It's Arrived!

Hey gang. Just wanted to let you know that Matthew Paul Turner's new book arrived on my doorstep late last week, and I'm finally getting around to perusing it- and WOW! It's typical MPT- humor and sensitivity rolled into one heck of a brilliant story about growing up fundamentalist. I'm so excited to finish it- and to remind you that we will be giving away one free (hardback) copy during the week of October 13-17, which is the same week I'll post my review. I'm so excited for you guys to have a chance to win it- I promise I'll think of a cool way you all can win it! Matthew's book is available through many retailers for purchase, so if you want, click here to preorder his book from Amazon. (Or wait two weeks & get it FOR FREE!)

In other news from around here, I was working out of the office Thursday & Friday with limited time for the Internet, so that's why it's been pretty silent over here recently! Thursday, our whole team traveled to Ephrata where we made calls allllll day trying to generate more buzz about 2009's work camps. We sent out a number of postcards a little over a month ago, and now are doing some followup to see if they actually worked. So, if you've ever participated in the Phone-a-Thon (fundraising opportunity where teens call people to raise money for CE- been there done that many years as a jr high/high schooler!) then you know what I'm talking about- a day spent at the phones is not exactly the most exciting of days, but it is worthwhile to make some networking contacts. It was also a nice day to hang out with Sam, Colleen, Mark, and Dave. We even took a break for lunch and headed to the Ephrata Fair, where I got to sample the locals rave about during Fair Week- a grilled cheese hamburger. All I can say is- YUM!

Mark, calling from his hands-free headset. (Such a smart idea!)

Colleen sorting papers & organizing- she kept us so organized Thursday! (Like always!)

Sam making calls.

Dave making calls.

Dave & a friend @ the Fair.

Sam, Mark, & my soon-to-be hubby talking & eating.

(Mark got icecream and it was SOOOO cold!)

Have a good one, everyone!

Missions-minded

What do you think of when you think of missionaries? Growing up as a Christian kid in church, I often thought missionaries were people who traveled to exotic places to spread the word of Jesus by BEING His hands & feet. I never really thought of myself as a missionary doing work within the United States- I mean, seriously? I wasn't exactly eating weird food (minus tons of pb&j on the work site!) or sleeping under the stars or needing shots before I left on my missions trips with Christian Endeavor. Because that's what we automatically assume MISSIONS means, right?

While that was kinda sarcastic, that IS what I used to think. The role of missions in my mind has changed from the stereotypical 'travel the globe' to an understanding that YES, I can be doing missions in my own backyard- if I'm getting up to witness and help and jump out of my comfort zone just a little? Then I'm doing what God wants me to be doing. He might not ask me to be a globe-trotter (not the basketball team!) but he IS asking me to give up some part of my life--like a Saturday when I COULD be sleeping or cleaning or relaxing--and help out some new friends in Allentown. Or perhaps he wants me to give up my cup-a-day coffee habit and sponser a Compassion child. OR MAYBE he just wants me to tell my friends I'm praying for them, and then ACTUALLY do it. Missions no longer means leaving the country- what do you think?

But for some people, God has called them to leave the country. I've decided to devote today's 'Website Wednesday' to my dear friend Karen, who is preparing to travel to Japan for about 3 months to be a missionary. Now, Karen is probably one of the most interesting friends I have. A graduate of Messiah College in 07', I often think of Karen as a wandering spirit. Upon graduation, Karen decided that God was calling her to the missions field- and she prepared to travel to Honduras with a small group. She spent a couple months training in Harrisburg--learning what she would be doing & about the customs of Honduras--and then went to Honduras for about nine months. She has since made two trips back--once to lead a missions group on her own, and once to meet her boyfriend, Mike, whom she met on her first trip down--and now is making the treck to Japan, where she spent a semester abroad in college.

Karen's trip to Japan will not be as much of a structured missionary like as in Honduras- she will be teaching English to Japanese students, and has recently been taking classes on HOW to teach. I'm linking Karen's blog today because I KNOW I am excited to hear what she will be doing in Japan, and I want YOU to be excited about it too! It's important that as Christians, we support our friends in their endeavors- and if you've ever attended a Christian Endeavor event, I'm sure you've met Karen, or her sister Beth. (They're just fabulous people- but I AM slightly biased!)

Not only that, but Karen writes extremely detailed emails, which she will now be doing on the blog, so I encourage you to check it out often. When she was in Honduras, I learned SO MUCH about the culture, the people she was helping, etc- I know this time will be just as informative! So check out Karen's blog--it will be on the list that's on the right hand side of this blog, where I post all the blogs & websites I recommend each Wednesday--and let's learn about her trips together, okay?

