GCYM Update 6-20-07

>Notice our new Bulletin Board in the main hallway in the church building. All sign-up lists will be posted here from now on.

· You may also sign up for the Local Mission Trip by visiting the bulletin board. You need to sign up ASAP. We currently do not have enough students signed for either part (King’s Island or Local Mission) of the trip to be feasible.

· MOV WorkCamp will be held on the Campus of OVU next week.

o There will be no Revolution or Wednesday Night Class next week

o We encourage you to attend our nightly worship gatherings at WorkCamp in the North Campus Gym

o Sunday Evening Worship 7-8 p.m.

o Monday-Tuedsay Worship begins at 8:30 p.m.

o Wednesday Worship from 7:30-9 p.m.

o Michael Rhodes will be speaking Sunday and Monday

o Pat Pugh will be speaking Tuesday and Wednesday

o Jon Owen will be leading worship.

o IF YOU OWE MONEY FOR WORKCAMP, TURN IT IN ASAP

· Those of us who are interested are planning on going to see the movie, Evan Almighty on Friday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. Some of us may meet earlier for dinner at the food court. Contact me for details if you are interested in that.

· Any teens (or parents) who are available to help us set up for WorkCamp at OVU, please meet us at the North Campus Gym on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night. It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

Update 5-30-07

· Notice our new Bulletin Board in the main hallway in the church building. All sign-up lists will be posted here from now on.

· Don’t forget our special event to welcome students who are coming out of 6^th grade into our youth ministry that will be held at the GCYM Student Center on Saturday, June 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parents, if you have not been contacted, but are willing to drive a vehicle for the scavenger hunt or help in some other way, please contact me.

· Though the Teen Planning Committee has already begun meeting, we will still accept applications from students who wish to participate

· Our retreat has been rescheduled for the first weekend in August. More details to come.

· Don’t forget TAG at Powell on Thursday Nights!

· The teens have been asked to help prepare and serve refreshments at VBS this year. Sign up at our bulletin board in the church building.

· You may also sign up for the Local Mission Trip by visiting the bulletin board.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night. It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

GCYM Update 5-23-07

• We are planning an event to welcome students who are coming out of 6^th grade into our youth ministry that will be held on Saturday, June 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parents, if you are willing to drive a vehicle for the scavenger hunt, please contact me.
• Though the Teen Planning Committee has already begun meeting, we will still accept applications from students who wish to participate
• Our retreat has been rescheduled for the first weekend in August. More details to come.
• Don’t forget TAG at Powell on Thursday Nights!
• The teens have been asked to help prepare and serve refreshments at VBS this year. Sign up soon
• I will be out of town this week for my sister’s Wedding. This Wednesday, teens will be in P.T. (the same as every 4^th Wednesday of the Month). On Sunday night (May 27^th) there will be no Revolution. Like most community groups, teens are encouraged to attend the evening activities with Powell Apartments.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night. It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

Our Graduates '07

Brandon Eric Bucklin will graduate from Parkersburg South High School and plans to attend Ohio Valley University in the fall. Brandon and his family moved to Parkersburg from Maine during his sophomore year of high school; he credits the youth group teens with making his transition from Maine to West Virginia very smooth. Brandon has been active in the youth group and has been very studious in high school where he has focused on medical courses. He has completed three years of French, several honors classes, and attended OVU as an Early Entry student last fall; he also assisted the OVU Student Government Association in planning and hosting Midnight Madness at the SAC.

Craig Alan Dishman will graduate from Parkersburg High School and plans to attend Ohio Valley University in the fall. During high school Craig was a member of many athletic teams, including the varsity golf team, cross country, track, and tennis. Craig has also been on the Parhiscan yearbook staff and the vice president of the Senior Men’s Club. Additionally, Craig was a West Virginia Promise Scholarship recipient, elected to the 2006 PHS Homecoming Court, and received the LSIC Academic Excellence Award.

