Dec11-Merry Christmas from Macomb

As we head into December, we have a strong focus on the Reason for the Season! Looking back, we had such a jam packed November, it just goes to remind us that we have so much to be thankful for. We had a great time at our Banquet – and those who were able to attend, got to see, in action, just how much we all just enjoy each other.

Blessed by VIBE

Todd and I enjoyed back-to-back banquets (sort of a double-date for the second one), attending the VIBE (Volunteers Interested in Benefitting Everyone) banquet with Michelle & Tom on Nov 19^th. As a grant recipient, I got to share our vision and passion for teens with the community. Fun tidbit: During this talk, I was able to give a “shout out” to Aaron Durant, an MHS student was working at the Forum that evening. He was so excited, I think he told ½ of Macomb High! Loving on kids – it’s what we do best!

“We have all heard the adage, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”… teens have a slightly different spin on this – “they don’t care WHAT you know, they JUST want to know you care!”

[Lauren @ VIBE Banquet]

Kassie Courson, President of VIBE, called the next day to let us know that YFC Western IL will receive a check for $25,000 (yes, 25 thousand dollars) in January to be used in 2012!!! There is one use for this money – “to directly benefit the students”. While the exact usage is still being finalized, Todd and I are excited to be able to offer scholarships for kids for CIY Believe (Jr High Program), CIY Move (Sr High program), Go MAD (Sr High) and camp scholarships. We are excited to see how God can grab hold of these kids in life-changing ways.

Fun Stuff Coming Up

YFC has signed to ring bells for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive. Dates are locations are listed below.

Please come by, visit and of course, drop something in the bucket.

 12/12 iConnect rings bells at Walmart 6-8pm

 12/13 After School Hangout ring bells at Walmart (in shifts) 3-6pm

 12/13 CLM ring bells at Walmart 6-8pm

 12/17 YFC rings bells at Hyvee 10am-12pm

Our Christmas celebrations take place on Monday, Dec 19^th for iConnect (Senior High) and Tuesday, Dec 20^th for Campus Life. Festivities include Christmas caroling, fun and food. [On Tuesday, iConnect performs Reason for the Season – a humorous look at Christmas through the eyes of Christmas symbols - for Campus Life].

The favorite Christmas celebration: FREE PIZZA LUNCH takes place the Friday before break, Dec. 16^th. Anyone interested in helping donate soda, water or desserts would be greatly appreciated.

From all of us in Macomb – we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Lauren