GFC Student Ministry

Snow Days

2009-01-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

This is just an update for tomorrow's youth and for the record. Tomorrow we are anticipating some bad winter weather, so here is the gameplan on how things work.

If Carroll County Public Schools are closed or have an early dismissal, we will NOT be having Ignite/Outbreak Youth wednesday night.

If Carroll County Public Schools are 2 hours late or open- we will play it by ear and let students know by 12:00pm.

If you have any questions, feel free to call any of the youth leader's numbers, but mine specifically if you don't have one- it's 410-244-7004. Or email me at Scott.robertson.2@gmail.com.

Thanks so much! Hope to see you at our super bowl bash on sunday!

Super Bowl Bash
Where: GFC Basement
When: we'll be there all day, we could use help with setup and such! But show up around 5 for most. We will also have video games and snacks available as if we were having a regular youth night in case you're not interested in the game.

~Scott

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

2008-09-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents of Grace Fellowship Chapel,

The Bible is clear that our lives have seasons. I have only been through a few seasons in my short life, but one of the best is coming to an end. I recently accepted a full-time Youth and Young Adult Pastor position at another church in Frederick. I can honestly say that this was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. I did not make it lightly. It was only after a lot of prayer and thought did I move in this new direction. I know God is calling me to this new congregation for a reason, and I want to obey that call on my life.

Just to make a few things clear. This decision did not have anything to do with Grace Fellowship Chapel. I love this church, and I love the people here. Deeply. That does not change. In fact, my love for you is what made this so difficult. I am sure Paul loved the churches he helped build, but still understood God was calling him to other ministries. One thing God has taught me in this is that he does not call us to make easy decisions. Instead, he calls us to make the right decisions—the decisions that fulfill His will on earth as it is in heaven. And sometimes they are tough. It has been my prayer that despite the difficulty of this decision God will use it build up the Church.

Let’s all pray the students continue to follow Him passionately, and pray we can do the same in our lives.

With much love,

Kevin Syes

Power Lab!

2008-07-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Last week was a lot of fun. It was pretty hard to miss at GFC, but if you somehow weren't around, this past week was Vacation Bible School. The theme this year was Power Lab. I had the honor of leading a group of eight 5th and 6th graders all week--the oldest students at camp. It was a blast! Not only did I get to connect with some students that are coming into the youth ministry this year that I hadn't met yet, but I also was able to be with a ton of high school students who were giving their time to help out all week long. The support from the high schoolers was really great--you all always blow me away! Thanks to everyone that helped!

~ Kevin Syes

Summmmer update

2008-07-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

Its been a fun summer, and its a little crazy to think we are already well into July! But the summer isn't over yet. First, we have one more block party coming up early next month. The last one was a blast. We had hotdogs, played football, and just enjoyed a beautiful day. Don't miss the next one coming up!

Also, Student Life camp is just around the corner!

Contagious Worship

2008-05-02T06:29:00.001-07:00

God moved in a powerful way this weekend at Journey. Lives were changed and we worshiped like we had never worshiped before. It was fantastic. The students involved in that weekend put together the pictured worship time themselves. It was their idea. They called the shots on most of the night. And it gets me so excited I can't contain myself.

I invited some close friends, Ben and Amy, to come and experience the worship with the students this past week, and they sent me an email the next day. It was such an encouragement to me that I asked if they minded me putting it on the blog. Check it out...
--------------------------------------------------
Kevin,

We were blown away by the youth group tonight. We had never seen so many students so passionately on fire for the Lord. It's evident to us all the leaders have a passion they shared with the youth. Worship was amazing. We have never seen these same students worship like they did tonight in church. It felt safe. The students were comfortable and were not troubled with what was going on around them (outside of worship). We enjoyed hearing stories of how God moved everyone on Saturday night. We were talking about how these students, in the not to distant future, are going to become our leaders. If they can keep the same passion we saw tonight: KAPOW! Awesomeness will happen.

