Hall of Fame: Lisa Jewett

My very favorite pic of Lisa and I- from NYC in 2003.

Technically, my dear friend Lisa Jewett is already in my Youth Group Hall of Fame. She was inducted along with a few others back in 2011 in a post called A Very Special Wing, but it had become very clear to me that Lisa needed her own post. I've written a lot about Lisa lately, and I will continue to do so in the weeks to come. Many of you are aware that she is battling cancer. Today's post is not about that battle, it is about how Lisa came to be so special to my family and why she is in my personal Hall of Fame as well. Tomorrow I will tell you more about her courageous struggle with that horrible disease and give you a concrete way to help her. But today is all about why I LOVE Lisa!!!

In October of 2001 we relocated to Tampa from Hinsdale, IL and I began my ministry with the youth and families of Wesley Memorial UMC. One of the high school guys in the youth group was Ken Jewett, and he was a very active part of the ministry. To be honest, I don't remember exactly when I met his mother, because Ken was not exactly a fan of having Mom around in his adolescent days- like many other guys before him. But at some point Lisa came to be part of my circle of acquaintances at Wesley. Our friendship didn't begin to blossom in full until she was one of the adult leaders on our 2003 trip to New York, the first one we took from Tampa. She was very helpful, very sweet and a whole lot of fun to be around, and the group was blessed by her presence. The week after Christmas that same year she went with us on a ski trip and our friendship continued to grow. One of the other adults on that trip nearly drove us all insane, and Lisa was the key to my mental survival. That trip alone earned her Hall of Fame status!!!

Lisa became an important part of our Youth Ministry Team as her younger son Scott aged into the student ministry. Our friendship grew, despite a stupid mistake I made in early 2005. We were going back to NYC and Lisa wanted to go again- and I wanted her to go. But that trip had an age restriction and Scott was not old enough, so Lisa decided not to go without him. At the same time, another mom and her daughter had planned to go and discovered it wouldn't work out if they didn't take little brother along. So I made an exception to the age limit without considering how unfair that was to Lisa and Scott. To her credit, she forgave me. Sort of. She still reminds me that I owe her a trip to New York most every week, and occasionally several times a day! And we will get there again someday.

Lisa is a first grade teacher by profession, and my son Will attended her school. While she was not his teacher, she helped involve Will in some special activities, including his work as Clifford the Big Red Dog at family reading nights. When I moved to Waycross in 2006 and left Marilyn and Will in Tampa while he finished 5th grade, Lisa became his second mom, often taking him home with her after school until Marilyn could pick him up after work. To this day Will (and his girlfriend Michelle) consider Lisa to be family. She was there for their recent graduation from St. Pete College and for the big family dinner that followed. Plus, Lisa just loves to harass them!

At Tony's Town Square

Many of you who are friends with my wife on Facebook know Lisa best as Marilyn's Disney Buddy. You may have seen pictures or read stories of their adventures at Star Wars Weekends, dinner at Tony's or the Beauty and the Beast Castle and their "Flower Power" concerts at EPCOT with The Guess Who and Herman's Hermits. Lisa loves her some Clap For the Wolfman and I'm Henry the VIII, I Am! They have shared many great moments at WDW over the past year or so and look forward to so many more. That's just one more way Lisa is part of our family.

But this post is mostly about what Lisa Jewett means to me. When I left Wesley in June of 2005, Lisa began to take the lead in the youth ministry while they looked to fill the youth pastor position. My last event was a Youth Week, and I have such fond memories of being at Downtown Disney and enjoying DisneyQuest with her and the kids. During that summer she often stopped by our apartment and we talked about life, struggles, joys and pretty much everything else. I officiated a wedding ceremony for Ken, and it was such a joy to share that with her. She was planning a Night of Joy trip for the youth, and I helped her do it. Our friendship moved to new levels and stayed there until my aforementioned move to Georgia. We drifted, as distance often causes friends to do. Then my life fell apart, and I assumed she would be so disappointed in me that we would never be close again. I never contacted her after we moved back to Tampa, avoiding her the same way I did everyone in those 2 years. But sometime in 2010 we ran into her eating dinner at Tijuana Flats, and she greeted me with grace- and a hug. We quickly made plans to have lunch, and she listened to my story and assured me that we were still friends. She will never know how much that lunch changed my life. Taco Tuesdaze at Flats became an every week event. Since that time she has joined us for so many meals and so many special occasions. Scott and his girlfriend have joined us for meals, as have all of her grandchildren. We have attended church together. We watch Super Bowls together. We spent a Christmas Eve together as family. When we needed help, she walked Conner. She has often been my transportation as we dealt with having one car. We have laughed together, cried together and shared life together. She has been family to us all and the very definition of a FRIEND.

Ohana means Family

But as I told her just the other day, FRIEND is not a big enough word. I serve as her defacto personal assistant, reminding of her of things she needs to do and helping her shop on occasion. She calls me when she can't decide what to eat; I call her because it always makes me smile. When she speaks in code because she can't remember a name or a story, I always know what she means and translate for others. I speak "Lisa." There is nothing in my life more entertaining than explaining sports to her. She keeps me up-to-date on TV shows I don't care about by live texting me while she is watching classics like The Bachelor or Dancing With the Stars - and we laugh hysterically! We text constantly as we watch things like Zoo and Under the Dome from our respective homes. We talk several times each day. I have taken Happy Meals to her school so she can have lunch; she has bought me milk shakes when we need to have serious conversations about life. And more times than I can count when I was down she helped lift me up through her sweet words and her amazing smile. There is nothing better than a Lisa hug when I am feeling blue.

