C3 YG

Youth Group T-Shirts - '08!

2008-02-15T12:23:00.004-05:00

Last year, we didn't get enough response to proceed with producing Youth Group T-shirts that could be worn at Youth events, Youth Rallies, Bible Bowls, School, etc... I'm hoping that we can settle on a color and get sizes for everyone by February 29th in order to proceed with the order. Please look at the three choices below, and provide your feedback and along with our Seniors decisions we will get these done this year. The cost for these shirts should be about $10 each. If that changes, I'll let you know.

Please respond to the poll by February 29th, in order that we can print the Youth Group T-shirts by March 15th. The front design says 'C3YG' and the back says "A youth group that shares, cares and dares to live for Christ" - Mark 16:15-16.

Let me know if you have any questions.

-Darrell

LOVE IS...

2008-02-15T11:58:00.003-05:00

This is such a great time of the year. Love is in the air! With Valentine's Day just passed, I'm hoping that you all had a great time showing those around you how much you appreciate them. It amazes me how much effort we put into deciding what to do or get the ones that we love, annually on this special day. If you think about it, God gave us the best Valentine gift possible by sending His son to die on the cross for all of our sins, John 3:16.

I remember as a young teen, there used to be a popular comic strip that would always have this little girl with the saying, "Love Is...". We can all fill in the "Love is ______" with wonderful sayings, but the best way to fill it in is found in I John 4:10-21.

Take time daily to tell those around you how much you love them...don't wait for Valentine '09!

I love you all,
Darrell

Before You Die

2008-01-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

There is currently a movie out which has caught my imagination, titled "The Bucket List". The premise for the movie is that two men, who are dying, set out on an adventure to fulfill all the items on their "to-do" list before the "kick the bucket".

Just imagine at your young ages all of the things that you hope to accomplish before you die. I think it is a good thing to have a "to-do" list. As I think about my own list, I can't help but to categorize the things that I would do into either a worldy or spiritual "to-do" list. I would love to see my daughters get married, have children, travel with my wife, hit another (notice I said another!) hole-in-one...but more importantly, I'd love to see my brothers and sisters obey God, conduct more bible studies, go on a mission trip (both domestic & internationally), and on and on. I suppose that you'll find yourselves putting your thoughts in order like this as well.

When we reflect on the fragility of our lives, we often think of James 4:14. James refers to the length of our life, and in verse 15 even tells us that as we plan our lives, be certain to recognize that it is possible only if "the Lord wills it", should it happen. The older you get, you'll reflect on just how fast time passes by. We're consumed by the wants, needs and responsibilities all around us, even at your young ages today. But as you write your "to-do" list, think also of the urgency that the scriptures express that we do the "Godly" things in our lives, according to II Corinthians 6:2. It is urgent that we act immediately when it comes to proclaiming, spreading, teaching, knowing, obeying and living the Word of God. With this in mind, our list should be prioritized accordingly.

We're not even promised tomorrow, much less a lifetime to fulfill all of our wildest adventures. Throughout the scriptures we read that we are not promised tomorrow. It is not a sin to plan for tomorrow, as long as we are "ready" today! Start your list with "Learn to listen to God", and the others will follow!

Live according to I Corinthians 10:31, and do everything to the glory of God!

Thank You All

2008-01-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

My father passed away, unexpectedly, on January 15th. I have never felt so loved with all of the calls, letters, cards, flowers, and the list goes on. It was an awesome moment when I went into the funeral home to see my father laying in state that the only flowers that had been brought in at the time was a beautiful bouquet of white roses and daisies from the Cary Church of Christ Youth Group. It was a surreal moment, and then to have those who mean so much to me within reach was so very comforting.

I was able to spend time with my brothers and sisters (6 of the 8) and many cousins, aunts and dear friends from my youth and college days. I can't recall how often I said it myself or heard it said, but "my how time flies"! I can't say it enough to treasure the family that you have, and especially appreciate the parents who are bringing you up in the "admonition of the Lord". Time is short, and the scriptures say it best, in James 4:14.

You all are so special to Regina and me. I know that we benefit more from you than you do from us...keep up the great work of reaching out to those who need you most.

We love you all,
Darrell & Regina Miles

New Beginnings and Sad Endings

2008-01-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

Wow! Already quite a year to remember for me personally, but also, I'm so very much looking forward to the awesome year ahead for the youth group.

On December 30th we kicked off this year's theme "My Youth Group" with one of our all-time best Lock-In's. We had 36 individuals in attendance and everyone had something to add to the evening/morning. Our theme this year is based on the recent idea of using only 3 words to convey your thought, emotion or even an event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em5s_jGBY18&feature=related . Our three words for 2008 is "MY YOUTH GROUP", with a real focus on making our youth group a personal thing. Time spent with friends, time spent in study/meditation on God's Word and time spent away from the group all meaning something personal.

People came up with three words such as:
"Open Your Eyes", "Live, Love, Laugh", "Unity Means Strength" and "We Are Family". The list goes on, and others can be seen on the bulletin board in the hallway.

