Coach Mark's Districts Pictures

It took a bit longer than usual, due to an almost-catastrophic failure of my memory card, but all of my pictures from this weekend are now up and ready for your perusal. Let me know if there are any originals you'd like. If you would like to get prints of any of these, also let me know and I can walk you through the process. Click on the image below to see the whole set.

And, of course, don't forget to monitor the Quizzing Group where you can see the images uploaded by other coaches and quizzers.

We're home!!!

We're home!!!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Entering CT at about 3:45 PM

Entering CT at about 3:45 PM
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Lunch at Wendy's in Bethlehem, PA

Lunch at Wendy's in Bethlehem, PA
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Next stop, HOME!

Leaving for home (10:45 pm)

Leaving for home (10:45 pm)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Disricts Report

Well, the early report from Districts is a good time was had by all. More specifically, Trumbull did not take first or second in either division. The Upper Team went 3 wins and 3 losses. The Lower Team lost all of their quizzes.

For the Upper Division trophies:

• First Place: Lancaster
• Second Place: Cresskill

For the Lower Division:

• First Place: Essex Fells
• Second Place: Lancaster

Trumbull will be attending the Lancaster Church today for Sunday service. We will be leaving the church at about 11 AM, stopping for lunch, and will be home between 3 PM and 5 PM today.

At church, waiting to load the vans

At church, waiting to load the vans
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Back at the church to meet host families (9:00 PM)

Back at the church to meet host families (9:00 PM)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Dinner at Fuddruckers

Dinner at Fuddruckers
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Closing Rally 3:30 PM

Closing Rally 3:30 PM
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Bible Knowledge Test is next

Bible Knowledge Test is next
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Quizzing is complete!

Quizzing is complete!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Lunchtime (Quizzing Resumes at 1 pm)

Lunchtime (Quizzing Resumes at 1 pm)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Since when is quizzing a contact sport? ;-)

Since when is quizzing a contact sport? ;-)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Snack Time! 10:45 am

Snack Time! 10:45 am
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Quizzing begins 9 am

Quizzing begins 9 am
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Districts Quizzing is TODAY

Quizzing is today! The EFCA's New England and Eastern Districts will be quizzing in round robin fashion, with upper division and lower division divided. The team with the most wins... well... wins. In the case of a tie, the teams with the best record against each other will win. In the case that things are STILL tied, team bonuses (i.e. 4 and 5 chair bonuses) will be used. Beyond that, tiebreaker quizzes may be required.

After Quizzing, the Trumbull team will go to some of the local outlets, then have dinner at Fuddruckers, then be back at Lancaster EFC by 9 PM for the teens to go home with their host families. More updates may be available throughout the day via cameraphone.

Oh, and any pictures taken on Friday will be accessible here or here.

Arrival at 9:15 PM

Arrival
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Leaving Vassi's Now (7:45 PM)

Leaving Vassi's Now (7:45 PM)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Formerly known as Potts Doggie Shop. :-)

Eating at Potts (7:00 PM)

Eating at Potts (7:00 PM)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Next up Lancaster EFC around 9 PM

Leaving at 3:45 pm for Lancaster

Leaving at 3:45 pm for Lancaster
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Next stop, Potts Doggie Shop in Bethlehem, PA

Important Times for this Weekend

Friday:
3:15 PM: Arrive at church to pack the vans
3:30 PM: Leave the church
~7:00 PM: Dinner at Potts Doggie Shop in Bethlehem, PA
~9:00 PM: Arrive at Lancaster EFC. Teens depart for host homes.

Saturday:
8:30 AM: Opening devotions, etc
9:15 AM: Rounds 1 - 3
10:45 AM: Break with snack
1:15 PM: Rounds 4 - 5
12:15 PM: Lunch at the church
1:15 PM: Rounds 6 - 8
2:45 PM: Bible Knowledge Test
3:45 PM: Closing Rally
4:30 PM: Depart church for dinner (Fuddruckers) and outlet shopping
9:00 PM: Return to Lancaster EFC. Teens depart for host homes.

Sunday:
9:00 AM: Worship Service at Lancaster EFC
10:00 AM: Pack vans, change clothes for the trip home
10:30 AM: Depart church for home
1:00 PM: Lunch
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Arrive back at Calvary EFC. (Times dependent on traffic)

Fashion recommendations for the weekend

If you still haven't packed and are wondering about what to wear over the weekend, this post is for you!

Friday: Comfortable travel clothes are welcome. Remember temps in Lancaster are predicted to be in the 50s.

Saturday: Quiz Team T-shirt (Or comparable grey t-shirt) and Jeans (NO SHORTS!) to quiz in.

Sunday: Nice clothes for Sunday service (No jeans, no shorts, no t-shirts). After the service, you may change into comfortable travelling clothes. Remember temps in Lancaster are predicted to be in the low 60s.

