No Journey or Sunday School tomorrow!

Hey group,

Because of the nuttiness of the roads and refreezing snow, there will not be early service, Sunday school, or Journey tomorrow. We will only have the 10:45am service. I hope you had a great Christmas and I'll see you on the 3rd. Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas and Verse for the week!

I hope everyone enjoys the snow and has a great Christmas!!!

The verse for the week is Hebrews 11:1

No Journey & Scripture Challenge

Ok Guys,

Here's a few things for the break...

First off, there will be no Journey this Sunday the 20th.

We will have it on the 27th.

Our Scripture Challenge verse for this Sunday is Luke 6:31,

the "Golden Rule". It's short, but powerful.

Lastly, put on your calendars the 2010 Disciple Now, it will

be January 29th - 31st. It's going to be the big

Kickoff of Journey 2.0 and you don't want to miss it!!

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!!!!

It's Your Choice for your verse this Week!

Hey group, it's your choice on your verse for the Scripture challenge this week so find one that works for you and lifts you up! Also, don't forget to bring your $5.00 to the Christmas party tonight for the toys for the Shidler Kids!!

Scripture Memory Verse for the Week & Christmas Party!

We are doing John 10:10 for Sunday, it's a good one. Don't forget we will also be having our laid back youth Christmas Party next Wednesday the 9th at 5:45pm in the youth room. Everyone will be bringing $5.00 or more so we can buy toys for the Shidler Christmas Party! Have a great rest of your week!!

Memory Verse Stuff

In the craziness of Journey Sunday night, I don't know how many of you were able to quote your Jer. 29:11 verse so be ready with that one as well as the new one for this week... 1 Cor. 10:13! I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!

The Revolve Tour for Girls

Hey girls, don't miss out on one of the coolest events of the year!!

It's the Revolve Tour and it's coming to Norman Dec. 11th - 12th.

We are taking a group of girls and it's going to be awesome. Sign

up in the youth room and reserve your spot now. We only have 20

spots available! The cost is $55.00 and there are full and partial

scholarships available. Check out their website for more awesome

details at www.revolvetour.com

Funny Video and Several Things to Note!!

Several things to remember for this week...

1) We will be baking cakes, pies, brownies, and cupcakes at 5:45pm on Wednesday for the Faithworks Thanksgiving dinner this Saturday for the Shidler kids. You can also bring one of those things if you don't want to bake by noon on Friday.

2) Also, we will be taking up a Christmas offering on Sunday for our Compassion kid Sarai for her Christmas present for this year so bring a few bucks if you want to help out!

3) The big thing to remember for next Sunday is the schedule Change! We will be starting Journey right at 5:00pm and going until 6:00pm because we have the church Thanksgiving dinner at 6pm so we'll all hang out afterwards and pig out.

-- During Journey we will have Tim Ulrich here from the Refuge talking about possible plans for our Spring Break 2010 mission project so you don't want to miss that!!

4) Lastly, for all our girls we are going to be going to the Revolve Tour December 11th - 12th in Norman!! We will be watching the promo video Sunday night and filling you in!

And check out this video...

It's time to BAKE!

Ok group, we are going to bake!! Our group decided to bring and bake cupcakes, brownies, pies, and cakes for the Faithworks Thanksgiving dinner for the Shidler kids! You can bring something or you can join us next Wednesday the 18th at 5:30 in the big kitchen at the church to bake whatever item you want too! It should be quite an adventure!!

Possible Youth Teams for Journey 2.0

Hey group, Here is a list of some of the potential ideas for teams for everyone to participate in as we gear up for Journey 2.0. I hope you will be thinking and brainstorming about how God can use you and how you can be apart of our awesome ministry. Here's the list and be sure to think of things that haven't been tought of yet...

