Ashton UMC Youth Ministry

Night of a Gazillion Plastic Eggs

2008-03-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight at youth group we filled the entire North American supply of plastic eggs with candy for the egg hunt Saturday morning. Because nothing says "Jesus is risen!" like grade schoolers giddy with high fructose corn syrup. Good news is there was enough extra candy that everyone who cared to could stuff their pockets. Bad news may be insulin shock later tonight.

Not a horribly disfiguring accident...

2008-03-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here's a cameraphone image from youth group Sunday night. Before you text Bobby with sympathy about his ruined face, it's just a piece of ham from dinner - and rest assured, he ate it right after I snapped the pic - no wasted food.

Hamface MAY be back this next Sunday. What'll definitely roll on is our study of John Wesley's 3 Simple Rules for Living AKA the General Rules. This Sunday: Rule #2: Do all the good you can to everyone you can at every possible opportunity. Join us from 6:30-8:30 in the youth room.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

8 Dollar Hot Dog and Chacocente

2008-03-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos on YouTube that we've watched at youth group the last couple of weeks. They both feature my Baylor classmate Chris Seay. The first, produced by The Work Of The People, highlights the effect thoughtless living by American Christians has on our sisters and brothers around the world, especially in the global South. The second is of Chacocente, Nicaragua, where Chris' church in Houston provided a well so kids there wouldn't have to die because they lacked clean water. Sunday night in youth group, we collected $19 toward and UMCOR project to get wells for Nicaragua. $104 left to go, so bring deny yourself a ringtone or a soda this week and bring your cash to youth group Sunday night.

Pictures from the Snow Trip

2008-02-19T14:23:00.001-08:00

No Youth Group This Sunday, Snow Day Deadline Extended

2008-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

Because of The Big Game, we won't have youth group this Sunday February 3rd. Also, the deadline to get your $40 in for the Snow Trip is extended to 7PM, Tuesday February 5th. By no coincidence, that's the ending time of AUMC's annual Shrove/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. So come from 5:30 to 7PM on Tuesday and for a donation of your choosing, slurp all the pancakes and sausage you like. If you want to earn some SSL hours, or just help your fellow humans, you can wait tables.

Questions - give me a call or email me at youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org.

Peace,
Pastor Michael (who cares not at all who wins Sunday night...)

The Church Has Left The Building...

2008-01-24T13:48:00.001-08:00

Some cameraphone photos of AUMC students at the MLK Day Celebration of Service at the Montgomery County Convention Center in Bethesda.

9 students, three adults and two prepping-for-youth-group people had a great time Monday at the MLK Day Celebration of Service. After lunch at Wendy's, which we escaped without our hair turning into a red yarn wig (but that would be momentarily cool, maybe, huh?) we joined approximately 3 trillion other people in the Marriott ballroom and worked on a variety of projects, including making buttons, placemats, necklaces and puzzles for hospitalized children and preparing lunches for homeless neighbors. Giant thanks to Ann and Eric Johnson for Green Machine transport and student wrangling, and to Sue Mabie for student wrangling <- this is my new name for chaperoning/sponsoring outings. Like horse wranglers, except with adolescents. Yeah, I like that.

Snow Overnight at Ski Liberty February 17th and 18th

2008-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

A webcam of the main slope

We’ll celebrate President’s Day by heading up to Ski Liberty in Gettysburg for an overnight Snow Trip. For those of you with a snow allergy, there are also outlet malls, so you can do your bit to keep the economy strong.

Here’s the scoop:
Deadline for payment: Sunday February 3rd at the end of youth group. You are not signed up to go unless Pastor Michael has a check made out to AUMC for the base cost by February 3rd.

Base Cost: $40 (includes transportation, lodging, dinner Sunday night and breakfast Monday morning)

Other costs: Lunch and dinner Monday, whatever snow stuff you want to do (see below), whatever shopping you do.

Snow Costs:
Skiing/boarding:
Class for beginners $77.00 (lesson, lift and rental)
Rental and lift ticket: $35.00 rental and flex ticket (open to close) $59.00 total $94.00
Just lift ticket $54.00 (8 hours- flex)
$48.00 (4 hours-flex)
tax on rentals only is 6%

Tubing:
One hour - $15.00
Two hours -$20.00
This includes use of tube and lift

Schedule:
Sunday February 17th
2:30PM Depart AUMC
4:00PM Arrive Gettysburg, check into hotel
5:00PM Pizza dinner together
6:30PM Snow Tubing (see above) or chill at the hotel

Monday February 18th
7:30AM Breakfast at hotel
8:15AM Skiers/boarders head to Ski Liberty
9:00AM Slopes open
late morning/early afternoon shoppers head to outlet malls
5:00PM Head back to Ashton, stopping for dinner on the way
7:00PM Arrive back at Ashton

Where we’ll stay: the Hampton Inn, which has an indoor pool.

If you have any questions, email Pastor Michael at youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org or call the church office 301.774.7100.

MLK Day On, Not A Day Off This Monday

2008-01-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

This Monday, January 21st, when you're done sleeping in, come to the youth room. We'll hang out and watch cartoons, then grab a fast food lunch on our way to join hundreds of other volunteers in the ballroom at the Marriott on Rockville Pike for the "A Day ON, Not a Day OFF!" Celebration. Choose from making lunches for area shelters, making cards for soldiers overseas and here at Walter Reed, making ribbons for Autism Awareness and many other activities. We'll be back at the church around 3:30PM for your parents to pick you up. This activity earns 2 SSL hours, and Pastor Michael will have forms prepared for you to take home with you. Don't forget to bring money for lunch.

