Getting Ready to Roll

They are firing up the Pleasant Valley Express today! This restored steam engine has been on display at Cruiser's Cafe for the Christmas season. If you get a chance, go check out this unique train.

Demolish The Room

Here is a short video of our day tearing down the walls in our "soon to be kitchen" today. Thanks to everyone who helped! BTW - I love Animoto

Precision and Concentration

I challenge Kevin Milliken to try this with his drumline! I think this is pretty amazing. I love this sort of thing.

December Videos #27 - Let Your Light Shine

Why does Christmas have to end?

December Christmas Video # 25 - Merry Christmas, All of You!

A classic from a classic on what Christmas really is!  Merry Christmas!!

December Christmas Video # 24 - The Night Before Christmas

What would Christmas Eve be without the "Nigth Before Christmas"

December Christmas Video # 23 - Blue Christmas

How could we have a Christmas video without Elvis . . .

December Christmas Video # 22 - The Leak!

I thought this was cute! Wikileaks is at it again!

December Christmas Video #21 - Away in a Manger

I love the Andy Griffeth show . . . A Mayberry Christmas

December Christmas Video # 20 - A Social Network Christmas

In light of the last video . . . Here is a total Facebook Christmas

December Christmas video # 16 - Times Change; the Message Stays

Christmas in the internet era . . .

December Christmas Video # 15 - He Came to Get Messy

The video speaks for itself.

December Christmas Video #14 - North Point iBand

Technology and music blended together . . .

Sugar Won Tonight

The temptation was too great tonight at the Melting Pot, where we ate for our anniversary. The celebration of the evening constituted some indulgence on my part. But, in the last 100 days the score is Sugar 1 - Joel 99. That's not to shabby.

December Christmas video # 13 - Mr. Bean

I love Mr. Bean . . .

December Christmas Video # 12 - Christmas Lights

I am not usually a fan of music videos, but I enjoyed this one. Thanks to Jana for the find!

December Christmas Video #11 - Where's the Line?

A great message from Becky Kelly . . .

December Christmas Video # 10 - Taylor Mason

I loved working with Taylor Mason at Impact a few years ago. . .

Christmas Gifts for Youth Ministry Leaders/Volunteers

Simply Youth Ministry is having a sale with resources up 50% off! What a great time to buy your youth leader, be they paid or volunteer, a great gift for a great price! Simply Youth Ministry - simplifying ministry and saving you time!  If the sale screen doesn't load, go to "resources" and then click on "sale". 

Check Out "Fans Edge" - Everything for the Fan!

You'll notice a new link FansEdge.com,here at A Bunch of Stuff just in time for the holidays.  If you haven't bought a Christmas present for that sports minded person in your life, you might want to check out the clearences at Fans Edge. Or you can shop by clicking on FansEdge.com.

FansEdge is a leading retailer in the $16 billion sports licensed products and memorabilia industry. Their online catalog features the largest catalog of officially licensed NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and Collegiate products and authentic autographed memorabilia. Theycarry products in a wide range of categories, including: apparel, auto, watches and jewelry, office, and video/DVDs.

December Christmas Video #9 - Nightmare Before Christmas

How could I have Christmas videos without Ray . . .

December Christmas Video # 8 - The Twelve Days of Christmas

This isn't "Ma Na Ma Na" but its fun . . .

December Christmas Video #7 - Christmas With a Capitol "C"

We had Brad Stine in Mifflintown in the fall.

December Christmas Video # 6 - Christmas Medly

A fun video from some new comedians . . .

December Christmas Video #5 - Santa Babies

Short and sweet.

December Christmas Video #4 - Jesus and Santa

Did you ever consider the similarities between Santa Claus and Jesus Christ . . . and, how are they different?

December Christmas video #3 - The World Would be Out of Luck

You have to watch this to the end! What a great message. . .

December Christmas Video #2 - Veggie Tales

If you didn't make a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child this year, there is always next . . .



A Bunch of Videos #2

Not Too Perfect Nativity Play @ RMC

You are invited to attend the "Not Too Perfect Nativity Play" at Richfield Mennonite Church on Friday, December 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 18 at 3 PM or 7 PM. The event is FREE however we would like to know how many to expect so we are asking you to register before hand if possible. You can register by clicking the corresponding date on the links below.

