It’s Time to Apply for Regional Youth Cabinet!!!

The Greater KC Regional Youth Cabinet is a group of high school youth and adults of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City selected by the region to provide programs and opportunities for high school youth to grow in their faith in God and their understanding as a follower Jesus Christ. RYC members plan and lead all regional CYF events, including CYF Midwinter and the two CYF Conferences that take place during the summer.

In order to apply, you must be:

  • a current sophomore or junior in high school
  • active in your local church/youth group
  • passionate about serving God and neighbor
  • excited about camp and other regional youth events
  • willing and able to commit to attending RYC meetings (one Sunday afternoon per month) and retreats (one weekend retreat in August and December), as well as all regional youth events.

A complete application includes:

  • a completed application form (2012-2013 Cabinet Application – Revised)
  • three letters of recommendation, as described in the application form
  • a personal essay describing your faith journey, your reasons for applying to serve on the RYC, and the gifts you bring to the RYC
  • All materials should be mailed to:  Christian Church of Greater KC, 7600 W 75th Street, Suite 6, Overland Park, KS 66204-2853

APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETE AND POSTMARKED BY MARCH 5, 2012.  LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MARCH 12, 2012.

ALL APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ASSIGNED AN INTERVIEW TIME FOR MARCH 31, 2012 – SO PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE!!

**If you have any questions, please contact Lara Blackwood Pickrel at 816-863-3692 or lara@hillsidecc.com

Register Now for Children Welcome!

Children Welcome!
From Stumbling Blocks to Building Blocks of Faith

Children Welcome! From Stumbling Blocks to Building Blocks of Faith is happening in Kansas City,  February 23-25, 2012.  This conference is being jointly sponsored by The Presbyterian Church (USA) and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The cost is $130 for the two and ½ days, inclusive of an evening banquet and lunches.

This fifth Children Welcome! Conference will be an opportunity for personal and congregational renewal as together we explore how best to respond to the needs and gifts of children. The time will be filled with music, worship, the learning of new skills, theological discussions, Biblical reflections, networking and much, much more.

Program Highlights

  • Speakers for the event are Dr. Y. Dianna Wright, Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock and Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris.
  • A wide array of books for sale through the Presbyterian Bookstore, addressing issues related to family and children’s ministries, including books authored by keynoters and discovery group leaders.
  • An exhibit hall with information and resources from agencies connected to both denominations, as well as many ecumenical programs.
  • Exciting learning opportunities for children, ages 3 through 5th grade.
  • A unique display of Children’s art.
  • Opportunities for outreach, including the making of comfort quilts for local distribution through Newborns in Need, a national non-profit organization that collects and distributes resources to families, hospitals and organizations caring for high-risk infants,  http://www.newbornsinneed.com/. You are also invited to bring offerings of money and “newborn baby gifts” for Newborns in Need.
  • Challenging keynotes and exciting discovery groups.
  • Networking Opportunities.

***TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE:  https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/pages/sbbf_registration

College Grant Opportunity for DOC High School Seniors!

HELM Leadership Fellows Applications Available for 2012-2013

Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) invites high school seniors interested in new kinds of Christian leadership to apply to join the 12th class of HELM Leadership Fellows.  Application packets are available now at http://helmdisciples.org/aid/fellows.htm.

Leadership Fellows experience an ongoing relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that adds value to their educations through organized opportunities for fellowship, training, and service to the church. With the help of a campus mentor, fellows design and conduct projects on or near their campuses, participate in an annual conference focused on shaping a Church for the future, and receive a $2,000 annual scholarship grant.

Since 2001, over 70 fellows have passed through the program into careers as ministers, college professors, musicians and broadcasters, teachers, activists for peace and the environment and other forms of leadership.  You can meet current and past HELM Leadership Fellows at http://helmdisciples.org/helm/fellows.htm.

