New GPS arrival estimate at dinner is 7 pm.

Rest stop.

We're on our way!

Final Districts Reminders

You should already know all of these details from earlier postings and Wednesday's announcements, but here they are again for your last-minute needs.

WHAT TIME DO WE LEAVE?

3:00 PM. Please arrive by 2:45 PM, so we can pack the vans!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING/PACK?

4 outfits. Wear one outfit for travel on Friday, bring your quiz team shirt (or a blue shirt) for quizzing on Saturday and jeans (no shorts during quizzing!), church clothes for Sunday morning (no shorts! no jeans!), and travel clothes to wear after church.

1 duffle bag, 1 sleeping bag, 1 pillow, and a carry-on that fits on your lap.

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

$10 for gas, plus money for 3 meals ($10 recommended), plus souvenir money for Chocolate World. At least $40.

WHAT TIME WILL WE GET BACK ON SUNDAY?

Our time getting back will be strongly influenced by traffic. We expect to be home between 3 PM and 5 PM. We'll be able to call parents by cell from the road. (And we'll be posting photos from key points all weekend.)

Final Districts Standings and Practice Scoreboard

Final Standings for Districts
Those in yellow will be the starting 5 for this weekend on each team.


Scoreboard from Practice

Scoreboard & Standings

FROM PRACTICE


STANDINGS
Remember, only the top 5 quizzers in overall standings are guaranteed a place on the pads at Midwinter. There is still time to make a difference tonight!

Top 10 Tips for Districts

10. Sleep is an important aid to memory. Try not to stay up too late the first night, so you are awake and ready to quiz on Saturday.

9. Protein is brain food. Sugar and carbs give you quick energy, but it is gone in an hour. Protein (eggs, meat, nuts) gives you energy that'll last all day.

8. It is never too late for a last-minute cram session. Even if you have not had your best year for studying, you can still make a difference by memorizing a few FTVs or reading through the last few chapters of 2 Corinthians until you really know it.

7. Studying can be as much a team effort as competing. When you are together on Friday night and Saturday morning, quiz each other to sharpen your reflexes and memories.

6. Half of every competition is mental - if you let yourself be psyched out, you may have lost before you begin. Take time before the quizzes to prepare yourself mentally by praying.

5. Quizzing's ultimate goal is not a trophy or bragging rights. It is to learn the word of God. If you find yourself beginning to obsess over the competition, take a deep breath, relax, and remember where your real priorities lie.

4. Family is a firm foundation. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your parents or siblings if you need it. And remember they are proud of you.

3. Look for every opportunity to help the team. Your opportunity may be on the pads - answering a key question at a key moment - or it may be off the pads - encouraging a teammate, greeting a competitor, or helping out a coach or quizmaster. You never know what little thing may make all the difference.

2. Don't forget to have fun. Competition may sometimes be serious, but Districts is also about having a good time. Don't be afraid to play, tease, and enjoy your time in Hershey.

1. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10)

What do I need to know for Districts?

WHAT IS DISTRICTS?
"Districts" is the year-end quiz meet for the entire Eastern District. Upper Division teams will quiz together, as will Lower Division teams, and a first and second place team will be chosen for each division. Those teams will be eligible to compete at Nationals, this summer.

WHEN IS DISTRICTS?
We're leaving this coming Friday (April 16) from church. (We'll talk exact times at practice on Wednesday.) We'll travel down to Hershey Evangelical Free Church and stay with host families. Saturday (April 17) we'll spend the day quizzing, and then go to Hershey Chocolate World. Sunday (April 18), we'll attend church and then drive home.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING?
Due to rising gas prices, we need to charge $10 per quizzer for gas. Then you'll need at least $7 per meal for dinner on Friday (Vassi's Hot Dogs) and Saturday (Fuddruckers), and lunch on Sunday (fast food, usually Wendy's). You may also wish to bring extra money for Hershey Chocolate World for souvenirs or a snack.

(Breakfasts will be provided by host families. Lunch on Saturday was paid for by your quizzing registration fee.)

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?
Luggage: Plan to bring a crushable suitcase (i.e. duffel bag), a sleeping bag, and a carry-on bag that can fit on your lap in the van.
Clothes: Bring your quiz team t-shirt or a similar blue t-shirt for quizzing. No shorts, please, and no sandals for quizzing in. For Sunday, please bring nice clothes for the service (no shorts, no jeans) - you will be able to change before we travel back. Keep an eye on the weather and keep in mind you may still need a jacket in the evenings in the hills of Pennsylvania.
Everything Else: Bring your scripture portion and any other studying tools that you wish. iPods/MP3 players are allowed, as are cell phones (but they must be turned off for quizzing and church). A frisbee or ball may also be brought along.