Friday -

Saturday @ 3 PM -


Saturday @ 7 PM -

From the Producers of "Uncle Phil's Diner" and "Christmas At Uncle Phil's" come this Christmas Comedy, "The Not Too Perfect Nativity Play". What happens when the director invites parents to participate in the Nativity Play at church this year? Come and find out!!

Christmas Videos - Amazing Grace

Fun in a Box

The things you find in a shoe box. We often find very interesting stuff. But, we know that God has a plan for each box.

Hummel and His Brother?

It's been said that there is a twin for everyone. We think we may have found Hummel's twin at the processing center. What do you think.

Thanksgiving Meal Away From Home

Thanks to Jana, Lori, and a bunch of others here and at home, we had a great meal today for lunch. After seeing this plate, Jana was glad they made the third turkey!

CRUX at OCC on Wednesday

Here is a video of pics taken by people of people at the OCC processing center on Wednesday.  It was a good day. 

Working in the Processing Center

We started our work today at OCC. The boxes today will go to the Ukraine. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Breakfast in Charlotte

We pulled in to our hotel around 1 AM last night, got unloaded and, hopefully, went to bed. The night was short and now we are eating a good breakfast before we leave for the OCC processing center.

The LONG Trip to OCC

I am sitting in the church van as we travel to Charlotte, NC listening some praise music and thinking about how much things have changed over the past 14 years with this trip.

I can write this post while traveling because I have four other people who are are willing (read want) to drive a van! This much better than having to drive and then still be in charge like I used to do. (blogs and iPhones are new as well).

The warehouse will be filled with 100s of volunteers unlike the first years where there were less than 50 most of the time. We are also outside of town as opposed to being downtown in the old convention center.

We stay in suites with stoves and refrigerators as opposed to regular rooms with ice filled coolers. The suites are actually more economical since you can have more people in each room.

There will millions of boxes this year - so many more than 14 years ago.

However, we go with the same purpose in mind - to get the boxes to kids who need to see God's love. I pray that we work hard, have fun and have our, and other lives changed forever.

Joel Snyder
www.abunchofstuff.us
www.twitter.com/joelwsnyder

2010 RMC Shoebox Dedication

Like a lot of other churches all over the United States, we dedicated our shoe boxes that will be sent through Operation Christmas Child to children around the world. At the end of the service, one of the bus drivers from the church brought their bus to the church and collected the boxes. Vonna, our OCC guru, made an animoto video about the processs. Check it out! 2010 RMC Shoebox Dedication

Toby's, Austin and I

Austin and I pose at Toby's. What good food and great show. I think everyone is having a good time.

Teamwork

I am sitting in the hallway of our hotel in Washington DC wasting time as I am making sure no one leaves their room.  The East Juniata Class of 2011 is on their class trip and I am fortunate to have been asked to come along since one of the teachers got sick.  I do consider it part of my ministry since I am able to get to know more kids and impart my life to them.  Everything has been realy quiet since I took over at 3 AM which has been nice since I was able to get a lot done. 

As I sit here, I am thinking of all the people who have made it possible for me to be here.  My wife, Jana, encouraged me to come along.  However, this meant that she had to take up a lot of the slack for me at home.  She not only has her subbing and clients to work with, now she had to be up front  at CRUX and has to be the "director" for play practice, plus a bunch of other stuff.  Thank you, Jana, for your encouragement. 

Other people had to help as well . . . Justin volunteered to do the crowd breaker/game at CRUX and take kids to the OIP afterward;  Pastor Paul volunteered to speak at CRUX;  Hummel is willing to drive a van on Friday if I don't make it home;  Peg sent me the times from the time cards;  Aaron sent messages;  Lori is helping with the play . . . and the list goes on. 

I am really thankful for all who are willing to minister and serve so I can do the same elsewhere.  What a great team of people that surround me!  I have been called the "master delegater" by a few of the people mentioned above, but I think this is what teamwork is all about!  Thanks to all and keep up the good work!

Hanging Out at the Zoo

Yetter, Auker and Shipe pose as they wait for the bus to get fixed at the National Zoo on their Sr trip. National Cathedral is next.

How would you drive from Japan to China?  Well, according to Google Maps, it can be done.  Check out the picture below. 

Here are the directions:  ‎

1. Go to Google maps.
2. Go to "Get Directions"
3. Type Japan as the start location
4. Type China as the end location
5. Go to direction #43
6. Laugh...