Thanks for inviting us,
Ben & Amy
-----------------------------------------

Huge thanks to all the students that put their passion to work for an awesome night. Matt, you are amazing. Thanks for all your help with this and your hunger for the Lord. Also: Luke, Josh--it was so cool to see you put this together.

~Kevin Syes

Our one year journey

2008-04-29T14:13:00.001-07:00

I still have a lot of prayer and reflection to do before I write an entire entry on Journey08. God moved in a really powerful way at Journey this year and it deeply impacted me. As I have taken some time to reflect on this weekend, I have also taken some time to reflect on how far God has taken us this past year. To show this, I have put two photos below. One from Journey07 and one from this year, Journey 08. Wow.

Journey 2007

Just one year later...this year at Journey08. Praise God!

Journey 08

In one year God has doubled the number of high school students in this ministry. In one year.

Even more exciting than the number of students that came was the amount of passion on the weekend. Not only has God doubled the number of students involved, but has doubled the passion of those students as well. That was the most exciting thing for me. HUGE thanks to everyone that made God's work possible this weekend. Thank each one of you for being there for me this weekend and supporting me.

Wed Night: four twenty three

2008-04-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we began something new. We are giving a camera to one TruthAction student leader every week and allowing them to be the official photographer for that night. Last week Morgan did a fantastic job and took some really great shots, including the one above. Every Wednesday we are going to choose one photo to be the "Photo of the Week." The above picture is the first one! I love this picture because it shows a leader spending time with some students.

This past Wednesday was another big week for us! We had a lot of fun. Here are some other random shots from this past Wednesday--can you find me in the mass of people below?:~Kevin

Student Life Camp 2008

2008-04-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is a quick preview of what is in store for those of you coming on the Student Life Camp trip this year. More videos and helpful links regarding this trip for high school here and for middle school here.

As talked about before, this will be a service-oriented trip for high schoolers and more of a spiritual growth opportunity for middle school students.

Have you ever dreamed about an...

2008-04-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

Water. Sun. Sand. Most would agree that these are the three elements necessary in the equation for a fantastic summer. Who can resist the beach on a sunny day? In fact, we love these things so much that we often wish and fantasize about an “endless summer”--a summer where the waves are always perfect, the sun is always bright, and the sand never gets in the wrong crevasses. Songs have been written about this idea, movies have been made, and plenty of people have attempted to live this dream out. But do you really have to become a lifeguard in the Caribbean in order to live an “endless summer?”

Jesus gave us the secret to the truly endless summer. In fact, He talked about each one of these elements during his ministry. If we follow Jesus' lead, we end up with a life that is more fulfilling than any day on the beach.

God still surprises me

2008-04-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

As I was preparing for tonight, I was talking to a friend. I said to him "I am going to make more copies than I need, but doubt I will need them all." When I said this, I was doubting what God was going to do with tonight. You responded in a powerful way packing out my apartment again for TruthAction tonight. God surprised me again. It is truly amazing. NOTHING gets me more excited than seeing a group of students on fire to do something for the Kingdom, and that is what I saw tonight. Did anyone else have the feeling that we are on the verge of something really significant? I do.

Journey 08

2008-04-11T21:34:00.001-07:00

I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that we are running out of space on this trip. The good news is that we are running out of space on this trip. I am looking forward to an awesome time with everyone that comes out. It should be a blast. Check out this video to give you as sense of what the trip is like...

I could hardly sit still

2008-04-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

I was so excited driving home from Wednesday night yesterday--I could hardly sit still. You know why? Yesterday we had more students out on a Wednesday than ever before. That is because of what you, the students, have done. It is because you have been faithful to invite your friends. I just want to thank every one of you that brought out a friend that made last night as exciting as it was. I tried to get some pictures of everyone, but there was so many of you that I couldn't take one shot to fit everyone in!

