Lunch On The Lawn

Friday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Enjoy lunch from various food trucks amidst picnic tables, misting machines and subtle background music. Pending its reception, they will extend this offering throughout the fall season. For more information, visit www.mizneramp.com. This event will also be happening on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oktoberfest
Friday, Sept. 29, 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30, noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by the Pompano Beach Rotary Club. Enjoy performances by the International Polka Band, Tuchar beers, with delicious German food by local restaurant Checkers Old Munchen, games daily throughout the weekend, including stein races, barrel races, coaster toss and the crowning of Herr & Frau Oktoberfest 2017! VIP packages also available. Proceeds benefit local charities. For tickets, visit www.ccpompano.org. $15, General, $50, VIP, Kids 12 and under Free. For more information, call 954-545-7800.

Dunn’s Run

Sunday, Oct. 1, 7:30 a.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Grab your running shoes and your family to come out for a day of exercise and fun with a 5 mile or 5K run/walk. Fun activities include a visit with Billy the Marlin and Stanley C. Panther, a bounce house, food and craft vendors and more. For 5K Walk & Run, it is $30; for the 5 Mile Run, $35, the Kids Fun Run (Ages 3-6), $10 and the Kids Fun Run (2 and under) is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Just a Yard Sale

Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

“Just A Yard Sale” is an indoor Yard Sale where prices are cheap and treasures are exceptional. Food will be on sale. This is a free event with free parking. For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Garden Club of Lighthouse Point

Glass Mushroom Garden Art Workshop

Monday, Oct. 2, 1:30 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

The instructor will be Joyce Rosselli. The workshop includes instructions and materials, and they will also provide accents, such as colored gemstones and color ink/paint for individualizing your creation. Additional kits are available for purchase. There will be light refreshments served. $15. Limited space, R.S.V.P. by Sept. 29, by e-mail at georgia@campsaginaw.com or call 609-353-4882.

Pompano Beach Highlands meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.

Highlands Park

1650 NE 50 Ct.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

The Pompano Beach Civic Improvement Association is pleased to welcome Pompano Beach City Manager Greg Harrison to the meeting. Mr. Harrison will give an update on developments in the city and will be taking questions from the audience. This is a free meeting that is open to the public. For more information, visit www.pbhighlands.org or email pbhighlands@gmail.com.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Johnny Vincent will be playing for your entertainment just south of Hillsboro Boulevard at the ocean. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Save the Date: 17th Annual Health & Wellness Expo

Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by The Center for Active Aging (formerly NE Focal Point). Expo activities will include vendors with health information and education for all ages. Health Screenings will include Balance, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Carotid Artery, Cholesterol, Glucose, Hearing, Vision and Skin Cancer. Flu shots will be administered by Walgreens. Flu shot registration is required; please call 954-480-4449. There will be door prizes and entertainment. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. For more information or to register as a vendor, please visit the City of Deerfield Beach website (www.deerfield-beach.com) or contact Cindy Towle, RBNC, Health Support Manager, at 954-480-4446.

Festi-Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach for a fun day. There will be handmade arts & crafts, holiday gifts, jewelry, baked goods and more. $3 admission. For more information, call 561-392-2223.

Marcus Roberts Trio

Saturday, Sept. 23, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Jazz great Wynton Marsalis has hailed Marcus Roberts as “the genius of modern piano.” The Jazz virtuoso has been profiled on 60 Minutes, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, NPR and more. See him live in concert with Jazz greats Jason Marsalis and Rodney Jordan. Tickets range from $35 to $50. Visit www.ccpompano.org. For more information, call 954-545-7800.

Bullets in the Bathtub

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6 to 10 p.m.

Royal Fiesta in the Cove Shopping Plaza

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Murder Mystery Dinner and entertainment from Schultz Productions is the most requested community event and the Deerfield Chamber is bringing it back. It is very interactive and this year the theme is “Bullets in the Bathtub,” so don’t forget your gangster hat and flapper outfits! Doors close at 6 p.m. so get there early. Show starts promptly. The cost is only $60 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members, but get your tickets quick. For more information, contact Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050, or email info@deerfieldchamber.com.