Jana Speaks to Wreck Room Crew

I had the opportunity to go with Jana tonight in Thompsontown at the Wreck Room Crew youth group. They have a great room and great leaders. We had a fun time.

Football and Wings

I joined the football team for wings tonight. Good food and fun times!

Getting Ready to Pack Shoe Boxes

We are having a packing party for Operation Christmas Child on Wednesday night and some of the kid volunteered to help prepare for the event.

EJ Soccer - District 4 Champs

Congratulations to the EJ Soccer team for defeating South Williamsport 3 - 0 and become the District 4 champs today.

Thanks to My Youth Worker

I am told that today is "Thank a Youth Worker" Day.  I am not sure who is behind this, but, it is a nice idea.  Anyway, because of the day, I would like to write about a youth worker who was really influential during my life.

When I was growing up, youth pastors were few and far between.  I don't think I know of a church in Central PA who had someone being paid to work with the kids.  What we did have was Campus Life and Campus Life leaders who were supported by people and churches to minister to youth.  Dave Hummel was my Campus Life leader. 

I basically met Dave at lunch at school.  He was there talking and encouraging kids.  I also saw him after school at games and many different activities and events.  Campus Life was held in different homes throughout the area so Dave was able to get to talk with parents and kids alike.  I enjoyed Campus Life, especially all the different events they planned.  But, my favorite thing, believe it or not, was the early morning before school Bible study that Dave led for a few of us.  We talked and prayed and learned a lot.  Dave would often drive to pick me up and take to Bible study.  These were extra times for me to learn and talk. 

I would like to publicly thank Dave for being there for me.  For taking time to drive me to activities, listen to me after everything was done and encourage me in my walk with God.  He was a servant and mentor and continues to be to this day.  Thank you Dave for doing what you did and what you do!

The Fragrance of O.C.C.

This morning when I walked into the Fellowship Hall in our church, my nose sensed a very familiar aroma, a good scent, and a smell that is associated with a very fond memory.  It was the smell of shoe boxes filled with soap (hence the fragrance) and other items for kids around the world which will be sent through Operation Christmas Child.  The CRUX Student Ministries will be heading to the O.C.C. warehouse over the Thanksgiving break to help to process these and many other boxes.  The entire warehouse smells like these shoe boxes and each trip is filled with memories.  And, each year I am reminded that a shoe box is all some kids get for Christmas.  This will be our 14th year going to Charlotte, NC.  Below is a video about how a shoe box helped one small girl. 

A Macado's Multitude!

Here is how our drinks came out while at Macado's. We had 23 people with the best waitress I have had in a long time at any restaurant.

The Longhorne Steakhouse Review

I wrote a longer, more thoughtful review earlier tonight but somehow deleted it.  Basically, we (Jana and I) had a nice meal at the new Longhorn Steakhouse at 44 Nina Dr (Monroe Marketplace) today.  I have been waiting for this since I found out they were adding it to the "strip".  The service was good but a bit "canned" at times.  The boneless wings were good and my Sirloin Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Salad was very good - the dressing made the salad.  I would certainly order this again.  The decor was nice, but it should have been for a new building, except I thought it was a little like the waitress - a bit "canned".  The biggest disappointment was the fact that I didn't see a lot of "steak" options on the menu which I thought was odd for a "Steak" house? 

I would go again and think you should give it a shot as well.  Then, tell me what you think. 

20% Off Sale At SYM

I don't know how many of you who read this blog are youth ministers, but if you are or if you know anyone who is, you can get 20% off everything at Simply Youth Ministry today and tomorrow, October 26 & 27.  That's good savings in these . . . troubled times!  Click the link below.

Big Guy Scores

Big guys never get to score. And, playing as a team, that is understandable. But, here is a big guy, a linemen, scoring a touch down in the game tonight.

My Team at the Corn Maze

Went along with the Jr High kids to the Corn Maze this afternoon. Here is my "winning" team (They made me say that)! Jr high boys have lots of energy!

IPhone Apps "Take Me Out"

I love this type of stuff. . . I am not sure how they did it exactly, but this band used only their iPhones for instruments.  Pretty cool in my opinion.  I am blown away by their creativity.  They are playing their single Take Me Out.  You can see where the the original article came from here.

