Youth News, 1/15

UMYF this Sunday (1/19): All 7th - 12th graders are invited to the gym from 6-8pm on Sunday for dinner, games, and week 3 of our "Restore" series.  This week, we'll take a look at how God wants to restore peace to our lives.  Fire will be involved...don't miss it.

Dare to Dream! Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School classes will meet in the youth room at 9:15am this Sunday to begin our 6-week "Dare to Dream" series.  The study will enhance each week's sermon and will help us think about what God's mission statement for our lives might be.  For week 1, consider this: how many times do you think the average American hits the snooze button on a weekday morning?   

UMYF Meals:  Thanks to those who have signed up to provide a meal for UMYF already!  There are still several openings.  Please use the link below to provide dinner for 20 people at an upcoming UMYF meeting.  You can partner with another family or small group if you wish.

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AAFAC2FAA8-janmay

Revolution 2014!  Space is filling up fast for Revolution, the state-wide youth event in Columbia, SC, February 14-16.  Don't miss this exciting weekend, filled with live music, dynamic speakers, service projects, food and FUN!  Cost is $120 per person and FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.  Reserve your space today by contacting Elizabeth (813-8700).

Youth Room Open House:  Mark your calendars for February 23 for our Youth Room Open House and Luncheon.  The congregation will be invited to join the youth for lunch in the CLLC after worship and we will give tours of our BEAUTIFUL new youth room.  We'll also use this gathering to thank those who volunteered their time and resources to the project.  Donations received at the luncheon will be used to support the Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps off-set trip and activity costs for Hibben's youth throughout the year.  More details coming soon on how you can help!

Souper Bowl of Caring!  February 2 is shaping up to be an exciting Sunday!  Not only is it Super Bowl Sunday (or Commercial Viewing Sunday, if you ask me), but we'll also be participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring by collecting donations from the congregation to be given to a local hunger-relief organization.  We'll do some planning for the Souper Bowl this Sunday (1/12) at UMYF...come with your suggestions of which organization(s) we should support!

Youth News, 1/10

It's been awhile since the last H.Y.P.E.R. update.  Lots of announcements this week as we look ahead to the first few months of 2014!

UMYF this Sunday (1/12): How is your eyesight?  Can you conquer some classic optical illusions?  All 7th - 12th graders are invited to the gym from 6-8pm on Sunday as we continue our series on how God restores us.  This week, we'll take a look at Jesus restoring the sight of a blind man, and consider how God might want to restore our own eyesight, too.  Plus, dinner and THE COUCH GAME!  Bring a friend.

UMYF Meals:  Thanks to those who have signed up to provide a meal for UMYF already!  There are still several openings.  Please use the link below to provide dinner for 20 people at an upcoming UMYF meeting.  You can partner with another family or small group if you wish.

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AAFAC2FAA8-janmay

Revolution 2014!  Space is filling up fast for Revolution, the state-wide youth event in Columbia, SC, February 14-16.  Don't miss this exciting weekend, filled with live music, dynamic speakers, service projects, food and FUN!  Cost is $120 per person and FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.  Reserve your space today by contacting Elizabeth (813-8700).

Youth Room Open House:  Mark your calendars for February 23 for our Youth Room Open House and Luncheon.  The congregation will be invited to join the youth for lunch in the CLLC after worship and we will give tours of our BEAUTIFUL new youth room.  We'll also use this gathering to thank those who volunteered their time and resources to the project.  Donations received at the luncheon will be used to support the Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps off-set trip and activity costs for Hibben's youth throughout the year.  More details coming soon on how you can help!

Souper Bowl of Caring!  February 2 is shaping up to be an exciting Sunday!  Not only is it Super Bowl Sunday (or Commercial Viewing Sunday, if you ask me), but we'll also be participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring by collecting donations from the congregation to be given to a local hunger-relief organization.  We'll do some planning for the Souper Bowl this Sunday (1/12) at UMYF...come with your suggestions of which organization(s) we should support!

Youth News, 11/6

Hi everyone!  There are LOTS of upcoming trips on the horizon.  Read below for details and sign up today!  

Dinner Needed:  Can your family provide dinner for UMYF this Sunday?  We're in need of a meal for about 20 people, to be served at 6pm.  If you are able to help, please e-mail Elizabeth at econnell@hibbenumc.org.  Nothing fancy is required!  We love pizza! 

UMYF this Sunday: All 7th - 12th graders are invited to UMYF tonight in the gym from 6-8pm.  It's the last game night of 2013!  We'll enjoy dinner and then spend the rest of our time together playing games, games, games!  Come enjoy some laughs and fun with your church family.  This would be a great time to bring a friend!  

Charlotte Trip: We're headed to Charlotte, Dec. 7-8 to work a shift at the Operation Christmas Child processing center.  Cost is $40 per person and scholarships are available!  We'll spend the night in Charlotte after our Saturday evening shift, and attend church on Sunday morning before heading home.  Participants must be at least 12 years old, and parents are welcome to come along!  To sign-up, contact Elizabeth (econnell@hibbenumc.org or 813-8700).  

