First Presbyterian Youth

Rion and Dillon: the Leprechauns

2009-03-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was on vacation last week, but that didn't mean magic didn't happen at First Pres. We hosted a fundraising dinner for the Shepherd's Inn of Elizabethton. This is a domestic violence shelter for women and children that is directed by one of our members, Paul Gabinet.

The Shepherd's Inn provides a critical need for Carter County and they need the finances to do their work. Last week a St. Patrick's Day dinner netted some cash. Two of our church's youth, Dillon and Rion, helped serve.

Thanks to the Johnson City Press for promoting this event and for the great pic! To make a donation or to inquire about services at the Shepherd's Inn, call 423-543-0180.

Dillon and Rion will join eight other youth on an Appalachia Service Project week in June. We are having an auction to raise funds for that this coming Sunday after church. The youth will provide a meal for that. Check our web page for some of the auction items. Y'all come!

Senior High Retreat

2009-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

The Holston Presbytery Senior High Retreat is February 6-8 at Appalachian Christian Camp near Erwin.

This is most fun event for senior highs that the Holston Presbytery Youth Council hosts.

Youth & Young Adult Ministry offers the Senior High Retreat on February 6-8. This favored annual event for 9th-12th graders, planned by the Youth Council, is featuring this year’s theme as Faithbook.com(unity) with Danny Dieth as key leader.

This year’s event will be at the Appalachian Christian Camp. Contact YYAM office for details and registration or call 423.926.2522.

Let me know if you are interested or need more information!

Appalachia Service Project

2009-01-22T14:49:00.001-08:00

We are participating in the Appalachia Service Project, June 7-13. We have spaces for ten youth, entering 9th graders and up. Four adults have volunteered to chaperone:

John Shuck
Richard Brosmore
Randall Rogers
Lynn Williams

Get your application to me by February 1st with your $25 deposit.

Check out the website!

Super Bowl Party

2009-01-22T14:37:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Pat and Bobbie Connelly have invited the youth (grades 6 and up) to a Super Bowl party at their home, February 1st.

They will have dinner for us at 6 p.m. The game starts at 6:30. Their phone is 926-5181 and their address is 1804 Glen Echo Road in Johnson City. email CONNELLY@mail.etsu.edu RSVP please!

Hope to see you all!

Facebook for First Pres. Youth!

2009-01-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have created a Facebook for First Presbyterian of Elizabethton Youth. This is for youth, parents, and leaders. It is another way to connect. If you are on Facebook, join us! If not, join Facebook! This is a closed group in that to join you must be approved by me.

Here is the link.

Youth Overnight Tonight!

2009-01-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Youth Overnight Friday to Saturday! January 16-17

For grades 6-12

Starts Friday at 6 p.m.

At seven we are driving down to the Bonnie Kate to see Marley and Me http://thebonniekate.com/movies.asp?movie_id=62221

Bring $$$ for movies ($6) then back to church for some games and plans for the coming year.

We finish Saturday at 9 a.m.

Bring friends and $3 for pizza and soda. $$ for your own movie and snack. Sleeping bag, etc.

For youth who will be 14/entering 9th graders, we are doing the Appalachia Service Project June 7-13! Need to get your application to me by February 1st!

Check the youth site on the webpage www.fpcelizabethton.org to download the application.

Appalachia Service Project, June 7-13

2009-01-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

The week of June 7-13 is the only week remaining for us for the Appalachian Service Project. I am going to grab it and plan for it and hope we can get some folks to attend, adults and youth, age 14 and up.

I need to know now about who wishes to go and I hope you all can.

Here are the costs.

Per person cost is $215.

Work Crew fee is $450.

We can do some fundraisers between now and then.

The date is final. This is all that is left. I have saved for us 14 spots and we need at least two adults for five youth.

I am hitting the bricks this week to see who is interested.

I want you all to be interested. It is going to be great.

Call me with questions.

Overnight January 16-17

2009-01-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Do not schedule anything for Friday and Saturday, January 16-17!

We are having an overnight. Bring your friends.

6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday.

Among fun things, we are also going to calendar some events for this year!

Grades 6-12!!

Betsy Bash!

2008-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

We are hosting an overnight for the presbytery for grades 6-12. Here is the flyer.

Youth Rally This Sunday, August 10!

2008-08-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

The Holston Presbytery Youth Rally is this Sunday. I am the director and my lovely spouse is doing the music. Vivian Haile and Deborah Sheffey are on the planning team! This is for all youth grades 6-12.

We will meet after church in the parking lot, have lunch and head to Greeneville! We need to be there by 2 p.m. So bring $$ for lunch and for supper when we return.

Let me know if you can go (and I hope you can!!!) Call me at 943-0634. Or e-mail johnashuck at embarqmail dot com

We may also need a driver...

Here is the skinny!

Youth Rally
Holston Presbytery
August 10, 2008
First Presbyterian Church
110 N. Main Street Greeneville
The Bush Won’t Burn, And I’m Out of Matches (Decision Making) Wouldn’t it be great if God would just tell us what to do like he did with Moses. Yes, it takes a lot to get our attention, but that’s what the burning bush was for. So, without matches then how do I make the right decision about all the issues I face?

Schedule:
2:30 Registration, Recreation & Welcome
2:45 It’s already begun
3:30 Message/Small Groups, Refreshments
5:00 Closing Worship
5:30 Continue onward sharing your faith

Planning Team:John Shuck (Director, Elizabethton)
Donna Hunter (adult, Erwin)
Lynnea Hunter & John Cary (adult/youth, Covenant)
Carly Shaw & Emily Morrell (youth, Timber Ridge)
Vivian Haile & Deborah Sheffey (adults, Elizabethton)
Rachel Donaldson (youth, Greeneville)
Jim Kirkpatrick (Staff)

Directions: From Johnson City area, take the 11E bypass through Jonesborough and into Greeneville. Landmarks before turning off 11E include a BP station on the right. You need to take a left onto West Main Street, Rt. 321 business. Go through three lights and FPC Greeneville is on the left. From Morristown area, take 11E bypass. At the Rt. 70 So. Interchange take 11E business into the downtown. Left on N. Main. Several blocks and church will be on right. Park beside or behind the church.

Event Purpose: to help youth groups connect with other churches, to broaden youth’s understanding of their church; to develop leadership within Holston Presbytery, and to provide an outreach opportunity for young people by inviting their friends. We will conduct a safe, fun event through which we can celebrate our faith.