Save the Date: Oktoberfest

Friday, Sept. 29, 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30, Noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 1, Noon to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd,

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by The Pompano Beach Rotary Club. Enjoy performances by the International Polka Band, Tuchar beers, with delicious German food by local restaurant Checkers Old Munchen. Games daily throughout the weekend, including stein races, barrel races, coaster toss, and the crowning of Herr & Frau Oktoberfest 2017! VIP packages available. Proceeds benefit local charities. For tickets, visit www.ccpompano.org. $15, general, $50, VIP, Kids 12 and under Free. For more information, call 954-545-7800.

Sammy Hagar and The Circle Show w/ Collective Soul

RESCHEDULED

Due to Hurricane Irma, this concert was rescheduled. The new date is Nov. 12 at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater. Those who purchased tickets already, those tickets will be honored. Refunds will be issued at the point of purchase as well, available until Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. For those seeking tickets, they can be purchased online or by phone via Ticketmaster. You can also contact Ticketmaster for refunds at 800-745-3000.

Many recent events were canceled due to Irma. As the new date approaches, The Observer will be putting in information, or if you know of something that has been rescheduled, let us know. Also take a look within the paper… there might just be an ad with the new date.

Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m.

Pompano Beach Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join the City of Pompano Beach for an evening of food trucks, music and fun! They encourage everyone to bring their blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited at most food truck events! Great entertainment, full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Clint Black concert

Saturday, Sept 16, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Pompano Beach Amp is proud to present the iconic and timeless country music of Clint Black. The multi-million selling country mega-star recently released On Purpose, his first full-length album of new songs in a decade, and he’s doing it on his own terms. The new album is dedicated to his father, who died in late 2012. Tickets range from $38 to $98 and are available at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.theamppompano.org or call 954-519-5500.

Singles Party

Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.

American Rock Bar & Grill

1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join their fun and vivacious group of interesting college educated men and women. Many arrive alone. Dress is casual but neat. Mix, mingle and meet. Watch, listen, sing, dance and have fun with a great talent. They have a delicious & reasonably-priced menu of appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and dinner entrees and desserts. Look for balloons to find organizers in the backroom. Please introduce yourself. The Owner is giving the single members the entire bar exclusively for their group. And maybe you will find that special someone. $5 entry fee and plenty of free parking. Call to make sure event is still happening at 954-428-4539.

Sammy Hagar & The Circle
w/ Collective Soul

Tuesday, Sept, 19, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Pompano Beach Amp and AEG Live are proud to present Sammy Hagar, one of rock music’s most dynamic frontmen and acclaimed songwriters, in concert with his new band The Circle and touring with Collective Soul. To order your tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Sept 19, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“Johnny Vincent” will be playing for your entertainment. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Bullets in the Bathtub

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6 to 10 p.m.

Royal Fiesta in the Cove Shopping Plaza

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Murder Mystery Dinner and entertainment from Schultz Productions is the most requested community event and the Deerfield Chamber is bringing it back. It is very interactive and this year the theme is “Bullets in the Bathtub,” so don’t forget your gangster hat and flapper outfits! Doors close at 6 p.m. so get there early. Show starts promptly. The cost is only $60 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members, but get your tickets quick. For more information, contact Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050, or email info@deerfieldchamber.com.

As I write this, it’s 4:05 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, and I am hunkered down in my office patiently awaiting Hurricane Irma — stocked with Voltage soda and plenty of candy. This article releases after Irma will have passed, undoubtedly leaving a path of destruction and many asking why? Why God? Why Irma? Why Harvey? Why an earthquake off the coast of Mexico? Why the wildfires in Montana and LA [and Oregon]? Why the flooding in South Asia? Why?