If you have more questions, please e-mail the coaches or bring your questions to Wednesday.

Finish the Verse Questions for 2 Corinthians 13

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link.

Question: Examine...
Answer: ...yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)

Reference Questions for 2 Corinthians 13

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

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, who is in you?
Answer: Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless, of course, you fail the test?

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:9, we are what?
Answer: We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:10, when I come I may not have to what?
Answer: This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:11, be what?
Answer: Be of one mind

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:13, who send greetings?
Answer: All the saints send their greetings.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 13:14, WHAT be with you?
Answer: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Were you paying attention at the Good Friday services?

For more information, click here.

WEEK 32: Study 2 Corintians 13

This week (April 8 thru April 14), please study 2 Corinthians, Chapter 13.

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

DOWNLOAD: Click here to download the MP3 for 2 Corinthians 13. (Password is "quizpad" without the quotes. Available for only 90 days.)

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

Study Tip: This is our last week of new material. Be sure to spend extra time this week learning Chapter 13. If you're weak on other material, be sure you are strong here if you want a chance to make a difference at Districts next weekend

Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, April 16-18: Districts - Hershey, PA

Districts is coming soon!

Parents and Quizzers, Please keep in mind that Districts is April 16-18. We'll be leaving Friday afternoon (you may need to make special arrangements to get to church right from school), quizzing all day in Hershey, PA on Saturday (and stopping at Chocolate World), and returning home on Sunday after church. If you have any questions or concerns, tonight will be a good time to raise them to the coaches.

Reminder: We're practicing *BOTH* 2 Corinthians 11 & 12 on Wednesday

If you had forgotten, tonight is your chance to catch up on your studying. We have a LOT to cover tomorrow night, and not a lot of time to cover it. Be sure you show up on-time and ready to quiz.

Scoreboard

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.

9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Luke 24:1-12

FTVs and Reference Questions 2 Corinthians 12

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link.

Question: FTV: But he...
Answer: ...said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Question: FTV: That...
Answer: ...is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Question: FTV: The things...
Answer: ...that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance. (2 Corinthians 12:12)

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

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 12:5, I will boast about what?
Answer: I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 12:8, three times I what?
Answer: Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (it/a thorn in my flesh)

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, I will boast about what?
Answer: I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 12:20, I am afraid that what?
Answer: I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 12:21, I am afraid that what?
Answer: I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

Good Friday!

32As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.[b] 36And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,[c] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[d]
47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son[e] of God!"
- Matthew 27:32-54

WEEK 31: Study 2 Corintians 12

This week (April 1 thru April 7), please study 2 Corinthians, Chapter 12.

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

DOWNLOAD: Click here to download the MP3 for 2 Corinthians 12. (Password is "quizpad" without the quotes. Available for only 90 days.)

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

Study Tip: This week we will be studying two chapters - 2 Corinthians 11 & 2 Corinthians 12. This means it is even more important than usual to NOT forget what you learned last week. Be sure to read the earlier chapter at least once a day, and the new chapter at least twice. This way, you'll retain what you learned without giving up on the newer material.

Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, April 16-18: Districts - Hershey, PA

REMINDER: No practice tonight

Remember, there is NO practice tonight due to Holy Week. Spend the time preparing for Easter with your family. And catching up on any studying you may have gotten behind on. And consider attending the Maundy Thursday service tomorrow.

Coach Mark & Matt's Photos from the Quiz Meet

Photos from the Quiz Meet are up and ready for your viewing. Click in the images below for the sets from Coach Mark and Coach Matt.

Coach Mark's Photos


Coach Matt's Photos

Finish the Verse Questions for 2 Corinthians 11

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link.

Question: And no...
Answer: ...wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Reference Questions for 2 Corinthians 11

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

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:3, I am afraid that what?
Answer: I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:23, I have what?
Answer: I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:24, I received what?
Answer: Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:25, three times I what?
Answer: Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:26, I have been what?
Answer: I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 11:27, I have what?
Answer: I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

All too punny

Tomorrow's Schedule

You don't want to be late! Here is our rough schedule for tomorrow's Trumbull Quiz Meet.
8:30 AM: Trumbull Quizzers arrive & help set up
9:00 AM: Out-of-town Quizzers arrive & snacks ensue!
9:30 AM: Devotionals with Pastor Mike
10:00 AM: Quizzing begins!
- 6 quizzes
12:00 PM: Lunchtime (Don't forget to bring $5 and 2 bottles of soda!)
1:00 PM: Departure & help clean up

WEEK 30: Study 2 Corintians 11

This week (March 25 thru March 31), please study 2 Corinthians, Chapter 11.

REMINDER: There is NO PRACTICE next Wednesday. Celebrate Holy Week with your family instead.

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

DOWNLOAD: Click here to download the MP3 for 2 Corinthians 11. (Password is "quizpad" without the quotes. Available for only 90 days.)