Summer and Fall

2008-05-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Here's what's up:

There are no regular meetings in June or July. But we will have three events:

Hike to Grassy Ridge on Saturday, June 21st. We hope everyone can come out for this.
Church retreat with events for youth, Saturday, June 28th.
Overnight camping for youth, July 25th and 26th (Friday-Saturday).

For the school year:

We begin with the Holston Presbytery Youth Rally, August 10th in Greeneville.
A day service project to Asheville on some Saturday this Fall.
A big trip to Atlanta over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Jan. 17-19, 2009.

Here is the big question. It has been suggested that we have our youth meetings for both middle school and senior high during the 11:00 hour on Sunday, like the other religious education classes. This would be our regular meeting. Then, at least once per month, we would have some other event (overnight, fun event, service event). The idea is that we might more easily swing that then trying to get regular evening meetings on Sundays.

Let's think about this over the summer. We can work on things to do such as folks to lead the middle school and the senior high (Martin Hall and the Tom Dixon Room are not being used at that time). We can work on curriculum and of course planning for our service projects.

I am on vacation and will return mid-June. We can talk further then!

Youth Rally Planning Team

2008-05-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to be the director of the youth rally this coming August. We have gone to the last two. This is the big event that starts off the school year and connects middle and high school youth from around the presbytery. I am putting together a team to plan for it.

I am wondering if any of you, youth or adults, would like to help me plan for this. I asking other youth and adults around the presbytery to help with the planning as well.

The requirements would be:

ONE planning meeting on Tuesday June 17th at 7 p.m. (probably at the campus house), and
Attendance at the Rally which will be at First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, on the afternoon of Sunday, August 10th.

The big thing is your availability for both of these dates. Can you help us out?

Please let me know ASAP by returning this e-mail or by calling my cell at 943-0634. I am going on vacation for three weeks beginning Monday so I need to take care of this over the weekend. If you say YES then Jim Kirkpatrick will send you a reminder early in June.

Here is the blog entry from last year's rally!

Thanks!
John

Final Meeting Before Summer

2008-05-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Our final meeting before summer is Sunday, May 25th at 5:30. We will make a quick summer event schedule.

Natalie and Allison Sheffey invite you to watch them play softball this Friday. The Ramblers will be playing 3 games Friday night at Winged Deer Park starting at 6:00. The admission is 5.00 per person but I will see if I can get a "group rate" if any of the youth come.

How many can make it? Let me or Deborah Sheffey know! It will be fun to cheer them on!

Who else has cool stuff going on this summer? Let me know so I can put it on the blog. We want to be there for each other!

Holston Camp News

2008-05-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Announcing ... TWO additional summer programs for 2008!

PATHFINDERS;

a Main Camp summer program for youth 10-11 years.

June 15-20 and July 6 -11!

Dear Campers, Parents, and Camp fans:

Camp will now offer TWO additional summer programs for 2008! Pathfinders, a Main Camp program for youth 10-11 years, will take place June 15-20 and July 6–11.

After reviewing camper enrollment for this summer, including Pathfinders proved to be an easy addition. Many camp supporters find a choice to be in Main Camp essential for this age group. And, many families want an opportunity to bring all of their children to camp on the same week, especially with increasing gas prices. We planned to address these concerns with the 2009 schedule, but decided to take advantage of this year's program flexibility.

Finding a set of choices that enable you to attend your camp is our highest priority. Families who already registered for camp are welcome to choose different sessions. To do this, contact our office. We look forward to sharing this summer with you!

Thank you for communicating with us about these concerns.

Valerie

____________
Valerie Taylor
Summer Program & Marketing Director
Holston Presbytery Camp
Post Office Box 428
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6611
www.holstoncamp.org

Holston Camp

2008-05-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

Patti Davison, who keeps us connected with Holston Camp, sent this:

Holston Camp has 2 registered campers from our church:

1. Sam
2. Rion

Anyone else interested? Visit their website at www.holstoncamp.com

Thanks,
Patti

May Calendar

2008-05-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here is what is on tap for youth in May:

Dinner and Movie! Friday, May 9th at 6 p.m. Youth are encouraged to come at 5:15 to help us serve and set up. Can you help?

Virginia Creeper Trail! Saturday, May 10th.

Youth Groups:

May 11, 18, 25: Middle School and Senior Highs meet at 5:30. Vivian Haile will lead the senior highs. Debbie Sheffey, Julie Martin, and I will lead Middle School.

Senior Highs will watch and discuss Theologians Under Hitler.

The Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Senior High Youth Group has invited us to watch the film, Why We Fight? on May 16th.

Their youth have been doing some great work with the Department of Peace. They led worship in their church regarding it a couple weeks ago. Here is the announcement and invitation:

"The HVUUC Senior High Youth Group invites you to a showing of the film, "Why We Fight" Friday night, May 16th, 7 p.m. in the HVUU Sanctuary. Refreshments will be provided. Discussion will be invited. The movie had a big effect on many of us when we watched it at our social action retreat in January, and we would like everyone to have a chance to see it. In promoting the U.S. Department of Peace, at the very least, we seek a balance of interests from our government."

So what is going on in your life? Anything we can cheer you on about? If you are in any sports, band, or other activities, we want to put them on our schedule.

Let me know! E-mail me!

May Meetings for Youth

2008-04-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I think that we are now finally getting on schedule. During May, I see no conflicts, so we are going to have youth group meetings every Sunday from 5:30-6:30 with separate meetings for Middle School and High School. So get it on your calendars!

Also, we have some other events in the church that are cool.

Friday night, May 9th is Dinner and a Movie. This will be the opening celebration of our new audio/visual equipment! Dinner at 6, movie at 7.

Saturday, May 10th is the Viriginia Creeper Trail Bike Ride. We have 30 signed up already. This will be a blast. The ride starts at 11:00 a.m.

Earth Day Hike This Sunday!!!

2008-04-25T11:40:00.001-07:00

This Sunday (April 27th), Youth (both senior highs and middle school) will meet after worship. We are going to participate in the Earth Day Hike from Hampton to Dennis Cove! So, grab a lunch after church or bring one or whatever. Make sure you bring a water bottle and good hiking clothes.

Wednesday Film, Anyone?

2008-04-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Movie at Milligan. Are any of you interested in attending the film, panel discussion and pizza afterward? I know it is kind of late and a school night. Let me know, ASAP, by replying to this e-mail!

