Make It Count - Youth Quake: February 19-21, 2010!

Last year I wrote about why I love Youth Quake and how it has become something I look forward to each year. You can read it by clicking:   http://emergeacc.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-i-love-youth-quake.html

Well YQ 2009 did not disappoint and I am looking forward to "Make It Count" in February! I have heard Sid Koop of Truth Matters Ministries speak and he is definitely a passionate, dynamic, and humorous communicator! He truly has a passion for God and encouraging others to meet God where they're at. So I am looking forward to hearing him again.

Just as I am looking forward to the great worship times, the opening event, youth worker sessions, various seminar options, crazy activities, the road trip, Starbucks on campus, and the lack of sleep (yes I am crazy)! But most of all I am looking forward to spending lots of time with our awesome youth and leaders. I never tire of trips with our crew from ACC and seeing what crazy (but safe!) ideas may pop into my mind. You keep me feeling young even if I look and move a whole lot older! But more than that, I love to see you connect with God and grow closer to Jesus as we journey the road of life together. So I encourage all of our Sr. High youth to come to YQ 2010. Here's how to register as part of our group.

Go to https://secure.briercrest.ca/yq/2010/ and click on the 'Register a Group Member' circle. Next type in our Group ID number 10000162 and then fill in completely the information requested

If you register and make a payment online or to me via cash or cheque before Monday, January 11, 2010 at 11:59 p.m., you will receive a $15 discount. This would make your registration fee $149. Simply indicate online what your preference for payment is. The registration fee after this date is $164.

Please note that this registration fee is only for our time at Youth Quake and will include accommodations and meals from supper on the Friday evening until lunch on Sunday. Additional costs will include transportation, meals on route to and from YQ, and any spending money you may wish to bring. I will have more details on transportation costs once we confirm our group size but in the past it has been approximately $20-$30.
 
Friends are more than welcome to join us but please be aware that everyone in our group will be asked to read and sign a waiver form highlighting the expectations of our time together. I will send this out after I receive confirmation of your registration from YQ. If a friend is joining our group please send me their name so I won't be confused as to who the person is. Please only give our Group ID to friends that are planning on joining our group.

That is it! Register today to reserve your place as we learn together how to MAKE IT COUNT!

Fear Factor!

Think you can overcome your fears to become the next e*MeRgE Fear Factor champion? Well come and find out this Friday, October 30th as we have some frightening activities planned. Prizes will be awarded to the most fearless female and male in attendance! 

We're meeting from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. with our regular prayer time at 6:30 p.m. Please register by contacting Kent at emerge@charleswood.ca or 895-0608. There is no cost for this event and friends are welcome as always!

Rake & Run!

I wasn't there because I was away at a conference, but I heard that we had a great crew out at Winnipeg Harvest on Friday! That is awesome because it is important to serve our community and see things outside of ourselves in life.

We'll continue serving throughout the year. On Friday we have another practical way of giving back by raking the yards of people who are elderly or in need of some sort. So join us at 5:30 p.m. this week and make sure you bring a rake and gloves if you can. After we'll have some hot chocolate and a time to hang as usual!

I look forward to seeing you all again on Friday!

Kent

Not So Cheap Trek 2010

I am excited to report that we'll be heading to Agua Viva Ministries in Ensenada, Mexico for one week of cross-cultural ministry, and then to the DOOR Hollywood program in California for one week of urban ministry. The date for this mission trip is Saturday, July 10 - Saturday, July 24, 2010.

For more information on the wonderful organizations we'll be partnering with please click:

www.aguaviva.com/short-term-mission-trips
www.doornetwork.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=229&category=3

This trip is open to youth in grades 9-12 and 2009 high school graduates. If you weren't at our last meeting but would like more information or a an application form please contact me. The deadline to register is Sunday, October 4.

Gracias!

Oh what a night!

The last of the youth have finally left the building and I sit alone in my office reflecting on the blur of a night we had for our e*MeRgE kick-off. The best word that describes tonight is AWESOME! It was great to see some familiar faces and also meet some new youth in grade six join our team.

Although the weather put a damper on our Treasure Hunt plans, the interactive glow bowling was a great alternative. Yes I admit my voice is sore after screaming for an hour and a half as we went head to head in our various teams. But man was it worth it!

The snacks back at the church were delightful! It was great to hear Jer share about how a new school year brings hope for new beginnings and second or more chances in our lives.

So to all of you who made it out thanks for a great time. I am so looking forward to our year ahead! For those of you who were unable to make it out we hope to see you again next Friday for our Treasure Hunt, as we run wild in Assiniboine Park. Remember you can always contact me if you have any questions, comments, or ideas on how to make e*MeRgE even better. Simply call me at the church (895-0608), E-mail emerge@charleswood.ca, or post a comment on this blog.

Have a great weekend and go Bombers! Good Night!

Kent

ARRRRRRRRRRR Welcome Back!

So our big grade 6-12 kick-off (see details below) is in eight days and I couldn't be happier! Call me crazy but even though it means the start of school for our young people, I just love the fall kick-off because of all the excitement and energy it brings! I also miss seeing everyone on a regular basis and look forward to catching up on what is new in their lives.

