Category Archives: WrapUp

wrapup- 11.2.11

Posted on by
Reply


It was a crazy night for our second week in the year.  we had to pull in another table and add more chairs to make it all work.  which all set an attendance benchmark for a regular EVO gathering.  There was amazing energy and good sense of community.  Had many new faces and a couple new adults too.

Current Series:Text Week 1 – You’ve got a message waiting.

Big Idea:  Through His Word, God has a text waiting for you each day that is personal, current, and easy to read.  This was the first week in a 3 part series on the Scriptures.  Using this focus as a foundation to our Life Book saturation in December in area high schools.  Used this video to set the vision.

had the students take out their cell phones and text a friend to show how connected they were. moments after they all sent a text asking “are you at church”? about 15 students stood up as they got a reply. only two got texts saying they were. Just like text messages are personal, current, and applicable for your life so too was the idea of the truths of God’s word.  Its clear from our conversations in small group that the Bible isn’t being used on a regular basis. Praying that the conversation over the next couple of weeks will help leverage that.  Was excited to see several students (and adults) log into YouVersionas a tool to help them read the Bible. It was also good to see a couple dozen students (and adults) sign up to get a text message bible devotion over the next three weeks.

Also showed this fun video from the news this week to leverage how connected everyone is.  NBA star Kevin Durant tweeted how bored he was due to the lock out and wanted to play some flag football.  A couple hours later in Stillwater, OK a group of students got a memory made.   Also used this video to remind the students how “being present” can create all sorts of fun.

Fun: Snickerdew- some fun from chad at youthleaderstash.  basically it was a chew-the-snicker-bar-and-drink-a-16-oz-mt.-dew-as-fast-as-you-can kinda of game. 

launch wrapup 10.26.11

Posted on by
Reply

Current Series:Launch 2011 – Starting a New Year! 
its been a long  time since we last meet as a group…way back in May.   although we’re only about 2 weeks later than our normal fall kickoff. it was fun to be back together and to share a great nite.

The night was filled with many new faces and many more familiar ones…it was true for both students and adult leaders.  all together there was a lot of energy.  check out this video to get some sense of the nite:

Big Idea: Being Present- Hopeful and Spandex This was the theme from Present:Hope Tour that I shared.  And those three simple words seemed to resonate with where we’re going this year.  Personally I loved how engaged everyone was in hearing the story of my part in this Kingdom adventure.  It was great to share the team video.

I also showed some of the fun Josh, Brad and i had crossing into  Talladega county…as a reminder that chasing something for the Kingdom includes playing and having fun.

FUN:  Angry Birds Live – we played with a live version of hit video game Angry Birds.  An idea that got birthed at the Middle School Ministry Camference a few weeks ago.  Need to tweak the launcher and bring it back next week.  this is going to be some fun.
Favorite Moment: Actually two- The time of sharing from our adult leaders about “why” they were there and small groups.  Groups rocked this week.  have heard great comments from all of the adult leaders that students were engaged and excited about being part of what God is doing at New Hope.
Up next: TEXT – (Wk 1- You have a Message Waiting)

weekly wrapup 4.20.11

Posted on by
Reply

This week was focused on the meaning of the Cross.  Drawing on the good work of MICHAEL NOVELLI we developed a evening of thinking and experiencing the reality of the Cross.

We intentionally stayed out of the youthspace until it was time for our big group gathering.

Upon entering the space, students were encouraged to find a comfortable spot to spend some time reflecting on the journey that Jesus took between his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the events of Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

As an act of corporate worship we shared in communion.  As the time for communion approached we took the t-shirts that the students had brought, ones that were representative of their persons and tore them into 2 pieces.  each student was given a  piece and then together they  tied those pieces together.  the resulting ribbon of shirts was then nailed to the cross as a symbol of our being a community of broken individuals who share in Christ’s death as a part of our own spiritual journey.  We used this video from the Passion of the Christ to remind all of us of the brutality of the Cross.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  ~Isaiah 53:5


We were reminded as the events of Good Friday were read, that for many it was the first time they had truly considered the weight of what Jesus Christ bore for those that call on His name. As a reminder of our time and of the love of Christ, each small group leader presented their students with a small handcut nail.