1. Annoucement team (creatively does the weekly announcements)

2. Text Team (txt's people encouraging words throughout the week!)

3. Video Team (does all kinds of videos for the youth group)

4. Plant/Global Team (keeps us up to date on things going on in the world as well as promotes our compassion kid)

5. Movie clip team (finds awesome movie clips to use in our teaching, etc.)

6. Offering Team (promotes stewardship and takes up our youth offering)

7. Band/Worship Team (plans the creative ways we worship during Journey)

8. Art Team (works with the worship team to come up with ways art can be used in our worship and events

9. Outreach Team (helps call, email, txt, etc people who have visited or haven't been here in awhile)

10. Hang out team (plans and coordinates times the youth group can be together outside regular Journey time)

11. Food team (help plan and prepare the various meals we do for all our activities and events)

12. Game Team (helps plan what fun games and things we do during Journey and events)

13. Facebook/Blog team (keeps our youth group informed and connected using facebook and our youth website blog)

14. Web chat team (puts together great discussion ideas for each week and monitors the chit chat that happens)

15. Sports team (helps organize fun sports times for the group)

16. Prayer team (keeps everyone informed and connected as to the different prayer needs of our group)

17. Picture team (takes lots of pics and puts them on the website and does slideshows, etc.)

18. Clean-up team (helps keep the youth room looking good after events and Journey)

19. Drama team (does skits and acting that relate to our teaching or other events)

OK, so there's a lot to choose from and discuss. Can you see yourself in one of these teams or what is God wanting you to add to this list? Be thinking about it!!!

Cayden Has Arrived

Well, the big man as arrived!! He came in at 8 lbs., 20 inches, and as cute as a button. A huge thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Amber and Cayden are doing great and we can't wait to show off the little booger as soon as we can. I've put more pics on Facebook if you want to check them out!

A Few Things!!

First things first, don't forget to memorize your verse for this week. It's 1 John 3:1 and it totally rocks!! Second, we will be going down and helping lead the Worship time at Faithworks Community Center for all the awesome Shidler kids this Wednesday the 28th! We will leave the church no later than 5:00pm and be home around 7:30pm or so. I hope everyone has a great week!!

Middle School Lock-in

Middle School Lock-in!

Don't miss out on this awesome time for
middle school students. We are going
to have a lock-in next Thursday the 15th
to the 16th of Fall Break. It will be free
to you and we want you to invite all your
6th - 8th grade friends. We will stay up
all night, eat lots of junk food. and play until
we are dead. Bring whatever comfy clothes
you like and a sleeping bag if you want to.
There will be a sign up in the youth room
but it isn't a requirement to go and any
student in the 6th - 8th grade can come!!
Can't wait to have a blast with you guys!!

Our Homecoming Queen!!

Just wanted to brag on our PCO Homecoming Queen!! The wonderful, the talented, the totally amazing miss Paige Dodson!! It was a great night and she is an amazing young lady!

Also, don't forget our verse for this Sunday Mark 12:30-31. It's the 613 Jewish laws all summed up in two commands!!

Shidler Worship time at FaithWorks Tomorrow!

Hey students,
We are going down to Faithworks tomorrow
to lead worship and hang out with the
awesome Shidler kids! We will meet
at the church at 4:45pm and leave
from the church and should be home around 7:30! I hope you can come and have a blast with us as we hang out with these amazing students!

The Scripture Challenge is On!!

Our Scripture Challenge is in full swing and we're starting off with Psalm 119:11. So take the challenge to know God's word and hide it in your heart!!! I hope you have a great week because you are awesome and loved by an amazing God!!!

Off and Running!!

Hey Group,

We are in full swing with the school year after an awesome and indescribable summer. I hope things are going well and I'm looking forward to a great semester. We will start signing up for our BIG school year long scripture challenge this Sunday so come ready to get after it. You guys are amazing and I'm so thankful to work with such awesome students and fantastic adults!!!

YEC This Weekend!!