Applicants must be high school seniors entering college in fall, 2012 or community college students transferring to a four-year school.  Fellows may attend any accredited four-year college or university, though students attending Disciples-related schools are particularly encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is April 16, 2012.  For more information contact HELM at helm@helmdisciples.org or 314-991-3000.

Don’t Forget to Register for CYF Midwinter!!!!

CYF Midwinter (January 6-8 at Tall Oaks) forms are due very very soon!  Registration is $75 if you register by December 31 and $90 after December 31.  NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 3RD!!!

If you need a registration form, click here:  http://www.talloaks.org/camp/CYF%20M-W%202-2012.pdf

Celebrate “Thank a Youth Worker Day”!

TODAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, IS “THANK A YOUTH WORKER DAY”   Youth workers could always use more support – and today is a fine excuse to recognize the labor of love that is youth ministry.  One way that you can celebrate the day is to take a moment to personally thank all of the people who have committed a part of their lives to working with and walking alongside young people in your congregation. Consider thanking people like:

Youth Sponsors

JYF Sponsors

Youth Sunday School Teachers

Other Volunteers: all of the parents and other adults who provide meals, transportation and support for the youth ministry that takes place at your church or in your region!

Children/Family/Youth Ministers

Upcoming CYF Event – October 23rd

WANT S’MORE JESUS?!?

Come out to Tall Oaks on Sunday, October 23rd to enjoy fun and fellowship with the Regional CYF Cabinet and other high school students and youth groups!

We will be having a bonfire, s’mores, hayrides, dinner and The Great Pumpkin race!!

This event will be from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. Please bring $5 per person.

See you at Tall Oaks on the 23rd!

Questions? Call Meghann Murtaugh (913) 972-2769, Chuck Pickrel (816) 863-3690 or Kassie Smith (913) 449-1853

CELEBRATE THANK A YOUTH WORKER DAY ON NOVEMBER 3

nPartnership, sponsors of the Disciples Youth Ministry Network, encourages churches and individuals to celebrate Thank a Youth Worker Day on November 3.  Join with communities, organizations, and caring people around the globe for this international day of celebrating and honoring youth workers.  Hold a celebration in your church on the Sunday before and then take time out on November 3 to call or write and personally say “thank you” to all those paid and volunteer youth workers who are an invaluable and often unsung force in our communities as they facilitate the personal, social, educational, and spiritual development of our young people in schools, Scouts, other youth serving agencies, and, of course, in our churches!  Learn more about Thank a Youth Worker Day at https://www.facebook.com/TAYWD?sk=info  or http://www.thankayouthworkerday.com/.  Learn more about nPartnership at http://www.npartnership.org/.

Young Adults: Join Us at The Way Station

“The Way Station” is a community for Young Adults that will begin gathering in Kansas City starting on August 16th at 7 PM @ North Kansas City Christian Church. The Way Station will happen once a month, and will include a time for Worship and Dinner for anyone between the ages of 18 and 35.

A group of ten clergy and lay ministers have worked to assemble this experience, and it’s first night will be August 16th. This community will focus on three of the most important parts of a Young Adult’s life: Change, Creativity, and Relationships.

Join us for the first Way Station, at 7 PM, at North Kansas City Christian Church, located at 2018 Gentry Street, KCMO, 64116.

What You Need to Know for CYF I

Dear CYF Camper,

HELLO!!!  We are SO excited that you have registered to come to camp this summer!  We are going to have a wonderful time together learning about God, worshiping, playing games, and bonding with fellow Christians!

In addition to normal camp items (included on a separate page) there are a few things you may want to bring with you to camp:

  1.  A special outfit for the square dance.  Some campers and counselors enjoy getting in costume for this event!
  2. A solid colored bed sheet to wear for an event we are planning!
  3. A special outfit for the camp dance.  The theme this year is “School House Rock!”  We would encourage you to dress in the clothes of a high school clique of your choice.
  4. Anything you would need to participate in the talent show if you so choose: instrument, CD, sheet music, costume, etc.
  5. Offering to benefit Tall Oaks.  This will be collected during a worship service.
  6. Girls – Bring a tiara if you would like to participate in a special dress up day.
  7. This year we are making Wednesdays, “Random Costume Wednesday!”  If you would like to start out that day wearing a random costume, you are welcome to bring one!
  8. If you would like to participate in mud games during free time, bring a set of clothes you don’t mind getting completely covered with mud!

