Monday, December 10, 2007

Christmas is almost here!

I can’t believe its time for Christmas trees and festive music. Where did the year go? It seems that time goes by so fast these days, especially during this time of the year. Before we know it, all the presents will be unwrapped and the cookies eaten and we will be heading into a new year.

Knowing this, I want to get all that I can out of the Christmas season before it is over. Now, I’m not talking about making sure I capitalize on shopping sales and getting in all the Christmas movies I can watch during the season. I’m talking about spending time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

Like the Grinch, I think it’s easy for us to think that Christmas is about the presents, food, etc. But, in the end, I hope that we, like the Grinch, discover that the true meaning of Christmas doesn’t lie in these things. Christmas is about the anticipation of our King, coming to greet us in this lost and broken world. Christmas is about knowing that God keeps promises and that we are not alone or lost.

So, this year, as we move quickly through this season, let us make sure that we take time to pause. Let us reflect on the coming of the King, and how, even thousands of years later, we can still celebrate the birth of a baby that changed the world.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Selfish Clown

So, I have a clown fish...a tomato clown fish, to be exact. His name is Tom.



Now, I was pretty pumped to get Tom. You see, he lives in our anemone. They have a symbiotic relationship, meaning that the anemone provides a safe shelter for the fish and the fish, in turn, feeds the anemone. At least...this is how its supposed to work.
Ever since we've gotten Tom, our anemone has not seemed to be very happy. He is constantly moving around the tank (thus why he got his tentacles stuck in the filter)
.

Well, last week, I went to feed the anemone and noticed that Tom decided to steal the shrimp out of the anemone tentacles and eat it for himself. Since then, I've been watching very carefully to see if our fishy friend is, in fact, feeding the anemone as he is supposed to. Turns out that he is not. We have a sel"fish" clown. Dang.

I woke up this morning thinking about this. My mind immediately drifted to how humans are sort of in a symbiotic relationship with God. God gives us peace, love, and a safe place. God provides us with comfort. God is always there for us.
Then there are humans. Yes, sometimes we do hold up our part of the symbiotic relationship by praising God and thanking God for our blessings. But most of the time...not so much.
We, like the selfish clown, do not hold up our end of the deal. We leave God hanging, so to speak. Why do we do that? Well, I'm not sure I have an answer, other than that we are just flawed beings, who seem to always mess up.

If we look at Tom as an example not to follow, then we have a lot of work ahead of us. I'm not too worried about it though, because God is a pretty forgiving deity. So, when we mess up, its not back to square one, but rather we just pick up and move on. Its the least we can do for someone who loves us so much. I'm just thankful God isn't like the anemone and doesn't pick up and leave every time I mess up.

Kind of heavy stuff to wake up thinking in the morning, I suppose. But, then again, its not every day you get to learn a life lesson from a fish.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Procrastination

I am sitting at my desk and for the last hour and a half, I have been trying to find things to do that I can finish up instead of writing the articles I need to write for the Chimes.

Why am I procrastinating, you may ask? Well, I'm not sure. I don't hate writing articles for the Chimes...I don't really mind it, in fact. But, there seems to be something in my nature that makes me want to procrastinate. I have done this since I was in college. I always seem to work better under pressure. Who knows why...I guess its just how God created me.

So, as you may have figured out, I am using this blog as a way to procrastinate. Probably not the best use of my time, as I have no idea how many youthies really read this thing anyway...but, I'm writing just the same.

As I was thinking about how much procrastinating I'm doing (despite that I am getting a lot done...just not the stuff that needs immediate attention), I was thinking about how I procrastinate in other ways in my life. Sure there are the every day things most of us procrastinate with - emptying the dishwasher, putting away laundry, cleaning out the fridge (gross!). But what about God?

How are you procrastinating in areas of your life that have to do with God? Have you been putting off spending time with God - reading your Bible or praying? Have you been putting off asking a friend to come to church because you aren't sure how they will react? Have you been putting off making the commitment to become more involved in church yourself?

In my life, if I decide to put something off, I become the MASTER of putting it off. In college, I dubbed myself "The Master Procrastinator." If I decided I'd do my devotions a little later...well, I would find tons of things to keep me from doing it until it had been put off for the whole day...not a great way to treat God, is it? He deserves so much more than the end of the day when we are tired and ready for sleep.