Hey Group,
YEC is this weekend so we are flying by the seat of our pants to get this all lined up. If you want to go, I need to know ASAP. If you have adults or parents that can go and help out and drive, that would be amazing! Cost is $20 and scholarships are available. It's going to be amazing so please call, email, or text me and let me know if you are going. I've got the details and they will be posted on the calendar page as soon as we nail them down!!

White Water Bay for Middle School!!

We will leave the church at 10:30am. We will be at WhiteWater from 11:00am to 4:00pm and load up and be home by 5:00pm. It will cost $15.00 per person but come even if you can't pay now. You will need to bring a lunch or money to eat lunch at the park. Sign up in the youth room or let Scot know and he'll put you on the list. Be sure to invite your friends as well!!

Summer is Here!!

Hello summer lovers!!I wanted to remind you of a couple of quick things. First off, we will finish our Crazy Love study this Sunday night during Journey so definately be sure to be here for that. We will also have our Falls Creek Meeting right after Journey in the Sanctuary at 7pm so be here and bring your parents! There are still a few spots left for camp if you want to go so let me know asap and we'll get you nailed down.Finally, we'd love for you to help out with Vacation Bible School June 15th - 18th. Eula could really use your awesome help so be sure to let her know if you can help out. Thanks and be sure to check out the youth website for all the summer Journey locations. That will start June 7th at the Youtsey's and it's going to be amazing!!

END OF SCHOOL PARTY!

Don't miss out on the end of school year party tomorrow at PCBC from 7 to 11pm. There will be awesome food, music, friends, and fun so come celebrate the arrival of summer!!

Lesson for 5/17/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Acts 15:1–21
Supporting Passages: Amos 9:11–12; Acts 14:27; Romans 10:12; Galatians 2:11–12
Memory Verse: Acts 15:15
Biblical Truth: Scriptural wisdom should be used to settle disputes.
Context: James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, was a strong advocate of the close relationship between faith and action. In this first of several lessons about the connection of faith and action, James uses Scripture to support the truth that salvation is by faith alone. This faith is not relegated to one particular group of people. All who believe, whether Jews or Gentiles, can be consecrated for God’s purposes by believing in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that a consecrated life means drawing people together to do the right thing.
Students will apply the example of James to their lives by determining how to handle conflict.

Lesson for 5/3/09

Sorry, I had to throw in a daddy's favorite moment!!!

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Colossians 3:5–11
Supporting Passages: Ephesians 4:22–24; 5:3
Memory Verse: Colossians 3:5
Biblical Truth: When we are in Christ, we have the ability to put off the sins of the old life.
Context: Total transformation means that if we “walk in a manner worthy of the calling (we) have received” (Eph. 4:1), we cannot continue in the life we have known and its nature. Rather, total transformation means that we put to death the old life and put on the new, thus doing away with our former sinful habits.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand they are commanded to take off the habits of the old self and put on the habits of the new self.
Students will practice the skill of testing personal habits to determine which are of the old self and which express the new self.

Charlie Hall/Phil Wickham Concert next Wednesday

Hey group,I forgot to mention in my emails yesterday that we will be going to see Charlie Hall and Phil Wickham next Wednesday after our time down at Shidler. If you go with us to help out at Shidler I'll pay your way to go to the concert. We will probably get there about 15 min late, but will still have a great time. The concert is at FBC Bethany and it's $15 at the door. The doors open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7pm. I hope you can come and help out downtown and then join us for the concert, it should be an awesome time of worship and fun!!

Lesson for 4/19/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Ephesians 2:8–10
Supporting Passages: Romans 3:27; 4:5; 11:6; 2 Timothy 1:9
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8–9
Biblical Truth: Our salvation is by faith in God’s grace alone.
Context: The Apostle Paul wanted the Ephesian Christians to understand that salvation is given to all who put their faith in Christ. In this important passage dealing with transformation, Paul explained how Christians are saved and the role that works have in the Christian life. Doing good works is the evidence of being a Christian, not the requirement for becoming one.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand they cannot do anything to earn salvation.
Students will apply their understanding of grace and faith by living as God’s workmanship.