I've got a few other blogs I'd like to recommend to you today, but I forgot my list next to my personal computer at home. I'll link them later on tonight, hopefully. While you're waiting, I'd like to hear your recommendations. What site to you automatically turn every day? I know I check Facebook every morning, sometimes before I check the weather or do my devos. (Shameful, I know. But I'm all about honestly, people!) What abouut you?

Leave me a comment & let me know. :)

Word in Action, part two

Hey everyone! Yes, it's true- a day TWO update on Word in Action- but it was THAT GREAT of an event that you should be hearing about it twice in two days! Our friends at the Word FM posted some pictures on their website- so make sure you click on over to see what all we did in Allentown this past Saturday. Truely, I'm still reeling from what a fantastic day it was - if you weren't there, you definitely missed out. (But don't worry too much- we'll be sure to do it again).

In other CE news, if you haven't signed up yet for this fall's free workshop, "The Five Youth Ministry Trends that are Killing the Church," there's still three more nights that you can come and hear Dave Coryell speak: tonight at Indian Valley Mennonite Church in Harleysville, next Tuesday (9/30) @ Ephrata Methodist Church in Ephrata, and the following tuesday (10/7) @ New Life Fellowship Church in Glassboro, NJ. If you live near these churches, I highly encourage you to give less than two hours to hear this phenomenal presentation on what our youth ministries are doing that SEEM good, but are really just hurting the church. Come find out WHAT you, AND Christian Endeavor, can do to make these trends disappear. I haven't been to a workshop yet, but I did a lot of research for Dave, so TRUST me when I say that you shouldn't miss these nights! (Plus, I hear there have been giveaways, prizes, & packets of information about CE given out- sure, stuff you can get online- but have you ever really had the chance to meet & mingle with Dave &/or some of the rest of the staff? If the answer is no, then you should check one of these nights out.) But that's just my humble opinion- straight from the Intern's mouth, that is! Here's what one pleased individual had to say about last week's workshop:
I have always told my fellow counselors, don't worry, they are listening...but frankly I'm not sure I truly believed that until your workshop! I think I can be much more laid back now, and focus on what's truly important.

"I have always told my fellow counselors, don't worry, they are listening...but frankly I'm not sure I truly believed that until your workshop! I think I can be much more laid back now, and focus on what's truly important."


In other news, Sam has recently been working on the website, trying to bring us up to speed with all things Internet- and I've gotta say, the hard work has paid off! What do you think? We've begun to list upcoming events for other churches and organizations who are both independant and cohesively tied to CE- does your group have an upcoming event you think we should post? Leave a comment here or send me an email (lstauffer@pachristianendeavor.org) and we'll work on that. We really want to be a place where you can come for updated information & events YOU want to participate in- help us help you better by giving us the info we all will need.

Enjoy today!

Word in Action recap... part one!

Good morning! So my adventures in live-blogging didn't turn our as fruitful as I would have expected last week, but I attribute the lack in blogging on Saturday to the fact that we were all SO BUSY all day! By far, Saturday's Word in Action day was one of the most uplifting work camps I have been to- and I've been to my fair share of work camps. While it was a long day for many of us, being in Allentown with the generous people who came to participate really gave me some perspective on what I'm doing here at Christian Endeavor.

It has been really easy for me to get comfortable and almost lacksidasical, sitting in the office and doing work here. While I'm often logging 40-45 hours/ week of work, it's work that is in preparation for next year's events, or research for workshops, or even updating the blog. All REALLY good things for me to do (and things that I LOVE, because like I mentioned earlier, writing and talking are my THINGS!) but it is so easy to lose perspective on why Christian Endeavor is such a GREAT organization. Often, in the past week, I would find myself searching so much for something to say on this blog- not that there isn't tons of things coming up for CE that I could promote, but I had felt like I already had said everything that was needed. You can only promote something from one angle for so long; which is why EVEN when Colleen told me I'd have to be in Allentown by 7am on Saturday, I knew I had to be there. If not for my fellow co-workers, but so I could again understand what I was working so hard for in the office.

Today marks 6 weeks for me of being 'the intern,' and this past weekend was just the PUSH I needed to make me realize exactly why I need to continue working as hard as I do. It was such an encouragement to be able to see all three work sites on Saturday; I've never been in the position to see first-hand the work at more than one campsite go from start to finish, but what a unique and transforming experience. The three women whose houses we worked on--Rosa, Sharon, and Gina--were not only welcoming with such Christian love (and TONS of food!) but really upheld such gratitude for the teens and adults who were there to help them. God's love was so apparent in Allentown on Saturday- I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

I'll be updating this week with individual stories about what happened, but for now, check out some pictures I took with my phone throughout the day. I got to hang out and take video while my new friend Emily, from the Word FM's Morning Show took pictures- so for now these pictures will have to do until we get the rest! (PS: Can I tell you how awesome the people at the Word FM are? Seriously- so dedicated and genuine, and willing to help out anywhere when needed. We were so lucky to have them be co-sponsors, and I can't wait until the next time we do this! Check them out Emily & Dave's Morning Show, 6-9am on weekdays- I know I will!)

