PCC Youth

A response

2009-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

To be fair I haven't done much with this blog over the summer.....so I missed this comment on one of the few posts I did have. I talked God loving us as we are. This was the only comment at the end of that post:
You say God doesn't expect us to be perfect? But at the same time we strive to live in his image. His image IS perfect right, so why should we strive to be like his image when you are already telling us it is impossible? Doesn't that make it a hopeless, and for that matter pointless, struggle?

I want to address this directly because it's a common thing that comes up. It's all pointless. We can never reach perfection so why try. Right? Wrong.

Check this out: My hockey hero is Grant Fuhr. He won 5 Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in the 80's. He won a Vezina. He is in the NHL Hall of Fame. His number is retired by the Edmonton Oilers. He is amazing.

I own a book that he co-wrote from his glory years. It's called Fuhr on Goaltending. I've read that book a bundle of times. I've worked on all the tricks and exercises he has in the book. I completely understand everything that book has to say. But the guys I play with will be the first to tell you that I'm no Grant Fuhr. I'm not waiting by the phone for an NHL team to call me to come to training camp. Not only am I not like Grant Fuhr right now.....I'm getting older....and there's really no chance that I'm ever going to be Grant Fuhr.

That doesn't stop me from putting the pads on and going to play every week. I LOVE hockey. I look forward all week to playing. I can't wait to go out there. I won't be Grant Fuhr, but it's not going to stop me from playing hockey ever again.

You're right in thinking that we are called to be like Christ. Yes Christ was perfect. Will you ever be perfect? No. Because you are human the Bible tells us that we are all sinful. We are all not perfect. Will you ever full "be like Christ". No. However Jesus gave us tons of instructions and guidelines on how to live our lives. We strive daily to follow these. We know we will never be perfect. But we are in LOVE with the one who is. So we do everything we can to follow in His footsteps.

Hope that helps a bit. Just for fun here's Fuhr toward the end of his career...when he was playing with St. Louis. AMAZING still!

Being Good Enough

2009-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

You are good enough. Did you hear me? You're good enough.

God doesn't ask us to be perfect and then come to him. If that were the case, we'd all be in a world of trouble.

Jesus had these guys that he hung out with. His disciples. Basically a disciple was a pupil. A student. Kind of like most of you. They were just there to learn from the teacher....Jesus. So Jesus spends 3 years wandering around teaching these guys. He teaches them privately. He teaches them with large crowds. He laughs with them. He eats with them. All day. Every day. 3 years. Pretty intimate.

If you've ever gone backpacking for any length of time (more than one night), you find that you get to know the people you're backpacking with pretty well. You talk, you eat, you walk together. Now multiply that out over 3 years.

So these guys got to see Jesus do miracles. They watched as he told people who had been crippled their whole lives to stand up and walk. They saw him take some fish and bread and feed well over 5000 people....and have baskets left over of extra food. They were there.

Guess what? They didn't get it. If you read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) you'll find that time after time, they would see Jesus do all this cool stuff....and then they were like....."um, yeah....what just happened?"

This one time Jesus heals this boy that has an evil spirt. They left the area and start to travel. When they reach their destination, Jesus asks them what they were arguing about on the road. They confess they were arguing about who was the greatest. So they watch Jesus perform a miracle. Then they start trying to decide who the coolest is. WHAT?

Jesus outright told them that "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."(Mark 9) and they didn't understand. After Jesus has been crucified and buried...where are the disciples? HIDING in a room. They didn't get it.

So why am I telling you this? What does this have to do with you?

Jesus HAND PICKED this guys to follow him around. He wanted these guys to start telling people about him after he left the earth. He wanted these guys to start the church. These guys. The ones who time and time again, didn't get it.

I'm not close to perfect. I don't "get it" a lot. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what God really wants. I recognize that God is so BIG that I'll never really understand him completely.

I'm going to go out on a limb here....and guess that you're not perfect either. You probably do stupid stuff. My guess is that you have some questions about God. Maybe you even doubt God exists. Maybe you wonder if He's listening.

Here's the great part. God loves you. He has called YOU. He desperately wants to have a major place in your life. He wants to spend time with you. He wants you to love Him. He longs for you. The God who created the universe. Who was around before time began.....is the same God who desires to whisper quietly in your hear and have you hear.

You don't have to be perfect. In fact, I'm pretty sure God knows that you're not going to be. I know for a fact that he loves you anyway. He's like that. He loved a bunch of guys who doubted him. He loves me. He loves you too.

Slacker

2009-07-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ok straight up. ....I've been slacking this summer with blog posts. Sorry guys.

Forth of July. Meet by the YMCA between 9:30-10. Shirts are 7 dollars. This is an amazing opportunity for us!!!

Every Sunday night all summer we're down at Beatty field. We've been playing lots of ultimate frisbee....we're going to do a silly game for awhile this Sunday then play frisbee after. Hope to see you there.

Point Update

2009-05-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

This is the last week for Connections BOO HOO. We'll be at the YMCA. Please come to dinner. I love sitting down to eat with you guys!

I'm going to do a summer fun night all summer. It'll be Sunday night at Beaty field. We'll start June 14. More info will be here. Please come!

Here's the points break down right now. It's a close race.

Magenta 21500
Burple 26750 (that's the adjusted score)
Ochra 22300

It's anyone's game. This week is the last hurrah.

If you get this I'll give you 10,000 points.

A3Q9Q8Q2Q3A1Q4A5A9A1A2A2Q3A2?

How Sweet It Is

2009-05-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just thought you'd love to see some of the fun we had this past week. Kyrene, Jake, and Time I love you guys!!!!

Finally

2009-04-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

So how many of you have been checking. I had every intention of posting stuff here Monday and the week has just slipped away from me. Sorry.

Sooooo....here's the points break down as of 9:41Pm Wednesday night.

Team Magenta: 9,500
Team Burple: 17,700
Team Ochra: 19,300

So Team Magenta you really need to get on the ball here.

Remember we're at the YMCA this weekend. I'm thinking of giving points for everyone who is there at 6pm when we pray for dinner. So you might want to encourage your friends to get there on time for once!

How many e-mail addresses do I currently have?

What was the first name of Pastor J's first crush.....(hint it's a pretty common name.)

I like to chew Wrigley's Double Mint gum. You should remember that for Sunday.

Also, what city was Tobiah born in?

2009-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I found this a couple days ago. Really good stuff.

Let's Get it Started.

2009-04-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Do you have the song in your head yet?

Ok so this past week at youth group we broke into 3 teams. We're going to be keeping these teams for the next couple weeks. Everything we do, everything you do can get you points. You should be looking for points EVERYWHERE!!! What I mean by that is that you don't have to wait until Sunday to get points!!!! If you weren't at youth on Sunday, and don't see your name below....relax we'll get you on a team. PLEASE COME NEXT WEEK!!!! If you did show up, here's the break down of point and teams this past week.

Team Magenta:
Brandom
Tim
Lindsey
Brianna
Whitney
Hammey

Team Burple:
Jake K.
Kyrene
Megan
Mary
Alex Gray

Team Ochra:
Riane
Chelsea
Jake
Sarah
Hannah
Nowell

Team Magenta finished Sunday with 1500 points
Team Burple finished Sunday with 1000 points
Team Ochra finished Sunday with 2000 points

So things are pretty close. This next week there will be enough points that you can flip flop pretty easily. ALSO....remember don't wear NICE CLOTHES this next week. I'm not saying what we're doing, but it might get a little messy.

WE ARE MEETING AT THE YMCA THIS NEXT WEEK.

This first video is for those of you who loved the Drive-Thru Raps.

If you're still looking: here's a chance for points. Post your answers as a comment below this post.
-What city was my son Tobiah born (hint: it's not Addis Ababa)
-How many e-mail addresses do I currently have?
-What year did my brother graduate from Eisenhower High School?

