Youth News

Bake Sale fundraiser!

2008-11-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

This Sunday is our Bake Sale fundraiser!

Yay! I want to remind everyone to bring something to contribute to the sale. There are NO OTHER coffee hour snacks, so be sure to bring enough!

Fall Youth Event is coming up.

2008-10-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Fall Youth Event is coming up. It is November 15th and 16th in San Jose.Rev. Jack Michael (a.k.a. Chaplain Jack Sparrow for those of you who went toSr. High camp last summer) is hosting a fun 24 hour experience with thetheme: Grounded in God. If you want to learn more about spirituality, this is the event to attend.

Registrations are available at church on thebulletin board by the youth room or on the NCNC-UCC website. PLEASE let meknow if you'd like to attend this event -- I can drive! If you register byNovember 7th, it's on $25. Hope to hear from you soon!-- Jess

Halloween Basta Pasta & Haunted House

2008-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

It’s time for the Halloween Basta Pasta feed! This year, the event will be held on October 24that 6:30pm.The theme is Mad Science and you are invited to come dressed in your favorite costume, come dressed according to theme, or come dress as you are!

This is an event for all ages and for all people so invite your friends. There will be a pasta feed, dessert and drinks, and the infamous haunted house designed and executed by the Youth Group. There will also be crafts, and a service project to support the Family Support Center.

Youth Group Kick Off for Fall 2008

2008-09-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

The youth are kicking off the start of youth group on Thursday, September 11th at 5:30 at the church.

The youth are also invited to come to the all church retreat.

The next big youth event is the Lost and Found concert and lock-in on October 11-12th.

Lost and Found

2008-09-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Lost and Found Concert and Youth Overnight...Saturday October 11th. Join the youth who attended NYE from Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Cloverdale.

Summer 2008

2008-07-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

NYE is coming fast! We leave this month for Tennessee. Here are some things you should know:

If you're going on the trip, remember you can bring one SMALL suitcase and one SMALL carry on. Don't forget your Bible!

If you are supporting the trip, there will be a commissioning during the 10:30 service on Sunday, July 20th.

In August, the youth will host a Memphis style BBQ as a thank you for everyone who supported them in their trip to NYE. We'll show pictures of the trip and tell stories of what we learned. Watch for that!

Time to Register for Camp!
Senior high at Camp Caz is August 3-9th. Sign up now! The theme is Handle with Care: Mid, Body, & Soul. Jess Bradley and Coral Cogbill are directing, so everyone should come. If you need scholarship money, please talk to Jess.

NYE Meet and Greet

2008-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 8th 6pm

Join us for Pizza, as we welcome the Sebastopol Youth who will be traveling with us to NYE.

Mark Your Calendars!

2007-09-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Youth events coming up.

October 19-20: Youth Overnight We're going to be setting up the haunted house this weekend and doing other preparations for the Halloween Party.

Saturday, the 20th,we're going to help Bob Orr and the Jubilee Committee make soup for Stone Soup which brings us to...

October 21st: STONE SOUP! Good times.

October 26th: Pasta Feed and Halloween Party This is a fund raiser for you to go to NYE so it's super importantthat you all come and bring friends and relatives. The more people attend, the more people to donate after all. The Saturday before, on the 25th, will most likely be a work day consisting of baking and carving massive amounts of pumpkins. Whoo!

November 3rd-4th: Fall Youth Event This is the conference wide youth event taking place at Eden church inHayward. It's a chance to meet youth from other UCC churches and see old camp friends. It's fun, an overnight, and I hope we can all go. It's $25 if you register early, so talk to me about this!

December 1st: Advent fair/Tree Trimming party This is going to be another fund raiser for NYE so mark the day down, it's a Saturday night and I'll tell you more about it in the future.

2007-07-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

We Have a Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries!
The Search Committee for the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries is happy to announce to the church that it has made its selection for the position. Jessica Bradley, a graduate of Chapman University (English) and Maria Carrillo High School , comes to us full of enthusiasm and a life-long love for the church.
Raised in the Disciples of Christ denomination, Jess has worked on all levels of the church. While a student at Chapman, a Disciples of Christ University, Jessica served on the Disciples On-Campus Leadership team. She also served the on the Regional Youth Council for the Northern California/Nevada Region of the DOC (the equivalent of our Conference). Jess was born in Oakland , so when it comes to baseball she is an A’s fan. She enjoys the Harry Potter series of books and loves to read, write and learn. While serving in this part-time, 15 hour a week position, Jess will be pursuing her teaching certification. She hopes to be teaching High School English – someday.
The committee worked hard over the last months. They received about 6 resumes and conducted 4 interviews. The position was advertised at re-gional seminaries, and on Craigslist. The committee feels that Jess is a wonderful choice and that she will help enliven our ministry to children and youth. Jess will be moving here from Southern California in July beginning her work here in August. Jess’ mother is our own Coral Cogbill.