For the Bible Tells Me So at Milligan College

2008-04-21T18:20:00.001-07:00

Milligan College (Elizabethton, TN) is going to show the film, For the Bible Tells Me So, this Wednesday evening. Here is the news from Andy Olivo, a Milligan Student, who blogs at Fides Quaerens Intellectum, a key player in making this happen. It must have taken some effort, but kudos to Andy and others for pulling it off:

Our President and Dean of Students approved our showing of the documentary, and we have four wonderful faculty on board to lead the post movie discussion. We will be showing it at 7pm in Wilson Auditorium on the Milligan College campus this Wednesday, April 23rd.

Here is the synopis of the film:

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu,Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

Here is the trailer:

Ever helpful, Andy even included directions:

Directions to Wilson Auditorium:
When turning into the main entrance of campus take main road up and park in large parking lot on the right in front of Hardin Hall and across from the Welshimer Library.
Take the stairs up to the front of Hardin Hall and the Wilson Auditorium is in Hardin Hall through the double doors on the left of the building.
If all else fails, find a student and ask them where Wilson Auditorium is!

So get the word out and I hope to see you Wednesday!

Sunday Meeting at the Movies

2008-04-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

The Creating a Culture of Peace workshop will be in the church on Sunday. So we are going to go to the movies on Sunday. I messed up. I thought Prince Caspian was opening this weekend, but it is not until next month.

So here we go, the reviews have been great!

Horton Hears a Who! (showtime 3:10 at Carmike 14 in Johnson City!)

See you there!

Remember, a person's a person, no matter how small.

Day of Silence

2008-04-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hey youth.

I posted this over at the PFLAG Tri-Cities blog. We had 50 people including high school students at our first meeting last night!

The Day of Silence is April 25th.

The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. This year’s event will be held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. Hundreds of thousands of students will come together on April 25 to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.

You can read the latest updates on the Day of Silence Blog.

A couple of high school students attended our PFLAG Tri-Cities meeting last night and shared a bit about the harassment lgbtq students experience. The Day of Silence is a good day for straight allies to speak out by not saying a thing.

Find ways to get involved by going to the Day of Silence website.

Check out this public service announcement:

Youth Stuff for this Weekend!

2008-04-10T18:49:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody!

This Saturday night (April 12) is the big square dance! It is going to be a blast. Square dancing may sound, kind of, well, square. But it is fun. And you don't need to know how. You will be taught. And it will be in Martin Hall with a live band. It is for all ages. So bring your friends!

The caller is Jim Kirkpatrick. Jim is a friend of mine. He runs the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at ETSU and is the staff person for our presbytery's youth programming. They do some great things. He has taken college youth to the area devastated by Katrina several different times--plus many other places.

Anyway, you will get a chance to meet him.

Also, he is going to be at youth group Sunday night with Jason Reece (a high school student) to talk about all the stuff that is going on with youth in Holston presbytery.

So, two things:

Saturday night dance at church at 7 p.m.

Sunday youth group from 5:30-6!

Be there or be square.

...ooops

Youth Stuff!

2008-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

OK, this Sunday, the sanctuary is in use for the Creating a Culture of Peace thing, and both Vivian and I are in it. So I need a favor. Can someone help with the youth for this Sunday, say by going for a movie?

For example, 3 p.m. Bonnie Kate "Horton Hears a Who"

Here is what is playing at Carmike. This would be an all ages family event. Then we will be back for our regular 5:30 - 6:30 meeting on April 13.

Also, I am going to serve as an adult on the Holston Presbytery Youth Council. We could use one more adult (hint, hint) and youth (hint, hint, hint). Here is the application.

On June 8-14, I am going to go to Montreat for the Youth Conference. 1000 other senior highs will be there. Should be great! I don't want to be lonely and have no one from my church go (guilt, guilt).

Here is the web page for that.

I know that some of you have been to youth conferences in which they want to "save you" and whatever. This isn't like that.

If anyone tries to save you, I promise I will un-save you again!

Youth Will Meet on Sunday

2008-03-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Even though I am on vacation, senior high and middle school youth will meet from 5:30-6:30 this Sunday. Vivian Haile is leading the senior highs. I don't know if Paul Gabinet will get this, but if you do, Paul, do you think you might help Vivian with the movie system? Senior highs are doing the Gospel According to Harry Potter.

I was supposed to get someone to do middle school, but didn't. If one of you fine folks wants to help with middle school this week, great; otherwise they will be with senior high for this week only.

I purchased a number of youth resources that are in the Sunday School room. Games, fundraising ideas, programs.

See you all the next week!
John

Youth Council

2008-03-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

I received this from Jim Kirkpatrick. I am hoping that at least one of our parents and one or two of our senior highs will be on the Youth Council of the Presbytery. This will be a good thing for us to get connected with the youth of the presbytery. We can do a lot of good things together. Jim Kirkpatrick is a cool guy!

Let me know if you are interested, and I will get word to him ASAP.

Here is a message from him:

TO: those who minister with youth

FROM: Jim Kirkpatrick

DATE: March 10, 2008

Please be reminded that the deadline for getting in the applications for membership on Holston Presbytery's Youth Council is fast approaching. The Council will meet this Saturday morning to elect its new members. Therefore, if you have not already gotten your applications in then please be reminded. We are looking for 8 youth and 2 adults who are very committed to ministry.

Particularly with the youth we are looking for young people whom you believe will grow up to take over the church, or in other words, will become the leaders of our church. We are also looking for adults who are very serious (in a fun way) about their commitment to help young people to grow up in a Christlike manner and to become the leaders of their grandchildren.

You may fax the attached application to 815.572.8805, bring it (them) by the Campus House, e-mail to my address, or send to P O Box 23024, Johnson City TN 37614.

We Will Meet Sunday, March 16

2008-03-15T10:49:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

OK, we are on for youth group tomorrow (Sunday--March 16) at 5:30-6:30 in Martin Hall. We will divide up into middle school and senior high. I will take middle school and Vivian, can you take senior high?

If someone wants to bring a snack, great. If not, I will get something. We can make some kind of schedule for both middle school and senior high!

See you then!

A Note from Jason Reese

2008-03-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

I met Jason Reese at Presbytery this morning. He is a senior at Daniel Boone and a student at ETSU (isn't that wild!) He is also a member at Jonesborough Presbyterian. Anyway, he is excited about getting us involved with the presbytery.

It was so cool of him to send me this e-mail after I got home!

Hey John, this is Jason Reese. I'm sending you a copy of the 2008 Senior High Retreat and Montreat promotions (attached) and a link to the Youth Council application.