2009-04-18T08:22:00.001-07:00

FAITH FELLOWSHIP THIS SUNDAY!!!

All I'm going to say is that you don't want to miss the next couple weeks!!!!

Short and Sweet

2009-04-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEK....is at Faith Fellowship. Be there or be.....not cool.

NO YOUTH GROUP NEXT WEEK!! ENJOY EASTER WITH YOUR FAMILY!!!

Bouncy Bouncy SPRING!

2009-03-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah for spring right? I kind of like seeing that bright fireball in the sky.

THIS WEEK!!! We're at the YMCA again. You don't need to bring a swimsuit because SCUBA is over, but it was lots of fun to be in the pool. Really would love to see you this Sunday night!

Coming up....NO YOUTH GROUP EASTER SUNDAY. We're at Faith Fellowship NEXT week then we have a week off for Easter.

Pool Side

2009-03-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

You guys put the cool in pool....or something. Here are some pictures of you drowning....or playing....or diving...or something...

It's been a long week

2009-03-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, I'm still suffering the effects of some weird flu bug I got during the retreat. If you noticed I disappeared for awhile on Saturday and then missed the talent show Saturday night....yeah I was down and out. I was actually messed up the whole way into Tuesday before I started to feel better. So I"m lagging a little with updates. Sorry.

THIS SUNDAY NIGHT.....We're at Faith Fellowship at 6PM. Hope you can make it.

NEXT WEEK we go back to the YMCA. Remember this is our SCUBA night. If you did not get your clearance form to do SCUBA, you need to grab those this Sunday night. If you answered yes to any of those questions on the form, you need the doctors clearance form which you can also pick up this week. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO SCUBA WITHOUT THE CLEARANCE!!!!! You can swim, but no SCUBA. Also note: If you don't like water, you might want to sit next Sunday out....there will be no other activities that night. We won't be using the gym.

Looking ahead: No Youth Group Easter Sunday. DUH!

info you need this week....

2009-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is my 2nd post today....so make sure that when you're done reading all this, you scroll down and read the post below it.

The most important thing you need to know is....CONNECTIONS IS CANCELED FOR THIS SUNDAY!!!!!! I know we asked who would show up this week and you all overwhelmingly said you'd be there. Here's the deal though.....the adults were having a discussion upstairs and they already canceled. I didn't know until this morning. Also, as leaders we are kind of being irresponsible by having youth group on a super busy weekend. I think you are underestimating how tired you're going to be on Sunday afternoon/evening. If you have any homework, you won't be getting it done during the weekend which only leaves Sunday. We'll see you in two weeks back at FAITH FELLOWSHIP!!!!

Did you get that last sentence? The next Connections is in two weeks March 15th at Faith Fellowship.

RETREAT: Dawn updated us that the weather this weekend is looking like rain. We're going to try avoiding any mud and dirt, but you might want boots or a raincoat.
-Bring sleeping bag and pillow
-Bring comfortable clothes (it's not a fashion show)
-Bring a Bible and maybe something to write on and with
-If you still owe money for the weekend you need to bring that with you!!!!!!
-If you can bring a snack. Give that to the registration person when you get there.
-If you have a favorite board or card game, feel free to bring that along as well.
-MOST IMPORTANTLY: Bring a good attitude to be open to new things and hear a word from God.

SCUBA- On March 22nd we meet back at the YMCA for Connections. That night we have a cool opportunity to try out SCUBA diving in the pool. This past week we past out some papers to allow you to participate in that. You need those filled out by a parent or guardian. If you answer NO to any of the questions you need to get another form that needs filled out by a doctor. Please understand that if you don't have the proper paperwork, you WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the SCUBA portion of the night. We'll be in the pool regardless, but you won't be able to do SCUBA. I don't want you to miss out, so if you didn't get the paperwork or need more, let me know and we'll hook you up.

What's cooler than a heavy metal grandma? Not much

Continued Thought from Sunday

2009-03-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

This past week we talked about how God is unchanging. The God who spoke to Moses and David and Jonah is the very same God who wants to speak into our lives as well. Even though we are constantly changing (our hair style, growing, graying, growing older, etc) God is the same. We can always count on Him to be the same.

I wanted to take that thought just a little further.

God's word (one of the ways God speaks directly to us) doesn't change, but how we read it does. What it means to us as our lives change, is different. Let me give you a very personal example.

The very first Sunday of connections I shared with you how I came to a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus. I knew since I was tiny that there was a God and He was real. I also knew who Jesus was and that He died for my sins. I believed that. I accepted that as truth. However....it was just head knowledge. I knew it just like I knew Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic in 1492.

In jr. high I came across this verse from Joshua 24:15. This is what it says, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." At the time I felt like God was speaking directly to me. He was saying, "Aaron I want you to be serving me with your heart, not just your head. I want to be the most important thing in your life. I want to take priority here."

That was half a lifetime ago. Now I'm 33 and have wife and two beautiful little boys. That very same verse means something very very different to me right now in my life. I read that now, and I hear God saying, "Aaron I want you to lead your family. I want you to teach your boys that there is only one God. I want you to help your family understand that I need to be focal point of all of your lives. Aaron I want you to be the spiritual head of your house."

Did God change? No. Did the words change? No. Have I changed in the last 20 years? Yes. How these words apply to my life are a bit different as a 33 year old than they did as a 12 or 13 year old (or however old I was).

God is unchanging. We are the ones changing. We find strength knowing that we can run back to God time and time again and He hasn't gone anywhere. He's there waiting with open arms ready for us to fall into.

Later than normal

2009-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

After telling you all to check the blog, I figured I better actually update it. It's been a weird week, so it took me this long to get around to it. Sorry if you checked already and got last weeks stuff.

Youth Group this Sunday is at Faith Fellowship. Last week was a new experience for us being down there. I'm looking forward to being back there now that I know what we're getting into (casket in the next room!) Regular time of 6pm. Hope to see you there!!!!

Remember that next weekend is the retreat. PLEASE try and bring me your registration form this Sunday. You don't definitely need money this week (you could just bring it when you come to camp) but that form would be SUPER helpful. We did a bunch of planning yesterday for the retreat...and I have to tell you that I am STOKED for next weekend. It's going to be a lot of fun.

I have another surprise of an upcoming event that's going to happen in the next couple weeks, but I'm not going to tell you here....you need to come to youth group Sunday night. IT'S COOL!!!!!

For those of you who are new to a blog format, here's how it works. The newest post is always at the top of the page. As you scroll down the older posts are below. I would suggest scrolling down a bit because some weeks I might post more than once. ALSO....if you would like to comment on the post or on youth group or on anything at all....at the bottom of each post there's small print that says X Comments. Right now this post says 0 Comments. If you click it, it'll bring you to a screen where you can post a comment. You can leave it annonymous if you want or put your name to it. Pretty easy stuff. Now for something funny.

choking hazard

2009-02-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

REMEMBER!!!! This week we're at Faith Fellowship NOT the YMCA. That's the church across the street from the library. There's a parking lot right next to the church on Market St. Same time as normal.

Retreat papers need to be in soon. Money isn't as important as those sheets. If you lost yours I can give you another one tomorrow night OR you can download the form on the right sidebar there--------------------------------->

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen

Followed closely by this. Sharks spinning in the air.

Comparative Faith Part 2

2009-02-19T06:31:00.001-08:00

So this past week at youth group we talked about Comparative Faith and a our faith costing us something.

I talked about how I think we look at people around us and say "well I'm better than them, so I'm good." We say, "well I go to church, I don't swear, I don't drink or do drugs or anything really bad....so I'm doing exactly what God wants of me."

As the week has gone along I've thought of two other possibilities for Comparative Faith and I want to share them with you.

