Ministries with Young People for the Southeastern Jurisdiction

Methodit Youth Events are Up at Lake Junaluska!

2009-02-27T07:42:00.002-05:00

Every year at Lake Junaluska we host several Methodist Youth Events. This year we are excited to have, for five of the SURGE'09 events the band This Is Luke! Their power packed worship will rock the house. We have also brought back Lake Junaluska favorites Laura Early, Troy Benton, Andy Lambert, and Tim Reaves.

We will see you this summer at Lake Junaluska's Spirit filled Methodist Youth Events!

Consumed by the Call,

Marty Cauley

Tawana Cunningham

2007-04-10T13:09:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. So, hold fast by Mercy Me
2. Coming Home by John Legend
3. Here I am by Unspoken
4. Freedom by Fresh Digress
5. Purple Rain by Prince

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to spending time with the youth and summer staff. I am also looking forward to hearing what wonderful things God has done in the lives of the youth.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

I am a true southern pie girl. My grandma lo-lo’s SWEET POTATO PIE can’t be beat.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower I want, I would want to fly. I could zip around and see my family and friends whenever I want.

What was your biggest God moment or most spiritual experience?

My most powerful God moment was last summer on the staff rafting trip. I was on a raft with four other staff members and one fell in at a very dangerous spot. I didn’t have time to think I just grabbed her as she was falling out and held on to her arm. The others on raft helped me pull her in. It was at that moment that I truly understand what God had done for me in my life. You see when I was down in the cold waters of my life and depending on someone to help me out, he reached in and pulled me out of the troubled waters.

Thomas Fowler Jones

2007-04-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

"Yesterday"- The Beatles
"Stuck in the Middle with you"- Steelers Wheel
"Money"- Pink Floyd
"In My Life"- The Beatles
"Knights in White Satin"- Moody Blues

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

the lake, new people, and joey's pancake house

Do you prefer cake or pie?

cake

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

Hmmm.. good question. How does one base one's answer on keen detection skills, mind abilities, or physical talents. haha jk Manipulate water

What was your biggest God moment or most spiritual experience?

my brother (can't be explained simply)

Matt Mitchell

2007-04-10T12:53:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. "Walk with you"- Dispatch
2. "Picture of Jesus" - Ben Harper
3. " Elias"- Dispatch
4. "Consequence"- Ben Harper
5. Anything by third day

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to growing spiritually this summer. that is the honest truth... I am not just saying that.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

I love PIE... I really like to eat pie with a spoon. I don't know why. That is the way my great grandpa always ate his. So when I was little and now I always use a spoon.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

The power to always stay connected to God and never ever stray in my life. That would be awesome. I would like this power because I find some much meaning and pleasure in my life when I am close to God and life is hard when I go through seasons of disconnect...

What was your biggest God moment or spiritual experience?

My biggest God experience occured one night when I was alone in my room. I had been going through a whole lot within myself spiritually. After months of guilt and burden I felt God's overwhelming sense of forgiveness. I always knew I was forgiven of the sins and burdens I had been carrying. That night I was finally able to let it all go. Accept myself and all of my imperfections and most importantly accept God's Grace.

Rico Reid

2007-04-10T12:43:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Time to Leave - John Reuben
Trouble - Ray LaMontagne
Tell Him - Lauryn Hill
Slowly Surely - Jill Scott

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

The unknown.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

Cake, not to big on "filling."

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

Telekenesis, multitasking would know no ends!

What was your most powerful God moment or biggest spiritual expperience?

The moment I realized that God's love for me didn't change when I was doing wrong. That bit of truth took from having a "Sunday faith," to a faith that I wanted to live out daily in service to Him.

Andrea Alexander

2007-04-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. So I Thought – Flyleaf
2. High Of 75 – Relient K
3. Searchlights- Falling Up
4. Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape - Underoath
5. All Your Love – Hellogoodbye

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Working at LJ of course! I’m also really excited about going to Charleston for the first time.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

Definatlely cake. I love chocolate but I’m partial to most flavors.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower it would be the ability to read minds. I would love to know what people really thought about when I talk to them.

What was your most powerful spritual moment or biggest God experience?

My most powerful spiritual moment took place at Summit 2005. I was a junior in high school on a youth retreat with my church. On the last night the speaker talked about “getting out of the boat.” All through the sermon I felt that God was speaking to me. He was trying to tell me to face my fears and embrace my calling. You see, for the past few months I had been trying to decide what to do with my life. I felt God urging me towards the ministry but I was too afraid to acknowledge the call. After listening to the sermon I burst into tears. I knew that God had called me to serve him in some way. He wanted me to conquer my fears and “get out of the boat.”

Molly Moon

2007-04-05T13:43:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. Iris - The GooGoo Dolls
2. Vienna - Billy Joel
3. Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew
4. Breathe - Anna Nalick
5. Fire & Rain - James Taylor

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am looking forward to seeing God move in amazing ways throughout the summer and doing all that I can to help everyone around me see Him shine.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

I prefer cake over pie. Preferably my grandmother's wonderful pound cake.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower...I would be able to fly. I love to see the world out of the window of an airplane and I think that it would be even more amazing if I could fly whenever I want to. I would be able to see the beauty of the earth and be closer to the stars!

What was your most powerful spritual moment or biggest God experience?

My most powerful spiritual moment was simply a beautiful day when I stopped what I was doing and truly began to see how amazing God is. I am always busy and when I stopped to breathe and take things in I began praying about everything that was happening and thanking God for the beauty that surrounds me: my family, friends, and everything that is good in the world. An overwhelming sense of peace and joy came over me and to this day I cannot help but praise Him in everything that I do.

Michelle Marbry

2007-04-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. Made to love by Toby Mac
2. Anyway by Martina McBride
3. Brown eyed Girl- Van Morrison
4. Breakfast at Tiffany's By Deep Blue SomethingAnd
5. How to save a Life by The Fray

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am really looking forward to getting to know the team and the kids, and being able to help then in anyway that I can.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

I like them both but my mom makes the best carrot Cake ever... I really like Carrot cake.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

Supper power… hummm that is hard….. I guess I would like to be able to have supper strength that way I could able to get tons of stuff done with out wearing out, and to be able to help others get all of there stuff finished .

What was your most powerful spritual moment or biggest God experience?

The most powerful spiritual moment that I have experienced would have to be when I first realized and understood that God wanted me to work with youth. I was working on Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) at Kaleidoscope. I just feel in love with being with the kids and I realized that this is what I was supposed to do. I talked to Katie Fralic, she told me that I should pursue being a Youth minister until God told me other wise. So I have. It was nothing big but it was just what I needed to go on with Gods plans for my life.

Akwiasdi Revels

2007-04-05T12:58:00.000-04:00

What are you top five favorite songs?

1. Big Daddy Weave- Audience of One
2. Chantel Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home
3. Trent Tomlin- One Wing in The Fire
4. Brad Paisley- She's Everything
5. Chris Cagel- Everytime I hear Your Name

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

This summer I am really excited to be meeting so many new people. Staff, Kids, Youth Leaders. I think that it is wonderful that we are all there for such a maginficent purpose. To forget it all, and let God be number one. I can't think of a better way to spend my time.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

I actually detest warm fruitl, which some people seem to find to be strange. However, I love cake, especially red velvet. It is the best with cheese cake icing and a big glass of milk.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

If I could have any Super Power.... it would be a love radar. I think that people have gotten too good at faking there love for others. It would be nice to know who was being sincere and those st want self preservation.

What was your most spiritual moment or biggest God experience?

The most spritual event in my life was the first time that I flew on an airplane. I took one look out the window and all I could think was .... Now I know why Heaven is in the sky.... it was so beautiful that it took my breath away. I knew then that only a God greater that anything or anyone I knew could create something so beautiful.

Aynslee Moon

2007-04-05T12:49:00.000-04:00

What are your top five favorite songs?