I could go on with story after story, but here's the bottom line- Lisa is a huge part of our family, and for the past several years she has been my best friend. Period. And now she is hurting. It is my hope that this post helps you see why she means so much to me and my family. And I pray that you will come back tomorrow so I can tell you how you can get involved in helping her family through this terrible time. But we will get through it. We have faith. We have each other. Dear Lisa, as the great philosopher Jon Bon Jovi once sang, "Take my hand and we'll make it I swear!" I owe you dinner in Calabash, some Painter's Ice Cream and a round of miniature golf in the Myrtle Beach area. Plus that trip to NYC. Those are promises I intend to keep. I love you Lisa, and so does my family. As for the rest of you, let's meet back here tomorrow. It's time for each of us to Be the Miracle...

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

We are already over halfway through the first month of 2014. Can you believe it? I am so excited with the direction this blog is headed this year. Between the #DangerDays posts, Magic Moments and the 30/30 Vision series it feels like we are off to a great start. I hope my readers agree! But because time is flying it's already time for another edition of my Saturday Shout Outs! Jump in and hang on!!!

* For reasons known only to God and Captain Internet, yesterday my Hall of Fame page received a ton of visits. My post yesterday had me thinking about my time at Springfield Friends Meeting, and between those 2 things I began to do an inventory of Springfield folks who had been previously inducted. I realized immediately I am guilty of at least 3 big oversights. So without any further delay, I want to welcome 3 new faces the my Youth Ministry Hall of Fame. There may well be more to come!

Stacy, Natalie & HOF member Holly Harward Yandle

Stacy Gilbreth Sponseller -I cannot remember a trip, adventure or Sunday afternoon youth meeting that Stacy was not a part of after aging into the youth group. There were so many classic moments (I will never forget her float with the hole in the crack at Myrtle Beach!) and so many laughs. Stacy also had the privilege of being the second owner of the first car I ever bought- my 1984 Renault Encore. She drove Frenchy until it died. Or was killed. I'm fuzzy on how it ended! The group would not have been the same with Stacy, and neither would I!
Natalie Whitaker Thorne - Natalie transformed right in front of our eyes from a shy, often homesick middle school student to someone who couldn't wait to go with us everywhere we went! She was quiet, but oh so sneaky- and we loved her oh so much. Nat was also among the crew who came to see us in Kissimmee a few times after we moved. Like Stacy, she should have been inducted to the HOF a long time ago.

Kelly in all her glory!

Kelly Allen Olmeda - Even if Kelly had never done anything else as part of our youth ministry (and she did lots) she would deserve HOF recognition based only on the 1990 trip to Walt Disney World. Her tales of Tyrone Mouse and her playing of Who Has the Hat? remained legendary stories told over and over again on every youth trip I took from 1990 forward. I have known lots of teenagers in my life, and very few have ever made me laugh as hard as Kelly did- and on a regular basis! Welcome aboard, Lucretia Soul Disney Murphy Johnson!

* Congratulations to Meagan Hill Halquist (FUMC-Kissimmee), hubby Rich and big brother Cooper on the birth of Colton Stephen on January 13. He was 7 pounds, 11 ounce and 19 inches loong. Everyone is home and doing well!!!

* Eric Tysinger, husband of Teresa Reep Tysinger (FUMC-K), had his wisdom teeth out Thursday. From all reports Eric is doing quite well- he just can't get Teresa to stop laughing at his drug-induced loopiness! Keep them both in your prayers.

* Zach Wehr (Wesley Memorial UMC) and Jacqui Haney were engaged on December 30th! Zach (himself a HOF member) is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. We also had the pleasure of meeting Jacqui once, and she is a sweetheart. Best wishes to the happy couple, and congrats as well to Zach's parents, Tom & Linda! Zach is seen in this picture (at right) dominating Dance Dance Revolution at Myrtle Beach in 2004. Just one of his many talents...

* I totally missed that Matt & Kristin Landry Lupfer (FUMC-K) are proud first-time parents as well. Their son Alexander was born back in October, I believe. Someone with more details than I please leave them in a comment!

* The next 2 Tuesdays will feature #DangerDays posts from my Twitter friends Jason Huffman and Amy Nabors. February will kick-off with Teresa Tysinger, who designed a great logo for me to use with these guest posts. Thanks, Teresa! And if you want to get involved, I will be looking for writers all year. Come be part of the excitement!

* Please be praying for Ashley Goad (Springfield) as she continues her mission work, this time in Uganda. Our little Prudence Irwina is all grown up and changing the world! Also be praying for my dear friend Denise and her daughter Kate, who is about to leave for a college semester abroad. Exciting times! And finally, please be in prayer for all of those who are sick and battling this nasty strain of influenza that is sweeping the country. It's dangerous. Be careful out there!

That'll do it for today. Now get out there and hug someone! There are so many who need one today. Thanks for reading along, and as always, feel free to leave a comment here, e-mail me or text me at 813-919-3755. There's not much better than hearing from friends!

Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: Martha Ratledge Farlow

Martha in the Pot Sink...again!

I'm praying for my friend Ashley Goad (another QLC counselor, albeit from a far different generation than mine!) today as she and her team head back to Haiti, Many blessings, Prudence!