The Senior High Retreat is going to be really great this year. We're having a joint retreat with the youth from Presbytery of Western North Carolina, who are leading recreation. March 28-30

Montreat is also an amazing time. I've had the best week of my life there, and I know others have too. June 8-14

The youth council plans the SH Retreat, in addition to many other events. We have a lot of fun but also work hard to provide our ministry to the youth in Holston Presbytery. The applications are due by March 15th (the date of our next meeting). YC meets four times a year (September, January, March, May) and has a leadership workshop at Holston Camp in October. YC is a great way to provide connections between youth and adults and members meet a lot of new and wonderful people.

If you or your youth group have any questions please ask!

--
-Jason Reese-

Theology Thoughts

2008-03-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Check this out!

Whaddya think?

Update on Movie

2008-02-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

We are going to see Juno this Friday night (Feb. 29). It seems like the 7:35 show gets the nod at Carmike. Thanks to Vivian Haile for volunteering to be our Senior High Youth Coordinator! We are looking for a Middle School Youth Coordinator.

Senior Highs and Middle School will meet at the same time but each will have different programs and activities, Sunday nights from 5:30-6:30. We will NOT meet this Sunday.

Senior highs! Check out the flier for the senior high retreat at Holston Camp and the Montreat Youth Conference on the Youth Page.

Youth Stuff

2008-02-24T17:21:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Thanks to Pat and Buddy Humphreys for a super presentation on drugs. That wraps up "Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll." What now?

OK, we are going to be meeting Sundays from 5:30-6:30 and we will split up the groups into middle school and high school with a program for each. This coming Sunday, March 2nd will be an exception as the Martin Hall is in use.

So for this weekend, Friday February 29th, we are going to watch the film, "Juno" at Carmike in Johnson City. What is better the 5:25 or 7:35 show?

For senior highs, get two things on your calendar. The first is the senior high retreat at Holston Camp March 28, 29, and 30. This is for grades 9-12. It is a great weekend. I will go if at least one goes from our church. Bring a friend.

Finally, the Montreat Youth Conference is June 8-14 in Montreat, NC. Holston presbytery is going that week. It is going to be a great thing. Again, I have been asked to go with the presbytery. I will if at least one goes. This is also for senior highs, rising 9th through 12th.

Here are the details. This will be really, really, good! Talk it over and let me know soon so we can do some fundraising for it! Gu ess the theme with this YouTube! Here is a promotional video made by a youth group from Cincinnati.

So we are on for every week, plus extra events. Make sure First Pres. Youth is a regular part of your life!

Sam is 13!!

2008-02-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Samantha "Sam" Davison invites us all to her birthday party, Sunday February 17th from 2-4 p.m. at ETSU's Center for Physical Activity (near the Mini Dome). There is a swimming pool and climbing wall.

This will be our youth group for the 17th. We will meet again on the 24th from 5:30-7 when we will continue the drugs part of Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll.

Here are the details for this Sunday the 17th:

To make sure they have enough lifeguards on duty, call Patti or Bob (Sam's parents) at 773-7723 before Wednesday the 13th!!

This is from Sam:

Instead of a gift for me, celebrate my 13th birthday by bringing something to donate to the animal shelter. The shelter is always thankful for: dog/cat toys; puppy/kitty food; dog/cat food; rawhide chews; kitty litter; bleach and detergent; old blankets; and monetary gifts.

See you then!! Thanks Sam for being born!

Sunday, February 10th!

2008-02-10T06:05:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Don't forget today at 2 p.m. we meet at the Gray Fossil Site! $9 for a tour. Then at five-thirty to seven, we finish Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll at the church! See you!

Mardi Gras Tomorrow Night!

2008-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody!

This will be a kick! Come to Mardi Gras tomorrow night, 6 p.m. Bring your friends. Food, music, dancing, masks--you'll love it!

See you Tuesday at 6 p.m.!!!

Check out these Possibilities

2008-02-01T08:57:00.001-08:00

Anyone interested in some of these actvities?

Youth Overnight Redux

2008-01-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

OK, here is what is up:

Travis (b-day boy) plus 11 = 12
Jason 1
Taylor and a friend = 2
Allison S. and 1 = 2
Rion = 1
Pat and a friend = 2
Kirby and a friend = 2 (bowling only)
Heidi and a friend = 2 (bowling only)
Isaac and friend = 2
Dillon = 1
Sam and two friends = 3
Merilee (?) =1
John and friend = 2
Ellie and friend = 2
Robert and friend = 2 (Bowling only)

I need transportation from church to bowling and back for 30!

Charlie S. will help transport.
I will help transport
Ray or Dallas will drive
Val and/or Eeva will drive
Patti can drive (also spending the night)
Vivian can drive (also spending the night)

I think we have it.

Remember, it is $7.50 per person to bowl.

See most of you Friday at 8 p.m.

Remember to fill out the youth forms for you and your friends!

Hallelujah!!

2008-01-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Do you think church would be more entertaining if I preached like this guy?

Youth Overnight Update

2008-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

I reserved six lanes (six persons per lane) at Holiday Lanes in Johnson City for Friday night's Cosmic Bowling. We have them reserved for midnight to 3 a.m. I can get more if needed, if I let them know very soon, like tomorrow or Wednesday. Even if we have more than 36 we can switch around.

Now, I need to take some reservations even if they are maybes. Here is who I have going so far:

Travis and eleven friends. (It is his birthday, so we are giving him a big party!)
Jason and maybe a friend
Taylor and a friend
Allison S. and a friend
Natalie and a friend
Rion and two friends
Pat and a friend
Kirby and two friends
Heidi and two friends
Isaac
Dylan
Sam
Merilee
Alison W.

Who am I missing? This is from memory. So let me know if I missed you or missed if you are bringing a friend or not. Also, I know Heidi and Kirby and friends are just going for the bowling.

Here is the schedule:

8 pm church
9 pm movie at church
11:30 on the road to bowling
3:00 am on the road back to church
4:00 am sleep? (I hope!)
9:00 am wake up!
10:00 parents pick up.

I see I may need to get another lane or two already, especially since parents will want to bowl as well.

Now, parents: who can drive and how many can you take?

All right. Next item. Come to Sunday School (9:45 am) as we make plans for Mardi Gras. There will be S.S. at 9:45 every Sunday!!!

Item three:
We just had our Christian Education meeting. Incredible job, Linda! We want to keep youth group going. This schedule seems to work well. So, we are going to have youth group from 5:30 - 7 pm every Sunday. I will work with other adults to keep it happening. We will have some fun discussion, games, plan for big events. We will break up into middle school and high school.

