Photos from Homecoming!

The photos from Homecoming are up and ready for your enjoyment! If you know any former quizzers who don't check quizpad.com everyday, you may want to let them know as well. Click on the image below for the whole set.

Pass the word. We will be having Homecoming 2012 next year, as well!

Call it!

WEEK 17: Review Hebrews 7-13

This week (December 29 thru January 4), please review Hebrews, Chapters 7-13

If you want to read the chaptesr online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Listen to the chapters here. (MP3s coming later.)

Study Tip: We will be quizzing on all of Hebrews next Wednesday. Now is your chance to firm up your knowledge. If you lost last week to Christmas activities, no problem. You've got from now until next Wednesday to catch up. Set aside the time, and be sure to cover some material every day. At the VERY LEAST, read through 2 chapters each day, twice a day, which will cover all 13 chapters by next Wednesday.

Upcoming Events:
- January 20-22, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Lititz, PA

REMINDER: No Practice Tonight!

There is no practice tonight. Enjoy the night off to spend extra time with your family.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Don't forget why we celebrated so soon!

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Luke 2:1-20
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Christmas Eve is upon us!

Remember, there are two Christmas Eve services tonight:
- 5:00 PM - Family Service
- 11:00 PM - Candlelight Service

He always knows the right gift!

WEEK 16: Review Hebrews 1-6

This week (December 22 thru December 28), please review Hebrews, Chapters 1-6

If you want to read the chaptesr online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Listen to the chapters here. (MP3s coming later.)

Study Tip: We have completed our study of Hebrews and will be diving into 1 Peter when we return in January. This is your last, best chance to firm up your knowledge of this book before we start filling our brains with new stuff. Take the opportunity of the next two weeks to identify the chapters you are weak on, and firm up your knowledge. Remember, Midwinter is coming!

Upcoming Events:
- No practice next week (December 28)
- January 20-22, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Lititz, PA

Homecoming is TONIGHT!

Quizzing begins at 7:00 PM. We'll be quizzing on Hebrews 13. All former quizzers are invited to come and quiz.

Snacks and fellowship will begin approximately 8:00 PM. Feel free to come only for the fellowship, if you can't make the quizzing.

Quiz Team Homecoming is TOMORROW!

Are you ready for the return of the Ghosts of Quizzers Past? Quiz Team Homecoming is TOMORROW. We're hoping for a big turnout of graduated quizzers. Whether you last quizzed last year, or you last quizzed decades ago, come on out to quiz against the current team and then stay for snacks and fellowship at 7 PM Wednesday!

Countdown to Homecoming

Rules of the stable...

Finish the Verse Questions for Hebrews 13

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

Question: Do not forget // to entertain...
Answer: ... strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)

Question: Marriage // should be honored...
Answer: ... by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)

Question: Keep // Keep your lives...
Answer: ... free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Question: Jesus // Christ is the same...
Answer: ... yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Question: Through // Jesus, therefore,...
Answer: ...let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Question: Obey // your leaders...
Answer: ... and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Question: May // the God of peace,...
Answer: ...who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Reference Questions for Hebrews 13

Remember, the full list of Reference Questions can always be found in the sidebar or at this link.

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:2, Do not forget what?
ANSWER: To entertain strangers (for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it). (cf Heb 13:16; 2Pe 3:8)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:3, Remember whom?
ANSWER: Those in prison (as if you were their fellow prisoners), and those who are mistreated (as if you yourselves were suffering). (cf Heb 13:7)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:7, Remember whom?
ANSWER: Your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. (cf Heb 13:3)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:9, Do not be what?
ANSWER: Carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. (cf 1Pe 3:14, 4:12, 4:16)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:13, Let us what?
ANSWER: Go to him (Jesus) outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (cf Heb 4:1, 4:11, 4:14, 4:16, 6:1, 10:22, 10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 12:1, 12:2, 12:28, 13:15)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:14, We do not have what?
ANSWER: An enduring city (here). (cf Heb 4:15)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:15, Let us what?
ANSWER: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. (cf Heb 4:1, 4:11, 4:14, 4:16, 6:1, 10:22, 10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 12:1, 12:2, 12:28, 13;13)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:16, Do not forget what?
ANSWER: To do good and to share with others (for with such sacrifices God is pleased). (cf Heb 13:2; 2Pe 3:8)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:22, I urge you to what?
ANSWER: (Brothers,) I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, (for I have written you only a short letter). (cf Heb 13:19, 1Pe 2:11)

QUESTION: According to Heb 13:23, I want you to what?
ANSWER: Know that our brother Timothy has been released. (cf 2Pe 3:2)

A Whale of a Joke

WEEK 15: Study Hebrews 13

This week (December 15 thru December 21), please study Hebrews, Chapter 13

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Listen to the chapter here. (MP3s coming later.)

