Exciting Plans on the Horizon

Thank you all so much for coming to Youth and letting your voice be heard! We have a lot of ideas for our youth group and now it is time to make it happen. Don't miss a meeting, we will be doing lots of fun stuff and having great bible studies and devotions to help us learn more about God and grow strong in our faith.

Meetings will be Wednesday nights from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. We will have a bible study from 40 Instant Studies True to Life. Stories that challenge teens to engage culture. And we will also have a special study this summer on Wednesday nights, same time for 10th, 11th and 12th graders called Staying Christian in College. You don't want to miss it either!

Sundays we will meet from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and have a devotion from Stripped Clean, Down to nothing but the cross and then will have a fun activity. Below are some pictures of us relaxing after a long night of planning. See you Sunday at 6pm!

Youth Summer Planning Meeting

Youth Summer Planning Meeting

All Youth and your friends are invited to a Youth Summer Planning Meeting
Wednesday, May 26th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
in the Youth Room at
Farmington United Methodist Church
Pizza Provided!!!

Bring ideas for what you want the Youth to do in the following areas this summer. Also, bring friends who are interested in joining or participating in our Youth Group! Everyone is welcome.

Fundraising Ideas
Devotion Ideas (Reading through the Bible in a Year, Disciple, School based, etc.)
Mission Ideas (Habitat for Humanity, Soup Kitchen Volunteer, etc)
Activities for Youth Meeting Ideas (Relay night, movie night, etc)
Fun Trips (Six Flags, Canoe Trip, etc.)

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday night, this is going to be a GREAT SUMMER!!!

Pizza Party Tonight and New Pics

Remember that tonight is the night for the all youth-group pizza party!  It starts at 6:30pm at the church -- more info here.

I also put some new pictures up (from the Rally last Sunday) on the Pictures Page.  Check them out!

Special Pizza Dinner!!

All youth are invited to a pizza dinner on the youth group!!!

When: Wednesday, May 19th at 6:30 - 7:30pm
Where: FUMC Multi-Purpose Room
What: Pizza, Pop (soda?? coke?) and Hanging Out
Who: YOUTH GROUP!!!

Families are encouraged to bring a small donation to help cover the pizza -- recommended donation is $3 - 5 per family.

We'll be having this special weeknight gathering since YOUTH GROUP WILL NOT MEET on the 23rd or the 30th due to the Confirmation Picnic and Memorial Day.

NWDCYM Spring Rally

Audrey Murphree and Kandi Arrington have volunteered to chaperone the outing to Rogers for the NWDCYM Spring Rally in Rogers, so this activity is a go!

The next post down has more info, so check that out if you're interested in more details.  Here are the basic plans as far as we are concerned:

Sunday, May 16th
4:00pm -- Meet at FUMC (Bring your Permission Slips!!!!)
5:00pm -- Arrive in Rogers for the rally
7:00pm -- Depart Rogers
7:45pm -- Pick-up at FUMC
The post below notes that the kids should bring a "small snack to share" and money for an offering.

Also note that there will not be regular youth group on the 16th, as Jason and I will be out of town.

May Outing Possibility??

Hey, parents!  Below is an opportunity for our youth I just learned about today.  It sounds fun (plus it's super close), but Jason and I will be in Missouri attending his brother's High School graduation.  Do we have any parents who would be willing to drive/chaperone this outing??  I can arrange permission slips, etc., if someone will take the kids there and back.  You can let me know by responding to this email (or just email at aedgar@uark.edu).

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Please join us for Food, Games, Devotionals and JUST PLAIN FUN!

NWDCYM Spring Rally
Super Summer Start-Up Spectacular


When: Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Time: 5:00-7pm


Where: Oakley Chapel UMC, Rogers ( 203 Promenade Blvd , Rogers , AR , 72712 )


Who Can come: Any youth in grades 6th -12th


What to bring: a small snack to share, yourself, a friend and YSF Money


Come join and fellowship with us to kick off the summer and learn more about DCYM, ACCYM and YSF and ways you can be involved. If you have any questions or comments please contact the district youth coordinator, Karen Hall Blackburn at nwdcym@gmail.com or find us on facebook

Devotional

Audrey Murphree shared the devotional below with me this morning, and I think it's very fitting for where we are in our confirmation class right now, not only because of its content, but also because we will be discussing the use of daily devotionals on Sunday!  The Upper Room is a classic UMC devotional guide, so check them out by clicking on the "75th Anniversary" logo!