Giving Big Ben Another Chance

I am not an Steelers fan.  I don't hate them.  I just don't root for them.  Having said that . . . I was certainly NOT a Ben Roethlisberger fan.  This comes mostly from his immoral "escapades" recently.  As a matter of fact, I probably could have been heard calling him "Worthlessberger" or "RoethLESSberger" in the past.  However, I am willing to give him another chance.  Big Ben comes back to the NFL after being suspended for the first four games of the year.  Who knows how he will do - and I really don't care.  But, it is my hope that this suspension  was a wake up call to the Steeler's QB.  It must be hard to live with the pressure he has put on him to succeed and the temptation of having the money to do whatever he wants has to way him down.  Although I wish for money like he has, I don't know how I would handle it either?  It sounds like he has started to turn the corner.  Check out this interview.  I hope what he says is true.  But in his own words, "Actions speak louder than words."  I'll give him another chance and watch his actions.

BYOC Day at RMC

We had a unique day yesterday at RMC. Due our new carpet being put in soon, we had "BYOC" ( Bring Your Own Chair) Day. Here are a few pics.

No Wonder He MIssed the Announcement

Search Amazon.com for no doz pills

Sleeping on the job?

This was taken by Jon Lauver, worship leader during my announcements.  I really didn't think I was that boring?  It is Pastor Paul sleeping? ? ? 

Pizza After Church

Had a nice evening eating pizza, etc. after the chalk artist guy at church tonight!  Another good job of inviting friends!  Here are a few pics.





Katie devouring pizza



Last Year's Comedian to Star in Movie

Last year, a group of youth pastors, youth workers, pastors and volunteers came together to begin working together to encourage students of the Highway 35 area.  Their first endeavor was a comedy night with a comedian named Michael Joiner.  During the show, Michael told the audience about a new movie that he was going to act in.  Well, that movie is just about to hit the theaters.  

Michael Joiner as "Mac" in "The Grace Card"

MEMPHIS TN – September 9, 2010 – Graceworks Pictures and Calvary Pictures have announced that THE GRACE CARD, a gritty drama that poignantly illustrates that the worst prisons are the ones we make ourselves, will open in theaters on February 25, 2011. Set in Memphis, THE GRACE CARD features Academy Award®-winner Louis Gossett Jr. (Best Supporting Actor, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN) and centers on the unlikely partnership between two cops: Mac, embittered by tragedy, angry at life and God and everyone else; and Sam, a rising star in the department, promoted over Mac.  As Mac’s life nosedives, the tension builds: can he accept grace from a God he abandoned and a man he detests?

"The point is to grab people by the heart," says director David Evans.  Evans is a successful optometrist known in Memphis for his 15-plus years producing Calvary Church’s annual passion play. THE GRACE CARD is his feature film-directing debut—and through Graceworks Pictures, he’s also executive producer. Calvary Pictures is a ministry of Calvary Church in the Memphis suburb of Cordova.  THE GRACE CARD will be marketed and released by Affirm Films and Provident Films and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the three companies behind FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS.

Check out the movie's web page at www.thegracecardmovie.com

Tired! More Soon!

We are having a great time but, I am really tired!  Let me say that yesterday at Peggy's Cove and Halifax was really fun.  And, today on Prince Edward Island was excellent!  I am going to send you to Jana's blog for a few pics of yesteday and hopefully I will post more tomorrow morning after I have had some rest. 

From Dawn to Dusk and From West to East

If you haven't been to Jana's blog yet, you should go there soon!  She has some really good posts about our trip! 

Yesterday we traveled from Digby in the West to Halifax in the East.  I wasn't looking forward to the drive, but it turned out to be a very nice time!  I love looking at all the scenery along the way.  I like to learn more about people in other parts of the world!  Jana says I talk to everyone, but how do you learn if you don't ask.  We talked to two gentlemen in the town of Bridgewater and learned how to get to a boat that is tied in the middle of the lake (or bay in this case).  Speaking of the towns.  I could learn to live in some of these here.  The tourism agency boasts that Nova Scotia is the friendliest places on Earth and from what I have experienced, they are right! 

Below is an animoto video I made from yesterday.  It is one of my better videos this week I think.  Enjoy.

We stopped in the town of Lunenburg before going to Halifax and settled on Magnolias Grill for supper. It was a very good choice! I will post about Lunenburg in the morning.

PS - there is free wireless at Magnolias . . . Can you tell?

Some Wildlife

We finally saw a little wildlife today on the way to Halifax. We stopped at a National Park that I can't spell. What a nice surprise to see the doe walk out in front of us at one of the tour stops.