I know things are a little tight right now on Wednesdays. Last night will be the last time we have to deal with the tight space we have had up until now. Exciting news: we will be opening even more of the basement for us to use from now on. That means putting out more seats and more tables too.

I just want to say I am proud of you all. I am proud of the leaders for all they have done to make this possible, and am proud of all the students that have made this one exciting year.

~Kevin

Chasing What?!

2008-03-23T17:05:00.001-07:00

It might sound counter-intuitive, but there is a lot to say for chasing lions in our lives. Often we live lesser lives than God calls us to. We let fear or doubt hold us back. This series is a call to live in light of the Biblical truth of who God is and what He frees us to do. Come this week to hear the last in this exciting series!

A New Journey

2008-03-20T18:54:00.001-07:00

All the high school students that were a part of our inaugural journey trip last year know what a great time it is. If you want to read about last years trip, then check the blog entry here. This year should be similar to last year, but with a few surprises mixed in. I have really been thinking and praying about the theme and talks for the trip. Let me just say I am excited about what God is going to do again this year.

Lets meet God in West Virginia...

NOOO! Outbreak/Ignite Wednesday is cancelled!

2008-02-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

I told this kid here that we were canceling Wednesday night tonight. He was kinda upset as you can see. I know; I am sure you are just as sad. Its OK. Take a deep breath and remember that we will be back at it the 27th--just two weeks!

I am from Pittsburgh. We don't cancel things there. We put chains on our tires or get in our snowmobiles and go! But I understand its different here in Maryland. So, take a break tonight.

Remember though: NEXT WEDNESDAY begins Truth Action!

lights, camera...

2008-02-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Where: Kevin and Laura's apartment--215 Westminster Ave, Floor 2, Westminster, MD
When: February 20th 7-8:45 pm
Who: All middle and high school students interested in serving

We are primed and set to kick-start a brand new program in a few short weeks. Truth.Action student leadership is a monthly program designed with the purpose of getting students to put the Truth they have learned into action. Students will be encouraged to be positive influences and leaders in all of their environments--school, sports teams, in their neighborhoods! There will also be opportunities for students to be a part of creating our Wednesday night event and get deeper in their faith than we do on Wednesdays. This first meeting will be mainly informational about what we will be doing.

If you want to be part of the group that takes the Truth, and put it into action, then I look forward to seeing you on February 20th. God bless!

Jump

2008-01-15T14:25:00.001-08:00

A BIG shout out to all the students who participated in the youth Sunday this past weekend. It was fantastic seeing you all serving as ushers, greeters, and on the worship team. The worship set was great--we need to do that way more often. So proud of everyone!

It was also really great to preach and let everyone know how the youth ministry was doing! I have heard some great feedback on the message, and that has meant a lot to me. Thank you all for your amazing support! Remember: keep looking for ways God is calling you out of your comfort zone and into action for Him!

Movie of My Life

2008-01-15T14:18:00.001-08:00

Movie of My Life is the most recent series that we are doing for Wednesday nights. We will be looking at the Bible as a new lens to look at the story of our life through. When you see your life through the story of Scripture, suddenly all these exciting things happen. Your life takes on meaning bigger than you could ever imagine. See, our story is bigger than any the world try to sell us!

Ashes to ashes

2007-10-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

Big shout out to everyone who made the kickoff a big success! If you were there, you know what I am talking about. If not, you need to make sure you are around next time.

The kickoff was just the beginning of a big year for outbreak and ignite. Come next Wednesday to see what I mean...

Beyond the...

2007-09-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on the upcoming series entitled "Beyond the Yearbook."

It is going to take a look at the importance of student's decisions and how they have eternal significance. The three weeks will look at identity, community, and change. Come out and be a part of the discussion!

Ashes Remain

2007-08-29T17:29:00.001-07:00

SEPT 12 - LIVE in Concert - Ashes Remain @ ignite/outbreak wednesday

Just a quick heads up: Ashes Remain will be in the house for a special show to kick off the school year. This is a great opportunity to invite friends! More information soon!