1. The Anchor Holds by Ray Boltz
2. Be Thou My Vision
3. Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera
4. Painter's Song by Norah Jones
5. anything by Nickel Creek

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Seeing God change people's hearts and heal theirsouls. I am also excited about using the gifts God has given me to celebrate and glorify Him.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

cake, either strawberry from Sugaree's Bakery or my grandmother's chocolate cake.

If you could have any superpower you want, what would it be and why?

To be able to fly. That way I could see Earth from the perspective of an angel in Heaven or a cloud in the sky.

What was your most spiritual moment or biggest God experience?

I have two most powerful spiritual moments. The first was here at Lake J. I woke up at 6:30 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I walked down to the little chapel by the lake. It was misty and it felt like me and God were the only two awake. Lately I had felt so far from God, so that morning I asked Him to let me know that He was still by my side. My Bible opened up to chapter 38 of Job, where God tells Job that He is the one that builds the storehouses of snow and tells the tide where to stop. That answered my question. Even in my lowest times in life, God was still there and will always be there because He is the Creator, the Father of time and the Father of true love. His promises are eternal and never broken. He is bigger than the mountains and deeper than the ocean. My second most powerful moment was in China this year, over Christmas break. We traveled to the top of a mountain, to a village. The people still had dirt floors, hung corn from walls to dry, and the only refrigerator I saw was a minifridge. There were no streets, just rocky dirt paths and they built fires in the middle of their dirt floors for warmth and cooking. But these people were happy! In that moment I realized how Jesus truly is ALL we need. The people of this village did not know that they didn't have a computer, a cell phone, a Lexus, elevators,a Starbucks, or a DVD player. They were happy without all these things. What they did not have was Christ, and in them I could see their hunger not for food or nice things, but for Jesus Christ, the only thing or person that can satisfy the soul. They were beautiful people, joyous, kind, and gracious. I couldn't speak their language, but I knew what they were saying.

Mark Shell

2007-04-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

What are your top 5 favortie songs?

1. Here is Our King- David Crowder Band
2. These Days- Rascal Flatts
3. Popular- Wicked (the musical)
4. How to Save a Life- The Fray
5. Chasing Cars- Snow Patrol.As you can see...a wide variety of musc!

What are you most looking forward to for this summer?

Im looking forward to the experience I will be getting when working with so many different people. This is my first summer away from home, and Im thankful that I've got a great opportunity ahead of me.

Do you prefer cake or pie?

What flavor?Oh...Cake...hands down..CHOCOLATE CAKE!

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

If I could have any super power, It would be the ability to fly. I wouldnt have to worry about walking or driving anywhere...just run and jump and soar into the air and see all the little tiny people...yeah, that'd be awesome.

What was your most powerful spiritual moment or biggest experience? Answer in one paragraph.

I find that my biggest spiritual moments are when I am alone listinging to worship music (especially David Crowder) or in a room full of people giving praise to God. It's so overwhelming to sense the love of God in these time, and it's all I can do but bow down in submission to his. God is good- all the time. All the time- God is GOOD!

UNSPOKEN for Lift Off

2007-01-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve Weekend: Lift Off!

2007-01-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

800 Folks Packed In Shackford...and they said it couldn't be done!

Marty Hosting Winter Events

2007-01-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Insights from Jessica B

2006-11-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

At the end of the week, Marty said it best, "It's like you just broke
up with a boyfriend/girlfriend. You invest, invest, invest, and then
it's gone." I think that sums up to the feelings that I felt when all
was said and done. I had given so much to those kids in the ways of
entertainment, love, and energy then they were gone. Some of those
girls had come to me with situations that they were facing and you
don't know what to do. God handed you this situation and you invest so
much emotion into trying to make them feel better. Then, they are gone
and you just pray that you made a difference in their lives. That you
made an impact, but you never know. This week also made me realize how
lucky I'm to have this job. Not only am I helping others, but I'm
learning about myself. You learn to treasure this moment, because you
will never be handed this again.

Love,
Jess

Beth's Growth Group

2006-11-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

My stomach all in knots.

We’re about to start.

All the kids are about to come in.

And I’m just sitting here.

Trying not to think about all the pressure.

I volunteered to help with a growth group.

And now I’m freaking out.

These kids’ lives are in my hands.

I am supposed to help then with their walk with God.

What if I say the wrong things?

What if I don’t get “in” their thoughts?

All I can do is have faith in God.

God will lead me to say the right things.

God did lead me to say the right things.

The growth group that Zac and I led was a success!

It was amazing to watch these middle schools interact.

They might be a bit shy to start, but they did open up and share theirs real thoughts. They are at the age where they don’t know everything, but if they don’t understand they will just ask.

Even when you don’t think that you’ve touched them in anyway, they will surprise you. They will have a huge smile on their face when you walk in the door and then you look up and notice they wrote you a note on the blackboard. “We luv Sarah Beth and Zac!” That right there almost made me cry. I had been having a rough day when I look up and see that. It turned my whole day around. These middle schoolers are wonderful.

Then on the last day they asked Zac and I if we had Facebook because they wanted to add us as friends. I love the feeling of being loved. I have flaws and they know it, but they still welcome me just the same.

I really needed that love on Saturday. They changed my life. I see things differently, even though they are so young they really have a huge impact on your life if you just take the time to listen to them. They have shown me more how to live out God through everything in my life like they do each and every day.

Beth Frick

More from the Moon!

2006-11-01T20:10:00.000-05:00

Summer at Lake J:

This summer was amazing for me. I bonded with people in a way that can never be broken, even by distance. I got to see the lives of kids changed every week, in very different ways. What amazed me the most this summer was how every group we had was unique and very different from the other, but God met every different need. He showed that He is truly the God of all peoples, every race, every culture, every
history. He showed me this summer that He is truly a God that knows each and every one of us to the core, and that if we just seek His will He will show us the way. When the youth groups left, the main comment I heard from youth leaders was that their kids hearts had been changed, and my prayer is that those hearts stayed changed when they got back home, and that they never lose what they found at the lake. This summer changed my life as a young adult because it allowed me to use my gifts and talents to worship God and
to share Him with others. God clearly showed me that He has blessed me with the gift of art so that I can use it to share Him with other people. The reason I am breathing is to love others, and to bring other close to God through artful expression. What I love about Lake Junaluska is that when you come there, you find strength, hope, and friendship, and you never leave as the same person you were when you got there!

A. Moon

Tawana's Last Words from Summe 2006

2006-08-31T15:29:00.001-04:00

I learned a whole lot this summer. I learned that in life there will be things that I don’t want to do but that when God has a plan for you there is no other option. I learned that fear can be motivating and that just because we are unfamiliar with something doesn’t mean that it is a bad thing. At the beginning of the summer the MYP staff went on a rafting trip and I was defiant about participating. I went anyway and walked away from the experience with a clear picture of the amazing things that God can do. Marty, my boss, didn’t really give us a choice, we had to go. What I didn’t see then that I saw at the end of the trip was that it was a team building activity. My purpose for going wasn’t about me as an individual but my being a member of the team. This experience created a bond between Aynslee Moon and I that will never, ever fade. I loved rafting so much that I went two more times this summer. I have Marty to thank for his persistence and insight. The key thing that I learned is that it’s not about me it’s about helping others through being a vessel for God. This summer God showed me that I am on the right path with my education. God helped me to understand that just because I want something doesn’t mean that it is right for me. You see, he has something better for all of us and it’s just across the street.

I am different now in many ways. I have learned to be more trusting, my relationship with Jesus is stronger than ever, and that Jesus is always with me no matter where I am. Lake Junaluska is a very strong and spiritual place and God’s presence is strong here. God’s presence is also strong in my heart and mind and I don’t have to be here at the lake to feel him around me. The misunderstanding that so many people have is that they are going to church. The place that you go to is a building the church is in you. You can worship God anywhere and I have this summer. I became a stronger person spiritually this summer when I lost a family member in a tragic car accident. God gave me the strength to get through this experience and the comfort to know that he was always there with me. I did not have to deal with it alone. I had my family to pray with and remember all of the good things about my cousin Sean. What helped me get through this tragedy was knowing that I also had a support group here at Lake Junaluska that was praying for me and my family. I learned that through God all things are possible and that there is no greater love than the love of God.

