New Message Series

We are starting a new series for The Point. 

It's called "How to improve your parents".  So if your parents are...

-  Awesome
-  Embarrassing
-  Cool
-  Lame
-  Strict
-  Out of touch
or
-  If they just don't understand

Then you must attend this special event!  Invite your friends and help them make their parents better as well!

Hell Questions

New Series - What is Hell?

A couple of weeks ago I was praying on what our next message series should be.  We've been talking about the importance of Church and Christianity in our previous series (Why ________).  I felt God was pulling us towards issues that may be confusing and misunderstood, specifically the idea of hell.  So our first message series after REVEAL was planned to be about hell.
Fast forward to the REVEAL services.  On the last night Rob Turner spoke on heaven and mentioned how more and more churches have stopped talking about hell and heaven.  He encouraged us to not shy away from these topics just because it makes us uncomfortable.

Another example of God's sovereignty.

We will be staying on the issue of hell for the next few weeks.  We'll look at what our culture says about hell (including the Christian culture) and see if it matches Biblically to what the Bible has to say.

Next 3 weeks = crazy!!!

Instead of writing 5-6 different posts on what we are doing in the next couple of weeks, I'm just going to cram it all into one... enjoy!

Tomorrow, June 1st - Grill out at Brown's - NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM, NO YOUTH SERVICE - THE POINT,  Grill out = food, games, and slip and slide.  6-9pm

Saturday, June 4th - Car was for camp - 10:00-3:00, those who work will get money to lower costs of camp.  The most anybody owes now is $100.  Carwash @ Church Parking Lot

Sunday, June 5th - Leadership Team Interviews (view tab above, and previous post below)

Wednesday, June 8th - Lakeside Ministries Begins (2pm), Field trip - Swimming (4pm), The point - (7pm)

After The Point, we will be having a camper/adult meeting at 8pm in the Mobile Unit.  You will get your final balances as well as all of the info you need for camp this year.  The meeting should last no longer than 30 minutes.  Remind your parents, and then have them remind you.

Saturday, June 11th - Car Wash - 10-3pm, @ Church

Sunday, June 12th - Band (5pm), Leadership Team 6pm, ORIA 6pm

Wednesday June 15th - Lakeside 2pm, Field Trip - Putt Putt 4pm, The Point 7pm

Saturday June 18th - This has changed!!! It originally was a day that we would be shopping for Father's Day.  This will NOW BE A WORKDAY FOR LAKESIDE MINISTRIES!!!  10-4pm

Check the calendar or e-mail me if you have any questions... oakridge.youth@hotmail.com

NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM TOMORROW/D Now

There will NOT be an afterschool program tomorrow, April 13.
There will also NOT be any choir tomorrow.
If anybody would like to show up at the mobile unit anyway at 6 pm, we will be hanging out and playing games before the Point service.

Tomorrow's "The Point" service will be our last week in the series "let me tell you a story..."  Bro. Byron will be sharing part of his story with us.

In other news...  this weekend is the D-Now.  If you haven't signed up, make sure you do!  It costs $5.00 which covers your food, Bible study, and entertainment for the weekend (awesome deal right?!)

If you have supplies that you would like to bring to help build your toilet racer (i.e. wheels) you are allowed to do so.  Each group will be given money to spend on supplies for their racer!

Have a great day!  And I'll see you guys tomorrow!

P.S. You all still have 2 1/2 weeks before I get my haircut for the 50 perm challenge.  Its not too late!

50 Perm Challenge

I have issued a challenge to our student ministry.  Will you accept the challenge?

The challenge is to have 50 youth on ONE Wednesday night.  If you are able to complete this challenge then I will perform a task that I have never performed before.

If the challenge is completed I will get a.... PERM!!!  (Tiffany is cringing right now!)

I will keep my hair long with the perm until my birthday when I get a haircut.

That day is May 2nd.  So that means that you have until then to have 50 youth at one time for "The Point" Service.

The students must be in middle school or high school.  They must all come on the same day, and they must stay for the entire service.

Are you up for the challenge?  I sure am!

Live Freely

2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit of God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of STRENGTH, LOVE, AND SELF-CONTROL.  ESV - (Emphasis added)

We have been going through the series "More than a Golden Ticket".  We have to understand by accepting Christ our journey isn't over.  Two weeks ago we talked about how God has made us a new creation and what looks like.  Last week we talked about how we are now freed.

We are freed from death, sin, uniformity, condemnation, and fear.

We know that being freed FROM sin, that it doesn't give us the freedom TO sin.  Why act like you are owned by something when you were set free?

I want us to continue to focus on being freed from fear.  Those that were at the gathering were given a card with verse 2 Timothy 1:7.  We have extra cards for those that need it.  I want you all to contine to repeat the verse.  Now this isn't like a magic spell that if you repeat over and over you'll begin to see glitter and stars. 
We all need to remind ourselves that God has made us without fear.  We add fear.  Satan adds fear.  God never gave us fear. 

If you don't believe me, spend a day with a 15 month old baby (I have one if you can't find one).  Babies are some of the most fearless people I have ever met.