There are also two expectations, in addition to the normal camp expectations of which we would like you to be aware before arriving at camp:

  1. We want you to fully engross yourself in the camp experience and have one of the best weeks of your year!  Because of this, cell phones may not leave your cabin throughout the week.  We have land line phones available if you need to call home.  Your parents can also get messages to you through this number (913-301-3001) if there is an emergency at home.  Please tell your friends and family that you will be away at camp and you can’t wait to talk to them and tell them all about your experience when you get home on Friday evening!
  2. If you drive yourself to camp this summer, you will unload your car and park it in a designated location.  You will not have access to your car throughout the week until it is time to load up on Friday.

Please be aware that camp will end on Friday, June 10 at 3pm.  We can’t wait to see you at registration on Sunday, June 5 at 4pm!

Sincerely,

Natalie Clower Milne  nclower@hotmail.com  or  816-668-5436

Meghann Murtaugh meg_frog80@hotmail.com  or 913-972-2769

WHAT TO BRING:

  1. Bible
  2. Bedding – sleeping bag (or sheets and a blanket) along with a pillow. (Bunk beds provided).
  3. Towels – at least two or three towels, washcloths, etc. as desired.
  4. Clothing – clean and appropriate* clothing for each day of camp and at least one extra set.  **Please remember this is a Christian camp.**
  5. Bring one set of clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for service projects.
  6. Shoes – you should have a comfortable set of sneaker type shoes, worn with socks. Sandals or flipflops are OK for wearing at the pool and in the cottages.
  7. Insect repellent – including tick repellent, and sunscreen (might be a combo product).
  8. Flashlight
  9. Notebook and a couple of pens/pencils. (optional)
  10. Stationary and stamps to send letters home. (optional)
  11. Bathing suit – Remember this is a Christian camp. (No string bikinis or cut-offs are allowed in the pool).
  12. Riding activities: T-shirts and long pants are required for all riding activities. (No spaghetti straps or tank tops allowed, and no sandals, loafers, athletic shoes or hiking boots.) – Cost is $10 for riding horses.  There will be riding boots to borrow and all riders must have a shoe with a 1/2 inch heel to ride. All campers will wear a provided helmet when riding.

PARENTS NOTES:

  1.  Please park at the main parking area near the All People’s Dining Hall or the LLC parking lot. Registration will be held in the LLC lobby start at 4:00.
  2. If you want to write a letter to your child, you will probably need to mail those a few days early if they are to arrive in time for camp. Send to: Tall Oaks Conference Center, Att: your campers name, PO Box 116, Linwood, Ks. 66052
  3. You can one-way e-mail your camper with bunk notes. Go to www.talloaks.org and click on the bunk1 email button, or go directly to www.talloakscamps.bunk1.com.
  4. All medications should be brought in their original container, with written instructions and the camper’s name printed on the container. The camp health officer will not accept any aspirin or ibuprofen. We have those available at camp.
  5. For emergency messages, call the Tall Oaks office at (913)301-3004. When the office is closed, you may call the administrator on duty cell phone at 913-406-7107, or the main number will have additional phone numbers on the voice mail. All non-emergency phone messages will be given to the camper at the next meal time after the call is received.
  6. For additional information or questions, please call Sondra Bowers at 913-301-3004.

CAMPS ARE FILLING UP!!

As of today (May 9, 2011), the following summer camps are full:

  • Grandparent Camp I
  • BOTH Equestrian Camps
  • The Outdoor Activity track for Chi Rho I

There is the possibility that another section of Equestrian Camp will be created, so check back if you are interested. 

Registrations are still being accepted for all other camps at this time!