Psalms 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Tawana Cunningham’s Blog

Tawana's Last Words from Summe 2006

2006-08-31T15:29:00.000-04:00

Aynslee's Final Words Summer 2006

2006-08-08T11:09:00.000-04:00

This summer was absolutely amazing. My goal was simply to be an instrument for God so that through me He could change the lives of the youth coming to the lake this summer. As usual, God surpassed my simple goal and turned my summer into even more! I left the lake a different person than when I came. The two greatest blessings of the summer and the things that changed me the most were my family in Christ and God's clear direction in my life. One of the reasons I love Lake J is because it is a peaceful, beautiful place and whenever I am there I seem to hear God so clearly!

God blessed me with a family of believers that was diverse in personality, ethnicity, culture, life experiences, and gifts. In everyone I could see the light of God shine in a different way:

Emory has the gift of a humble but strong heart for God. He also has a gift for seeing others talents and putting them on the path to use those to glorify God. He produces music not for himself, but for His Lord. I know that Emory and Teresa will be amazing parents! Teresa is beautiful on the inside and out; she loves God, little kids, making fun of cheerleaders who fall down, good movies, and of course Emory!

Renea, she is truly my sister. Her smile lights up the whole room with energy and joy. She inspires me not only through her passion for running, but also through the way she loves people!
Sean gets excited for Christ, He truly gets the Spirit and worships with all His heart; it is so contagious! He has a soft heart and I thank him for lifting me up when I was down and for his energy and enthusiasm.

Jessica is and always will be a romantic, a deep thinker, and a fearless woman of faith. She is never afraid to ask any question, or to seek the answer! I believe that when we ask questions, we are brought closer to God because He says to seek, and we will find. Knock, and the door will be opened.

Andy is the one who is always prepared, and who seeks God's wisdom and ways. He is an example of how we should honor God through obeying His word, and God has also blessed Andy with a passion for discussing His word and how it is lived out in the here and now.

Jordan is like the big brother I never had! He always makes short jokes, and randomly slings me over his shoulder, or holds me upside down! I'll miss my big brother, and of course trips to Toddle House! On a more serious note, I just want to say that I saw Jordan grow a lot spiritually this summer. His attitude got a lot less negative, and I really am proud of him because he worked hard to be a lot more positive but didn't get a lot of recognition for it.

Tawana is my friend and my counselor! Since the beginning of the summer, I felt that I could trust her and that I could talk to her about anything! We had some really deep conversations. That girl has a heart full of compassion and a spiritual strength that cannot be shaken. I love her so much and I hope that she knows that anytime she needs to talk, my ear and heart will always be there for her!

Sarah Beth was my roommate this summer, and I miss her so much! We talked every night about boys, life, faith, drama that had gone on that day, etc., until we fell asleep. She is my twin at heart! We both love Jesus, we are both health nuts, runners, journalers, artists, and lots of other things. We are both laid back and cheerful, and we both wonder why romance and relationships are so incredibly complicated!

Nilse is such a strong woman of God, she seeks diligently after the Lord, and is willing to follow wherever He leads her. She truly blessed me this summer through her hospitality and her passion for youth ministry!

Zeke and Cyntia were truly a blessing because they praise God not only on stage but in their lives. Several times the Shackford staff was spiritually dry or struggling and we would call Zeke and Cyntia. They came willingly whenever we called and through them God brought us the words we needed to hear! They prayed for us and with us and God answered those prayers with spiritual healing and refreshment!

Marty, I thank you for hiring me this summer! I'm planning on returning next summer because I enjoyed it so much and really grew a lot spiritually. Also, I want to thank you for allowing me to use my gift of art as a ministry. My dream is for my art to become a ministry that will inspire others and bring them closer to God.

To all of my fellow Colonial residents, I love you all and I pray that you also grew closer to God this summer! We are all blessed to be now living in a place without mold or spiders, that is one thing I will not miss!

When I came to Lake Junaluska, I had no idea that God would so clearly confirm my passion and purpose in life. I love art, and I have been drawing since I was a little girl. People ask me how I do it, and I can't explain it. It is the gift I have been given. For the first two years of college, I have loved majoring in art. I love my studio classes and learning about different techniques and the history of art, but up until this summer I had constantly questioned whether I should major in it, pursueing it as my main career. Every week this summer, God gave me my answer through Renea's vesper. He warned me not to bury my talent. What I learned this summer is that I am but a steward of what God has placed in my hands. He has given me the gift to touch people through expression. During the last Junaluska Idol we were running short on acts. So that morning I remembered seeing an artist in church paint to music, so I decided I would try it. At first I didn't want to because I was nervous that I wouldn't finish the painting, or that the painting would not be any good because I only had minutes to do it. But I couldn't get the idea out of my head, God kept speaking. So I trusted God and He guided my shaking hands, making them a vessel. The painting that came out answered a friend's question, one she had had on her heart for a while. It brought tears to people's eyes, and that night I realized the reason that I am breathing.

I am now back at the University of Mississippi, and now everyone calls me Aynslee again. I miss being called Sip, it was my first nickname and will forever be my North Carolina name! I pray that the fire that burned within my heart does not go out here, and that I remain just as lost in God's grace here as I was in Lake Junaluska, and I also pray that my campus will be lost in His amazing grace; I know no sweeter sound!

Aynslee

Changing the world with smoothie mix? You betcha!

2006-08-03T16:52:00.000-04:00

Another summer at the Kern Cafe and I feel a bit older and wiser...but also increasingly more hopeful about the future of our world and my role in it.
At the beginning of the summer I learned that some things don't work out and that's okay. Sure, it's not great, but there must be a reason somewhere down the road and as my mother informed me--"I can only be really disappointed in myself if I didn't do everything in my power to respectfully and positively explain my views." Well, folks, I did and things didn't change...and yes, I did cry, but then I got over it because I believe things happen for a reason. Do I understand? No...of course not...but I'm trusting in God to do great things. Blaming others, feeling angry or crying about it all doesn't change the situation...and honestly, I'm really happy making smoothies for beautiful youth just looking to have some fun playing air hockey or checking their MySpace accounts.

I also learned to not shut up about things I care about. Since it was my second summer managing the Kern Cafe, I thought maybe the fair-trade coffee spiel was getting a little worn out, but apparently my views kept falling on fresh ears. And ladies and gentlemen, I genuinely believe the Ministries with Young People staff is in the work of world-changing and Sarah Beth, Jessica, Keri and Beth were my accomplices this summer on my world-changing mission. Someone, or perhaps many someones, who came into the cafe, learned about fair-trade coffee and took that information home with them are now serving fair-trade coffee in their local churches, workplaces and maybe even lobbying their local coffee shop to serve only certified fair-trade coffee like we do at the Kern Cafe. What does all this result in? More people being exposed to this important issue and hopefully a child somewhere who has shoes to wear to school because his or her parents finally earned a living wage on their coffee farm.

In a way it only makes sense to expect the world to change because of this summer. You can't bring together a summer staff from around the world so varied in their skills and passions, yet united in their love of Jesus Christ and a commitment to worshipping Him through their work without expecting very BIG, WORLD-CHANGING results...

Alathea Live

2006-07-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

So in a fit of randomness the band Alathea showed up for a concert at Shackford, everyone had fun and we're really glad they came.
Jordan Cauley

Look at This!!