Temperatures will be cool in the morning, so a light jacket or sweatshirt for each day is recommended.

And remember we want every at the church on Friday at 3:15 PM to load the vans. We would like to leave the parking lot at 3:30 PM.

Costs for Districts

Now that you are all packed for Districts. It is time to talk about the money to bring.

• Tournament Fee: $8 (includes lunch on Saturday)
• Gas Money for Vans: $5
• Food Money: 2 Dinners and 1 Lunch, Recommend at least $15 total but Saturday dinner will be more expensive than the others, so $30 would not be unreasonable
• Spending Money: There are no other required costs, however we will likely spend some time at the Lancaster outlets. Teens may want to have along a little souvenir money.

That is about it. All the news that's fit to print.

Packing List for Districts!

For those coming to Districts this weekend, remember to be sure to pack:

• Quiz Team T-Shirt for Saturday
• Acts Scripture Portion for Studying
• Jeans for Saturday (No Shorts During Quizzing)
• A soft piece of luggage (duffle bag preferred) for your clothes
• Sleeping bag and Pillow
• Carry on bag that can fit on your lap in the van
• Sunday clothes for church (no jeans, no t-shirt

And remember the following items are allowed for use outside the church:

• Music Player with Headphones (iPod, CD Player, MP3 player)
• Portable Game System (PSP, Nintendo Gameboy, etc.)
• Small sports ball

If you are in doubt about what to bring, feel free to e-mail or call the coaches.

Flashback to Fallout

Study for Next Wednesday: Acts 22-28

Our review for April 25 will be Acts 22 thru 28. If you want to read the study guides, click below.

• Acts 22
• Acts 23
• Acts 24
• Acts 25
• Acts 26
• Acts 27
• Acts 28

Game Day is on its way!

The calendar may say "April" but the summer is almost here, and it may be a good time to start thinking about what you'll be doing to make an eternal difference. Of course, there are the usual summer activities: getting a job, going to the beach, doing yard work, and staring mindlessly at a cloudless sky. But there are other activities which can really make a difference in someone's life.

The game is on and excitement is in the air! Come to Calvary's Summer Spectacular to get in the game and learn how to become heroes both on and off the field by focusing on Jesus and following God's plan for your life. You will get an all-access pass for everything from the opening Pep Rally to the Crafts Fan Zone. So join the fun!

Now is the time to clear your calendar and make sure you have a clear week to help out with VBS. Click on thru the link above if you are interested in knowing more.

Details are important

Preliminary Districts Schedule

This is the preliminary schedule for next Saturday. We will be arriving in Lancaster Friday night, but there will be no activities until Saturday. We will be attending their church services on Sunday before departing for home.

8:30 AM - Opening devotions, etc
9:15 AM - Rounds 1 - 3
10:45 AM - Break with snack
11:15 AM - Rounds 4 - 5
12:15 PM - Lunch (At the church)
1:15 PM - Rounds 6 - 8 (includes tiebreakers)
2:45 PM - Bible Knowledge Test
3:45 PM - Closing Rally
4:30 PM - Depart for Dinner and Etc.
9:00 PM - Return to Lititz EFC for Host Families

DECISION TIME: Are you going to Districts?

Teens and Parents! Tonight is the night. Please come to Quiz Practice with your final decision on whether you are attending Districts/Roundup/High Gear which takes place next weekend. We need to know how many need transportation and how much room we need for luggage as well. Again, we will be leaving next Friday afternoon and returning that Sunday. All kids should plan to bring their Quiz Team t-shirt for Saturday (they will be for sale at practice this week and next for $13 if you don't already have one) and nice clothes for Sunday church service in Lancaster (no shorts, no jeans! The teens will be able to change after church for the ride home).

Team Shirts At Practice Tomorrow Night

If you are a quizzer without a team shirt and you plan to come to Districts/Round-up/High Gear/That-Fun-Trip-The-Last-Weekend-In-April, you may purchase a shirt tomorrow night at practice. Shirts will be $13.00, and there are a limited number of each size. All quizzers attending Districts are encouraged to have a shirt to represent the team.

Bible-Themed Amusement Park "Not Religious"?

I like the idea of a small amount of Bible-based entertainment in books, movies, etc. However, I have to start wondering about this story about a Bible-based amusement park in Tennessee.

Durham described the attraction as a “story park” that would depict scenes and tales from the Bible. It would not be a traditional amusement park with rides, she said.

SafeHarbor is not a religious organization and the park would have “no religious interpretation” of the Bible, Durham said.

“They see it as an entertainment park,” she said. According to a company news release, the park would emphasize “the history and archeology of Biblical times” and “plans to utilize a colonial Williamsburg type-working village to serve as a hub for a number of themed and family entertainment areas.