The first is almost the inverse of what we talked about Sunday. It's seeing people around us and say, "I'm horrible. What's the point in trying?" It's choosing to do nothing. It's hearing stories of faith and saying, "that only happens to missionaries and pastors.....the really "holy" people". It's believing that God doesn't have a plan for YOU....just everyone else.

The second is actually a positive Comparative Faith. This would happen in more of a mentoring type relationship. I think it's possible to see amazingly Godly people in our lives and say to ourselves, "I want that kind of active God seeking faith that consumes their lives." I know in my own life I can point to people in church and even my parents who have served as roll models in my faith and encouraged me to take my relationship with Jesus Christ to a deeper level. Be clear here....our real pursuit isn't to be like another person....it's to be Christ-like. However seeing other people passionately pursuing Christ could spur us to also passionately be pursuing him because we see what He has done in their lives.

Reset

2009-02-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Does anyone actually check this? I pretend that you do.

We're at the YMCA this coming week. Can't wait to see you. I know this is unspoken, but you're always welcome to invite a friend or 3.

This week I passed out registration sheets for the Time 4 Revolution retreat at Mission Meadows. It's March 6, 7, 8. I want you to go. If you want to get the registration form right this minute I've put it up on the right hand column over there.

DON'T LET MONEY BE A REASON NOT TO GO!!!! I know money is tight for some of you. If that's the case, talk to me and we can work out either a partial or a full scholarship for you to go. I want you there. I'll make it happen. I WANT YOU THERE!

Also, if you have a Bible that you normally read, or should read, why not bring that along on Sunday nights. I'd like us all to be looking in God's word together instead of me just reading to you each week. If you don't have a Bible, or you need a new one, I have some cool teen ones that I bought and you can HAVE one.

I feel like I'm forgetting something. OK whatever. Later.

Hello Friends

2009-01-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. How are you handling the cold?

-Remember NO CONNECTIONS THIS WEEK!!!! Go watch the Super Bowl. or not. Either way, No Connections.

-Next week Feb. 8th we're back at the YMCA. If you ever have any doubts you can check the calendar on the right there....it should be up to date.

-MARK YOUR CALENDAR (if you didn't already when I told you to...) March 6, 7, 8.....Time 4 Revolution retreat at Mission Meadows Camp. If you've gone in years past you have a rough idea what you're in for. If you've never gone, this is your year!!! This is a great time to hear a word from God, have fun, and get away from home for a weekend! Plan on coming. We'll talk about this when I see you next! I really want YOU to go to this.

This week I leave you with a time wasting game. This is fun if you play around with the functions. I particularly like flames, C4, and napalm.

YMCA

2009-01-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone do the motions with me. YMCA....it's fun to stay at the YMCA.....

We're at the YMCA tonight. Sorry for not posting sooner. It literally slipped my mind until right now. My bad.

NO YOUTH GROUP NEXT WEEK.

CONNECTIONS CANCELED!!!!

2009-01-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

I doubt anyone's going to look here....but just in case....

CONNECTIONS IS CANCELED FOR TONIGHT!

We'll be back at the YMCA next week at 6pm

UPDATE FOR THIS WEEK

2009-01-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hey there rockstars,

Hope you're having a great week.

Reminder that we're NOT at the YMCA this week. We're going to be meeting at Faith Fellowship Church. It is directly across the Market St. from the library. The parking lot is on the side of the building. Same basic format...they have a gym so we'll do some big dumb game before our lesson. Hope you can make it!

Now on to the fun stuff...
This is a cool way to sharpen a pencil....not very portable though....

Someone has WAY WAY WAY too much time on their hands to plan this sort of thing....

Follow up to this past Sunday

2009-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

I'm sitting in a coffee shop thinking about this past Sunday night. For those of you who weren't there we talked about how God calls us to love him above all else....and then to just love the heck out of everyone else around us.

I wanted to add something that I think I forgot Sunday night. We started off by doing some charades. We said that you can act like an auto mechanic, but until you grab a wrench and use it on a car, you're not one....you're just going through the motions.

This applies to us too. I read a lot of books about God, church, our spiritual walks, etc. All those books are really only knowledge. It's like reading about how to be a mechanic. Those books won't do me any good unless I put that information into practice and live my faith out. It's like reading car manuals without getting greasy and working on cars.

We can read lots of nice books about God. We can talk to our friends about God and who he is. We can go to church and youth group regularly. Those are all awesome things and I would even say that God would want us to do those things.....but is that wholly putting our faith into action? Is that really want Jesus is saying when he says "feed me, cloth me, visit me in jail, give me something to drink, cloth me etc..."? I think for most of us those are just "manual reading" things.

Ok more later. Take care!

We're back.

2009-01-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

We're back at the YMCA this Sunday at 6pm. I hope to see you there and I hope you're bringing a friend, or not a friend too.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T04:52:00.001-08:00

2008-12-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hey kiddos

Can't wait for the YMCA this Sunday night. This will be our last Sunday night for the year. We're going to take a couple weeks off for Christmas but we'll start back up on January 4th. This week should be fun.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2008-11-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

It's official. Mark your Calendar. The area youth pastors (Time 4 Revolution) is having our annual retreat March 6, 7 and 8. More details to come. You're going!

Times and stuff

2008-11-18T13:04:00.001-08:00

Hope you had fun swimming Sunday night. No one drown? Good

This Saturday is our movie night discussion at PCC. I'd love to see you there. Start time is 6pm. History, Food, Movie, Discussion. What more do you need? BRING A PILLOW!

I don't know what I was thinking last week when I put up a time for the Sunday Thanksgiving Vesper service at PCC. Sunday if you'd like there's a short service and good food at 5PM....not 7 as previously stated. It's at 5PM. You should come. It'll be cool. I'll be there too.

Obviously no YMCA this week.

Next week regular time and place. See you there.

These are both funny. Watch the background of the second video closely. HA

Jumbolia

2008-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

OK this Sunday night is our SWIM NIGHT! Same time 6pm. You'll eat like normal. You'll then go to the gym for a quick lesson. After that you go change and swim for awhile and then you'll get kicked out of the pool in time to get dressed and leave.

NEXT WEEK.....Nov.22 is our Movie Discussion Night at Pleasant Community Church. I'm hoping you're planning on coming or bringing a friend. This movie and discussion is really some of the foundation of our Protestant denominations right here. AND there'll be SNACKS!

No regular YMCA on the 23rd. You can show up....but we won't be there. However if you're looking for an alternative, PCC is having a Thanksgiving time that night at 7. Very informal. Some songs, and sharing...and then food!

Hope you're week is going well for you.

Check this video out. It's awesome. Here's the description that the dad wrote for it.
We snuck out into the middle of Broad Street to snap a pic in front of City Hall and all the crowds. When Will raised his hands for the picture, cheers erupted. So he continued to repeat the gesture, getting wild response from the crowd on both sides of the street up and down the street as far as we could see. We couldn't have planned this if we practiced and practiced. I wish the video was longer.

Repost! You see me do this every week. Here's the champ though!!!!!!!

Stuff coming up

2008-10-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

SNOW! Yeah for snow.

OK here's some stuff coming up. Please put this on your calendars or tell your parents or something.

-Nov. 2 regular YMCA night
-Nov. 9 regular YMCA night
-Nov. 16 YMCA night but we're GOING SWIMMING!!!! Lots of you have been bugging me about this so we're going this night. There will be some younger kids in the pool as well, please leave them alone. LADIES: Swimming suits must cover your mid-section. No bikinis. Tankini's (or however you spell that) are fine but MUST cover you. If we feel you are not abiding by this, we will have some GIANT T-shirts there for you to wear over whatever you have. GUYS: No bikinis
-Nov. 23 NO SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE YMCA
-Nov. 30 regular YMCA night

EXTRA STUFF!!!
This is stuff beyond our regular Sunday night stuff. We'd love to have you come out to this, but if you can't make it, don't sweat it.