So if you know of any young people in grades 6-12 who need to get out of the house after a cold and wet summer, send them to ACC and we'll hang with them each Friday! As a bonus we'll even chill a couple of Sundays a month with those in grades 9-12.

We're working on some great ideas for the year and would love for you or someone you know to come along for the ride. The ship sets sail on Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. with an event that even Captain Jack Sparrow would be proud of.

Join us as we begin the school year with a wacky Treasure Hunt. Snack will be provided and pick up is 10:00 p.m. at ACC.

Please E-mail emerge@charleswood.ca to register so we can prepare transportation and food.

Grades 9-12 youth watch for details about our e*MeRgE Sr. High kick-off on Sunday, September 20.

Fall Ideas?

Our wind-up has come and gone signaling the end of our e*MeRgE school year activities. We will be having an event sometime in late July as a way to reconnect at the mid point of the summer.

But now is the time to start thinking about the fall and planning for the new school year. Some things are already established such as our Not So Cheap Trek 2010 planning, Winnipeg Harvest service nights, monthly youth services, retreats, etc. However your input is valued and needed in terms of themes for some of these events as well as perhaps new ideas for programs and ministry ideas.

I would love to hear from youth and/or parents for your suggestions and dreams for the year ahead. Please feel free to contact me so we can discuss e*MeRgE related events and ideas. I am always available to grab a coffee and dream with others about what might be! One of my main roles as Youth Pastor is to assist in the spiritual development of young people and their families. I see myself as a partner in this endeavor and I would love to help you in anyway I can.

Have a wonderful summer and please be in touch. God bless!

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Friday, June 12 - Ultimate @ the Park

It's a disc not a Frisbee buddy! Get your game face on as we have a blast playing Ultimate at Assiniboine Park. Refreshments, hi-light/low-light, and hang time will follow. Register by June 11 – kent@charleswood.ca 6:45-9:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 14 - Grad Party

All Sr. High youth are invited as we celebrate and honour our 2009 graduates. Grab your bathing suit, towel, volleyball, and friends as we’re heading to Oasis Beach to splash around, soak up the sun (we hope!) and play a little beach volleyball! Afterwards we’ll grab supper and watch Disney Pixar’s latest hit “Up” on the big screen! The cost for all of this is only $15. Please register by June 13 – kent@charleswood.ca 2:30-10:00 p.m.

Friday, June 19 - Wind-Up

Come out for a fun night as we wrap up our regular youth events for the school year! Look for details soon in the church bulletin, your E-mail inbox, and our blog.

Another Long Weekend?

You can't say there's nothing to do this weekend as there is something for everyone! I hope to see you at many of these events!

Friday, May 22 – Monsters Vs. Aliens in 3D!

You and your friends are invited to watch this epic battle! Please meet at the church for 6:30 p.m. sharp. Pick-up will be 10:00 p.m. back at the church.The cost is $8.00 plus money for snacks. Register - kent@charleswood.ca

Saturday, May 23 – Love Winnipeg Car Wash

Its time to represent! Join our church family as we support our community with a free car wash. Sign up at the kiosk or contact Kent to volunteer for a shift. We also need a few youth to create posters for this event before May 23.

Sunday, May 24

Youth Service

We’ll continue our Living with Questions series at 11:20 a.m. in the Fireside room.

Not So Cheap Trek 2010

All youth currently in grades 8-12 and their parents are invited to our second meeting regarding a potential mission trip in 2010. We’ll examine several options and attempt to determine a suitable destination to pursue. Applications will be available. Please contact Kent if you have any questions or ideas. 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Sr. High Scavenger Hunt

Grab a friend or two and join us for a city challenge and learn a little bit along the journey. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team. 

Register – emerge@charleswood.ca 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Friday, May 29-31 - Retreat @ Victoria Beach!

Join us for a fun weekend of adventures, great food, games, and learning about what it means to be a true Superhero with our guest speaker Gavin Hall! Please contact Kent for more information and a registration form. The cost is only $40 and the deadline to register is Friday, May 22.

Check it Out!

Friday, May 1 – D-Night
We’ll begin our final short series of the year which will also include icebreakers and snack. 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 3 – Sr. High Paintball
Back by popular demand! Meet 3:00 p.m. at the church. Cost if group is 20+: $20 plus money for supper and extra paintballs if needed. Please register by contacting Kent – kent@charleswood.ca

Friday, May 8 - LBE
This time we’ll head to inner-city and visit with past guest Jen Siran, to see first had the work LBE is involved in. This will include a tour of the neighbourhood, seeing through God’s eyes the part we can play.  5:45-9:00 p.m. Register by contacting Kent – kent@charleswood.ca

Youth Retreat!
Register today for our retreat at Victoria Beach, May 29-31! Join us for a fun weekend of adventures, great food, games, and learning about what it means to be a true Superhero with our guest speaker Gavin Hall from our church. Contact Kent -  kent@charleswood.ca for more information and how to register. The cost is only $40 for the entire weekend!

Real World Parents Newsletter

Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Movie Reviews
4. Links to Learn From
5. A Little Encouragement...And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

Angry Much?

