physically like Jacob, but struggle nonetheless.Confusion by Aaron

Video: Pain, Agony, Victory

2007-10-19T09:16:00.001-05:00

Video Produced by Tom AtwoodPhotographs by Andy ThomasThis video is a series of photographs of EHS cross-country runners, including Journey members Devon Dudding, Riley Atwood, and Ellen Atwood. The photos were taken by Andy Thomas at meets this fall. As I looked through hundreds of Andy's photos I was struck by the pain in many of his pictures. The agony is evident on the faces of

Judgment House

2007-10-11T10:38:00.001-05:00

Duane Douglas (Adam's dad) is taking some of the kids from church school to "Judgment House" at Maryville Baptist Church, and wants to know if any members of Journey are interested in going. A brief description and link to the Judgment House website are included below. Duane plans to go on Friday evening, October 19 (although Sunday afternoon, October 21 at 3 pm is another possibility).Take a

Learning to trust

2007-10-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

Members of Journey lead each other blindfolded on a "trust walk" around St. Andrew's.Pizza (as usual), but this time outside.

Church divide over gays has a global audience

2007-10-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

LIGHTNING ROD: In 2003, V. Gene Robinson, a gay Episcopal priest, was consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire. The move deepened the rift between liberal and conservative church members.By Rebecca Trounson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer8:54 PM PDT, October 13, 2007As Episcopalians and Anglicans wait to see if their fractious global fellowship will splinter or hold together in a long-running

Faith (or, If Trees Had Feet)

2007-10-07T08:16:00.000-05:00

In case you can't figure out what is happening in the drawing above, I'll tell you: it is a tree running (yes, running) to plant itself in the sea. What does that have to do with faith? What does that have to do with anything? To find out, you will need to come to Journey tonight. Bring your blindfolds!Have faith, all will be made clear.We will also talk about something called "awfulizing." Also

Journey photos by Ellen Atwood

2007-09-30T21:40:00.001-05:00

Riches

2007-09-30T06:51:00.000-05:00

This Sunday in Journey we consider what it means to be rich. What is true wealth? We will also talk about what responsibility we have, as Christians, to the poor and outcast. (And what about Hades??)Rich Man and Lazarus (watercolor, ink and goache, by Ian Pollack)Luke 16: 19-31Jesus' Parable ofLazarus and the Rich Man‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted

Journey Art by Adam Gueldner

2007-09-25T17:48:00.001-05:00

John 21: 4-8Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.

Welcome to Journey

2007-09-19T13:48:00.001-05:00

The Risen Lord by He QiWelcome to Journey, the official website for members of the youth group at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. We will use this site to post information about upcoming Journey meetings and events, and also to post photos and artwork during the year. Remember, Journey meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month during the school year. We meet from 5:

First Meeting - "Lost and Found"

2007-09-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

As a child I remember losing…These days I frequently lose…The biggest loss I ever had is…The worstthing I couldlose is…When I findwhat I have lostI feel…We all know what it is like to lose something, or someone, or to feel lost ourselves. Imagine, if you can, how God feels when He "loses" us? Or, when we lose God. Over the years, we may wander far from God. We may not even think much about Him.

2007-02-24T08:28:00.000-06:00

by The Rev. Virginia L. Bennett, D.Min.[Editor's note: Originally this article was written in response to an email from a parishioner at St. Andrew's. The parishioner wanted to know what it was like for Mother Bennett to " feel the presence of God in your life, moving within you, beckoning you to the priesthood?"]I was raised in the 2nd largest Lutheran Church (not Missouri Synod) in the country

Love, Which Created Me, Is What I Am

2006-03-04T21:58:00.002-06:00