2006-06-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

The Pope recently issued a statement denoucing the use of guitars in worship read more here
Jordan Cauley

Renea on Rafting

2006-06-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

Rafting

From the moment I heard the Shackford Staff was going rafting I was so happy. This was going to be my first time doing any real “Outdoorzy” stuff. The last time I did something like that was in Girl Scotts from the 1^st to the 6^th grade. As the time got closer and closer to us going rafting I was so excited. I was screaming, jumping up and down and all that (in my skin that is) cause I was so happy. Once we got there it was a little different the fear began. But at the same time my enthusiasm and excitement over powered the fear I had. When the trip was over and we got out of the water I wanted to do the whole thing again. I actually wanted to fall out of the raft the next time. The experience I had on the rafting trip was amazing. Through rafting God showed me that if you have that drive for something with God’s help no matter what the fears or trials you come past you can still get through it, and once you then through it you might want to do something along the same lines but with just a little more challenge.

Renea's First Event

2006-06-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

The first week was an eye opener for me. I it was so awesome, I love every second. Although I was tired or frustrated at times it felt like the kids made it better. I though the praise and Worship was the best. I loved it all; it made me feel like I was at home with the lord. At first I was a little scared to give him all the praise like I wanted to because I thought that every one would be looking at me weird, or differently. But after the first night when the spirit hit me it was like nothing else mattered. I didn’t care if the kids were looking at me funny because I was praising the lord and if anything I would have been setting an example for the kids by praising him with my whole heart and soul. The first week was amazing, outstanding, fabulous, and great. I can’t wait for the next group to come in.

Renea Marshall

Sean's Event One Insights

2006-06-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

This past event was very memorable for me and was filled with blessings because I got to see and interact with some of the coolest youth leaders on earth. It was amazing to see how God worked through these leaders. A lot of them had God’s light shining through them like glass or clear ice. Many of them spit out the word of God as if God was directly talking to youth, staff and I. I can honestly say that I wish I had grown up with youth leaders such as these. Praise be to God!!!

Sip's Insights About First Event

2006-06-21T09:26:00.000-04:00

The first youth week at Lake Junaluska was awesome! I believe I learned just as much from the speaker and the kids as they learned from all our skits and silly dances. There were only a few holes, such as a definite absence of excellent volleyball skills and a certain traditional song that kind of slipped our memory! But overall I think both the staff and kids got lost in the grace of God. I also learned that these kids become more than a mass of youth to you. There was one girl named Ashley, and she was awesome.

I met her in the lunch line, where she brightened my day by telling me I was the bomb.com(her word for cool) The next day she came with some of the Shack staff to get ice cream at the Kern Kafe, telling all of us that we were cool, and so we were the bomb.com. Saturday night I heard that she had been taken to the hospital, and it was in that moment that I realized how precious a person could be to you after only hanging out with them a couple of times. I realized that these youth would become my heart this summer, and that their love would share the light of God with me just as much as my love would share the light with them. Ashley turned out okay, and was back Sunday morning. My heart filled with joy at her healing, and I realized how great our God is!

Aynslee (aka SIP)

Emory's Thoughts...J1

2006-06-21T09:25:00.000-04:00

This first weekend was a pretty good one. The level of perfection that we experienced for this first event we didn’t have until about the 3^rd or 4^th event last summer. We started and finished on time every night, we never seem to really loose the kids and the teams’ hard work was not go in vain. It was definitely a trial and error weekend but it was still great. The band was on point and the speakers were pretty good as well. Volleyball… It could have gone way better but, hey; we win some, but we loose even more. It’s for the kids though. The days flew by quickly and I wish I could’ve bonded more with the youth, but the ones I did get to meet were awesome. Gone.

Emory Anderson

Tawana's Valuable Lesson

2006-06-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Valuable lesson I received from Jubilee Weekend One

The most important thing that I learned last week was that preparation is key to success. I thank God that I had the chance to start working May 29th because it gave me the opportunity to start getting prepared. Things went smoothly last week and it was because we stuck together as a group and helped one another out. The key to unity was prayer. If you pray together then you have a better chance of staying together. The youth leaders were impressed and relieved that we had everything planned out and in motion. It showed them that we are all very responsible and hard workers. I love working with the youth and it gave my heart joy to see them praising the Lord last week. I looked out at the crowd of young people Sunday morning and I knew that it was all worth it. Yes, we definitely wanted to make the youth leaders happy but most importantly it was all about the youth. My goal all along even throughout my teaching is to touch at least one young person’s life in a positive way. The smiles on their faces, the swaying of their hands as they sang along with Evergreen was magical to me. This first week gave me a deeper connection with the youth and it made me happy to hear them say as they left the auditorium “ we look forward to seeing you next summer.” I have something wonderful to look forward to and lots to prepare for.

Tawana Cunningham

MYP Assistant

Andy Bell's First Week Reflection

2006-06-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

Jubilee Weekend One was a bit of a tornado. It came down quickly, a lot of stuff went flying, and afterward nothing really looked the same. Thankfully this "difference" wasn't nearly as destructive as the real thing and by the grace of God we got through it all. I spent most of the weekend really stressed out. I can't say I'm proud of that, but I do feel I learned a lot from it. I had begun reading Philippians during the week for my nightly devotionals, and Chapter 4 happened to be Sunday night's reading. Looking back at the weekend and how stressed out I had become I was struck by verses 6 and 7 of Chapter 4, which read: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." After the weekend, I really needed that. My head wasn't where it should have been, and so God gave me my wake up call. Regardless of how stressed I may become, I praise him for the chance to be in ministry for Him with young people and adults who care about Him and His kingdom.

Andy Bell

Jess's First Event Reflection

2006-06-21T09:20:00.000-04:00

God Lead Me to Say the Right Things!

2006-06-21T09:15:00.000-04:00

My stomach all in knots.

We’re about to start.

All the kids are about to come in.

And I’m just sitting here.

Trying not to think about all the pressure.

I volunteered to help with a growth group.

And now I’m freaking out.

These kids’ lives are in my hands.

I am supposed to help then with their walk with God.

What if I say the wrong things?

What if I don’t get “in” their thoughts?

All I can do is have faith in God.

God will lead me to say the right things.

God did lead me to say the right things.

The growth group that Zac and I led was a success!

It was amazing to watch these middle schools interact.

They might be a bit shy to start, but they did open up and share theirs real thoughts. They are at the age where they don’t know everything, but if they don’t understand they will just ask.

Sarah Beth Coley

Random LJ Pictures from Sarah Beth

2006-06-10T17:52:00.000-04:00

Jesus' Angels...

2006-06-10T17:46:00.000-04:00

This year's rules video features Jesus' Angels and how they will save the LJ from the hands of an evil industrialist.

Jessica's Habitude

2006-06-09T16:25:00.000-04:00

During rafting today I learned what we have been going through all week, which is teamwork. To get through the rapids everyone needed to row in unison to get through a rough part in the river. No one, even the strongest, could have done it by themselves. It really hit me that even the strongest leader needs help and encouragement through life's 'rough parts'. They are only as strong as those around them pushing them to succeed. I believe that is why we have each other. God wanted us to help each other through the still waters and rough waters of our
lives.

-1 Corinthians 10:33

Aynslee's Habitude

2006-06-09T16:21:00.000-04:00

Aynslee's Rafting Habitude: Falling into the Rapids

Yesterday the MYP teams rafted the Pigeon River. I am from Mississippi but surprisingly I have rafted in the areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina about 6 times. So when I got on this river, I pretty much considered myself to be an expert.

Our guide's name was Elle and she was hilarious. She was also nice enough to let me put some artwork on her helmet! My fellow rafters were Tawana, Renea, and Andy. So we were paddling along, everything was running smoothly. Then Elle tells us that on the next spot we better not fall out because there is another big rapid right after it. She said it was the worst spot for someone to fall out. So I'm thinking, 'well I've got this, I've done this 6 times already.' Well, you know pride goes before a fall, so guess what, at the worst spot this little southern bell hit the rapids. It was nothing I was expecting, I just kinda flew out.

The amazing thing is that it seemed like the second after I hit the water, I was back out again. For a tiny second it was cold and fear, and then I felt a hand around my arm. It was Tawana's hand, keeping me from taking off down the river to bounce around the rocks. WIth the help of Renea and Andy, I was pulled back to safety.

