Mission, Mission, Beach

Nicaragua Interest Meeting - Wednesday, December 16 - 5:30pm

This upcoming summer we are planning to take a group to Nicaragua.  This will be for those in High School and any parents that might be interested.  Just to get the ball rolling and see who all might be interested we are going to get together next Wednesday to talk about some very preliminary things.  If you or your teen has any interest at all in participating in this, next Wednesday would be a good start.  You aren't committing to anything by showing up.  This is designed to help you make a decision on whether this is the right opportunity for your family.  

Sneedville Trip - December 18-20

We are going to be taking a small group to Sneedville next weekend to visit with the families we have connected with in the past.  This is a last minute, quick trip but there have been some who went last time that have been wanting to return… so we are going to do so.  We will be leaving on Friday at 4:00pm and returning Sunday by noon.  The cost for the trip will be $50 which will cover lodging and gas.  

Gulf Coast Getaway - January 15-18th - $95

The College group is once again inviting any Juniors and Seniors to join them to go to Gulf Coast Getaway.  The cost is $95 which covers registration, lodging, and food for the weekend.  Deadline to sign up will be December 27th.

Stay home and Gift wrapping

Not Meeting

This Wednesday, November 25, the UY will not be meeting… enjoy your thanksgiving with your families.

UY Christmas Party - Sunday, December 6 - 5:00pm

The UY will be gathering at the building for this year’s Christmas party.  There are a couple of things I need to inform you on in order for your teen to be prepared to have a jolly ole time.

1. We are having an ugly Christmas sweater contest, so they should suit up with an ugly Christmas themed sweater with no shame.
2. Keeping with what we have done every year, we are asking every UY participant to create their very own homemade ornament.  It will be judged on creativity and overall awesomeness and the winner shall receive a stellar prize.  It will be hung on the tree with years past ornaments.
3. We are going to do a dirty santa exchange again but the gift should be something that they already have and are willing to part ways with… no purchasing anything, just something around the house that others would potentially like to have.

Small Group this week.

This only applies to those in our small group but I thought I would just go ahead and include it so I don't have to bog you down with another email.  This Sunday, November 29, we will be meeting at 6:00pm in the teen room.

Labor, Gather, Spotlight and Ornaments

UY Room Work Day - This Saturday 9:00am

Let me first say that I am fully aware that the length of time the room renovation has taken is completely ridiculous and I apologize for that.  On the bright side, one of the main construction points that has been holding it up finally came together this past week and we are progressing rather nicely. The end is in sight and I need a little help to push it further in that direction. So, any help available Saturday morning would be greatly appreciated.  FYI, paint will be involved so dress accordingly.  

Hang night - This Saturday Nov. 14 - 6:00pm-9:00pm - Building

The teens will be gathering to hang out for a bit Saturday.  If they could bring $3 to help cover food, that would be fantastic.  

Performance Night - This Sunday, Nov. 15 - 6:00pm - CVA

I dropped this out there a while back as a future date but it may have gotten kicked under the rug.  This Sunday evening we are going to spend some good ole fun time together as families.  Several of your teens have agreed to take part in performing for you guys.  We will begin at 6:00pm in the CVA and have a meal together (food provided).  The idea is to allow those who may have the ability to perform in some manner (Sing, Play an instrument, Comedy, Dance, etc) to have a chance to do just that.  I have a feeling this may be rather entertaining so I hope you can join us.

Christmas Party - December 6 - UY Room

For those of you who keep up with dates, you will see that the date has changed.  For those of you who don’t, you can pretend it has been December 6th all along.  More details will be given as we get closer.  

Opportunity, Barn and Dates

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer is the mom of Coty Johnson (a 7th grader in our group) and as most of you may have heard, is battling another round of cancer… this time in her stomach.  She is currently in Birmingham receiving chemo for the next several weeks.  Overall they are not in a stable financial situation so we wanted to pitch in to help in some small way.  Last night Gina Jackson began receiving donations to help go toward food, gas and anything else they may be in need of.  If you didn't have the opportunity last night you can give Gina your donation through this Sunday.  Please be praying for Jennifer, Tom and Coty as I know they are in need of the peace and comfort that can only come from God.  