On the tenth, we finish sex, drugs and rock and roll, then move on to other cool topics. I want to plan a big trip to Atlanta (?) this summer. I have some ideas.

So...Friday night overnight and bowling
No group Sunday the 3rd. Watch the Super Bowl.
We start again the 10th and every week following!!!!

Cool!

Youth Overnight!

2008-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

This Sunday, the 27th, parents need to come with youth for the last session on the sex part of Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll. This has been an excellent series and this is the chance to open up lines of communication about these things. So, parents and youth from 5:30-7:00. Then, pizza for everyone at 7 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their favorite Rock and Roll tunes (cds, mp3s, etc.) and we will have a rock off, (one parent tune, one youth tune and so on).

Friday night (February 1) we are going to have an overnight that will start at 8 p.m. at the church. We will do some games, watch the classic film, "School of Rock" and at 11:30 we will go to Holiday Lanes in Johnson City for Cosmic Bowling from midnight to 3 a.m!! We will celebrate Travis Marshall's birthday there! Then back to the church for sleep. Breakfast at nine a.m. Parents pickup at ten a.m.

I am going to need some transportation to and from the church to the bowling alley. If parents can help me with that part, you won't need to stay the night.

The bowling costs $45 per lane. We can have six people per lane. Bowling will be $7.50 per person. You all need to pay for your own bowling. The rest will be covered with our youth budget. I need a number of bowlers to reserve the lanes.

So, I need to know who is coming and if you are bringing a friend. I need their names too and I need you all (including friends) to download and fill out the permission form and consent form on the youth page.

Let me know this Sunday if you are going to be there! It'll be great!!

More Sex, Drugs, and R&R this Sunday!

2008-01-12T15:16:00.001-08:00

Hey,

What an awesome Sunday! We had a great turnout for the Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll deal. Are not Mr. and Mrs. Cope the coolest? We are at it again this Sunday at 5:30 to 7:00 with Rock and Roll Pizza to follow from 7:00- 7:30.

Bring your favorite tunes on an ipod, mp3, or cd so we can plug them into our sound system.

See you then!

john

Sex, Drugs, R&R Schedule Change

2008-01-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

A change in schedule!

All youth middle school and high school are meeting at 5:30 tonight. They will be divided into high school/middle school during the program itself. Here is the schedule:

5:30-7:00 Program
7:00-7:30 Rock and Roll Pizza with John

Home.

Parents will meet from 7-7:30 on their own.

See you tonight!

The Good Life

2008-01-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

To get you thinking about the songs and artists, here is a song that is number 12 this week with a bullet. Kenye West and "The Good Life."

What are your favorite songs?

Who Rocks Your World?

2008-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

We are doing the Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll thing starting this Sunday. I get to do the Rock and Roll part. So...to prepare, I want you to let me know your favorite artists and songs. List as many as you want. I want particular artists and particular songs. Send them to me via e-mail or comment on this blog. See you Sunday!

Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll!

2007-12-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday we are starting a four-week program entitled Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll for youth at First Pres. Here are the details:

Dwight and Doris Cope have been teaching Sex Ed. to youth since the 70s. Also, Pat Humphreys is a counselor with expertise in drug and alcohol counseling and John Shuck likes Rock and Roll and thinks it is the music Jesus likes best. Here is the schedule:

It will run four weeks, January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th in the evenings. There will be a parent meeting on Sunday January 6th after our ordination/installation/new members party with the instructors in Martin Hall. Parents are encouraged to ask a lot of questions.

5:30 - 6:30 (grades 6-8)

6:30 to 7:00 Rock and Roll pizza

7:00 - 8:00 (grades 9-12)

All meetings at the church in Martin Hall. Several folks have indicated interest already! Let me know if you think you can make it and see you this Sunday!

Philip Pullman's Books

2007-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

The movie, The Golden Compass, is based on the book by Philip Pullman. The other two books might be made into movies as well. You can read more about these books on this website.

Some Christians have complained that the books are offensive to them.

The Vatican condemned the movie this past week. You can read that story here.

Other Christians say that the offense is against dogmatic religion not all forms of Christianity.

What do you think?

Decide for yourself when we watch and discuss the film tomorrow!

Movie and Bowling Tomorrow!

2007-12-27T11:22:00.002-08:00

Tomorrow at 1:30 we meet at Carmike in Johnson City to see The Golden Compass.

Then, we go to Holiday Lanes to bowl, discuss the film, and eat pizza!

Here is the trailer.

Here is the ice bear fight!

Take the quiz and find our your daemon! Here is mine! Go here to see if you agree with my self-assessment and respond in the comment section. Then do your own!

Church Family Outing: Golden Compass

2007-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

We are going to see The Golden Compass on Friday December 28th at Carmike in Johnson City. After the movie we will go bowling and have pizza. Join us at the theatre for the 1:30 matinee! This is for everyone!!

Check out Alison's Blog!

2007-11-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

Alison Williams and her family are Australia. She is keeping track of the family's activities at Going Outback Tonight! This is what she says about her blog:

"Hey, guys, I've created a blog to keep track of our time in Australia. Kind of an online journal so that we can keep you posted on everything happening. Just log on and check in! Log on anytime! And leave loads of comments; we want to hear from you guys! There is only one post so far, but once we leave, we'll pick up the pace. We leave October 28 and I think we get back just a couple days before Christmas."

She already has some great posts already!

Where is My Space? Middle School Retreat!

2007-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

A presbytery retreat for Middle School students is November 16-18 at Holston Camp! This is a great event. If you are interested in attending, e-mail me and I will get you an information form. I will have a bunch of them this weekend at our retreat. Scholarships are available if needed.

Read below for information.

As middle school students begin to figure out who they are in a constantly changing world, they often find themselves lost in a sea of technology, data and constantly changing people. Not only is their world changing, but also is their understanding of the creator of that world. This retreat will help them to discover who they are, whose they are and to find their own space.

November 16-18, 2007
MIDDLER RETREAT

For those in the 6-9 Grades
Cost: $55
at Holston Presbytery’s Camp
Banner Elk, NC

Sponsored by Holston Presbytery
Register with full payment of $55 by Nov. 13

T-shirts will be sold for $8
1 adult must attend for every 10 youth

Camp phone: 828-898-6611

LEADERSHIP

Keynote: David Hyers grew up in Holston Presbytery and is a graduate of Presbyterian College and Columbia Seminary. In Holston he was very involved in both youth and campus ministry.

He is currently the Associate Pastor at FPC Waco, TX with youth, college and young adult ministries, and is involved in larger youth ministry leadership at Mo Ranch Conference Center.