In a way, my experience reminds me of the experience Peter had in Matthew when he was walking towards Jesus and he began to sink. For a brief moment Peter was terrified as he began to sink into the waves. Verse 14:31 says, 'Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith,"he said, "why did you doubt?"

So what can we, as a team of leaders, learn from this? We learn that at one time or another, every single one of us, no matter how good we are at what we do, will sink or fall out of the raft. It will be a time when you're not expecting it, and all of a sudden you are fearing and doubting. This is when you must trust your brothers and sisters in Christ to reach out and grab you. When one of us know that the other is sinking or when we see them hit a rock, we have to love them and pull them back up, or else they will be swept down the river and the boat cannot be steered.

MYP Cafe'

2006-06-08T16:04:00.002-04:00

I love the café! Community happens almost accidentally. With the addition of new outdoor furniture, some booths and some new games, it is even better this year at Kern…the official MYP Café. No matter how good the coffee is, or how great the surroundings, a café is only as good as its people! A healthy community is created by its people. The staff set the temperature, they make the environment fun and they make you feel special. That is what the MYP Café is all about.

Nobody engages people like Sarah Beth and Rachel Ann. Their ever present smiles and laughter set the environment’s temperature. Something tells you from the moment they greet you until you leave that this is a great place to be. Even when they make mistakes, they just laugh and start over again. Unconditional acceptance is what community is all about.

Not only is the café a warm and inviting place, its fun. Where else can you get enough caffeine to keep you up all night, play foosball until your hands hurt and listen to Emory’s new CD while laughing the whole time? The other great thing is that its fun for everyone from 2 to 102. The café offers a great respite from the meetings that are going on across the campus, while the game room is filled with fun and chaos. Fun is another trait of healthy community.

I hope to see you in the SEJMYP west office, the back booth at the Kern Café. Thankfully I remain:

Lost in Grace,

Marty

Sarah Beth's Rafting Habitude

2006-06-08T14:49:00.000-04:00

Think about whitewater rafting... you’re floating along looking at the pretty mountains, all the nature, the water ripples, and of course the silly conversations. At the same time as trying to remember how to hold the T-grip so no one gets “summerteeth” and wedging your feet under parts of the raft in hopes that you don’t fall out. You’re having a blast being loud and laughing. Then from way away in the back of the raft you hear a little voice, it’s the man who’s guiding the raft. Sometimes you have to listen really hard to hear him say the directions. He calls out the orders with the hope that you do what he asks of you. He’s the only one that knows where we are going and the only one that knows where we are going to end up. Without the guide we would be lost. The guide has special equipment that he uses to help us stay safe, if we fall out of the raft he’ll try with all his might to get you back and safe, regardless what we do, he will save us. The guide reminds me of God. Sometimes it is difficult to hear his through al the hustle and bustle, but he’s always there and you just need to focus and listen to him. God will go through anything to get you back in the boat with him. He loves you, no matter what. God knows that this world brings trouble and everyone messes up. He knows that it is hard to see him and hear his voice but he is always there for you. He cares more then anyone else does. You may fall out of raft and feel all alone in the water floating around but God is there to help pick you up and pull you back into the boat.

Super Staff!

2006-06-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

Sarah Beth's Top Ten

2006-06-08T14:14:00.000-04:00

top ten things i learned...

- God loves me regardless what I do.
- God forgives me even though I dont deserve it.
- I learned people think that I have a good positive look on life and iIm
welcoming.
- I have problems opening up and letting people see the real me. (from back
home)
- I'm trying to learn more about keeping it R.E.AL.
- That even if you are having a bad day, you can think "i like you" as you
go up to people and you will have a better day.
- I learned how important prayer is and that it really does change
everything.
- That there are some things that I can't control and others that I just
have to let go and let God.
- That each person here loves me, no matter what. they accept me and love
me for me.
- With any person that you are around for long enough there will be
problems, but we can get through them.

i really am loving every minute of working here. thank you so much for
letting me join your staff. =)

Sarah Beth

Renea's Top Ten

2006-06-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

This is my top ten

1. It is important to balance my time

2. It is important to eat, sleep, and drink enough water.

3. I learned how to align my goals with my values.

4. I learned that putting what you learned on paper helps you to have a deeper feeling.

5. I learned that this summer is not all about me.

6. I learned that it is very important to keep it R.E.A.L.

7. I learned how to serve Communion.

8. I learned that even though all of us are Christians we have different ways of worship.

9. I need to stay Humble.

10. I learned that we need to just give our youth the Pickle.

Tawana's Rafting Habitude

2006-06-08T11:33:00.000-04:00

Whitewater Rafting Trip

To begin I didn’t want to go. I tried to think of every reason why I shouldn’t go. The one deciding factor was that I had to go. I kept protesting that we shouldn’t be made to do something that we don’t want to. One of the things that stuck with me from the workshops was that sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones. On the way there I kept thinking of all the worst possible scenarios that could happen to me in the water. As I sat down in the raft all of my fears and doubts disappeared. I knew that GOD heard all my prayers. Although we had a guide the success of the adventure depended on teamwork. I looked around me and saw the smile on Renea’s face, the confidence in Andy’s eyes, and the sense of comfort that was beaming from Ansylee's face. It was then that I knew everything really would be all right. I trusted these wonderful three people that surrounded me even though we had only met a week before. The ride was thrilling, shocking and shaky at times. I had more fun that I could have ever imagined. I planted my feet just like Ellie, the guide, told me to and I rowed in the directions that she instructed me to do so in. Things were going smoothly and we hit a rocky point that was when Ansylee went in. I didn’t have time to think I reached out and grabbed her with my right hand and held on to her. I was not going to let her go. Renea took my paddle and I was able to hold onto her with both hands and then Andy helped me pull back into the raft. After all it’s not about me. I spent so much time today before the trip thinking about all of the bad things that could happen to me. I am here to help others and be their support. I am a shoulder to lean on, a friend, a sister in Christ, a teammate, or maybe just a hand. It occurred to me tonight that my calling is to reach out to others. I can do this, this summer as well as when I am teaching. The Lord works in mysterious ways. I believe that everything happens for a reason even if we pretend to be blind and not see it. He brought me here this summer for a reason, and Ansylee and I were put in that raft together for a reason. You see GOD reached out, held on and pulled me back in from the rushing waters. Sometimes we just need a reminder.

Tawana's Top Ten

2006-06-08T11:30:00.000-04:00

Ten Things I Learned or Got from Staff Training

1. Teamwork is critical to success. There is no “I” in team.

2. Always set a goal that is achievable.

3. It is important to remember that the closer we get to GOD the closer we get to others.

4. Each person’s values are different.

5. A way to celebrate differences is by visiting churches that have different religions.

6. What you do doesn’t necessarily define who you are.

7. The people that you serve aren’t just customers but also your boss. Their satisfaction or dissatisfaction determines your success in the workplace.

8. Always serve with a servants’ heart.

9. There are many connections between worship and the workplace. For example, relationships, benefits, growth, etc...

10. Embrace diversity and learn from others, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone.

Zac's Rafting Habitude

2006-06-07T18:02:00.000-04:00

White Water Rafting

White water rapids are an interesting phenomenon that occur naturally on most rivers however most rivers are not large enough or deep enough to carry boats of people down them. Because of these naturally occurring rapids people are drawn to place themselves in rubber boats with paddles and life jackets while trying to navigate down safely down the river. Most rafting companies provide you with a river guide who is trained on how to identify problems, steer the boat, and provide medical/first aid support to those who may need it.
Psalm 37: 3 says the following: Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. For if we look at this particular scripture God is telling that is we trust in him/her then we shall enjoy security. White water rafting can become very dangerous if you do not follow the directions of your leader or you are inexperienced in how to white water raft. So if we trust in our leader, our Lord God, we shall enjoy his/her security. The same goes with your raft guide; if you trust in him/her and do as they say in order to get down the river then you shall enjoy the security of knowing everything will be ok. As we directly relate this to the bible I challenge everyone to understand that blind faith and trust are not the same thing. Trusting is not always understanding how but understanding why; where as blind faith is going off of the assumptions that things are done because they are done and that is the way things are. Which following blindly could possibly lead us down the wrong path allowing our boat to get stuck on rocks, only to get helped by another boat, or to possible capsize under the extreme pressure of the water.