So, as I finish up this blog and get back to writing those Chimes articles (like I should be!), I want to stress the importance of NOT procrastinating with God. Spend time with Him...He deserves it. And not the "I'll do it later" time. God deserves your best time...your "right now" time. Lets not procrastinate any longer.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Retreat

How did this happen? My last post was on the first day of October and here we are at the end of the month. Seriously...where does the time go?

This month has been pretty great. We've had lots of fun activities and have really gotten into our Genesis Bible study on Tuesday nights. It has been a great time of growth for our group.

This past weekend, though, was by far the greatest growth yet. We took our Fall Retreat to Lake Williamson. We stayed Friday through Sunday and it was really amazing to see how God worked in that short of time.

Our theme for the weekend was "Be the Change." We talked about what it means to be transformed by Christ and how we need to strive to transform others. One of the coolest parts of the weekend, though, we to see how our group was transformed.

We spent some time on Saturday doing team building activities. I would guess that this was most of the youths' favorite part of the weekend. We started out having quite a bit of trouble - lots of talking over everyone, not listening, voices getting lost in the shuffle, etc. But, when they took time to listen, to talk one at a time, and to think, they really got the ball rolling. I was so proud to see how much the group started working together. By the end of the weekend, everyone was commenting on how we felt like a family.

It was pretty great to hear. I want nothing more than for our youth group to feel like a family. That we are supportive and loving, not negative and clique-y. So far, we are on the right track. I pray that we will continue to be transformed by the love of Christ - so that our youth group will grow closer together, but also so that we can go out and change the world around us.

I am so thankful for this retreat. If you weren't able to make it this year, I hope you can next year! It was an unforgettable experience.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Its OCTOBER?!

Today when I got into the office, I happened to look over at my bulletin board and noticed that my September youth calendar is out of date. Yes, that's right, it is October! How did that happen? I am not sure. Time flies when you are having fun, I suppose.

So, since it is now a new month, I ripped off the September calendar to reveal the new October calendar underneath. Wow...we have a lot of fun stuff coming up! I bet we will blink and October will be over as well. So, we better enjoy it while we can!

Our Fall Retreat is almost upon us! The deadline to sign up in on Tuesday, so be sure to do so! We still have a few spots open, so feel free to invite friends, too! Cost is only $50! We will be headed to Lake Williamson in Carlinville the weekend of Oct. 26-28th. Believe me, you won't want to miss this awesome retreat - AND you get a cool t-shirt! What could be better!? Sign up on the FourTwelve bulletin board!

What else is going on this month? Well, here is what we are doing for UMYF in October:
  • Oct. 7 - Dinner and a movie - 3:30-6:00
  • Oct. 14 - Haunted Corn Maize - 7:00-9:00
  • Oct. 21 - Open Gym - 3:30-5:00
  • Oct. 28 - No UMYF (Fall Retreat Weekend)

I hope that we will see you around a lot in October! Its going to be a fantastic month to be a part of FourTwelve!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Its been a while!

Hey FourTwelvers!

Sorry its been a while. But here's the latest:
  • Sunday we will be playing Glow in the Dark Minigolf! Bring $10 and meet up at the church at 3:00. We'll be back by 5:30.
  • Bible study is in full swing! We are studying Genesis...come and see how it all began!
  • See You at the Pole - Wednesday, Sept. 26th. 7:00 am at the flag pole at your school. Go and pray with your fellow students and start the day off right!
  • Friday, Sept. 21 - 5th Quarter Bash returns! Come after the football game for food, ping pong, and the infamous bungee run (sr. high only).

As you can see, we have a LOT going on! But that means there are plenty of opportunities for you to come and hang out with us. Hope to see you soon!

Monday, August 27, 2007

First Tuesday of the Month!

So, here is a new bit of information that hasn't made it out in the calendars, etc.:

The FIRST TUESDAY of every month, we will meet at 5:30 for PIZZA! Be sure to come on out for free dinner - and bring a friend!

That means Sept. 4th, we will be having PIZZA again!

I mean, you can't turn down pizza, can you?!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Two Quick Things

1. Check out our updated youth webpage at www.mainstreetumc.net! Click on the "Youth - FourTwelve" link on the left side panel.

2. In the Chimes, the Fall Retreat date was incorrect. The date listed in the previous post is correct!

That is all for now!