New Pics

We took some really fun pictures after our Girls' and Boys' Day In activity last week.  Thanks to Tyler for sending them on through to me -- I've posted them on our "Pictures" page.  Check them out!

Confirmation Update

The confirmation class is now at the half-way point!  Yay!  We have had great discussion and great ideas shared in our classes, and I have seen everybody growing and learning through the classes.

I wanted to remind everybody of the homework I assigned this week, as I feel we are now getting into the really challenging, really "new" stuff.  Here's what I asked you to look at:

First, remember to read over the "8 Types of Truth" handout that I passed to you this morning.  You should be looking at it and trying to think of examples from the Bible that demonstrate each type of truth.  This could also be a great family activity if you need help coming up with ideas!

Second, I've asked the youth in the class to speak with their parents about types of church services.  Why do you attend the service that you attend?  Have you tried other types and didn't like them?  Are there other styles you do like?  I'd like you, also, to consider attending the Farmington service that you don't usually attend (if you normally go to the contemporary service, visit the traditional on one Sunday, or vice versa).  The idea is that, as adults, we need to be able to make educated decisions.  This is hard to do if we haven't ever tried other ways of doing things!

Good luck, and let me know if any questions arise!

Sunday Reminder

Remember this Sunday is our boys and girls afternoons out.  We'll meet at the church at 3 (like we normally would), but then the activities will last until around 7.  Because we'll be going "off-campus," please please please remember to bring your signed permission slip!!! 

If you know of other local youth who have attended youth group a few times, but not regularly, please pass this info on to their parents.  This is a great opportunity to get new youth involved, but we don't want them to be embarrassed because they don't have a permission slip!

The full post is here.

Imagine Ministry

Susan Ledbetter is working on a team to help shape the future of the Arkansas United Methodist Church and she wants YOUR help! To help with this effort, she is asking that we all watch the video above, read the devotional (click here), and fill out this brief survey (click here). This is a great way to help shape YOUR CHURCH and add YOUR INPUT into helping make the ARUMC an even better place for all of us!

April Fun

Whew! This semester has flown by for me! I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful spring weather as we get ready to wrap up another school year!

The April activity is approaching -- next week (April 18 from 3pm - 7pm) -- the boys and girls will get a chance to bond separately by doing some activities that the groups have chosen. For boys that means bowling and Cici's Pizza, and for the girls that means movie night with some fun girls night in foods at the Edgars.

You can download the permission slip here.  Remember, we need these from everyone who wants to participate.  I'll print some out and bring them tomorrow afternoon to youth group as well.

We are also asking that families consider making a small donation to help cover the costs of this activity.  Since the kids will be eating dinner with the group, this obviously will have some additional costs involved.  We are suggesting a donation of $10 per family, but we are really just asking that you give what you can afford.

Last, but not least, I am looking for a parent (preferably with a van or mini-van) to drive the girls to Springdale for the activity.  Since we'll be splitting up, it would make things easier if we had an additional mode of transportation.  Please let me know if you are willing to drive!

Easter!!

Thanks to all who came out to help with the Eggstravaganza today!  It was a fun time, and I know we made a lot of kids' Easter celebrations a little more fun!  :)

Just wanted to let everybody know that we WILL be having youth group tomorrow for those who aren't busy with family.  We want to make sure you know that you shouldn't feel bad if you want to stay home and spend time with family, we just wanted to provide some place to go for those who were interested. 

See you guys tomorrow!

Confirmation Reminder

Don't forget: Confirmation Class starts this Sunday at 9:30am.  Grab some breakfast and head into the youth room for our first meeting! 

You can download the FAQ and Confirmation contract here.

The ice breaker activity we did at the parent/student meeting is here.

Makeover!

As you can see, our little blog has a new look!  Hope you enjoy!

Check out the navigation tabs at the top of the browser and the calendar function.  The calendar will allow you to click on any event to get more information. 

You can also click the Confirmation tab to see all of the posts on confirmation.  I've posted our pictures in one area, too.

April Community Service Activity

Hey, everybody!  Elizabeth Ganoung has set up a nice activity for us next Saturday.  It will be a fun way for all of us to get together and give back to our community!