Though we may not be able to fully understand the why ourselves, I do know our God is sovereign — fully in control. Still, naturally, we seek answers; yet it was the apostle Paul, a follower of Jesus, in his letter to the Romans, that writes, “How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways. For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?” Romans 11:33-34 NLT). So what can we do? James, the brother of Jesus, writes, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16 NLT). So let us “[not] worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what [we] need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then [we] will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). 

With that said, join me in praying in one accord, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), the following:

Dear Lord, we first and foremost approach You in thanksgiving. We thank You for Your creation: the land and the seas; the sun that shines so brightly that we need specially approved glasses to gaze upon it. We thank You for salvation through Your Son Jesus — for His sacrifice on the cross that set us free from the punishment of our sins. We thank You for Your Word and the awe-inspiring ways You reveal Yourself to us. You are the Alpha and the Omega; the Beginning and the End. You are our Father in Heaven and we come before you with heavy hearts. God, to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, beloved pet and/or property, we ask for Your peace and comfort to overflow upon them. Allow them to feel Your presence physically, but also recognize Your care and concern for them through the local body of believers co-laboring alongside them in the restoration efforts.

Father, continue to keep watch over the first responders: the military, police, fire/EMS, medical professionals, power company linemen, disaster relief staff/volunteers and anyone assisting in the relief efforts. We honor them for their sacrifice — physical, mental and financial, as they put their life on the line, and on hold, to serve others. We also pray for and give thanks for those who were unable to physically be present during a global relief event but donated money and/or resources.

Lord, we also pray for the local governments. Let them feel supported by their constituency and not grow weary in the completion of their duties. Remind them that You alone have established them in their role for such a time and place as this (Romans 13:1 NLT); and that they have access to Your power, wisdom and knowledge.

Most High, we also give thanks for and pray for the many churches, corporations and small businesses that have rallied together to provide relief such as shelter, food and other necessities that ensure safety and reestablishes communication between loved ones. Allow the private sector to know our gratitude for their sacrifice, assistance and sense of obligation to the world at large.

Lastly, we pray that through all that has occurred, and is still ongoing that the world will, through our unity, experience Your presence and recognize that you sent us — the Body of Christ (John 17:23 NLT), and that no trouble or calamity, persecution, hunger or danger — not even death; nothing in all creation, which includes natural disasters — can separate them from Christ’s love. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [theirs] through Christ…” (Romans 8:31-39 NLT). To You be the glory. Amen.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@dfb.church.

Be aware many of these events may be canceled due to Hurricane Irma.

Music Under the Stars

Friday, Sept. 8, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Great Lawn

3501 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join the city of Pompano Beach for an evening of great music and entertainment as Vista Motor Company presents Music under the Stars every second Friday of the month. Their featured band for this month is Business As Usual (Pop). For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Senior Prom

Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.

Hillsboro Community Center

50 Hillsboro Technology Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach and the Parks & Recreation Department invite you to the first ever Senior Prom. This “Grown Folks Affair” will be an evening of fun as participants kick off their shoes and dance the night away. $10. Tickets may be purchased at the Hillsboro Community Center. For additional information, call 954- 571-7550.

Join the Scouts!

•Saturday, Sept. 9, 11a.m to 2p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

•Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6:30pm

Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information contact the Scoutmaster, Robert Nast at troop119sfc@gmail.com or Cubmaster Everra Robbins at ejrobbins07@gmail.com. Visit their website at www.troop119sfc.com.

6^th Annual Brazilian Beat

Saturday, Sept 9, 6 to 11 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheatre

327 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Go hear the sounds of a popular Brazilian artist and Samba drummers, see beautiful costumed dancers in a Rio-style parade and enjoy savory Brazilian cuisine and cocktails. This is a free community event. No outside chairs allowed. Free parking available at City Hall (201 W. Palmetto Park Rd.), the Downtown Library (400 NW 2 Ave.), Building Administration (200 NW 2 Ave.), and other locations downtown where event signage is featured. For convenience, free trolleys will be available to and from the Mizner Park Amphitheater.