Lesson for 4/5/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Philemon 8–21
Supporting Passages: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:22; 4:7–9
Memory Verse: Philemon 7
Biblical Truth: When we accept Christ, our life is forever transformed.
Context: God can take an empty existence and give it meaning, transforming it into a life used for His purposes. This is the heart of Paul’s message to Philemon. In this short letter, Paul requests that the wealthy Christian accept a returning runaway slave as a dear brother in Christ. As the next lesson in a series about being transformed by Christ to be more like Christ, the story of Onesimus and Philemon provides a vivid picture of the power of Christ to transform relationships.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that when God transforms lives He gives people new meaning and purpose.
Students will begin to value being transformed by the power of God.

Spring Project!!

We will be raising money in the month of April for "Proclaimers" from the ministry Faith Comes By Hearing. The Proclaimer is a digital player dedicated to playing God's Word in the local heart language of a given people group. Our goal is to raise enough money to buy 20 proclaimers for the Taussig family to take to Africa this summer on their mission trip. Each proclaimer costs $100 so our goal will be to raise $2000. We will end our fundraising efforts with a day of service and proclamation downtown. We will go and serve the kids of Shidler at our regular Sat. Bible Club and then go over to the Refuge to work and share the word of god outloud, over a load speaker for 4 to 5 hours straight. Each student and adult who comes will take a certain block of time to read and we will start reading in Matthew and read as far as we can until about 5:00pm. We will then end our time with a celebration of food and worship at the Refuge. If you want to participate, you can get materials from Scott at the church or simply start asking people to help you buy the proclaimers and have them give you cash or a check made out to NCCC.

No Chill Time Tonight!! YS One Day Rescheduled

Major FYI, Chill Time is being canelled tonight because of the weather. It's supposed to get really nasty and we don't want people getting out. Sorry!!

YS One Day is being Rescheduled for Sunday, April 19th from 1:45 to 7:30pm. For those in leadership that can, we are going to meet at my house tomorrow (Sat.) at 11:00am to discuss some big things coming up!!

Stuff This Week!!

Yes, I know I'm sexy!! Anyway, here's the stuff going on this week so don't miss out. We have 5th Block Wednesday until about 5pm and then we'll be going down to do a worship service with the Shidler kids so come and enjoy an awesome time with these kids. We have Chill Time Friday from 7 to 10pm at my house for all the amazing middle school students and then we have our YS One Day Leadership Training on Saturday. All the details of things is on the calendar page so be sure to check it out and get plugged in!!

Lesson for 3/29/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Galatians 2:15–21
Supporting Passages: Romans 1:17; 6:11; 8:10; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 5:24
Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20
Biblical Truth: We exchange our spiritual death for eternal life through faith in Christ.
Context: We have already looked at how a relationship with Christ transforms our minds and relationships. Now we look at the importance of a transformed identity. To be crucified with Christ means two things. First, it means we have new spiritual life in the same way Christ does—victoriously, eternally, and securely. Second, since we came to Christ by His invitation and not our works, we rely on His power to live this new life. This is what it means to identify with Christ, and it only comes when our old sinful identity is shed in favor of becoming like Him.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that keeping rules is not enough for a consecrated life.
Students will apply their understanding by identifying the difference between living in Christ and living according to rules.

Mission Project was Awesome!

The Mission Project down at the Refuge we amazing. We got to work hard and really do some cool things to clean up and help out. It was great hanging out with the missionaries and just seeing all the cool things God is doing down there. Thanks for allowing God to use you to be a light in dark places!!

Lesson for 3/22/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Romans 14:5–12
Supporting Passages: 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:5
Memory Verse: Romans 14:13
Biblical Truth: A life consecrated to God is an unselfish life.
Context: Paul’s letter to the Romans centers on moving God’s people from a state of self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This major transformation is essential to the Christian life. A selfless attitude that puts others first should stop us from scrutinizing the faults and imperfections of others. Rather than judging others, we are to help one another be accountable to God.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that God desires unity among believers.
Students will apply their understanding by addressing issues that hinder unity.