What:  Community Easter Egg-Stravaganza
When:  Next Saturday (April 3rd) from 11am - 3pm
Where:  Folsum Elementary

We'll start out by hiding eggs for the little kiddos.  Then we'll be all hands on deck (moms and dads, too, if you're available!) for face painting.

Weather Contingency:  If it's raining at 9am, the activity will be postponed until April 11th.

March Activity Postponed

Oooooops!!!!! Due to a miscommunication in the Edgar household, we need to postpone the March activity until a later date. I'll keep you all posted as soon as we pick a new date.

This Sunday's Reminders

This Sunday is a big Sunday in the life of our church! We are excited to be hosting the Bishop and District Superintendent visiting for worship at 10:30! With that, I have a couple of reminders for you:

1. Don't forget it's DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!! Set your clocks ahead an hour for Spring. :(

2. Youth who are involved in the skit (we planned last week at youth group time) should plan to meet at 9:45 in the sanctuary to run through things. If you weren't at youth group last week and still want to be in the skit, meet us at 9:45 anyway and we'll fit you in!

3. Confirmation meeting at 4:30 in the multi-purpose room for parents of those who plan to take the course (or if you aren't sure and want more information).

Confirmation Class Meeting

FUMC Youth will be offering a CONFIRMATION CLASS for those who are 6th grade or older who have not yet been confirmed into the United Methodist Church. Confirmation class is a great opportunity for our youth to learn about what it means to be a member of the UMC and to make a committment to serve God as an informed adult at the end of the course.

I'll put some FAQ's below, but if you think you are interested, ask your folks to join us for an informational meeting next Sunday. We will meet on Sunday, March 14th at 4:30 in the multi-purpose room to give more information and get a head count for who may be interested.

FAQ's on our Course

1. When will the class meet? The class will begin on Easter (April 4th) and run for 8 weeks. The class will meet at the Sunday School time (9:30 - 10:15 or so). The last Sunday we will hold a special confirmation ceremony at the 10:30 service.

2. What will we learn? We will cover lots of things from theology to faith to the United Methodist tradition and more. If you'd like to see the complete list of topics included in the United Methodist confirmation curriculum (Claim the Name), you can see it here.

3. Who can participate? Any youth in 6th grade and older who hasn't yet completed confirmation class. If you have completed confirmation but want to go through it again, that's fine with me, too!

4. What if I can't be there every single week? You should plan to attend at least 7 of the 8 sessions in order to be considered "confirmed" at the end of the course. This is a pretty big deal in the UMC, and we need to make sure we are taking it pretty seriously. If it doesn't work out to attend regularly this time, you can always be confirmed the next time around!

5. Does this cost anything? Nope! Everything will be provided. Just bring yourself and a good attitude of learning!

6. Who will be teaching the course? Me (Amanda) and Jason will be the primary teachers for the course. However, a big part of the confirmation process is getting to know the adults in the church, so you will be learning from some volunteers in the church community as well.

7. What if I need more info? Contact Amanda at aedgar@uark.edu!

8. What if my mom/dad/grandma/grandpa/etc. wants to help? We'd LOVE to have volunteers! Have them contact Amanda for more info on the available volunteer opportunities.

No Youth Group This Sunday

Please pray for safe travels and a relaxing weekend for our youth headed for Hot Springs this weekend.

Also, please be reminded that youth will NOT meet this Sunday, as we will still be on the road at that time.

Veritas Details

With only about a week to go before we depart from Veritas, I wanted to get you an update on travel specifics. This is all I have at this point, so if you're needing more info, you might scroll down to previous Veritas entries and see if your questions are answered there. Otherwise, always feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email, and I'll help however I can!

We will leave from the church on Friday the 26th at 3:30 pm. Jason will be at the church about 10 minutes before then, so if you're an "eager beaver" and want to get your stuff loaded, he'll be there to help.