Joe Thomas (JT) Spivy graduated from Wood County Christian School and plans to attend Ohio Valley University in the fall where he will be performing with the Ambassadors. JT has been involved with the Parkersburg Actor’s Guild for many years where he appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Ten Little Indians, and A Streetcar Named Desire (just to name a few); he has also performed in productions at WCCS including April Morning, Silent Stars, and God Meant it For Good. He was president of the WCCS Association of American Christian Schools Honor Society, and he was the Junior Student Council representative. In theatrical competitions, JT placed third in Duet Acting at the AACS National Fine Arts Competition (2007) and he was the three-time winner in Duet Acting at the WVCEA State Fine Arts Competition (2005-2007). He also received the WV Writing Assessment Distinguished Award in 2005 and was selected to be the WCCS student representative to the Marietta Rotary Club luncheon in January.

Ceyleigh Marie Wooten attended Mountain Laurel High School (Home School) and plans to attend Ohio Valley University in the fall; after earning her Associate of Arts degree from OVU, Ceyleigh would like to attend the University of Cincinnati and major in Business-Marketing. Ceyleigh has participated in the West Virginia LAWS Program as well as many mission trips with the youth group (Akron, OH, Cincinnati, Wilmington, DE, New Orleans, and Mexico). During school Ceyleigh has also managed to work an average of 35 hours per week at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Some of Ceyleigh’s academic accomplishments include being listed in the 2005 edition of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and after scoring well on her SAT, she was permitted to take classes at OVU at the age of 15 (she has currently completed 18 hours at OVU). Additionally, Ceyleigh has earned her high school diploma a year ahead of schedule.

GCYM Update 5-16-07

· We’d like to thank the youth group for their wonderful attitudes and their help last Wednesday night in getting things ready for the Honduras Yard Sale. You helped to raise roughly $1200 for the Honduras Mission Team! Parents, you should be proud of your teens.

The Teen Planning Committee has decided to postpone our retreat until later in the summer due to scheduling conflicts. They decided that they would rather have the retreat at a time when more students could attend. I support their decision and will reschedule.

· We are planning an event to welcome students who are coming out of 6^th grade into our youth ministry that will be held on Saturday, June 2. Parents, if you are willing to drive a vehicle for the scavenger hunt, please contact me.

• There will be a teen planning committee meeting during Revolution this Sunday Night before the Devotional.

· Though the Teen Planning Committee has already begun meeting, we will still accept applications from students who wish to participate.

· Don’t forget TAG at Powell on Thursday Nights!

· Graduation Sunday is May 20^th! Parents of Graduates, don’t forget to set up their table in the foyer for Sunday.

· The teens have been asked to help prepare and serve refreshments at VBS this year. More details coming soon.

• I will be out of town next week for my sister’s Wedding. Next Wednesday, teens will be in P.T. (the same as every 4^th Wednesday of the Month). On Sunday night (May 27^th) there will be no Revolution. Like most community groups, teens are encouraged to attend the evening activities with Powell Apartments.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night. It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

GCYM UPDATE 5-08-07

GCYM UPDATE 5-08-07

Parents and Students,

· The Teen Planning Committee has decided to postpone our retreat until later in the summer due to scheduling conflicts. They decided that they would rather have the retreat at a time when more students could attend. I support their decision and will reschedule.

· We are planning an event to welcome students who are coming out of 6^th grade into our youth ministry that will be held on Saturday, June 2. More details to come.

· Though the Teen Planning Committee has already begun meeting, we will still accept applications from students who wish to participate.

· Don’t forget TAG at Powell on Thursday Nights!

· Graduation Sunday is May 20^th!

· The teens have been asked to help prepare and serve refreshments at VBS this year. More details coming soon.

· The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night. It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

· Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

GCYM Update 5-02-07

GCYM Update 5-02-07

· Teens will go to P.T. tonight for the Express Concert.

· Graduation Sunday—May 20^th. Parents of Graduates, please get no more than 30 pictures of your teen “growing up” to Adam as soon as possible (no later than May.2) for the “slide show”

· Spring Retreat—May 18^th-19th at Rippling Waters Campground. The cost will be $15. Sign Up A.S.A.P

· We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). I’m extending the deadline for applications until Sunday. Our first meeting will be Sunday night after Revolution.