Assembling siding on the roof of Gina's porch.

More siding at Gina's.

Pulling weeds & painting @ Sharon's.

word in action day!

Hey friends! I'm here at New Bethany Church in Allentown today for the first ever 'Word in Action,' with our cosponsers, the Word FM. I've been riding around & traveling to the three different campsites with Emily, one of the Word FM's morning show dj's, and what a fun morning it has been! The three different places we've been to are filled with some hard working people and giving homeowners.

I'll check in later--hopefully with pictures, I'm trying to figure that out!--but for now, I'm off to help make lunch and take morw video!

Ciao!

Friday adventures

Hi everyone! Just wanted to check in real quickly as the past two days have been crazy busy for me! How has your day been? I'm currently sitting in Barnes & Noble, sipping a passion fruit iced tea from Starbucks (tried it once because its pink and now I'm hooked!) And waiting to take the drive to my school for my last class of the week. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but along with this Internship, I also have a Spanish class & Professional Seminar class to pass before I'm officially a college grad. So hola, como te llamas? :) (seriously- I may be in Spanish4 but my understanding level is at a 4YEAROLD'S.) So needless to say, this week has been nutty- I'm sick of driving?

But I AM excited for this weekend, specifically tomorrow. I'm headed to Allentown to take part in the CE / Word FM 'Word in Action' day, and I'm taking the blog with me! Okay, not really the actual blog, per-say, but I'm taking my phone and will be live blogging from the site. I'll hopefully be able to post some pictures and videos tomorrow, and of course I'll give you all the full update on Monday morning! I'm so excited to see what God's gonna do in Allentown tomorrow- are you?

Join me in prayer tonight and tomorrow for this exciting event- and stay tuned!

:)

Friday adventures

Hi everyone! Just wanted to check in real quickly as the past two days have been crazy busy for me! How has your day been? I'm currently sitting in Barnes & Noble, sipping a passion fruit iced tea from Starbucks (tried it once because its pink and now I'm hooked!) And waiting to take the drive to my school for my last class of the week. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but along with this Internship, I also have a Spanish class & Professional Seminar class to pass before I'm officially a college grad. So hola, como te llamas? :) (seriously- I may be in Spanish4 but my understanding level is at a 4YEAROLD'S.) So needless to say, this week has been nutty- I'm sick of driving?

But I AM excited for this weekend, specifically tomorrow. I'm headed to Allentown to take part in the CE / Word FM 'Word in Action' day, and I'm taking the blog with me! Okay, not really the actual blog, per-say, but I'm taking my phone and will be live blogging from the site. I'll hopefully be able to post some pictures and videos tomorrow, and of course I'll give you all the full update on Monday morning! I'm so excited to see what God's gonna do in Allentown tomorrow- are you?

Join me in prayer tonight and tomorrow for this exciting event- and stay tuned!

:)

Check it out!

Ugh; gross. Look what's right outside my window:

Stink bugs are invading!

Oh man- you can definitely tell I took that from my Blackberry- so fuzzy. But CAN YOU SEE this icky little thing? These bad boys seem to have made a last stand before the first frost, and I am NOT a fan. Luckily for this guy, he's outside & I'm inside.

In other news, I've got a great blog today that I think EVERYONE will enjoy. I've been reading this author's blog for awhile (one of those I found lurking throughout the blogosphere) and I always feel so inspired to be more in tune to both secular and Christian culture after I read it. Matthew Paul Turner is the former editor of CCM Magazine (LOVED that when I was in jr high/high school!) and now is an established writer. If you've never read The Christian Culture Survival Guide, you should check it out- it's ridiculously funny with some great topics. (My copy is laying around Steve's place, so if you want to borrow it just let me know!)

Matthew's newest book comes out in just a few weeks--October 7--and I am so pleased to annouce that this blog will be participating in a blog tour of his new book! I encourage you to check out Matthew's blog and listen to his musings on both Christian & secular life; lately he's had some pretty great conversations about Election 2008- so if you're Republican, Democrat, Independant, or neither (although I hope you're registered to vote!) this website will definitely garner some great spaces for intellectual thought. Plus, his new baby, Elias, is supercute, and his wife, Jessica, is a crafty scrapbooker- so check her out too. (You just got two website reviews in one day. YOU'RE WELCOME) :)

I am finding that the best part of updating this blog each week is when I get to tell you about other great blogs I enjoy. Some are intellectual, some are silly, and you know what? Eventually I'm going to tell you about a blog that's nonChristian. But for me, they're all really important to me in some way, so I like to pass that on to you. It's also nice for me to see what I read, and I loooove passing on websites and blogs that others (like my coworkers) suggest to me. We NEVER stop learning- from experience, other people, and life in general- so I want to pass that love of life onto you. Jump on, folks- it's gonna be an interesting ride! :)

In the first or second week of October, I'll be giving a review of Matthew's new book, churched, and also offering a giveaway for another hardback copy of his book! We haven't decided how we'll give it away yet- but chances are if you comment ever on the blog, you'll stand a pretty good chance!