When I think about my humble beginnings in youth ministry, it's very easy to trace my roots back to Martha Ratledge Farlow.  Martha was a grade ahead of me in school and was an active participant in the youth group at New Garden Friends Meeting when I got involved in the 8th grade. As the years went by she sang in the school chorus with me, acted in plays with me (she was a remarkable Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!) and was part of the thriving Young Life community that became very important in my life. She dated my best friend Steve for a time (and later on my other best friend Alan). And she was always a good friend to me.  By the time she joined the Quaker Lake Camp summer staff upon her graduation in 1976, she was already a big part of my life.  Little did I know that she had only just begun to influence me...

Martha was the music leader at QLC in my early years of volunteering and working summer staff, and so much of what became my own "style" of leading music with youth came from watching her in action.  That's not to say that we didn't harass her...we did, OFTEN! We would sing the words to The George Fox Song when she was playing Simple Gifts. We made up parts to songs to get the campers fired up and quite often a little out of control. We even tried to create our own song sheets full of songs she didn't like- see Project Myrtle. We did not make things easy on our friend, but we loved her. Even after I began to accompany her with my guitar, I was often more trouble than I was worth. But Martha always supported me.  Martha was a wonderful musician; I was (and still am) a hacker. I can still see her tilting her head or pulling on her ear when either my guitar or the singing was out of tune. I can also still hear her singing Boy From the Country, totally ruining the John Denver version because her's was so much better. She had patience, and taught me so many songs that were part of my own ministry in the early years. And she and I loved singing together. I have great memories of us standing around the dishwasher and harmonizing to Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms or My Angel Baby or murdering the lyrics to to old classic Camptown Races- "Camptown ladies 5 miles long? Oh the do-dah day!" (Side note: My Angel Baby was a one hit wonder by a band called Toby Beau. It's not on I-Tunes and I can't find it anywhere. It you find it, PLEASE let me know. I want it badly!) We fussed, we argued. we laughed and we had a ball together.  And that was good, because we were about to get even more time together.

In 1979 Martha and I became the youth leaders at our home meeting, New Garden.  It was something we both loved, but again, Martha put up with a lot. I was always making wild suggestions and trying to get her to do crazy stuff. She was organized and a bit more serious. I kept telling her not to worry and that things "didn't matter."  I made her a little crazy at times, but we were a good combination for the youth we served. In 1980 she had an idea to plan a beach weekend for our old youth group friends, and so we did. The first year we had a blast; the second year we changed houses and found a little place called the Betsy B. Every youth group I led in later years should be thankful to Martha for discovering it!

Martha worked 6 summers at camp and went on to marry Mark Farlow, another QLC staff member, and to have 3 kids. Her family has remained involved, with Martha serving as the chairperson of the QLC Board for a number of years and volunteering at camp.  In fact, the last time I was at camp for a week as camp pastor in 2006, Martha was volunteering, Mark was around a bit, her son Carl (named after his grandfather, but Carl Semmler and I both still dispute that!) was on staff and her son Jacob was a high school camper. One of the highlights of the week for me was getting to play guitars and lead music with Martha once again.  It felt like things had come full circle.

So today it gives me great joy to make Martha Ratledge Farlow a part of my youth ministry Hall of Fame. She was there at the beginning and taught me so much (including hidden gems like not drinking milk for breakfast when you are singing in church- it builds phlegm!). And I have to admit that every now and then, when I hear an out-of-tune guitar or someone hit a real clunker of a note while singing, I tilt my head, pull on my ear, and smile.  Martha is always with me. Like any great friend...

Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: Boom Boom

Before I start today I just have to say- Tampa Bay Rays. WOW. #OneMoreGame

The years I spent on summer staff at Quaker Lake Camp (1978-83) were among the memorable of my life so far, in part because there were so many wonderful people and great characters who were a part of that experience. Several of the campers from those years have already been inducted into my youth ministry Hall of Fame- including Laura Wheeler, Jodi Coble & Jay Osborne- while many others were mentioned in a special Quaker Lake Characters post way back in 2009. My boss from those years, Neal Thomas, received his own post as one of the most important influence in my life and on my ministry. But so far I have not inducted any of my fellow staff members from those years into my HOF. Today I begin fixing that oversight.  And not ONLY because she's been begging me to...

When the 1978 summer staff arrived for orientation, I was well acquainted with most of the staff.I had volunteered 6 weeks the previous summer and had been attending camp for a number of years, so there promised to be very few surprises. The one wildcard that year was a young woman my age named Susan McBane.  I knew of Susan more than I knew Susan. Her older brother Darrell had been my cabin counselor, I had served as his counselor assistant, and we had become good friends.  Plus Susan had been around a few youth events in North Carolina Yearly Meeting over the years.  So I knew of her, and was excited to get to know her as a fellow staff member.  So as we gathered for the first time as staff to take a whitewater canoeing and camping trip together, there were 3 things about Susan that were immediately obvious to me.  First, she was VERY attractive- even when carrying watermelons!  Secondly, she was sweet and full of life and smiles.  And thirdly, she was a little on the gullible side- she pretty much bought whatever we told her.  The guys of the staff were all quickly drawn to Susan, and there was much early discussion over who might get to be her partner on the river. There may have been some sneaky, under-handed ploys used to secure her as canoeing buddy - did I mention she was VERY attractive?- but in the end the best man came out on top.  So as we headed down the New River, Susan and I shared boat.  Life was good. I had won! Or had I???