-Nov. 3 Praise Fellowship is having a special speaker named Berin Gilfillen from International School of Missions that night at 7pm. This is their regular youth time and this will be targeted just for youth. Should be very cool. Please consider this. I'll just be getting back into town that day, but am planning on going at this point!
-Nov. 22nd This is a Saturday night. We're going to do a special movie night discussion. We're going to watch the movie Luther. This is a major motion picture that came out in 2003. I have a friend who's a teacher who's going to come give us a history lesson prior to the movie to help us understand what's going on as we watch. Then we'll have some snacks and watch the movie. After the movie we'll have a time of Question and Answers and discuss what we just watched. Should be cool. More info to come on this....like start times!

Now on to the silly stuff:

Immediacy

2008-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Immediacy. Tobiah is all about immediacy. Surprise, surprise. When he wants his diaper changed, he wants it done right now. When he wants your attention, he wants it right now….not when it’s convenient for you. But most of all when he wants to eat, he wants it now. He wails. Granted his wailing is pretty quiet, but its still passionate and full of immediacy.
At 4 am the other night as I was setting with him giving him a bottle I started wondering where our immediacy is. What are we so passionate about that we need to yell? Or maybe it’s not yelling we need to do.

I wonder if we’re missing something. Do we overlook injustice? Do we rationalize evil because we’re “just one church” or “person”? Are we content letting the world just go on around us or are we willing to speak our minds because the Bible says right is right and wrong is wrong? Why don’t we get fed up with things and speak out? Or Yell? Or cry?

Why are only 2% of US Christians willing to do something about AIDS orphans in Africa (there are currently around 13 million children without parents in Africa)? Why do we turn a blind eye to child slavery and trafficking? The US bails out Wall Street for 700 billion but the entire G8 can’t find 25 billion to stop the 25,000 children that die daily from preventable disease (thank you Bono). Where are our priorities in the church? Why aren’t these the biggest problems in our lives?

These are some of the things we should be yelling about. Instead we complain because of the flower arrangements or the music or the lack of a drama team or how we don’t have a puppet ministry anymore or how the pastor changed the order of worship or why we’re not having enough potlucks or why we’re doing too many potlucks or why if we should call it a potluck or a tureen………

What happened to shouting the Gospel from the mountaintops? What happened to taking care of widows, and orphans and the least of these? When is enough enough? Where is our immediacy?

SLACKER

2008-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

No apologies. I just haven't updated. I've been contemplating what to do with this blog now that we've moved to the YMCA. So I haven't done anything with it for awhile. Conclusion......I'm going to rock it out again.

So I hope someone keeps checking this from time to time. See you Sunday night.

STOP THIEF and more exciting tales of intrigue

2008-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

So we're finally home. Most of you are aware that we've had some problems with Tobiah and have spent the past week at Children's Hospital. We finally made it home this afternoon and man does it feel good to be back.

So youth group tomorrow night? I'd love to see you guys! Let's plan on it.

Also just so you know I've had to call the police. While we were gone someone stole the ultimate frisbees off my back porch. Hopefully the police can get some fingerprints or something.

We have a bunch of things coming up we need to talk about.

For those of you who didn't get enough Olympics

HELP

2008-08-12T16:08:00.001-07:00

I need help. I'm sitting in a meeting talking about our Sunday night thing that we're starting in September.

We're struggling with what to call it. It's not just called youth group....because there are adult programs and children's programs that are going to be going on at the same time.

So we need a name. Every name that we're coming up with is LAME!!! Please help. Post a comment here. If you get picked, there will be a prize....I don't know what it is, but it'll be good.

Deadline is this Sunday. Work it.

PLEASE!!!!! HELP!!!!

IMPORTANT!!! THIS WEEKS OPPORTUNITIES!!!!!!

2008-08-02T18:55:00.001-07:00

If you read this, please contact other people that this might impact and make sure they know what's going on! Welcome home everyone from your far reaching travels!!!!

1. No regular youth group as stated below.

2. Monday night. If you are interested in going to the Fair, that's cool. We're planning to meet at PCC between 4:45 and 5pm. We're headed out to the fair. We will eat there, see some animals and tractors, and go to the Fair Queen Contest. The FQC this year should be shorter than normal as there are only 7 contestants. I'm liking that because Corban can't focus for too long. Also know that I take the FQC very seriously and I pretend I'm a judge and try to figure out who's going to win. I would encourage others to do so as well. Also note that Rachael Campbell from Praise Fellowship's youth group is one of the 7 contestants so we can fully support her!

3. This is WAY more important that Monday night. Tuesday afternoon/evening. Our church serves at St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen regularly and we're a little short staffed this week. Why don't we go help? I'm pretty sure we need to be there by 4:30, so let's say be there by 4:15. If you need a ride, call and I'll pick you up. Right now it's looking like it'll be warm and sunny Tuesday....so how about this.....after we're done at St. Joe's we go play some frisbee? What do you think?

Again please text or call other people and let me know about Tuesday by leaving a comment here, e-mailing me or giving my celly a call.

I'm not Dead.

2008-07-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

Just in case you were wondering. Sorry for the lack of posting.

Also my apologies for any confusion last night. Youth group was indeed canceled for a variety of reasons.

NEXT MONDAY....FREE NIGHT AT THE FAIR. We're headed to the Fair....if you want. Admission is free. No rides, but food and animals a plenty. No regular youth group OBVIOUSLY....we'll either be going to the Fair Queen Competition or going to Praise Fellowships youth group right there at the Fair.....I'm waiting to hear back from Pastor Rick, but last year they had youth group right there.

LONG TERM....It's official. Youth group is moving once again. Day and location. Starting in September (date to be announced shortly), we will be moving to Sunday nights. We will be meeting at the YMCA. The hope is that we can attract more people with the change of venue. We'll be talking about this more in the coming weeks.

TOBIAH UPDATE....it looks like we'll be going to Ethiopia the 3rd week of August to pick up Tobiah. Because of that there will be two weeks where we won't be having youth group. I'll let you know ASAP....but it looks like the 18th and 25th.

This makes me laugh

Monday = Funday

2008-07-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Ok that's Lame.

YG in less than 2 hours.

What would happen if we had a "do a little bit of everything day" on Wednesday? We have some work things and fun things on my list that need done...and it seems like we could just do them all in one day. Times to come tonight, but probably morning early afternoon and we're out.

NOTHING NEXT WEEK. No youth group. No activities. I'm speaking all week out at Mission Meadows. I could use your prayers as I speak to these students.

Here's another video series from Sony.

tomorrow

2008-07-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey we're going to try and go help Debbie and James pack up their truck tomorrow. Instead of trying to meet up at the church and whatever....why don't I just pick you up? So here's what we're going to do....if you're in...call my cell phone. 688-8187.

The goal is to leave warren by around 9.

Happy 4th weekend.

One two skip a few

2008-06-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

So I missed last week, but I was with most of you in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, so who needs updates?

So Sorry I had to cancel last night's youth group. I was hurting quite a bit. I was just miserable. Sorry.

TOMORROW. We're still rocking out. Here's the scoop. Come help with VBS in the morning. 9-12. At 12 or close to it, we're taking off. Bring some bucks...we're going to McD's first. The next stop is on me. It's NOT skating as the calendar says. The ice rink switched some stuff up on me and they're booked solid. We'll have to fit that in some other time. We're headed out though. It won't be long....my guess is 3ish we'll be done. Depends on you guys.

Not long ago, I posted a bunch of bouncy balls in the street. Here's another commercial by the same company but different.....and a "how we made it" video.

Every other

2008-06-11T05:13:00.001-07:00

So I just looked back over the past month of posts.....and it seems like every other week I post on Wed. So it goes Tuesday, Wed, Tues, Wed, It's Wednesday morning and you're probably in bed. I had a tramatic day yesterday. Dentist in the morning and then I had to get two shots in the afternoon (immunizations so we can go pick up Tobiah).

STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. TONIGHT! We're hanging at our house this evening. Come around 5 if you can. We're going to grill outside. We'll play some silly games in the field afterward, so maybe don't wear your glass slippers......(hammy). Also, if you could bring a lawn chair that would be helpful, we have a few, but not enough for everyone. I'm going to go pick Kyrene up a little before 5, so when you get here I might not be here (Mari and Corban will though). REMEMBER, the point of tonight is to make guests feel welcome.....so maybe stay away from old stories and running jokes....they'll catch on in time.

2. NEXT WEEK.....WV trip. I passed out both an information sheet and a RELEASE FORM at YG the other night. You MUST have a RELEASE FORM to be able to go. It's a good idea to get one of these filled out anyway. We're going to meet at PCC at 2 on Monday. I'm stoked for this little excursion.

3. NO YOUTH GROUP NEXT WEEK. I know this is obvious, but I need to say it anyway.

4. I don't know if we officially said this one Monday, but Megan got a job at Mission Meadows for the summer! YEAH! We'll miss her, but she gets to rock out at that cool camp.

5. See you tonight!

Dumb middle aged people playing with technology

So what happens to our brains?

Technically

2008-06-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Technically it's still Tuesday, so I'm good.

I know I'm going to forget to give you some information in this post, so check back later and I might be updating info later this week.

1. I think I fixed the calendar so you should be able to see it. Please continue to check this throughout the summer for activities. I will try to keep you posted here in the main body of times and dates as well.

2. NEXT WEDNESDAY....we're meeting at our house at 5 for dinner. I don't have an exact end time, but as of now I"m guessing 9ish.

3. June 16-17...headed to World Vision Distribution Center near Pittsburgh. Please check with your parents now, because I really need to know by next week if you're going. You will also need a clearance form filled out by parent or guardian.

4. My mind is going blank right here....time for some videos.

This is a cool commercial, but the second video is even cooler because they show you how they filmed it. I love stuff like this.

Dang Holiday

2008-05-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well it's Wednesday now and I didn't post yesterday. Those Monday holidays really screw me up. I almost didn't take the trash out this morning! Yikes.

You'll notice things are looking different around here. I'll keep updating it.
YG=Youth Group

Speaking of which, we're back to regular time etc. next Monday. Hope you're there, if not then you're lame. No just kidding, no i'm not Yes I am....sort of.

Frisbee was fun last night.

And this week you get hockey videos

Music Time

2008-05-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today's post has little information and lots of video....which will be music related today.

1. No Youth Group Next Monday.

2. Look for a calendar with Summer Activies soon.

3. What are you doing next Tuesday? Maybe lunch? or something?
And here are things to kill time for the weekend.

And for you Pirate fans.....

So it's Wednesday

2008-05-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

I was jammed up all yesterday....so my Tuesday post is happening on a Wed. this week. So sue me.

1. Sunday School....this Sunday we're going to join the adult classes downstairs to take part in/listen to the Sunday School session of the School of Prayer that's going on this weekend. Just an FYI

2. Next week....a bunch of you are off on a French trip right? So those of you who aren't.....we should do something fun. Check back here and I'll think of something....

3. Look for a calendar to appear here on the blog soon. It'll have our Summer information as well as other upcoming things.

Now for Hammy and Nowell who are fast clappers.

It's cool being Amish

Wrong

2008-05-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is just wrong. But I can't stop laughing

It's Tuesday

2008-05-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Ok the new goal is that I'm going to update here every Tuesday. If there's something you need to know more about later in the week I might post again, but Tuesday is the day.

-Please be thinking of ideas of ways to welcome new students into our fellowship

-New Summer Plan is coming. I'm stoked for summer to be here!

-I hurt my back

-I also updated the links and time wasting section a little. Have fun.

Behind the 8 ball.

2008-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ok Focus.

1. Not this Sunday but next Sunday is youth Sunday here at PCC. That's 4/27. I know some of you can't make it. Pastor Mike and I looked at moving it, but we were doing the 27th originally because he wasn't going to be here. So we're on! For those of you who will be here, please be thinking of what we can do. Can you guess what we're doing this Monday night?

2. May 16-18 there is a special opportunity that you can be involved in here at the church. It's a School of Prayer. This is times of teaching about what the Bible has to say about prayer and how we can apply that to our lives and spiritual walk. I know that prayer is often hard for some of us to really grab hold of as an idea....this might be something that would help you out. (I know it looks like it's the entire weekend, but it's not a sleepover!)

3. Remember Sunday School peoples....we're headed to breakfast this week. So be ready!

4. Shoot I forgot what 4 was.......

My Apologies

2008-04-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

So apparently I put up a video that I already had up. Sorry. We can't have that. If you came here looking for information go the the next post.....but this is to make up for last time.

It Two for Tuesday

2008-04-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

There was a Taco place that I used to go to that had a deal called Two for Tuesday. Two tacos for a dollar. You can't beat that.

NEXT MONDAY....regular time at 5:30 for food and we're going to finish our lesson on relationships/community (see below). Then at 6:30 we're headed over to St. Joesph's. Lindsey is being confirmed that night and we're going! So no t-shirts and jeans please.

APRIL 27th is Youth Sunday here at PCC....we casually started talking last night about that...please be thinking of ideas for that week.

Last night we started a lesson on community and relationships. Your assignment this week (baring watching the movie Castaway) is to observe how you communicate with your friends and family etc. How do you interact.

For Hammy....

WOOT!

2008-03-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

You guys never cease to amaze me. GREAT JOB Thursday night. Lots of people commented to me about how cool it was. You guys all did great. I'm so proud of each of you. I also really appreciate those of you who could stick around and help clean up. Clean up went much faster than set-up. THANKS!

Couple things.....

Can you guys do me a favor? Call, e-mail, text, whatever each other and remind everyone where this blog is. I've talked to a couple of you this week about the game I posted, and a couple people have said they didn't remember we had a blog. It's pretty important that we keep checking in here. So stop reading right now and go call someone......then come back...

Welcome back!

Youth group Monday. Regular time 5:30.

We were rushed for time last night so I didn't really get to talk to any of you about this. I posted about possibly going to Pittsburgh for Famine, the first weekend in April. That's in two weekends. Is anyone even interested in this? We don't have to go. However if anyone is interested we I need to get you info on Monday night. PLEASE!!!!! if you're reading this, post a comment in the comment box one way or the other YES OR SORRY CHARLIE

Special youth group April 7th. In February we took a special trip to experience a Spanish worship service in Jamestown. On April 7th we have a different opportunity. Our very own Lindsey Berg is being confirmed at St. Joe's that night at 7pm I believe. So here's the plan. We'll meet at PCC at 5:30 like usual. We'll eat and do a lesson/game/learning activity/something.....then for those who are interested around 6:30, we'll head over to St. Joe's to be part of this very special Mass and support our friend Lindsey. If you're not interested in this, that's fine too, just tell your ride that you need picked up PROMPTLY at 6:30 from PCC. If I'm you're ride home, you're going to Mass.

Here's a random question. Would any of you be remotely interested in playing paintball? There are two opportunities that I know of coming up where we could join up with some other youth groups and play paintball, for relatively cheap. No experience necessary. No equipment necessary. You all know I love it, but I just thought I'd throw it out there for you to ponder.....we'll talk more about it soon.

Sunday School girls....remember that Mari and I won't be there Sunday. The materials for your collage's (or however you spell that) is in my office next to the cabinet.

Can I just tell you guys how much I love you you guys and gals! I really like being around you guys. You're lots of fun. I thought I should tell you that.

Ok I think I'm done now. If you'd like to waste more time go the next post down and play that silly game once or a thousand times. Feel free to post a score even if it's not a high score. It's just fun.

IRS

2008-03-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Down to business.

