Student Ministry Update

CCC Student Ministry Update

Over the next few weeks, life goes on and so do the ministries of Campbellsville Christian Church. Here is some valuable information concerning what is happening in the life of our Student Ministry.

Ministry Team Practices Resume

With the Holidays, various retreats, events and me being out of town, our music team and A/V team hasn't been getting together. Beginning January 26, 2014 we will our have worship team meetings on Sundays from 5:00-6:00.

If you are interested in singing, playing an instrument, or running video and sound, please attend this meeting. If you are interested in participating in performing skits, speaking, praying publicly, welcoming guests or planning activities during Fuel, this meeting is for you as well. I hope to get as many students involved in a typical evening of Fuel as possible, so if you are willing to participate in any way to make Fuel a better environment for worship, please come to our ministry team meetings.

Middle School

It seems like its been forever since I've seen my middle school friends for small groups! I can't wait to get started again! Middle School small groups will resume January 26th at 6:30. 

Remember to sign up for CIY-Believe. This will be an amazing experience. You should have received a packet in the mail, but if you didn't or have any questions, contact me.

High School

What are the most significant challenges to your faith? Come prepared to answer this question when High School Small Groups resume January 19th at 6:30.

I will regularly post, so check back frequently for updates and information concerning CCC Student Ministry.

What's Up Wednesday!

Everything has taken a hit this week as I've needed some time to shepherd my own family.  After a weekend in Gatlinburg for TCTC with our high school youth, I was in Indianapolis Monday for my mom's surgery, and then yesterday Tinley came down with the flu!  No fun, but we consider our trials pure joy for the sake of our growing faith in our healing and providing God! (James 1)

On the up side, the weekend in Gatlinburg was a ton of fun!  Great to spend time worshipping and praying with the teens!


Here's a quick look at what's going on with our youth...

• FUEL is right at the beginning of a series on James.  Tonight is James 1:19-25.  Next week we jump into chapter 2.  I've challenged our youth to spend time in James with their quiet times over the next month or so.  As a parent, encourage this with questions, comments, proddings, etc.!
  
• High School Sunday school is working through a leadership study on the book of Nehemiah.  Up this Sunday is chapter 4!
  
• Sign-ups continue for the Junior High Believe trip on February 22-23.  The cost is $75.  Contact me with more questions.
  
• We are near some small changes in our Junior High small groups on Sunday night that will improve the health of all groups.  Please Stay Tuned!

Taking Root,

Blake

What's Up Wednesday!

This week attempts to bring life back into some semblance of a routine!  Here's what's coming up tonight and this weekend at CCC.

I searched "fun photos" and this was the first one.  That is all.

1. Believe Sign-Ups start Tonight! Our spring Junior High trip is coming up February 22-23.  The cost is $75 and the deadline to sign-up is January 23.  For more, check out this post.
   
2. The Game of Life!  I'm excited through this new series in FUEL centered on the book of James.  Don't miss week 1:  Tough Times show True Faith.
   
3. TCTC Info.  Our high school youth pull out for Gatlinburg this Friday at 1:30 pm.  Be praying for them, and if you're a parent with questions, call me!
   
4. Root 2:52 Resumes Tonight!  Be here for the new series and the start of Root 2:52 this semester.
   
5. No High School Small Groups or Praise Band Sunday, January 13.  We won't get back from Tennessee until Sunday afternoon.  As a result, these 2 things are cancelled for this week.
   

Taking Root,

Blake

The Game of Life: New Series Starts this Coming Wednesday!

Come check it out at FUEL Wednesday at 6:30!

Taking Root,
Blake

What's Up Wednesday!

Slowly we see things coming back into a rhythm as we start 2013!  Here's what you need to keep your eyes open for this week..

• NO Activities tonight!  Regular Wednesday stuff starts back next week, January 9.
  
• Small Groups Resume Sunday!  All details are the same.  Middle school girls at the Haley's, Middle school guys at the Turpin's, and High school rotating between the Cox's & Agathen's.  REMINDER:  Middle school and High school students will need to bring $15 to assist in the expense of their food for the semester.  They can bring this to their small group, the church office, or Blake.
  
• BELIEVE Sign-ups.  Our annual trip to Junior High Believe is February 22-23!  We will head to Cincinnati for the weekend and enjoy an AWESOME weekend of worship and teaching.  The cost is $75 and the deadline to sign-up is Wednesday, January 23.  Unsure?  Check out this video!

Details for the Tacky Sweater Christmas Party Tomorrow Night!

Can't wait to have fun with everyone tomorrow night at FUEL!  If you need some tacky sweater inspiration, check out http://www.myuglychristmassweater.com/

Taking Root,
Blake

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: What's Yours Saying?

SnapChat is the newest, and scariest, photo sharing option

In an age where smart phones or wi-fi devices are practically an extension of our dominant hand, there's something that's starting to scare me.

Pictures.

Trust me, I'm as knee-deep in this stuff as you are.  What's not to love about online albums and instant sharing with family and friends.  Somewhere in this, we've forgotten an age old proverb that I fear is ringing true louder than ever.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Our pictures speak about who we are and what we value.  Sure, I can appreciate the artistic value and the need for someone to express themselves, but remember, your art is a reflection on the artist.