Yesterday Christopher Setters said something pretty profound.  He said "I just need to remember to STAY STRONG."  I love that!  For you to STAY STRONG you have to have an understanding that you were strong in the first place.

But Satan and others make us feel weak.  We compare our lives to others and feel incapable of doing what they do.  But God sees more in us even if we don't see anything in us.

Use this as you continue to spread the gospel.  It may seem intimidating, but we need to share the gospel with others.  This wonderful gift we have shouldn't be kept on a shelf.

Be strong!  Have faith in God!  Know that He will never leave you!

Winter Weather Guidelines

With the unpredictable weather going on, here are a few guidelines to follow when it comes to youth meetings.

If Kenton County Schools are closed on Wednesdays, there will NOT be any afterschool program.

If there is a level 2 or 3 snow emergency for Kenton County there will NOT be any youth activities.

There will also not be any children's activities on Wednesday night if there is a level 2 or 3 snow emergency for Kenton County.

Make sure you check the website for any updates on activities. This will be the first thing I update before I start making phone calls.

Just a reminder... that if we DO have "The Point" tomorrow to bring your friend four series finale of "The Greatest Sermon". It will take $10 off your camp balance.

If you have a friend that would like to be a part of the afterschool activity, they must have

1. A permission slip which is downloadable off of this website (click on the "Afterschool Permission Slip" Tab).

or

2. A signed permission slip from their parent.

If I do not receive either of those then the student will not be allowed on the van for pickup. We would love to have your friends come over, but before we can we have to have these forms. Its a matter of safety and security.

It's that time of the year!

The time has come...

We've talked about it for weeks...

This day will guarantee to give you that warm fuzzy feeling...

The 2ND ANNUAL

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST!!!

December 15th - 6:50 pm-8:10pm (aka The Point)

There will be a grand prize for the best Christmas Sweater. This prize is the best prize we have ever given. It's better than the Walmart Truck Tie and the Pirate ornament given earlier this month.

So go into your closet and find that sweater that your great-aunt gave you. If it lights up, makes noise, or is just painful to look at, the better.

We will also have snacks, drinks, games, songs, and the telling of the Christmas story.

Invite your friends, schoolmates, neighbors, and other people who enjoy a fine sweater.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Week!
We will NOT be having the Afterschool Program or OMEGA Choir this Wednesday.

We will still have The Point Service at its usual time of 7pm. Try to bring one friend to this service.

We will also be starting our bathroom item and canned food drive this Wednesday!

If you are not getting our weekly e-mails, send me an e-mail at oakridge.youth@hotmail.com

It's Thanksgiving Charlie Brown

This Wednesday the youth will be having a special Thanksgiving edition of The Point Service. We are going to have a lot of food. We are preparing food that will be safe for people who have peanut and tree nut allergies. If you have another allergy besides those please let me know ASAP.

We will also be having some games and will be starting our own Thanksgiving traditions. So bring your friends, enemies (remember last week's leson?), and some Pilgrims if you know of any.

The afterschool program and choir practice WILL still be happening at their usual times.

November/December Dates

November 10th -

Afterschool Program 2:30-6:00pm - Meal: Sloppy Joes
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00 - 8:10pm

November 17th -
Afterschool Program 2:30-6:00pm
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
Special The Point Service: Youth Thanksgiving Meal 6:45-8:10pm

November 24th -
NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00-8:10pm

December 1st -
Last Afterschool Program of Year - Meal - Tacos/Mexican
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00-8:10
- Jewelry/Tie Contest -
Prizes for 1. Most Christmas 2. Ugliest 3. Craziest

December 8th -
NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00-8:10
- Dress as your favorite Christmas Movie Charcter

(i.e. Buddy the elf, misfit toy, etc.)

December 15th -
NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00-8:10
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

December 22nd -
NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
OMEGA Choir - 6:00 pm
The Point - 7:00-8:10 pm
- Special Youth Christmas Service

December 29th -
NO YOUTH EVENTS

Modesty Rebelution

Last week during The Point, I made a reference to the "The Modesty Survey".

This was created by two twin brothers that are very well known throughout the Christian community. Alex and Brett Harris first became widely known for writing their book "Do Hard Things" (We have copies of this in our youth resource library).

They began promoting a phrase, The Rebelution (Rebelling and Revolution). Instead of limiting themselves because of their age they have pushed forward to stand up for what they believe in.

The Modesty survey is an excellent tool for parents and students of any age or gender. It interviews hundreds of males on things dealing with modesty. We did our own little survey this past Wednesday but I encourage you to check out this website to find more. Some answers may surprise you. Some points you may agree or disagree with.

Hopefully it reminds you how important it is to honor God in all that we do, including how we dress.

The website is: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey

The Point Prize

This Wednesday we are holding a competition on who can bring the most visitors to "The Point" will win a fabulous prize.

But ultimately we have to understand that there is no prize that is better than our friends hearing the gospel.

If you would like your friends to be a part of the After School Program I need either 1. A permission Slip or 2. A note/phone call from the parents of the visitor.

A Relevant Update: A lot of beginnings

Hey Guys,

Well it's that time of the year again. All of our students are now in school. Last week Walton started and today, Kenton County Schools started.

