Saturday Shout Outs!

It is time to once again to "shout out" to some of my old and new friends who have made the past couple of weeks interesting.  Since today is September 11th, it is only fitting that we pay tribute to those who each year re-live the pain of that tragedy.  Even as I write this, I am aware that Ben Thompson (FUMC-K) is in Afghanistan, and that Catie Cook (FUMC-K) is awaiting deployment. I am certain there are others friends I am unaware of, serving their country.   Their service is required because of 9-11-2001.  It is my fervent prayer that we Christians do not compound the tragedy through bigotry and hatred, like that being shown in Gainesville this week.  Ben wrote on his Facebook status this week: Geniuses burn a Koran in the US and a few hundred "demonstrators" (aka rioters) start creating havoc here in Afghanistan. Thanks for making our job more difficult!  I believe that Jesus taught us to be peacemakers, and that this kind of religious hatred is in direct conflict with His teachings.  Keep praying for peace and for sanity.  We need both.  Here are some other people who I have heard from lately:

• Andi Brooks Gillespie (Springfield Friends) wrote to me asking for the words to Pharoah, Pharoah so she could teach the song to some children.  It's so great to know the classics will live on! 
• Nina Mock (Wesley Memorial) let us know about the closing of Kado.  It's always great to hear from WMUMC, even though the news was sad.  And David White (UBD) from Waycross added his own memory of Kado.
• Karen Hall and Jill Painter Watson (FUMC-K) were quick to start throwing others under the bus for the great Youth Counselor retreat shopping fiasco.  Apparently, Cathy Thacker was to blame...
• Beth Edgerton Bell, from way back in the New Garden days, remembered how she and her best friends from youth group were "attached at the hip" in those days.  And Laura Wheeler (Quaker Lake) suddenly remembered how many times she saw me dressed as Santa Claus...
• The good people of Compassion International requested that we add a link to them on this blog, and so we have.  They do amazing work.  We may not be able to change the world, but through them we can change the world for one person.  Check them out.
• Caitlin Esry (FUMC-K) had good things to say almost every day on Twitter, especially during this past week of fictional youth events.  My favorite was yesterday:  Rec around the Clock was always my favorite part of youth week and it still is in your fictional one!  Thanks, Caitlin.  It was always my favorite too!
• And speaking of the Esry clan, we learned that little sister Bethany is engaged!  Congrats- and you and your old friends (Izzy, Brattney, Julia and the gang) need to beware- your day on the blog is fast approaching! (Muuahhhhaaa- that's my evil laugh)
• Mark Hall, a youth pastor and the lead singer of Casting Crowns, tweeted the following about the book burning controversy- but I believe it applies to Christians in so many ways:  Burning the Quran? Why? The world is quite aware of what we are AGAINST.  What they need to know is what we are FOR!
• And speaking of Twitter, I got a direct message from Alyssa Milano this week.  It's not really a big deal, but I do have to say this:  "Who's the Boss" now, people!  Oh yeah, it's me!  LOL
• Jill Souther O'Brien went home to FUMC-K a couple of weeks ago and sang at on Youth Sunday.   Reports are it was awesome!  No one said if she quoted Men In Tights or not...
• Joanne Gastler (Wesley Memorial) got a chance to see The Great Adventure Video and remember lots of great times.  If you haven't seen it yet, it now has a link at the top of this page.
• To everyone who played along with my fictional Youth Week this past week, a big thank you.  I loved hearing from everyone about their favorites.  Meagan, Cindy and Brook- you rock!  And maybe the Reeps will forgive me someday...

That's it for today- there will be more shout outs in the weeks to come.  Have a blessed weekend

The Youth Week Cruise: One Last Day

We've toured the world, had a lot of fun and explored our faith in new and exciting ways, but eventually every Youth Week- even an imaginary one- must come to an end.  It's Friday, our final day at sea before it all ends on Saturday morning.  But before it all ends, we have one final, amazing day and night to spend together.  Here is your schedule of events:
On-Board Activities

10 AM-  Bible Study-  Come to the Youth Room and we will explore the story of Jonah and The World's Worst Cruise.  Discover how God can use you in places and ways you would never dream of.  (SPF 75)

12 noon-  Lunch and Pool Party-  Meet at the church and we will shuttle over to Dr. Jill's house for a leisurely afternoon of poolside fun and fellowship.  Sandwiches will be served, and we will see (as we often really did back in the day) how many people we can fit in her pool- and house.  We may even sing some Karaoke to see if we can scare her neighbors!  (SPF 20)  You can be picked up at the church at 3 PM.