How's everyone doing with goodsearch? I faltered a bit last week, but I'm back on the goodsearch wagon! Tell me: what is the thing you read for the most online?

As always, feel free to leave me a comment with the website you just can't go without. Make sure you check to the right of these postings- every Wednesday I'll update with new websites I review!

$aving money?

I have recently been on a cheap coffee kick. My l-o-v-e of coffe is nothing new; it is my vice of choice and I'm not ashamed to admit I need a cup (or three) to get me started in the morning. And one in the afternoon for the two-o-clock blues. And preferably one at dinner; decaf, though, cause I'll be up all night! :) It's not just the caffeine, I love everything about coffee- the smell, the warmth, the flavors... I can have as many varieties of coffee as icecream (including coffee icecream!).

I could sing the wonders of coffee all day long, but you know what I can't sing the wonders of? THE PRICE. I worked at a coffee shop during my previous year at college, and that's where I credit my eyes being awakened to the gloriousness that is expensive, albeit confusing, and the many concoctions that are coffee. Latte, cappucino, espresso, fresh ground, etc- I love em' all. And during working hours? FREE. Non-working hours? HALF PRICED. Not bad, for a starvin' college student.

My wallet began to take a hit this summer as I no longer worked at the Cafe but still craved coffee, so I started to detox and cut back- somewhat. And to clarify, I'd drink my parents' brew and MAYBE buy one cup a week- progress, but still spending my hard-earned $$ at overpriced (but wonderful) coffee shacks. Now that I am working again, I do have a little extra spending money- but I'm still not making enough to spend $2-4/day on coffee. (for ONE cup- I KNOW RIGHT?!). Thus, cheap(er) coffee.

I enjoy paying $1.06 for a cup of coffee in the morning- a cup of coffee that is surprisingly hot & delicious. (Count the number of times I said delicious in this post, I dare you- my adjectives this morning are astoundingly diverse.) I can justify spending that money- especially when I can pay for coffee with change. Yep, I'm that girl in the drivethru- and why shouldn't I be? I'm not ashamed to save my dollar bills for more important things. (Like shoes. Shoes are always more important than coffee.)

What I don't enjoy is the lack of interaction with the people at McDonald's as opposed to the barista (read: fancy name for 'coffee maker') at other coffee establishments. I enjoy being asked how I'm doing, the joys of conversation, and being asked if I'd like anything else. I LOVE one-on-one interaction; I thrive on being near people, and when I get my $1.06 cup of joe, there is a lack of said social gatherings. I am a number, not a valued customer. But I'm cool with that- I'm taking that extra money and banking it for the future, my friends. I can deal with a little less customer service and save money! (I AM Pennsylvania Dutch- saving is in my blood).

So tell me... what do you sacrifice to save a little extra $$ here or there?

If I had a hammer...

So today I've been working on a cool new document for Christian Endeavor called a Case Statement. What this is, basically, is a packet of information about CE & its goals, mission, future plans, & needs. It is interesting to me to compile this information for many different reasons: one, I get to learn more about CE, which is an organization I've been involved with since I've been 12 but never really learned the history of, and two, I enjoy writing, so this is a joy to me. It has taken me a couple of weeks to find the time to actually prepare a rough draft of sorts, so today I found myself on kind of a roll when writing all these things down.

One of the most interesting parts of the Case Statement will be the part that lists our major needs. At our staff meeting last Tuesday, we spent some of the time 'brainstorming' the 'If I had a million dollars' question. Don't you just love that question? To me, there's a difference in being greedy and wishing you had a million dollars for yourself, and wishing you had a million dollars to spend on an organization you really believe in. We had some pretty cool items on the list by the end of the day (check back in a few weeks when this document is done & I'll post a link to the pdf format, okay?), and that list is now permanently in my notebook, as an encouragement to where we see Christian Endeavor going.

Sure, some of the things might be more valuable to our personal needs, but I feel in my heart that there is this great movement growing within this tiny office, and in the hearts of people like you & me who have ever been encouraged by CE. The vision that CE upholds is grounded in something that spreads across all denominations: turning youth into engaged leaders one church at a time- because Christ demands us to share our great news with others.

This morning as I was doing my devotions, I was reading in Ephesians and these verses just stuck out at me so distinctly:

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."