Wednesday Nights...

2007-08-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

What a great summer of Wednesday nights together! It is hard to believe that the summer is over and school is back again, but that doesn't mean the end of our Wednesday night event! In fact, the event will get better as time goes on!

If you haven't been out, you have missed some great times. Event night involves free time to hang out with friends, video games, snacks/soda, a short message, and some time to talk about the message. It is a great time and place to hang out with friends and learn some lessons that are relevant to your life!

This summer we went through as series called "Rethink." It was a look at some of the misconceptions that are often associated with following Christ. We will be starting a new series in the next couple weeks so stay tuned!

Ignited

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

With the ignition even a couple weeks behind us, I thought I would post some pictures. Thanks to everyone who made the event a success!

On any given Wednesday

2007-07-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

Just in case you didn't know: Wednesdays are bumping! If you don't know that, then you probably haven't been there recently. Maybe you have some really good excuses, like 'I had to take care of my cat', 'I was organizing my sock drawer', or 'I could only find my left shoe'. Maybe you just didn't know. Whatever your excuse, you should come and check out all the things going on! We keep adding seats--so there will always be one for you!!

Aaaaallllnighter

2007-06-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

In just a few short days school will be out, and that is exciting stuff. For me (when I was in school), the last day of school meant ice cream sundays, sleep overs, video games, and a lot of relief! But this year the last day of school means something else for the middle school students at GFC: the Outbreak Allnighter! There is going to be lots going on, and it is looking like it will be a lot of fun. Can't wait to see you all there!

Put Truth into Action

2007-06-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

We really have some all-star students at GFC. Over the past months there has been a faithful group of students meeting on a bi-weekly basis putting their sweat, creativity, and time into the student ministry at GFC. These are students who understand that knowing the Truth should result in action. They aren't getting a ton of recognition for the hard work they have done, but they deserve it. These are students who are putting the Kingdom over computer games, ministry over myspace, and self-less service over cell phones.

Truth.Action is the student leadership program of GFC student ministries. As part of this ministry, students have painted signs, put together furniture, and planned aspects of events. These students are, in a real way, leading this ministry by an awesome example. Keep your eyes opened for more ways to serve in the Truth.Action team over the next month!

what a journey

2007-06-04T05:44:00.001-07:00

What a weekend! Journey was a weekend-long growth retreat in the mountains of wild and wonderful West Virginia. I think "wild and wonderful" is a accurate description of the weekend. We had lots of fun--games (striking arrow path master), skits (luuuu luuuu!), movies, and hang-out time. We also had lots of time to reflect on our relationship with God in a beautiful setting. Worship, talks, small groups, quiet time, and journey journals were part of the trip as well.

One of the mantras for the trip was "lets meet God in West Virginia". I think God was faithful to that, and met us there in a real way. It was a great opportunity to really get to know some of the amazing students in our church a little better and see how God is working in their lives. We hit some tough issues over the weekend, issues that even mature Christ followers struggle with, and the students were great examples in the way they took them on. Some of the topics we hit over the weekend were:

Upward: your journey with God. This was a lesson on "putting on Christ" (sanctification) and how sin slows this down.

Outward: your journey with non-believers. A lesson on evangelism, and how God uses us as lights to others.

Inward: your journey in the church. A lesson on what it means to be the church, not just go to church.

Working with the leaders that served this weekend was such a blessing. I know I was sharpened by being around these individuals, and seeing their commitment to seeing high schoolers affected with Christ's love. These are truly amazing individuals who sacrificed a lot to make a difference in the lives of these students. One of the leaders even was in West Virginia for her birthday!

Thanks to everyone who made this weekend special! Thanks to the students who came, the parents that gave up their kids for a weekend, and the leadership that made it happen.

Look forward to doing it again with you all!

Sincerely,
Kevin

ignition flier

2007-05-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

The ignition 07 flier. Coming to a school, coffee shop, skate shop, or mall near you.