Spring Break Stuff

Hey Group, Spring Break is right around the corner and we have some awesome stuff going on. Be sure to check out the calendar for all the details on our awesome worship time and mission project at the Refuge on Friday, Sunday and Monday. We will also be watching the "Dark Knight" on Tuesday and going Roller Skating on Wednesday so don't miss out and be sure to invite your friends!!

Lesson for 3/15/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Romans 12:1–2
Supporting Passages: Matthew 11:29–30
Memory Verse: Romans 12:2
Biblical Truth: The lifestyle of followers of Jesus Christ is characterized by transformation.
Context: Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul calls for a changed life among God’s people. He reminds readers that we have been justified by Christ’s death and raised to new life by His Resurrection. Therefore, when we present our bodies as living sacrifices to God, the result is a wondrously transformed life. This change involves the mind as well as the spirit and shapes our thinking, values, and motives.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that consecration involves new ways of thinking.
Students will apply their understanding by determining what kind of thinking is pleasing to God.

Lesson for 3/1/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Romans 5:1–11
Supporting Passages: Ephesians 2:14; 1 Peter 3:18
Memory Verse: Romans 5:8
Biblical Truth: God provided justification of our sins through Christ.
Context: Paul, the missionary/theologian, had encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Now, firmly engaged in his calling as a missionary among the nations, Paul addressed the Jewish Christians in Rome. He explained to them the impact of sin and the justification from sin made possible through the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Paul spoke not only from his head knowledge concerning God, but also from his heart knowledge and experience. He had been justified and transformed by Christ’s power.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that being justified through Christ means that they have peace with God.
Students will apply their understanding of justification by determining ways to deepen their walk with God through Christ.

WinterJam Tomorrow!

It's almost here, the huge WinterJam Spectacular!! We will meet at the church at 5pm and load up in our awesome limos and head to the Ford Center! If you want, you can bring extra money for T-shirts, CD's, food, etc. so come prepared. We will be home around 11pm but that's not going to be exact. It's going to rock and I can't wait!!!

Lesson for 2/22/09 (Sorry it's late!)

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Acts 22:3-21
Supporting Passages: Acts 9:1-22; 1 Timothy 1:13-14
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:20–21
Biblical Truth: Paul’s life was completely changed when he met Christ.
Context: This passage forms a case study introducing a series of lessons on Paul’s teachings of the consecrated life. It is Paul’s account of his own life and the transformation that occurred when he met Jesus. Paul described the two completely contrasting lives he lived. One was his attempt to consecrate himself through the law; the other was the consecrated life Paul experienced through Christ.
Learning Goals
Students will understand that God holds the power of transforming lives from evil to good.
Students will practice the skill of sharing their stories of how God has transformed their lives.

Lesson for 2/15/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Matthew 7:24–27
Supporting Passages: James 1:22–25
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:11
Biblical Truth: Christ is the strong foundation for our lives.
Context: This lesson ends our study of the Kingdom principles from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus closed His message with an illustration about two houses. Each house had a different foundational structure. Jesus provided this illustration as both a reprimand and a warning to put into practice the teachings He outlined concerning the Kingdom of God.
Learning Goals
Students will understand that a life built on God will withstand coming storms.
Students will apply this by identifying areas of their lives that are not based on Christ.

Lesson for 2/8/09

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Matthew 6:1–4
Supporting Passages: Romans 12:3–8
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:1Biblical Truth: God knows the true motivations of those who serve.
Context: This is the fifth lesson from the Sermon on the Mount, and it focuses on Jesus’ teaching that our motivation is an important part of service to others. As with many of His other teachings, the idea of secret giving was countercultural in Jesus’ day. Followers of Christ incorporate these two radical Kingdom principles in their lives: they choose to serve others, and they choose to seek God’s rewards instead of people’s praise.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that godly service is done with the motive of pleasing God rather than receiving praise.
Students will apply their understanding of godly service by evaluating their own motives for doing good deeds.

