Happy Birthday, Minakshi!

Jai Ho! This week at EYC, we will be celebrating the birthday of our beautiful sponsored child from India, Minakshi, who turns 8 on November 17th . In honor of Minakshi, EYC will have an Indian theme, which will include Indian food, games, and music! Come join us for a night of fun from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center--don't forget $4 for dinner!

Advent Event Applications are due TOMORROW (November 11th)! This December 4-5, St Mark's EYC is going to the Advent Event at St John's Cathedral! Advent Event: Conspiracy Theory is going to be fun lock-in paired with service projects in downto wn Jax. It is open to all high school youth in the Diocese of Florida, and the registration fee is $20.

In the preview video (below), the Christmas trees represent our "Christmas culture" of shopping--but as we know, that's not what Christmas (or Advent) is about ! Check it out:

Fill out the Advent Event registration form (here) before November 11th, and sign up today! It's a conspiracy.

The Biggest Food Drive EVER is THIS Sunday (November 15th), and we need help load grocery bags into cars after the 11:00 service. If you can help this Sunday, please let me know!

Our first pics of the week are from our second LiveWire event of the year--Messy Games Night (specifically Gummy Worms and Chocolate Pudding)!




Team apps for Happening #116 are due Monday, November 16th ! Happening #116 will be January 22-24, 2010 at Camp Weed.

The first Mission Trip Payment of $150 is due Sunday, November 22nd! Our 2010 Mission Trip to New Mexico is June 13th-20th, and we are still accepting participants for the next few weeks!

The Trees are coming ! The St Mark's EYC Tree Lot is only a few weeks away, and we need LOTS of volunteers. First up is the Tree Unloading, at 7:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day (November 26th, which is also someone's birthday). Then the Tree Lot will be open on weekends from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and on weekdays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. until we sell out of trees! You can sign up for shifts at EYC on Sunday.

Our annual Tie Dye Night will be NEXT Sunday (November 22nd) during EYC (5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center)! 7th graders and new EYC members, this is your chance to get your St Mark's EYC shirt and tie-dye it before the Tree Lot! If you already have your EYC shirt, you can Tie-dye pillows, socks, shirts, drapes, or tablecloths--it's up to you! Anyone can also get an extra shirt for $5 each.

Our country to pray for this week is Myanmar, also known as Burma, which borders China and India in Southeast Asia. Here’s a map:

Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar (Burma) is well acquainted with struggle. Officially, Buddhism is no longer the state religion, but it is actively promoted by the military regime. All those who advocate improved human rights are harassed or imprisoned. Almost all Christian missions were expelled in 1966, and ethnic Christians are often singled out for repression. The government of Burma continues to discourage, harass and use other, more severe, forms of persecution on Christianity. A secret memo entitled “Program to destroy the Christian religion in Burma” details point by point instructions on how to drive Christians out of the state. It calls for anyone caught evangelizing to be imprisoned. Pray that the Burmese Bible will be distributed, and that the church will help to build bridges between different ethnic groups.

Quote of the Week : "Maybe the truth is there's a little bit of loser in all of us. Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things...[and] making those count for more than the bad stuff. Maybe we just get through it, and that's all we can ask for." --Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The last pictures are from EYC on Sunday (let's spread the love)! Remember that God loves you, and so do I !

Psstt!

There is a lot of information in this week's blog, so please read carefully!

This week's blog is written in honor of Kevin Whitelaw--an amazing Goliath, Snow White, and Hannah Montana singer :). We'll miss you!


Psstt! Do you have a secret ? This week at EYC, we'll see what we can learn about ourselves by reading others' secrets! Come join us on Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center for games, worship, food, and discussion!

This Sunday, come and sing (or play) with the Youth Band at the 8:45 service !

Fr Dave and I are coming to Stanton for lunch on Thursday (November 5th)! Come and get some of Leah's fresh baked cookies !

Random Holiday : Today (11/4) is National Chicken Lady Day (check out the link)!

Our pictures this week are from our Paintballing Day!




The Biggest Food Drive EVER is coming up on November 15th, but this Sunday (November 8th) they need help passing out bags after each church service. If you can help this Sunday, please let me know!

This December 4-5, St Mark's EYC is going to the Advent Event at St John's Cathedral! Advent Event: Conspiracy Theory is going to be fun lock-in paired with service projects in downtown Jax. It is open to all high school youth in the Diocese of Florida, and the registration fee is $20.

In the preview video (below), the Christmas trees represent our "Christmas culture" of shopping--but as we know, that's not what Christmas (or Advent) is about ! Check it out:

Fill out the Advent Event registration form (here) before November 11th, and sign up today! It's a conspiracy.