Music: Jason Ridlehoover is a Senior at Presbyterian College majoring in Mathematics. He has been leading music for about four years.

Recreation: Megan Bannerman has been leading since her youth. This summer she helped lead recreation at the Triennium.

WHAT TO BRING:

Bible
Warm clothes
Pillow & sleeping gear
Rain gear (just in case)
NO food

WHAT WE’LL DO
Have tons of fun!!
Enjoy good food!
Four Square
Climbing Wall available
Worship! + Fellowship with others and God.
Free time to enjoy the out of doors
Sing and dance.

STARTS AND ENDS
The retreat begins with registration between 7:00 & 7:30 Friday evening (supper not served);
ends with worship on Sunday by 12:00 (no lunch served).

REGISTRATION
Limited to first 120 to register
The Climbing Wall is offered on a first come basis (see registration form)
Retreat registration fees to be payable in full and refundable up until the week before the retreat, $10 non-refundable after November 13
Check payable to: Y.Y.A.M.

Registration deadline is November 12
To register, send $55 with the attached registration form to your youth leader who sends to:
Jim Kirkpatrick
P O Box 23024 ETSU
Johnson City TN 37614
FAX: 828-898-6611
E-mail: preshouse@juno.com

10% discount given to those youth who bring a non-church member. Please note on registration form.

Bee Movie for Youth Overnight

2007-10-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

OK, we are going to watch The Bee Movie at the Bonnie Kate in Elizabethton at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 2nd. So meet at the church at 6 pm then we will walk over. Bring money for the movie in addition to $5 for pizza and stuff for later.

Here is the trailer! Movie tix are six bucks, I think.

If you haven't yet filled out a form for me find the parental consent form on the youth page and scroll down! For your friends, too!

See you Friday!

Youth Overnight, November 2-3

2007-10-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

We are having an overnight at the church, Friday, November 2nd through Saturday, November 3rd.

Grades 6-12
6 pm Friday to 8 am Saturday
Movies
Pizza
Games
Fun
Bring sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress
Bring $5
Bring a Friend!

Butterfly Hike!

2007-08-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is an event for youth and adults. This Sunday after worship we are going to go for a butterfly hike to (probably Roan Mountain--Dave Miller Homestead). Bring a lunch, water, sunscreen and binoculars, if you have them. Did you the monarchs are endangered? Here are some pics from a previous hike!

Volunteer Trip to Manna Food Bank!

2007-08-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

An estimated four million children under the age of 12 are hungry in America.

Nearly ten million more are at risk.

I am working out the details for a day trip to Asheville as a warm-up for our bigger overnight trip to Atlanta.

We will be volunteering at the Manna Food Bank in Asheville.

As soon as I work out the details I will let you know.

Pics from Holston Youth Rally!

2007-08-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

We had a good representation from Elizabethton at the Holston Youth Rally!

Thanks to Deborah Sheffey and Julie Martin for chaperoning!

Attending were Jason, Travis, Rion, Samantha, Allison, and Christina!

Seventy-eight youth were there altogether from around the presbytery to kick off the school year.

The theme was mission.

Pics From Boone Lake!

2007-08-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great time last Thursday at Boone Lake!

Miss Harriet was most gracious to let us come to her lake house.

Samantha, Kirby, Isaac, Jason, Travis, and Rion cooled off in the 95+ heat.

Thanks to Isaac's parents, Ray and Dallas, for bringing their speed boat and to Kirby's mom and dad, Rebecca and Richard for bringing the jet ski!

We have to do this again!

Youth Rally In Greeneville!

2007-07-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Youth Rally in Greeneville August 12th from 2-5 for youth grades 6 through 12. This is a presbytery wide event. We will meet at the church at 1 p.m. I am the recreation leader! I could use your help with ideas!

Event Purpose: to help youth groups connect with other churches, to broaden youth’s understanding of their church; to develop leadership within Holston Presbytery, and to
provide an outreach opportunity for young people by inviting their friends. We will conduct a safe, fun event through which we can celebrate our faith.

Youth Rally
Holston Presbytery
August 12, 2007
First Presbyterian Church
Greeneville
110 N. Main Street
From Here to Where!
(Missions)

We often think of missions as being for people called by God to go from here to there, but could it be that and more? Some are called to go from here and spread the gospel over there, while others are called to go from here to here. Let’s consider God’s call for you to wherever.

Keynote Speaker: Jim Kirkpatrick
Recreation Leader: John Shuck
Music: Kyle Love
Worship Leaders: Alix Sutter & Jim Kirkpatrick

Schedule:
3:00 Registration, Recreation & Welcome
3:15 It’s already begun
4:20 Message/Small Groups, Refreshments
6:00 Closing Worship
6:30 Continue onward sharing your faith

Planning Team:
Donna Hunter (Director)
Alix Sutter (youth, Covenant)
Julie Gilmer (youth, Waverly Road)
John Shuck (minister, FPC, Elizabethton)
Jim Kirkpatrick (Staff)

Directions: From Johnson City area, take the 11E bypass through Jonesborough and into Greeneville. Landmarks before turning off 11E include a BP station on the right. You need to take a left onto West Main Street, Rt. 321 business. Go through three lights and FPC Greeneville is on the left.

OFFERING: bring a can of food!

Boating on the Boone!

2007-07-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Put Thursday, August 9th on the calendar! Harriet Baker has invited us to her awesome house on Boone Lake. She has a party barge and everything! This is our kick-off for youth grades 6-12. In addition to boating, we have volleyball, food, and a good time will be had by all.

BTW, I am working on two things:

1) A weekend mission trip to either Atlanta or Nashville this Fall or next winter. I have a day trip planned for us to Asheville, NC. More on that later.

2) We are going to get some other events on the calendar as well.

3) I am working on getting our church to finish the Martin Hall with surround sound and a projector for movies on the big screen.

So, see you August 9th at 4 p.m.

Bring....
lifejacket (if you have one)
Swimming trunks (we may tube behind a speed boat)
a side dish. Make it easy. Ingles is a great cook.
We will have hot dogs and stuff like that.

Address: 557 Lakepoint Drive, Piney Flats. Check it out on mapquest.

Elizabethton Twins Game!

2007-07-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

We are going to the Twins Game this Sunday August 5th at 7 p.m. Meet in the Joe O'Brien parking lot at 6:45. We will go in as a group and the admission is only $1 if we go as a group. The entertainment (besides the Appalachian League leading Twins) is the Bucket Boys. They may be kind of weird. But weird is fun. Then we'll go for ice cream afterwards! All ages welcome! Parents, kids, youth, a big family event!

Here is info about the Bucket Boys:

The Bucket Boys are a hip-hop percussive duo combining music, laughter, crowd interaction and positive life skills. This lively presentation is the original work of Vince Romanelli and Mitch Martin. Using a medley of junk collected from wrecking yards, trash bins, basements and attics, the two college graduates create riveting music.
Make sure you see them!

Here is the promo:

The Elizabethton Twins are known for their unique commitment to find promotional events that will both entertain and make a positive difference in our community. This season, the Bucket Boys will take center stage at Joe O'Brien Field. This down-to-earth message about saying no to drugs, community participation, teamwork, and motivation to make the best out of the junk in our lives will touch the lives of many.
Their message is about positive choices, having fun, and well, just being yourself. The Bucket Boys have performed throughout the United States visiting countless churches all the while sharing their beliefs with thousands. Come enjoy a wonderful evening as the Bucket Boys will perform throughout the night at Joe O'Brien Field. This event will take place on August 5, game-time 7:00PM. Admission is $1.00 for those that enter with a group. For more info. call 547-6441.

Here they are on myspace.

Meeting after Church July 22nd!!

2007-07-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Some of you heard the announcement last Sunday, we are asking for your participation and input regarding our planning for next year’s education programs for our kids. How we teach our children was a reoccurring theme in the church chat responses. It is time to plan for the fall. So….

WHEN – Sunday, July 22 after church – I am thinking pizza and salad?

WHO – parents, everyone with affection for kids and teaching, and of course – your kids!

HOW – brainstorming, discussion, gathering ideas for our plan

I hope you will be able to participate. See you on Sunday. Ideas are always welcome!

Blessings, Rebecca

2007-04-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

Holston Retreat Report!

2007-04-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Eleven youth and four adults attended the Holston Camp Retreat this weekend. It was a fun weekend. We pretty much explored the camp, slid on the slide, played four-square, and made some plans.

These plans include a mission/service project to a nearby city later this summer or this Fall. I am rooting for July. Maybe we can make it happen? At my last church, we took trips to San Francisco and Seattle among other places, including Mexico. At my first church in upstate New York, we did mission trips to Delaware, New York City, and Washington D.C.

We thought perhaps Charlotte, Nashville or D.C. for a starter. This would include a fun educational experience, serving in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, and other things. It is always a great experience. So...we are going to get some youth involved planning this and working out some fundraising opportunities. Piece of cake.

I also want to plug Holston Camp. Make sure you and your friends have a week scheduled this year. We are also looking for staff as counselors, high school graduates, or college students.

Plus, I would like to see our congregation involved with doing a mission project at the camp. This could involve anything from clearing brush, to chopping wood, to building a cabin. A great experience for youth and adults!

Holston Camp is a great place! Here is a camper exiting the new slide!

View from the tree house to the campers coming up from the slide!

The ever-popular four-square!

Thanks to adults, Rebecca Nunley, Richard Brosmore, and Beverly Brown!

Our youth program is happening!

Youth Forms

2007-04-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Youth and Parents,

Just want to make sure I have all the information for your blessed one who will be going to camp (or other activities of the church).

Please go to our Youth Page, scroll down and find the "Youth Forms."

Or you can get each one here and here.

Please print them, fill them out and bring them tomorrow. We will have them for the trip and I will keep them on file.

Blessings!
john

Holston Camp Retreat (The Latest)

2007-04-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) I have to call Holston Camp with the final numbers. I am going to call people tonight to see who is going. E-mail me, johnashuck@earthlink.net if I don't get to you and you are not on this list and you want to go! Or if you have a friend you would like to bring, I need to know who tonight!

Five adults are going.

We leave the church at 4 p.m. Friday. Dinner at camp at 6 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch at camp and we leave around 5 p.m., stop at some fast food place and back to the church by 7 p.m.

The cost is $45 per person. Adults are free. Make a check to First Presbyterian Church.

What to bring:

Sleeping bag, pillow and all that kind of stuff.
Hiking and playing clothes
$$ for the Fast food joint

Here is who is going (so far):
Kirby Brosmore
Caroline Moore
Heidi Faust
Allison Sheffey
Samantha Davison
Alison Williams
John Lagergren
Jason Marshall
Travis Marshall
Taylor Brown

If you or your friend is not on that list, I need to know!

john

Youth Retreat at Holston April 27-28

2007-04-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

Hi Youth at First Pres.!

OK, we are set up for our retreat on April 27-28.

We will have dinner up there Friday.
Breakfast Saturday and Lunch Saturday
Home Saturday evening (7 ish)

I have a cabin for 16 altogether including two, perhaps 3 adults.

That leaves 13-14 spots for campers.

First choice, to kids associated with First Pres., then to friends:

Here is who have tentatively said they are interested (grade 6 and up):
Alison Sheffey
Travis Marshall
Jason Marshall
Ellie Lagergren
John Lagergren
Kirby Brosmore
Alison Williams
Merillee Rogers

I hope I didn't forget anyone. If I did, e-mail me. In fact, I need all of you to confirm that by e-mailing me back. Also, if you are interested, and are not on the list, you need to e-mail me. If you are on the list, but do not want to go, e-mail me! Also, if you are interested and want to bring a friend (one max), let me know. E-mail me the name of the friend. I may be able to get more spaces.
So get this back to me ASAP!

Blessings,
John

Mini-Golf and Retreat

2007-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at mini-golf today! We are going to have a middle school/high school retreat at Holston Camp on the last weekend of April. Details to come. Let me know if you think you can make it. It's a blast!

John

Good Friday is not Good

2007-03-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

April Fool's Day is Palm Sunday. On the liturgical calendar it is called Palm/Passion Sunday. The change came because with decreased attendance at Good Friday services, folks would jump from the triumphal entry to the resurrection and miss the crucifixion. The clergy thought that folks really should hear the crucifixion story so on Palm/Passion Sunday you may hear both the triumphal entry and the passion story in one.

