New beginnings

School is starting and so is a new year of youth group. When starting anything new, it is always important to start the right way. In August the focus will be on celebrating the new beginning, and in getting to know each other. Then in September, we will be talking about prayer, which is very important for any good beginning. Join us as we explore this important topic.

Sunday August 22, 5-8pm: Youth group kick-off. All youth entering 6th-12th grade and their families are invited to attend this celebration of a the beginning of a new year of youth group. This will be at the picnic shelter (lower level as the rain location). Meat, drinks, and table service will be provided; families are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Sunday August 29, 5-7pm: This will be the first youth group of the year at regular time. After dinner, the focus will be on getting to know each other through a variety of games and team-building activities.

September 5, 5-7pm: There are many people in our lives, and one thing we do to show we care is pray for them. Join us in our discussions of how and why we pray for the people around us.

September 6, 8am-4pm: Labor Day fundraisers. We will have parking at the church as well as a Lemon Shake stand on the square. Last year we had challenges with getting enough people, so please sign up as soon as possible. Adult and youth help is greatly appreciated. All shifts are 2 hours, and parking is from 8-2 and the lemon shakes are from 10-4.

September 12, 5-7pm: We live in a society where we have a lot, and yet it seems like people around us always have more. Join us this week as we talk about how to differentiate between our wants and our needs in our prayer life.

September 19, 5-7pm: Have you ever wondered why some prayers get answered and others never seem to? Come to youth group this week as we discuss this important topic.

September 26, 12:15-7:00pm: Each year canoeing is a popular youth group trip. Join us this year. Youth should eat lunch before they come, or bring a lunch to eat on the way there. People who attended at least 3 of the above events can canoe for free. Others should bring $10. We will stop for ice cream in Mt. Vernon on the way back at no cost to youth. This is also the deadline to sign up for SonFest (more information below).

Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates…
October 2: Sonfest at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. This is a Christian music festival featuring bands like Fireflight, Hawk Nelson, and Thousand Foot Krutch. More information is available at www.mvnu.edu/sonfest. Tickets will be $15 per person, or $12 per person if we get a group of 10 or more. Money for food will also be required. See Katy if money is an issue. Deadline to sign up will be September 26.
October 24: Faith and Family night at the Columbus Crew. The Crew game will be followed by a Christian concert. More details to be determined.
November 5-6: District famine in Ashland. We will join with other youth in our district to raise money to fight hunger around the world.
January 14-16: Retreat at Oglebay
February 4-6: Super Bowl sub sale
February 27: Youth will lead worship at all 3 services.
A guys lock-in, a girl’s lock-in, and a whole group lock-in are also in the works. Dates to be determined.