· The teens have been asked to help prepare and serve refreshments at VBS this year. More details coming soon.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

GCYM Update 4-25-07

GCYM Update 4-25-07

· Graduation Sunday—May 20^th. Parents of Graduates, please get no more than 30 pictures of your teen “growing up” to Adam as soon as possible (no later than May.2) for the “slide show”

· Spring Retreat—May 18^th-19th at Rippling Waters Campground. The cost will be $15.

· We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). These should be turned in by next Wednesday.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail

GCYM Update 4-18-07

GCYM Update 4-18-07

· Parents should have received summer calendars in the mail by now along with a letter explaining various activities. If you did not receive one, please let Adam know.

· “Rally In The Valley” will be held on the campus of OVU this Friday Night at 7 P.M. Meet in front of the OVU Chapel at 6:45.

· Spring Retreat—May 18^th-19th at Rippling Waters Campground. The cost will be $15. Sign up begins this Sunday.

· Graduation Sunday—May 20^th. Parents of Graduates, please get no more than 30 pictures of your teen “growing up” to Adam as soon as possible (no later than May.2) for the “slide show”

· We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). These should be turned in as soon as possible.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

GCYM Update 4-11-07

GCYM Update 4-11-07

· Summer calendars and a letter explaining the major summer events will be mailed to parents by the end of the week.

· Parent Meeting—Wednesday, April 18^th at 6 p.m. in the GCYM Student Center

· Spring Retreat—May 18^th-19th at Rippling Waters Campground. The cost will be $15. Sign up begins this Sunday.

· Graduation Sunday—May 20^th. Parents of Graduates, please get no more than 30 pictures of your teen “growing up” to Adam as soon as possible (no later than May.2) for the “slide show”

· We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). These should be turned in as soon as possible.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

Spring Break, etc.

Parents and Teens,

I hope you are enjoying the spring weather. I know my family is. This letter is to update and inform you of current happenings within our student ministry and of upcoming events.

First of all, I wanted to remind you that we are encouraging the teens to attend the OVU lectures with their parents this Sunday night. The speaker is Harold Shank, who is the author of the book “Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor”, which was studied by several of our students in relation to the Powell Ministry. His topic will be “Making Disciples of our Children”. It is our opinion that it will be extremely beneficial for parents and teens to attend this together.

Secondly, a couple of weeks ago, I gave the teens an application and commitment contract to become a part of a teen board that will help plan activities and events within our student ministry program. If your teen wants to be a part of this group, they must feel out the information sheet. Please help your child with these forms and contact me if you have any questions concerning this matter. I need these back as soon as possible.

I know that some of you are going out of town for spring break but, for those of you that are planning on being here, we have planned a few activities. I have attached a schedule of those activities. Even though the teens will be home during the day, I have planned most activities in the evening to avoid any problems with transporting them since many of you will be at work.

We are currently working on planning calendars for the spring and summer. We will get those to you as soon as possible but are waiting to be able to have the input from the teens from the teen board discussed above.

The spring retreat is scheduled for May 18^th-19th at Rippling Waters Campground. The cost will be $15. More details to come.

In Him,

Adam Ellis

Youth Minister

Grand Central Student Ministry Spring Break Schedule

· Monday April 2-- Bowling at Emerson Lanes 2-4 p.m. The cost will be $1.50 per game with free shoe rental. Please RSVP so that we can reserve enough lanes.

· Tuesday April 3—Movie at the youth house from 2-4. If you need help getting your teen to this, please let us know.

· Wed. April 4-- Youth house will open at 5:00pm. Please bring $4 for pizza. $2 will go for the cost of the pizza and $2 will go to the Honduras mission fund. Please RSVP for this event so we know how much pizza we need.

· Thursday April 5—Grand Central will be taking TAG to a minor league baseball game in Charleston. Please see Ryan for details.