Questions
1. What could the rapids symbolize in our relationship with God?
2. What draws people to white water raft even though there is a possibility of bodily harm? Is there a relation to our commitment to God?
3. Through trust all things are made better; why does God present challenges (rapids) in our lives? List your challenges
4. Now that you understand your challenges, make goals in order to over come those challenges so that you can only grow closer to God and his son Jesus Christ our Savior through his prevenient and justifying grace.

Zac's Top Ten

2006-06-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Staff Training
I have always hated top ten lists because it limits you to a fixed number of things you must come up with; while my brain is constantly thinking of more things to add to the list.

1. Values vs. Morals: We all have this basic perception of what our values are and what our morals are; both of which are initially driven by our environment, parents, grandparents, guardians, brothers, sisters, etc… until we finally look inside ourselves to find out what we truly value in life. As I see it morals are what your community and the greater culture’s morals in general are, but values are ideas, principles, characteristics that you yourself hold to the highest standard.

2. Quiet Time: As the week progressed and we conducted many reflecting or processing information activities I began to fully understand and realize the importance of silent time with God. I use to have the perception that quiet time was time I took out of the day to commune with God, whether that be reading your bible while listening to some music (preferably in my case classical) or walking around a spiritual labyrinth.

3. Relationships: Relationships are very important to me personally however as the training week progressed I began to truly believe that God has chosen the SEJ Ministries with Young People staff very carefully for the sole purpose of enhancing each others experience through one another.

4. R.E.A.L: Respect, Enthusiasm, Attitude and Leadership; through this acronym we did many activities but the one we grew closer together as a group by understanding each other’s perceptions of others was conducted by voting using fuzzy balls secretly and then afterwards having our instructor Danelle Smith to explain the situation so that we could see where we were at and grow together rather than individually in different directions.

5. Fun: Having fun is an integral part of growing as a group. Through all the activities, devotionals, team building talks, and what not having fun was one of our top priorities so that through all the intense, emotional periods we could lift each other up.

6. Returning: Training really taught me that returning to a position especially at the Lake allows you to lead others through things and set an example for the new group in order to provide the best possible spiritual experiences for our guests.

7. Direction: Without direction our staff could not possibly be as strong and prepared as we are
currently. Direction allows those who orient themselves towards the big picture to see while allowing those who enjoy details to take care of what needs to be done in order to get to the big picture.

8. Goals: While I had known goals are always important to create, maintain, and accomplish placing a spiritual twist on an old skill was nice. I had always known that goals should be effectively stated and taught the S.T.A.R method (Start, Time limited, Assessable, Reach/Reflect). Understanding what drives our innermost goals allowed me to fully understand certain aspects of my goals that I have achieved.

9. Leadership/Following: While driving back from our rafting trip down the Upper Pigeon River, a simple question was asked, "Where do we want to eat dinner?" Due to the fact that we are all strong leaders no definitive answer was made. So looking back on this one simple test that because we were all leaders there was no one there to follow. So in knowing this there are times that we should understand our strengths and weaknesses allowing at our weakest times to follow God.

10. Communication Communication Communication: Just like the old realtor saying "Location, Location, Location" applies just the same to teamwork through communication. Without it the team will become confused, lose their direction, and could ultimately fall apart. With good communication teams function like well oiled machines and can accomplish just about any task that is thrown at them.

Emory's Top Ten List

2006-06-07T17:59:00.000-04:00

keeping it R.E.A.L.
teamwork
strengths and weakness of the team
things that i need to work on as person and as a director
others values morals
getting to know one another before working together is a plus
people will challenge your faith
you must stand in what you believe in
it's not about me
humble myself in my ministry

Rachel Ann's Top Ten & Habitude

2006-06-07T17:54:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Things I Learned During Staff Training-Summer 2006

10. People are people and so demand our utmost respect at all times-even before our morning coffee or if they say or do things I disagree with. I spend so much time at the café touting respect for our brothers and sisters around the world, but I forget to respect the ones that God has given me to work with this summer.

9. Not one of the members of the team can be removed without ruining the entire team’s structure. Everyone is here for a purpose.

8. Food has a powerful way of bonding people together. While teambuilding activities and games strengthen our bonds, meals are where we learn to be friends and not merely co-workers.

7. I’m a big believer in judging books by their covers, but that doesn’t work with people.

6. Things change; people change. For good, for bad-it happens. We must accept that.

5. Removing oneself, even for a day, from the outside world can have a dramatic effect on views toward the world, others and oneself.

4. The best learning happens when we follow our little kid instincts and let play open our minds to new ideas.

3. Diverse backgrounds make for great friendships. My entire life I have fully lived out "birds of a feather flock together." Training, however, helped me to become unbelievably close to people with different backgrounds, upbringings, hometowns and approaches to theology.

2. Get passionate, and maybe even express some righteous anger, but keep it REAL.

1. It’s not about you, or me or any of us.

Whitewater Rafting Habitude

One of the more humorous realizations that our boat stumbled upon while whitewater rafting is that each of our team members responds to tree branches coming at our faces in different ways. By the end of out trip, I swear that our guide steered us toward trees just to see how things would play out. Our approaches fell into three basic categories: 1) the person who thought of no one; 2) the twosome that worked together; 3) and the person concerned only with himself. I was the person who thought of no one-not even really myself. When faced with the problem of tree branches I let them hit them thinking that I would be fine because I had on a thick PFD and a helmet. Never once did I consider that the branches were hitting me and then coming back at Marty’s face with great force. Because of my lack of foresight both of us were hit in the face with tree branches. Our guide was the other extreme; he thought only of himself. Steering us into branches to see what we would do is selfish AND he had a better, higher view than everyone else and dove and ducked his way through all the branches successfully. The best technique was the one employed by Zac and Sarah Beth. They would sufficiently duck so that both of them would escape the tree branches. Sarah Beth would tell Zac the particulars of the branches, if necessary, and Zac would tell Sarah Beth that they were coming up if she was distracted. Neither of them were hit with tree branches.

Summer time conflicts are much like those tree branches. We can choose to take a small loss on our part because it’s easier than thinking ahead which forces someone else to get hit much harder. That’s the trouble with apathy-it didn’t hit me too hard, but Marty now has a black eye. We can look out only for ourselves, but in the process we could cause more troubles for our teammates. Or we could commit to take care of one another, inform our teammates when branches are coming up and work through the problem together so that no one gets smacked in the face.

training: a top ten of sorts

2006-06-06T22:50:00.000-04:00

10. getting to know a truly diverse group of individuals.
9. realizing that it is not, never has, and never will be...about me.
8. getting an understanding of the true necessity of flexible teamwork.
7. realizing the impact a few bits of string can have on systematic theology.
6. playing with rubber chickens.
5. having a full bonding experience with my coworkers before we entered our first trial by fire.
4. winning kisses from a nice lady (chocolate candies that is).
3. being encouraged to contemplate my own goals and values in accordance with our community mission.
2. being challenged by diverse theology and coming to realize that ultimately it only made me stronger.
1. finding that, regardless of the reasons that we came to the Lake as staff, our presence here was a part of God's plan.

(it's not truly a top ten of what i learned, but rather valuable experiences. oh well.)