AUMC at ROCK

2008-01-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

Barbershop ROCK

2008-01-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

ROCK 2008 - Jesus Christ: More Than A Rockstar

2008-01-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

23 students and 7 adults from AUMC joined 5500 other students and adults from the Baltimore-Washington Conference at ROCK 2008 in Ocean City this weekend. We were challenged from the Scriptures by Rev. Grace Imathiu to decide for ourselves who Jesus is, understand who we are, and bring others to Christ. Salvador led incredible worship. Bishop Schol led a wonderful communion service Sunday morning. We spent time as a church group ice skating, visiting the Boardwalk and singing and praying together. Oh yeah, and the guys in his room shaved Shawn Brogan’s head! (With his permission.) 4 AUMC students stood during the closing worship service, indicating they were making a fresh commitment to follow Christ. I deeply appreciate Shawn and Julie Brogan, Terry and Cherie Conrad, Craig Johnson and Eric Johnson for giving their time and energy and sacrificing sleep - and in Shawn’s case, hair - to help students grow in their faith. On January 27th, students who attended ROCK will lead both morning services, giving testimony to God’s work in their lives.

Christmas Shopping Expedition Saturday December 15th

2007-12-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

Because the best way to celebrate the birth of a man whose first bed was a feed trough and who died never having owned more than the clothes on his back is to buy stuff, we're going shopping!

We'll leave Ashton at 11AM on Saturday December 15th, head to Columbia Mall, and return to the church at 4PM.

What to bring: Cash, engravings of dead presidents, dinero, moola
What for: Whatever personal shopping you need to do, lunch, and bring $5-$10 extra so we can buy presents for the teenage boy and girl we are doing Adopt-A-Family for.

IF YOU WANT TO GO, YOU MUST EMAIL ME AT youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org SO WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WE NEED TO DRIVE.

I'm looking forward to the time with you guys. And I really do mean it about how crazy buying people stuff for Christmas is.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Come hang with the Grinch Sunday Night!

2007-12-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

This Sunday night at youth group, we'll mix it up a bit. Instead of dinner downstairs, we'll have Christmas-y snacks in the youth room, finish decorating it, and watch the old-school animated "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." See you Sunday night at 6:30. Despite the subject line, I and all the youth leaders will be in good moods.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

For Parents: Upcoming Events and Adventy Things

2007-11-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

Fellow Parents-

Hope you and your family had a good and not-too-exhausting Thanksgiving. And now it's Advent! So, as we get our homes and hearts ready to receive afresh the gift of Jesus, here are a few event reminders and resources:

- Parent Christmas Breakfast Sunday December 9th from 9AM-10:30AM in the AUMC Social Hall. The Oasis Parent's Community of AUMC invites all parents to be our guest at a Christmas breakfast. Our special guest will be Roger Sandberg, MA, MS, LCPC, (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Roger is in private practice in Olney, working with adolescents, families and couples. Roger is also an ordained pastor. Roger will be presenting and doing Q&A. There will also be opportunity for you to talk with other parents about the joys and challenges of parenting. Please RSVP to the Ashton UMC office at 301-774-7100.

- Ashton Youth Christmas Party Sunday, December 16. Start time: 6:30PM. At the Conrads, 16910 Oak Hill Road, Silver Spring. Guys bring snacks, girls bring soda. Everyone bring a gift for the White Elephant Exchange, and your voice for karaoke. Yes, Timmy will sing “She Thinks My Tractor’s….” again.

- ROCK Balance Payment Deadline is: before the end of the Christmas Party Sunday December 16. Each student attending the ROCK 2008 Conference in Ocean City January 11-13 owes a final payment of $62. Please make checks payable to AUMC and put "Youth-ROCK 2008" on the memo line. As of today, two spots are available, for $112 each ($50 deposit + $62 final payment). These spots will be canceled Friday December 14 if no one claims them, so if your student would like to invite a friend, the time is NOW!

- "Home For Christmas" Christmas Eve Worship at AUMC. Please have your family join ours for worship on Christmas Eve. 4:30PM Children's Service. 8PM and 11PM Candlelight Service with Communion (Childcare provided at 8PM and 11PM).

- Join the Advent Conspiracy. If you're having a hard time finding Jesus among the holiday parties and gift lists, and would like to unplug the Christmas Machine, check out www.adventconspiracy.org. Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by worshiping Jesus through compassion, not consumption. It's about worshiping more, spending less, giving more and loving all. Is the new flatscreen or Wii REALLY the best way to celebrate Jesus' coming? I'm just askin'

- Confirmation 2008. Students in 7th grade and above who have not yet been confirmed in their faith in Christ and membership in AUMC are eligible to participate in confirmation class this spring. Confirmation is an essential step on your students' journey from a faith inherited to a growing faith they own as theirs. Class will begin Sunday January 6th and meet weekly from 9:30-10:30AM until the confirmation service at 11AM on Trinity Sunday, May 18th, followed by a picnic for confirmands, their families and guests. Students are also expected to attend the 11AM worship service. We'll be doing "field trips" and possibly a retreat for confirmands with neighboring UM churches. To enroll in the confirmation class of 2008, please contact Pastor Michael.

- Dates for 2008. 30 Hour Famine Retreat April 25-26. Local Mission Trip with Rebuilding Together and "Away" Mission Trip to Inner-City DC or Baltimore mid-July.

- CPYU December Parent Page. If you didn't get an email with it attached and would like this resource from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, please email me at youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org and I'll send it to you.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Question Night This Sunday...

2007-11-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

In the Bible, the Devil asks the first question: "Did God really say THAT?" And God asks the second: "Where are you?" Ever since then, people have been asking questions, trying to be certain about what God has said, and through knowing that, locate themselves in the world.

This Sunday night at youth group, it's Question Night. Bring all your questions about God, Jesus, the Bible, life, whatever. Especially bring the ones you think are goofy. Oh yeah, also the ones you think are funny/embarrassing. We'll dive into the Bible, looking for how God's Story connects with ours. We'll probably wind up with as many questions as we start with. Because answers are overrated, especially when it comes to God.

