NEW YEARS EVE BASH

Time to ring in 2012 with a RAVE New Years Eve Bash!!  I'll cut to the chase.  Here's what's on the agenda...

We'll start at 7 PM and go till around 12:30.  (Can't really do an all nighter with church in the morning..)

Here's some of what we'll be doing..

• The Wii will be set up in the youth room with some party games
• Fear Factor games in the Jr High room
• BOWLING FROM 9-10:30 or 11  (bring $10)
• We will probably make some kind of video
• We'll recap our year and watch a highlights video
• Countdown to 2012 with some special ways to ring in the new year..

It's gonna be a good, safe, fun time for ALL youth group ages, so let's do this thing!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2012!

Hard to believe, but it's time to start marking our calendars with some 2012 dates!  Some of these you may already have, but here are some "Mark Your Calendars" dates, and some that are estimated, but pretty close..

Jan 20-22:  WINTERFEST
Feb 24-26:  CHRISTEENS
Mar 17-22:  SKI TRIP  (tentative, most likely dates)
June 16-21:  UPLIFT
July 22-27:  WETOGA
July 29-Aug 3: GREEN VALLEY

And a few TBA's....
Some time in late April or early May:  (All Ages) SPRING RETREAT (theme: WANTED)
Some time in early Summer:  working on plans for a JUNIOR HIGH MISSION TRIP
Mid June:  VBS
Early September:  SENIOR HIGH RETREAT

So mark your calendars with these dates!  Pencil the TBA's in and we'll get you the specifics ASAP!

SOME PICS FROM THIS WEEKEND

Happy Monday folks,

It's been such a great weekend, I just thought I'd share some highlights...

CHECK OUT MORE ON FACEBOOK!!

A GOOD OLD FASHIONED "FOOD n FRIENDS"!

Time for a good old laid back Food n' Friends!  Some healthy corn dogs + some stupid games in the gym + a devo lead by RAVE teens = a great night of escape from every day life!  Don't miss it!

NOTE:  Parents, you're more than welcome to come to this!  We want a big fun night for all, so the more the merrier!

WHO?  All RAVE teens, JR and SR HIGH, and parents are welcome!
WHAT?  Food n' Friends
WHEN?  This Sunday night following services at about 7:00 till about 8:30
WHERE?  Family Center and Youth Room (aka the Rave Cave)
WHAT DO I BRING?  Just a bible!

RAVE CHRISTMAS PARTY!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  It's time again for our RAVE Christmas Party,  complete with "Dirty Santa" and Christmas Scavenger hunt..

Here are the basics...

WHO?  All RAVE teens, JR HIGH AND SR HIGH
WHAT?  Christmas party, food, fun, games, gag gifts, and a scavenger hunt!
WHEN?  December 17th at 6:00 PM
WHERE?  The home of Sherry Hankins (3002 Valley View Dr.)
WHAT DO I BRING?  Just a $5 GAG GIFT and a rudely competitive attitude!

Service Opportunity: CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

What an amazing chance to serve our community by following Matthew 25:35, 36 to the T!  And there is a huge need and opportunity for our teens to serve on this amazing day.  There will be several different, important jobs* for our teens to do as we put a warm meal into the bellies and clothes on the backs of those in our city who need them.  PLEASE encourage your kids to come be a part of this amazing day!

*Jobs such as keeping a certain area neet as people shop, being a "personal shopper" for those who need it (elderly, mothers with babies in their arms, disabled, etc.), serving food, restocking tables and racks with clothes from the back, etc.  As you can see, NOBODY will go unneeded!

The Basics...
WHO?  Any RAVE teens, Jr and Sr High
WHEN?  This Saturday, Dec 3.  Doors open at 8:00, so we need to be there before then to get jobs assigned.  We'll be done by noon.
WHERE?  Rob Ave Family Center

WINTERFEST 2012

WINTERFEST has returned!  If you're unfamiliar with Winterfest, you can check out some basic info HERE at their website.  Winterfest is a LONG standing tradition in youth ministry in the mid-south.  It was started in 1982 and has grown to be the entity it is today.  You can always expect the best speakers, teachers, and worship leaders around.  Between Arlington, TX (where we'll be) and Gatlinburg, TN, literally thousands of teens gather every year to worship God together.  This year we again have a chance to be part of that.

NOTE:  We will need to leave pretty soon after lunch on that Friday, so they will need to be checked out of school early that day.

