Category Archives: Youth

Self-Development of People in Alabama

By Dan Stephens

A group of youthsYouth on the Move and Youth Making a Difference project participants. Photo courtesy of Open Door Resource Center.

Over the past several years, the Self-Development of People Committee of Sheppards and Lapsley has been cultivating long-term relationships with community partners throughout Central Alabama.   Through the efforts of past-chairperson Jessie N. Williams, our SDOP Committee has connected with the Open Door Resource Center in Furman, Alabama.  Furman is located in one of the poorest counties in the United States, but through the efforts of community leaders such as Doris Smith, children and teenagers are able to develop their leadership skills, improve their academic performance, and develop broad life-skills.  SDOP has helped fund the Youth on the Move and Youth Making a Difference programs at the Open Door Resource Center for several years, and has been pleased to see the programs expand to include collaborations with Tuskegee University and other community groups.

Sheppards and Lapsley’s SDOP Committee has also helped fund the “Daddy’s Little Girls” project, in connection with the Community Action Association of Alabama. The program, organized by Ken King with support from Lukata Mjumbe, developed Fatherhood Committees of socioeconomically oppressed fathers in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham to help develop stronger relationships among fathers and daughters.  The fathers gathered to share their own wisdom with one another, and also learned new skills and perspectives from trained workshop leaders.  The fathers even learned how to help style their daughters’ hair as a means of bridging the relationship gaps that can develop between fathers and daughters.   The program includes employed, under-employed, unemployed, homeless, single, married, custodial, and non-custodial fathers.

The SDOP Committee of Sheppards and Lapsley rejoices to see how the spirit of God is empowering people to strengthen their communities in creative and meaningful ways!

This article is re-posted from the PC(USA) web site. To read more about Self-Development of People, go to http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/sdop/.

North Central Region Event for Youth

The next youth event for the North Central Region will be November 13th at 5:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Indiana is hosting this event.  We will have supper together and then play Minute To Win It games.

Every church should bring their youth prepared to be a team.  The event is planned for junior high and/or senior high youth. If we have a couple of churches with small numbers of youth – we may combine them to make a larger team.  Brownstown Presbyterian Youth took the trophy for this event in 2010.

The challenge is back!  Come meet and fellowship with other youth in our region, have fun and enjoy a meal together.

If you plan to bring a team, please RSVP to Peggy Casteel so that we have enough food to feed everyone!

Reaching Out to Your College Students

The Presbyterian churches of Bloomington, IN would like to reach out and welcome any of your members who may be college students, especially the freshmen who may be looking for a church “home away from home.” We would love to be a support system for them here, and connect them with some folks and families who are eager to encourage them in this season of life.

If they’re willing, could you please send current student email addresses to Mihee Kim-Kort, FPC Volunteer, and we will do our best to welcome them.

Also, please give them the information for the two churches, if they would like to visit anytime.

Thank you!

First Presbyterian Church     and    United Presbyterian Church
adminfpc@sbcglobal.net               upc@upcbloomington.org
812-332-1514                              812-332-1850

 

Pyoca Work Day & Camp News

May 28, 2011 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come spend the day with us as we make the final push for summer camp to start!  We will have projects for EVERYONE!  Meet the summer staff, have fun, and know you are making a difference at OUR ministry!  Please R.S.V.P. to Rich Swartwood by May 20th so we can be prepared for the day!

Summer Camp update

Camp is just around the corner!  We are blessed to have registrations coming in on a regular basis.  Many camps are over half-full with the Jr. High Trip Camp full already (we even doubled the size of the program to accommodate the demand!)  While camps are filling, it is not TOO late for YOU to sign up! Be sure to register soon so you can experience Pyoca this summer.  Why not invite a friend as well?  Registration material can be found at www.pyoca.org.  Scholarship funds are available by contactingIngrid@pyoca.org.

Read the rest of the PYOCA April 2011 newsletter.

February NC Cluster Youth Event!

Feb 20th 3:30-6:30pm

This month’s youth gathering is at Brownstown Presbyterian Church.

We’ll be meeting up with some of your friends from Camp Pyoca and your cluster buddies.

  • All North Central Cluster youth groups are invited.
  • Bring your friends and be prepared to have fun!
  • Please try and contact Brad or Diana with estimate of numbers to help prepare for food, however, the more the merrier!
  • All North Central Cluster youth groups are invited.
  • Program Provided by Camp Pyoca
  • Worship and music by BPC Praise Teams
  • Food provided!

Be sure to e-mail/ call Brad to let him know how many to expect!

Brownstown Presbyterian Church

417 N. Elm St., Brownstown, IN 47220

Contact person: Brad Napier

812-358-4198

Summer 2011 at PYOCA

April 8,9,10th – Pyoca Confirmation Retreat

Explore what it means ….
To be Presbyterian
To be part of a congregation
To continue our individual walk in faith
To be a part of the larger body of Christ.

August 12-14, 2011 – The Inaugural Pyoca Family Camp

Come enjoy a weekend of relaxing family fun! Build the perfect weekend for you and your family. Take your pick of recreational activities or spend some peaceful time lost in a good book, the choice is yours!
Modern, accessible, adult-friendly accommodations and good food are sure to make the weekend a hit for everyone. Each family housed in their own room (sleeps 6), with attached bath.
Activity options include: fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, the climbing wall, crafts, play field games, volleyball, quiet time along the labyrinth, and wagon rides.

2011 Summer Camp Registration is Open!

We’re looking ahead to a great summer! Our theme is, “GOT SPIRIT? – Finding God in the Everyday.” We’ll be spending time exploring scripture about ways to connect with God in the everyday, learning more about ourselves, and finding ways to connect with God post camp.

Camp Date Grade as of Sept. 2011
Southport June 5-10 Grades 7-9
Gemini June 12-17 Grade 4 thru graduates
Discoverer I June 19-24 Grades 4-6
Jr. High Challenge Camp June 19-24 Grades 7-9
Senior High Traditional June 19-24 Grades 10 – ’10 graduates
Campo Amistad June 26 – July 1 Grades 4-6
E.L.F. (Earth Loving Friends) June 26 – July 1 Grades 4-6
Night Owl Camp June 26 – July 1 Grades 7-9
Junior High Traditional July 3-8 Grades 7-9
Senior High Adventure Trip July 3-8 Grades 10 – ’10 graduates
Third Grade Explorers July 3-6 3rd
Second Grade Explorers July 6-8 2nd
Discoverer II July 10-15 Grades 4-6
Jr. High Smoky Mountain Adv. July 10-15 Grades 7-9

You and Me

 July 10-13 Grades 1-2
Orchard Park July 17-22 Grades 4-10
Westminster Neighborhood July 25-28 Grades 4-10
Young Adult Weekend July 29-31
Pyoca Family Camp August 12-14

For More information please call or e-mail:
Ingrid@pyoca.org
866-251-2267
www.pyoca.org

NC Cluster January Youth Event

The January Youth Cluster Event is on!

Bloomington First is looking forward to welcoming all of you on Sunday January 23rd at 4:30pm.  Be ready for an adventure!

This month we’re diving into mission, be ready to get your hands a little dirty and feet a little cold as we help out with a number of different ministries dedicated to fighting homelessness.  Youth and advisors should dress for the weather (if it’s really cold there are some alternative plans… but for now plan on spending a little time walking outside).

We’ll be done by 7:00!

Bloomington First is located between 6th and 7th on Lincoln in Bloomington, IN. Our parking lot is located off of 7th street.

Prayers for a peaceful beginning to the New Year!
Rachel Pedersen
Associate Pastor
First Presbyterian Church
Bloomington, IN 47408