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, ChristNotes.Com)

Study Tip: We are now approaching the halfway point in the Quizzing Year. Are you suddenly realizing how far behind you are in the study process? Fear not! Most quiz meets tend to have more questions from the last few chapters studied, than from anywhere else. If you have not been studying to your best up until now, start fresh this week and you'll quickly see an expert in the later chapters of Hebrews & 1 Peter has a lot to offer to the team at Midwinter and beyond!

Upcoming Events:
- December 21, Quiz Team Homecoming
- January 20-22, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Lititz, PA

REMINDER: Quiz Team Homecoming is NEXT WEEK

Quiz Team Homecoming is NEXT WEEK! If you have any siblings or parents who are former quizzers, please invite them to come out to next Wednesday's practice. They are invited for the whole thing, but are welcome any time from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. We want them to quiz alongside us, and then stay for some snacks and fellowship afterwards. Spread the word!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: I Will Follow You

As requested by one enterprising Quizzer. By MikesChair.

Photos from the Christmas Party!

Photos from the Christmas Party are up and ready for your perusal. Click here or on the image below.

Finish the Verse Questions for Hebrews 12

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

Question: Therefore, since we are surrounded // by...
Answer: ...such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Question: Let us fix // our eyes..
Answer: ... on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Question: Consider // him who endured...
Answer: ...such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

Question: And you // have forgotten...
Answer: ... that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)

Question: Endure // hardship as discipline;...
Answer: ...God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (Hebrews 12:7)

Question: No // discipline seems pleasant...
Answer: ...at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)

Question: Make // every effort...
Answer: ...to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

Question: See to it that // no one misses...
Answer: ...the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:15)

Question: Therefore, since we are receiving // a kingdom...
Answer: ...that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews) 12:28-29)

Reference Questions for Hebrews 12

Remember, the full list of Reference Questions can always be found in the sidebar or at this link.

Question: According to Heb 12:1, Let us what?
Answer: (Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us) Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (cf Heb 4:1,11,14,16; 6:1; 10:22,23,24,25; 12:2,28; 13:13,15)

Question: According to Heb 12:2, Jesus is the what?
Answer: The author and perfecter of our faith. (cf Heb 3:1, 12:24)

Question: According to Heb 12:2, Let us what?
Answer: Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (cf Heb 4:1, 4:11, 4:14, 4:16, 6:1, 10:22, 10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 12:1, 12:28, 13;13, 13:15)

Question: According to Heb 12:14, Make every effort to what?
Answer: To live in peace with all men and to be holy. (cf Heb 4:11; 2Pe 1:5, 3:14)

Question: According to Heb 12:14, Why be holy?
Answer: Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (cf 1Pe 1:16)

Question: According to Heb 12:15, See to it that what?
Answer: No one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (cf Heb 3:12, 8:5, 12:25)

Question: According to Heb 12:23, God is what?
Answer: The judge of all men. (cf Heb 3:3, 12:29)

Question: According to Heb 12:24, Jesus is the what?
Answer: The mediator of a new covenant. (cf Heb 3:1, 12:2)

Question: According to Heb 12:25, See to it that what?
Answer: You do not refuse him who speaks. (cf Heb 3:12, 8:5, 12:15)

Question: According to Heb 12:26, Now he has what?
Answer: Promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." (cf Heb 9:26)

Question: According to Heb 12:28, Let us what?
Answer: (Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us) Be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. (cf Heb 4:1, 4:11, 4:14, 4:16, 6:1, 10:22, 10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 12:1, 12:2, 13;13, 13:15)

Question: According to Heb 12:29, God is what?
Answer: A consuming fire. (cf Heb 3:3, 12:23)

Christmas Party is Tonight!

The party is TONIGHT! Hoping to see you all there at 6 PM. Here's your quick checklist to see if you're ready.

• Do you have your wrapped $5-$10 gift for the game? (Quiz team members and coaches only. Not mandatory.)
• Have you arranged with Jim to bring something for the potluck dinner?
• Have you replied to the eVite?
• Are you ready to have some fun?