Jordan's Top Ten

2006-06-06T22:45:00.000-04:00

Here are my most fantasical moments of the staff training experience

10. Joining everyone for a fantastic meal at Maggie Valley Pizzaria
9. Attending X-MEN with everyone right afterward
8. Group juggling
7. Labyrinth
6. Sunday night WPD
5. Eating with everyone at Colonial at Lambuth
4. Fun Depot
3. Carrying the Cross
2. Cross, campfire, s'mores
1. White water rafting

Jessica's Top Ten

2006-06-05T10:14:00.000-04:00

It's hard to pick just 10 things that I learned this weekend because I feel like it has completely changed my life. But I'll try to condense them into a top 10 list.

1. I realized how to put myself out there more by the different games we played.

2. I learned how to become more aware of what I say. I guess I can say I learned how to watch my tongue more closely.

3. God has spoken to me through the Rob Bell devotional vidoes. Those have inspired me to spend more time with the Lord.

4. Goals. I have always been bad at keeping goals but through the processes I have a better grasp on how to keep them and what they should be.

5. Values. I think this was my favorite day. I had never thought about values and the seer importance of them. This really made me dig deep into myself and taught me a lot about myself.

6. How to apply the values and goals together to shape my life.

7. I love how the staff is so diverse. I know this is not something I learned, but I guess it made me appreciate diversity more.

8. That God has a purpose for my life and a plan for why I'm here.

9. Reading the Bible and doing devotionals are vital in a Christians life. I never thought they were that important until I got here and dived into the Habitudes.

10. When we grow closer to God then we grow closer to others and begin to show them God's love through us because we are active in the Word.

Aynslee's Top Ten

2006-06-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

Training was awesome! I love all the peeps I'll be working with this summer! Here's my top 10:

1) We are a diverse group in many ways, but in Christ we are brothers and sisters.

2) In order to fulfull our call to the summer ministry, we must learn each other's buttons, and try not to push them.

3) If we do push a button, we must talk about it one on one and we must not let the sun go down on our anger.

4) Don't worry when things get crazy; pray and ask for help from each other. Let others know when you are down, so they can help you back up.

5) We are all leaders who must learn to lead together as a body in Christ.

6) If we grow closer to Christ as individuals, then we will grow closer to each other as a group and through us God will bring the youth and youth leaders closer to Him.

7) Hearing someone else's theological opinion, even if I disagree, can make me stronger as a Christian because it makes me think about where I stand and why I stand for those things. It helps me dig deeper.

8) Being REAL is important. We must respect each other, remain enthusiastic(even when things become routine), have a positive attitude(especially when a disaster hits), and each of us must be willing to take initiative and lead when our time comes.

9) It is important that I set goals for the summer and that I am motivated by my personal values to meet those goals.

10) This summer is going to teach me a lot about God, myself, and loving/reaching other people. It will get me out of my comfort zone, challenge me, and grow me. I am looking forward to an awesome summer and leaving here as a different person than when I came.

10 Things I’ve Learned from Staff Training

2006-06-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

10 Things I’ve Learned from Staff Training

Validity: I’m convinced now more than ever that team building and value understanding is more important than task training. Understanding the inner why helps with the outer performance.
Intensity: Training must be intense. The intensity helps break through resistance and helps the staff move beyond superficial into real depth.
Pace: I still have some work to do here. Next year’s schedule will reflect my learning about the pace. The campfire needs to be the last big session of self-revelation. The fun time at Fun Depot was an excellent counter-balance to the heavy stuff we’d been doing. Lastly, a plan for a couple of check-in sessions will also prove helpful.
Questions: Life and ministry have no easy answers, only questions. I am glad Maria brought that to a head making them think by never answering a question. By struggling early they will be better equipped to work with youth who have questions as well without easy answers given by “bobble-head” Jesus types. Live in the questions.
Tension: good training made the inter-personal tension much more positive than last year. There will always be tension, spiritual tension, inter-personal tension, theological tension, etc. The key is to be able to live in that tension and let it strengthen you, not consume you.
Focused Fun: Danelle did a great job helping them have fun but learn something at the same time. Often they had to dig out what they were learning because at first glance the activity was so fun, they didn’t realize how much they were learning. How often do we treat rubber chickens more importantly than glass balls?
Direction: Nilse did a great job helping the teams have direction. She is the list master, after all. This provides meaning and understanding to the overwhelming tasks at hand. She is definately a "navigator" in her leadership style.
Variety: Having a variety of trainers allowed everyone to do what they do best and connected with the staff in completely different ways. Having a variety of activities allows for creativity of expression and balance between physical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional.
Values & Goals: Revelation came for a lot of the staff when they had to actually start defining what they valued. For some it was the first time they sought to understand their “why” and not just their “what.” Goals as tangible and measurable objectives means being accountable to yourself and others for what you are striving to accomplish and become. I think that this section is where the staff realized that this isn’t just another job, it is a ministry.
Learning from the Learners: Here is where I personally grew the most, learning from those who were being taught. Seeing what connected, what caused struggle and hearing great ideas. Jessica completely re-focused the Cross Walk on Thursday night and it was far better than I had originally designed. There were several times when we (the trainers) had to re-work our plans to make sure we were helping the staff on their journey. I’m sure I’ve learned as much or more than any of the staff.

What I’m keeping…

Here are the things I know I’ll keep for next year and beyond:

Values and Goal Setting
Staff Manual and Ministry Values
Habitudes
Nooma Videos
Danelle’s workshops (hopefully Danelle will continue to be willing to volunteer to help!)
Theological teaching times
Cross Walk (though it will be last thing)
Rafting
REAL workshops
Collages
S’mores & campfire
What else? Email me and let me know!

What I may change….

Here are the things I’m considering changing:

Pace
Location (my allergies were really affected by Colonial though I liked the space)
Schedule (better balance of reflection and tasks, maybe afternoons off instead of evenings?)
Environment design (a way to get people to move around to get to know each other better)
More staff contact prior to training
What else? Email me and let me know!

Praise God for a great staff. I look forward to a summer that is:

Lost in Grace,
Marty

40 Days of Prayer

2006-05-04T21:06:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Today we are forty days from beginning our summer events. Nilse and I are working night and day to get ready for the thousands of young people and youth leaders that we will serve this summer. As we make final preparations for an exciting summer I would like for you to join me in a forty-day prayer journey. I have included a list of things to pray for. You may either choose to pray for one each day or pray for the entire list as we approach out opening event on June 15, 2006.

As you pray for the staff, pray that God works through us to make an eternal impact on the next generation. As you pray for the participants, pray that God will open their hearts and begin a new work that will embolden them to change their world for Christ. Here are our prayer focus points for the next forty days:

40. Marty Cauley, director

39. Nilse Furtado, asst. director

38. Anne Bridges, administrative assistant

37. Tawana Cunningham, summer assistant

36. Emory Anderson, Shackford director

35. Aynslee Moon, Shackford staff

34. Jessica Benton, Shackford staff

33. Andy Bell, Shackford staff

32. Renee Marshall, Shackford staff

31. Sean Gilliam, Shackford staff

30. Rachael Ann Allred, Café manager

29. Sarah Beth Coley, Café asst. manager

28. Zac Pope, Kern manager and finance director

27. Davi Santos, Kern asst. manager

26. Jordan Cauley, services staff assistant for Shackford

25. Hourly staff for Kern

24. Youth workers across the SEJ planning trip

23. Youth preparing to come to SEJMYP events this summer

22. Spiritual life of the staff this summer amidst the chaos

21. Support staff across the LJ and their vital roles to make events successful

20. Reservation and Front Desk staff.

19. Please pray for the staff as they prepare emotionally and spiritually for their work at the LJ

18. Pray for safe travel as the staff and youth groups travel to LJ.

17. Pray for positive initial interactions as the staff settles in and gets ready to work.

16. Pray for SEJMYP staff training time that relationships will be built and strengthened

15. Pray for all staff staying in Colonial Inn (staff housing) for their rest and recovery time during their off hours.

14. Pray for event musicians for summer events, that they would lead us in mighty times of worship.

13. Pray for event speakers that they will preach and teach in the power of the Holy Spirit

12. Pray for workshop leaders as they prepare to share at summer events.

11. Pray for every youth leader who will lead a growth group this summer, that God will work through them to impact lives of youth.