The Evolution of the Dangerous Photo

It didn't take people long to figure out that an online photo of someone at a drunken party or even with someone who had been to a party or making out, etc. was not a positive thing.  Despite the awkwardness of facing friends and family, several reminded us that employers were checking these things.

So it evolved.

Different programs (Facebook-->Twitter-->Instagram-->More!).  Hidden accounts.

Same pictures.  Same online permanence.

Teens quickly figured out sexting and an added layer of privacy was added to it.  Little do most sexters know that they are committing a punishable offense.  Telling that to a few slowed that down.

So it evolved.

Enter SnapChat.  This new app allows photos to be shared and in a matter of moments the image is deleted instantly.  Want to save a copy?  With minimal effort your photo can be snatched and then shared in whatever manner you'd like.  Their considerate though.  It notifies you if someone saved your picture.

I understand that much of it is innocent; however, I can't help but recognize the insanely high amount of temptation and power we are placing in young people's hands.

So What Do We Do?

With the rate at which technology is progressing and adapting, parents must give up trying to outlaw anything potentially dangerous.  If you build a wall, teens WILL figure out how to climb it.  But what we can do is have honest, hard, heart-shaping conversations.

Teens must understand what their self-taken photos or photos they end up in say about them.  They have to understand that technology can take away their right to define themselves.  They must be valued by you as parents so much that they aren't looking for value in the wrong places from the wrong people.

I guess a picture might say it best...

A Semester's Worth of Bottom Lines

I thought it would be fun to look back at the bottom lines we've had in FUEL this semester.  Here we go!

• We're FUELED by something greater.  What FUELS you?
• Choose to Live by Loving God.
• Choose to Love and Live for God.
• If you want to be Rooted, you have to Remain.
• Haiku:
  Who is Jesus Christ?
  The Gospels tell the Story.
  Life for Believers
• Choose to find your part in Hi(s)tory.
• Build Up, Keep In, and Don't Look Down.
• If I'm hiding, I'm not finding.
• Masks can change us, but God still claims us!
• We believe in an unbelievable God!
• Do your best on this test and trust God with the rest.
• Be a leader that serves rather than being served.
• We matter if what matters to us is our moments with God.
• God cleans up any mess.  Are you willing to step out from the rest?

What's Up Wednesday

Some Important Reminders for this week....

• TCTC Deposit is Due this Sunday!  A $40 deposit is due this Sunday to hold your spot at TCTC!  If you have questions or need to sign up, contact Blake.
  
• Shopping with Santa Helpers Needed! I need several teens to serve at our children's ministry this Saturday from 9-12.  Contact Blake if you are available.
  
• Tonight is the last night of our series I Wanna Be in FUEL and great night to invite a friend!  We have 2 weeks of FUEL left after this week.
  
• Church Christmas Dinner is this Sunday!  Our Sunday night program this week is our annual Christmas dinner; hope to see you there!

Taking Root,

Blake

Calling Teens with Mad Skillz

For our annual Shopping with Santa event for our children, we need some teen's (15-20) with servant's hearts to help out from 8:30 am to noon on December 8th.

We need several of you who can..

Flip pancakes

Help kids shop

Wrap gifts

I'm pretty sure most of you possess these mad skillz.. Leave a comment or text Blake to let him know you'll be there.

Taking Root,

Blake

What's Up Wednesday

Apparently this is what happens to
reindeer that break the speed limit!

Here's 3 Things @ CCC to keep on your radar as we speed towards Christmas!

1. Shopping With Santa
   December 8, 9:00 am -12:00 pm
   
2. TCTC Sign-Ups
   January 11-13, $40 due by December 9 to reserve your spot.  More info HERE.
   
3. Christmas Dinner
   December 9, 6:30 pm

If you have questions on any of these events, let us know!  There will be more details in newsletters, bulletins, etc!

Taking Root,

Blake

I Wanna Be SIGNIFICANT... like Justin Bieber???

We're on week 3 of our series I WANNA BE.. and I'm pumped to talk about the story of Samuel!

Until then, check out Justin Bieber singing about a way that he finds his significance!



Taking Root,
Blake

Fall Retreat Photo Gallery

Who's Going to TCTC?!?!?!?

Calling all high school students!  

It's time to start thinking about what you will be doing January 11-13, 2013.

The Tennessee Christian Teen Convention is back and I'm excited to head to Gatlinburg for the experience!  Here's some details you need to know, so make your decision and get signed up ASAP so we can get ready for a great weekend in the mountains!

WHO:  Any and all HIGH SCHOOL students.  (I'll need a few chaperones as well if you're interested!)

WHAT:  An awesome convention & time away with the group! Plus a ton of great people there! Check out this poster..

WHEN:  Leave Friday, January 11.  Return Sunday, January 13.

WHERE:  The Gatlinburg Convention Center.  We will be staying in the Holiday Inn Resort.