...five, four, three, two, one, and...

2007-05-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ignition, the long awaited kick-off event, is getting closer, and the details are getting ironed out. Lots of people have been working hard to make this event great. After taking a lot of your ideas into mind, we have settled on "ignition" as the event name. Like many of your ideas, it hints at starting some new. And something big.

The bands have already been added to the websites, and samples of their music are available:
www.gfcwestminster.org/igniteweb.htm
www.gfcwestminster.org/outbreakmain.htm

Kick Off and planning

2007-05-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the kick off of ignite and outbreak ministries on June 20th. Why am I so excited? Because there are going to be some great bands, great food, cool cars, skateboarding, and video games. More than all that, I really believe this is going to be the start of something special. The websites are now updated with some basic info and the whole event will be revealed as the time gets closer. If you want to be part of making this happen, you should be coming to the Truth.Action meetings that are happening Wednesdays. They are were Truth turns into action. It's sweet because we all are part of planning what this is going to look like. We need your input!

Check out one of the bands here:
www.myspace.com/commonroy

Journey

2007-04-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Its a way off, but mark your calendars for an incredible weekend. "Journey" will be a time to get away and be in the mountains of West Virginia with friends. We have a great weekend planned! More info coming soon!

Photo scavenger hunt

2007-04-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

When: April 12th 7-9pm
Who: High schoolers
Where: Meet at GFC to be put on a team

When everyone arrives we will split up into teams. Then we are going to set a timer, hand out a list of pictures to take, and see how many we can get! Whoever gets the most in an hour wins. Bring your friends--this is going to be a blast!

PS: Bring digital cameras and USB cords for the cameras if possible!

Check here for printable permission slips

Ignite Lounge

2007-03-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

When: April 1st after church
What: Crash Kevin and Laura's Place
Who: All Freshman-Seniors in high school (thats 9-12th for anyone confused)
Where: Meet after church in Lobby and we will be driving to my apartment in Westminster.

Calling all High Schoolers: Come and hang out at Kevin's place after church! We will be having some food, playing some games, and lounging on the couch! Either drive over after church or you can get a ride by waiting in the lobby after the service. If you need a ride home, make sure you let me know and we can try to make arrangements for you. If you can, bring $5 for food. See you then!

Check here for printable permission slips

Email Kevin at ignitestudentministry@gmail.com for directions and more info!

outbreak hang-time event

2007-02-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

When: March 11th after church
What: Crash Kevin and Laura's place
Who: All 6th-8th graders
Where: Meet after church in Lobby and we will be driving to my apartment in Westminster.

Calling all Middle Schoolers: Come and hang out at Kevin's place after church! We will be having some food, playing some games, and lounging on the couch! Get a ride by waiting in the lobby after the service. Have your parents pick you up at Kevin's.

Email Kevin at outbreakstudentministry@gmail.com for more information and directions to the apartment!

Check here for printable permission slips

See you then!

Let is snow, let it...

2007-02-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Ignite lounge, the after-church fellowship event, was postponed due to weather conditions today. Sorry to all parents who were planning on bringing their students out! Check the calender for the rescheduled time.

Super Bowl Party and 6 foot subs!

2007-01-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

What: Super Bowl Party and 6 foot subs!
Where: GFC
When: Sunday, February 4th, 6:00-10:00pm (parents can pick up students early if necessary)
Who: 6-12 graders
Details: Bring a bag of chips, some friends, and show up ready to watch some football! We will supply subs and soda. Don't like football? Come anyway! We will have a movie playing during the game.

Welcome!

2007-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

This is going to be your one-stop-spot for information on student ministries at Grace Fellowship Chapel. I will be posting information about upcoming events, giving overviews of the present state of the ministry, and even posting pictures of events. If you have any ideas or things to add, let me know! Thanks and see you at the next student ministry event!

Sincerely,
Kevin Syes
Youth Pastor