It's really nice to be able to get the stuff we need to continue with our mission; sometimes, like equipment or volunteers, it's even necessary. But the most powerful way YOU can be of service to CE? Prayer. Pray and see where God is leading you; whether it be in the fall, winter, spring, or summer, it is a rarity when your experience, ability, talent, or volunteer hours are not needed. The only way for you to know what God is really telling you is to be in prayer, faithfully, and listen. (Yeah, I have a hard time with that last one, too.)

I encourage you to be in prayer with me as Christian Endeavor- Mid Atlantic begins to make some changes. And while you're at it... have you signed up for a Fall or Spring work camp yet? Today is the LAST DAY for Fall work camp participants... leave me a comment if you need more information, or check us out on the web.

Raining cats & dogs

Whew- anybody else know it was going to rain? I feel like I've been sequestered under a rock for the past week; like many of us do, I tend to 'overschedule,' which means sometimes important things--like national news--and unimportant things--like the weather--get lost to me. Thankfully, here in Pennsylvania it seems we are still in need of rain, as everyday I drive by at least two or three cornfields and see brown, dry, sad corn! Unfortunately for our friends down South in places like Texas and Louisiana, they are not just experiencing a wet day- it's a full-fledged rain out. In situations like this, I always think back to the summers I participated in Work Camp as a teen. While we never traveled as far as Texas or Louisiana, I remember my first Work Camp ever when we traveled to North Carolina.

Ever have an image, or smell, that just stays with you? Well, I can vividly remember my first Work Camp experience; the first time my group stepped on a work site, we were met with the most obtrusive smell. Coming from a background where the most disgusting smell I experienced was garbage, this was somewhat of a shock for me. As my group entered the house where we would be working out, we took a preliminary tour to see what we would be doing. As we walked over warped pieces of linoleum and what used to be the family's living room, I was shocked that something so natural could produce such devastating effects. Until that point, the most devastation I had seen was after a tornado hit the town next to mine; seeing the loss of personal possessions was a reality check for me.

Our job that week consisted of a lot of demolition and throwing away of old, molded 'things.' The smell we encountered was the effect of this family's stuff sitting in water for many months; they didn't have the ability, or money, to clean it up, so it just sat there in their old house while they lived in a trailer thirty feet away. I could only imagine how it felt to look upon the house you lived in for many years, unable to fix it or salvage personal possessions. We picked through teddy bears, photographs, rusted jewelry, clothes, even school supplies and bicycles. Their entire house was gutted, and at the end of the week we left knowing someone else would be coming to put the pieces back together, but still unsettled that we couldn't do more.

The most amazing thing I can remember from my first week of a Christian Endeavor work camp was the amazing spirit that this family had. The family consisted of a mother and her three sons--ranging in age from 17 to 3, and there was this incredible sense of purpose from within them. There was no pity parties--although who else is more worthy of sadness than a person without a home?--just matter-of-fact living. The fact that this family lived next to a perpetual stinking & rotting house was overshadowed by the fact that someone had come to help them. And that someone, that week, was part me.

It is often too easy for us to forget about these transforming moments in our lives. And it is so easy to get caught up in summertime activities that are so good for us to do--like Work Camp and Summer Assembly--and then go home and forget about it. We're all guilty of it--I'm raising my hand very high here, too!--but as Christians, its something we must strive to never forget.

That's why I'm so excited that Christian Endeavor has expanded their work camp efforts for young adults in the fall and during many school's spring breaks. Often, we break up our lives into segmented activites: school, summer, friends, church, family, etc. But why can't your summer life mesh into school time?

It might not be Texas, but there's plenty of poverty and devastation in other places in the United States, and where there's a will, Christian Endeavor will find a way.

So tell me... what is your most memorable Work Camp moment?

Feelin' fall

This morning as I woke up and took my dog out on one of our (almost) daily morning walks, I quickly backtracked into the house for... a sweatshirt! Fall is ALMOST here, and I am so loving this weather! I absolutely love everything that comes with fall: the leaves, chilly crisp days, the FOOD--c'mon, who can pass up kettle corn and caramel apples and apples apples apples EVERYTHING?--and most importantly, getting back that hour of sleep that spring stole from us. :) I enjoy living in an area that is blessed with four distinct seasons, but fall is my absolute favorite. That I am going to be moving to the Lancaster area in about six weeks is just icing on the cake- bring on the corn mazes and yummy fall produce!

Thinking about the fall also got me thinking about the upcoming workshops CE is holding, starting (get this!) NEXT WEEK! I know, right? Don't forget to get signed up if you want to learn the five youth trends that are killing the church; believe me, this is like NOTHING you've ever heard or read about. This will be one of the most groundbreaking workshops you've probably been to, and I'm so thrilled for people to hear about it! Don't worry, at the beginning of October we'll post what those five youth trends are so everyone can hear about them, but wouldn't it be great for you to hear it in person? I know I'm a total visual-auditory learner, and love the aspect of interaction within workshops. Where ELSE can you sit uninterrupted for LESS than two hours and learn FIVE great facts about youth ministry? I encourage youth to bring their youth leaders, youth leaders to bring along their Ministry Councils, and Ministry Councils to bring their youth; everyone will benefit from this workshop- I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't stand by it 100%, just like my website or book reviews.