5 PM-  Rec Around the Clock-  Our Worldwide Cruise wraps up with our signature event.  Arrive at the church hungry and rested, because it is going to be a HUGE night!  Here we go (this schedule would both exhaust us all and break the bank, but in my imagination it is completely possible!):

• It's off to a final dinner party at Miyabi/Kyoto (who have just re-opened in time to hold a private party for their favorite group- right?)!  The rice will be piled high as we eat until we can hardly move.  But move we will, as we head for stop #2...
• We'll visit the Florida Mall for one of our infamous Scavenger Hunts, including the always embarrassing Search for the Pink Panther!  Winning team gets vintage 2003 Graceland t-shirts and a can of SPAM!
• From the mall we head over to Springfield Friends Meeting (I know it's in NC- but for this night time, distance and location do not matter- only dreams!) because it is the best place ever for playing SARDINES!  The many rooms, twisting stairwells and hidden closets make for incredible hiding places. Plus there is some chance it is haunted (The Ghost Room)! We will also work in a few games of Kick the Can in the Graveyard (which unless you were with me at New Garden or Springfield you never got to play).  And the games are just beginning...
• It's time for Midnight Disco Bowling!  A RAC staple for many years- in fact, I don't know the last time I bowled when it wasn't midnight or later!
• SLURPEE BREAK!

• We're back at the church where a huge surprise awaits us in the Chapel.  It's Real Worship, Real Late & Real Loud, featuring the David Crowder* Band!  They will blow the roof off the place, and we will get a final Save the Humans message from old friends Cathy Thacker and Darin Miller.  SPF 200 - at least!!!
• Then we are off to play Laser Tag, which always seemed so high-tech back in the '90's.  Now it is just fun to play when you know everyone in the room and get to shoot them- like we will!
• It should be around 5 AM by now, which means one very important thing- the Hot Doughnuts NOW sign is on at Krispy Kreme!  And we will make every effort to eat them all!  Breakfast is served!  YAY for exclamation points!!!
• Now that we have a good sugar rush going, there's no need to stop, right?  I said RIGHT?  If you still need help staying awake, a little 6 AM Ice Skating should take care of the trick.  If you can't wake 'em up, FREEZE 'em, I always say.  Plus there will be full-body ice sliding.  NOW you are awake...
• We wrap up the night by heading down to the Lake Toho shelter and singing a song or two and sharing in our prayer circle together.  And for anyone who remembers the last time we tried this so early in the morning, I promise no mosquitoes. After all, this is all in my imagination anyway!

And we are done.  Quite a week, huh?  I don't know about you but I am worn out.  But just like with all of the real Youth Weeks, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  As for my original query about getting adults excited about church again, I still have no answer.  But maybe, just maybe, if we were to approach adult ministry with the same outside the box thinking it takes to draw youth to the church then our churches would be much stronger.  Adults get side-tracked by business and politics.  With youth, it's all about building relationships, and it is all about Jesus.  It's just a thought.  This blog will return to regular programming tomorrow.  Thanks for letting me live out TW3.

Because of Jesus,

Port of Call: Africa

Blessings to everyone who commented yesterday- feel free to leave more today!  It's Day 5!  Thanks for hanging in there readers, only one more day left to survive in this weird, wild, wacky fictional Youth Week!  Yesterday and today could have easily happened; I would not expect anything that rational from tomorrow's Rec Around the Clock schedule!  If none of this makes any sense to you, I suggest going back and reading That Was The Week That Wasn't.  It may not help much, but it's a start!  :)

We travelled all night while you slept, and apart from having suffered the righteous indignation of Teresa Reep Tysinger for not mentioning her in yesterday's blog (I forgot she and Cyndi were born in Hawaii) it was a safe journey!  We have arrived early this morning at the mysterious continent of Africa.  Here is what your Thursday will look like:

Port of Call:  Africa
7 AM-  You have two excursions to choose from this morning. Both are exciting, and each lets you choose a part of "Africa" to explore.  You may only choose one:

A)  Tubing on the Ichetuknee River- (You can just pretend it's the Nile) Enjoy a 3-hour ride into the deepest wilds, where you will be given a tube and thrown into a freezing cold river for a slow ride through some of the prettiest country you will ever see!  You may spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.  You are almost certain to see many of the natives (we call them "rednecks") screaming, hollering and drinking beer.  After floating for a couple of hours you will be relaxed and amazed at how much Africa resembles northern Florida.  A picnic lunch featuring authentic hamburgers and hot dogs from Nambibia ( I have no idea what that means) will be served, and then you can take another crack at the river.  Did I mention the river is cold?  You will return to the church around 6 PM.  (SPF 25)  Or you can choose to...

B)  Busch Gardens, Tampa-  If the wonders of nature and cold water are not your thing, then perhaps we can interest you in a roller coaster and some wild animals!  Busch Gardens (with its African theme) features both, and you will have a day to check it all out.  Ride the Montu, Kumba and SheiKra.  Explore the animal exhibits and see the shows. Then ride those killer coasters one more time!  Lunch will be provided by Mel's Hot Dogs, a Tampa landmark located next door to the park.  You will also return around 6 PM.  There is not much spiritual value here (SPF 10) but I know some of you will be praying on those coasters...

6 PM-  Those of you who spent the day exploring will be joined by those who stayed on the ship and took naps for dinner with the Captain and his pet gorilla!  Moe's Southwest Grill will handle the catering (I know Mexico is not in Africa; but I don't care!  It's time for Moe's!), and you will learn about ways you can make a difference in the world through a presentation from Compassion International.  Plus the showers in the gym (YES!  Finally, we have a gym!  In Kissimmee we almost built one, but didn't.  In Hinsdale we almost built one, but didn't.  In Tampa, we built a perfectly good one that we couldn't use for two years- until after I was gone.  So dang straight my dream week has a gym!!!  Sorry- had to get that off my chest!) will be open for those of you who still smell like the river.  Because we are not done yet!

7 PM-  (In my best Michael Buffer impression) Let's get ready to worship!  Our Disney Video Moment comes from The Lion King.  The Drama Team will present the skit The Circle of Life, featuring the return of the world's worst Crocodile Hunter!  Then there will be awesome music and worship, featuring the great Tony Campolo delivering the message The Kingdom of God Is A Party!  And you'll have a chance to commit to serving God by serving others by sponsoring a child through Compassion International. (SPF 100).  It will be quite a night.

Sleep well, my darlings- for tomorrow we don't sleep at all!  It's time to Rec Around the Clock!

Port of Call: Hawaii

I hope some of you are enjoying this week as much as I am!  Welcome to Day 4 of my fictional ultimate Youth Week, based on a week I planned 3 different times and never got to do.  To catch up on what this is all about, go back and read That Was The Week That Wasn't.  This week is much like the movie "Inception."  If you can figure out where or when any of this is supposed to be happening, and which parts might be real and which parts are only a dream, then please-  TELL ME!  I am a bit confused... 

"Howareya, 5-O?"  It's Day 4 (Wednesday) of the the "best Youth Week ever" finds us heading to the beautiful Hawaiian islands for an amazing night of tropical fun and fellowship.  But first, we have some interesting activities to keep you busy while we are at sea.  Enjoy!

On-Board Activities
10 AM-  Meet at the church and you'll be given a team, a driver and a list of Random Acts of Kindness you can do in the name of Jesus!  The list will take you all over town, and you will document your team serving others with a digital camera.  See how many people you can make smile with simple acts of service in a two hour period.  (SPF 80)  Then gather back at the church...

12 noon- It's time for buffalo wings (courtesy of PG's) and Beach Volleyball (you didn't really think I would have a "dream church" and not have a beach volleyball court, did ya?)!  In addition to regular volleyball, there we will play some Ultimate Volleyball, with everyone on the court at one time as we seek to break our all-time record by keeping a beach ball in the air for over 150 hits.  (SPF 25)  At 1:30 PM it's time to go home and shower- but hurry back!