Rehearsals for Youth Sunday

2007-05-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals for Youth Sunday will be SUNDAY, MAY 6th and SATURDAY, MAY 12th. On May 6th, plan to stay after church until 1:30; lunch will be provided. Saturday, May 12th, we will meet from 10 AM - 1:30.

Make these rehearsals go smoothly by being prepared with your part of the service.

Need Help?? Call or email Mary Jackson Susan Horvat. You all are going to be fabulous and this will be a great Youth Sunday!

Time to Apply for Church Scholarships

2007-04-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Are you planning to attend college or a trade school during the academic year 2007 – 2008? Do you have a child or grandchild who is planning for 2006-2007?

If so, you will be interested in The First Congregational UCC Scholarship Program. These scholarship grants arise from the Endowed Giving Fund established by Fred and Mabel Hall, former members of this church. They support any active member, child or grandchild of an active member who meets the criteria of this Scholarship Program. Call the church office for an application form.

Applicants must complete and return these forms to the church office by July 1, 2007. While that may seem a long time away future educational goals must be identified, recommendations must be sought and previous school transcripts must be collected. It is not too early to begin now!
Applicants must be high school graduates (or equivalent) and have applied as a full-time student (12 semester units or 15 quarter units) in good standing at an accredited school of higher learning.

Awards will be announced in August, 2007.

Planning for Youth Sunday

2007-04-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

~`~Attention Youth and Parents~`~
PLANNING MEETING, right after church 4/22

for YOUTH SUNDAY, May 13th.

All youth are encouraged to come to the planning meeting

and, of course,

to take part in the awesome Youth Sunday

on May 13 - Mother's Day.

Overnight Scheduled

2007-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Youth will be hosting a sleepover this Saturday night, the 24th, starting at 6:30 pm. Rebecca is bringing pizza. Pickup time is at 8.00am Sunday morning.

Planning Meeting 2/18 @ 12

2007-02-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

TUFFF and Parents: All youth and their parents are invited to attend a planning meeting on 2/18 after church (12:00, not 12:30) to discuss upcoming activities and fundraisers. We are very interested in low-overhead events, so come with ideas and energy. We will try to keep this short. Also, there will be snacks.

Youth Leadership Opportunity at Asilomar, 5/17-20/2007

2007-01-31T10:52:00.001-08:00

Don't miss a dynamic youth/young adult leadership opportunity at Annual Meeting 2007! Building on a successful youth program last year, youth ages 13-17 and young adults ages 18-25 will learn practical leadership skills as well as discover opportunities to lead and serve in the wider church. Led by specially trained staff the program is for all young people (not just delegates) attending Annual Meeting and will integrate participiation in both Conference meetings and youth leadership sessions.

We are now a Google Blog

2007-01-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

The youth blog has been successfully converted to the new Blogger Google format.

Superbowl Sunday Sub Sandwiches

2007-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

"Superbowl Sunday is almost here! And don't forget the Congregational meeting on the SAME DAY! Our Youth Group will again be making Sub sandwiches for your enjoyment. Please fill out a pre-order form to get just what you want, or just pick up a few on the big day. Orders can be dropped off in Friendship Hall at the Bake Sale table Sunday Jan. 28. Free will donations will be gratefully accepted upon pick-up, to help offset the cost of NYE 2008. Thank you from TUFFF, Teens United in Friends Fun and Food."

We'll be having a rehearsal of the pageant

2006-12-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

on Sunday, Dec. 24, immediately after the 10:30 am service. We'll actually have the whole congregation cleared out for us to get this practice in. :)

Plan to get to the church at 4:00 pm, same day, to get into costume and run through it one more time before the 5:00 service.