A lot of the drama in the lives of students revolves around anger issues. That’s partly because we live in an anger-driven world and partly because adolescent hormones make angry feelings rise to the surface more easily. Because of that,…

Read More:

http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/angry_much/

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions. Save 30% off the retail price of “Boundaries with Teens” when you use Coupon Code YPN292 and order by 4/30/09.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/

2. Learn Their Lingo

n00b = Text message, short for "newbie."

Sadprise = A surprise with a disappointing or sad connotation.

3. Movie Reviews for Parents

State of Play

Russell Crowe’s turn as a rumpled old-school newspaper journalist investigating a government corruption-and-sex scandal may not appeal to many teens. But those who care to…

Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/state_of_play/

17 Again

In addition to reflecting (sometimes poignantly) the common “what if” game played by grown-ups everywhere, the silly “17 Again” works out a couple of big…

Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/17_again/

4. Links to Learn From

Worried Your Kid Is Addicted to Video Games? [U.S. News & World Report]
http://health.usnews.com/blogs/on-parenting/2009/4/21/worried-your-kid-is-addicted-to-video-games-unplug-the-xbox-and-get-him-a-job.html

Adolescent Risk-Taking Has Major Consequences When It Comes To Marriage [University of Buffalo]

http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10060

Estrogen May Combat Marijuana’s Effect on Cognition [Forbes]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/04/20/hscout625997.html

1.5 Million Kids on the Street [Fuller Youth Institute]

http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/2009/03/15-million-kids-on-the-street/

5. A Little Encouragement...And Humor

The sign on the door of opportunity reads PUSH.
- unknown

The Fine Line

Here is a preview for what looks like a great book that I'm going to buy ASAP. It is also something that I will be using during the youth service tomorrow morning. I think the labels of Separatist, Conformist, and Transformist is an excellent perspective when discussing Christianity & culture. I look forward to learning and being challenged by "The Fine Line". 

The Fine Line Extended Version (HD) from josh franer on Vimeo. 

Resources for Parents

I often come across information for parents of teens that I think can be quite helpful. I think this blog is a great place to post these resources as it is easy to access. The following link is from the "Real World Parents" newsletter from Youth Specialties. 

http://www.realworldparents.com/newsletter/?utm_source=Real+World+Parents+Newsletter&utm_campaign=92cc94e46c-RWP_4_15_09&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=92cc94e46c&mc_eid=930538c2b3

Simply copy and paste this into your Internet browser. There is also a link on the newsletter if you wish to subscribe to receive it on a weekly basis. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have questions or concerns about anything as it relates to our youth ministry or other issues. I am here for you. Have a great day!

Kent

emerge@charleswood.ca

895-0608

What's Going On?

Friday, April 17 – RAK
Here’s your chance to serve the community through Random Acts of Kindness! We’ll make a bit of a competition out of the evening with snack and a brief chat to follow. 6:30-9:00 p.m. Register – kent@charleswood.ca

Sunday, April 19
Youth Service
We’ll continue our Living with Questions series at 11:20 a.m. in the Fireside room.

Sr. High Ultimate!
Come out for a fun afternoon of Ultimate! Meet at the church 3:30 p.m. and dress to get a bit dirty. We'll head for a bite to eat after so bring some cash. 

Friday, April 24 – Bigger & Better
Join us for this classic game where bigger is not always better. Bring a friend as teams seek out the one item that will crown them as champs! All youth in grade 5 are invited for a sneak peek of what e*MeRgE is all about for you this September! 6:30-9:00 p.m. Register – kent@charleswood.ca

Sunday, April 26 – Not So Cheap Trek 2010
All youth currently in grades 8-12 and their parents are invited to an exploratory meeting regarding a potential mission trip in 2010. We’ll discuss our past trips as well as ideas for 2010. We want to start this process well in advance so we can begin planning before summer. Please contact Kent if you have any questions or ideas. 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside room.

Use it or Lose it

I figure that I should actually start using this blog for more than a glorified announcement board for e*MeRgE events. Its not that I haven't wanted to do more with this blog rather, I wondered if people would even care about the random musings of an energetic (some would call it crazy) youth pastor? The truth be told I do have a lot of opinions and views on things but it’s not like I am the sole authority on life and how to live it. However even if I am the only one who will ever read these thoughts, perhaps it will prove therapeutic for me. Like a dear diary or the male equivalent to a to it. A Manary?

Anyway, its good to be back after our spring break trip to the OC. We had a great time but it’s always good to get home and back into a routine. It seems like forever since our last youth event and with the Good Friday/Easter Sunday weekend upon us, it won't be until the 17th that we meet again. I miss seeing the youth and leaders; hanging out with them, chatting, teaching, laughing, and just being together as a group. It will be great to reconnect and finish with a bang these last few months before summer break! There are still lots of things to look forward to and plan.

So until the new schedule comes out either today or tomorrow, catch you later!

Coming Attractions!

Friday, March 27 – Spring Fever Event!
Change of plans. Check back soon to hear what we're doing due to the weather. We will be having snacks and hearing from one of our youth leaders about “God in my Life.”