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

Study Tip: This week, you are studying without a Practice to keep you motivated. How are you planning to keep your interest up? One way is to set a personal deadline for your studying. Instead of a formal practice, ask a friend, parent, or sibling to quiz you on the material by a specific time next Wednesday. You'll be amazing how having a deadline can focus your mind!

Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, March 27: Monthly Quiz Meet - Trumbull, CT

What do I need to know for Saturday?

This Saturday is the much-anticipated annual Home Quiz Meet! Montgommery and Essex Fells will be driving up to Trumbull to see all that we have to offer, and to quiz against the very best of the best of the New England District (that's YOU, if you didn't know). Now that the event is so close, what do you need to know as a quizzer?

1. We're having a Big Sandwich for lunch. Bring $5.
2. Bring 2 large bottles of soda. Feel free to bring Diet or fruit juice, if that is what you drink.
3. Parents and siblings are welcome!
4. If you have one, please wear your Quiz Team T-shirt or Sweatshirt. If not, please wear blue.
5. We will be asking you to come early to help set up. Jim will have the exact time tonight.
6. Be ready to stay afterward to help clean-up, too.
7. Please be careful to be good hosts. Keep an eye out for quizzers or coaches who seem lost, and be ready to direct them. (If there is anyone you are unsure about, come and get a coach.)

Scoreboard

Pennies from heaven?

From Finding Elim.

Finish the Verse Questions for 2 Corinthians 10

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link.

Question: For though...
Answer: ...we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Question: We demolish...
Answer: ...arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)

Question: But, "Let...
Answer: ...him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)

Reference Questions for 2 Corinthians 10

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

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:1, I appeal to you how?
Answer: By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:3, we do not what?
Answer: Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:9, I do not want to what?
Answer: I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:10, some say what?
Answer: Some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:13, we will not what?
Answer: We will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:15-16, our hope is what?
Answer: Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 10:16, we do not what?
Answer: We do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory.

Which do you listen to?

WEEK 29: Study 2 Corintians 10

This week (March 18 thru March 24), please study 2 Corinthians, Chapter 10.

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

DOWNLOAD: Click here to download the MP3 for 2 Corinthians 10. (Password is "quizpad" without the quotes. Available for only 90 days.)

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

Study Tip: Studying each week is important, but have you noticed that the review time each week has been less than stellar? If you're not finding yourself excelling during the new material each week, consider switching a little of your weekly study time over to extra review. If you can become an expert on past weeks, you may shine during the Quiz Meets, and especially Districts!

Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, March 27: Monthly Quiz Meet - Trumbull, CT

Miniature Bibles can be BIG!

Odds are your 1 and 2 Corinthians scripture portion is the smallest "Bible" you have seen in your life. But the Bible comes in many shapes and sizes these days and in one Indian town the world's smallest Bible is catching the attention of many. But it might be a bit too small for practical use for a Quizzer.

"Today, in a way, we are very particular to see a small sized Bible. It's a unique Bible; this is for the first time that a miniature Bible is being sold at our store. The Bible is nearly one inch in breadth, 1.5 inch in length and 0.6 inch in width. It is so beautiful that it can attract anyone," said Father Joseph Vaniamthara.

The locals find this miniature form of Bible very attractive and find it very useful for their children. But it takes a magnifying glass to read it.

Prayer Request: Lionel's surgery

Lionel is having surgery today for his injury. Please be praying that God is with him and gives him peace and comfort during the procedure, and that the doctor's hands are guided to do everything perfectly. And for a speedy recovery, so we see him back at practice as soon as possible!

*NEXT* Saturday is the HOME Quiz Meet

UPDATED 1:30 PM: I had a typo in this post. The Quiz Meet is 3/27. *NEXT* Saturday. Please make sure no one shows up this weekend!

Next Saturday (March 27) is our annual quiz meet in Trumbull, CT! It our one home meet of the year, and parents and siblings are invited to cheer the team on.

We're asking each quizzer to bring 2 bottle of soda or juice. We're doing a large sub for lunch. All quizzers should bring $5. Any family members who want to share in the sub should let Jim know by Wednesday and will also owe $5.

Scoreboard

Finish the Verse Questions for 2 Corinthians 9

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link.

Question: Remember...
Answer: ...this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Question: Each...
Answer: ...man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Question: And God...
Answer: ...is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Question: Now he...
Answer: ...who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10)

Reference Questions for 2 Corinthians 9

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

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, each man should what?
Answer: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 9:8, God is what?
Answer: God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 9:9, what is written?
Answer: It is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 9:11, you will be what?
Answer: You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion

Question: According to 2 Corinthians 9:15, thanks be to God why?
Answer: Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

A Season of Prayer