School Kit Delivery

2006-12-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Dear TYG & friends:
Guerneville School teacher Kathy Smith thanks each and every one of you for the incredible gifts of school supplies plus backpacks for homeless students (K-8th grades) & those living in substandard conditions (homes & old trailers without running water, electricity, heat) in the Guerneville School & at Montgomery School in Cazadero. Kathy teaches at both schools & will be sure that these wonderful gifts get to the kids who most need them. Kathy & her husband Ed are very active in the Guerneville Community Church, UCC.
A recent report presented at a County meeting of homeless services providers included the startling report that 1 out of 5 students at Guerneville School is homeless or seriously under-housed (e.g., living in very substandard conditions). In late January 2007 HUD will conduct its official "homeless count" over a one-day period throughout the County. Perhaps the Youth Group & our congregation can help in some way with this homeless count (and the dinners/distribution of blankets, warm clothing, etc.) in Santa Rosa or elsewhere-----
Again, thank you so much for your work & follow-through on the school kits project!!
Merry Christmas,
Arlene Irizary
P.S. While I work as case management coordinator for Catholic Charities, the Guerneville School project & homeless count activities involve my "volunteer hat". My job is serving families moving from homelessness into transitional and permanent housing in the Santa Rosa area. I live in Forestville and have many dear friends throughout the Russian River communities. For 17 years Jenny & I have volunteered with the Russian River Community Food Pantry located at the Guerneville Community Church (& a cooperative effort of that church plus the local Catholic Churches, Metropolitan Community Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, local civic groups & merchants).

Christmas Pageant

2006-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

We will have a pageant meeting Sunday.

We will meet after the 10:30 service this Sunday 12/17, in the sanctuary, to go over pageant stuff.

Rebecca Allington

Mid Winter Retreat for Grades 6-8

2006-12-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 13th through Monday January 15th, join UCC and Disciples of Christ Youth at Mt. Herman for "Survivor Island."

Mt Herman Island, where no one is ever voted out! Get ready for a weekend of friends, music and tnt. Explore your faith, challenge yourself on the ropes course, play games and do crafts.

Early Bird Registration is $100 by 12/22/06. After that $125. (Youth Leaders can register for $75.)

Thank you to all

2006-12-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

who donated school supplies and those youth that helped put together the school kits. We made 10 full backpacks for the kids in Guerneville to help make their school lives a little better. Arlene Irizary, working with Catholic Charities, will be taking them out there this weekend.

TTFN,
Aunt K8

July/August Events

2006-07-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Junior High Camp Caz: Cory Allington, Kaley Andersen, and Mark Balfour will be going to Camp Cazadero thix week, 7/23-7/29. De Williams, Meredith Jackson, Carole Studemaker, and Sean Andersen will be part of the staff there this week as well. To write to them, send your letters to:
Camp Cazadero, 22175 King Ridge Road
Cazadero CA 94901
Senior High Camp will also be held the week after. Joseph Allington will be attending, and possibly others.

Fair Day: The youth will be going to the fair on Tuesday, August 1st. However, this date may be changed to the week after because of Senior High Camp Caz.

Pool Party: The youth group is schedualed to have a pool party at the Horvat's house on August 13th, but more details on that are still to come.

Family Camp is September 30th and October 1st. Don't forget!

May Events

2006-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Youth Sunday: The Youth Sunday will be held on May 14. Participating Youth should already know what they are doing, but if you are unsure about what to do, call Meredith.

Bake Sales: Attention Youth! Currently, we are having bake sales every other week. Please bring a home-baked good and participate in the sale in order to earn a share of the profits.

April Events

2006-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

4/21 - Movie Night: The Youth will be hosting a movie night on Friday, April 21. The doors will open at 6:00 PM, and the movie will start at 6:30. We will be showing Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) and serving ice cream sundaes as well. Tickets can be found with most of the youth, or ask Meredith.

Confirmation Schedual: The following is the schedule for the month of April and most of May. Please plan now for field trips April 23 and May 21. We will be going to City of Refuge, our sister church in San Francisco on April 23, and to Sonoma Mission May 21. The mission will be a look at the wider Christian church in the context of our shared ecumenical foundations which helped form the United Church of Christ.

Remember to wear your tie-dyed heart T-shirts to church April 23, bring a bag lunch to eat, and the transportation waiver.

April 9 Lizann will be teaching Holy Hormones

April 16 is Easter Sunday, No confirmation class

April 23 we will be leaving from Worship at 10:45 (we will be part of Children's Time) and go to City of Refuge.

Please wear your tie dye shirts that day, pack a lunch and bring your transportation release forms if your parents are not driving.

April 30 All God's Children -- A Study on Diversity and Race.

May 7 Holy Food - Communion

May 14 We Praise You Our God - Components of the Worship Service. Why do we worship as we do? You will be leading worship that Sunday.

May 21 Ecumenism - Field Trip to Sonoma Mission after church (plan on being back at the Santa Rosa around 5PM).

Parents we need drivers again, please see Rebecca Allington if you can drive.

When David gets back from his son Jonathan's college graduation, we will finalize the schedule and determine what Sunday those of you who desire will be confirmed as members in full standing during worship.