We know that there is a lot on your mind right now. Between your schedules, lockers, syllabi, first day outfits (unless you were like me and had your mom pick them out for you), and seeing all of your friends it can be a little overwhelming.

Be assured that you have many people praying for you individually. School can be a lot of fun, but it can easily be very stressful. That's one of the purposes of our service "The Point". It will be a great place for you to just hang out with your friends with no responsibility. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the mobile unit.

We have also started a praise band practice. We are meeting at the Lighthouse at 5pm on Sundays. If you play an instrument or would love to learn come check us out.

Finally we are also re-starting our Afterschool program. This will meet on Wednesdays starting on September 8th. This program is completely free. The only requirement is a signed permission slip signed by you and your parents. We will pick you up from your school and take you to the Lighthouse. You will be given dinner and free time to work on homework or just hang out with your friends before "The Point" starts @ 7:00pm.

I know this is a lot of information all in one post, (and there is more to come) so we have created an informational flyer for you and your parents that describe all of our programs and ministries that we will be going this year. To get one, ask Bro. Thom.

I hope you all are having a great day so far. I can't wait to hear the stories!

Back to School Party!

Hey Guys!

This Wednesday, August, 11th, we will be having our Back to school party. We will be having free food and games. We will also be showing the movie "To Save A Life".

If you need a ride, please let Bro. Thom know before noon on Wednesday.

The party starts at 6:00pm and will be over at 8:45-9:00pm.

"To Save A Life" is rated PG-13 due to references to drinking, suicide, sex, and other teen issues. This is an excellent movie that will leave you with a lot of questions on whether or not there is more to life than what we see.

Parents: We will be having a screening of the movie just for you on Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm in the mobile unit, next to the church. This will give you an opportunity to watch the movie and discuss issues raised by the movie.

So to sum up...

Event: Back to school party, free food, games, awesome movie

When: Wednesday, August 11th - 6-9pm

Where: Mobile Unit next to church, 6056 Taylor Mill Road

What to bring: Friends!

Parent info: Pre-screening on Monday, August 9th. 6:30pm

PPPPPPPPPPutt Putt!!!

This Wednesday we will be having another WAC (or WBC, or summer days, or whatever!). We will trekking across Kenton County (taking the van) to play the fabulous of game of minature golf.

We will be leaving the Lighthouse at 3pm and will be returning at 6pm for dinner. The cost for Putt Putt and dinner is $0 (free). If you want to buy a drink at the Putt Putt place you can bring money for that.


We will have prizes for the best and worst score.

If you need a ride to the Lighthouse call me, text me, or e-mail me at thomasamuelbrown@hotmail.com Try to contact me BEFORE noon on Wednesday.

Post Camp/VBS Blues

Now that our lives are getting back to normal after having 2 wonderful weeks with Camp and VBS, we need to remind ourselves that how important it is to keep going.
We've seen God do a lot of amazing things but we need to keep pushing ourselves to see more. God is far bigger than 2 weeks out of the year. It's impossible to shrink Him down and say that He is only capable of working 14 days out of the year.
Here are some tips to get you past the Post-Camp/VBS-Blues...
1. Continue reading! Read your Bible (duh!). The youth also have a growing library in the Lighthouse that has many devotions, Bible studies, and Christian literature that can help you grow... but most importantly... READ YOUR BIBLE!!! If you are having trouble start in the Book of John.
2. Pray Pray Pray! Continue to pray. "Pray without ceasing" (see number 1). Use a journal, pray outloud, do whatever it takes for you to have a dialouge with God, but most importantly LISTEN. It's a conversation not a wish list! To see some pretty amazing prayers, read a chapter of Psalms.
3. Grow with others! Come to "The Point" on Wednesdays (6pm), or Sunday School on Sunday morning (9:45 am). Those are great times to grow with others. We have a growing community within the youth group and it is a perfect place to be accepted as well as lifted up. By going you will hear the word of God as well as have discussions on how to apply it to your everyday life.

There are obviously more things that you can to get over the post-camp/vbs-slump. You may get frustrated and at times feel burned out, but I want to encourage you to keep going.
Nobody ever climbed a mountain by standing still.

Just keep swimming...

Last week we were planning on swimming at the Setters' pool. Unfortunately
1. There was issues with the weather and
2. Bro. Thom just got out of the hospital the day before and was unable to be there.

We have decided to reschedule the swimming adventures to this Wednesday.
If you need a ride please contact Bro. Thom at his cell, (859) 866-8812 (please make arrangements before 1pm that Wednesday.
We will be meeting at the Setters' house around 3pm. We will be returning back to the church for the meal meeting at 6pm, and The Point service at 7:00pm.
If you have any questions feel free to call or e-mail me.

The Point

We have totally reconstructed what we do on Wednesday Nights. We would normally have small groups on that night but that has been moved to Sunday so that we can launch our new program "The Point".
The Point begins at 7:00pm at the mobile units (next to the main church building). We have a wonderful time with hanging out, music, skits, games, and messages. It is EXTREMELY laid back so don't feel like you have to change who you are to attend. We encourage everyone to invite their friends for these awesome nights of fun and faith.