January 2009

At AHYEAH we kicked off the new year with a new theme. The earlier one was "Living Life Stoked!" where we looked at people in the bible who were zealous for God and tried to apply their attributes to our lives. Beginning in 2009 we kicked off "Rebel by Vocation." This was a theme where we looked at Christ and how He was a rebel against cultural misconceptions of His time. We then looked at todays challenges and media messages (such at pride, fear, predjudice, conformity, and sexual freedom) and brought to light how we can rebel against them.

January 7th - Feburary 18th - The Shack

On Wed. nights (Fantastic Friday on Wed) we listened to the audio of the shack. We would get together, have worship to candlelight, listen to The Shack, and play games. Although a few of the youth had trouble paying attention to the audio, most enjoyed it, and some I was worried about really liked it!

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January 10th - Meeting with parents

Pastor and I met with parents for the purpose of presenting the new theme which I assumed would be edgey and also to recruit leadership. We discussed how we were not encouraging rebellion against authority, but ungodly culture. Then we passed out cards for parents to fill out what roles they would be interested in to help participate with AHYEAH. Some of those roles were Boosters (call-on people for materials, food, etc), Events Team, Disciplers, and FX group (adding pizazz to youth messages). Many of the parents came and participated and the Boosters list and Events group that we have today is thanks to those who got involved beginning at that meeting.

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January 24th - Men's Day (dudes only)

This was a day of testosterone. We met early at the church for paintball, then watched a guy movie (Enemy at the Gates) and ate too much pizza. It was sweet, and we had a great turn-out.

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January 30th - Revolve Tours (girls only)

Revolve is a girls only event similar to Teen Manias Aquire the Fire. It is a conferance where girls come from all over the country to hear awesome speakers (Natalie Grant, Chad Eastham, Jenna Lucado), sweet bands (Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew), see convicting dramas, and bond together.

A great church in OKC, Sunnylane Family Church, put up the girls for the night and me at the youth pastor's house. The girls loved it and it is becoming a tradition.