Everyone who contributes a question will get to pick a prize from the box of overstock I got from Archie McPhee www.mcphee.com this week. Because if they weren't churning out plastic toys for jaded American teenagers like you, they'd be making tainted dog food or kids' toys with lead paint. And because the only thing better than a Devil Duck is a FREE Devil Duck.

See you Sunday!

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Strange Stories From The Bible

2007-11-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight at youth group we talked some more about music and its God-given power to do an end run around our minds and hit us straight in the heart. We learned from Homer Simpson that DOH like nuclear energy, music can be a powerful force for good or for bad in our lives. And we watched this video, which illuminates a Scripture passage that talks about the supernatural power of music.

Next week: God's iPod Week Three: Why there's no such thing as Christian music, featuring a clip from South Park. See you there.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

What's on God's iPod?

2007-10-26T11:34:00.001-07:00

That's the question we'll be asking Sunday night at youth group. Hint: God is possibly not a big fan of so-called "Christian" music but does like Queen, Beyonce, and Green Day. See you in the social hall at Ashton at 6:30PM.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Help with Kid's Halloween Party This Saturday

2007-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, there's a children's (preschool-5th grade) Halloween party here at AUMC. It's in the social hall (where we eat dinner for youth group) from 6:30-8:30.

Here's what our youth group will be doing for the party:

- Taking pictures of children in their costumes with a Polaroid camera and helping the kids put the picture behind a construction paper frame. This requires 3-4 people. Two to manage the picture taking/developing and one or two to help kids put the picture in the frame.

- Running a cupcake walk. Kids walk around a taped oval of numbers on the floor while music plays. When the music stops, the child on a certain number is awarded a cupcake. This requires 2 or 3 people. One person to press play and pause on the CD player and call the number and one or two people to hand out cupcakes and manage the oval walking - amazing how hard kids find it to walk in an oval :)

All the materials will be provided. I'll be at the social hall at 6PM Saturday to set up our stations. I'll stay after the party's over to tear down our stations and clean up. If you can help with setup, running a station or cleanup, please let me know.
This is an especially great opportunity for those of you who served inner-city kids in Philly this summer to spend some time serving kids. Working this event qualifies for SSL hours, and I'll bring forms Saturday for those of you who work.

So, email me at youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org if you can help.

Peace,
Michael

Pumpkin Patch Madness This Friday

2007-10-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

You're off school this Friday. Sleep in, and then come over to the church and help staff the Pumpkin Patch. We're working from 1PM-7PM. You can work as much or as little as you're able. In addition to the actual sale of pumpkins, there are a plethora, nay a cornucopia of other activities for children you can lead, like:

Corn pool – children find the hidden item in the corn and receive one wrapped candy.

Crafts – there are a variety of items to make by gluing, etc. Help the children as needed to pick and decorate their item.

Straw maze – children can wander through the maze at any time.

Bean bag toss – children can play this game as they wish

Face painting – Feel free to be the painter if you would like. The supplies are in the tub.

And there's lots of non-pumpkin stuff to sell: cookies, bears, brooms, wreaths, cookbooks, craft items

Last year we had a great time hanging out, and we sold a HUGE amount of pumpkins. And this year, the tent will NOT blow over.

I'll have some roasted pumpkin seeds and spiced cider for snacking.

If you can help, please email me at youth AT ashtonchurch DOT org, and tell me what time you'll be there, so I know to expect you.

See you Friday!

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Stapler Of Destiny

2007-10-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Last night at youth group, we watched this video, which I shot Saturday night in Fells Point. Connecting with our look at Colossians 1:16, which says in part, "All things were created by him [Jesus] and for him" the Stapler of Destiny is a reminder that although our world ceaselessly tells us that we exist to grow up, finish school, get a job, have a family (or not), make a bunch of money and use it to buy as many cars, as big a house and as much other stuff as we can, and keep at that until we die, that is NOT our destiny. Rather, we each are alive because God desired our birth, and we exist for his pleasure, not to be someone's marketing target.

Don't settle for less than what God made you for.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Only 10 more days left to sign up for ROCK 2008!

2007-10-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

THERE ARE ONLY TEN MORE DAYS LEFT TO SIGN UP FOR ROCK 2008!

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS SUNDAY OCTOBER 14 AT THE END OF YOUTH GROUP!

ROCK is an annual weekend conference of youth from all over the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. It's held in Ocean City every January. This year ROCK is Friday January 11 through Sunday January 13.

ROCK is an exciting combination of packing into the OC Convention Center with more than five thousand other youth to sing, pray and listen to great speakers, spending time together as a youth group, hanging out at our hotel and visiting the Boardwalk. Students consistently say this is one of their favorite things we do as a group.

ROCK 2008 registration is now open. You are registered when I receive a check for $50, payable to Ashton UMC from your parent. This deposit is non-refundable. Total cost for the three day weekend will be between $100 and $125. This includes the conference fee, hotel room, transportation, breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and a t-shirt. Students will need to bring additional money for dinner Friday and Saturday, lunch Saturday and Sunday and any money they want to spend on the Boardwalk or at the conference store which sells Christian books, music, etc. The balance of the cost will be due on or before Sunday December 16. Scholarships are available - don't let money keep you from attending ROCK.

The deadline for ROCK 2008 registration is Sunday October 14th at the end of youth group. After that time I'll be unable to accept any more registrations. This will ensure that we are able to get space for our group on the main floor at the conference center, rather than being assigned to the overflow room, and enable us to find space at a good hotel.

If you have any questions about ROCK, email me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org, or call me at the church 301-774-7100, extension 205.

I had a great time at ROCK last January, and I look forward to being there in January with you, so register now!

Youth Group This Sunday...Mmmm...Tacos

2007-10-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

We'll have youth group this Sunday from 6:30-8:30PM. We'll start with dinner in the social hall downstairs so get dropped off around back on the lower level and come in the courtyard entrance. We'll finish the evening upstairs so you can get picked up on the front porch like usual. I or another youth leader am always happy to bring you home if it makes your parents' life easier.

