Technical Difficulties

We’ve gotten some reports today of the blog acting wonky (that’s the technical term). We’re working on it, so please be patient. If we get it fixed we’ll post today’s episode of the Video Update, otherwise we’ll get it up as soon as we’ve got all the kinks worked out. Thanks!

Don’t Panic!

Artistic Panic We need to stop the panic. I know some of you are terrified and worried about the impending Armageddon, certain the the world is finally drawing to a close and all hope is lost. What other reason could there be for the Song of the Week and Video Update not arriving and their normal days? Surely, this is the end.

But have no fear, they are not gone but simply delayed. With the Memorial Day weekend everything has been pushed back one day. So this Tuesday you will have a new Song of the Week and Wednesday (tomorrow) you will have a new episode of the Video Update.

Next week we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming. You may now go about your lives.

This Week @ NSL

Hey NSL, just a quick note to let you know that you should be prepared to be outside this Sunday for youth group. We will be outside rain or shine, so be dressed accordingly!

Reminder: No Video Update Today

Hey everyone, just a reminder that there will be no Video Update today because Luke is on vacation. We’ll catch you next Tuesday for a brand new episode.

In the meanwhile you can check out past episodes here.

Score the latest ‘Remedy Drive’ Album for $5

remedy driveIf you were at Blitz this weekend, or if you checked out this week’s “Song of the Week” then you are familiar with Remedy Drive. Their new album is fantastic, and NSL highly recommends that you pick it up.

But what’s even better is you can score the whole album for less than a Big Mac meal! AmazonMP3 has ‘Daylight is Coming’ for only $5! That is sweet indeed.

So head on over there and get the Remedy Drive album for $5! [just click the pic]

New NSL Structure

new It’s no secret that the economy has been unhealthy lately, and that the ripple effect is felt far and wide. Northwood Church is no different, the significant drop in giving has meant greater difficulty in funding the programs and ministries that make Northwood great. While we have made deep cuts to try and balance the budget, we just finished the first quarter of 2009 and we’re still not there.

For this reason we are introducing a new tiered structure to NSL. Starting next month there will be a new tiered pricing plan for  Northwood Student Life events and programs. This is similar to most other extra-curricular that teenagers participate in. We feel this will not only help in the continued funding of NSL programs, but will also increase participation. Students are more likely to attend when they have a financial stake in doing so.

Beginning May 1st, students can choose between Annual, Monthly, and Pay-As-You-Go plans. Here is how they break down.

Monthly Plans
These plans can be changed at the beginning of each month. Calculating is simple, just total the Cost Per Month for each of the programs a student will participate in. For instance, a student that plans to attend Sunday Mornings and Midweeks, but no events, would pay a monthly fee of $25. For the diehard participant, the All-Inclusive rate saves them $20 a month.

Program Involvement Cost per Month
Sunday Mornings $10
Midweek (Table/Gathering) $15
Small Events (Hidden Hangout, FMSC, etc.) $20
Large Events (Becker, Blitz, SonShine) $50
All-Inclusive $85 (save $20/month)

Annual Plans
These plans offer the greatest savings. By signing up for an entire year of NSL programs at once students guarantee their ability to participate all year regardless of changes in their financial situation.

Program Involvement Cost per Year
Sunday Mornings $96 (save $24 vs. Monthly Plan)
Midweek (Table/Gathering) $144 (save $36 vs. Monthly Plan)
Small Events (Hidden Hangout, FMSC, etc.) $192 (save $48 vs. Monthly Plan)
Large Events (Becker, Blitz, SonShine) $480 (save $120 vs. Monthly Plan)
All-Inclusive $815 (save $205 vs. Monthly Plan)

Pay-As-You-Go
Sometimes it works best to just pay per program or event. This a la carte option is best suited for that.

Program Involvement Cost to attend
Sunday Mornings $3
Midweek (Table/Gathering) $4
Small Events (Hidden Hangout, FMSC, etc.) Priced per event
Large Events (Becker, Blitz, SonShine) Priced per event

Add-Ons
There are also some supplemental options for the Monthly and Annual plans. These are similar to hiring a tutor or personal trainer.

Add-On Cost
One-on-one time with youth leader $10/hour
Praying for a student $7/hour
Attending Events (concerts, games, recitals, etc.) $12/hour
Rides to/from Events $1/mile
Postcards and Phone Calls Free with purchase of any other add-on

Thank you for supporting NSL in this new endeavor, we hope it will let us continue with the level of service we strive to provide. The new NSL tiered pricing structure will begin May 1st. Please use the coming weeks to determine what plan is best for you. Once you’ve made your choice simply fill out this form and we’ll process your order.

,

Luke on Vacation Next Week

This is a reminder that Luke will be on vacation next week. He and Katie are heading up to the North Shore to do some hiking.

All youth events will continue as scheduled with the super awesome amazing fantastic youth leaders taking the helm. 

So The Table, The Gathering, and Sunday morning will all happen as planned, and Luke will be back at church on September 28.

Have a great week!

PSA|Group Invite- Spend Sunday Poolside

It’s Labor Day weekend, a time of rest, relaxation, and recreation. If you aren’t sure how to spend your Sunday afternoon yet, might we suggest poolside?

The Stillman family is inviting students, parents, leaders, families… pretty much everyone from Northwood, to hang out at their place in Rogers after church on Sunday. If you’re looking for the perfect place to kick back with friends and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, this is it.

Here’s the invite & info:
We are having a BBQ/Potluck at our house on August 31st @ 4:00 pm and would like to invite you, and anyone else from church. All ages are welcome! Bring your own meat and something to share. If you want to swim, bring a suit, towel & sunscreen!

And of course, here’s the map.

Childcare Helpers Needed on July 16

children-homepageThe Children’s Ministry needs some extra help on Wednesday, July 16. 3-4 students are needed to watch some young children from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. This is a paid gig, even though you guys are pretty good at doing stuff like this just for the warm fuzzies of helpfulness.

If you can help out please contact Northwood’s Children’s Pastor, Leslee Sherk, at leslee.sherk@northwoodcc.org or 763.437.7515.

*Note: If you are attending SonShine MusicFest you will not be able to help with this event, we will be leaving that afternoon.

Josiah Smith Band coming to Minneapolis

This is a public service announcement for everyone who was at Spring Blitz. The Josiah Smith Band, our wonderful worship hosts at Blitz this year, are playing in a band tournament at Club 3 Degrees on April 12th at 7:30pm.
The cost is $8, and it's a great chance to check out an awesome Christian club located in the Warehouse District.
The Band: http://www.josiahsmithband.com/
The Gig: http://www.club3degrees.com/events.asp?ID=695
The Club: http://www.club3degrees.com/directions.asp

*This is NOT a youth event, just a head's up to those who may want to go.