You see, that river ride is still a point of contention between Susan and myself.  She claims that I dumped her out to the boat in the middle of a nasty class 3 rapid called Buzzard's Roost, putting her at risk of banging into huge rocks and according to her, snakes. I claim that when the boar began to tilt in the very rough water, she simply abandoned ship, taking me with her as the canoe capsized. Witnesses were too busy saving their own necks to notice, and there was no video, so we still argue it out even today.  What is not up for debate from that trip is that while we were camped one night, Susan used a flashlight to point to some of the guys where not to go to use the rest room in the woods, because that was where Jan Osborne had gone.  Unfortunately, what Sus meant to be helpful turned into a spotlight on a squatting Jan.  Susan just had a knack for the spectacular!

Susan had many gifts as a cabin counselor. The girls in her cabin each week just adored her. She was a good friend to everyone on the staff, and an excellent listener. She was also a valued member of the counselor squad in the weekly Staff/Counselor volleyball game.  Her high arching serves often seemed destined for space, as she had great power in her little frame.  Somewhere along the way those serve got her dubbed Boom Boom McBane- and the nickname stuck! There are many other stories...too many to tell here- but all of them are a reminder of one thing- I cannot recall my QLC years without Boom Boom being one of the first people to come to mind.  

But none of the stories and attributes listed above are the reason that Susan joins my HOF today.  If I had tried to write this post when I first began blogging back in 2009, it would have been entitled, Boom Boom: Where Is She Now?  I had completely lost of track of her since moving to Florida in 1994, and it has only been through the wonders of social media and this blog that we have reconnected. And more than reconnect, we have become better friends than we ever were before. We text most every day to check on each other. Susan heroically dealt with breast cancer and has been a constant support for me as I dealt with my surgeries and the diabetes.  We have laughed together, cried together and been ridiculously silly together- just like old times. And all without having seen each other in over 20 years. Ain't modern technology amazing? :)

Quaker Lake Camp Summer Staff 1978

Susan McBane Tuggle has been married to her longtime sweetheart Randy since shortly after those QLC years. She is a mom and a grandmother. She is a great friend to so many. And she is still VERY attractive! So Boom Boom, I can FINALLY say welcome to the Hall of Fame!  I am blessed by the memories of our years together at camp, and can't imagine what my life would be like if you weren't back in it today.  You are the first from the summer of '78 QLC Staff to make my HOF- but not the last. Stay tuned, my friends! There's another induction coming tomorrow!

Because of Jesus,

Flashback Friday: My Hall of Fame

From the very beginning of the blog I have been honoring students and adults who were of particular significance to my ministry over the years by inducting them into my own fictional Youth Group Hall of Fame.  To read their stories simply click on the links below.  To hear my dream about where I would put my Hall of Fame (and see what that has to do with the fabulous Betsy B, pictured at right), check out Terri Johnson's story!  Enjoy, and keep checking back.  The list will continue to grow.  If you would like to nominate adults or students from any of my groups, please feel free to use the comment space at the bottom, or e-mail me!

Inductees
Terri Johnson 
Quaker Lakers 
Jennifer Wood
Heather Beggs  
Mike Mercadante and Charles Freedle        
Ken Hill, Amy Simmons and Todd Farlow
Jamie Robinson
Springfield Class of 1996
Jennifer (Bob) Minnigan
FUMC-K Class of 1995
Vern Watson and David Johns
Adam Hill
Connor Lewis
Teresa Reep
Jacob Lupfer
Lisa Kraus
Spooky Tuesday
Jocelyn Sessions
Jerry Hanbery
Colleen Martin
Beth Edgerton, Darek Newby and Marshall Ratledge
Jay Osborne, Laura Wheeler and Jodi Coble
Butch, Barbara, Jon, Ben and Erin Moran
Amber Herrick, Chrissy Weaver, Lauren Carr
Marilyn Jones
Kissimmee Class of 1999
Dann & Kathy, Matt & Kristen, Josh & Sarah
Darin Miller
Andrew Lewis
Travis Aiken
Justin Overstreet
Nina Mock
The Gastler Family
The Class of 2009
Keri Vinson
A Very Special Wing
Shelley, Jeremy and Stinky Godwin
Cyndi Reep
David White
Jill Painter Watson

This list is far from complete, and I want to say thanks to every student and volunteer who has passed my way.  I have been blessed!

Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: Dr. Jill

The Good Doctor!

One of the problems I knew I would face when I started the Youth Group Hall of Fame section of this blog nearly two and one half years ago was thinking I would leave people out who should be included.  I realized then- and know now- that this would probably bother me a lot more that it does those whom I may slight.  But it does perturb me when I realize someone has been left out of this most prestigious and quite fictitious institution.  This past Saturday as I wrote the post Sometimes People Die, I realized just such an omission.  Dr. Jill Painter Watson is not yet in the HOF.  It is easy to see how I missed it.  Jill is featured in many of my Kissimmee posts, including such classics as Speeding For Jesus, July 10, 1997 (the Geoff Moore concert) and The Best Worst Week Ever!  Fortunately, since I am still alive, well and writing, this is a problem easily fixed.

Chip Lips!

Jill was already active as a Youth Counselor when I arrived in Kissimmee in 1994, and she was every youth pastor's dream volunteer.  First of all, she was a pediatrician, an actual medical doctor.  If you are in student ministry long enough, you will see your share of bumps, bruises and fake angina attacks (bless you, Scott B.), and it is ALWAYS nice to have an M.D. on the scene.  Jill was single at the time, and was always open to hosting youth in her home and parties at her pool.  I have no idea how much of her food those youth consumed over the years, but I suspect small towns could have survived quite nicely.  Marilyn and I were welcomed to FUMC-K with a pool party at her home.  It also meant she had time to travel with us- and she did.  Jill was part of many memorable ski trips, mission trips, NYC trips and weekend getaways.  She took the leadership reigns for the 1995 mission trip to Spanish Wells when I could not go because Will was due to be born, and along with Cathy Thacker led a team to Memphis to work in the summer of 1996.  She was part of our team on Sunday nights, Wednesday nights and just about any other time we opened the doors to the youth room. She was always willing to share her faith journey with the youth and with the team.  I could always count on Jill.