GCYM UPDATE 3-28-07

GCYM UPDATE 3-28-07

• The screening of Invisible Children went extremely well. We were joined by youth groups from Belpre, Lynn St. and 36^th St. Special thanks to everyone who helped out, especially Melissa Ogden and Erica Cameron. Thanks also to Oliver, Nicole, and Esther (and any other teens), who helped prepare and serve soft drinks to our guests.
• Parents, check out the Invisible Children website at www.invisiblechildren.com for more info if you’d like to engage your children in a dialogue about what they saw
• I’ll also be happy to provide you with a copy of the film to review to aid you in having a conversation with your child(ren).
• There will be no Revolution this Sunday Night. Like many of the community groups, we are encouraging parents and teens to attend the evening Lecture at OVU. The speaker is Harold Shank, who is the author of many books including “Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor” (which was studied by several of our teens in relation to Powell Ministry). His topic is “Making Disciples of our Children”.
• We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). These should be turned in as soon as possible.
• We are in the process of planning many upcoming events such as: a spring retreat, an amusement park trip, a local mission trip, and much more. Details coming very soon.
• ·Summer calendars coming soon.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

GCYM Update 3-21-07

GCYM Update 3-21-07

· A “very special” Rally will be held in the Grand Central Fellowship Hall this Sunday from 3-5:30 p.m. Youth groups from Grand Central, Belpre, Lynn St., and 36^th St. will gather together for praise and worship and also a screening of the documentary “Invisible Children”.

o Parents should have received a letter in the mail from Adam about the nature of this documentary.

o If you would like a copy to preview before Sunday please see Adam as soon as possible.

o This event takes the place of Revolution this week.

o Please respect the posted ending times for all events.

· We are in the process of forming a committee of teens to help in intentionally planning youth ministry activities. Teens wishing to participate must fill out an application (for informational purposes) and a commitment (the commitment must also be signed by a parent). These should be turned in as soon as possible.

· We are in the process of planning many upcoming events such as: a spring retreat, an amusement park trip, a local mission trip, and much more. Details coming soon.

· Summer calendars coming soon.

· Next Wednesday teens will be in P.T. in the Fellowship Hall.

The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

Delay on this week's update.

Emma's in the hospital with rotavirus this week, so there will be a delay on this week's update. I'll try to have a detailed update posted here and mailed out to you by this Friday. It sort of depends on what happens with her. Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns. I am, as always, available to talk.
AE

GCYM Update 3-7-07

• "Rally" has been tentatively rescheduled for March 25th. (This means it will not take place this Sunday night, so we will have Revolution at the usual time).
• We will not be cleaning the Student Center tonight. We will clean Sunday Night during Revolution. The house will still be open at 6 tonight if you want to just hang out.
• Grant Wharton is teaching all teens on Sunday mornings at the Student Center.
• REVOLUTION is held on the 1st-3rd Sunday nights of every month from 5-7 p.m. at the Student Center.
• Teens normally meet for class at the Student Center on the 1st-3rd Wednesday Nights of each month at 7 p.m.
• Current series: Story
• Download audio of Adam’s lessons at www.ellisadam.podomatic.com
• · Teens go to P.T. on the 4th Wednesday Night of every month.

· The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

o It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

§ Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

ABC News Video on Enterprise Tornadoes Featuring My Dad

ABC News ran a story tonight on the tornadoes in Enterprise that featured my Dad. CLICK HERE for the video.
AE

The Tornadoes in Enterprise, AL

My parents (Keith and Lynn Ellis) live in Enterprise, AL. My pregnant wife and my daughter were visiting them this week. Yesterday (Thursday) morning, Mom, Dana and Emma went to Montgomery to help my sister shop around and get ready for her upcoming wedding. My family is all fine, and I am extremely thankful. Yet, every time I have said that prayer in the last 24 hours, I have been struck by the fact that there are those who don't get to pray that prayer. One of the teenagers who died in the High School went to the church that my Dad preaches at. My Dad was called on to tell her family that she had died. My Dad's strength continually amazes me. Another girl (who I know pretty well) was injured, but will live. The school followed the correct procedure and had the student gather in a hallway for safety. Those one one side were killed while those on the other side were buried in debris, but lived. I don't have a neat theological formula that helps explain that. I'm thankful that my family was spared that kind of loss. I hurt for the parents who sent their kids to school, never to speak to them again. I hurt for the families that are sitting in hospital rooms of their children. I hurt when I think of their confusion in relation to the God they placed their faith in. I don't think they need answers (and I'm not sure there are any answers that would help). I think they need love. I think they need the support of their faith communities. I think they need our prayer for the peace that passes understanding. Please join me in lifting this community up in prayer.
AE

GCYM Update 2-21-07

GCYM Update 2-21-07

• There will be no Revolution this Sunday evening.