We enjoyed hours of singing, playing games and enjoyed a breakfast before we left for the long day, having not had any sleep!

This year promises to be a year to remember for a number of reasons, and we hope as we go forward this year, to update the blog on a more regular basis and have contributing writers to encourage you as you check in. We have 8 Seniors who will be missed, so we hope to be able to enjoy what little time we have together in a more meaningful way.

Check out the photos from the Lock In and other photos below.

What a blessing they both are!

2007-07-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

It is a true blessing when your goal is to encourage, strengthen and uplift those whom you go to visit, but in leaving you are more encouraged, strengthened and uplifted than you know you could ever do for them. That is the situation tonight as 16 individuals piled into our vehicles and drove from Cary to Holly Springs and then clear accross Raleigh to visit two of our dear sisters who are battling different illnesses.

We had the opportunity tonight to continue our "Summer of Service" in a way which Christ talks about in Matthew 25:34-40. Opportunities to serve Christ abounds all about us! Recognize those times and more importantly, act on them. Our visits tonight to Weta Clark, suffering from the ravages of cancer, and Jennifer Young released just today from a week's stay at the hospital following surgery, were just that! They both welcomed us into their homes, and allowed us to minister to them through song and prayer! But as we left, their smiles, hugs and spirit filled us so much that as a group, we're better having gone to see them both.

As we considered who we could visit as a group, a number of people came to mind. Our congregation is full of individuals in need of a personal visit, phone call, email or silent prayer said on their behalf.

Check out the message board, latest bulletin, or ask around! You'll surprise yourself how easy it is to not only encourage someone with your words, time and love, but in return, continue to increase your faith and love for God through SERVICE!

A special thanks to Ashley who just missed us, coming from work, as we drove off from the Church building. Thanks for trying to make it after a long day! You were missed!

To all, keep up the great work! Next week we will be working at seperate locations and you will need your "work" clothes. More details will come this week.

Check out the photos from tonights visits!

Thanks to the Coopers!

2007-07-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

We had both a great time of fellowship, eating and especially studying the Word of God last Thursday night at the home of the Coopers. We had 30 people in attendance, not counting the adults (who secretly wanted to join us for some awesome singing! -- maybe next time!).

We enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and a lot of desserts! Thanks to everyone for providing the meal! We had 3 visitors for the evening thanks to Tommy Genduso, Rebecca Blakesley and Katie Cooper, keep asking those friends!

We had an awesome study, seeing how we need to stand strong in an 'evil' world. We understand through the scriptures that our strength comes from Him! Eph. 5:15-16

We also learned that through our continued service to him, we will be well prepared to face the devil as the three did in Daniel (Dan. 3:16,17). They did not go into the furnace unprepared, nor should we be unprepared to face our trials and tribulations when (not if) they come! We know through this example and the scriptures in (I Cor. 16:13) that through effective service we will build courage and strength to stand against the devil and his ways.

In addition, we must rely on each other in our service. From our family, to the youth group and ultimately, the church, we must appreciate each other and the value that each one brings to the Lord's church. Together, we can and will do wonderful things in God's name and for his glory. (Eph. 4:16).

This week, we will meet at the church building and go to our service project, and return to the church building around 9:00. We are still working out the particulars, but be prepared to come in "cleaning" attire.

What a great group you all are! Keep up the service, and know that you are blessing others and in turn, will be blessed yourself! Keep focused on why we are doing our service...not to be seen by men...and not for personal gain, but for our reward to be in Heaven. (Matt. 6:1)

Click here to view photos of the evening. (Ask Matthew about the toad!)

See you on Thursday!
-Darrell

Kings Dominion Trip - August 16, 2007

2007-06-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars NOW for our Annual Theme Park Trip! Sign up sheet will be posted this week, and you will need to sign up no later than July 29th. Costs-TBD. -Use the "Comments" below to sign up.

Thursday Bible Study - At Cooper's Home

2007-06-25T23:24:00.000-05:00

This week's Thursday night, Summer Series Bible Study will be at the home of David & Barbara Cooper. We will be having a cookout of hamburgers/hot dogs. The event will begin at 7:00 and go until 9:ish.
BRING:
Boys (A-K bring Chips) (L-Z bring Dessert)
Girls bring two 2 liter sodas/drinks.

We will be continuing our study of service and how serving others will increase our Faith (Eph. 4:16). This week in our Sunday evening devotional, everyone was challenged to meditate on the book of James. Just 15-30 minutes everyday this week spent reading James! Just DO IT!

See you there!

Summer of Service - off to a great start!

2007-06-21T21:35:00.001-05:00

What a GREAT start for our Summer Series Bible Study - "Summer of Service". Over the past two weeks, we've averaged 16 people for both our Bible Study and our service project!
The first week, we meditated on scripture that focused our attitude toward service to God, our brethren and ourselves.
Mt. 22:37 tells us that we should "love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind". If we love our Lord with the spirit that we should, others will benefit from that love through our service.
Jn 13:6-17 helps us understand our attitude toward our selves through a humble spirit and a willingness to serve others.
Jn 13:34-35 talks about the love that we should have for our brethren while 1 Co 12:21 explains the necessity to have a willingness to work together for good!