Is it really possible to build any "Bible-themed" piece of entertainment which has "no religious interpretation"? I think not. Any interpretation, no matter how careful, has an impact on how religion is viewed.

Stay focussed as Districts approaches

eSword - Free Windows Bible Software

Are you a Windows user and a Quizzer? Are you eager to find ways to improve your studying by use of your laptop, PDA, or PC? Consider checking out E-Sword, a free program to assist with Bible study, including integration of study notes and multiple versions.

If you are a Mac user, consider checking out Online Bible instead.

Or if you just want to do it online, remember Bible Gateway.

Do you give him it all?

Study for Next Wednesday: Acts 15-21

Our review for April 18 will be Acts 8 thru 14. If you want to read the study guides, click below.

• Acts 15
• Acts 16
• Acts 17
• Acts 18
• Acts 19
• Acts 20
• Acts 21

What if you chose ACTS for a book report?

When I was in Middle School, I took a few chances and did some book reports on Christian books. But I never tried doing on on the book of Acts itself. One student did try it however, and his principal stopped him from presenting it based on separation of Church and State.

Middle-schooler Alex Thomas was among Mount Washington students who were videotaped reading their reports by their teacher so that they could be broadcast during the morning announcements last month.

But when principal Denise Allen heard that students could chose their books and learned that Alex had chosen the Bible, she stopped the announcements after two had aired, citing the separation of church and state and saying that some book choices might not be appropriate for younger students.

It is an interesting question, but somehow I think this is simply an overreaction.

Do you have a Quiz Team T-Shirt?

As we are coming up to Districts (formely known as High Gear or Round-Up), it is time to start taking stock of our preparations. In addition to basics like study, memorizing FTVs, and preparing for potential Contests, we try to have everyone at Districts wearing a team t-shirt. Do you have a t-shirt like the one pictured to the left? If not, contact Mark to see about geting one.

And remember, in three weeks, it will be a LOT warmer than today, so a t-shirt will make a lot more sense than it did on snowy Easter!

DID YOU KNOW: How long was Jesus in the tomb?

A grateful nod to The Theological Chat Room for this one.

On Easter we celebrate Jesus's resurrection from the tomb after 3 days. But if you stop to think about it, Friday, Saturday, raised on Sunday... are there really 3 days there? This article takes the question seriously and shows that it really does work out. Sometimes putting the question in context really helps.

Happy Easter!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Matthew 28:1-10

Silent Saturday

Good Friday

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Luke 22:44-49

Study for next Wednesday: Acts 8 thru 14

Our review for April 11 will be Acts 8 thru 14. If you want to read the study guides, click below.

• Acts 8
• Acts 9
• Acts 10
• Acts 11
• Acts 12
• Acts 13
• Acts 14

REMINDER: Practice is ON tonight!

Some had thought because prayer meeting was cancelled tonight, that Quiz Team would also be cancelled. NOT SO! We are practicing tonight in the Round Room, as usual. Please come at the usual time for quizzing on Acts 1-7.

Coming Soon: Tabernacle Recreation in Lancaster, PA

While we are over in Lancaster, PA for the District Quiz, one of the places we plan to stop is the Tabernacle Recreation Exhibit. This exhibit is by a Mennonite group looking to give moderns an idea of what it was like in the days of Moses and up to David, before the first Temple was built. The "Tabernacle of the Testimony" is mentioned many times in Acts, and now we can see what the Apostles were talking about.

Do you recognize which of our current quizers is pictured there?

Study Guides are still available for your use

As you review Acts 1 thru 7, you may come across a chapter you missed the first time around due to illness, a trip, or school work. If so, remember that you can always go back and pull up the old study guides for your own use.

• Acts 1
• Acts 2
• Acts 3
• Acts 4
• Acts 5
• Acts 6
• Acts 7

And the study guides will remain online after that, if you even want to come back to them.

Pictures from the Quiz Meet

Our trips to Essex Fells for the season may be over, but the pictures certainly aren't. Photos taken this past weekend of the trip may be found at Mark's Flickr site here or over at the Quizzing Group here

On Bibical Literacy

Does it ever concern you when a friend really has no idea about Biblical concepts like love and charity? Does it surprise you that they do not know who Moses is, or that their only exposure to "Jesus" is when they pass by a manger scene around Christmas?

BibleLIteracy.Org is a group dedicated to bringing back biblical literacy to schools, not in the name of religious indoctrination. But rather in order to promote cultural and historical understanding. After all, when the hottest conflicts in the world are taking place in Jerusalem between Jews and Muslims and overseen by Christians, all over their interpretation of scripture's view of the role of a Holy City, can someone really understand the issues without understanding the Bible?