10. Pray for artists and designers working on creating Lost in Grace worship environment for summer events.

9. Pray for staff as they work to ready the Kern Youth Center to open.

8. Pray for youth served by game room and café that it will be a welcoming, Christian environment.

7. Pray for Shackford staff as they create videos and skits for summer events

6. Pray that Shackford staff bond well and work together as a team.

5. Pray that the entire staff will shine the light of Christ as the serve

4. Pray for youth workers making final preparations to bring youth to LJ.

3. Pray for staff as they make final preparations for events.

2. Pray for traveling mercies on youth groups as they come to LJ.

1.Pray that this will be the most dynamic summer ever at LJ!

Thank you in advance for praying for us and for the youth that we will serve. I remain:

Lost in Grace,

Marty Cauley, director

The Way of Salvation

2006-04-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

The Way of Salvation

A Message from Maria

Grace. The word has so many meanings and can be placed in many settings in our world. As Methodist this word is central to how we are created, saved and redeemed. As youth workers we need to proclaim this word each and every time we are with our youth.

Grace is the free and unconditional love of God. The pressures of school and culture create for teenagers an environment that is not free or unconditional. Nothing is free or unconditional in their culture. Grades and peer pressure for our teens are based on worth or merit. They are told that they must have good grades for college or a job. Cliques are formed on how teens perform or don’t perform in social settings. We need our teens to know that God’s grace is not based on a grading system or on how they perform in social settings. Grace is free and unconditional. No matter how hard they work or don’t want to work, God’s grace is still there and still the same – eternal and never ending.

The church needs to provide an environment that will be souly based on grace. So that when teens come for youth group they find the free, unconditional and never ending grace to greet them at the door. If you do this long enough in a consistence manner, you will find that teens will yearn for a safe place where they are loved no matter how their week went at school or with friends. Providing a place like this will be hard work because teens are moody, cranky and some times apathetic. Yet, the only thing we can do is love them and show them what grace really is.

As you explain grace to teenagers please remember that God’s grace is so powerful and amazing that as humans we cannot really grasp the idea. Explain to them that God’s grace is not another item to acquire in life but a daily lifestyle of love. Allow them to see God’s grace as consuming them and not them consuming grace. Again, this idea is huge and complex so take slowly, because God is not grading you on how you understand grace. Even for adults this idea needs to be embraced slowly and tenderly, because sometimes we want to acquire it and not really appreciate God’s power in our lives.

Why We Play to Learn

2006-03-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

Why We Play as Part of the Group Process

A Message from Danelle

Play to Reach

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.

Plato

Entering a new group can be intimidating. We want to be accepted, to fit in and we are afraid that we won’t measure up somehow. Think of the last time that you had to join a group of people that you didn’t know very well and that didn’t know you very well. You may have had thoughts such as: “I wonder if they will like me.”; “How should I act to fit in with these people?”; or “I hope I look okay.” If we as adults have difficulty in joining a new group, imagine how much more difficult it is for a middle or high school student to take the risk to open up in a new setting. Play can help strangers get to know one another through laughter and fun.

This thing called play is a useful tool for allowing people to connect to each other quickly. Playing requires focus on the rules and object of the game which prevents people from focusing too much on the image that they are portraying, or their concerns about fitting in with the group. When we play we become an automatic member of the team. We have to stop worrying about ourselves in order to succeed at the game. Beginning group time with play activities can help the members of the group to feel connected. We play to reach each other.

Play to Teach

It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.

Leo F. Buscaglia

Play is fun and it is serious business, too! Children (and incidentally animals) learn about the world through play. Exploring, mimicking, and testing things out are all a natural part of human development. Play activities allow us to think about abstract ideas in a concrete way. They allow us to utilize creativity and think in a different way then we usually do.

While play can be incidental, it can also be intentional. We have been very intentional in choosing games that will allow the participants in the growth groups to open up to each other, to build trust in one another, and to challenge each other to be themselves without the protective image that is the badge of adolescence. We play to teach and learn about people and ideas.

When we come together to play and be we are truly ourselves When we are truly ourselves it is wonderful and when we act collectively in that wonder we do transformative work for our community and our world.

Brad Colby

2006-03-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Lenten Thought: Self-Giving

In following the line of thought from the previous blog I came across the following quote in my devotional reading this morning. Before the world was post-modern, God was!

Thankfully I remain:

Lost in Grace,

Marty

That God exists is no secret. It is clear to see!

That the human being is eternal is no secret.

It is the experience of every ready heart…

That God is immense is no secret.

All you have to do is look at the universe.

That God is the memory of the world is no secret.

All you have to do is glance at the computer.

That God is near is no secret.

You need only look at a couple on their honeymoon, or a hen with her chicks, or two friends talking, or an expectant mother.

But then, where is the secret?

Here it is: God is a crucified God.

God is the God who allows himself to be defeated,

God is the God who is revealed himself in the poor.

God is the God who has washed my feet,

God is Jesus of Nazareth.

We were not accustomed to a God like this.

From Why, O Lord? By Carolo Caretto

Why Retreat is Important!

2006-03-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

“Why do events?” That was the question of one youth worker who called me as she struggled with organizing the first trip of her ministry. “What’s the big deal, we can do everything you guys do right here at home.” For her, and for you, there are four reasons that immediately came to mind: place; passion; presenters & participation in something bigger than their micro-community.

Place: Changing Environment

The first reason is that often times we need a change of location to hear the same truth that we are hearing at home. Environment molds the message. If the location is overly familiar often the message is ignored. Taking your youth to a retreat center allows them to be in a completely different environment so that they can alter their perception of everything they hear and see.

Passion: Burning Hearts

Secondly passion is why off site events matter in the lives of young people. Try as you might, you and your staff get tired. You have preconceived notions of the young adults you work with that color how you view them. When you are in a retreat setting lead by an alternative group of people we are not bound by your conceptions. The Ministries with Young People staff are chose because of their burning passion to serve Christ and invest in young adults. They are not doing it every week with the same young people so they bring fresh eyes and intense passion to what they do.

Presenters: Fresh Voices

Not only do we recruit the best and brightest young adults to staff our events, we bring in bands and speakers that really connect to where your young people are. We intentionally find a diversity of styles and cultures so that you will be able to find in our summer line up a speaker and music team that you think will reach your youth.

Participation: Bigger Community

Young people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. SEJMYP youth events allow them to connect with a community that stretches across the southeastern United States. They begin to realize that the Church is bigger than their Sunday morning assembly and youth group. They expand their ideas of what the Church is and what is possible. Every year youth connect with people from a myriad of other places and maintain contact, share their struggles and spiritual journey across the miles thanks to the internet.

NETWORK, the magazine of the National Network of Youth Ministries, in their Spring 2006 issue listed “Church Camp/Retreat/Special Event Conferences” as the most frequently indicated influence on why young people begin their spiritual journey and make ongoing deeper commitments. That is why we do what we do at the SEJMYP, to facilitate those decisions and empower them to live as radically devoted followers of the Savior. Thanks be to God that we are:

Lost in Grace,

Marty

Why Retreat is Important!

2006-03-09T09:34:00.000-05:00

Place: Changing Environment

Passion: Burning Hearts

Presenters: Fresh Voices

Participation: Bigger Community

Lost in Grace,

Marty

Schedule for Feb. 19-25, 2006

2006-02-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday: Finish Ski 8 Worship Service and Movie Night at the Kern
Monday-Wednesday: Reaching Emerging Generations at Columbia Theological Seminary
Thursday-Friday: Office
Friday-Sunday: Hosting Ski Groups and Staff Interviews.

Welcome

2006-02-22T11:25:00.000-05:00

This new blog will be used to share Marty's schedule and update anyone interested in the Ministries with Young People division of the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

Lost in Grace,
Marty