Hayride and Retreat

Hoedown Hayride
That's right it's time for a little Hoedown Hayride this Saturday night.  I need to relay some details as well as enlist some help to make this a great night.  First off, let me communicate clearly that this is for your entire family.... all are welcome.  We will kick things off at 6:00pm out at 
Ken and Leigh Ann Smelser's place.  I realize the game will be wrapping up at that point so please know there will be a tailgate setup with a TV for those who want to watch.  Feel free to come on out a little early and watch the game there with us as we get ready for the night.  Smoked chicken will be provided, but I need your help in bringing the side items.  Click HERE if you would be willing to help fill this need.  Also, I'm in need of some portable flood lights.  If you have some illumination laying around, please let me know.  

Im asking the teens to come dressed the part (your interpretation of what that means) and you can feel free to do that as well.... no pressure though.  I feel very confident this is going to be a great night together. Come ready to eat some great food and have some big fun.  


Fall Retreat - October 24-26
We are headed to Mentone, AL to "His Wilderness Retreat".   You can register your teen HERE.  Cost will be $55 and is due by October 12.  Once registration is closed I will email specific details on the trip to those whose teens are participating.  If you have any questions about it at this point, please feel free to ask.  

E4, Worship and a Hayride

I hope everyone’s school year is trucking along just great.  I just wanted to touch base on a couple of things quickly.

Ephesians 4 Initiative
A while back I explained the direction we are attempting to go as a group in step with Ephesians 4:12-13, which in its simplest form is to serve as an avenue to grow in Christ.  There have been 28 teens who have indicated that they want to be a part of this, which is a pretty high percentage of our participating group.  For verbiage purposes this group is being called E4.  We have had two E4 meetings so far and I must say it is exciting to watch them take responsibility and ownership of different opportunities laid before them.  Please be in prayer that God awaken their desire to use the gifts he has given them to bring Him Glory.

The Living Room
Keeping in step with the above paragraph, the UY is overseeing the next “Living Room” this coming Sunday, September 28 at 6:00pm.  Responsibilities have been given and preparations are being made to put together an hour that we can get together and spend some time in Worship.  UY family community group will plan to attend this and I hope the rest of you will as well.  

Hoedown Hayride

Next Saturday, October 4, at 6:00pm all are invited to the Smelser’s place for some good food, fellowship, and of course… a Hayride.  I’ll send a bit more details next week but I hope you and your family will plan to be there.  

A note from Mark Sullivan

Dear Parents of teens:

I am looking forward to the new quarter starting this Sunday and the return of Small Groups.  If you did not participate in the Teen Small Group last year, or were not involved in another group, you really missed out on some fantastic time of fellowship, service and learning.  I would especially like to encourage you in two ways:

1)      If you have not already done so, please sign up to be a part of a small group. Sign-ups are still available in the office.  There is probably a group located close to your home.  Or if you prefer, you can sign up to be a part of the Teen Small Group, which is designed especially for parents of teens in our youth group.  As we did last year, our format for this group (which is led by Michael) includes alternating weeks of Study, Service and Fellowship.  Our adult group will typically meet on Sunday night while our teens are meeting separately, but we will fellowship and serve together.  I promise that if you engage in this group, you will not be disappointed.

2)      Please commit to coming to Sunday School Class starting this Sunday.  As you know, we will be starting our two worship service schedule this Sunday with first service beginning  at 8:45, Sunday School class at 10:00 and second service at 11:00. Our Bible study will also include perspectives from Gene Getz’s book, Building Up One Another .  This will be a great study that will focus on our call as Christians to encourage and serve one another.  It will also be a great time of togetherness as we have families who will be attending different worship services.  The adults in the Teen Small Group will meet in classroom 214 on Sunday morning.  Hope to see you there.

Mark Sullivan