Ski Trip: We're headed back to Winterplace, WV for a ski weekend, January 17-20!  Spend MLK, Jr. weekend on the slopes.  More details to follow soon, but families are welcome and so are your friends! 

Revolution Dates: February 14-16, we're headed to Columbia for Revolution, the state-wide youth conference.  More details to come - you won't want to miss this amazing weekend!

Youth News, 10/10

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!  After 8-weeks off to enjoy Owen's arrival, and to adjust to life with him, I'm happy to say I'm back at work part time.  I'll be working a part time schedule until late November, so you may not see as much of me as you're used to (which you might just enjoy)!  Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, and if you haven't met Owen yet, we hope to introduce you soon!

Here are some announcement for the week, followed by some pictures of Owen's first UMYF meeting last Sunday.  Hope to see you at church this week!

UMYF This Sunday (10/13): It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year!  Come tonight and get in the Christmas spirit as we learn about Operation Christmas Child and help prepare for the church-wide packing party on November 3.  We will be painting, so don't wear your best clothes.  We'll also enjoy dinner!  All 7th - 12th graders are invited from 6-8pm in the gym

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!  Hibben's kids and youth have been charged with the delightful task of collecting TOYS to be used at the church-wide Operation Christmas Child packing party on November 3.  All kids and youth are encouraged to clean out closets and toy boxes in search of NEW or VERY GENTLY USED toys that will fit in a shoe box.  Or, include a small toy purchase on your next shopping list.  You can bring your donations to the drop box outside Elizabeth's office.

Fall Festival:  October 19 is an exciting day in the life of Hibben...it's the annual Fall Festival!  The festival is a wonderful outreach to the Mt. Pleasant community and a great way to spend a few hours outside in the beautiful fall weather.  Youth volunteers are needed to help carry grocery bags for guests of The Table, and to be helping hands throughout the festival where help is needed.  This is a great way to support the church that is so supportive of you!  If you are able to volunteer, please e-mail Elizabeth (econnell@hibbenumc.org).  The festival is from 10am - 2pm, and you can volunteer to help all or part of the time. 

Revolution 2014!  It's back for another great year!  Mark your calendars for February 14-16 in Columbia for this state-wide youth gathering.  This year's event will feature a new speaker, new band, and some great new surprises!  More details will follow soon.  For now, mark your calendars and get excited!  

Youth News, 8/8

Boat Day Thank You!  From the looks of pictures, boat day was a smashing success once again this year.  A special thanks to Brad Nyers for organizing our boats and captains, and to David Hand and Jimmy Hinson for volunteering their boats and time.  What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!  

UMYF This Sunday (8/11): The fun starts early this Sunday as we prepare for Hot Dogs and Hallelujahs!  7th – 12th graders, plan to arrive in the gym at 5pm to help prepare and serve dinner for our first-ever praise and worship service.  PLEASE BRING A DESSERT TO SHARE, and plan to stick around for worship, which ends at 7:30pm.  Invite your friends! 

Beach Bonfire (8/18): All 7th – 12th graders (and your friends!) are invited on 8/18 as we bid a fond farewell to Summer 2013 with a beach bonfire on Sullivan’s Island.  Meet at the church at 5pm; we will return at 8pm.  Dinner and s'mores will be provided, plus swimming if you’d like (bring a towel)!  Contact Carlsen Huey for more details: hueyjc@yahoo.com

August Sunday School Schedule:  7th - 12th graders, make a note of these activities and locations.

• 8/11: Meet Jimmy Hinson in the CLLC at 9:15 for a trip to Starbucks!  Please bring money if you'd like a treat. 
• 8/18: Gather in the sanctuary at 9:15 for Jennifer Roberts' presentation about her recent trip to Uganda with Operation Christmas Child.
• 8/25: Sunday School Open House! Gather in the gym for a light breakfast and to say hello to your Sunday School friends and teachers after a long summer!
• 9/1: Fall Sunday School begins.  7th-8th graders meet in the classroom upstairs in the education room; 9th-12th graders meet in the youth room in the CLLC.  Please remember that Sunday School STARTS AT 9:15AM!  

Mid-week Bible Study: All 7th – 12th graders are invited to our mid-week Bible Study, this Wednesday, 8/14.  We’ll gather from noon – 2pm at the Roberts’ house on Daniel Island and enjoy PIZZA and some great discussion.  Come and be encouraged and challenged in your faith before school starts!  If you need directions or transportation, please contact Jennifer at jcsroberts@yahoo.com or 270-1161.

Handing over the reins!  Today (8/8) is my last day before my maternity leave begins, which means the reins are officially being handed over to Kim Dowd until my return in late September.  Many of you have had a chance to meet Kim and welcome her.  I'm excited for you all to get to know her better and to experience lots of fun and learning over the next weeks.  You are in great hands!  If you need anything in my absence, or have any questions about activities, please contact Kim at kimdowd26@gmail.com or 843-610-9898.  Thank you all for your prayers for Jeremy, the baby, and me.  We will be sure to share any news of Baby Connell's arrival as soon as there's news to share.  (Hopefully very, very soon.)  