For our first service project, we tackled the awesome chore of cleaning out the basement in the Annex House. This required heavy lifting, organizing items to keep, and discarding other forgotten 'stuff', as well as bleaching mold and mildew off of the walls in preparation for a "youth makeover" in the coming weeks. Take a look at the pictures to see who all joined in, and see if you can tell who delegated more than they lifted..his name begins with an "S" and ends in "eth". :-)

It was a great evening, and we have an entire Summer to study and enjoy this type of fellowship! Try your best to continue to be a part of this Thursday night event!

Next week's Bible study will help us to understand how serving God and serving others will help us in building up our faith! Eph. 4:16.

See you next Thursday!
-Darrell

Youth Group T-shirts - NEW!

2007-06-05T10:11:00.001-05:00

We need your feedback! Please respond to the poll below in order that we can print the Youth Group T-shirts! The front design says 'C3YG' and the back says "A youth group that shares, cares and dares to live for Christ.".

I'd like to have these printed before you leave for the Summer to the various camps that you're going to!

Sr 07 Banquet

2007-06-03T12:15:00.000-05:00

What a great time we had this year at our Annual Sr Banquet. It is amazing how beautiful our group is in heart and soul...but even more impressive is when they get all "dappered" up! From ball gowns to tuxedos, it was a grand event. We honored our graduates in a way in which everyone should be honored at least once in thier lives. The impact that each of them had on the Youth Group is so distinctively different, that they all will be very much missed.

Teri Moore did an awesome job of organizing the event from the theme, "Glow Into The Future" with glow sticks, neon necklaces and blacklights, to the fantastic meal provided by all of the Youth Group Parents. To top it off, we had our very own black-tie waiters serving us! We also had an area set up for formal photographs to be taken. Many of these photos can be found at the main church photo page, or at the link under photos on this blog. I personally thank everyone who had anything to do with the evening...it could not have been any better!

My favorite part of the evening was when the parents had the opportunity to tell us a little bit about their Sr that we may not have already known! It barely edges out the closing event when the Seniors had a chance to light the candles of everyone in the room to symbolize the "passing of the torch" for others to take up where they've left off....truley..."glowing into the future".

Kelly Bush, Travis Cruse, Leanna Eppelle, Traci Fehnel, Rachel Gary, Lucas Strahin, Eric Struble, and Callie Stinnett will all be missed and we wish them the very best that God has to bless them with as they begin a new venture in this life! Keep them in your prayers daily!

May God richly bless you all, and this youth group!

Prayer Requests-June

2007-06-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

We will be posting prayer requests on a weekly basis. Please send your prayer requests to me in order that I can get them added to the list. Send both needs and thanksgiving.

- The Clark Family (YG members: Seth & Seneca) Their mother, Weta has been dignosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatments to combat this destructive illness. God be with her and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

- Graduating Sr. Class of '07: Rachel Gary, Leanna Eppele, Kellie Bush, Callie Stinnett, Lucas Strahin, Eric Struble, Traci Fehnel and Travis Cruse

- Our Summer Series Bible Study: Thursday nights, 7:00-9:00, June 14th-August 16th. Theme: Summer of Service!

In His name we pray!

Summer Series Bible Study - Every Thursday!

2007-06-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

Our annual Summer Series Bible Study will begin on Thursday, June 14th, and meet through August 16th. We will meet every week at the church building from 7:00-9:00pm.

Our theme this year is Summer of Service. Our focus both in lessons and service will be how we can serve others as a youth group/individually, as well as what benefits both physically and spiritually we can expect through this service.

Please make every effort to be a part of this valuable time of fellowship throughout the summer. It is a great opportunity to invite friends from school, other youth groups, and neighborhoods to be a part of a great time!

If you have any questions, please call me at 369-0303.

Look forward to once again having a great turnout all summer long!
-Darrell

Weekly Prayer Requests

2007-03-09T14:16:00.000-05:00

WELCOME!

2007-03-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the new Cary CofC Youth Group Blog.

I will be using this Blog as a resource for communicating with parents, youth group members as well as provide information about area-wide events for other youth groups to be a part of what we have to offer. I also invite other youth groups to email me their own information and we will make every effort to attend as long as it doesn't conflict with our planned events and/or our beliefs.

Make this a "favorite" link of your's, and pass on the news! I'll do my best to keep it updated, fresh and informative!

Look here for photos, fun links, inspirational messages, local events & more!

Our theme for '07 is Friendship!

Let's make every effort to get to know each other on a higher level!

God bless you,
-Darrell

Harding University Singers Coming

2007-03-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

Please join us for an evening of music, fellowship and refreshements with the Harding University Good News Singers.
When: Monday, March 12th
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Cary Church of Christ
We will have an opportunity to explore the benefits of a Christian College Education and see other area-wide youth.

If you have any questions, please give me a call at 369-0303 or drop me an email.

Spread the news...hope to see you & a friend on Monday!

(click on the image for a larger view)