Middle School Retreat 2005 was awesome. I'm sorting through all the pictures and video right now and am constantly being reminded how awesome our Middle School students are. I also asked some of you what you thought and here's what you had to say:

"My favorite part was dodgeball - I'm pretty much the best dodgeball player ever" - Jonathan

"I'm just glad we didn't see the bears." - Tori

"It still hurts to walk." - Dalton

We hope you guys had a great time; but more than that, we hope this retreat was a time for you to experience Jesus - because he's what it's all about.

We're working on the video right now and we plan on airing it at November's Gathering (Wed Nov 2). Be sure to join us that night and bring your friends so they can see you on camera. Also, beginning with MS Retreat, you'll now be able to purchase a copy of the retreat video on DVD for just $5.

Leave us a comment and tell us what your favorite memory from the retreat and we'll share it with the group on Nov 2, when we watch the video.

I think we've all agreed around the office that our favorite memory from this retreat is definitely Zach "Wedgie" Berry - or scaring Tori with the bears. So hard to decide.

ML3K just began his nationwide "It's pronouned 3 THOUSAND" tour across North America. He recently debuted this critically acclaimed tour at Salem's ROCK House this previous Sunday & Wednesday nights. Chief Editor for Rolling Stone Magazine, Dean Krazansky, was at Sunday's tour kick-off and commented: "ML3K rocks the house. We've seen groups like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews put on shows that can't even compare to the hype experienced at one of ML3K's concerts. His fan-base is growing faster than any group around and I believe he'll be the next big time Hip Hop star. Be ready, because ML3K will be a name you're gonna hear for a long time."

ML3K began pursuing a career in the Hip Hop arena almost 10 years ago; beginning as a competitive dancer in school league competitions. From there, ML3K went on to be a backup dancer for several popular artists before breaking out on the solo scene as a vocalist. Winning his first Grammy at age 18 for "Best New Artist - Hip Hop", ML3K's debut cd, "Rhyme Tyme" maintained a Top 10 status on Billboard's Top 100 Chart.

After taking some time off, ML3K went back into the studio last July to begin work on his fourth cd "chILLIN", due to hit stores nationwide November 10, 2005. His newest work features guest appearances by NJOY, Syo Narra, and Dyno-mite and features the hit radio single "3Kizzle".