Next Monday. 5:30. Please be on time. We're going to eat and get to work. We'll set up and run through the whole Thursday night deal. If you're one of the people who said they'd sing, we'll run through songs at the end....and might go a little overtime. I've already handed out CD's to most of you and should hit the rest of you soon.

Next Thursday. I might change this between now and then.....but the service is at 6pm. Let's plan on being at the church no later than 5:30. Since we're running through things Monday, we'll just do a quick verbal walk through at that time.

Long Term. If you're interested in doing the Famine....we had talked about two possible dates. It's looking like the service project would work better for the first weekend in April. Please check your calendars and let me know if you are able or unable or uninterested in going. More details to come.

Who can beat me? Post your high score as a comment.

Nowell's Duty!

2008-03-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you were at youth group last night the title is really funny.

Here's some stuff to think about and consider.

1. CHANGE OF PLANS! This past week we had talked about painting the last wall in the youth room this coming Monday. We are going to hold off on that for two reasons. First, we are having dinner prepared for us this week, so we're not choking down pizza. Secondly, I think it might be wise to spend some time walking through our Maundy Thursday service a bit. Pastor Mike helped me think through some details that we overlooked.

2. Speaking of which....Maundy Thursday. March 20th. We talked about some general ideas. We'll probably talk through some of that next week as well. Your assignment between now and then is to start thinking about some music that can go on while Communion is happening. It doesn't have to be slow and sad.....but maybe not screaming guitars and thumping drums either. Think it through.

3.We do need to get that last wall done. Talking about the room this past week got me excited about what we can do out there. Keep thinking.

YES TONIGHT

2008-03-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm slack on getting this up to date.

YES we're having youth group tonight. No school? Who cares. Come on out.

Back in Action

2008-02-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well we're back from the retreat. I'm coughing and hacking all over the place but everyone made through alive! Great time!!!!!

We're back at it tomorrow night already at 5:30! Can't wait to see your shining, smiling faces!

POOL PARTY!!!!!!!!

2008-02-06T06:53:00.001-08:00

That's right we're going to have a pool party at youth group! Bring your swimming suit....or wet suit (that might be more appropriate considering the cold). Also you might want to make sure you have all your shots. I arrived at church this morning to find the pool already waiting for me!

...and another thing...

2008-02-05T17:42:00.001-08:00

Ok one more thought....

I keep forgetting to say this. If you're coming to the retreat. Please bring a snack with you to share. Give it to the people at the registration table when you get there. THANKS!

Thoughts and not- thoughts

2008-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hi

I remembered what I was going to ask. What would happen if youth group was at 5 instead of 5:30? Just curious. What would that impact for you? Tell me.

Revolution Retreat is right around the corner. Please get your forms into me ASAP!

We finished our Armor of God series last night. So that means we're on to something new next week! I'm stoked.

Clean up...Aisle 1-12

You've probably seen this, but it's classic

Tuba

2008-01-23T07:09:00.001-08:00

Saw this. New most of you would like it.

2008-01-18T05:44:00.000-08:00

LONG WEEKEND!!!

We WILL be having youth group Monday night. Just because you have the day off doesn't mean I do. HA.

Last week we started a series about the Armor of God. If you missed last week, you really want to be there this week as we really get into the fun stuff. Last week we just introduced the series and talked about the idea that there is a real battle going on that we can't see. Seriously, this is going to be a fun couple of weeks of lessons! If you missed last week or if you just want to review the scripture we're reading...it's Ephesians 6: 10-20. It's not long.

February 3rd we're going to take a trip to a Spanish worship service. Mexico? No. Guatemala? No. Spain perhaps? No. How about Jamestown? YES! There's a Spanish speaking church that meets on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. We'll be leaving Warren around 2:15 or so. We're working on maybe grabbing some food after church. We'll give you an idea of money to bring soon.

February 15-17 is the Revolution Retreat at Mission Meadows! I officially have registration forms in my possession and you can get those from me Monday (or any other time if you give me a call). Cost is 50 dollars. If the money is a problem please talk to me and we can work that out. We've spent the past couple weeks doing planning for this weekend and I'm starting to get excited!!!!! It's really not optional for you to come or not.......you're going!

Well I feel I should leave you with something funny.....let's see what's in my bag of tricks......in my last post I showed you a video of Human Tetris. Here's a different sort of Human Tetris altogether.

NEW YEAR

2008-01-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year to one and all. Hope you've had a good break from the action and are ready to dive right in.

We're starting youth group back up at 5:30 on Monday. Hope you can make it. Can't wait to see you guys!

I don't understand the stripped uniforms but this is funny. Binocular Soccer.

You have to love Japanese TV

Last minute opportunity

2007-12-20T17:34:00.001-08:00

Hey all...

I know this is really last minute but I want to throw it out there.

Jamestown has a minor league hockey team. They are playing tomorrow night. I'm officially going tomorrow night. Wanna come?

We're going to be leaving around 6. Cost for the game is 6 bucks. We're also going to stop on the way to the game at Tim Hortons. So some money for food might be a good idea if you want something. If game time is 7:30, then figure it'll be over around 9:30 or so....depending on stoppage of play or fights. So figure 10:30 before we got home.

Call me for more info if you have questions. Sorry for being so last minute. If you can't go this time but would like to go in the future we can do that!

Christmas Extravaganza!!!!!!

2007-12-12T08:15:00.001-08:00

Hey cool cats

NEXT MONDAY DECEMBER 17 Christmas Extravaganza!

What's that mean? Well....partly you'll have to show up to find out. HOWEVER you need to bring something with you.

Here's the rules.
1. You need to bring a gift to youth group that is wrapped (wrapping can be in Christmas paper, newspaper, old tests, garbage bags, grocery bags, boxes, whatever)
2. The gift you bring has to be of value less or equal to 5 dollars
3. The gift you bring CAN NOT be purchased. It must be something that is currently in your house. It does not have to be cool. It doesn't even have to work. It can be weird, odd, obscure, or crazy.
4. Items can not be alive, dead, or clothing
5. Items have to be for either gender and not specifically for any one person.
6. You may wrap said item in such a way to disguise what it actually is, however you MAY NOT wrap it in such a way that will prevent or hinder opening of item.
7. If you're cheating, don't. It's just a fun thing. Don't be dumb.

OK GOT IT? DO NOT BUY ANYTHING! This is a no cost, low effort thing.

ALSO.....please come as close to 5:30 as you can.....even if you don't normally eat with us. We're going to multitask during eating time.

YES WE"RE ON

2007-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Ive been under the weather since you guys left my house last Monday and then away all weekend. YES we're going to have youth group tonight. It's only 3 inches of snow. Come on!

The end of Thanksgiving break

2007-11-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow begins a long weekend for you all. YEAH! Relax and enjoy.

We decided long ago that we were going to do youth group anyway on Monday even though you had off of school. I thought it would be cool to do something a little different. So we are.

We're going to meet at OUR HOUSE at 5PM next Monday. I'm going to make you dinner and then we're going to have a MOVIE NIGHT. The first movie is going to be something that we can discuss a bit. The second movie will just be for fun. So here's the deal....I'm always open to suggestions. Use the "comments" section below to suggest any movies you think should be picked to watch next Monday. Everything will be looked at, but remember I could ignore them all and pick what I want.......HA

2007-11-19T12:21:00.001-08:00

What are you looking for?

We're on!

2007-11-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

So we have a day off school but that doesn't mean we wont' have youth group. Plan on being there. Regular time. We're having someone make dinner for us again, so try being on time at 5:30 to have some GREAT FOOD!

We're continuing our questions about God series as well. I might have all the answers, but we'll work through things together.

Slacker!

2007-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

yep I'm a slacker again. Back on track...

