Southwest Soup

This idea was sent in by Alice Carpenter :

Southwest Soup
2 packets of Taco seasoning mix
2 packets of dry Ranch dressing mix
2 lbs of ground beef (browned)
chopped onion (don't remember exactly how much - more to your taste)
2 cups water
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (I use 2)
1 can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 can black beans (I use 2)
1 can kidney beans (I use 2)
1 can pinto beans (I use 2)
2 cans white shoepeg corn

Remember to mix the dry ranch dressing mix in cold liquid before putting on the stove. Add all ingredients and heat.

Meal ideas

Check out these websites for some interesting meals for the youth group... http://www.spiritinaction.org/bigrecp.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/bc/incredible/Buffetchart.html
http://allrecipes.com (recommended by Christina!)

Also, breakfast for dinner is a great inexpensive idea as well as:
grilled cheese sandwiches
baked potato bar
hot dogs
taco salad
pasta

And check out this idea:

Baked Potato Casserole

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5 pounds red potatoes,cooked and cubed
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups (1pound) cubed cheddar cheese
4 cuos (1 pound) shredded sharp cheddar chese
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnasie
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1 tbsp minced chives
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a large bowl combine potatoes andbacon. In another bowl combine remaining ingredients and add to potaot mixture and toss gently to coat. Trnaser to a greaed 4 1/2 qt. baking dish. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or till bubbly and light brown. 20 -24 servings

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Parenting workshop

Are you raising tweens and/or teens? If so, this workshop is one you do not want to miss. Join Dr. Israel Galindo as he presents the "Ten Best Ways to Ruin Your Adolescent" parenting workshop on Sunday, September 21 from 6-8:00 p.m at Good Shepherd UMC, 9155 Hungary Road, Richmond. For more information about Dr. Galindo, visit www.galindoconsulta

nts.com.

Cost: $10 per person (includes presentation materials and refreshments). A free children's program will be offered for infantsthrough 5th grade.

Registration is required and the deadline is September 18. Go to www.goodshepherdumc.us or call (804)270-7613.

For more information, contact

Lisa McGehee
Minister of Adult Discipleship
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
9155 Hungary Road, Richmond, VA 23294

Sofa

The youth are in need of a few good sofas. If you have a sofa that has served you well and is ready for a new home please call Pastor Ashley at (434) 296-6193. Please know that we are looking for sofas that are still in good condition.

Theme for September

During the month of September we will deal with issues that often cause division in the Christian community. Our theme “Beyond Belief” will help us wrestle with some very tough questions. In the end we will be able to respect the beliefs of others and tell what we believe. Some of the question’s we’ll try to answer are: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, “Big Bang Theory, Evolution and Creation…where’s the truth?”, “What’s so special about Jesus?” and “Is it possible for Christianity to really make a difference in my life?” Here are some discussion starters for this month:
1. Is it harder to believe in God when things are going bad or going well? Explain.
2. Do you think science will ever prove or disprove God?
3. How do you respond to someone who asks, “Isn’t being good, good enough?
4. Why is it important to live what you believe?