Because Evan and Charlie asked for it, dinner will be tacos.

See you Sunday - I can't wait!

Help Unload Pumpkins Next Thursday!

2007-10-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Each October, Ashton UMC and our preschool, Ashton Christian Preschool, work together to sell pumpkins to folks in our community. We also have hayrides and a hay maze and this year we're selling cookies. The money we raise supports the many things the church and preschool do to help people experience the love of God.

The pumpkin truck is coming next Thursday at 4:30PM. I need as many of you as possible to come unload pumpkins for an hour or so. Wear clothes you can get dirty (the pumpkins are not prewashed) and work gloves if you have them.

It's important that as many of you as possible come, because Ashton's Boy Scout troop will also be helping, and we don't want to get embarassingly pwned by them.

Email me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org if you can help. Let me know if you need a ride.

See You At The Pole results...

2007-09-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning, students around the world and across our county gathered on their school campuses to pray and worship. The point of SYATP is not how many students show up, but that students connect with Jesus and with the other Christians at their school. But I was really encouraged by the report of how many students gathered at some of the schools Ashton students attend. So here's the report I've received so far. It's not all of our schools. If your school's not on the list and you know how many students were at your flagpole, email me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org and let me know.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Blake: 21
Farquahar: 21
Paint Branch: 75
Richard Montgomery: 35
Sherwood: 36

Sign up for ROCK 2008!

2007-09-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

ROCK is an annual weekend conference of youth from all over the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. It's held in Ocean City every January. This year ROCK is Friday January 11 through Sunday January 13.

ROCK is an exciting combination of packing into the OC Convention Center with more than five thousand other youth to sing, pray and listen to great speakers, spending time together as a youth group, hanging out at our hotel and visiting the Boardwalk. Students consistently say this is one of their favorite things we do as a group.

ROCK 2008 registration is now open. You are registered when I receive a check for $50, payable to Ashton UMC from your parent. This deposit is non-refundable. Total cost for the three day weekend will be between $100 and $125. This includes the conference fee, hotel room, transportation, breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and a t-shirt. Students will need to bring additional money for dinner Friday and Saturday, lunch Saturday and Sunday and any money they want to spend on the Boardwalk or at the conference store which sells Christian books, music, etc. The balance of the cost will be due on or before Sunday December 16. Scholarships are available - don't let money keep you from attending ROCK.

The deadline for ROCK 2008 registration is Sunday October 14th at the end of youth group. After that time I'll be unable to accept any more registrations. This will ensure that we are able to get space for our group on the main floor at the conference center, rather than being assigned to the overflow room, and enable us to find space at a good hotel.

I had a great time at ROCK last January, and I look forward to being there in January with you, so register now!

Youth Group This Sunday Night 6:30-8:30PM!

2007-09-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

We'll have youth group this Sunday from 6:30-8:30PM. We'll start with dinner in the social hall downstairs (where we were for the potluck in September and the Net Carnival last Sunday) so get dropped off around back on the lower level and come in the courtyard entrance. We'll finish the evening upstairs so you can get picked up on the front porch like usual. I or another youth leader am always happy to bring you home if it makes your parents' life easier.

See you Sunday - I can't wait!

Four commandments Pastor Michael and the youth leaders give you

2007-09-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

Students and parents:

One of the parts of my job that doesn't involve students in junior high and high school is leading chapel services for the Ashton Christian Preschool once a month. This Monday morning, about twenty brand new preschoolers walked up the stairs and into the sanctuary. Up the aisle they went, onto the platform, and sat down in front of the altar.

I pulled up a chair, introduced myself, and asked them if they'd like to learn a big word. "Kids, can you say SANCTUARY?" "SANDWAREE!?!"

"OK, how about two small words you already know? SAFE PLACE." That they could say. And I explained to them that the room we were in was a special, safe place for them to learn about God's love for them.

You students can (and do) gather in lots of places: school, practice fields, outside Cold Stone, the mall, each others' homes, the 7-11. And you gather for different reasons: learning or the avoidance of it, a game, shopping, just to be together.

And you gather here at Ashton, and I am so grateful to God that you do. And when we gather here at Ashton, we gather to connect with the God who made us, to learn together how to follow him in the way of Jesus.

Because Ashton is a different KIND of place than others where we gather, and because we gather here for a different PURPOSE, the other youth leaders and I will hold you to these standards, beginning with our meeting this Sunday night, September 30, at 6:30 PM.

- Respect each other by not punching, kicking, hitting, tackling, wrestling or otherwise manhandling one another.

Ashton is a safe place, and you're not safe if someone knocks you down or body checks you into a wall. Even if you do it at home, you don't do it here. Any behavior like that will result in a student sitting out the rest of the evening and Pastor Michael speaking to your parent.

- Do not bring cell phones, digital music players or other electronic devices to youth group.

Youth group meetings are designed to create space in your life for you to experience God. Space for him to speak to you and for you to listen and respond to him. Texting, phone calls, phone cameras, iPods and video games make that MUCH harder, if not impossible. It's hard to hear Jesus' voice with "Crank That" stuck in your head.

Your parent knows where you are, and you should make arrangements to get home before you come. If your parent needs to contact you in an emergency, they may call my cell phone, 225-955-1156. If you need to contact a parent, you may ask an adult leader to use their cell phone or the church phone. An adult leader will be at the church entrance to collect any electronic devices you fail to leave at home. They will be returned to you when youth group is over. If an electronic device appears during youth group, it will be collected by a leader and returned to you when youth group is over. If you bring a device and it has to be collected two weeks in a row, Pastor Michael will initiate a conversation with your parent. If your parent wishes you to bring your cell phone, they need to email or call me and tell me so. Any phone brought will be deposited with a youth leader when you arrive and returned when youth group is over.

- Give adult leaders the respect they deserve by listening when they speak and by doing what they tell you the first time.