Youth News, 7/25

UMYF This Sunday (7/28): All 7th-12th graders are invited to UMYF this Sunday from 6-8pm in the gym!  Come for food and fun, and bring your best parenting advice! 

BOAT DAY, August 4:  It's the highlight of the summer, and it's happening NEXT SUNDAY (8/4).  All 7th - 12th graders (and your friends) are invited to Boat Day to enjoy an afternoon on the water.  YOU MUST RSVP FOR THIS EVENT to ensure a space on a boat by e-mailing Elizabeth (econnell@hibbenumc.org) by Thursday, August 1 at noon.  On August 4, we'll meet at the Remley's Point boat ramp at 1:30pm and return there at 5:30pm.  Wear your bathing suit, bring a towel and sunscreen.  

A special welcome!  Youth and Parents, I am excited to "introduce" you to Kim Dowd, who will be filling in for me during my maternity leave, starting in early August.  Kim and her family recently moved to Mt. Pleasant from Florence.  She will be attending to various details and events in our Children and Youth Ministries until late September.  You can contact Kim at kimdowd26@gmail.com or on her cell phone at 843-610-9898.  Welcome, Dowd family!

Do Hard Things!  All 7th - 12th graders are invited to join in our Wednesday small group, which meets each Wednesday through August 14 from noon -2pm at the Roberts' house on Daniel Island (1086 Blakeway Street).  We have decided to read and discuss "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris, and our first two meetings have been great!  It's never too late to join in, though.  E-mail Elizabeth (econnell@hibbenumc.org) if you'd like a book. 

Super Heros of the Bible!  Only 2 more sessions of SUPER HEROS remain!  Thank you for all you have done, youth, to help lead the kids throughout the summer.  This week, we'll focus on the Bible's ultimate Super Hero: Jesus!  Come help kids be fishers of men, make cross necklaces, play games, and more!  Your help is needed from 9:15 - 10:15 in the gym.  See you there!

August Sneak-Peek: UPDATED.  Check out these UPDATED events, scheduled for August.  Make plans to attend!

• Sunday, August 4: Boat Day (see announcement above and remember to RSVP!!!!)
• Sunday, August 11: Hot Dogs and Hallelujahs - this special praise and worship gathering will take place from 6-7:30pm in the gym.  The youth (that's you!) are in charge of preparing and serving a hot dog dinner to raise funds for the new church bus.  Plan to arrive at 5pm that night to help set-up, cook, and serve, and then stick around for some great music and worship.
• Sunday, August 18: Beach cookout/bonfire on Sullivan's Island.  We'll depart the church at 5pm, return at 8pm.  Dinner and smores will be provided, plus swimming if you'd like! 
• Sunday, August 25: UMYF from 6-8pm

Youth News, 7/3

UMYF this Sunday (7/7): Are you a candle or a firework?  Which one was Jesus?  All 7th - 12th graders are invited to youth this Sunday from 6-8pm in the CLLC.  We'll play games, have dinner, and figure out which kind of light is the best.  Bring friends!

Please note: We will not have UMYF on 7/14 due to Salkehatchie.  

A sneak peek at August:  It's going to be a FUN month in UMYF-land!  Please mark your calendars with the following events.  More details will be available soon.  Start inviting friends now!  

• Sunday, August 4: Church-wide praise service in CLLC from 6-7:30pm, featuring the praise band.  Details are being finalized, and the youth have been asked to prepare and serve dinner to raise funds for the new church bus.  Stay tuned to learn how you can help!  
• Sunday, August 11: UMYF outing to the Riverdogs game.  Game time is 5:05pm, families invited!
• Sunday, August 18: Beach cookout/bonfire on Sullivan's Island.  We'll depart the church at 5pm, return at 8pm.  Dinner and smores will be provided, plus swimming if you'd like to!
• Sunday, August 25: UMYF from 6-8pm  

Superheros of the Bible!  Your help is needed on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 10:15 in the gym as we lead the children of Hibben through Superheros of the Bible.  Come play a game, lead a craft, read a story, or share a snack.  Fun is waiting, and this is a great service project, too!  This week's superhero is Queen Esther.  You might even learn a thing or two yourself!  See you at 9:15 in the gym.  

Youth Summer Small Group: All 7th – 12th graders are invited to join our newly forming summer small group. Our first meeting will be on July 10 from noon – 2pm at The Roberts’ house (1086 Blakeway Street, Daniel Island). At our first meeting, we’ll pick a study and then meet from noon – 2 on 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, and 8/14. Optional swimming on Daniel Island after the study, and transportation can be provided! For more info, contact Elizabeth (econnell@hibbenumc.org) or Jennifer (jcsroberts@yahoo.com).

Beginner Handbell Workshop: Several times a year, the youth are asked to play handbells.  Have you ever wanted to join in the fun, but have no experience ringing?  Here's your chance!  Amy McCurley has organized an introductory Handbell Workshop for those of us who are new to ringing.  No experience is required, and you don't even have to know how to read music!  Practices will be the 5 Wednesday evenings in July, from 6:15-7:15 in the bell room.  Adults and youth of all ages are invited.  Contact Amy with questions: 709-4937.