NYWC, Day 2

The fun continued here in Atlanta on Day 2 of the National Youth Workers Convention! It was a day full of collaboration with other youth workers from across the country. Such great conversations and ideas were exchanged and I can't WAIT to get back to Hibben to share them with you.

Some photos from the day:

(I sorta got in trouble with this friendly security guard for entering through the exit. But I had to get a picture under the Welcome Banner!)

And then guess what happened? Go ahead....guess! If you were smarter than a 5th grader, maybe you'd be able to. (hint, hint). We got a surprise visit tonight from none other than...Jeff Foxworthy!

This was the best of a bunch of really bad photos I took of him. I also took a video of his HILARIOUS monologue, but the file is too large to upload to the good 'ole H.Y.P.E.R., so you'll have to take my word for it. The man is FUNNY.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I have been challenged and energized in ways I never thought possible. And laughter...yeah, there's been a bit of that going on, too.

I'm already excited to see what tomorrow holds!

NYWC, Day 1

"Like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."

That's how I heard one convention attendee describe the scene, and I must say I fully agree. We are all awash with opportunities to listen, learn, collaborate, talk, sing, pray, laugh, worship, socialize, and GROW in the body of Christ. It truly is a remarkable thing.

It would be very difficult to pick a highlight from the day. I attended workshops that focused on the need for structure AND CHAOS in middle school ministry (I think we've got at least ONE of those covered...) and another about practical theology. Andy Stanley's keynote speech about leadership was motivating and Francis Chan's presentation tonight was so amazing I can't even get over it. He spoke about 2 Peter 1:5-9 and it really might have been one of the most powerful, convicting, impassioned sermons I've ever heard. Lots of food for thought.

And that's just the tip of the iceburg, really. The vendors have been great - I've entered to win so many great prizes and if I'm lucky enough to bring one home, I'll give it away at the next MYF meeting (we're talking iPods, gift cards, CASH...) - the music has been incredible and the joy and excitement from packing 3,000 youth workers in one room is simply contagious.

If you're reading this and you're between the ages of 12 - 18, know that there are SO MANY people out there who love you, care for you, are pulling for you, and are eager and excited to walk this walk with you.

And I'm one of 'em.

UMYF News, 11/19

Whew! Last weekend was busy! First, the Cardboard Campout on Friday (check out the re-cap below), then the Belize Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast, and MYF on Sunday night with 35 youth! Thanks to everyone who helped make each of these events possible.

UMYF Sunday: As the Operation Christmas Child Relay Center for the East Cooper Area, Hibben will be FILLED with OCC gift boxes as churches and civic groups bring their donations. On Sunday night (11/22), we'll help pack crates with gift boxes and load the OCC trucks. We need your help to get these boxes on the road! Join us from 6 - 8pm and get ready to do some important service work.

Sunday, 11/29: We will not have MYF on 11/29. Happy Thanksgiving!

CONGRATULATIONS! We are so proud of the Wando High School Marching Band for their success at the Bands of America Grand National Championships last weekend. The band placed 11th out of 92 bands! Hibben was well represented by Jess Frink, Tori Frink, Sullivan Jones, Lauren Nyers, David Thompson, and Jordan Yaeger. Way to go!

Dear Diary...: Today, I'm headed to Atlanta to attend Youth Specialties' National Youth Workers Convention! I'm looking forward to 3-days of speakers, music, workshops, and fun with other youth workers from across the Southeast. Please keep me in your prayers as I travel and learn. I'm hoping to be able to update H.Y.P.E.R. with news about my adventure, so check back here frequently!

Cardboard Campout Recap

The inaugural Cardboard Campout was a smashing success! With 26 youth and 6 adults and more cardboard boxes than we knew what to do with, we all got a small glimpse into the lives of Charleston's homeless. A huge thank you to: Jeff Yungman from Crisis Ministries, Good Wood and Stuckey Furniture for helping us with boxes, Karen Butler, Sharon Thompson, David Lupo, Jesse Melan, and Carlsen Huey for chaperoning, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department for their frequent visits to make sure we were safe, Heather and Shawn Dolan for lending their fire pit, and all the youth who stepped out of their comfort zone to participate in this experience.

Pictures are below and be sure to be in church on Sunday, November 29. Grace Fennell is working on a video of the Campout and it will be shown during the Good News Moment.