So here are the basics:

WHO?  All RAVE ages, JR High and SR High
WHAT?  The biggest youth rally in Churches of Christ in the world
WHEN?  January 20-22, 2012
WHERE?  Arlington, TX
HOW MUCH?  $45, plus the cost of a few meals out

Winterfest is a GREAT time for all.  It's awesome fellowship, awesome worship, awesome teaching, the whole nine yards.  It's gonna be an amazing trip!

PURITY SEMINAR

NOTE:  THE PERMISSION FORM FOR THIS HAS BEEN EMAILED TO YOU AND IS ON THE CHURCH WEBSITE.  THERE WILL ALSO BE HARD COPIES AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND ON SUNDAY MORNING.  THEY MUST HAVE THESE SIGNED TO COME IN THE DOOR!!

THE PURITY SEMINAR is THIS WEEKEND!  Lou Butterfield will be here Saturday at 1:30-3:00 and then class and worship on Sunday as well.  The Saturday session will be adults only, and then the class time on Sunday will be for parents AND teens.  He will also be preaching that morning.

This will kick off our "UNCHAINED" class and campaign at Robinson Ave (which we'll be STARTING with the youth) taught by Jimmy Allen, Scott Ware, and myself for the guys, and Ashley Allen, Amy Ware, and Rachel Collins for the girls.  We will be using the books "Every Young Man's Battle" and "Every Young Woman's Battle".  Copies have been ordered for anyone who did not get one at the Parents' Meeting in October.

We will start with the Sr High from November 20 until the end of the winter quarter, and then the spring quarter will be for the Jr High.  (Those who choose not to attend can go to the class with the other age group)

This is a BIG DEAL for our youth group and our church, so THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE!

Hey folks,

Just wanted to remind everybody about SNL this Sunday night!  (Sunday Night Live is an area-wide worship with around 400 youth each month)  Here are the basics..

WHO?  All Jr High AND Sr High RAVE teens
WHEN?  This Sunday, Nov 13.  We'll leave at 4:30 and return around 9:30
WHERE?  Rocketdyne Rd Church of Christ in Neosho, MO
HOW MUCH?  Free!

This is a great time to hang out with and worship with our RAVE brothers and sisters and to make and maintain some connections with some other youth groups as well!

YOUTH LIFE GROUPS

PURPOSE:  To give each teen the opportunity to create, build, and rebuild relationships with other teens their age or one year above or below, while having meaningful conversations about spiritual topics, typically be the same as the ones discussed in other life groups.

OCCURRENCE:  One Sunday night per month, during the school year.  They will typically be held after evening services.

AGES INVOLVED:  There will be 3 groups.  There will be a slight difference between the fall semester and spring semester of each year. 

FALL:  One for 7^th and 8^th  grades, one for 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th, and one for 12^th

SPRING:  The 11^th grade would join the 12^th grade group

This change will allow the Seniors to have one semester to get their heads together and discuss how to lead the rest of the group.  Then when the Juniors join after New Years, they can help them make the transition more easily from their Junior to Senior years.

We will hopefully be starting these up at the first of the year, which I am VERY excited about!  Great things are on the horizon!

JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT RECAP!

 Folks, the Junior High Retreat at Sky Ranch was AMAZING.  As always, the pictures speak louder than words, so here are some of the moments we had...

HAUNTED HAYRIDE

***NOTE***

PLANS HAVE SLIGHTLY CHANGED ON THIS EVENT.  We'll now be having the bonfire at the Squires' home instead of farm, and we will go to the Cave Springs Haunted Corn Maze.  The cost for this is $7.  THANKS!!


The fall is my favorite time of the year, without question!  One of the staples of the fall is the HAYRIDE. We're going to follow up the Fall Festival at Rob Ave with a HAUNTED HAYRIDE.  Here are the details on that!

WHO?  All RAVE teens, Jr High and Sr High

WHAT?  Hayride and bonfire with an unexpected stop off in an abandoned horse barn...and S'MORES!

WHEN?  This Saturday, Oct. 29, following the Fall Festival, leaving the church building at 8, returning around 10:30

WHERE?  The Squires' Farm

HOW MUCH? $0.00

HOW DO WE GET THERE?  The church bus will be going to and from

This is gonna be a great time!  PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE HALL!!

JR HIGH RETREAT

It's Junior High Retreat time in NWA!  This is an area wide event with several other churches in this area that come together for a weekend of worship and fellowship.  This is for grades 7-9, and we're gonna allow our 6th graders to join in on this one as well.  Here are the details!

WHEN?  Nov. 4-6   We'll leave around 5:00 and return early afternoon on Sunday
WHERE?  Sky Ranch in Quapaw, OK
WHO?  6th to 9th grades
HOW MUCH?  $75 (includes zip-line, 2 bonfires, all meals, lodging)

PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOUR CHILD IS COMING OR HAVE THEM SIGN UP TONIGHT!

PARENTS' MEETING

Hey folks, 

I hope you're having a great week!

Just wanted to invite you all to our annual Fall Parents' Meeting!  This is an exciting to connect with each other and learn about what's going on with your kids.  I know many of you teach and attend other classes, but for this week only (Sunday, Oct. 23 at 9:30 am), if you could possibly make arrangements to be there, you'll be glad you did.  Among other things, we'll be discussing our upcoming purity class and handing out to you the books we will be using in that class.

So, PLEASE make plans to be there!  You will be glad you did!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement!

AC

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE!

UPDATE:  Last night was a smashing success!  Well over 300 teens came and worshiped with us!  THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED!!!  Check out the pictures below!

I am proud to say that we will be hosting our first Sunday Night Live this Sunday night, October 9, for area teens numbering between 300 and 400!  We will also be welcoming acclaimed Harding drama troupe, THEATRON to Robinson Avenue to perform some powerful skits for us that night.  Our theme will be "To live is Christ, and to die is gain".  Teens from churches all across NWA will be joining us that night for worship, fellowship, and an amazing time honoring God and uplifting each other.  This will be in the Family Center from 6:00 to 8:00 pm this Sunday, and all youth group ages (Jr and Sr High) will are invited, and feel free to bring friends!  It's gonna be an amazing night!

PS  If you would like to bring food, please contact Bonita Holroyd if she hasn't already contacted you!

LABOR OF LOVE: LOL

This is an idea that we're REALLY excited about!  We're going to live out what we talk about one Wednesday night a month and go out and love and serve somebody who needs it.  We're going to begin with Mr. Dub Deloach.  As many of you know, he served Robinson Ave as education minister for many years and has developed Parkinson's disease.  It's time to show him some love so here's what we're gonna do.  Keith Whitehead is going to drive a bus and we're going to go to his house tomorrow night during service time, and uplift him by singing in his yard.  (Picture Christmas caroling without the Christmas part.)  He has a comfortable spot on the front porch set aside to sit in. Any of you that would like to join us are more than welcome!  

BOTTOM LINE:

• We'll leave as close to 7:00 as possible, so PLEASE help make sure everybody is on time!
• All youth group ages are in on this! (7th-12th)
• We'll be back as close to 8:00 as we possibly can!
• We'll all get a complimentary LOL (Labor of Love) T-shirt that we'll wear every time we do things like this!

Thank you for your support on this!  We're going to live out Jesus!

EXCITING NEW THINGS ON THE HORIZON

Folks, there are a LOT of new things going on with this youth group that are worth everybody getting really excited about!!  There will be more detailed info on these things as we go, but here are a few bullets to spark the interest..



We're trying out a new Wednesday night schedule as well.  Each month we'll go through 4 different, very special nights.
               1st Wednesday:  LOL (Labor Of Love)  We're going to go out into the community and serve in ways that will allow them to act out what we talk about.  We'll do things like sing to shut ins, visit nursing homes, and various other acts of service.  We'll take a bus and be sure to be back by 8:00.  (We'll also get shirts for this, starting this next Wednesday!)
               2nd Wednesday:  JOINT WORSHIP WITH HISPANIC TEENS  On these nights, we've invited the teens from our hispanic congregation to join us and break down barriers.  We'll worship together and get to know how much we have in common.
               3rd Wednesday:  SING A NEW SONG  We'll be taking these nights to just worship and pray.  No other agenda but to praise God.  We'll specifically be taking advantage of the chance to learn 3 or 4 new songs each month and bring them into our regular repertoire.  So in a year we will have learned nearly 50 new songs!
               4th Wednesday:  SENIOR-LEAD DEVO   I'm really excited about this one as well.  Pretty self explanatory.  Each month the Seniors will get together and plan worship for the rest of the crew.  I'm so pumped about this chance for them to lead. 

Seniors (12th graders) will be meeting this Sunday night at the Hughes' home for the first of ongoing Life Group style meetings.  We will be coming together like this to build unity and leadership within that specific group so they can rise up to their amazing potential.

We're hosting our first Sunday Night Live in a couple years on Sunday night, October 9.  I'm very excited about having at least 200 area teens here to worship with us!  Among other things, we're going to have a performance by Harding's drama team THEATRON!  They're going to bring biblical lessons to our teens through the art of drama.

We'll soon be re-imagining our Big Brothers Big Sisters program!  This has the potential to be one of the most lastingly powerful things we do.  We're working on restructuring some of it to make as meaningful as it possibly can be.

Tuesdonuts!  Beginning this Tuesday morning, I'll be at Olde Tyme donuts at 8:00 for any teens that would like to start their day out right!  Friends, donuts, encouraging fellowship.  What better way to start the day?





There are so many exciting things on the table, folks.  This is just the tip of the iceberg!  Thank you so much for your support, and PLEASE STAY IN PRAYER FOR OUR TEENS!!

SR HIGH FALL RETREAT

Time for a retreat people!!  More info soon on the Jr High Retreat (Nov. 4-6 Area-wide), but the Sr High Retreat is coming up!   This is going to be one of the best of the best.  Fall retreats are a time to really dig deep into spiritual things and come close to God.  Here's the info..

THEME?  "The Climb"
WHO?  Sr High teens from RAVE
WHAT?  A weekeng away to come together and grow in our spiritual lives
WHEN?  October 14-16
WHERE?  Sky Ranch in Cave Springs, OK
HOW MUCH?  $80 includes everything! (lodging, food, shirt, awesome facilities!)

DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

RUTH RALLY

This is going to something very special!  Mount Comfort is hosting this area's first GIRLS ONLY youth rally.  Bonita Holroyd and Dina Valentine are going to take the girls, and it's going to be an all out slumber party over night (this is NOT an up-all-night thing, so don't worry about that).  They'll have speakers, worship, break-out classes and a ton of fun!

WHO?  All RAVE GIRLS ONLY (JH & SH)
WHAT?  GIRLS ONLY YOUTH RALLY
WHEN?  Sept 24 (just Saturday, due to the HBHS/SHS football game)
WHERE?  Mount Comfort Church of Christ
HOW MUCH?  $15

COOKOUT & WORSHIP WITH HISPANIC CHURCH TEENS

Tonight is gonna be a great night!!  We're going to start joining up with the teens from our Hispanic congregation next door and worshiping and interacting with them on a much more regular basis, and tonight we're going to kick that off with a cookout and worship, so PLEASE make sure and encourage your teens to come out and join in on the fun!

WHO?  All RAVE and Hispanic church teens, JH & SH
WHAT?  Cookout (hamburgers & hot dogs, chips, cookies, drinks all provided) and joint worship
WHEN?  Cookout at 6:00 and Worship at 7:00, tonight, Wednesday, September 14
WHERE?  Cookout under the awning at the new kitchen, worship in the Youth Room
HOW MUCH?  FREE!

COOK OUT AND VOLLEYBALL!

I know many of you will be out of town this next weekend, but for those that are in town...

WHO?  Jr High and High School and families
WHAT?  Cook out, sand volleyball, praise time, and great fellowship
WHEN?  After Church next Sunday night, from 6:30 to 9:30
WHERE?  Veterans Memorial Park (HERE'S A MAP)

Should be a great way to unwind and hang out after the first few weeks of school!  Y'all come!!

NOTE:  Food details coming soon..

FALL KICKOFF LOCK-IN

It's time to get the Fall started off right!  We're going to reveal some plans for the fall like trips, new ideas, a THEME for the fall, the new year of BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS, and more.  It's gonna be a great way to dive into the Fall, so let's all come out and have a blast!

We're going to start the night with some bowling at 8:00 and then come on over to the church at 10:00 and lock in from there till morning, so they'll need bowling money for this part of the night.  If they have ballgames or anything like that, they can skip the bowling and just come on at 10.

WHO?  All Junior and Senior High RAVERS AND FRIENDS
WHAT?  Fall Kickoff Bowling and Lock-in
WHEN?  August 26, 8:00 pm -- August 26, 7:00 am
WHERE?  Springdale Bowling Alley and Robinson Ave
WHY?  Fellowship, building relationships, outreach, worship
HOW MUCH?  $10 to bowl, and whatever eating money you choose to send (optional)

FALL IS HERE!

Folks, it's been an amazing summer.  I couldn't possibly describe it if I tried.  So I won't.  Amazing things have happened, and now it's time to dive into the fall.