At the discretion of the leader giving the direction, your first failure to listen to a leader or do what they tells you gets a verbal warning. Fail a second time and you’ll sit out the rest of the evening. Repeated failure to listen to or obey leaders or a pattern of disrespect will result in Pastor Michael initiating a conversation with your parent.

- Give one another the respect you each deserve by listening to one another with attention, respecting the comments and feelings of others and treating one another with kindness and love.

Your first failure to respect other students gets a verbal warning. Fail a second time and you’ll sit out the rest of the evening. Repeated or persistent disrespect or unkindness toward other students will result in Pastor Michael initiating a conversation with your parent.

If you or your parent has any questions about any of these standards, Pastor Michael is eager to speak with you. He can be contacted by email: bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org or by phone: 301-774-7100, extension 205 (office) or on his cell phone.

For Parents - Center For Parent/Youth Understanding

2007-09-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Fellow Parents-

It was easy when they'd ask for a cookie or to watch another episode of Sesame Street, huh? But now that we all have teenagers to parent, understanding our children and their world is MUCH more difficult "How'd your day go?" "Fine." - You want to communicate with your student at a deeper level than that.

Walt Mueller has more than 35 years experience in youth ministry. In 1990 he started the Center For Parent/Youth Understanding. Basically, CPYU exists to help parents (and youth pastors :) decode youth culture in order to maximize our influence for Christ in the lives of our students.

CPYU offers a free weekly email Youth Culture Update that gives you the latest youth culture news, trends, and research. Here's a link to a page where you can subscribe: http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=77215.

Also, I have seven copies of Walt Mueller's book, Understanding Today's Youth Culture, on a shelf in my office. Amazon.com will charge you $11.99 for it. I'd really like to give you a copy for free. So, the first seven parents who email me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org are welcome to a free copy of this very useful resource. Only thing better than a book is a free book.

See You At The Pole is one week away!

2007-09-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

See You At The Pole is one week from today - next Wednesday morning, September 26th.

What, you ask, is See You At The Pole, also know as SYATP because it takes much less time to type?

SYATP is a student-led, student-organized meeting at your school, usually around the flagpole, on the 4th Wednesday in September every year, where you gather with other Christian students to pray for each other and your school.

SYATP is a GREAT opportunity to connect with other Christians at your school.

Pastor Michael History Moment: SYATP started in 1990 in Texas, where I lived for 14 years. After my sophomore year in college, my summer job was traveling all over Texas promoting the launch that fall of SYATP. I have some SYATP stuff from that summer. This and four bucks gets me coffee at any Caribou or Starbucks.

How to plug in: ask around at your school to find out when and where the meeting is. And be there. You can even help organize SYATP at your school.

I HAVE FREE SYATP STUFF!

I still have one unclaimed t-shirt - free to the first person who emails me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org.

I have LOTS of SYATP wristbands - wearing one of these is a good way to connect with other Christian students. I also have keytags and handouts and one silicone LIVE STRONG-type wristband.

So see me Sunday morning or at the Net Carnival Sunday night for all the SYATP swag you can carry <- slight exaggeration.

And BE AT THE POLE NEXT WEDNESDAY!

Net Carnival This Sunday Night!

2007-09-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

What: Net Carnival

When: This Sunday September 23 6:30PM-8:30PM

Where: Youth Room at Ashton UMC

[Note: This IS our regular youth group time and place.]

What are we doing: Playing carnival games to win a chance at prizes like gift certificates to Cold Stone and other places you spend money.

Why are we doing this: To raise money for NOTHING BUT NETS, a campaign to save lives in Africa by buying bed nets. Sports Illustrated, the NBA, WNBA, Major League Soccer, VH1, the United Nations and the United Methodist Church are all partnered together.

What should you bring: MONEY TO PLAY GAMES. You'll buy tickets for the games. Bring $5 or $10. All money raised will go to Nothing But Nets. Every $10 we raise buys a bed net that will save a life in Africa. Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds.

Will we have dinner: Yes, dinner will be served in the youth room before the carnival gets going.

Who should I bring: This is a great event to bring a friend to.

Dinner at Youth Group Tonight

2007-09-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

What do you do when you find money? Well, I found some (OK, actually someone gave it to me) and I'm using it to buy dinner for youth group tonight. Let me say that again: DINNER AT YOUTH GROUP TONIGHT. So come and bring a friend or two, because I don't want to eat leftovers all week.

Time: 6:30-8:30PM Tonight
Place: Youth Room at AUMC

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Happy Rosh Hashanah - Breakfast and Chill Time Tomorrow 9AM-Noon

2007-09-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

Tomorrow's Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. You're off from school. I'll be at the church from 9AM-noon in the youth room. I'm making breakfast - pancakes, eggs and bacon. I'll find some cartoons for us to watch, and there's ping pong and foosball. Come by the church whenever you wake up and chill with us.

Fall Schedule

2007-09-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

Hope the semester is starting well for you. Here's the fall schedule for the youth ministry here at Ashton. If you have any questions, call me at the church 301-774-7100, or send email to bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org.

Ashton United Methodist Church
Youth Ministry
Fall Schedule 2007

Sunday…Sunday…Sunday

9:30AM - 10:30AM
Bible Study
Grades 6-8 - Room 203
Grades 9-12 - Youth Room
Oasis Group for Parents of Youth – Social Hall

11:00AM - Noon
Contemporary Worship - Sanctuary

6:30PM-8:30PM
Youth Group
in the Youth Room
Snacks, games, Bible study, discussion, prayer

Special Events
Net Carnival September 23
Net Worship October 8
Unload Pumpkins for Pumpkin Patch October 11 4:30PM
Youth Day at the Pumpkin Patch October 19 11AM-7PM
UNICEF Halloween Party October 27 6:30-8:30PM
ROCK 2008 January 11-13
$50 non-refundable deposit due Sunday October 14

Hang Time This Wednesday....

