Sr High & Jr High Camps

Just putting this out there for all of you to make a note of.  With our summer schedule on the go we need to have numbers in by a certain date to make them go.  Jr High Day Camp is going down at New Life this year and looks like a good time.  If you are interested in coming with us you need to have your form in and money by July 1… that’s next week.

Sr High Camp is a bit more of a planning challenge.  So we’re making it July 1st as well to have your money and forms in.  It’ll be great to have y’all around for the summer events, so sign up soon.

I don’t have an electronic version of the Jr High form, but here’s the Sr High one… 09 CAMPIN TRIP

Jesus had 12…

As I was in front of the 95+ people at youth the other week, and really, anytime I’m in front of the church, I get the sense that this is a big task for any one person to handle.  I mean, Jesus had lots of people around him most of the time that we could call a ministry group, but he wasn’t able to spend that important one-on-one time with each one.  He had 12 guys that he really hung out with, and of that 12 there were 3 that he really really built into…. and he was GOD!

Some people have made the mistake of thinking that I am the big cheese and that without me the whole youth group would flop… BIG mistake!  I am just one guy with lots of flaws.  There is a group of caring adults that are so fully integral to the program that without them the youth group would flop.  With them I think we have something really good going.

If you’ve been coming to the group for a while I’m sure you have had contact with our leadership team, and likely some of you have gained something from their friendship.  We have a GREAT team.  At this time of year I just want to say thanks to them for all they do, the time they put in and for the encouragement they are to me especially.  So here’s to our leadership team…  Thanks for a great year!!

To Avoid Confusion…

Tonight is the first week “off” for all of you.  That’s right, NO THURSDAY PROGRAM TONIGHT!! 

The leaders are meeting at a secret location for a bit of a celebration of things done this year, but you can’t come!!  If you make a mistake and come to the church tonight, you’ll sadly be all alone.   Hope you have something to keep you busy.

Congrats Highschoolers!!

If I’m not mistaken today is a big day for all of you in High School… today is the last day of classes!!  Just a few exams stand between you and your summer.  Stay focused just a little longer and then your summer can begin.  Congrats on another school year completed.

And a special note to those graduating this spring… Well done!  Doesn’t it feel good to move on from this chapter of life and into the next?  You might not fully appreciate it just now, but highschool was a great time of life.  I hope that your family, school and maybe even the youth group has made these years the best they could be.

CarWash

I almost forgot to let you all know…

If you are available to come and help out with the carwash that’d be great!  Some of us are raising money to offset Pitch costs, but others are just coming for the fun of it…. and it is fun.  Meet us down at Stayner Foodland, 10am – 1pm

Last Night

I have a feeling that last night left a bit of a contageous taste in your mouth.  The energy of about 95 people in the room last night was awesome!  Imagine doing that every week!  The noise level alone was crazy encouraging for me during the band time.

Anyway, thanks for a great year.  It was good on lots of levels and we have lots in store for next year.  I hope you’re planning on being involved during the summer as well, there’s lots going on.  Stay in touch with this website to get all the details on what’s going on.

O, and for the record… I’m calling a Pens win tonight.  5-4 in overtime.  Go Pens Go!

The Countdown Is On

I know that it hasn’t felt like it the past few days, but summer is just around the corner!  It’s almost time to have days and days on end of beautiful weather and sunburns and fans and frosters!  But for now we have to deal with the annoying roller coaster weather that keeps us guessing.  You just never know what you’re gunna get… life’s like a box of forrest’s.

Stick it out though, summer is coming and then you will fully be able to enjoy it outside of the walls of that school you’re in.  Enjoy.

The End is Near!

This time of year is always a mix of lots of things.  The weather is beginning to be so nice and the inside of buildings are seem to close in on me as I do what I have to do.  I remember this time of year when I was in highschool and staring at the clock as it seemed to stall and just refusing to move on so I could get out of the building.   I can’t wait till I can just break free and change up the schedule that I am stuck in.

We always notice a bit of a shift that happens every May as sports start up, maybe new jobs come online or that there are just other options to consider rather than being here Thursday nights.  We can see a 10 student swing during the last few weeks of Thursday night ministry.  I even start to notice a glazed over look on our leaders faces as this time of year is coming on. 

So, here’s to embracing the season.  Here’s to making wise choices in everthing that we’re presented.  Here’s to sun burns, sweat and sandals.  Enjoy!

Black Outs and GORK!

Last night we had our second black out in just a few weeks.  While it is fun to change up the schedule and make things up as we go, it’s also a challenge.  Without power there was also no water, so it makes for an interesting challenge that way as well.

Because it’s mid-May it works out to be a bit easier because the light from outside give us enough to go by for the most part.  But if that had happened in  the winter I suppose we’d have no choice but to cancel the event or play 3 hours worth of GORK!  A dream for some, a nightmare for those who are concerned for the safety of those involved.  Playing in the dark can be hazardous, especially to those who are prone to accidents, not to mention the pews and drywall in the place.

Here’s hoping for power next week.

Pitch

The bottom line is that Pitch was great!  I wouldn’t say that the weather was the best we ever had, I wouldn’t say that we smoked everyone at the sports competitions… but it was great!  There is a full break down on the Pitch website, but from my perspective it was right up there with the best I’ve been to.  Highlights…  No Hospital runs (thank you Cassie), good attitudes during sports for the most part, Sawyer in the talent show, Jack rabbits, Chinese Food, Russians and Radio cross talk.  What were your highlights?  Comment and let me know.

Can’t wait for next year.