9/11: A Day for Honoring Our Heroes

A Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony

Monday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 SW 1 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Features guest speakers, musicians and a special performance by the American Legion 65-piece band. Admission is free, however space is limited. Please pick up a ticket to secure your seat. They are available on a first come, first served basis at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, Herb Skolnick Community Center and E. Pat Larkins Community Center. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit the city’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meeting

Tuesday, Sept 12, 1 p.m.

Clubhouse

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Everyone is welcome to attend. The speaker is holocaust survivor Zelda Markbell Fuksman.

7-week in-depth Boating Course

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Learn the basics of navigation, docking, emergencies, water sport safety and local laws. Be more confident on a boat after this class and earn a Florida boaters education card. Cost is $85 for adults and $35 for 18 years old or under. Group discounts available online at www.pompanosafeboating.com. For more information, call 754-444-1470.

Join Pompano Beach CERT

Thursday, Sept. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Training Center

120 SW 3 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue will be conducting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes beginning Sept. 14. Classes are held every Thursday for eight consecutive weeks. Free. Through the course, you will learn lifesaving skills that will assist your family and our community during the first critical hours after a disaster. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a certificate and become a member of the team. For more information and to register, visit the CERT page within the website: www.pompanobeachfl.gov, or call 954-786-4510.

Arboretum’s first meeting

Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum at Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach Fl. 33442

Speaker Ted Buckwald is an outstanding authority on Lepidopterology (butterflies). Plant giveaway. Light refreshments served. Go and visit their new and beautiful rainforest. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 954-480-4495, or visit www.treezoo.com.

Save the Date: Jr. Angler’s Day

Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach for their 2nd Annual Jr. Anglers Day. A family fun-filled fishing event with fishing clinics, goody bait buckets, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon art, fishing and more. Event is for kids ages 5-13. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. For more information, call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Crystal Lake Golf Club

3810 Crystal Lake Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Time to hit the links for a good cause. This annual Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach event benefits a long list of local charities. There is also lunch, awards, a silent auction and raffles.

Plus, you can get free drinks on the course. $125/ individual; $500/ Foursome. For registration and more information, call Kerri Gordon at 954-980-1833 or visit www.deerfieldbeachkiwanis.org.

By Gary Curreri

While the score may have resembled something found on a baseball diamond, the Deerfield Beach High School football team will take it nonetheless.

The Bucks kicked off the season with a stunning, 6-2 victory over defending Class 6A state champion Miami Carol City at Traz Powell Stadium last Friday night.

Deerfield Beach senior kicker Liden Rivera connected on second quarter field goals of 33 and 25 yards for a 6-0 lead; however, the Bucks needed two crucial goal line stands in the closing minutes to preserve the win, including a key interception in the end zone by senior safety Jayson Dennis, following a blocked punt deep in their own territory.

Deerfield Beach also forced three incomplete passes after Bucks coach Jevon Glenn took an intentional safety and the Chiefs returned the free kick to the Deerfield 11-yard line. The Bucks limited Carol City to just 55 yards total offense in the game.

Deerfield Beach, the state’s top-ranked Class 8A team in the state, now travels to New Jersey to face St. Joseph Regional, which MaxPreps ranks 18th in the nation, on Sept. 2. The Bucks are currently ranked 105 in the same poll.

Junior lifeguards final haul: 43 medals at nationals

Team Pompano came away with eight National Championships among a total of 43 medals at the recent USLA National Championship in Daytona Beach. 

The talented junior lifeguard program captured 11 gold medals, 13 silver, 6 bronze and 13 medals for 4th and 5th, respectively). The top five in each event won medals.

The national champions included Grace Parnas (Girls “B” Division, Beach Flags and Paddleboard); Isabella Taylor (Girls “A” Division, Paddleboard and IronGuard); Summer Schulte (Girls “A” Division, Run-Swim-Run and Distance Swim); Alex Marquez (Boys “A” Division, IronGuard) and Mattheus Santos, Kelly Schulte, Alejandro Quinones and Ronald Hache in the Boys U19 Rescue Race.

The silver medalists were: Isabella Taylor (Girls “A” Division, Distance Swim, Run-Swim-Run); Summer Schulte (Girls “A” Division, Ironguard, Paddleboard); Raphael Santos (Boys “A” Division, Distance Swim, Run-Swim-Run); “A” Division Swim Relay, composed of Isabella Taylor, Summer Schulte, Alex Marquez, Raphael Santos, Emilio Barrantes and the “A” Division Rescue Relay, composed of Raphael Santos and Alex Marquez.

The bronze medalists were Lilia Blanco (Girls “C” Division, Distance Swim and Ironguard); Reese Andres (Girls “C” Division, Paddleboard); Owen Williams (Boys “C” Division, Ironguard); Christian Quinones (Boys “B” Division, Beach Flags); Mattheus Santos (U19 Division, Run-Swim-Run).

 “Out of the six individual events, Team Pompano had the top two finishers in the country in four of those events in our “A” Girls, Isabella Taylor and Summer Schulte,” said Nemia L. Schulte, president of the Pompano Beach Junior Lifeguard Association. “These two young ladies primarily competed against each other while blowing away the rest of the pack.”

Old Town Untapped

Friday, Sept. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

Brew Bash at BaCA! Old Town Untapped is South Florida’s premiere Craft Brew and Arts Festival. A night filled with free craft beer samples from Pompano’s own breweries, live music, food trucks, art and more! 1st Friday of each month. While you’re there, check out the Frontier Art Exhibit, which has a reception starting at 6 p.m. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Movies on the Lawn – Spy Kids

Friday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m.

The Great Lawn

3501 E Atlantic Blvd

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Dept. invite you to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy a featured presentation under the stars. This is a free, family–friendly event. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

The Stars of Tomorrow Concert

Saturday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Nineteen members of Florida Grand Opera’s Youth Artist Learning Academy (YALA) will appear in a concert of art songs and scenes from classic operas and musicals. The students will offer the final result of their summer studies with a concert of scenes from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Bizet’s Carmen, Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz, Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore, plus selected art songs and Broadway favorites

Art Walk 4 Autism

Saturday, Sept. 2, 7 to 10 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

The Art Walk 4 Autism is back! It is a 5K run/walk. The host of the event is Shekinah Mountain Bible Fellowship. To get your ticket, visit www.aw4a.org.

Labor Day Picnic

Monday, Sept. 4, 1 p.m.

Community Park South Pavilion

NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

North Broward Democratic Club, along with other clubs throughout the county, will be celebrating Labor Day. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Guests should bring chairs and drinks. Rain or shine event. For more information, call 954-863-7789.

Save The Date: 9/11: A Day for Honoring Our Heroes

A Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony

Monday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 SW 1 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department invite you to a night of remembrance, recognition and celebration. The Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature guest speakers, musicians and a special performance by the American Legion 65-piece band. Admission is free, how-ever space is limited. Please pick up a ticket to secure your seat. They are available on a first come, first serve basis at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, Herb Skolnick Community Center and E. Pat Larkins Community Center. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit the city’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

7-Week in-depth Boating Course

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Learn the basics of navigation, docking, emergencies, water sport safety and local laws. Be more confident on a boat after this class and earn a Florida boaters education card. Cost is $85 for adults and $35 for 18 years old or under. Group discounts available online at www.pompanosafeboating.com. For more information, call 754-444-1470.

Join the Pompano Beach CERT

Thursday, Sept. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Training Center

120 SW 3 St,

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue will be conducting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes beginning Sept. 14. Classes are held every Thursday for eight consecutive weeks at the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Training. Free. Through the course, you will learn lifesaving skills that will assist your family and our community during the first criti-cal hours after a disaster. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a certificate and become a member of the team. For more information and to register, visit the CERT page within the website: www.pompanobeachfl.gov, or call 954-786-4510.

Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Crystal Lake Golf Club

3810 Crystal Lake Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Time to hit the links for a good cause. This annual Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach event benefits a long list of local charities. There is also lunch, awards, a silent auction and raffles.Plus, you can get free drinks on the course. $125/ individual; 500/ Foursome. For registration and more information, call Kerri Gordon at 954-980-1833 or visit www.deerfieldbeachkiwanis.org.

Bullets in the Bathtub

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6 to 10 p.m.

Royal Fiesta in the Cove Shopping Plaza

1680 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Murder Mystery Dinner and entertainment from Schultz Productions is the most requested community event and the Deerfield Chamber is bringing it back. It is very interactive and this year the theme is “Bullets in the Bathtub,” so don’t forget your gangster hat and flapper outfits! Doors close at 6 p.m. so get there early. Show starts promptly. The cost is only $60 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members, but get your tickets quick. For more information, contact Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050, or email info@deerfieldchamber.com.

In part one, I shared why the days of just “playing games with the youth” have ended. If you missed the article or need a refresher, I recommend reviewing it online at www.observernewspaperonline.com. In this second part, I’ll address how parents and guardians, the primary disciple-makers in leading their children to become fully devoted followers of Christ, can effectively partner with youth pastors through the art of quitting.

Jack Klumpenhower, author of Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids, writes, “We’ve been dispensing good advice instead of the Good News,” which is to say the cultural narrative over the Biblical narrative: be happy, healthy and moral, be a good person.

“Live a good life and things will go well for you. Find the right spiritual resources and you’ll be blessed. Ask Jesus into your heart and you’ll be saved,” says Klumpenhower, who added that, however, “whatever they learned about Jesus did really change them. They never saw Him so strikingly that He became their one, overriding hope and greatest love, never convinced that Jesus is better — a zillion times better, than anything else.”

And so, Klumpenhower explains that “a frightening number of kids are growing up in churches and Christian homes without ever being captured by the Gospel of Jesus.” 

As a youth pastor, not a pastor in training, but a real pastor with a specific calling to develop the spiritual lives of students, I ask parents and guardians to quit doing the following:

• Quit introducing false idols. I knew of a student that was being faithfully mentored and on track to be a leader within his youth ministry. However, for his 16th birthday he was gifted an expensive and trendy vehicle that quickly became the source of his identity. It became his idol. He eventually left the church for worldly pursuits. Parents and guardians, this isn’t to say you can’t provide for your child, but a reminder that anything elevated above God — even family — is an idol. I know you may feel ignored at times, but your children are adopting the things you value. It’s why, for example, skipping church consistently for youth sports is a big deal: everything speaks. Your child needs some iron-sharpening-iron friends and those relationships won’t develop when there are seasons of church hiatuses for an idol.

• Quit playing God. While I recognize the paternal instinct to guide and protect one’s child, many parents and guardians are doing so to the detriment of their child: meeting their child’s every need and every want. There is a beautiful thing that happens when we realize that we are wholly dependent on God and that He alone is the one who will ultimately fulfill our needs — and then does! However, many parents are unwittingly removing their child’s need for a savior as they dawn their cape and rush in for the save. Next time your child has, let’s say a problem at school, instead of trying to solve the problem on your own, go to Scripture and prayer and allow God to drive the conversation.

• Quit outsourcing discipleship. If I can be blatantly honest, the reason many homes introduce false idols and the parents or guardians assume the role of God is because they themselves are not a fully-devoted follower of Christ. And whether the parent or guardian recognizes it or not, they are making a disciple, another “mushy-middle,” lukewarm Christian seeking the cultural narrative of be moral over the Biblical narrative of be Christ’s. You can’t pass along to your child what you don’t have yourself and, with the ever increasing rise of secularism, a child seeking God (only when it’s convenient) will never be captured by the Gospel of Jesus.