Team apps for Happening #116 are due Monday, November 16th ! Happening #116 will be January 22-24, 2010 at Camp Weed.

Our second set of pics has one of Sam summoning the troops for a Paintball game plan:

Our country to pray for this week is Morocco, which is located in North Africa. One of Morocco's main cities is Casablanca, the inspiration for the classic movie of the same name. Here's a map:

Morocco

Morocco is a hostile environment for Christians, as anyone who comes to Christ can face charges of treachery and illegal contact with foreign missions. Many have endured ostracism from their families, loss of employment, and imprisonment for their faith. Missionary work is not permitted, but many foreign Christians are working in secular roles, hoping to quietly win souls to Christ. A Moroccan church is emerging, but at great cost. By the year 2000, about 20 small groups were believed to have existed throughout Morocco. Pray that, through the work of those who have counted the cost to follow Christ, many will come to know the Lord.

Quote of the Week :“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” --Brennan Manning

The last set of pictures include a group shot of the Paintballers! Especially this week, please remember that God loves you, and so do I !

Paint the Town!

Thanks to everyone who participated in St Mary's Fall Festival yesterday! It was tough at times, but I was so proud of all of you for sticking with it and serving with a Christ-like love. We were all "becoming the kind of container God can use"--You are awesome ! There are a few pictures below.

This Sunday (November 1st) is our EYC Paintballing Day, from 12-5 p.m. ! If you have signed up to go Paintballing, but have not paid your $25, you need to pay by Wednesday (October 28th)! Everyone also needs two release forms to participate--one from St Mark's (here) and one from GTF Paintball (here). If you are a parent willing to drive, please let me know!

The first Fall Festival pictures show the main Parish Hall, and our Fishing Pond setup:





Fr Dave and I are coming to Stanton for lunch next Thursday (November 5th)! Come and get some of Leah's fresh baked cookies !

Tuesday, November 3rd is our first Youth Council (formerly Youth Commission) meeting of the year, from 7-8 p.m. in the St Mark's library ! If you are on Youth Council, please make sure to be there!

We still have spots open for this summer's Mission Trip ! Here is the official preview video:





The trip will be June 13-20, 2010, and a $100 deposit can secure your spot. Sign up today!

Random Holiday : Today (10/26) is the FIRST Worldwide Howl At the Moon Night (check out the website here)!

Our second set of Fall Festival pics shows our group with the kids at various games:

Our country to pray for this week is Mindanao (Phillipines), the southernmost of the three Phillipines' islands in the South China Sea. Here's a map:

Mindanao

The Muslim minority in Mindanao, Philippines has been trying to establish an independent Islamic state in the south. According to Compass Direct, a 24-year-old Christian man in Zamboanga City, Philippines, was shot and injured by Muslim activists on November 17, 2004. According to police sources, Muslim terrorist organizations are attracting new converts to Islam in greater numbers than Muslims born into the faith. “Converts are ideal terrorists because they are eager to prove themselves worthy of their new faith,” Chief Superintendent of Police Rodolfo Mendoza recently told a journalist. There are over 200 missionaries working in this area and are doing so at great risk. Pray for the safety of the Mindanaon missionaries.

Quote of the Week : "The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the tiny pushes of each honest worker." --Helen Keller

Our last group of pics shows some of the Fall Festival's fun moments! Remember that God loves you, and so do I !

St Mary's!

St Mary's Fall Festival is THIS Sunday (October 25th) from 1-3 p.m. at St Mary's Episcopal Church downtown (1924 N Laura Street). We are leaving the Youth Center at Noon to drive to St Mary's, so don't be late! Don't forget to wear your Halloween costume ! We will be back at the Youth Center by 3:45 p.m.

November 1st is EYC Paintballing Day , from 12-5 p.m.!

We are going to GTF Paintball in Yulee, and the price is $25 per person (check out the GTF website here for their release form). Please let me know by Sunday (October 25th) if you are coming. You will need a St Mark's form as well as the GTF release form to come on the trip!

I went to UF Homecoming last weekend, and I wanted to share a few pics:





We still have spots open for this summer's Mission Trip ! Here is the official preview video:





The trip will be June 13-20, 2010, and a $100 deposit can secure your spot. Sign up today!

Fr Dave and I are coming to Stanton for lunch on Thursday, November 5th! Come and get some of Leah's fresh baked cookies !

Random Holiday : Friday (10/23) is iPod day (and the iPod's 8th birthday)!

