F.U.N. - November 6th

You do NOT want to miss this!!!!

If 75 students show up then Kyle, Aaron, and Steve have all agreed to buzz their hair...so be there and bring lots of friends!!





Be sure to check out the video for the contest details and start sending in your funny pics to Kyle!


Love God. Love People.

November Home Schedule

HIGH SCHOOL GROUP 7-9pm (MONDAYS)

Nov. 1--- Kyle and Emily Parker's house
4923 Driftwood Dr.
Pontoon Beach


Nov. 8--- Dan and Carolyn Meyer's House
5 Legacy Dr
Granite City

Nov. 15--- Steve and Carolyn Walton's house
5153 Sheila Dr.
Granite City

Nov. 22--- Doug and Vange James house
26 Miami Ct
Granite City

Nov. 29--- Kyle and Emily Parker's house
4923 Driftwood Dr
Pontoon Beach



Junior High Group 7-8:30pm (WEDNESDAYS)

Nov. 3--- Mike and Jenna Deyong's house
33 Legacy Ct
Granite City

Nov. 10--- Bob and Martha Robbins house
2508 Spyglass Ct
Edwardsville

Nov. 17--- Jeff and Jaime Klee's
3260 Willow Ave
Granite City

Nov. 24-- No Youth due to Thanksgiving Holiday

Love God. Love People.

October Home Schedule

HIGH SCHOOL GROUP 7-9pm

Oct. 4---- Jeff and Lisa Imboden's House

138 Rosin St

Glen Carbon
We will be outside by fire pit. Please dress accordingly.

Oct. 11--- Bob and Martha Robbins House

2508 Spyglass Ct

Edwardsville

Oct. 18--- Nathan and Kim Bailey's house

179 Emerald Way East

Granite City

Oct. 25--- Dennis and Jackie Jones house

2251 Shirlene Dr

Granite City

Junior High Group 7-8:30pm

Oct. 6--- Jon and Michelle Roderick house

147 Catalpa

Granite City
We will be outside by fire pit. Please dress accordingly.

Oct. 13--- Kyle and Emily's house

4923 Driftwood Dr

Granite CIty

Oct. 20--- Sam and Jodi Nesbit

66 Riviera Dr

Granite City

Oct. 27--- Steve and Carolyn Walton

5153 Sheila Dr

Granite City

If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for stepping up and helping our students connect on a whole new level

Kyle Parker

LifePoint Church

Love God. Love People.

Welcome 6th Graders!!

Welcome Upcoming 6th Graders!!

We are excited to have you a part of Driven Youth.
Hope to see all of you Wednesday, August 11th from 7 - 8:30
Gallery 101 Building
101 E Main Street
Collinsville (downtown)

Bring your friends!!


Love God. Love People.

BigStuf 2010 - Day 4

Hello everyone! This is just a quick update with some pictures from tonight! We are headed out at about 10:30-11 in the morning and will see you about 2 am!! The kids have had a wonderful time. The kids took a digital journey for the worship tonight and it was an incredible experience. Here are a few highlights from today. The remaining pics will be uploaded to shutterfly asap. Thanks for allowing us to share this week with your children! We love them all dearly and they have all done exceptionally well!




















Love God. Love People.

BigStuf 2010 - Day 3

Day 3 has been good so far! This morning we heard from the Daraja Choir. It is made up of children from Kenya and is supported through an organization, 410 Bridge, that was started by BigStuf. The students were encouraged to donate $5 for the organization to help the children in Kenya. Go to Think BigStuf to see more about this awesome movement!

We also heard from Louie Giglio. Here were some of his main points:
- No where in the gospel does it say the goal is to be good kids. The goal is to be the light of the world...to be world changers...to realize there is something going on in the world that is greater than me.
- What are YOU doing to change the world? Your potential is unbelievable. Teenagers can do anything. All it takes is for you to wake up & connect the dots.
- Micah 6:8 - The Lord says to act justly and extend mercy. We should see injustice and stand up for it. We should respond to needs around us. And love doing it in Jesus name.

My camera died while we were on the beach so there aren't many beach pictures today!



Ben was buried by some girls in a scavenger hunt:



The Daraja Choir:


One of the pools at our hotel:

Better picture of our view:



Love God. Love People.

BigStuf 2010 - Day 2

We had a great 2nd day of camp! The kids enjoyed the beach and participated in some rec activities. I am going to attempt to update the blog the next two days before our evening service (it's at 7:45) instead of so late - so be sure to check earlier! I am also in the process of uploading all the pictures to Shutterfly - it just takes time! Remember to email me (parker.emily@hotmail.com) if you need the password for Shutterfly and I will get it to you asap. Thanks!

Tomorrow you can tune in live at 9:30am for a special project BigStuf is working on. Click here to tune in!

This morning we heard from Stuart Hall. He used 2 Corinthians 5:17 and talked about us needing to be completely new and not just improved. Christ lives in us and we were created to radiate the light of Christ in a dark world. He challenged the students to think about the things they are doing or the people they are hanging out with that are causing us to put a curtain over our light.

This evening we heard from Louie Giglio and he used John 12:20-28 to talk about how we need to think about God so we can effectively deal with the bad, difficult stuff that comes into our lives. We tend to have our "plans" and think our life should go a certain way so when something bad happens we want to know what happened to our plan and why God did what He did. But, we need to change our thought process to "I am here to make Your name great." Then, when the darkness comes it doesn't hurt any less, shake us up any less, etc. but in the midst of it we remember the right plan. (that we were created for God's glory & to make His name great) God wants to use the good and bad stuff in our lives to glorify Him. We can't choose the roles we play in God's story, but we can choose the way we think about the story.

Here are some pictures from today:








The view from our balcony:


e



(this was their "I miss my mommy" face :)

P.S. I haven't been proofreading so I apologize for any mistakes.

Love God. Love People.

BigStuf 2010 - Day 1

Hey all! We arrived safely in Panama City today are 4 & the kids are having a great time. We are not staying in the same location we did last year - we are a slight walk away at the Lake Town Wharf Condos. (click to view website) And let me tell you....you should be VERY jealous!! These rooms are amazing. They are only a year old and we have MORE than enough room!! Click here and then go to the Egret floor plan to get a glimpse of our 1262 sq ft condo. :) (and I've posted some pictures)

The resort is not right on the beach but we are on the 15th floor and have a great view of the ocean. I will post some pictures tomorrow of our view b/c I missed taking pictures during the daylight.

I will be updating the blog daily of what is going on & some pictures. You can also visit http://lpyouth.shutterfly.com to view ALL of the pictures I take. Please email me (parker.emily@hotmail.com) for the password.

Master Bedroom: (king bed)

Master bathroom: the separate toilet area is off the side...double sinks! lots of storage!

Living area & entrance to balcony

Kitchen area

Extra bedroom (queen):

Extra bathroom:

Bunk beds:



Your kids should have all their laundry done when the get home!!

Plus, each bed area has it's own closet!


This year's theme is "THINK" and tonight we heard from Stuart Hall. He used Romans 12:2-3 and talked about our thought being the key to our lives. He encouraged us not to get caught up in the rip current of the world but to renew our minds. And renewal is not an event, but a process that is ongoing.



Love God. Love People.

New Location

Don't forget that starting this Wednesday we will be meeting at the following location:

Gallery 101 Building
101 E Main Street
Collinsville, IL
(downtown)

Let us know if you have any questions!! See ya at 7!!


Love God. Love People.

Flamingo Insurance

The following is the list of those who have purchased insurance. You may not flock them!!

Gail Burjes - Alton
DeAndra and Kenny Buskirk - Granite City
Aaron & Amy Dunn - Edwardsville
Jeff and Theresa Carney - Granite City
Bud and Charlotte Charbonnier - Granite City
Gary and Lad Crouch - Edwardsville
Terry and Jennifer Dutko - Granite City
Brad and Lorna Eavenson - Granite City
Jeff and Cindy French - Granite City
Cindy Gagich - Granite City
Thomas and Susan Goedeke - Granite City
Nick Grote - Granite City
Carrie Hannah - Granite City
Dan and Nicole Harris - Granite City
Kraig and Trixy Harris - Edwardsville
Becky Hitchcock - Granite City
Cookie Huebner - Granite City
Brandon and Lyndsey Huff - Edwardsville
Grandpa James - Granite City
John and Jamie Kindle - Granite City
David and Talena Klee - Granite City
Bob Kurilla - Granite City
Beth Kusche - Collinsville
Ralph and Donna Kusche - Troy
Chuck and Bev McQuiggan - Maryville
Sam and Amy McQuiggan - Edwardsville
Danny and Renee Miller - Granite City
Larry and Anita Miller - Granite City
Louise Moad - Granite City
Mike and Julie Mueller - Granite City
Gerold and Heather Myatt - Granite City
Kristen Novacich - Granite City
Ryan and Jamie O'Day - Edwardsville
Anna Parks - Granite City
Gloria Rains - Granite City
Rhonda Rother - Granite City
Matt and Heather Russell - Granite City
Bill and Judy Russell - Granite City
Thomas and Jill Schardt - Edwardsville
Jon and Darla Slecka - Granite City
Gary and Kelly Spiller - Glen Carbon
Dave Spindler - Glen Carbon
Brian and Tina Tieman - Granite City
Deb Wilmsmeyer - Granite City
Gail Wyatt - Granite City
Xcursions Hair Salon - Edwardsville



Love God. Love People.

FREEDOM WEEKEND 2010 - details

You do not want to miss this weekend!!!

Students will stay with same gender/ age groups at various "host homes" of people from our church on Friday and Saturday night. Throughout the weekend students will be involved in small group sessions, competitions (including Saturday's big event!!), worship events with The Great Romance & Runks, and Sunday morning at LifePoint - led by The Great Romance & Runks. If you have an extracurricular event during the weekend you are still welcome!! Accommodations can be made - just ask Kyle for a travel form. Direct any questions to driven@lifepoint365.com. Thanks!!

March 19-21
Cost - $30 Includes a t-shirt and food for the weekend
Speaker: Douglas "Runks" Runkles http://www.runks.com
Band: The Great Romance http://www.thegreatromance.com/

EMAIL: driven@lifepoint365.com for more details





Love God. Love People.

Fasting

How is your fast going?

In John 3:30 John says about Jesus, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." Keep in mind what this is all about. Jesus becoming greater in your life....consuming your thoughts instead of the desires of this world. Remember to pray & focus on God when you start to desire whatever it is you are fasting from. (see below for focus ideas)

Have you slipped? Start back right now. Re-join & dedicate the 2nd half of the fast to seek Jesus. He deeply desires your heart & is anxious to reveal Himself to you.



Love God. Love People.

Winter Jam 2010

Here is the information for those of you attending Winter Jam:

We will leave from the church building at 4:30pm. You need to bring $10 for a ticket and $ for food. The tentative plan is to grab something to eat from a fast food place *after* the concert so you may want to bring money for snacks or eat something before we leave. (we don't think we will have time to eat before) We should arrive home between 11:30-12. You will call your parents on our way home. (we have a cell phone for you to use if you don't) Thanks!!



Love God. Love People.

Fasting

On Wednesday Kyle continued Bob's Sunday talk of "fasting" and challenged everyone to join in on the 21-day fast. (until January 31st) It is never too late to join in! So, check this information out & think about something you can commit to fast from until January 31st.

Fasting means to give up something to gain God. It could be a certain type of food, soda, caffeine, or chocolate. It could be something that consumes a lot of your time like video games, texting, Facebook, that certain TV show, etc.

You don't just give up something to make yourself miserable. The goal is to replace that desire & time with God. For example, if your thoughts are taken over with the strong desire to have a piece of chocolate that you decided to fast from - you should change your thoughts to God. Pray, read your Bible, focus on who He says He is. Or, if you normally watch your favorite show from 8-9 but you are fasting from it, you should spend from 8-9 focusing on God, praying, reading your Bible.

So think about it....what consumes you?? Give it up and let God consume you!

WHAT DO I FOCUS ON?
It's much better to go in with a game plan of what you want to focus on & pray about when those desires and that time comes. You need "objectives". So, come up with a few things to be your objectives or use our guide below. You can also request that an objective be sent to you daily via text by emailing parker.emily@hotmail.com your cell #.

PRAYER OBJECTIVES:
You will find a different objective for each day below. Feel free to use this guide each day or feel free to take some & have 3-4 objectives to use every day. Also, you can always come up with your own or replace any. Be prepared for God to do some cool stuff in your life!

Friday, January 15:
For God to consume you & be your everything instead of "stuff"
Saturday, January 16:
LifePoint (or your home church) to reach the 65,000 lost people in our area
Sunday, January 17:
For your family to encourage & love one another
Monday, January 18:
For your school - safety, lost students & teachers
Tuesday, January 19:
For the friends you know you need to love on & continue inviting to youth/church
Wednesday, January 20:
For forgiveness & for God to give you a heart that desires what is good and pure
Thursday, January 21:
People in Haiti effected by earthquake
Friday, January 22:
For you & your friends to make wise decisions in the face of peer pressure
Saturday, January 23:
For those students in your school that no one wants to be around
Sunday, January 24:
For healing in the lives of those you know that are sick or hurting
Monday, January 25:
For your household (family) to be held together by God's love
Tuesday, January 26:
For Driven Youth to reach students
Wednesday, January 27:
For your parents/guardians
Thursday, January 28:
People around the world in poverty & struggle for even clean drinking water
Friday, January 29:
For your siblings
Saturday, January 30:
For God to be enough for you each day & to not need the things of this world
Sunday, January 31:
Give thanks for all the things/people God has given you & helping you make it these 21 days

Leave us a comment if you decided to join the fast so we (the leaders) can pray for you!!

Love God. Love People.

Winter Jam/Fasting/Christmas Party

Hello Driven Youth!! and welcome back to our up & running blog!

3 things to update you with:

1 - WINTER JAM is almost here!!! Friday, January 22 - ask Kyle or Emily for details

2 - If you were at youth Wednesday (or church Sunday) and decided to fast something until January 31st please check back frequently for encouragement. (verses & prayer focus) Also, if you would prefer to receive text updates of the verses & prayer focus please email Emily, parker.emily@hotmail.com with your #. If you have filled out an info card an email requesting the updates will be enough.

3 - Check out http://lpyouth.shutterfly.com for pictures from the Christmas Party. Enjoy!! (email parker.emily@hotmail.com if you need the password)



Love God. Love People.

FREEDOM WEEKEND 2010

COMING SOON:FREEDOM WEEKEND 2010

Our theme is "FREEDOM" and you do not want to miss this camp-like weekend!!!!
March 19-21
Cost - $30 Includes a t-shirt and food for the weekend
Speaker: Douglas "Runks" Runkles http://www.runks.com
Band: The Great Romance http://www.thegreatromance.com/

EMAIL: driven@lifepoint365.com for more details



Love God. Love People.

BigStuf Camp 2010

GET EXCITED!!!! It's time to sign up for BigStuf Camp 2010 at Panama City Beach, Florida!!!

This year's theme is "THINK". Camp is June 22-27. We will be taking our own bus this year & staying the first night in Mississippi at a church.

Cost is $300 with a $50 non-refundable deposit due by Sunday, January 24th. Anyone attending will also be required to participate in a couple of fundraisers to help pay with additional costs. (bus, etc.)

Featuring: Louie Giglio, Jared Herd, Stuart Hall, the Skit Guys, & the BigStuf Band



Love God. Love People.