Big Event Weekend for Parents AND Youth

This coming weekend, on Sunday, August 21st, we have great opportunities for both YOU and your youth.

First, FBCJC will begin hosting a "growth group" for parents of all ages. "Parenting with Purpose" will be a time of encouragement, inspiration, and imagination as we parents seek to live more faithfully into our roles as leaders and spiritual guides for our children. Whether you are a new parent or have teenagers on their way out, you will enjoy this. We will meet on Sundays from 5:30pm-6:30pm from August 21 to October 9 and we will be discussing the book 99 Ways to Raise Spiritually Healthy Children, a very practical and encouraging guide to parenting in faith. The cost will be $15 per parent/couple and free childcare will be provided. We will meet in Room 214.

Second, your teen may be interested to know that our Celebration Singers Youth Choir resumes rehearsals this Sunday, August 21st, at 5:30pm in the Choir Room. Led by Music Minister Kim Bowen, Youth Choir continues to provide a great opportunity for our teens to lead in worship and grow in their faith together, and Kim has a few big surprises up his sleeve this year to entice the youth even more!

We hope to see both you AND your youth this Sunday night!

The Family That Eats Together . . .

While it may be common wisdom that shared meals between family members are a good thing, it's certainly not common practice, especially if you have teenagers in the home. If you've wrestled (and/or are currently wrestling) with this difficult scheduling of priorities, take a few seconds to read this column on recent research related to the very practical benefits for teenagers who eat regularly with their families.

And then discuss it over a family meal.

While We're Gone . . .

As many of you know, 17 of our teenagers and 6 adults will be heading off this Sunday (July 17th) for PASSPORTChoices Youth Camp in Wingate, NC for a week of mission, discipleship, and celebration. Since most of us will be out town, we will not be having Xchange on Wednesday, July 20th, but will resume on July 27th.

Also, please pray for all of us during this exciting and inspiring week. May God continue to build a magnificent kingdom through the lives of those participating in camp this week!

Youth Ministry That's Not for Youth

In a recent conversation with a member of our congregation, I heard a statement that I think echoes the sentiment of many: "Being an old person, I haven't had any reason to be around you all."

As a relatively young form of specialized ministry, it's not uncommon to have many misconceptions and misperceptions floating around any given congregation about what exactly "youth ministry" is all about. One of the most pervasive, and I believe most destructive, of these beliefs is that "youth ministry" is for "young people." There are many reasons for this, both complex and fascinating, but I won't go into that here (however, come by my office and let me pour you a cup of coffee with some good conversation on the matter!). Instead, I want to offer a brief look at why "youth ministry" is about everybody, ESPECIALLY those who are older.

Youth Ministry needs the involvement and participation of "older" people because . . .
. . . young people can't mentor themselves;
. . . young people need living, breathing models of faith in their life;
. . . young people need the wisdom of those who have experienced much more life (and death);
. . . young people need the assurance of elders that mistakes are okay, risks are worth taking, and grace is abundant for those who fall;
. . . young people need a history to ground their identity;
. . . young people need tradition to ground their faith;
. . . young people need a compass to direct their energy and passion;
. . . older people need the fresh expressions of faith that each new generation provides;
. . . older people need the opportunity to pass on their faith;
. . . older people need to know that their experiences and what they have learned will not be in vain;
. . . the Church needs to reflect the fullness of God's "family";
. . . the Church needs the energy that is generated by diversity and difference of opinion and approach;
. . . the Church needs to know that at both ends of life, there will always be someone to take care of you.

I look forward to seeing you at our next "youth" event!

Book Study, Fireworks, and Hiking - OH MY!!!

We have many opportunities for growth and fellowship coming up quickly, and here's your one-stop guide to all the information you need to know:
1) Our ongoing discussion of Scot McKnight's book The Jesus Creed for Students will continue this Sunday evening, July 3rd, at 7pm at the Bulls' house. Contact Dave if you need directions.
2) On the 4th of July, we'll be gathering (that means EVERYONE - youth, family, friends, pet gerbils, etc.) at the Lowes' house for fireworks, games, and food. We'll celebrate together from 8:30-11pm. If you would like directions to the Lowes', contact Paula Lowe or the church office. Rides will be available from the church at 8pm.
3) After 34 of us had a great time on the Virginia Creeper Trail, we decided to go on a HIKE this coming Wednesday, July 6th. We'll leave from the church at 9am, head to Hen Wallow Falls in Cosby, and enjoy a cookout at the campground before returning to the church around 3pm. ALL are invited! Don't forget to wear good walking shoes, and a water bottle and snacks wouldn't hurt, either! For more information, contact Dave.

AO Work Week Schedule

It's that time of the year again! During our annual Work Week with Appalachian Outreach, it can be a challenge to keep all the times and activities straight, so here is your handy-dandy guide to the week!

Daily Schedule Monday-Thursday (June 20-23)

Breakfast - 7am

Worksite - 7:30am-4:30pm

Dinner - 5:30pm

*Breakfast and dinner served at FBCJC Fellowship Hall; lunch is provided on the worksite for all volunteers

Special Events

Monday - Trip to Sonic (bring your own money) - 7pm

Tuesday - Movie Night - 7pm

Wednesday - Wet Games - 6:30pm

Thursday - Cookout - 5:30pm

For more information, contact Dave. For directions to the worksite, stop by the FBCJC office.

Passport Camper/Parent Meeting

This Wednesday evening, June 15th, we will have a MANDATORY meeting for teens who will be attending Passport Youth Camp this summer, as well as their parents/guardians. The meeting will be at 8pm in Rm. 214 (youth room), and we will go over camp information, including our itinerary, what to pack, expectations, medical forms, etc. A notary will be on hand to authorize medical forms, so make sure to bring a driver's license!

For more information on this meeting, or if you will be unable to attend, contact Dave at cndavemcneely@aol.com or 865.475.3826.

For more information on Passport Camps, visit http://www.passportcamps.org/. For more info on the specific camp we will be attending, check out the link to the Passport Choices camp at Wingate, NC.