Big thing to be thinking about this week is as follows. Last night we talked about the 30 Hour Famine and if we were interested in doing it again this year. What would that look like? Do we want to do it? Do we want to stay here and do it? Do we want to go somewhere and do a BIG service project (city mission, soup kitchen, etc) and stay at a church?

I also mentioned that the youth guys have dates set for a retreat weekend for Feb. 15, 16, 17. We haven't done much planning yet, so no word on cost and activities etc. Just keep it in mind.

We will be having youth group on Nov. 12 even though you have off school that day.

God is Good, paint, pictures

2007-10-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

First the COOL NEWS!!!! We've been praying for little Brady, the 4 year old friend of ours with leukemia. We found out yesterday that he is OFFICIALLY in REMISSION!!!!! God is awesome! Prayer is powerful. He's not completely out of the woods, so I'd ask you to keep praying, but his is an AWESOME step forward.

Painting.....I re-painted the orange/red/burnt brick wall yesterday. I did this so Mr. Leisure could come in and put the moldings around the windows and the door for us. That should be done pretty soon. That only leaves one wall left to paint! It's taking forever, but we're almost there!!!!!!

Remember that we're planning to leave next Monday right after school from the band room. Here's the list of people who've told me their going. If you're not on this list, you haven't said anything. Hammy, Nowell, Mary, Sara, Heather, Kayla, Ashlee, Cheyenne, and Megan. Anyone else? Bring money for dinner. We'll be back by 8:30-9 o'clock.

Here are the pictures from the gum sculpturing a couple weeks ago. Enjoy! You can click on each picture for a bigger view too!

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

2007-10-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ok I've been a slacker about posting here. I'm sorry.

THIS MONDAY...NO REGULAR YOUTH GROUP. Most of you will be in Canada (or on your way back at least). Those of you not in the band....I'm taking you out to dinner. I'm paying. You just show up. We're going to meet at 5pm at the Plaza. If you need a ride, give me a call.

NEXT MONDAY...NO REGULAR YOUTH GROUP....AIDS EXPERIENCE in Grove City. We're going to be leaving after school on that Monday Oct. 15 from the band room area. That means that whatever you think you'll need, you need to take to school or somehow get it there by 3:15-3:30. You need money for dinner that night. Other than that, it's free. We should be back in Warren around 8:30-9pm if all goes well. If you have not told me you're going yet (you're late), but we can probably still get you a slot, but you need to let me know now.

I'll put something fun in here later.

2007-09-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

You may have already seen this. I hadn't until right now.

Mid-Group Update

2007-09-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'm starting this post while a lot of you are sitting in front of me. Yes that's right while you're filling out a survey that's part of our lesson I'm updating our blog.

This Saturday at 9am I'm going to paint one of the walls in the youth room. If you're able come by and lend a hand, if not that's fine, but it needs painted.

This Sunday Sept 23 SYATP rally at Soldiers and Sailors Park. 5pm.

Next Wed. Sept 26 SYATP come early to school and pray for your teachers, staff and each other

Oct. 15 World Vision AIDS experience in Grove City. You have to tell me by next Monday night if you're planning on going!!!!!!

No funny video clip right now. Check back later.

2007-09-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

First person that reads this and POSTS A COMMENT gets a candy bar of their choice. (all employees of PCC are excluded from said competition)

Action Cool News Update

2007-09-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hey crazy cats. Another week closer to summer vacation!

Tonight is the last Wednesday night youth group. Come say bon-voyage to Wednesday nights tonight at 5:30.

NEXT WEEK we're moving to Monday night at 5:30. Come say HELLO to Monday nights. I know some of you guys think this change isn't cool. Change never is. We can embrace it and resign ourselves to the fact that change has to happen, or we can fight it. The problem with fighting it is that it will only make you angry.

COMING UP...
Sunday night Sept. 23 there's a rally at Soldiers and Sailors park (music in the park spot). Start time is 5pm. We'd really like to see you that night.

Sep. 26 is See You at the Pole. We will be meeting prior to school around the flag at WAHS to pray for our school, our teachers, our government and each other. Please plan on coming out

October 15th. It's a Monday night. The plan is to pick you up from school and drive to Grove City. World Vision has a cool thing called the AIDS experience that I'd like you to participate in. It's an interactive learning program that take about a 1/2 hour. We'll eat in Grove City and then come home. We should be home around 9. I know it's a school night.....but this is something really really cool and I don't want you to miss out on this opportunity. Here's the thing though.....you need to let me know if you're going soon so I can reserve us spots.

Check this out. It's like 6+ minutes but it's pretty cool.

One day of freedom

2007-08-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well it's come down to this. Three months ago you were saying....I've got the WHOLE summer to do this this and this......and we're under 24 hours before you head back. Hope you had fun!

Youth group tomorrow night 5:30. Hope to see you.

Let me say once again, you guys rocked this past Sunday! Great job everyone.

THIS SATURDAY September 1st. Hockey in Jamestown. The Erie Otters are playing a Junior A team out of Buffalo. Cost is 8 bucks. Game time is 7pm....so we'd need to leave around 6:15. If you don't understand hockey....why not come and let me explain it to you. The rink is small enough that every seat in the house is close to the ice! This is going to be good hockey, close to home, and pretty cheap. BUT YOU NEED TO LET ME KNOW NOW SO I CAN GET TICKETS!!!!!!!!

If you've been around the internet lately you've seen this but just in case you haven't......

ONE WEEK OF FREEDOM LEFT!!!!

2007-08-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

Hey all. Hope your week is going well

Reminder that this Sunday is our youth Sunday. We really need you there! To get that going, we're going to be going through a bunch of stuff at youth group this Wednesday. PLEASE COME!!!!!!!!

September 1st. 7pm ICE HOCKEY! The Erie Otters have their training camp in Jamestown of all places. At the end of their training camp they play a game against a team from Buffalo. It only costs 8 bucks (if you go see them in Erie you have to pay like 12). Who wants to go? I'm going! If you don't understand hockey or have only ever watched it on TV, this is your chance to see real action!!!!!!!

PRESS PLAY

Undignified

2007-08-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were at youth group this week!

For those not there we talked about David dancing Undignified before God.

Napoleon Dynamite + David Crowder = Perfection

NEWS

2007-08-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Only a handful showed up to youth group tonight. Here are some of the things you missed and things we all need to be thinking about.

1. AUGUST 26th. YOUTH SUNDAY. Please talk to whoever you need to talk to, to try and be here for this morning. We really would like to see your smiling face. We talked tonight about possible skits.....we believe we have one that calls for 2 people.

2. Starting the first part of September. Youth Group night is moving. Pleasant Community Church is starting a new Wednesday dinner and worship time every week beginning Sept. 19. I believe this is important. I want you to attend at least occasionally. And so we need to move nights. We talked tonight about possible nights to go to. Nights we thought about....Sunday and Monday. Tuesday is out and Thursday is out. Everyone that was in attendance tonight at youth group couldn't see a problem with Monday night so for now that's what we're leaning toward, but we're still open to some discussion on this matter. Think about it and get back to me.

3. We really need to get in to paint the rest of the youth room.

BACK

2007-08-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

We now return you to our regularly scheduled Youth Group.

We're back on Wednesday and 5:30 again. Hope to see you soon.

We have a bunch of things to talk about and changes that are coming up. I know I say this a lot, but keep checking back here regularly so you know what's coming up.

AUGUST 26th. YOUTH SUNDAY here at Pleasant. I'd really like you to be here. Please find a way to make it that Sunday. If you need me to talk to your employer or parental figures or whatever, I'll do that. i really would like you here that Sunday!

DON'T FORGET!!!

2007-07-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

NO YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEK! I know you're going to cry your eyes out and you'll miss me so! Thanks guys. If you need me give me a buzz on my cell!

This is to tide you over until I return.

To Infinity and Beyond

2007-07-18T05:10:00.001-07:00

Hey cool cats. Couple things to keep in mind

Youth group this week!!!!! That's right we're back at PCC for youth group on July 18. 5:30!