Here are some pics from EYC games on Sunday:




Are you in the Pew Crew ? 8:45 every Sunday!

The Video Bar (on the right side of this page) is back ! This week's video bar shows POD's video for Alive, which we didn't get to watch this week at EYC. Enjoy!

Our country to pray for this week is Mauritania, which borders Algeria and Senegal in Western Africa. Here’s a map:

Mauritania

Mauritania is one of the most restricted nations in the world. Freedom of religion is non-existent in this state where Islam has dominated for over 1,000 years and only one-fifth of one percent of the population is Christian. It is illegal for citizens to enter non-Muslim households, and anyone who confesses Christ faces the death penalty under the law. ALL Mauritanian peoples are unreached. People who have simply shown interest in the gospel have found themselves tortured and imprisoned. Pray that, despite restrictions, Mauritanian believers will find freedom in Jesus Christ.

Quote of the Week : “If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped.” --Evelyn Underhill

The last pictures are from EYC, along with a video featuring some loud singing! Don't forget that God loves you, and so do I !

Alive!

Are you truly alive? What's your life really about? This week at EYC, we're discussing what Jesus might have meant when he said in John 10:10, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." Come join us from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center for fun, food, and God!

Bring 2 bags of candy THIS WEEK (October 18th) to EYC for the Fall Festival gift bags ! Speaking of Fall Festival...

We are having a Fall Festival meeting at 4:30 p.m. THIS Sunday (October 18th) in the Youth Center! St Mary's Fall Festival is NEXT Sunday (October 25th) from 1-3 p.m. (changed from 2-4 p.m.) at St Mary's Episcopal Church downtown. We gave out responsibilities on Sunday, but if you would like to help out, let me know.

The first official performance of our new "Youth Band" was last Sunday , and all of you did amazing! If you play an instrument or sing, remember that we "practice" every Sunday during EYC worship. Our next Youth Band service is Sunday, November 8th during the 8:45 service. Here are pictures from Sunday's service, along with a few game pictures from Sunday:

November 1st is EYC Paintballing Day , from 12-5 p.m.! We are going to GTF Paintball in Yulee, and the price is $25 per person (check out the GTF website here for their release form). You will need a St Mark's form as well as the GTF release form to come on the trip!

Did you know that we have a Youth Banner ? The banner (which is displayed on Youth Sunday) is pretty old, and we want to make a new one! Do you have any great ideas?

We still have spots open for this summer's Mission Trip ! Here is the preview video that we watched last night:





The trip will be June 13-20, 2010, and a $100 deposit can secure your spot. Sign up today!

Random Holiday : Today (10/13) is National Face Your Fears Day (check out the official website here)!

Our next set of pictures include 2 panoramic pictures (with a certain duo in both pictures twice):




Our country to pray for this week is Maldives, a 500-mile-long string of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean. Here is a map:

Maldives

Maldives is considered one of the least evangelized nations on earth. The president, who under the constitution must be a male Sunni Muslim, is appointed by the Parliament. Free speech is not respected for the press or for non-Muslim religions. In 1998, all known Christian foreigners were expelled from the country, and all known Maldivian Christians were arrested. The Maldivians are still among the least evangelized on earth, and the Muslim government is committed to strengthening Islam to preserve national unity. Ask the Lord to raise up Christian leaders in the Maldives.

Quote of the Week : "You don't have to wait for someday to make a difference. You are the somebody, and today is the day."--Zach Hunter

The last group of pictures are from EYC on Sunday. Remember that God loves you, and so do I !

Mission Trip Meeting!

This Sunday (October 11th), we will have an informational Mission Trip meeting to discuss our 2010 EYC mission trip to New Mexico ! The meeting for youth and parents will be the first half of EYC (5:30-6:30 p.m.), and you will be able to secure your spot for the trip with a $100 deposit. We will have regular EYC after the Mission Trip meeting!


Fr Dave and I are coming to Bolles for both lunches THIS Thursday (October 8th)! We will have fresh baked cookies from Leah , and we will need for someone from each lunch to "pick us up" from the guidance office.


The first official performance of our new "Youth Band" will be at St Mark's 8:45 church service THIS Sunday (October 11th ). If you play an instrument or sing, please join us at 8:00 a.m. in the St Mark's Library! Remember, this week's pew crew is in the choir area!

St Mary's Fall Festival is Sunday, October 25th from 1-3 p.m. (changed from 2-4 p.m.) at St Mary's Episcopal Church downtown ! If you would like a specific responsibility (food, games, or decorations), please let me know. I'll be sending out an e-mail this week with further details!