*****If you need a ride from the school or your house, etc., please don't hesitate to ask. We are only taking 8 youth, so we are really flexible about picking kids up as needed. Give me a call (785-826-7024) or drop me an email (aedgar @ uark.edu) to make arrangements.*****

Here is the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, February 26th
3:30pm -- Depart FUMC for Hot Springs (One Van, One Car)
****Dinner stop when we get hungry****
8:00pm -- Arrive at The Austin Hotel in time for registration (ends at 8:30pm)
9:00pm -- "Big Worship" and "Opening Band"
10:00pm -- "District Break-Out" and "Adult Meetings"
11:15pm -- Devotionals
11:45pm -- In rooms
12:00am -- LIGHTS OUT

Saturday, February 27th
8:15am -- Breakfast at hotel (donuts and juice, probably)
9:00am -- "Big Worship/Band/Speaker"
****They are leaving the remaining details of the day TBA****

Sunday, February 28th
8:15am -- Breakfast at hotel
9:00am -- "Big Worship/Communion"
11:00am -- Depart Hot Springs
****Lunch stop when we get hungry****
4:00pm -- Arrive at FUMC

You might make sure you have cell phone communication available with your youth in case the arrival time shifts slightly. If the youth doesn't have a cell phone, they are welcome to use mine, but make sure they have a number where they can reach you. Otherwise, plan to be at the church to pick them up at 4:00!

As you can see, this is going to be a really long weekend!!! Please make sure your youth has plenty of rest in the week leading up to our departure -- many of them are probably not used to midnight bedtimes (I know I'm not!!!), so as much sleep as possible on previous nights would be really helpful. Hopefully everyone can head home Sunday afternoon for a day of rest before school starts again.

Valentine's Reminders

Hey, group! Long time no blog. ;)

I just wanted to remind everyone about the two things that happen this Sunday (February 14th):

1. Our beef jerky fundraiser will END on Sunday. That means you need to bring back your extra beef jerky and the money you've collected, so we can get everything counted and checked in. Even if you're planning to use your funds raised to pay for Veritas, please go ahead and bring it in so we can count it all more easily.

2. The remaining $35 is due for those travelling to Veritas. You can make the check out to Farmington UMC. We do have some scholarships available, so if you did not quite get enough funds raised to pay your way, please contact me about that.

Looking forward to see you all this Sunday -- we missed you last week on our travels to Kansas! :)

Some of you are familiar with the "Created By God" program from years past. This is a program that is designed to teach youth (5th through 8th grade) about their sexuality through a lens of Biblical teachings.

This program is going to be offered at Farmington on February 21st -- it begins directly after church and will last until 5:00pm. The cost is $10 per student.

Parents who are wanting their youth to participate should plan on attending an informational meeting on February 18th from 5:00 - 6:00. Parents need to sign a release (and review some information) before their children may participate, so you definitely won't want to miss this meeting!

The letter to parents can be downloaded here, but you should also be receiving it soon. Sally Zelenka is heading up the activity, so if you have questions, please feel free to contact her for more information.

No Youth Group February 7th

I'll try to repost this later in the week to remind everyone, but I wanted to let you know that there will NOT be youth group next Sunday (February 7th).

We will be travelling to Kansas with Jason's (NWACC) debate team for a competition. Since it's Super Bowl Sunday, I hope you'll all attend the party at the Ganoungs'. I know we're sad to be missing out!

Also, if you'd like to post how much jerky you've sold, you can post it in the comments section, and I'll add it up for the fundraiser thermometer. It looks like we've earned just over $200 in profit, and there's lots more to sell!!! The fundraiser will end February 14th, so keep it up!

Youth Group Still ON

Youth Group is ON as scheduled this afternoon!

Hope to see you all there!

Veritas Stuff DUE TOMORROW

Remember, for those who are wanting to go to Veritas, I need your stuff by tomorrow. You can leave it in my mailbox in the church office or give it to Audrey Murphree tomorrow night at Disciple Bible Study.

You'll need to turn in the FUMC permission slip, the Veritas forms (medical release, registration with class selections, etc.), and a $35 check (make out to Farmington UMC).

Also, check out the Veritas Fundraiser Thermometer on the right side of the blog. I've had sales of $168 reported to me -- that's $84 in profit!!! Keep it up!! :)

Reminder: Veritas Meeting Today!

Don't forget -- Veritas meeting today for parents and youth!

Documents of interest:
FUMC Youth Veritas Registration Checklist
FUMC Youth Veritas Permission Slip
Veritas Registration and Medical Release Forms

Links of interest:
Event Page at the ACCYM
Registration Info Page
Event Page at ARUMC

The Holy Catholic Church?