HOW MUCH:  The cost is $80 plus cash for your meals on the trip.

DEADLINE:  $40 deposit to reserve your spot by December 9.  The remainder is due before leaving on the trip.

Taking Root,

Blake

This Week's Wins!

I've been slow on the blogging train as we hit our peak time of the semester!  No better way to jump back in than an issue of This Week's Wins!

This week in FUEL we challenged our teens to be leaders in the families, schools, and here at church that served rather than being served.  I'm excited to see what God inspires this generation to do!  I love watching God call people into leading their own lives and others into a more Christ-like life, and I'm praying for those he's calling now!

Crazy Sock Reading Day was a blast at Campbellsville Elementary!  For those of you who are maybe retired or the stay-at-home type, reading at the schools is a great way to engage our community relationally and love on children!  If you're interested in doing this, contact the schools and see what you can arrange!

I am so grateful to have been on the Fall Retreat this past weekend!  So many people pulled together to make this a great weekend!  Special thanks to our speaker, Matt Lee, and his family, the team from Johnson University, White Mills Christian Camp, and our amazing volunteer team from right here at CCC that made this weekend great!  The time we had to relate to each other, relax, and realign with God were an inspiration to many of us!  Oh yeah, WE HAD A LOT OF FUN TOO!  Pictures to come, but I haven't been able to get them all transfered over yet...  If you went this weekend and have photos, share them! For now, enjoy the champion individual goating photo from this weekend!

Taking Root,
Blake

This Week's Wins

I LOVE to write this post every week!  Exciting to see how the Gospel is changing lives each week here at CCC!  Here's some highlights:

This sugar cream pie is one of MANY things you all have done for pastor appreciation month!
It is so overwhelming to feel the love that you all have shared!
THANKS A TON!

Snapped this photo during worship yesterday; a cool visual of the community we are blessed with!
I say the more the merrier!

Snapped this cool model of the Temple in our 4th and 5th grade guys  Root 2:52 group!
Bonus points if you can ID everything...

Cooper Hall squirms to the finish line as he wins a pizza party for his d-group at FUEL!

Taking Root,

Blake

The Good and Bad of The FLC

The Family Life Center is my favorite place in the whole church.

There is more life, energy, and happenings in this one room than many of the others combined.  People naturally gather here to have fun, to eat, and to be in community with each other.

And we want it to always be a safe place to do that.

The children and teens of CCC love running around this room and playing, throwing balls, and just burning steam.  Every once in a while, you might even see a big, goofy youth minister doing the same thing!

Here's where we need your help.

During program time, we as ministry staff and volunteers make it a priority to keep the time spent in the FLC safe.  However, before and after programming, it is impossible for us to be the policeman for the wide variety of ages of children and youth who enjoy the space.  So if it's not too much to ask, here's some basic suggestions to keep this a safe place:

No Running

No Throwing or Kicking Balls other than to play Basketball.

Let's work together to keep the FLC a place where everyone can have safe fun.

Taking Root,

Blake

This Week's Wins

Some more reasons to be reminded that I LOVE MY CHURCH!

• We've got a new brother in Christ! Be praying for Aaron as we know that Satan usually likes to attack in situations like this (See Jesus, Matthew 4).  Also, consider inviting our new brother to your small group, Sunday school class, or just out to lunch!
  
• KCA Pastor Appreciation was REALLY cool!  Just makes me smile thinking about seeing so many CCC kids quoting and singing scripture as they appreciated us and challenged us at the same time!  Special thanks for our notes and cards too!  You keep those around for future encouragement...

• A Lot of People Filled-In for Role's they don't usually play this week!  It's just stressful to fill-in for role's that aren't usually yours.  This week, I can count double digit people who did that to help fill in the gaps!  That's a great TEAM!
• Some Pictures From the Week...

This is a 55 Gallon Trash Can FULL of Candy!
People tell me it takes about 4 of these to be ready for Trunk O Treat!
Great job so far!

Tinley got to spend time with her Great Grandparents this weekend!
I post this because I want to THANK so many of you for being Tinley's
Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins during the week!
It means a ton to have that kind of family at church!

What's Up Wednesday!

All kinds of opportunities for you and your family to take a step towards being rooted in the upcoming weeks.  Here's 3 I want to highlight:

1. Prayer Vigil - I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed people's faith being changed by intentional time away in prayer.  God is really good at speaking to us when we give him the margin to do so.  Get yourself and/or your family signed up today!
   
2. SuperStart - Click here for more details on this trip for 4th-5th graders.  Click Here to get signed up ASAP!
   
3. Buried:  Student Fall Retreat - Click here for more details on this trip for middle and high school students.  Click here to get signed up before Nov. 1!

Taking Root,

Blake

2012 Fall Retreat: Buried

I can't wait!

November 16-18 we will be getting away to White Mills Christian Camp for a retreat weekend.  Guest speaker, Matt Lee, from Lexington will be there as well as a team of students from Johnson University.

Our theme for this year is BURIED and we will focus in on Matthew 6:19-21:

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The cost is $40 and you need to be signed up by November 1!

Taking Root,
Blake