Monday, August 20, 2007

What's Going On

I can't believe that today is the first day of school. Where did the time go? Summer seemed to be over in a flash! Anyway, new school year means a whole slew of new youth activities! So, here's the update with what is going on:

  • Bible study starts TOMORROW, Tuesday from 6:00-7:00. Since its the first one, you are welcome to join us for FREE PIZZA at 5:30!

  • Parents' Meeting is on Sunday from 6:00-8:00. Come with your parents and learn all about the new youth program, get your forms signed, and sign up for fun retreats this fall!

  • YAR! - Youth Annual Retreat for MIDDLE SCHOOL will be on Oct. 19-21. Sign up on Pastor Nicole's door. Cost is $50. You must be signed up, paid in full, and have your forms filled out by Tuesday night, Sept. 4th!

  • Fall Retreat - Oct. 26-28th at Lake Williamson in Carlinville. All youth are invited to participate. Cost is $50. Space is limited. Sign up now on Pastor Nicole's door. You must be signed up by Sunday, Oct. 14th.

So, as you can see, we have a LOT going on right now! How exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!

OH, and we have officially named the youth group - FourTwelve! So, keep on rockin' FourTwelvers!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

UMYF Ideas?

Hey All!

I've started putting together the calendar for fall. But, I need your help! I need you guys to give me some ideas of fun things to do during UMYF time on Sundays. This can be anything from bowling to board games.

So, got an idea? Leave a comment and I'll see how we can work it in!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Enco Tour '07

Well, we made it back from Georgia. And I think its safe to say that everyone had a pretty good time. Despite rain and humidity, we were able to do a lot of really fun things. We saw some dolphins and other sea life, half the group saw a mother sea turtle laying eggs and a baby sea turtle climbing out into the ocean. We spent time at the beach, in the historic town of Savannah, and at the St. Simon's Island Pier.

We sang at several churches and the choir did amazing. We definitely saw God moving through us this past week. And that was an amazing feeling.

And now its back to the grind, but I'm actually pretty excited about that because we've got a lot of things coming up for the youth. The new school year is right around the corner and that means our youth program will be going into full swing!

So, I hope to be seeing you around soon!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Mission Trip '08!!!

Hey all!

We have scheduled a mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY for next summer! We will be going to work on houses (putting up siding, painting, building porches, roofing...that sort of thing). Its a really great place that I used to go to when I was in youth! (I have lots of stories, if you want to hear some!).

Anyway, I want to see when you are all free to make sure we are scheduling it at a good time. Right now I'm looking at June 8-14. Its a week and a half after you all get out of school. So, if that works for you, let me know! And if its a bad time for you, also let me know!

We want as many youth as possible to have this awesome experience!!!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

REMEMBER GIRLS!!!

If you are going on the Revolve Tour, your $20 deposit is due today (July 22)!

If you can't get it up to the church, bring it by tomorrow or send me an e-mail and make other arrangements.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Youth Group Name Ideas

Hey Guys! I was thinking that it might be cool to give our youth group an awesome name. We can do this in a couple of different ways. We can name our whole youth group. We can name the senior highers one name and the junior highers one name. We can name our individual weekly events different things (UMYF, Bible Study, etc).

Anyway, I am interested to hear what you all think. Here are a few names that I came up with, but I want to hear from you! Leave a comment below about your favorite name or add your own! Also, let me know how you want to name the group (whether all together or separate). I've included some further explanations of what the terms mean to me.

Check it out:
  • Breakout (break out of worldliness)
  • U-Turn (turning our lives around for Jesus)
  • 180 (the number of degrees in a u-turn around...see above)
  • Fusion (because we need to fuse our lives to Christ's will)
  • Evermore (our destination is to live with Christ evermore)
  • The Outlet (get plugged into Jesus!)
  • Cornerstone (Jesus is the firm foundation...the cornerstone...of our lives)
  • Revolution (because with Christ, we can bring about great change)
  • Souled Out (our souls are sold out to Christ)
  • J-Walkers (Jesus Walkers)
  • Elevate (we lift Christ up in all things)
  • Momentum (with Christ, we can do all things)
  • Crave (Jesus is our desire)
  • FourTwelve (in reference to 1 Timothy 4:12 – don’t let others look down on you for being young…)

Any thoughts?