If you answered YES to all of the above, we'll see you tonight! If you answered NO, what are you waiting for?

WEEK 14: Study Hebrews 12

This week (December 8 thru December 14), please study Hebrews, Chapter 12

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Listen to the chapter here. (MP3s coming later.)

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, ChristNotes.Com)

Study Tip: For some people, the best way to make the Bible a priority in your life is to put it at the start of every day. Rather than waiting for after homework, dinner, or whatever else you normally put before studying, consider setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier in the morning and spending that time reading thru that week's chapter. This can set the tone for your day, and give you a chance to apply the lessons of the chapter in your daily life.

Upcoming Events:
- December 9, Quiz Team Christmas Party
- December 21, Quiz Team Homecoming
- January 20-22, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Lititz, PA

Scoreboard from Practice

Photos from a Quizzer

Coaches aren't the only ones with cameras these days! Quizzer Josh played the shutterbug this past Quiz Meet and has asked me to post his shots for everyone to see. Click on the image below for the whole set.

(Should we give him the nickname "Paparazzi"?)

Gift Game Help

Every year some people have NO problem thinking of ideas for presents for the gift game at the Quiz Team Christmas party. ...And every year some people are absolutely stumped. If you need some ideas, here are a few popular ideas from past years.

• Nerf toys (guns, balls, etc.)
• Tool sets
• Bible-themed toys
• Christian CDs
• Candy
• Gift Cards

If the weather should turn nasty, be sure to keep your eyes here on QuizPad.Com for any announcements. We have had to postpone the party before for safety reasons, although obviously we're hoping for no issues on Friday.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Quiz Team Homecoming on Wednesday, December 21

This notice has already gone out to most emeritus quizzers via Facebook or e-mail, but please pass this along to any who may not have heard yet.

WHAT IS IT? Quiz Team Homecoming for Former Quizzers of All Ages!

WHEN IS IT? Wednesday, December 21 from 7 PM to 9 PM

WHERE IS IT? Calvary Church, the Round Room

WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? Former quizzers are invited to come and quiz with the current team on Hebrews, chapter 13, and then stay for a welcome-back celebration with snacks! Come on our to see friends from years past, and encourage the quizzers studying hard today!

DOES IT COST ME ANYTHING? Not a dime. Unless you count the gas for the car, oats for the horse, or shoe-leather for your moccasins to get here.

MY MOM/DAD/UNCLE/AUNT/ROOMMATE WAS A FORMER QUIZZER. SHOULD I ASK THEM TO COME? Absolutely! Anyone who ever quizzed on the Calvary Church quiz team is invited! Pass the word!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Christmas Party on December 9!

It's again time for our annual Bible Quiz Team Christmas Party! This year, the party will be on December 9 and we're hoping all quizzers and their families can attend!

WHEN IS IT? December 9, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE IS IT? Calvary Church in the old Fellowship Hall (downstairs in the old building)

WHO IS INVITED? All quizzers and their families.

WHAT IS THE COST? There is no monetary cost, but we ask each family to bring an appetizer, entree, or desert. Please contact Coach Jim to work out the details for your family.

WHAT WILL WE DO? Eat a good dinner, conversate, watch a Christmas video, and play our annual "Gift Game".

WHAT IS THE GIFT GAME? All quizzers (but no family members, sorry!) are welcome to bring a wrapped gift costing between $5 and $10. We'll then do our own version of a "Yankee Swap" to see who goes home with which gift. It's lots of fun!

DO I HAVE TO PLAY THE GAME? Nope. We hope you do, but if you don't want to take part, no problem.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? In case of snow, keep an eye here on QuizPad.Com for any cancellation/postponement announcements (but don't expect us to cancel unless things are truly inclement, we've partied through storms before!)

Unfair Advantages

WEEK 13: Study Hebrews 11:19-39

This week (December 1 thru December 7), please study Hebrews, Chapter 11:19-39

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Listen to the chapter here. (MP3s coming later.)

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, Biblegateway.Com)

Study Tip: Did you notice that we're coming down to the last few chapters of Hebrews? Now is the time to double-down and focus your studying. All of our work in the new year will be on 1 and 2 Peter. So, make the most of your time in Hebrews now! It'll be doubly hard to catch up later!

Upcoming Events:
- December 9, Quiz Team Christmas Party
- December 21, Quiz Team Homecoming
- January 20-22, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Lititz, PA