2009-11-30

Advent Conspiracy with St. John's Youth

Hey there folks,

Check out these two videos. After the videos, I've got a couple challenges for us to take on. Also below the videos is the write up from my Messenger article about the Advent Conspiracy.






The first video captivated me the first time I saw it. I watched it a couple times through. It has really motivated me to act, and I hope that we, as a community, can be motivated as well. Here's my challenges for you:

1) Be creative and proactive with your faith this Advent/Christmas. Don't buy frivolous things, whether they be for you or others. Give your presence, your time...go HERE for some ideas.

2) I plucked 5 names off the Giving Tree. This post has a list of those names and their requests: Giving Tree List

3) It is amazing to me that just $10 Billion could provide clean water to every person on the earth that needs it. Now, don't get me wrong, that's a huge number! However, there are at least 160 million Christians in the US. If each Christian were to give approximately $63 for clean water, we would be able to raise that amount. Our Diocese supports a clean water initiative in Cange, Haiti. The initiative is called the Bread and Water Campaign. Please consider contributing towards this initiative this Advent. Send donations to EYC or the Youth Office.

Here's a little more information about the Advent Conspiracy (from the Dec Messenger):

The Advent Conspiracy
Previously, we’ve talked about bearing fruit through missional living and what it means to be a disciple, so how can we put these concepts into action this season of Advent? The story of Jesus’ birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. But somehow, it seems that we have gotten to a point where we almost look to Christmas with anxiety because of the looming stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. Then we end up spent, emotionally and financially, and more relieved than anything in the aftermath. So how can we approach Christmas with the full meaning of what Advent is supposed to be? Welcome to the Advent Conspiracy, a movement calling us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas.

WORSHIP FULLY
Advent starts and ends with Jesus. It is a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated. Exploring the story of Advent involves putting down our burdens as we lift our voices and lives in worship of Jesus.

SPEND LESS
We all like gifts, especially me, but consider this: America spends an average of $450 Billion a year every Christmas. I would bet that you have given or received a gift that was completely out of obligation. It meant nothing to either person involved. How about we consider giving just ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. And then consider replacing that gift with something that is more relational. Go visit www.rethinkingchristmas.com for ideas.

GIVE MORE
God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it is natural that during Christmas we have a natural desire to be with family and friends. Time is our most valuable resource during Christmas, and it is a true gift. Take time to write a letter to a friend or family member. Take time to go look at Christmas lights. Take time to bake cookies with/for your friends. Invite an old friend out for coffee. Give time at your favorite charity. Take time to make love visible through relational giving. Instead of giving presents, give presence.

LOVE ALL
Jesus loved everyone fully, completely, and in ways that transformed lives. Jesus especially loved those on the margins. He became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join him in giving resources to those who need help the most. For instance, clean water is a rare resource for many in this world. Our Diocese has a great initiative called the Bread and Water Campaign that is raising funds to help provide clean water to the community in Cange, Haiti. Contact Dorian if you would like to help give to the Bread and Water Campaign, and visit the youth blog to learn more about the Advent Conspiracy. May you have a very blessed Advent!

I'm going to add a little bit to what I wrote in the Messenger here...Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean that we can't or shouldn't shop or buy gifts. Please, please, please don't take it the wrong way. We just want to move away from excessive hyper-shopping and do our best to shift our focus to missional living and worshipping Jesus as fully as possible during Advent. The focus of Christmas should be on Jesus first and foremost, and then everything else should flow out from there. So, let me know what you think!

Blessings,
dorian

Giving Tree List for EYC

There were some names left on the Giving Tree, so I pulled a few off, thinking that we, as a community, could help out some of these folks. Please email me items you would like to contribute.

Rachell T.
14 F
Size: Pants 16-18, shirt L-XL, shoe 8 1/2
Wish List: Jacket L/XL, Music CDs (rap), DVD (movies), MP3 player or iPod, Gift Cards

Rashad
9 M
Size 12 clothes (boys)
Wish List: Bike, winter clothes, 2010 wrestling game for Playstation

Chris W.
16 M
Size: shirt XL, Pants 36, Shoe 10
Wish List: Playstation Portable, PJs, coat, watch, wallet, gift card

J. Kirkland (adult)
Residence: Walnut
Suggested Items: tshirts Large, Sweat suits (Zippered top) Large

Kevion
15 M
Size: Pant 30, Shirt XL, Shoe 11.5
Wish List: Gift Cards

Michelle
15 F
Size: Pant 7, shirt M, Dress 7, Shoes 9.5
Wish List: Bath Items, Gift Cards

2009-11-25

St. John's Youth Email Update Vol 93

Grace and peace, my friends! Many apologies if this is the second time you have received the update from me. I sent this out earlier today, and it has not appeared in my inbox or another mailbox I send it to to have it backed up for future reference. So, here it is again.

