Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sept/Oct12-Macomb Moments





We have kicked off September and already having an amazing school year!  We had some changes early on, but has not stopped us from connecting with kids.

Café:  Our newest program is Lifetree Café, interesting discussion topics in a safe, non-judgmental environment.  [We have been blessed to partner with Industry     Methodist and allowing us to share their license. The all ages program occurs Sundays 7-8pm at IUMC ]  Beginning Oct. 11th, we will be offering an hour of coffee café prior to Lifetree  - a fun     hangout time for kids with an opportunity for poignant discussions afterwards.  A huge    thank you to Scotland Trinity for donating their large coffee pot to us.

One Lifetree Café addressed several topics regarding the upcoming election.  During the “Does the President’s Faith Matter” session,  State Senate Candidate Randy Freese and State Representative Norine Hammond joined us and spoke with students.  We also set up the             opportunity to register to vote.  Senior Cody Poffenberger registered to vote while at YFC – just one day after his 18th birthday.

Pizza Lunch:  We are consistently averaging about 85 kids each week – with about twice that many at the Free Pizza Lunch Kickoff.  Due to some process changes, we are required to serve desserts that have been prepared in a commercial kitchen - that can be either the supermarket bakeries or prepackaged cookies.
Note on Yummies:  We are permitted to have homemade yummies at the smaller programs, as those are not considered open to the general public.  Those of you who wish to minister to kids through your kitchen, you may still do so – we just can’t serve them at Pizza Lunch.

Campus Life Jr High has changed its format, becoming small group driven.  Caring leaders get to have quality discussions with their group, building relationships and developing their faith.  It is not too late for your student in grades 6-8 to join us.  Note:  the time is now 6-7:30pm and on MONDAYS.   CANCELED After School Hangout:  Due to a low number in attendance (literally a handful), we are going to save our resources and not run this program.  Leaders for Campus Life are on site by 5:30pm; students can come any time after that.

Fifth Quarter:  This continues to be a highly successful, just plain fun, event.  Whether playing Downpour Dunk [basketball on our small nets in the pouring rain] or hanging out by a campfire with s’mores, we average about 50+ kids just being together in a safe environment.

iConnect:  Senior High has been serving as the “test group” for developing curriculum based on “Sifted ~ God's Scandalous Response to Satan's Outrageous Demand” by Rick Lawrence.  It’s included fun object lessons ranging from a Spiderman piñata to digging through junk to get to the good stuff.  Senior High meets Tuesdays 7-9pm.



Sept/Oct12-Having Some Fun at Banquet




This year we’re trying something new—and bringing some comedy to our Banquet.  Tickets cost $20 for the evening banquet and includes both dinner and a comedy show… as well as hearing about YFC Western IL.   Be sure to get your tickets early—space is limited.

Sept/Oct12-Custom Tee-Shirts



YFC Macomb has added a fun fundraiser for its Student Activity Account— Custom Tee Shirts.  You may send an electronic copy of something you      designed (ex: photos, scanned items such as winning brackets,  or something drawn freehand). 

Cost is $20 and includes
· Your original design
· Sales Tax
· Near immediate turn-around
· Your support of teens in Macomb
· Add letters for $0.25 each

Email Lauren at Laurensurp@yahoo.com for an order form and any questions you  may have.

Come see us at Altrusa—bring your design or    create one there.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Aug12-Welcome Tamara!


The YFC Board is pleased to announce the addition of Tamara Parker to our growing list of trustees.

Tamara Parker is the Executive Director of the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Tamara graduated from Western Illinois University.

She and her husband Morris have been married for five years. They have a handsome little boy named Elijah.

Tamara accepted Jesus Christ into her life when she was thirteen years old at vacation bible school.  She is a member of Shepherd’s Gate Foursquare Church where she is actively involved in the ministry as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator, volunteer in the nursery, janitor, sings on the praise team, and is a member of the prayer team.

Tamara has a great passion for youth, and is excited to join the Youth for Christ board.




Aug12-Banquet reminder


Please note that this year’s banquet will be held on:

THURSDAY
November 15th

Noon and 6 pm
options

Spoon River’s
Community
Outreach Center

2500 E Jackson
Macomb, IL

Interested in helping?
Contact the office
to join the planning
committee!!

Aug12-Congrats Todd!


It is with great pleasure that Youth for Christ USA announces that Todd Rodeffer, a 13 year veteran staff person from Western IL Youth for Christ was presented with The Five Essentials Award at their Great Lakes Staff Conference on August 14, 2012.

The honor is Youth for Christ USA’s most prestigious award, recognizing one local staff person within the region whose ministry site reflects all the five essentials YFC has identified that contribute to creating a ministry that is both fruitful and sustainable.

Todd’s ministry in Bushnell is the staging ground through which he has launched mission-driven relationships with young people.  The “Essentials” that we have seen Todd apply in his outreach are:

Widespread Prayer:
He deliberately engages lots of Christians to intercede on behalf of the ministry site. 

Loving Relationships:
He and his team consistently pursue lost kids & engage them in life-long relationships with Jesus.

Faithful Bible Teaching:
He accurately handles Biblical truth, regularly coaching kids to apply it in their lives.

Collaborative Community Strategy:
He intentionally works together with local churches, agencies and other partners to provide sustainable youth and family ministry.

Adults Who Empower:
He strategically develops leaders to reach young people from every people group.

YFC/USA is pleased to have Todd Rodeffer as our Great Lakes YFC Region Five Essential Award recipient for 2012.

Aug12-July Financials


July Donations $3884
July Expenses  $5992

YTD Donations $3884
YTD Expenses  $5992
YTD Shortage ($2108)

**Our fiscal year is
July 2012-June 2013