So... call 610 369 0207 or email us at pace@pachristianendeavor.org to get signed up. You can also check our website, at www.pachristianendeavor.org for more information.

But tell me... what are you most looking forward to doing this fall? I've listed all the fall activities I'm pumped about, but I've got to be honest, there's one that tops the rest: I'm marrying the greatest man in the world at the end of October, which is the sweetest treat I need for fall! (Yep- c-o-r-n-y, you can say it- but it's true!) Leave me a comment & let me know what you love about fall the best!

Just a little review..

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday! Today has been long for some reason; how about a website review to boost your spirits?

Today's website that I'm love love loving will definitely make you laugh, think, and talk about the different topics listed. Blogger Jon has taken Christian culture to an all new height in his introspective, and hilariously sarcastic, website Stuff Christians Like. I randomly came across this site a couple months ago, and have been a loyal reader since; literally, there is almost NEVER a day that I don't quote something from this site! I honest to goodness recommend this site to anyone I come across (just the other day I told the cashier at Target because she was 'having a bad day'- yep, I'm that girl) and it's really just a fun site to read about how crazy Christian culture has gotten.

The lead blogger, Jon, also writes two other blogs that are really great & you should check out as well; I'm not going to link them here, however- you've gotta head to the web & find it from his site! (It's that good I promise!)

And tell me...

What's your favorite website--Christian OR nonChristian--that you can't go a day without checking? Leave a comment & let me know!

Welcome to the Family!

We'd like to introduce the newest member to the Christian Endeavor- Mid Atlantic family!

Jocelyn Donna

daughter of Mark & Jill

This cute little peanut joined Mark, our awesome Work Camp director, and his wonderful wife Jill this past Wednesday (9/3) @ 12:37 am. She's a tiny one- weighing in at 5 lbs & 14 oz, although Mark told us today at our staff meeting that she did gain some weight since then. We are proud to welcome Jocelyn into our Christian Endeavor family, and are praying for Mark & Jill as their family grows! (Also, don't you just dig the green barrette in her hair already? So fashion forward and not even a week old!) :)

There's the new dad & Sam; earlier today @ our staff meeting

Have you ever met Dave, our Executive Director?

I was totally 'that girl' today at our meeting and took pictures of people eating; I'd like to refer to them as 'candid.'

Either way- back to the meeting; catch you guys later!

Check it out!

Dave was featured in this month's GROUP Magazine with an article he'd written about the benefits of outsourcing within ministry. It's SUCH a good article that while I'll link it through here (and a couple other places above), I'll also copy & paste it at the bottom so you can see it here. I really enjoyed reading this article when Sam's print copy came in last week-while I'd never really heard of GROUP before (when others around the office had mentioned them, I politely smiled & did the 'sure I know what you're talking about nod' that actually means 'I have no idea but don't want to be the only one not knowing.' Know what I mean?) but I was pleasantly surprised at what a great magazine & resource it was. So go ahead, check it out- but remember, if you're looking for outsourcing opportunities around here, Christian Endeavor-Mid Atlantic is the perfect spot for your youth or young adult group. Not only our the work camps we offer FABULOUS (absolutely not an exaggeration!) but our summer camp/conference is legendary. We'd love to see you around this summer, or even in the next few weeks for some FREE workshops or a Fall Workcamp- will you be there?