Our relationship was a joy right from the start.  I had not been in Kissimmee long at all when Jill informed me that there were two things that let her know she was going to like me.  First of all (and this was crucial) I was older than her.  She had not been happy that the previous youth pastor made her feel old.  And secondly (and this was weird!) I had bought new ink pens for the youth room.  Apparently this had not been done in a very long time, and venturing out to make such an important purchase made me a hero in her eyes.  You take what you can get, right?  She was special to me for many reasons, not the least of which included her love for the students we served and the fact that she came to the delivery room around 11 PM the night Will was born even though she was taking our youth to the Bahamas on a mission trip at 6 AM the next morning.  That is friendship.  

Marilyn & Dr. Jill in NYC!

We shared so many great times together.  I remember one particular Youth Ministry Team retreat when I sent her grocery shopping with way too much money, and she and her co-conspirators came back with one of everything!  I remember almost choking to death on the bus while she laughed hysterically, and then having Vern Watson teach us the international symbol for choking. :)  I remember praying with her at a couple of important moments in her life.  I remember going to NYC with a group of adults from FUMC-K that included Jill and her Aunt Gerry (spelling?), and that it was her aunt that first introduced us to Carmine's.  And most of all I remember bribing her with chocolate cobble at Cracker Barrel so she would keep going on trips with us. I still try to use that bribe today, and I think I owe her 3 at this point!


Jill still lives in the Orlando area with her husband (and fellow HOF member) Brian Watson.  They have adopted two beautiful boys from Russia.  I look forward to the day we can get together again, hang out a Cracker Barrel, laugh hysterically, and eat a whole bunch of chocolate cobbler.  But until then, Jill- welcome to my Hall of Fame.  Overdue, but much deserved!  We love you guys!


Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: UBD

UBD and a just confirmed Will Jones, 2007

There have been very few people who have made my Youth Group Hall of Fame that I never knew when they were youth.  There have been even fewer church staff members inducted. In fact, up until today, there had been one: Andrew Lewis.  But today's honoree meets both of those standards.  He is also the initial inductee from my brief stay (2006-2007) at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Waycross, GA.  With all of these rare credentials, you know it must be someone special.  And David White is certainly that...  


In late 2005, as I began the process of interviewing for the youth pastor position at TUMC, David was the first person I spoke with.  Thought he was the Associate Pastor, he seemed light years ahead of the Senior Pastor in terms of energy and knowledge.  He arranged the interviews, scheduled my trips to Waycross, and served as a one man panel for some of my toughest questions.  After I was hired, David quickly became my closest friend in town and my go-to guy on all things Waycross.   He and his lovely wife Tina taught me about crucial local issues like how to avoid getting trapped by one of the 1000 trains that pass through town each day;  the best places to eat; the places to avoid; and what life was like in a small town in south Georgia.  Perhaps most importantly, he taught me the wonders of eating at the Rodeo Mexican Restaurant for Sunday lunch.  :)   He was my "Waycross Mentor," even though we were basically the same age. And when it came time (after I had already been there 6 months) to move my family up from Tampa, David drove the truck and helped carry the boxes.  He was always there for me.


He was also my TUMC mentor.  No matter the person or the ministry of TUMC, David knew about them.  He knew because he cared and was involved.  He guided me through the minefield that is learning the parents of any youth group.  He taught me the history of student ministry at Trinity, the good and the bad.  He helped me understand the sacred cows that exist in every church.  He introduced me at every turn, and championed my ministry at every chance.  David knew the students in that church better than anyone, and they LOVED him.  Kids of all ages called him UBD, which was short for Uncle Big Dave.  His contributions to our student ministry during my short stay were impossible to count; his contributions before I came and I after I was gone are the stuff of legend.


UBD is one of those rare people who God created to be in ministry.  He grew up in the Baptist church and was ordained there.  In fact, the final straw for me in regards to the way the UMC does ordination came when they gave him so many obstacles and hoops to jump through to transfer his ordination that he finally had to just give up.  Any church organization that doesn't make it easy for David White to be a part of it is simply messed up.   In addition to his work with children and youth, he also served as the director of the Keenagers, a music ministry for senior citizens.  At various points in time he served TUMC as interim, organist, youth pastor and choir director.  He is a wonderful preacher with a real ability to connect with all ages.  He was at every event- every church dinner, every softball game, every committee meeting.  And he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.  He loves that church, and they love him.  Senior Pastors have come and gone, but as long as David is there the members feel a peace and a stability.  


But David is not being inducted into my Hall of Fame today just for those wonderful reasons.  UBD is being honored because of what he did after my life fell apart and I was gone from TUMC.  When I was unable to do many things to help take care of my family during those weeks, David did.  He made certain Will got to Confirmation Class, a Confirmation Retreat, and to youth group.  He made sure that members of the church rallied around Marilyn and Will and loved and supported them while I was away.  Even after we moved back to Tampa, he continued to stay in touch with Will and make sure things were going well.  In short, David was Jesus with skin to my family.  I can never thank him enough for that.  But I can give him his rightful place in my Hall of Fame.  Thanks for everything, UBD.  My entire family (including Conner) sends their love.  And we have picked out some great places to eat for next time you and Tina are in Tampa...


Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: Cyndi Reep

Cyndi at the Betsy B!

It's been a while since I inducted anyone into my Youth Group Hall of Fame, but today the time is right.  Tomorrow my favorite twins from my Kissimmee days, Cyndi Reep Browning & Teresa Reep Tysinger, celebrate a birthday.  Teresa is already in my HOF.  Cyndi is long overdue for induction, and today we remedy that situation!  Because even in my HOF this truth is eternal- you can never have too many Reeps!  :)


As I mentioned when Teresa was inducted, in my earliest days at FUMC-Kissimmee I had a hard time telling the twins apart.  They were in the 7th grade, and I often avoided calling them by name for fear I would get them mixed up.  But soon it became clear that they were very different people, and I came to know and love Cyndi as a very special young woman.  She was a leader in our group, someone who participated in almost every youth activity. She was one of the student leaders of our Youth Service Opportunity Project, which scheduled and planned the children's programs during one of the Sunday morning worship services.  She loves to sing and was part of the youth choir.  She became involved in the Chrysalis program.  She missed out on some of our trips because of her dedication to marching band, and we always missed he when she couldn't join us.  Perhaps most importantly, she was a special and important friend to many of the students in our ministry.


But never let it be said that Cyndi was all work and no play!  We harassed her to no end about the number of boys who seemed to always be after her. We gave her a hard time about how gullible she could be, always allowing a few extra minutes for jokes to sink in.   When I left FUMC-K, I was given a picture of her running around the hall of a motel on one of our trips wrapped in only a towel, having just been defeated in a game of Spoons.  It is a constant reminder to me of how much fun and laughter Cyndi brought to the group and to my life.  I was going to use that picture today, but decided to save it for some future special occasion.  Like when her son Grayson is old enough to be embarrassed by it...


Cyndi now lives near Cary, NC with her hubby and son.  It has been my pleasure to reconnect  with her in recent weeks and to remember what an important part of my Kissimmee years she was. So Cyndi, welcome to the Hall of Fame!  You are now entitled to all of the perks and privileges of membership.  Don't know that those are?  Call me sometime when you've got 5 minutes (that is a TOTAL inside joke)!  Happy birthday tomorrow, and many blessings for the future.  You are loved! 


Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: The Godwin Triplets

Back in the late 1980s our award-winning TNT program at Springfield Friends Meeting brought in all kinds of students from all over High Point, Archdale, Trinity and beyond, and helped turn our youth ministry into "the place to be."  Many of them attended other churches on Sunday morning, but found a second home with us for youth events and trips.  Among my favorites from that category were a set of twins- Shelley & Jeremy Godwin.  Today I would like to give them a long overdue welcome to my Youth Group Hall of Fame.

Shelley in NYC telling me NOT to take her picture!

Shelley was a part of the "terrific trio" that also included fellow Hall of Fame members Heather Beggs and Keri Vinson.  Shelley joined us for many youth events over the years, and traveled with us to New York, Walt Disney World and various retreats at Quaker Lake.  But far and away her most memorable adventure with us was the 1989 trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.  She was already at the beach with her family the week before our trip.  Our rental of Betsy B began on a Saturday, but we could not leave until after church on Sunday morning.  So my wife Marilyn drove down on Saturday, met Shelley, and the two of them spent the night in the Betsy B by themselves.  Two of them in a house that sleeps 45.  I am certain there are stories about that night I still don't know (or want to), but I do know that Shelley ranks high the list of my wife's all-time favorite youth.  As that week moved along, Shelley etched herself into youth group history by coining the phrase "Total Babe."  Discovering who was (and was not!) a total babe became the overwhelming theme of the week.  She also developed the character of Dori, the gnarly cousin of our resident valley girls and boys.  After being rudely awakened early one morning she assassinated Mike Mercadante with a squirt gun.  I have all of this on a video tape that will one day have everyone involved begging me NOT to show it to their kids!  Just that trip alone would be enough to get Shelley in the HOF, but there was so much more.  She was a huge part of our youth family, loved by everyone.  Shelley Godwin Kirby is most deserving of a spot in my Hall of Fame.  I'm betting she's a Hall of Fame wife and mother as well.

Jeremy at Myrtle Beach

Jeremy was never around quite as much as his sister, but his impact was great.  I have written here before that watching him win the NC state heavyweight wrestling championship his senior year is the single most exciting sporting event I have ever seen in person- to this day!  He traveled with us to Atlanta for a Braves game.  He (along with Shelley and few others) joined Marilyn and I at a Billy Joel concert in Charlotte.  After graduation, he helped chaperon a Myrtle Beach trip.  But Jeremy's signature trip was the 1990 Floridays trip to WDW.  One of my favorite moments ever was riding Mr. Toad's Wild Ride with Jeremy over and over again just before midnight, our two giant bodies crammed in a single car as the cast members laughed hysterically.  It was also the trip where he, Ken Hill, Danny McCorquodale & Jamie Robinson managed to produce the worst smelling room I have ever encountered- and I've encountered a lot!  I saw Jeremy last year when he was in Florida on business, and it so good to visit with him again. His wife, Laura, has a blog that has quickly become one of my favorites.  I love following the exploits of his family.  Jeremy, welcome to the HOF.

Stinky leaves comments- how about you?