My sermon for this Palm/Passion Sunday is entitled "Letting Go of the "Good" in Good Friday." It is the next installment in my Lenten series of sermons regarding beliefs to let go in order to grow. I and I imagine others have let go of the need for substitutionary atonement. This is the idea that Christ dying on the cross was part of God's plan. Here is the story in a nutshell:

Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden. In so doing they sinned. They committed the original sin. By sinning they dishonored God and could not be in God's presence. So they were cast from the garden. Not only that, but their sin was transmuted generation by generation. All humanity, by nature of its humanity, is in a state of sin. They owe a debt to God that they cannot pay. Humans owe the debt but only God can forgive the debt. But God just can't cancel it. So God becomes human. Because Jesus is born of a virgin, he is not tainted by human sin. Jesus, the God/human cancels the debt by dying on the cross taking the sin of the world onto himself. Jesus is substituted for us. All who believe in this story have their debt of sin cancelled. They get to go to heaven when they die. All who do not believe in this story are still in their sin. They get to go to hell. One could tell the story more elegantly, but that is the story in essence.

I raised a bit of hoopla at my previous church when I wrote an article in the local paper challenging this doctrine. I offered a critique of Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ." I wrote that instead of his death we could benefit more by reflecting on his life:

I believe there are more important things about Jesus' life than his death, namely his parables, which were an invitation to cross over to a new way of thinking, loving and living. Jesus' passion for justice, his acceptance and elevation of the marginalized, his love of enemies are just some of the things that mark his greatness as well as the hope for humankind, in my view.

I think ultimately, it was Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that put this dogma in the museum of "fossilized beliefs that once were interesting." If humans evolved from lower life-forms and over billions of years of evolution, then the Adam and Eve story is obviously a myth. They didn't exist. There was no garden, no fruit, no command not to eat of it, no disobedience, no sin, no need for atonement. Jesus dying on the cross was not part of any great plan of salvation since humans didn't need saving. I wonder if this is the real objection to evolution by fundamentalist Christians. It isn't that they need Genesis to be literal, but the theory of evolution casts the whole theory of Christianity as it is popularly conceived into doubt.

I suppose one could find the "truth" of the Adam and Eve story, original sin, virgin birth, and substitutionary atonement in a mythical/metaphorical way, but I don't really see the point. I think the idea of Jesus dying for our sins makes of mockery of the execution of Jesus. The historical person of Jesus died on a Roman cross. There were not just three lonely crosses on a hill. There could have been hundreds perhaps thousands of crosses. Rome crucified anyone who it perceived could make trouble. Rome brought the peace that way.

A good read for "good" Friday is Josephus. You can read his works on-line. He describes the bloody executions by Rome. Jesus wasn't alone. He was executed as a Jew like many of his countrymen. To suggest that his death was somehow "good" is to suggest that the burnings of Jews at Auschwitz was "good" or that the genocide in Darfur is "good." There is nothing good about it. The cross symbolizes the meaninglessness of terror, cruelty, and violence for which there is no answer. If the cross is to mean anything for us today, it is that it represents the absence of goodness. It is the horror of humanity's crimes against humanity.

What does the cross mean to you?

Mini-Golf Tomorrow

2007-03-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

OK, we are going mini-golfing at Chinquapin Grove tomorrow after church. We'll see how many are going at 12:30 and figure out a lunch plan from that. The golfing fee is $10 for the group (for clean-up of the area) plus $2 per person. We will split the $10 between us.

So--get your friends out. It'll be fun, fun, fun!~ All ages. 12:30 at the church, home at 3:30.

Mini-Golf and other Hoopla this Sunday!

2007-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is for everyone: elementary, youth, high school, even the littlest humans.

We are going mini-golfing Sunday after church. Meet in the parking lot at 12:30! We will be back at 3:30. So,

need a couple of drivers
need to figure out a picnic lunch
need to know who is going...

Let me know! Spread the word! Bring Friends!

john

Lock-in March 9-10!!

2007-03-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Spring Lock-In is this weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 9-10 at First Pres! This is for grades 6-12. Invite friends! It is going to be good. We will have some wild games, good food, and probably a late night movie at the Bonnie Kate (depending upon what is playing). Also, time to just be--well--silly. We will also decide where to send the Souper Bowl money. Come at 6 pm or so for Four Square!

Time: 6 pm Friday to 10 am Saturday.

Place: Church

What to bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, snacks, cereal for breakfast.

Cost: $5 plus $7 for movie.

Church provides pizza, sodas, milk, juice, etc.

E-mail me for questions!

John

Drummin'

2007-02-13T11:41:00.001-08:00

Can you spot John Lagergren in this pic? Click to see and hear the drummers this past Sunday in worship. Don't forget to vote on where to send the $279 we collected for Souper Bowl Sunday. E-mail a comment on the Souper Bowl post.

The next event is the ski trip on Saturday, February 24th. Contact Anne Rogers for details.

Youth Events

2007-02-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick calendar:

Ski Trip February 24th Everyone

Lock-in March 9th-10th Grades 6 and up

Fun Expeditions March 25th Everyone

Holston Camp Retreat April 27-28 Grades 6 and up

Ski Trip at Beech Mountain!

2007-02-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody!

Ski trip at Beech Mountain on February 24th! Here is the info from Anne Rogers:

Beech Mtn. Ski Trip, Saturday, Feb.24th. Cost per person is $51 which includes lift ticket, ski rental & group lesson. (Lunch is extra or you can bring a pack lunch.)  Meet in the church parking lot at 10:00 that morning to carpool/caravan.  Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.  (If we don't have 15, the rates will go up.)  We plan to ski from 12:30-4:30, but will need to get there early enough to go through rentals, eat lunch etc.  Please contact Anne Rogers at 474-3796 or rogera2@k12tn.net if interested.

Souper Bowl 2007

2007-02-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

We raised $279 for Souper Bowl Sunday! Check our profile here. Congratulations! Now you get to decide where we will send the money. Here are some options:

Food for the Multitude: First Pres. participates with other congregations in Elizabethton to prepare meals once per week for people who need them. We take a turn about once every 5-6 weeks at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. We served nearly 300 meals last time. The money will help buy food!

Three Cents a Meal: The money would go to Holston Presbytery to be distributed to hunger ministries throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Area Resource Ministry (A.R.M): This is a cooperative ministry of churches in Elizabethton to provide food, clothing, pay heating bills and so forth for folks in need in Carter County.

First Pres., Food Vouchers: Every now and then people come to the church requesting a food voucher. We give them a voucher for $25 at White's in Elizabethton.

Do you know of other local hunger ministries? If so, comment to this post and we will add yours to the list, then take a vote at the end of the week.

New Blog for Youth of First Presbyterian!

2007-02-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome! This is a blog for youth and young adults of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton! This is a blog just for you! It is a place to check for events at First Pres., share your ideas and publish your own posts! Anyone can view the blog, but I will approve comments. Let me know how I can make the blog better!

John