Some of you may remember the question coming up recently in youth group:

"Why does the Apostles' Creed say, 'I believe in the Holy Catholic church?'"

I was doing some looking on this, and I like the explanation offered by this guy. Check it out if you're curious!

Veritas Fundraiser

Becky Munter and Audrey Murphree have been gracious enough to organize a fundraiser to help with the costs of attending Veritas. The youth will be selling beef jerky for $1 per stick (or $30 for a bucket). The profit for this fundraiser is 50%, which is really excellent! Those wanting to attend Veritas can sell the jerky and use their individual profits towards the $70 Veritas fees. Other youth who want to sell can contribute their profits to the youth fund or to a friend's Veritas fees.

Becky and Audrey will fill everyone in on the details of the fundraiser at next week's Youth-Parent Veritas meeting. Meanwhile, you can follow the kids' progress with this profit thermometer:


Fundraising Ideas

Veritas Meeting

If you are available, please plan to attend a brief youth-parent meeting next Sunday (January 24th) at 4:30pm. This is during the youth group meeting time, so I'm hoping that will make it more convenient for you and your youth!

What: Youth-Parent meeting -- we will discuss Veritas
When: January 24th; 4:30 - 5:00
Who: Any parents and youth who are interested in attending Veritas (more info here)
Where: Multi-Purpose Room (hopefully this gives us a chance to spread out a little)

VERITAS FEES UPDATE

I have done some checking on the fees for the conference, and I wanted to pass this info on to you. Below is the cost breakdown for the event:

Conference fees: $35 ($55 to register after Feb. 1)

Hotel fees: $35 per person for youth

Total fees (if you make a deposit prior to Feb. 1st): $70

Total fees (if you make your deposit after Feb. 1st): $90

All youth who wish to attend will also need to fill out this form.

To reserve your youth's spot at the convention, I will need your completed forms AND a deposit of $35 BY JANUARY 27th.

January Youth Outing

The FUMC youth activity for January will be an outing to see the Harlem Ambassadors in Springdale. The event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, and tickets have been provided for us by David Walton. It looks like a really cool group!

Date: January 21st
Time: Meet at FUMC at 6pm
Pick-up Time: 9:30 at FUMC

If you would like to pick up your child at Har-Ber earlier than that, you are welcome to do so -- just make sure that I know you plan to do so.

The Harlem Ambassadors show is taking place at Har-Ber High School in Springdale, so we've reserved the church van to drive a group over. I would also love to have as many parents as possible to attend as chaperones and to help drive our youth to the event. Please let me know if you are interested in attending as a chaperone, so that I can make sure we will have enough tickets to go around. If you decide you'd like to go at the last minute, you can always purchase your own ticket at the door -- they are $7.

I am hoping that all of our youth will attend this group activity. As you can see in the above link, it looks like a fun show (even if you don't like sports!). ALL YOUTH WHO WISH TO ATTEND NEED TO BRING A SIGNED COPY OF THIS PERMISSION SLIP. You can get it to me any time between now and then, and I'll happy to hang on to it for you.

Veritas Convention

Veritas is a Christian youth convention sponsored by the Arkansas Convention of the UMC. Being new to the area, I'm not an expert on Veritas, but it comes highly recommended by Pastor Justin. Should be a fun time! More information is here.

Notice the dates (February 26 - 28) and the age range (7th through 12th grades). I'll keep you posted on fees and other logistics as the event approaches, but until then CHECK YOUR CALENDARS! That way, when we do revisit things, I'll be able to get a more accurate head count for how many are wanting to attend.

We will want to RSVP by February 1st so that we can get the best fee rate, so plan on receiving information in a week or two.

Snow Day

Enjoy your day off, everybody!!!

Let's also keep Caroline Ganoung in our prayers as she heads off to have her adenoids out this week. No school for you the whole week, Caroline! :D

Party in the UMC

The new year's eve lock-in was FABULOUS! We had such a fun time getting to know all of the youth even better, and we loved getting to meet some new friends as well. Thank you all for being such great participants!!

We want to say "thank you" to all of the members of the church who provided snacks and pop (soda?) for our youth. We also want to extend a HUGE round of thanks to the Ganoungs for all of their help in making the event run smoothly.

Remember -- this Sunday's meeting is at 3:00!!

Peace,

Amanda