5 PM-  Hula Dancer Practice.  If you would like to learn to Hula, and you are willing to perform in front of a crowd, then come to the Youth Room and learn from the best!  Matthew and Brook Teoli, Elizabeth Dykes, Kim Heiter and Ben Thacker will teach the ancient Hawaiian art of Hula (OK, full disclosure- I don't know if any of those people can actually Hula dance.  But they get the job because they are the best dancers I have ever known.  Except for Ben...).  The dancers will then perform as part of our Luau!  (No SPF for this, but the bravery factor is very high!)

Port of Call:  Hawaii
6 PM-  Join us in the Youth Room for another of our world famous Luau parties!  The evening will begin with dinner featuring pulled pork, Polynesian chicken, tons of fruit and a variety of other authentic (well- we try!) island dishes! Plus there will be all the Tiki Punch you can drink!  As you eat, you can see the pictures that groups took earlier in the day as they performed Random Acts of Kindness.  Dinner will be followed by a Hula contest, a performance by our nearly-professional Hula dancers (the ones you see on the right WILL NOT be asked to perform!), a Limbo competition and Body Surfing (Remember that one?  Someone stands on my back and tries to "surf" while I attempt to throw them off.  Watch out for the big waves...).  Our Disney Video Moment wil feature Lilo and Stitch.  The Drama Team will present the skit Ohana Means Family (featuring an appearance by Elvis!), which will lead us into worship with music (Chances we open with Lahina are 100%!) and our guest speaker, Hawaiian pastor Rick Bundschuh (father of Justin "Pepe" Bundschuh of Spooky Tuesday fame).  Rick will help us Save the Humans by reminding us that church people can be a difficult bunch to get along with sometimes, as he speaks on the topic Jesus, Please Save Me From "The Christians!"  We'll close with some more music and a time of commitment.  (SPF 100)  Be sure and bring everyone you know to this great night of fun and faith!  And Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Now that you have finished reading, this is the perfect time to click the word "Comment" below and tell me your thoughts on our cruise so far! :)

Port of Call: Antarctica

Welcome to Day 3 of my fictional ultimate Youth Week, based on a week I planned 3 different times and never got to do.  To understand what I am up to, check out That Was The Week That Wasn't.  To understand me- well, good luck with that!

It's Tuesday, and we have a very special day planned for our cruisers!  It's a long day, so just jump in and hang on!

Port of Call:  Antarctica
9 AM-  We'll gather at the church and take "shuttle boats" over the coldest stop on our trip- Antarctica!  You probably knew that there would be ice and penguins and snow- you may not have known there would be totally awesome water slides as well!  That's right, we will spend the day at Disney's Blizzard Beach.  You can zoom down the Summit Plummet, float on the Cross-Country Creek, ride the Downhill Double Dipper or just hang out and catch some rays.    Blizzard Beach will rock, and you will not want to miss it!  It's going to be an awesome day, so be sure to bring your sun screen, your towel and a change of clothing because our trip to Antarctica includes one more stop.  (SPF 10)  We will get back on the shuttles at 5 PM and head over for a very special night...

5:30 PM-  Our "shuttle boats" will then take us to a restaurant hidden deep in the heart of the frozen continent- or better yet, to Planet Hollywood!  We have the third floor reserved for a private party (This ridiculous idea is one I actually explored.  We could have done it.  I would have had to sell all my possessions, both lungs and a kidney...), featuring dinner, a skit on Thawing Out Our Chilly World and a special musical guest.  The night then wraps up with our old friend Curt Cloninger performing his one-man show, Witnesses.  You'll meet characters, real and fictional, who knew Jesus when he walked on the earth.  It's fun, it's moving and it will make you want to know that same Jesus even more!  Plus there is all the fun that is Planet Hollywood!  It is going to be an amazing night.  (SPF 100)  The shuttles will return you to the church at 9 PM.  Then go home and get some sleep.  You are going to need it...

Port of Call: Australia

Happy Labor Day, and welcome to Day 2 of my fictional ultimate Youth Week, based on a week I planned 3 different times and never got to do.  Confused?  Go back and read the posts from the past 2 days.  Still confused?  Then I can't help you...