I LOVE THE FALL.  It's when we can slow down and get a bit more focused.  The laid back feel of the Fall gives us a chance to reflect and go deeper with God.

Here are some upcoming dates to mark down on your calendars.  More info on each will be coming soon, so be sure and check back here at least every couple of days to stay up to date.

August 26-27:  FALL KICKOFF BOWLING AND LOCK-IN  (J/S)
September 11:  SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE  AT WEST-ARK  (J/S)
September 23-24:  RUTH RALLY AT MT. COMFORT  (J/S girls only)
September 25:  CRAVE (J/S)
October 11:  SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE AT ROB AVE  (J/S)
October 14-16:  SENIOR HIGH RETREAT  (S)
October 23:  CRAVE  (J/S)
October 29:  HALLOWEEN BASH  (J/S)
November 4-6:  JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT  (J)
November 13:  SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE AT ROCKETDYNE RD.  (J/S)
November 27:  CRAVE  (J/S)

It's gonna be a great Fall!!  Thank you so much for all your support and involvement this Summer, and let's keep it going!!

SUMMER KICK-OFF SLIP-N-SLIDE!!

WHO?  ALL Jr High and Sr High teens

WHAT?  We will be playing various games that would not be played on a Slip-N-Slide, and (here's what makes this special) we're going to play them ON A SLIP N SLIDE!  We'll play games like Musical Chairs, Kickball, etc.

WHEN?  This Saturday, June 11, from 11:00 to 1:00

WHERE?  Robinson Ave Church on the grassy knoll

WHAT TO BRING?  Just 2 bottles each of BABY SHAMPOO and SHAVING CREAM, and a towel and clean clothes to change into

NOTE:  Yes, this could get a little, um, rough.  I will do my best to keep it safe, but please encourage them to be careful!

  

JR HIGH LOCK IN and SLEEPOVER!

FROM ADAM:
Junior High Lock-In

Get ready for a good old-fashioned lock-in!  We’ll have the teen room available to play video games and the family center will be used for some basketball.  We’ll be playing some “Murder” (hide and seek type game) and a few other activities!  All you need to bring is a 2-Liter drink and a snack to share (chips, dip, cookies, etc.).  The following day we will help set up for the Slip-n-Slide Day, which is for everyone.  You’ll need to bring some spare clothes to wear at the slip-n-slide.  The lock-in will start at 9:00 on Friday night and will end after the Slip-n-Slide Day around 1:30 on Saturday.  I’m super excited to get to spend some time with the Jr. High Guys! -Adam Elrod


FROM BECCA:

When & where to meet: 8:30 pm at Robinson Ave. Have parents drop you off.

Where we’ll be staying: At the Holroyd’s house.

What to bring: Sleeping bag & pillow, pj’s, bathroom things, fun make up, hair stuff, nail polish, & other girly items. Bathing suit & cover up clothes for slip n’ slide day on Saturday, towel, optional separate change of clothes for after slip n’ sliding is over. 

Also, bring your favorite snack item (cookies or chips) to munch on Friday night.

**Don’t forget to bring  2 bottles of baby shampoo & 2 bottles of shaving cream for Saturday since we will be heading to the church from the Holroyd’s Saturday morning.

At the Holroyd’s we will be watching girly movies, doing make-overs, hair, & nails and eating snacks. Get excited ladies! There will possibly be night-swimming so make sure you have your bathing suit for that too!

If you have any questions call or text me at (615)838-3755

Love, peace, & blessings,

Becca

UPLIFT Details!

Hey folks,

Just a few UPLIFT details for you guys!

WHO?  Jr and Sr High teens that have signed up and paid already.

WHEN?  We will meet at Robinson Avenue at 12:00 noon on June 18 and return on June 23 a little after lunch.

WHERE?  UPLIFT is at Harding University in Searcy, AR.

HOW?  We will get there in our Church buses.

WHAT TO BRING?  Bring your own bedding (sheets OR sleeping bag AND a pillow), BIBLE, all bathroom stuff, and a little spending money is recommended but not required.  I would recommend bringing a little, but it's optional.

PRAY ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT THIS TRIP WILL HAVE ON OUR TEENS!!


***NOTE***  They should have already received a DRESS CODE, WHAT TO BRING, WHAT NOT TO BRING, etc. list from Denise.  If they haven't please contact her or myself, and we'll get you one!!

CRAVE, June 2011

This past Sunday was an amazing night of worship and building relationships.  We talked about why we should bother coming to church.  Had some really discussion.  Really good night.  Here are a few moments from the night!