The glory of owning your limitations and partnering with other ministries that have strengths where you’re...weak.How long before everything—everything—is outsourced? I just called the store we bought our microwave from and spent half my time talking to a service rep in Manila! And McDonald’s is already testing outsourced operators for its drive-through windows. I don’t understand all the ins and outs of the global economy, but I do know that outsourcing is a great option for youth ministries. Reasons? I’ve got three of them.
Reason #1Leverage Your Limited Skills. Outsourcing is biblical...no, really it is. In Romans 12:4-6 Paul explains that we’re “one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” We’re all part of a bigger whole, and God is not expecting us to master every talent, every gift, or every resource. In fact, he made sure we’d have to be dependent on one another.Ministry outsourcing means you proactively connect with other churches or organizations. One church might have a counseling ministry for teenagers, another might have a gymnasium, and still another might have a curriculum or program that would work great in your ministry. In my own ministry I’ve outsourced often—from borrowing tech equipment to inviting churches to join us for our annual retreat. Instead of seeing others’ ministries as walled fortresses, look past the moat and through the drawbridge gate and you’ll see lots of resources that would help your ministry. When you connect to the strengths of others, you’re living as a mutually honoring, gifted body.
Reason #2 Leverage Your Limited Time. When I started in youth ministry 15 years ago, I spent zero time online, made most of my ministry phone calls from the church office, and received a few fliers a month about area events targeted for Christian teenagers. Today I spend several hours each week on email and even more online—checking everything from news to youth culture updates. I make phone calls from everywhere using my cell phone, and I could wallpaper my office each week with the number of youth ministry fliers I receive. My time is squeezed! Even churches with paid youth workers struggle to plan and implement their youth programs without burning people out. Really large churches answer this need by hiring more and more staff. Meanwhile, smaller churches dream of adding their first part-time or full-time youth worker. Conventional wisdom has taught us that money and staff buy an effective youth program. My answer? While you’re waiting on God for the resources to expand your ministry, outsource! You want to go on a retreat? Connect with churches or organizations that will handle the programming load. Missions trip? Find a ministry that will take care of the details for you, except transportation. 1 These options may cost slightly more, but in return you’ll gain dozens of hours that you can invest in serving your young people, adult youth staff, and your own family. Outsourcing provides support for what you don’t have to do so you have the time and resources to give your kids what only you can give.
Reason #3 Cut Your Ego Off at the Pass. Most of us will never admit a dirty little secret in ministry—we don’t want others to help us. We want to build the best disciple-making ministry in our community, draw the largest numbers, and do it on our own. Simply put, we need to repent of our desire to seek help only when we’re unable to care for a need ourselves. In ministry there’s a constant pressure to perform, produce, and prosper. Years ago when I was serving a small urban church, we didn’t have the resources to pull together exciting larger events that could attract teenagers. So I connected with three churches larger than mine, built relationships with the youth workers, and together we started offering two outreach events a year for our kids. I eventually moved to the town where most of my family was living and found a new position serving a larger church. I decided I would never forget what it was like to serve in a small church. So I regularly called smaller churches and invited them to help plan, attend, and staff our annual retreats, trips to music festivals, and concerts. We also outsourced training, curriculum, and various programs that we never could have pulled off on our own. These steps made ministry more fun and much more effective than if we had tried to do everything on our own. In 1 Peter 5:5 the apostle encourages us to live with an outsourcing mentality: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”I believe the strongest youth ministries will always be those that embrace outsourcing as a central ministry principle. 2 Whether our ministries are big or small, we need creative ways to ease our time crunch while continuing to strengthen and develop the ministries in our churches. Outsource or die! What’s your choice?
Group Workcamps are a great example of this idea. The same people who bring you group Magazine, the National Youth Ministry Conference, the Live Bible, and so much more are doing all the legwork and creative planning to give youth workers a turnkey missions experience. All you have to do is show up ready to work, play, and grow, leaving you so much more space to do what only you can do—pour into your kids. For more on Group’s workcamps, go to groupworkcamps.com.
Is your ministry a practicing “outsourcer”? I’d love to hear your story. Send it to me at pace@pachristianendeavor.org. Dave is a longtime youth pastor who’s now executive director of Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor. He lives in Pennsylvania.

Tour

Welcome to Christian Endeavor- Mid Atlantic!

This is the sign that's outside our office. It may look like it's hidden by tree branches & leaves, but it's actually quite visible from the road. Notice it's our old name, but it's still us!

The front doors (yep, that's me in the reflection. Nice to meet you, too. :) ) As you can see, we work in an office that's been converted from an old house. When you walk in the doors, you can either turn left and walk up some steps to get to other offices, walk straight back to storage, or look to your left and see Colleen.

This is Colleen's desk; normally she'd be here to greet you, but she's upstairs getting some paperwork. This picture does Colleen's ability for attention to detail no justice; I'd be lost here without her organization. You can't see it from the picture, but this area is also filled with tons of upcoming CE information- kind of like our website, but in person. So if you're ever in the Berks County area, stop by and grab some material. Of course, we'd be more than happy to send you information- or as always, you can check out the web & print it on your own time.

When you receive postcards & Youth Today in the mail, this is where they are assembled first. I'd say something cliche about 'all the magic happening here,' but well... it's paper being put together- thrilling, huh? :)

Storage & all things Work Camp, Summer Assembly, etc. You should see this place about May-early June.. organized chaos!

Meet Sam. Here he is working diligently in his office (I swear this picture is not posed!)

Here's Colleen! Normally located front & center downstairs, she's taking a break to do some paperwork at the upstairs Board table. (The chairs are super comfortable)

The "big office." This would be where Dave would be if he worked from the office, but he works from his home most days.

My office! (Notice the messy desk!) :) You can't really see it here, but there are no windows in this room- hence it affectionately being called 'the dungeon.' This intern's not complaining- I'm happy for a place to put my stuff!

My new office & desk; if it looks like I just picked up all my stuff and put it onto a different desk, that's basically what happened. We had a power outage & my office didn't have any light; so I moved on up to an office with windows! Unfortunately, my desk stayed just as messy.

I took this picture @ 8am. So GOOD MORNING, nice to meet you- please excuse the glasses glare- Annie Lebowitz I am not.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.. check back next week for our first Interview installment from staffers, pictures from our September staff meeting, Imagine the Impact updates, and the picture of our newest staff member!

Website Wednesday

I am a person who loves alliteration. I love when you say two words that begin with the same letter, it just seems to roll off the tip of your tongue. I'm a word-nerd, what can I say? What I lack in knowledge of math and science, I make up for in talking and writing. Hence my major: what other way can I spend my life doing the things I love best? Yes, Professional Writing & Public Relations cast their spell on me early in life, and while I never earned my street cred through selling Girl Scout cookies (public relations at its best, eh?), I have always enjoyed learning from others, especially about things I already enjoy.

That being said, I'd like to let you in on some resources I've found on my many hours at the computer. I've been doing research for Dave about CE's upcoming free workshops ("Five Youth Ministry Trends that are Killing the Church"-- are you signed up yet? You should be- it is going to be so informative and different from anything else you've ever heard about youth ministry- promise.) and I've been finding a bunch of great sites I think you should check out. Some I've found on my own--quite randomly, but precious pearls within the often murky Internet--others I've had the pleasure of learning about through my new co-workers, and even others I've had recommended to me by other bloggers.

With that being said, I offer these from my humble opinion only. If it's endorsed by Christian Endeavor, I will make that point loud and clear. All others? They're straight from this Intern's mouth; be prepared for some great websites, all tried & tested--organic, free-range, & animal-testing free, mind you--by me. :)

Today to get things started, I'm just going to post a few links to sites suggested to me by Dave. These sites are all excellent tools that you can use to learn more about student leadership, youth ministry, and of course, relevant culture. Take a peek & let me know which you liked, okay?:

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (cpyu.org): I've been checking out Walt Mueller's blog for the past couple of days (including his archives) and I am so impressed with the quality material he, and this website, produces. I love when Christian organizations take a hands-on approach to teaching about youth by including youth, especially when it comes to the culture we live in- both secular and Christian. If you are looking for any sort of resources, check this place out first- you're bound to find something helpful.

The Source For Youth Ministry (thesource4ym.com): A great place to go for up-to-date culture. This website showcases movie & music reviews, a daily blog from Jonathan, the guy behind it all, and even has a place where you can find recommended speakers, trainers, and bands. Not to mention a plethora of links for OTHER great sites you should check out.

Check back here tomorrow, when we introduce the first edition of 'Meet the Staff.'

Whose Losing Who?

Hey guys, welcome back! I hope everyone had as relaxing a weekend as I did. Despite the fact that I had to sneak in some wedding planning in the afternoons, I was able to relax and recharge my batteries for the coming months of school, work, and whatever I choose to throw on my plate. These holiday weekends are good for me, because I tend to run myself just like the Verizon guy told me to run the battery on my new phone last week: "don't forget to run it to almost empty the first couple of times you use it and then charge it!" The people at the Verizon store, or any cell phone store for that matter, are speaking the truth: most batteries run best when every couple of weeks, the user lets the battery run to empty, and then recharges. Doing this avoids something called the 'memory effect,' which is when your battery forgets about the other 50% of itself when the user constantly recharges its batteries after minimal use. The energy within people and within batteries is certainly different, but the act of recharging is the same; both entities would be nowhere without a little TLC.

As active participants in our crazy world, it is sometimes difficult to find that extra time for personal maintence. Have you ever been so busy that you've forgotten to eat? What about rushing around so much that you lose your keys or wallet- only to look down and realize they are still in your hand? This summer I was so busy taking classes that I left my thumb drive in a computer at my college's library- only to realize two hours after the fact, never to see my drive again! The littlest things in life cause us to evaluate our activity level; at times, we need to just stop and take some time for reflecting with God.

This past weekend Dave & Sam had the chance to take a group of teens and adults on the first weekend away for the inagural Imagine the Impact class. As CE- Mid Atlantic's goals for student leadership increase, so does our awareness that said leaders need time away for reflection, and in the case of the ItI class, to gear up for what promises to be an exciting year. I haven't had the chance to sit down with Dave or Sam yet and talk about how the weekend went, but I'm thrilled to be able to do that soon, and when I do, I'll be sure to pass that info along!

Take some time to recharge your batteries with God this week, especially if you're continuously running yourself down to empty. Together, let's practice being intentional in our desire to pour more of that battery power into being a disciple for Christ.