HOEDOWN - Sun., Oct. 18th - Ken and Leigh Ann Smelser’s - 4:30pm

It is indeed time for our annual hoedown and I for one am excited about it.  Live music, square dancing and great food means it’s time for you to get excited as well.   As indicated above, we will be at the beautiful home of Ken and Leigh Ann Smelser for this little shindig.  

Their Address is:

6444 Sanders Ferry Rd.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

I am in need of some help to pull this thing off successfully.  So, if you would be willing to help in some way you can click HERE and indicate in what areas.  Thanks so much and I look forward to Hoedowning with you all.  

Dates Looking Ahead

November 14 - Hang night

November 15 - Performance Night

December 12 - Christmas Party

Quick Reminder and a Request

Fall Retreat - October 2-4 - Mentone, AL

This Sunday (September 20) is the deadline to register for this year's fall retreat.  You can do so HERE.  The cost is $55.  I also want to ask you guys to begin praying for this weekend we will have together.  Retreats are such a vital part in our group growing together.  It's a chance to get away and devote an entire weekend to drawing in to God's Spirit.  Pray for God to use this time we have together to impact His kingdom by transforming our hearts to line up with His.  

HELP!?

There are several students who want to be able to go on the retreat but have conflicting commitments on the Friday evening we leave.  I was hoping that someone would be willing to take one for the UY team and drive them up late Friday night so they could be a part of the weekend.  You are more then welcome to stay the weekend with us or return home whenever you desire.  Depending on how many kids will be wanting to come late, the small bus is available for use.  If you have a larger vehicle that will hold them, we will reimburse you for the gas.  There are no guarantees but Im pretty sure this single act of service will grant you a full size Jacuzzi in your mansion in Heaven.  If you would be willing, please let me know.  Thanks

Wednesday, Sign-Up's

This Wednesday Night - September 9

We are going to be doing a little something different this Wednesday night and will be partaking in a movie outing.  For those families who are interested, we will be gathering at Cobb Theater for the 6:50 showing of "War Room".  If you aren't familiar with the movie, here is the TRAILER.  I know some people my have other class responsibilities so in any case where your teen wants to go but you can't or if someone just needs a ride, Ill be driving the bus, leaving from the building at 6:20pm.  We should be back at the building by 9:10pm.

UY Small Group Sign-up HERE

Fall Retreat - October 2-4 - Sing up HERE

Tubes, groups and sign-ups

This Weekend

I know there may be some going out of town for labor day weekend but for those teens hanging around we are going to be doing a couple of different things.  

-Tubing the Cahaba River - This Saturday, September 5th

We are going to be heading to Brent, AL, about 30 minutes away, to tube the Cahaba river.  We will be leaving from the building at 10:30am.  The cost will be $20 and they will need to bring a sack lunch with them.  Pick-up from the building will be at 4:30pm.

-Hang night - This Sunday, September 6th 

We will be gathering at the building at 6:00pm to hang out.  They can eat before they come or bring their dinner with them.  We will wrap things up at 9:00pm

Small Groups

I try to keep communication between those in the UY small group and those who aren't separate. Since there is no official sign-up this year, I need to know who plans to join the UY small group so I can communicate appropriately.  So, if your family is intending to be a part of it, I need you to click HERE and enter your family’s name in the space provided.  Also, we will not be meeting as a small group this upcoming Sunday but will begin our regular gatherings on September 13.

Fall Retreat Sign-up

Registration for our Fall Retreat, October 2-4, is now open.  Click HERE to register your teen(s) to be a part of it.  Cost is $55 and deadline to sign up/pay will be September 20th.