Thanks to everyone who helped out with our Service Night on Sunday! We only have service pictures from my group (sorry!), which went to Betty Adams' house to help with her yard:





You may have noticed on the updated youth Bulletin Board (outside of Leatherbury Hall) that there's a picture of our sponsored child, Minakshi! $1 from every $4 that you pay for EYC Dinner goes to sponsor Minakshi each month .


Minakshi will be turning 8 in November (we're celebrating her birthday at EYC!), and she lives in India. Starting this Sunday, we will be praying for Minakshi every week during EYC.


Random Holiday : Today (10/6) is Mad Hatter Day (which has a website here)!

Did you know that we have a Youth Banner ? The banner (which is displayed on Youth Sunday) is pretty old, and we want to make a new one! Do you have any great ideas?

Our second batch of pictures are from EYC, where instead of taking a big group shot this week, we took individual "couch shots":

Our country to pray for this week is Malaysia, which borders both Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea. Here's a map :

Malaysia

This federation of 13 states was formed in 1963 as a monarchy. Malaysia’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, but fundamentalist Muslims do everything in their power politically to inhibit Christian evangelism. All Christian literature printed must be for non-Malays only. Ethnic Malays are not allowed to have a Christian place of worship. Permits for building churches are rarely granted and house churches are strongly discouraged. Freedom of speech and public assembly are also restricted. Pray for the effective ministry of Western Christians living in Malaysia.

Quote of the Week : "When I say hope, I am talking about the unseen; I’m talking about things that have not transpired in the world that I want to see in my own life. The moment you have obtained something, you can no longer call it hope." --Jon Foreman

The last pictures are more couch pics from Sunday's EYC! Remember that God loves you, and so do I !

Service Night!

Are you ready to serve ? THIS Sunday at EYC, we're taking on the neighborhood with several service projects within walking distance of the church. Meet at the Youth Center for dinner at our regular 5:30 time, and after our meal we'll split up to help others! We'll be back at the Youth Center by 7:00 p.m. for our worship service, and we'll end at 7:30 p.m.

The first official performance of our new "Youth Band" will be at St Mark's 8:45 church service NEXT Sunday (October 11th ). We are practicing before EYC this Sunday (10/4) at 4:30 p.m. If you play an instrument or sing, please join us!

St Mary's Fall Festival is less than a month away (October 25th at St Mary's Episcopal Church)! This is the third year for St Mary's Fall Festival , which is a Halloween carnival sponsored by St Mark's EYC for the kids of St Mary's downtown. Our first Fall Festival planning meeting will be THIS Thursday (October 1st) from 7-8 p.m. in the St Mark's library. We need as many people there as possible, so that we can plan a great event!

This week's pictures are from Sunday's Confirmation Retreat! The first batch shows some of the laughs (and occasional sad faces) from the event:






On Sunday, October 11th, we will have an informational Mission Trip meeting to discuss our 2010 EYC mission trip to New Mexico ! The meeting for youth and parents will be the first half of EYC (5:30-6:30 p.m.) on that Sunday, and you will be able to secure your spot for the trip with a $100 deposit.

Join the Pew Crew this Sunday at the 8:45 service !

Fr Dave and I are coming to Bolles for both lunches on Thursday, October 8th! We will have fresh baked cookies from Leah , and we will need for someone from each lunch to "pick us up" from the guidance office.

The second group of Confirmation Retreat pictures are from the High Ropes course:





Random Holiday : September is National Honey Month! You've only got two more days to celebrate in style!

Our country to pray for this week is Lebanon, which borders Israel and Syria in the Middle East. Here’s a map:

Lebanon

Lebanon was established as a separate state after World War I to allow for the rights and culture of Maronite Christians, then a majority in the country. It is the only Arab nation with full religious freedom without Islam as the state religion. However, the 2000 electoral law (enacted by Lebanon’s pro-Syrian government) marginalizes Christians and ensures the election of pro-Syrian candidates. On February 14, 2005, former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri was assassinated in a bombing, which also killed Mr. Basel Flaihan, a Christian Evangelical Church member in the Lebanese Parliament. Since the assassination, five bombings have targeted Christian districts and locations. Pray that the violence will cease, and that Christianity will be spread in Lebanon.

Quote of the Week : "Well, I don't know. Some things in life, like the color of a house, don't really matter. But lifting someone's heart? Now, that matters." --Brooks Dame

The last set of pictures from the Confirmation Retreat includes a regular group shot, as well as a group shot as "someone" threw water on the class (check out the left side of the picture). Remember that God loves you, and so do I !