Again, Dr. Jean M. Twenge believes we are “on the brink of the worst mental health crisis in decades,” and students are leaving the church in droves. To learn how to quit the aforementioned, feel free to contact me directly, because we, youth pastors, desperately seek to partner with you, the parent or guardian, in helping your child become a fully-devoted follower of Christ, and it’s an urgent plea.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@dfb.church.

Friday Night Fever-Disco & Beyond

Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. to midnight.

City Pub

956 S. Federal Hwy,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Music by It Takes Two playing disco and more. There will be cake for everyone. Dance contest. Dress disco chic. There will be a $5 entertainment fee. Go early for cocktails & dinner. Call to reserve your table at 954-427-8213.

Back to School Block Party

Sunday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m.

The First Presbyterian Church
of Pompano Beach

2331 NE 26 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Water slides, snowcones, games and fun. Blessing of the teachers. Follows the 10 a.m. worship service. Free event.

Intro to Floating & Open House

Monday, Aug. 28, 7 to 9 p.m.

Float8 Wellness Lounge

616 SE 10 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Curious about floating and what else they’re doing at Float8? Join owner Matt as he hosts an open house and introductory discussion about floating. Free event. RSVP at bit.ly/F8intro1. More about Float8 in Observer’s Aug. 31 issue. For more information, call 754-666-3588 or visit www.float8ion.com.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Johnny Vincent will be playing for your entertainment. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Save The Date: Art Walk 4 Autism

Saturday, Sept. 2, 7 to 10 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S Powerline Rd.,
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

The Art Walk 4 Autism is back! It is a 5K run/walk. The host of the event is Shekinah Mountain Bible Fellowship. To get your ticket, visit www.aw4a.org.

Labor Day Picnic

Monday, Sept. 4, 1 p.m.

Community Park South Pavilion

NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

North Broward Democratic Club, along with other clubs throughout the county, will be celebrating Labor Day. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Guests should bring chairs and drinks. Rain or shine event. For more information, call 954-863-7789.

7-Week in-depth Boating Course

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Learn the basics of navigation, docking, emergencies, water sport safety and local laws. Be more confident on a boat after this class and earn a Florida boaters education card. Cost is $85 for adults and $35 for 18 years old or under. Group discounts available online at www.pompanosafeboating.com. For more information, call 754-444-1470.

Shining Stars Award Luncheon

Friday, Aug. 18, noon to 2 p.m.

Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Resort & Spa

1200 N. Ocean Blvd

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Shining Star Awards recognize individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to our community through volunteer service, regardless of Chamber membership. This will be the first year that nominations from both Pompano Beach and Margate Chambers will be accepted for consideration. $55 Individual, $700 Table. For more information, call 954-941-2940 ext: 205 or email sbenson@pompanobeachchamber.com.

Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m.

Alsdorf Park

2974 NE 14 St

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

A shuttle boat will transport guests from Alsdorf Park at 8:30, 9:15, 10 and 10:45 a.m. For more information and footwear rules, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Elvis 40th Anniversary Show

Saturday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.

American Rock Bar & Grill

1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$10 a ticket. Order from the menu. Cash Bar 2 for 1 drinks. Dancing, drawings and giveaways. For more information, call Kim 954-257-8215.

Watch Solar Eclipse & Dive

Monday, Aug. 21, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Dixie Divers

455 S. Federal Hwy,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

More on the eclipse, pg. 7. For reservations and information, call 954-420-0009.

Save the date:

7-Week in-depth Boating Course

Tuesday, Sep. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Learn the basics of navigation, docking, emergencies, water sport safety and local laws. Be more confident on a boat after this class and earn a Florida boaters education card. Cost is $85 for adults and $35 for 18 years old or under. Group discounts available. Online at www.pompanosafeboating.com. For more information, call 754-444-1470.