NO YOUTH GROUP AGAIN NEXT WEEK. I know that bums you out. I'll be out of town. Sorry.
But then we're back to our regular schedule again!

Those of you not able to make it to our Pittsburgh trip really missed out. Good time. We went shopping at the Gap....no wait.....we packaged close to 6,000 Gap shirts though that are going to be sent around the world! Not bad for a days work! And we TOTALLY outworked the bigger groups that were there. We were the workhorses for the day! YEAH TEAM!

MARK THIS ON YOUR CALENDAR!!!! August 26th. It has been designated YOUTH SUNDAY at Pleasant Community Church. Over the next couple weeks we're going to be working on things to do during this service. This is YOUR service. Even if you don't regularly attend on Sunday morning, I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY would like you here that Sunday. Even if you don't want to be in front of people....I still would like you there to support the rest of us! PPPPPPLLLLLLLEEEEEEEAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSEEEEEEE mark this down now and plan to be there. Talk to your boss and ask for that day off. Don't go out the night before so you can be up on time. Need a ride? We'll work that out too.

Some things coming up......
-We need to get into the youth room again and paint the other two walls.
-I'm finalizing a date to go work for a day in a local soup kitchen.....look for that.
-We need to have a discussion about what youth group looks like when school gets here.

My New Tat

2007-07-08T09:11:00.001-07:00

July 4th Parade details

2007-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is what I know thus far about the Parade.

If you'd like to help decorate the float. 4pm July 3rd (that's Tuesday) at the Nazarene church. We're going to be decorating and then praying and worship together for what's going on the next day and that God would use that.

JULY 4th. We are planning on meeting behind the YMCA/ behind the football field at 10am.

Once again this year we ordered shirts so we all look the same. Shirts are 5 bucks. Please bring 5 bucks. If you need 5 bucks ask me and I'll get you 5 bucks!

When you get there, a group of us will be passing out water. Another group will be passing out these little business cards. Another group is designated to be part of the float.

We really want you to be there!!!!! Please come! Please come!

6-25-06

2007-06-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of anything original for the title.

Regular youth group time this week. 5:30 Wed. PCC

THURSDAY.....If you are able, we're going to try to get some painting done in the youth room. We WILL NOT be doing the whole project. There's too much to do and it's just not happening. But if you are free....we're going to do some painting at 1pm Thursday. Hope you can make it.

LOOKING AHEAD....JULY4th. Again this year the area youth pastors are putting a float together. We need some marchers. (THAT'S YOU). If you're going to be in town that day and not busy, please join us!!!!! We'll be decorating the float July 3rd at the Naz church (DOCKS) around 4pm. Then we'll be meeting behind the YMCA around 10 on July 4th.

JULY 11-12. I'm trying to get a short trip to the Pittsburgh area together. I want you to come. We'll leave Wed. afternoon and drive down. I'll have a fun activity planned for that evening. The next day Thursday we'll get up and go to a World Vision distribution center to volunteer for the day. Then we'll head home that afternoon.

I'll get you more info on this trip this week at youth group. PLEASE consider this as a great opportunity for you to serve others.

OK that's it.

Something you don't know about me......I have a lot of T-shirts. I just can't seem to get rid of them.....and in youth ministry, there's a shirt for everything. I get free T-shirts for everything. A year or so my wife counted some of my shirts. She STOPPED counting at 125.....but there were still lots more. Since then I've accumulated even more shirts. HOWEVER....I have nothing on this guy.

Action Jackson

2007-06-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hey there dudes and dudettes,

Couple of quick things for you.

1. I know Sunday is Father's Day (hopefully you remembered too), but if you're not busy Sunday afternoon, Bev could use a couple hands setting some stuff up for VBS at the church.

2. Next week regular youth group. Regular youth group time. I know it's VBS week, but come on!

3. July 4th is coming quickly. Mark it down now, we really need you to be part of the parade with us this year! We're going to have a big float, lots of water to hand out as well as cards....and we'll have new T-shirts!

4. We have the paint for the youth room! I'm looking at days to get in there and get some walls painted!

Videos: Just a little FYI....the videos that I put on here....if you just click on them, they'll play right here....you don't have to double click them.

DOH! This guys has to be kicking himself!

Summertime is HERE!!!!

2007-06-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

So today is officially the first day of your vacation!!!! YIPEE!

If you weren't with us this past week, you missed out.

Information you need to know:

This week we're not eating PIZZA! We're going to be doing decorations for VBS so we're being treated to something different. So we're going to be doing some work. I wouldn't wear your best clothes.

Something to put on the calendar. Again this July 4th the Time 4 Revolution crew will have a float and we want your help. We really need people to walk with us passing stuff out....we need help decorating the float July 3rd...YOU! Mark it on your calendars now!

I think we need one of these!!!!!

Almost done!

2007-06-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah for you!!!! Only a couple more days and your home free. Go you!

Remember that this Wednesday we're not doing our regular youth stuff....We're going to be doing those door hangers for VBS. Plan for that. HOWEVER....if it's torrential downpours.....we'll do youth group and do the hangers the following week or something. OK? cool

So if you haven't watched the last video I posted you need to do that one first. Then you can watch this one. This one is the same guy. Only he takes his editing a little further this time. Fun stuff.

LATE

2007-05-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a little behind this week.

For those of you who did your reading last week....GOOD JOB! Sorry we didn't get to it. For those who didn't......you still have time!!!! PLEASE before Wed. night if you could read Matthew 5, it would be great....even if you read it last week, re-reading to refresh your memory would be a good idea.

We need to talk about painting the youth room.

Be honest how many of you watched the video from last week and didn't notice a thing until it showed you!

Here's a quick video for your enjoyment.

First Real Post

2007-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

If you need a quick "tutorial" on how this whole deal works, scroll down to the first post.....otherwise read on!

If you weren't at youth group last night 5/9, then you didn't hear that you have HOMEWORK for next week! AGGGGHHHH. We're going to be starting a new Bible study series on Matthew 5, 6 and 7. For next week you need to read Matthew 5 and 6. Please read it before you show up for youth group! Also....spread the word to anyone you might think of who hasn't heard.

With summer approaching, there's a good chance that we'll be doing some outdoor things......please dress appropriately.....gentlemen no dresses! but kilts are acceptable.

As most of you know I'm a big fan of YouTube, so for your enjoyment......(all you need to do is click it once and it'll play right here!)

BEGIN HERE

2007-05-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the PCC youth blog. Let's begin.

Why a blog?

Several good reason. A website is to time consuming to keep up. A blog is easy. There are easy way to maintain and allow you all to check up regularly. MySpace is going out of style and quite frankly I've never thought it was that great anyway......so we're going to use this format.

What's the point?

Well it's easier for you to check in here regularly than to send individual e-mails all the time. This isn't to say that I won't ever e-mail you, but you will get the information you need just by check in here.

How's it work?

For those unfamiliar with blog format.....the latest information will appear at the top of the page....so if you haven't checked in, in awhile you might need to scroll down the page to catch up with everything. I will be posting information that you NEED, but lots of fun, time-wasting, information that you absolutely do not need as well. You should check in regularly so you don't miss anything! I know that I'll post at least once a week, but some weeks it'll be more. Over the next couple weeks I'll be adding more and more features to the site.....and showing you how they work.

What can you do?

This would be a very dull format if you couldn't participate. At the end of every post is a little click-able area labeled "comments". Have something to say about what's been posted? A question? a suggestion? want to carry on a conversation with others? post it there.....you don't have to register to make it happen. you can click other and just put in your name and it'll allow you to post whatever you want.

Some quick features.....
You'll notice that on the right there are some areas with links for you to click if you want. Some of these might be worth your while to check out from time to time, some of them are HUGE time wasters. Use them accordingly!