• Students are to attend P.T. for the next 2 Wednesdays (2-21 and 2-28)

• Medical Release forms have been mailed to every student in our youth ministry. Please fill one out for each child so that we can have one on file for 2007. In the unlikely event of an accident or medical emergency, this form allows us to get your child medical attention.

• Grant Wharton is teaching all teens on Sunday mornings at the Student Center.
• REVOLUTION is held on the 1st-3rd Sunday nights of every month from 5-7 p.m. at the Student Center.
• Teens normally meet for class at the Student Center on the 1st-3rd Wednesday Nights of each month at 7 p.m.
• Current series: Story
• Download audio of Adam’s lessons at www.ellisadam.podomatic.com
• · Teens go to P.T. on the 4th Wednesday Night of every month.

· The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

o It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

§ Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

GCYM Update 2-7-07

Ready for Winterfest?

o We leave at 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16^th.

o We will be staying at the Royal Townhouse (same as last year).

o Students attending this event will need money for about 6 meals. Students are responsible for keeping up with this money themselves.

o We will return Sunday Evening. (Your child will be able to call you to give you a better idea of our arrival time).

o All money (excluding food money) must be paid before Friday, Feb. 16^th.

o A Reminder: All students owe $56 for registration and hotel. Students who also signed up for a T-Shirt and/or Concert ticket owe an additional $10 for each.

· Medical Release forms are being mailed to every student in our youth ministry. Please fill one out for each child so that we can have one on file for 2007. In the unlikely event of an accident or medical emergency, this form allows us to get your child medical attention.

o If you are attending Winterfest, we will need this form back before we leave for Gatlinburg.

• Grant Wharton is teaching all teens on Sunday mornings at the Student Center.
• REVOLUTION is held on the 1st-3rd Sunday nights of every month from 5-7 p.m. at the Student Center.
• Teens meet for class at the Student Center on the 1st-3rd Wednesday Nights of each month at 7 p.m.
• Current series: Story
• Download audio of Adam’s lessons at www.ellisadam.podomatic.com
• · Teens go to P.T. on the 4th Wednesday Night of every month.

· The GCYM Weekly Update is available in the foyer every Wednesday Night.

o It is also available online at www.gcym.blogspot.com

§ Subscribe on this site for the Update to be automatically delivered to you via e-mail.

GCYM Update 1-31-07

· Superbowl Party: This year’s party will be held at the Herridge’s house. It begins at 5:30. Guys bring chips and girls bring a 2 liter. You can donate $2 to offset the cost of the food if you would like to.

o There will be no Revolution this week, but we will have a devo during halftime.

· Winterfest: We will be leaving at 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16^th and will return on Sunday evening, Feb. 18^th.

o We will provide a light breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, but students will need money for about 6 meals. Students will be responsible for their own money.

o All money (excluding food money) must be paid before Friday, Feb. 16^th.

o A Reminder: All students owe $56 for registration and hotel. Students who also signed up for a T-Shirt and/or Concert ticket owe an additional $10 for each.

• Grant Wharton is teaching all teens on Sunday mornings at the Student Center.

• REVOLUTION is held on the 1st-3rd Sunday nights of every month from 5-7 p.m. at the Student Center.

• Teens meet for class at the Student Center on the 1st-3rd Wednesday Nights of each month at 7 p.m.

· Current series: Story

· Download audio of Adam’s lessons at www.ellisadam.podomatic.com

· Teens go to P.T. on the 4th Wednesday Night of every month.