So who is the third Godwin triplet?  There was a reason that bad smells seemed to accompany Jeremy everywhere he went- and that reason was Stinky the Pootapotomous.  This little stuffed beast traveled with Jeremy, and took the brunt of the blame for every bad odor that befouled those vans and motel rooms.  Stinky became a legend, and he still lives with the Godwin family today.  I got see him when Jeremy was here.  Jeremy's wife Laura provided me a current picture; as you can see he has EXCELLENT taste in blogs.  I could not let this opportunity pass without giving Stinky his own very (and heavily perfumed!) spot in my Hall of Fame.


So there you have.  One family, three different paths to my Hall of Fame.  Thanks for the memories, Godwins.  Know that you will be forever in our hearts- or in Stinky's case, our noses...


Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs- HOF Edition!

Yesterday's induction of Keri Vinson Johnston into my Youth Group Hall of Fame brings the total of HOF inductees to around 100.  I say "around" because since I have inducted a few whole graduating classes and families, it means the actual number is hard to define.  One thing is for certain- every single person included in the HOF is someone who had a great impact on influence on my life during their days as a part of the various student ministries I served.  I encourage you to visit the HOF page on this site and read all about these amazing friends.


Today I want to talk to you about a group of people who are being added to a special wing (maybe 3rd floor, one of the big bedrooms) of the Betsy B whenever we get around turning it into the HOF.  This special edition of Saturday Shout Outs is dedicated to people who have earned a special place in my heart (and the HOF) in the almost two years since I started writing this blog.  All were part of one of my youth groups at some point in time, and they were all special then.  But over the last couple of years their love and support has given them a special place in my heart- and in the Hall of Fame!  Many of those already inducted (Teresa Reep Tysinger, Jerry Hanbery, Charles Freedle, Lauren Carr Cacciatore, Jocelyn Sessions Ward, Jamie Robinson, Lisa Kraus Spires, Jennifer Minnigan Kuramochi, Zach Wehr and many more!) could be on this list as well, but they already know how important they are to me.  I also didn't include two very old friends (I mean we have been friends a long time- not that they are very old- although Steve is older than me!), Steve Semmler and Susan McBane Tuggle, because they were never in a youth group I lead.  But their support has meant a lot to me.  Here's who I'm shouting at today...

• Cindy Martin - I'll never forget the day Cindy brought her daughter Colleen to my office at FUMC-Kissimmee for the first time.  Life was never the same- and in all good ways!  Cindy became part of our Youth Ministry Team and a dear friend.  But all of that was just a prelude to the love and support she has shown me since I started writing this blog.  Her encouragement has kept me going on many a "dark" afternoon, and words cannot express my love for Cindy and her family.  Can't wait to see them all soon!
• Ashley Goad Broadhurst - The artist formerly known as "Prudence Irwina" in her youth group days at Springfield Friends Meeting is now an amazing woman, serving Jesus all over the place and currently living in Las Vegas.   Her love and support over the last 2 years have been steadfast, and I am so proud of who she has become.
• Brook Teoli Phelps - Brook was a junior in high school when I arrived at FUMC-K in 1994, so I didn't get all that much time with her in our youth ministry.  But whether it has been on this blog, on Twitter or on Marilyn's Facebook, no one could be more encouraging and supportive than Brook has been- all the way from Sacramento!  It is safe to say there were times in the beginning of this blog when I was pretty certain only 5 people were reading- but I always knew one of them was Brook.  I truly hope to see her soon when she comes to visit her family here in Florida.
• Caitlin Esry - Another one of my heroes, Caitlin is living in Kissimmee and teaching these days- but she always takes time to read this blog, and been over to have lunch with my family on numerous occasions, along with her sister Bethany and the great Julia Pribyl (all FUMC-K).  Their support and especially Caitlin's prayers have meant a great deal to me.
• Ann Saunders Hale - Ann was a part of the Springfield Friends Meeting crew back in the day, but it is her great spirit and ability to make me laugh on Twitter and this blog that get her on this list.  She a very brave mom and wife, and I am honored to have her as a friend!
• Todd Willis - OK, this one is technically cheating (how appropriate- Todd cheated at every youth group game he ever played!), because Todd is already in as part of the FUMC-K class of '95, but he and his wife Kristin deserve special recognition for being faithful readers and great friends of ours through thick and thin.  Looking forward to meeting Kristin someday soon...
• Meagan Hill Halquist - Another FUMC-K alum who has provided great encouragement to me- while bringing a beautiful baby boy into the world at the same time!  She and Kelly Jeck Trace made me laugh so hard with some of their comments on my Kissimmee posts!
• Lisa Jewett - A member of the Youth Ministry Team at Wesley Memorial UMC (she also had two sons in the youth group), Lisa is now one of our best friends in Tampa and an avid blog reader.  She also won the 6 String Rocketeer trivia contest from Thursday!  She may never really understand how much her love and support means to me.
• Wayne Cook - Rev. Wayne is one of the people (along with Cathy Thacker and lots of my Twitter friends) who has reminded me that God is not finished with me yet.  I have very much appreciated his two visits to Tampa and his prayers.  

I could go on and on (and at some point I just might!) but for now, I welcome everyone mentioned here to this very special wing of my Hall of Fame.  I can't wait for the grand opening.  The party will be amazing...

Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: Keri Vinson

Doug Thomas, Keri & Heather @ QLC, 1987

The late 1980s were a wild time for the youth ministry of Springfield Friends Meeting.  Our TNT program was bringing in students from all over the community for our Monday night fiesta of fun, and a number of the youth were becoming more and more involved in our ministry.  One such student was Keri Vinson.  Keri began attending events shortly after my arrival at SFM in 1986 with her best friend (and fellow Hall of Fame inductee) Heather Beggs.  Like many other TNT students, Keri's family attended another church, but she became an important part of our youth ministry.  Today I recognize her contributions to those amazing years by making Keri an official member of my Youth Group Hall of Fame.

Andy, Keri and friends

There are so many stories I could tell about Keri, and many were featured on this blog during the period when I was writing about my days at Springfield.  You can see her here stopping by our house in High Point on the way to the 1989 Trinity High School prom.  Her date was (I believe) Andy; the other 2 were just along for the ride (A side note:  Does this picture capture the 80s or what?  Hair, fashion, the whole bit.  Makes me want to rent a pink tux and go to a prom myself!).  She was victimized in a Gorilla Kidnapping; she called me at 1 AM to ask the name of a song she had just heard on the radio (see my post The Best of Bread); and I have a VHS tape featuring hours of she and Heather entertaining us on our 1989 Myrtle Beach trip at the Betsy B.  We had an amazing time on a New York trip and on a couple of retreats.  But the two stories I want to share today are new to this blog, and I think will help you understand why Keri is a Hall of Fame youth.


The first story is pure silliness. Heather and Keri had stopped by my office one day for reasons I do not remember.  At some point during the visit, they began to make-up a story about two men.  One was named Fred, and he was from Georgia.  The other was named George, and he was from Fredia.  For an hour or so they told this tale, and it was one of the funniest things I have ever heard in my life.  I remember nothing else about it, except that there I have been times in my life when I wish I could have heard it again because it made me laugh so hard.  I always found Keri to be hilarious.  But she also had a very serious side, and often came to me to talk about issues, faith and pretty much anything else that was on her mind.  I have often said that there were certain people in my student ministries about whom I knew way more than I wanted to.  Keri fell in to that category.  One night, on a retreat at Quaker Lake, I said some things without thinking as part of a program that really hurt Keri.  She wrote me a very angry letter.  She doesn't know it, but I kept that letter for all of the years that I was in youth ministry, as a reminder that I was never speaking to a "group;"  I was always speaking to individuals with their own personal stories.  She eventually forgave me.  After she got married and moved away, we lost touch, and didn't connect again until she discovered this blog and Marilyn on Facebook.  I keep threatening her with old pictures; the prom pic was my final blackmail leverage.  She is safe now- at least until I figure out how to convert VHS into a file I can use on this blog.  Then it's on! :)


In the end, my fictional Hall of Fame is all about enshrining great memories, and few students can stir more memories than Keri Vinson Johnston.  She simply belongs.  With her loving spirit, big heart and infectious smile, she continues to have a great impact on all who know her- and that includes me.  Welcome to the HOF, Keri!  Or as you would have said back in the day- "HIIIIIEEEEE!"


Because of Jesus,

Hall of Fame: The Class of '09

Cullen & Colton

Normally I am not a fan of the word "potential."  I have seen too many times over the years when that word used to trap and place unrealistic expectations on people.  We all have the potential for improvement, and in that sense it is a great thing.  But is some cases- say, for instance, when a teenager is giving algebra her absolute best effort, but is weighed down by a parent's thought that she has the potential to be an "A" student- it can be quite a burden.  It seems we often fail to live up to our potential in the eyes on those who proclaim we have it...

Alex, Lexi & Ariel with "The Clause"

Having said all of that, when the Class of '09 arrived as 6th graders in the student ministry of Wesley Memorial UMC in August of 2002, I could not help but marvel at the potential they had to completely revitalize our ministry.  We had been lacking in 3 areas during my first year at WMUMC- leadership, enthusiasm and numbers.  This class had the potential to fix all three.  As a youth pastor, I could not help but be excited by this gang, which had been very active in the children's ministry.  I thought of all of them as having the potential to be in my Youth Group Hall of Fame someday.  There were just so many of them who would become the core of Graceland over the next three years.  Alexis Woods, Zach Wehr, Alexandra Smith, Cullen O'Brien, Matt Preston, Skyler Rogers, Ariel Ringo, Corie Champion, Colton Myers, Meagan Dennis, Richard Fenimore, Melissa Nelms and their friends simply transformed the group.  They hit the ground running and never stopped, bringing much needed energy.  Even the high school kids just stood back and watched in awe as "the wave" swept over us.

Zach, ???? & Matt in action!

They also brought leadership.  Alexis and Zach were incredibly spiritually mature right from the start, asking good questions, serving on mission trips and helping to involve their friends. Alexandra, Matt, Cullen and Skyler always kept me on my toes as well.   This group didn't just "show up" for Graceland; they thrived there.  By the time they were 8th grade students in the 2004-05 school year, they were the backbone of the ministry in many ways.


In the end, the long term potential of that talented group to completely change the student ministry of WMUMC was wasted, but that was my fault- not theirs.  I resigned (because I was asked to) in late May of 2005, so I did not get to spend the high school years with this bunch.  I have heard from a few of them, and had lunch with Zach (who I know reads this) and his girlfriend and mom a couple of months back- but most of them are no longer part of my life.  And I miss them.  I have no doubt that together we could have accomplished much, and so today I honor them- all of them- by inducting the entire WMUMC Class of '09 into my Youth Group Hall of Fame.  You are no longer just potential Hall of Famers- you are there.  Blessings to all of you!


Because of Jesus,