Super Bowl Party was Awesome!!

What as awesome Super Bowl/Souper Bowl Party we had. We had about 48 people and raised more than $300 for Church World Service. You guys are amazing and I hope you had a blast!!

Super Bowl Journey!!

We will watch the Super Bowl, hang out, eat, goof off, have a bible Study at half time, and most importantly will take up an offering for Church World Service to help pay for blankets and other things people need around the world. Bring your favorite drink or snack, a good friend, a few bucks for those in need, and come enjoy the festivities. Hope to see you then!!

Sunday's Awesome Lesson!!

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: Matthew 5:43–48Supporting Passage: Luke 10:25–37Memory Verse: Matthew 5:44Biblical Truth: Jesus is our example of how to truly love others.Context: In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He used a series of teachings that began with “You have heard that it was said . . . but I say . . . ” This study is the fourth of six lessons highlighting the Kingdom practices Jesus taught in the Sermon. Most of these practices or principles are exactly the opposite of the world’s expectations. We have seen that the most downcast are actually blessed, that strength is displayed by returning good for evil, and that God’s love is expressed by sacrificial service to others. In this lesson, Jesus calls us not only to love our enemies but also to pray for them.

Learning Goals:
Students will understand the need to love others as God loves us.
Students will apply their understanding by determining ways to show kindness to enemies.

Sunday's Lesson!!

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passages: Matthew 5:41–42Supporting Passages: Matthew 22:36–39; Galatians 5:13–14Memory Verse: Matthew 5:41Biblical Truth: God calls us to actively serve others without complaint.Context: In the Kingdom teachings, Jesus challenged His followers to do what didn’t come naturally. Lesson 21 focused on Kingdom values in the Beatitudes and taught that blessings come to those who are most in need of God’s grace. Lesson 22 challenged Jesus’ followers to return kindness for evil and to demonstrate God’s love by praying for their enemies. This lesson explores the role of generosity in serving others. The Kingdom principle is to serve others without complaint and beyond what is expected. As we allow the Holy Spirit to use us in service, we reflect God’s love for all people.

Learning Goals:
Students will understand that living a consecrated life means doing more than is required.
Students will apply “going the extra mile” to life situations in which certain things are required of them.

Sunday's Lesson!!

Here's the Sunday School Lesson for the 18th. Be sure to read up and be ready for awesome discussion!!

Lesson Overview
Biblical Passages: Matthew 5:38–39Supporting Passages: Leviticus 19:18; 24:19–21; 1 Corinthians 6:7Memory Verse: Matthew 5:39Biblical Truth: God calls us to be different than the world.Context: In the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1–10), Jesus set the stage for the Kingdom Principles that would follow. He began by revealing that the Kingdom of God is based on entirely different principles than those of the world. This lesson’s Biblical Passage, Matthew 5:38–39, is often misinterpreted and misapplied. Jesus did not call Christians to be doormats. However, He did call Christians to be different. In Jesus’ day, the Jews considered a slap in the face a gross insult. It was among the most demeaning acts one person could inflict on another. Jesus told His listeners not to repay an insult with another insult. This is not the natural response; it is the supernatural response that represents the work of God’s Spirit in the new hearts of believers.
Learning Goals:
Students will understand that living the consecrated life means refusing to retaliate.
Students will apply Jesus’ Kingdom principle of turning the other cheek to adverse circumstances in their own lives.

It's 2009, Let's Rock!!

Hey, it's 2009, we've had Real Weekend, we're back to school, and it's time to Rock. I've got the calendar updated with all the things happening for the next couple of months so be sure to check it out at stay current on what's happening. I hope everyone had a great New Years and Christmas Break and are looking forward to a great 2009.