It's Monday of the Youth Week Worldwide Cruise, and we are at sea!  Enjoy the day with some great adventures during the day and our exotic location in the evening. Here's the schedule:

On-Board Activities:

9:30 AM-  Meet at the church and we will head over for our annual Putt-Putt Masters Golf Tournament at Walt Disney World's Fantasia Gardens course.  This is your chance to compete against some of the worst mini-golfers in the world, including 1998 Festival of Fools champion Adam Hill (pictured at right).  You'll play in 4-person teams with a "Best Ball Captain's Choice Scramble" format, and the winners will take home vintage 1999 "Comin' At Ya' Like a Blitz" t-shirts!  How great is that?  You can use golf words like Par, Fore and Bogey that you seldom get a chance to drop into everyday conversation.  The golfer with the lowest score will take home the coveted Purple Jacket.  Plus we will have a Hole-in-One contest and several other surprises. (SPF 10)  You can be picked up at the church at 12 noon if you need a nap after all of the excitement, or.... 

12 noon-  You can join us for The Lunch Bunch!  We'll be going to Pizza Inn for the incredible buffet (Yes- I know Pizza Inn is in High Point, NC, and this is taking place in Florida.  You still aren't getting that this is my dream week and EVERYTHING is possible!) and lots of great fellowship.  And after all, what is a cruise without food!  Be sure and try the cherry "pizzert."   We'll be done at 1:30 PM.  (SPF 25)  And then it is on to our first port of the trip...

Port of Call:  Australia
7 PM-  Our first stop on the Save the Humans worldwide cruise is the land down under!  Join us in the Youth Room and we'll play some Australian themed games (Kangaroo Hop Technicolor Stomp, anyone?) and make our very own Vegemite sandwiches. Our drama team will present a skit featuring the world's worst Crocodile Hunter, and we''ll have a Disney Video Moment with The Rescuers Down Under.  Our friends from Gatorland will stop by with some friends for us to pet, and the good people of the local Outback Steakhouse will provide some snacks for us.  And the night will end with music and worship featuring a message from all-time favorite guest speaker Duffy Robbins, entitled Real Christians:  An Endangered Species.  Bring all of your friends and come join us.  We might even throw some shrimp on the barbie...  (SPF 75) 

 Be sure and join us tomorrow as we lift anchor and head for another exciting port!

Welcome Aboard!

I hope you all are ready- it's time to launch the Youth Week that never happened!  Join us on our cruise every day this week.  For more explanation, see yesterday's post.  Be sure and click on comments at the bottom of the post to let me know which events you "plan to attend."  And remember- it's a dream week, so we can do anything I want to!      :)

"One hope, baby- only God can save the humans now..."

The Youth Week Worldwide Cruise departs today!  You will not want to miss this fictional adventure with a different Port of Call each day, as well as many festive On-board Activities!  Plus each event will come with its own SPF rating- that's Soul Protection Factor!  The higher the number, the more spiritual the content.  Here is the schedule for Sunday:

6 PM-  All students and their families are invited to join us for the Captain's Dinner in the Fellowship Hall, featuring catering by Fat Boy's BBQ!  This is a great opportunity to meet your crew (Youth Ministry Team) as they serve you dinner.  You can also connect with passengers you may not yet know as we play some dreaded Name Games.  It's a great time to get your passports that serve as tickets for the rest of the cruise.  And did I mention it is all-you-can-eat?  Plus have your picture taken with a very special guest- and it's not Jerry!  Then be sure and stick around for an evening of entertainment.  (SPF-10)

7 PM-  We set sail and celebrate with a Bon Voyage Party!  The evening will begin with a concert from our favorite Slinky players- Lost And Found!  You'll hear Lions, Slide Girl, Baby and many other classics!  Be sure and come dressed in blue- 'cause that's what slide girls do!  A skit featuring some of your peers will follow, helping us introduce our theme and scripture for the week for the week.  Our scripture comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:8- "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel, but our very lives as well, because you have become do dear to us."  This amazing evening will wrap-up with the improvisational antics of CPR- Carl, Pete and Ringo (I know they broke up 5 years ago, but this is my dream week, so shut up!)!  You and your family and friends will become part of the show, so don't miss out on the fun.  Plus there will be prizes and surprises galore as we set sail on our week-long adventure, going worldwide to Save the Humans!  It's all over by 9:30.  Join us- and Stein Auf!  (SPF-35)  See you tomorrow!