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Crazy Times!

Youth group has been gearing up at "The Street!" We had an awesome time at the open gym on Friday. You all are ruthless dodgeball players! But, we are glad that you came and we hope you had a good time as well!

This week has been busy as well. Vacation Bible School is going on here. Middle Schoolers are invited to come and take part in activities. We do all the cool stuff (snacks, recreation, a short lesson) that normal VBSers do, but we add in our own cool stuff too - such as free time to play pool, foosball, or just hanging on on the huge love sacks. Anyway, if you haven't made it up yet this week, you should come! Tonight we are going to visit the Crisis Food Center to learn about how it works, as well as take the donations we've collected this week. So, remember to bring your permission slips!

High schoolers - don't feel left out! There are several of you who have come up to help with VBS and we are SO grateful! Basically - you guys rock. The younger kids think you are awesome, but especially so when you are teaching them fun games and giving them delicious snacks. So, keep up the good work!

That's all for now. Keep your eyes open for the Chimes Newsletter coming to you soon! We have a FULL youth page with information about upcoming events and whatnot! Be sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss out on the fun!

Be excellent to each other,

Pastor Nicole

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Upcoming Events

Watch out! Things are startin' to happen around "The Street!"

Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and....Dodge - This Friday we are having an open gym. Come and play lots of fun games from 6:30 - 9:00 (not 9:30 like the card said). From what I hear, there will be plenty of dodgeball going on, so stop on by! Bring a drink or a snack and we'll see you there!

Calling all movie fans! - On MONDAY, we will meet down in the youth room from 1:00-3:00 to watch a movie. Bring a bag of microwavable popcorn and your favorite movie and we'll pick one to watch!

Hope to see you at one of these events!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Well, I am sitting here in my office thinking about our plans for the fall. So far we have the following scheduled:

What: The Revolve Tour
Who: Youth Girls
When: Oct. 5-6
How Much: $45

I'm pretty excited about that, but we have a lot more to plan! So, here's the thing. There is no use in planning activities if no one is interested in them. Thus - I NEED YOUR HELP! Let me know what you guys want to do! Want to go on a fall retreat? Awesome. Play crazy and gross games? Cool. Do missions projects? Absolutely!

Share your ideas with me! You can comment on the blog. You can come in and visit with me in the office (I'm here every day, but Fridays). Catch me on a Sunday morning. E-mail me (jonicolecox@gmail.com). Anyway you want to do it is cool with me! But, lets get some plans going and lets make this youth group be YOUR youth group!

Saturday, June 30, 2007

A Learning Experience

Things I've learned since moving to Alton:

  • Illinois drivers are much better than Atlantan drivers
  • The tallest man in the world, Mr. Robert Wadlow, was indeed VERY tall - I sat in his chair
  • The Piasa bird is really interesting and a BIG deal around these parts
  • The River Road is gorgeous - gotta love those bluffs
  • It is very possible to get lost on the way from Alton to St. Louis
  • Main Street has a cappuccino machine...and that is awesome
  • There are way more historical things that happened in Alton than one would think
  • The area of Alton that I live in is called "Pietown"
  • Happily, we found a Jimmy Johns here...delicious
  • The Tropical Sno down the street from my house is just as fantastic as the ones I had when I was a kid
  • Encounter is great
  • I am fascinated to live in a river town
  • Miles Davis was born here - hello, that is awesome!
  • And Illinois rocks so much harder than Georgia

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Greetings!

Well, I have officially been working here for 5 days. And let me tell ya, its been a crazy-awesome 5 days! I've been learning all sorts of things about how the church functions, people involved here, what types of ministries we have, and even about you, the youth.

So far, things have been pretty rockin. I've got some fun things in the works - like the Revolve Tour in the fall for the girls, movie afternoons for everyone, and perhaps even a trip to play some laser tag (of which I am a BIG fan!). The more feedback I can hear from you, the better!

I made this blog with you in mind. This will be a place for you to check back to read about what we are going to be up to in the near future and funny stories from past youth events. There will even be a short devotional every now and again. I love to blog, so be sure to check back often!

Also, if anyone wants to come by the office any time, I'm there Monday - Thursday! I'll be glad to chat with you so we can get to know each other better! Until then, keep being awesome.

Your fearless leader,

Pastor Nicole