2007-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

How's week two going? Did the holiday through you off - make you think it was summer again? We'll have Hang Time tomorrow night from 6-8PM in the Youth Room at church. By popular demand, we will DEFINITELY, NO MATTER WHAT be playing Romans and Christians. See you tomorrow night.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Hang Time This Wednesday....

2007-08-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Celebrate the middle of the first week of school by unwinding with us at Hang Time. We'll have some special guests and play a fun, never-before-played-at-Ashton game. Hint: we ran out of time to do it last Monday...and also the photo... 6-8PM in the youth room at the church. For more info or if you need a ride, call 301-774-7100, extension 205. See you tomorrow night!

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Back to BOB Fall Kickoff Dinner

2007-08-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday, September 9th
Place: AUMC Social Hall
Time: 6:30PM
Who should come: All students entering grades 6-12 and their parents.
What you should bring:
A-G bring a main entrée,
H-N salad or other side dish,
O-S dessert or sweet dish,
T-Z surprise us
enough for your family and some to share.
Don’t forget the Jell-O with strange things suspended in it. Mmmm!
What you’ll go home with: a shiny laminated copy of the BOB Fall Schedule,
perfect for your fridge, info about fall events and ROCK 2008.

New Group for Parents

2007-08-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Beginning Sunday September 9th, we'll have a group for parents of students in grades 6-12. The group will meet in the social hall at the church from 9:30-10;30 AM. The purpose of the group is to support each other in the rewarding-but-oh-so-challenging adventure of parenting. We'll examine trends in youth culture and Biblical resources for parenting. We'll interact with guest speakers. And we'll pray with and for one another and our children. My hope is that the group will be a place where you can find a sense of community and encouragement. If you have any questions, please call me at the church at
301.774.7100, ext. 205 or email me at bob AT ashtonchurch DOT org. I look forward to seeing you on the 9th.

BIG WEEK 2007 IS HERE!!!!!

2007-08-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

You've been waiting for it all summer - now it's finally here - BIG WEEK 2007 at Ashton UMC.

The schedule is at the bottom of this entry

*NEW THIS YEAR*
To help us manage transportation, we need you to register for BIG WEEK 2007 events. Here's how easy it is: Follow the weblink below, and fill in the form, indicating how many people will be coming to each event. Please include how many friends you think you'll be bringing. To reward you for helping us, each person who fills out the signup will receive a delicious and valuable prize.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Click Here to take survey

BIG WEEK 2007 SCHEDULE
Monday August 20
Photo Scavenger Hunt & Messy Olympic Games
Meet at the church at 6PM
Pick up 9PM
Wear clothes that can get dirty, bring a water gun and swim goggles

Tuesday August 21
Work at SHARE Warehouse in Hyattsville
Meet at the church at 10AM
Bring a sack lunch
Pick up 3PM

Wednesday August 22
Miniature Golf at Rocky Gorge
Cost $6 per round, batting cages 18 pitches/$1
Meet at the church at 6PM
Pick up 9PM

Thursday August 23
Cookie Delivery
Meet at the church at 6PM
Pick up 9PM

Friday August 24
Pool party at Don Lloyd's
17105 Carwell Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20905
6PM on...
If you need a ride, call Pastor Michael at the church
301-774-7100 ext 205

Saturday August 25-Sunday August 26
Lock-in at the church featuring:
dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Olney
duck pin cosmic bowling at White Oak Lanes
movies at the church
breakfast served by parents Sunday morning
cost $22
Meet at the church at 6PM
Pick up after church Sunday

Fall Schedule Survey

2007-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

Instead of just guessing what would work best for you and your family's busy schedule this fall, we want YOU to tell US when you'd like to have youth group meetings. To get your feedback, we've created a REALLY short survey for you to take. It should take less than five minutes to take the survey.

Click Here to take survey

You've got lots of other stuff going on, so to make it worth your time, every person who completes the survey will receive a valuable and delicious prize. So what are you waiting for?

Hang Time This Wednesday at Sole D'Italia!

2007-07-29T10:27:00.001-07:00

Hey all-

This Wednesday August 1 we'll meet for HangTime at 6PM at Sol D'Italia, at 650 and 108 for dinner, so bring some $$ for pizza or a sub. Then we'll head back to the church for some games and Bible study. Here's Sole's website, so you can check out the menu. http://www.soleditaliamd.com/

See you there!

Youth Mission Adventure - Helping Heroes At Home

2007-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

Ashton students worked last week as part of a mission experience to make the home of Army Specialist Ryan C. Major more accessible. The picture shows County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Councilmembers Marilyn Praisner (far left) and Nancy Floreen (far right) at the welcome home celebration for Specialist Major (center), a wounded Iraq war veteran. Our students did their work as part of Rebuilding Together's "Heroes at Home" program (www.rebuildingtogethermc.org). Also in the photo are Specialist Major's mother, Lorrie Knight-Major and his brother Milan.

Party This Wednesday July 25th!

2007-07-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

Hope your summer's going great! This Wednesday July 25th, we are having a party at the Beatty's, 10 Pinebrook Court in Ashton (across the street and south a couple of houses from the church). Better than even P!nk could, we'll get the party started at 6PM. We'll have a cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs and veggie somethings for non-meat people. Err, non-meat EATING people. Uhh, vegetablearians. There'll be a volleyball net and a horshoe pit and other assorted sources of fun. We'lll have a great time, especially if you're there. This is also a great way to introduce a friend to our youth group. For more info or directions, you can email Margie at marj421 AT aol DOT com. See you there!

Breakfast Club Week One

2007-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

This morning was the kickoff for this summer's breakfast club. We gave the new IHOP off 29 a try. Chelsey had the Strawberry Serenade, Bobby had the pancake platter and Paige and David both went with the all-chocolate option - chocolate chip pancakes washed down with chocolate milk.

Here's some video of four people enjoying breakfast:

Michael's backflip

2007-06-23T23:44:00.001-07:00

Vacation Bible School was lots of fun this last week. At the VBS party Friday night, Bobby captured this video of Michael doing a backflip off one of the picnic tables on the playground.

2007 Summer Schedule

2007-06-23T23:32:00.001-07:00

Hey guys-

Below is the schedule for this summer. I'm looking forward to seeing you at
these events.

June
27 Hang Time (Snacks, games, Bible study) 6-8 PM, Youth Room

July
4 Independence Day – No Hang Time
11 Hang Time 6-8 PM, Youth Room
16-21 Mission Trip To Philadelphia
18 No Hang Time
25 Party at The Beatty’s. Party begins at 6PM.

August
1 Hang Time 6-8 PM, Youth Room
8 Hang Time 6-8 PM, Youth Room
15 Hang Time 6-8 PM, Youth Room

BIG WEEK 2007 is August 20-25
20 Messy Olympic Games 6-9 PM at the church
21 Work at SHARE Warehouse in Hyattsville. Meet at church at 10AM. Bring a sack lunch. Back at church at 3PM.
22 Mini-Golf and Batting Cages at Rocky Gorge. Golf is $6/round. Batting Cages are 18 pitches/$1. Meet at church at 6PM. Back at church at 9PM.
23 Cookie Delivery to Mission Trip Donors. Meet at church at 6PM. Back at church at 9PM.
24 Pool Party at The Lloyd’s. Party begins at 6PM.
25-26 Lock-In featuring: dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger, cosmic bowling, movies at the church. Cost: $22. Meet at church at 6PM. Pickup after 11AM worship service on Sunday.

Every Sunday all summer long – Bible study 9:30AM Grades 6-12 in the Youth Room

Hang Time Starts This Wednesday!

2007-06-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

Join us this Wednesday night from 6-8PM for the first week of Hang Time, our summer midweek event. There'll be snacks, games and we'll practice putting a wire through an inflated balloon without popping it and learn what that has to do with God. See you there!

Date Change for Lock-In

2007-06-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Our beginning of the summer lock-in, scheduled for
Saturday June 23rd, has become an end of the summer
lock-in. It's now scheduled for Saturday, August 25th,
as the finale of BIG WEEK 2007, a week
long-extravaganza of fun events and mission projects.
So save the week of August 20-25 and stay tuned for
more details.

Youth Group Sunday Night!

2007-06-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

Hey guys-

Come join us for youth goup this Sunday night from
6-8PM. We'll have dinner, play some games, create
clouds indoors and talk about how God guides us. See
you there!

Mission Trip Registration Closed

2007-06-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Just a note to let you know that registration for our
mission trip in July to Philadelphia is now closed.

No Youth Group Sunday, Next Youth Group June 6th

2007-06-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

We won't meet Sunday, but we will be together this
Wednesday night the 6th from 6-8PM for an evening of
dinner, games and burning snack foods.

Car Wash Pictures

2007-05-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Youth Group Sunday Night!

2007-04-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Don't forget we've got youth group this Sunday night, April 22 at 6PM. We'll have dinner, play games and conclude our series on "Sex: What's God Got To Do With It?"

At our next youth group, Wednesday May 2, it'll be Question Night, so bring all your questions about God,the Bible, life, whatever, and we'll dig into the Scripture together for some answers.

Youth Group Tomorrow Night!

2007-04-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Just a reminder that we have youth group tomorrow night. We'll meet in the youth room at the church from 6-8PM.

We'll have some special guests - some of the youth from Cedar Ridge Community Church down the road from us and their youth pastor Steve Mather. It'll be a great chance to connect with other Christians, some of whom you'll already know as classmates, teammates or neighbors. So don't miss it!

Dinner = Ledo Pizza, and drinks are free...

Also, we'll have an opportunity to talk about the Virginia Tech tragedy and how it affects you.

See you there!

Rebuilding Together Work Day April 28th

2007-04-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Saturday April 28th is the date for Rebuilding Together projects in our area. Rebuilding Together is a local/national partnership that helps neighbors in need. Our project will be helping clear a basement in a local home, including ***destroying a 700-lb piano*** Cool, huh?

If you can work from 9:30-lunchtime on the 28th, please email me at the address at the top of the page and let me know. To work, you need to be 14, or 13 if your parents come as well.

I can already feel the sledgehammer crunching the keys!

Next Youth Group This Wednesday April 18th!

2007-04-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Just a reminder that our next youth group will be this next Wednesday, April 18th. We'll meet in the youth room at the church from 6-8PM. We'll have some special guests - some of the youth from Cedar Ridge Community Church down the road from us and their youth pastor Steve Mather. It'll be a great chance to connect with other Christians, some of whom you'll already know as classmates, teammates or neighbors. So don't miss it!

See you there!

No youth group tommorrow, next meeting is Wednesday April 18th

2007-04-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Hope the first day back at school is going well. Just a reminder that we won't have youth group tomorrow night, April 11.

Our next youth group meeting is Wednesday, April 18th at 6PM at the church. See you there!

Other things to put on your calendar:

Rebuilding Together project: Saturday April 28
Car Wash Fundraiser at the church Saturday May 19th, 9:30AM-2PM

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Cleaning tomorrow evening...

2007-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we will be meeting at the church at 6:00 p.m. on Monday the 9th to go over and help clean Risa Pyles home. We'll be back at the church by 8:30.

Mission Trip Update

2007-04-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Lifeway Christian Resources has announced who the camp pastor and worship leader are for Philadelphia this summer. Here's the info:

Pastor: Seth Tanner
Seth Tanner is a returning M-Fuge camp pastor from Mobile, AL with over 10 years of Fuge experience as a student, youth pastor, or staffer. He served as a youth pastor for 6 years and recently finished his Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of South Alabama. Seth uses humor and media to create messages that are relevant and impact students. "I believe M-Fuge gives students a great opportunity to act on their faith. My passion for M-Fuge Philadelphia '07 is to see students come away with a desire to pursue Christ in whatever way He leads, and for youth pastors to be equipped and energized for ministry."

Worship: Seth Little

We currently have five spaces available for guys and four spaces available for girls. You are considered signed up when Pastor Michael has received your non-refundable $50 deposit.

Help With Egg Hunt Saturday Morning!

2007-04-05T09:37:00.001-07:00

Hey guys-

If you are in town, please come help with the egg hunt Saturday morning. We'll start at 10AM and be done by noon. We need two bunches of folks - one to lead games while the others are scattering eggs. Come make a great day for the children of our church and community!

Holy Week Worship Opportunities

2007-04-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Here are the opportunities for worship during Holy Week. Hope to see you at these services!

Thursday, April 5 - Holy Thursday
Joint Tenebrae Service: 7:00 pm followed by Sacrificial Meal
(at Salem UMC in Brookeville)

Friday, April 6 - Good Friday
Joint Service: 7:00 pm
(at Ashton)

Saturday, April 7 - Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon on Church grounds

Sunday, April 8 - Easter Sunday
Early Service: 7:15 am in the courtyard
Breakfast: 8:00 am - 9:00 am in the Social Hall
Traditional Service: 9:30 am and Contemporary Service: 11:00 am
Sunday School: 9:30 am

No Youth Group Tomorrow Night April 4th

2007-04-03T12:13:00.001-07:00

Hey guys-

Because of Spring Break, we will NOT have youth group tomorrow night, April 4th. Enjoy some extra time with your family!

Youth Group This Sunday!

2007-03-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

We've got youth group this Sunday, March 25th. See you at the church from 6-8PM for dinner, games and Bible study.

More Rock Photos

2007-03-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

ROCK Photos

2007-03-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

Here are some photos from ROCK...

Youth Group This Wednesday!

2007-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

We've got youth group tomorrow night Wednesday March 21st from 6-8PM. See you then for food, games and Bible study!

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Parent Meeting This Sunday March 11

2007-03-06T15:43:00.001-08:00

Hey parents!

I'd like to meet with you Sunday after the 11AM service in the youth room at church (Room 206). The purpose of this meeting is to give you more information about the mission trip this summer to Philadelphia and to give you an opportunity to ask questions about the trip (and anything else about the youth ministry you're wondering about...)

So please join me then!

Peace,
Pastor Michael

Youth Group This Wednesday!

2007-03-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

We've got youth group this Wednesday, March 7. See you at the church at 6PM.

Peace,
Pastor Michael

No Youth Group Tonight February 25th!

2007-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hey guys-

Because of the snow, we won't have youth group tonight, February 25th. Stay safe!

Mission Trip Info

2007-02-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hey guys-

Here's some additional information about our upcoming mission trip:

When: July 16-21, 2007

Where: Philadelphia - we'll be staying on the campus of Eastern University

What: Working with inner-city needs, worship and Bible study

How Much: $150 per student

Space Available: 7 spots left for girls and and 5 spots left for guys. Your space is reserved when your non-refundable deposit of $50 is paid.

Daily Schedule:
Opening Day Schedule
1:00-4:00 PM Registration
5:00 PM Dinner
5:45 PM Group Leader and Driver Meeting
6:30 PM Doors Open for Opening Celebration Part 1
6:45 PM Opening Celebration Part 1
7:30 PM Dismiss
7:40 PM Ministry Track Groups
9:00 PM Doors Open for Opening Celebration Part 2
9:15 PM Opening Celebration Part 2
10:15 PM Church Group Devotion
11:00 PM In Dorms

Tuesday-Friday Schedule
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Bible Study/Quiet Time
9:15 AM Ministry Track Time Planning
10:15 AM Send-Off Celebration
10:45 AM Vans Pull Out to Site
3:45 PM Vans Pull Back Onto Campus
5:00 PM Dinner
6:10 PM Group Leaders Find Seats/Pray
6:15 PM Doors Open for Worship
6:30 PM Worship
8:00 PM Church Group Devotions
9:15 PM Doors Open for Night Life
9:30 PM Night Life
10:15 PM Free Time
11:00 PM In Dorms

Closing Morning Schedule
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:15 AM Closing Time with Ministry Track Group
9:30 AM Doors Open for Closing Celebration
9:45 AM Closing Celebration
10:45 AM Departure

More info: http://www.lifeway.com/fuge/mission/

Parents - Please help with dinner for youth group...

2007-02-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Parents-

Please help us out by preparing dinner for a youth group meeting. We have about 20 students and 5 adults eating each week. Anything other than pizza is fair game.

We still need folks to sign up for:
Wednesday April 4th
Wednesday May 2nd
Wednesday June 6th
Sunday June 10th
Sunday June 24th

If you can help with any of the dates please email Pastor Michael at bob@ashtonchurch.org. Thanks so much.

Spring 2007 Youth Group Meeting Schedule

2007-02-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hey guys-

Here is the meeting schedule for youth group for the rest of the spring semester:

February
Wednesday 21 – Youth Group (Ash Wednesday)
Sunday 25 – Youth Group

March
Wednesday 7 – Youth Group
Sunday 11 – Youth Group
Wednesday 21 – Youth Group
Sunday 25 – Youth Group

April
2 – 5 MCPS Spring Break
6 – Good Friday
Sunday 8 - Easter - No Youth Group
Wednesday 18 – Youth Group
Sunday 22 – Youth Group

May
Wednesday 2 – Youth Group
Sunday 13 – No Youth Group (Mother's Day)
Wednesday 16 – Youth Group
Sunday 27 – No Youth Group (Memorial Day)

June
Wednesday 6 – Youth Group
Sunday 10 – Youth Group
Wednesday 20 – Youth Group
Sunday 24 – Youth Group