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.

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I got into the office, I happened to look over at my bulletin board and noticed that my September youth calendar is out of date.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!

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!

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?!

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!

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!

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!