Thank you so much for all your help at Harvest Eve. It was very well attended, even despite the nasty weather. It seems that everyone had a great time as well. Thank you for all your hard work in cooking, serving, setting up, and everything else. You are so greatly appreciated! I should have pics of the event up by tomorrow.

Sr. High Sunday School...please come this Sunday to write notes and put together care packages for our college freshmen. In fact, all youth on Sunday will have a chance to contribute. Also, come learn all about the Advent Conspiracy.

See you then!!

SR HIGH SKI TRIP (Grades 9-12)

Jan 8-10

Cost $165

If you have not submitted your deposit, please do so ASAP.

Final Payment is Due on Dec. 7th

Click the link above for more info and full schedule.


YOUTH CALENDAR

EYC is always 5-7PM

Unless otherwise noted

Nov 29 NO EYC

Dec 6 EYC Movie Night (ELF?)

Bring a friend, a sleeping bag/blanket, a pillow, and some comfy pj's

And join us for some good food, cool people, and a great movie.

Dec 13 EYC Visiting Shut-ins (at Still Hopes and other places)

Dec 20 EYC Christmas Party (Details TBA)
Dec 27 NO EYC

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACOLYTES
November 29 -- Advent 1
9:00 + Holy Eucharist 11:15 + Holy Eucharist
Crucifer/Server Austin McCoy Will Norris
Torch/Candles Madelon Kneece Maddie Norris
Torch/Candles Patrick Kneece Thomas Weatherwax

SUNDAY SCHOOL

SR HIGH SS: Faith Lens (SR High) Connecting current events with faith

JR HIGH SS: The Life of Christ (JR High) Who is Jesus?

CONFIRMATION: My Faith, My Life (10th grade) meets in Room215.


St. John's EYC Web Albums


SURF REPORT

-> Downhere: a very cool alternative pop rockish type group. They are a bunch of fun. They have a new Christmas album (and I am, admittedly, a sucker for some good Christmas music), and you can check out tracks on their site.

-> Hawk Nelson: they are a fun pop punk rawk type band. Lots of energy and very fun. They have a new album, and if you happen to have a pair of 3D glasses lying around, you can check out their myspace page in 3D. Pretty cool.


FORGETTABLE FACT

There are 10 human body parts that are only three letters long. (leg arm hip eye ear toe jaw rib gum lip)

POTENT QUOTABLES

Praise God even when you don't understand what He is doing.

- Henry Jacobson

If you want to change your life, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.

- Gerald Good


UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
Q: What is a vampire's favorite fruit?
A: Neck-tarines

Dorian Del Priore

Director of Youth Ministries

St. John's Episcopal Church

mdd@stjohnscolumbia.org

803-799-4767 Office

803-518-1827 Mobile

If you would like to unsubscribe from these email updates, please send an email to: mdd@stjohnscolumbia.org

2009-11-03

All Saints with some All Hallows' Eve flavor

hey there folks!

Who knew that carving pumpkins was so much fun? Actually, it is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. I love carving pumpkins. We break out the stencils and carving tools to create some wild pumpkins at our house. Pumpkin carving was way cool at EYC. I think people just enjoy creating, destroying, making a mess, etc. We also had a bake-off between Janet, Paula, and Mary. They took the pumpkin seeds and made a bunhc of different batches of roasted pumpkin seeds. They all were delish! Check out the pics:

Paint Ball

Sunday (Nov. 8)
Cost $30
1 pm - Meet @ St. John's
6-6:30 - Return to St. John's

We are going to play paintball at Ballbusters
They have a great fields and set up for paintball.
We are going to play for about 3 hours.
Come and join us!
Email Dorian to let him know you are coming.
Friends are welcome to come along.

IMPORTANT!
Please Bring:
Ballbusters Waiver
St. John's Permission Form


From Paint Ballin'!

Wear dark clothes that you don't mind ruining
(You may get really dirty. you will get paint on you)
Wear layers
Wear closed toe shoes (running shoes, boots, etc.)
Bring a water bottle