Jeff Yungman from Crisis Ministries addresses the group. Very educational!

No cell phones! Just look at all the electronics I found!

Cardboard Campout!

Click here for all the details on the Cardboard Campout, happening on Friday, November 13.

UMYF News, November 11

UMYF Sunday: We'll decompress from the Cardboard Campout, share thoughts about the experience and make a long-term plan about how our MYF group can help Charleston's homeless. Oh, yeah. There will also be plenty of food and plenty of games. Be there...6 - 8 pm in the CLLC.

Belize Pancake Breakfast: Join us Sunday for a church-wide Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 - 10:30 in the CLLC! The youth are hosting this event and all proceeds will be used to support the Belize Mission Trip. All-You-Can=Eat tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.

Operation Christmas Child at Chick-fil-A! On Wednesday, November 18, there will be a celebration of Operation Christmas Child at the Chic-fil-A on Johnnie Dodds Blvd (near Publix). The Hibben bus will leave the back parking lot of the church at 5:45 pm and head to Chic-fil-A for dinner (please bring your own $$ for your meal). We will return at 7:00 pm. At Chic-fil-A, we'll enjoy raffle prizes, pictures with a Chic-fil-A "Santa Cow", the youth group that brings the most shoeboxes will win a prize! Drop off your shoebox and receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich. People of all ages are invited. Don't miss the fun!

Cardboard Campout Details

Step out of your comfort zone and join us for an unforgettable, life changing event at Hibben: The Cardboard Campout!

When: Friday night, November 13

Time: 7:00pm Friday - 7:00am on Saturday

What: We'll learn first hand what it's like to be homeless for one night as we sleep on the front lawn of Hibben UMC in cardboard boxes. Guest speakers will talk to us about homelessness in Charleston and we'll learn about what we can do to help.

Who: All 7th - 12th graders are invited. Bring your friends!

Participants will be given a cardboard box and tape to construct a shelter for the night.

DO Bring: A sleeping bag and one pillow. Any other belongings you bring must fit into 1, 13 gallon trash bag. Bundle up and plan for cold weather. Suggested items include layers of clothing, a blanket, gloves, hat, etc. You may also bring one flashlight. Please also bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local shelter.

DO NOT Bring: With the exception of one flashlight, you may not bring anything that has an on/off switch (that's right...no cell phone, iPod, radios, etc.). Do not bring food. Do not bring sporting equipment.

Other Info: We will accept new participants until 11:00pm. If you're not able to make it at 7:00, feel free to come late. At 11:00pm, the campsite will be on lock-down.

For more information, contact Elizabeth at eskogman@hibbenumc.org or 813-8700.

UMYF News, November 5

November is shaping up to be a busy month with UMYF! Take a look at all the events and announcements below and jump in:

UMYF Sunday Night: In preparation for the Cardboard Campout on 11/13, we'll be playing a human board game. Will you end up homeless or be fortunate enough to hang onto your possessions? Join us from 6-8 in the CLLC and find out!

Cardboard Campout: See the post above for all the details about the Cardboard Campout!

Canned Food Drive: Bring some non-perishable food items for donation to a local food bank! The canned food box is in the Narthex...let's FILL IT!

Belize Mission Trip Pancake Breakfast: On Sunday, November 15 from 7:30 - 10:30am, the youth will be hosting a pancake breakfast for the congregation to raise money for the Belize Mission Trip. Tickets are $5 each and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and fixings. See Carlsen Huey, Jesse Meelan, or Emily Nyers to get your tickets!


UMYF Ski Trip: The deadline for ski trip registration has been extended to THIS SUNDAY! Please give your $25 deposit to Sharon Thompson or Carlsen Huey this Sunday. We'll be going to Winterplace, February 12 - 15. Cost per person is $275 and fundraising opportunities are available.

Operation Christmas Child Shopping Spree!

After a successful trip to the Dollar Store, we were able to pack 25 boxes to be sent to Operation Christmas Child children this winter. Thanks to everyone who brought donations and helped with the shopping! From toothbrushes and play dough to party horns and coloring books - the boxes are stuffed to the brim with amazing gifts. What's better is that each child who receives a box will also hear the Gospel. Such wonderful work is being done through this program!

Take a look at the fun we had: