Tuesday Tunes with Moah Maunders

Here we are again with our weekly installment of Tuesday Tunes and this time with Noah Saunders!

"So for me, this song is about when you're kind of lost and you're at rock bottom. You might be looking for something to hold on to, maybe a voice to hear. So this song is talking about a group of kids in South Africa who lost their parents to AIDS but they were still joyful because they had God. So this song is kind of saying how everyone changes the world in some way, so you should try to make it a good change." - Noah

Switchfoot - "The World You Want"

Youth Leader: Captain Jack

I figured I would start off with myself to break the ice. I am not really sure what I am exactly going to say (or type) but I guess I will start off with the basics. I am 20 years old and was born and raised here in Sicklerville. I am a new Christian having accepted Jesus into my life in the summer of 2013 and my faith really started to grow in leaps and bounds when I got involved. A big part of that was because Dan and Mike who invited me to the Men's Retreat. There was a special moment at that retreat for me where I decided I was going to fully dedicate my life to God. Doing retreats and creating fellowship with others is a great way to build your faith. That is why I encourage youth group so much and I hope to see many of you out to youth group and retreats! Even though I was a leader, youth group has also helped me grow in my faith as I get so encouraged seeing all the youth come out and really started to put their lives to God.

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Favorite Movie: Lord of the Ring series

Favorite Sport: Soccer and rugby

Favorite Sports teams: All Philadelphia teams and Arsenal

Favorite Video Game: FIFA, Halo, Mario Kart and Super Smash

Favorite Food: Cheesesteaks

I also currently go to Temple University and in my Junior year. I am studying Secondary Education and English (Don't worry I will be that cool English teacher you always hoped for). I play rugby for Temple also. So yeah this is the basics on myself but I hope you come out to events so I can get to know you!

Tuesday Tunes: Featuring Alligator

This week we are hearing from Ally Zepp who is currently a Junior and in our high school youth group. Here is what she had to say about her song of choice:

"It's really hard to pick just one song to share about. I personally, have really been enjoying the band 'All Sons and Daughters' and I have chosen to talk about their one song I really like called "Christ be all around me". The chorus says "above and below me, before and behind me, and every eye that sees me, Christ be all around me". It speaks to me because it's saying that when anyone sees us at anytime, no matter the circumstance, we should be showing people Jesus. By this I mean that our actions and words should be resembling Christ and showing people Jesus's love for them."

Check back next week to hear from another student!

Throwback Thursday! What Ocean City retreat meant to past members.

So Ocean City weekend is coming up and we can take a quick look at what this weekend has meant to past members of youth group! The year after their name is when they graduated.

"The OC retreat was always something that got me through the first few weeks of school. It was great fellowship with other youth and the morning worship on the beach is awesome. It's definitely something to look forward to!" - Emily Saunders 2013

"My freshman year I was doubting the existence of God. While we were having our last session on the beach the leaders told to scatter around for some silent time and devotions. So I stood close to the water praying to God asking for Him to show Himself. As I was praying I was hit by a wave, which I believed to be a sign from God which encouraged me in my faith in God" - Tyler DeMuro 2014 

"The OC retreat was always something really fun and refreshing to look forward to at the beginning of a long school year. One of my favorite memories was when a hurricane came through during the retreat. That Friday night the boardwalk was deserted and several of us just ran and slid on the wet board, using our shirts as sails. I also remember the streets flooded so Mike tried to surf on a boogie board! The scavenger hunt and Sunday morning worship on the beach were always highlights of the retreat. Always tons of fun and a great time to grow closer to God with friends" - Josh Saunders 2010 

"The Ocean City retreat was something I looked forward to every year. It was really fun to hangout with Christian friends, worship on the beach and grow closer to the Lord. Long lasting friendships and memories were made there" - Alyssa Zepp 2013

"The ocean city retreat was always something to look forward too at the end of summer. The beginning of school was always somewhat of a stressor for me so to be able to get away for a few days and spend time with Christian friends helped me stay on the right track for the rest of the school year. This was especially true as a freshman going into Winslow highschool. The retreat gave me a chance to strengthen my relationship with a group of church friends who also happened to go to school with me. Besides that though, It's an awesome time which makes for so many great memories on the board walk and in the boys sleep area before shut-eye." - Danny Saunders 2009

"The Ocean City Retreat was so special to me because I was able to meet with God in a new atmosphere, among his beautiful creation, and experience new things in my walk with Him. Not only did my relationship with God grow stronger, but also did my bond with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I absolutely loved the intimacy of worshiping together in a small setting and getting to know myself as a daughter of Christ a little more each day." - Emily Kelly 2013

 This photo is from 2011 and features Emily Saunders, Alyssa Zepp, Emily Kelly and Tyler DeMuro all whose experiences you read about above! Seems like worship on the beach is a big hit and it also seems that the Saunders enjoy talking about their experience. This OC trip will be my first experience too so I am excited! I will hopefully see you Friday!

Getting started!

Hello everyone! So the other night during our top secret youth leader meeting, an idea that came up was to make a blog for youth group. I feel as though this will be an easy way for students to really see what is going on and get easily accessible information about upcoming events for not only youth group but our church.

We will be doing some Throwback Thursdays, Tunes Tuesdays, Youth Group and retreat recaps and posts that will help you get to know your leader!

Below is a picture of the upcoming events in the month of September

September 17th - This is the kick off party for everyone in youth group (7th to 12th grade). There will be food, games and just a good hangout to get to know each other better. TODAY! (If you are reading this when it gets posted)

September 19-21st - This will be the Senior High (9th-12th) retreat to Ocean city. Click here to view all the information about it.

September 24th - This will mark a special event See You At The Pole where you will meet outside at your school's flagpole to begin the day with prayer. The beginning of Launch for our Jr Highers and Grow Groups for our Senior Highers will also start. Both groups will start at 6:30 and go to 8:00

September 28th - Ember begins for Senior Highers. We will hangout, play games and do a lesson at the end.

Share this information and page with friends and family! The more youth we have out to these events the more fun we can have. These events will be here before you know it so make sure you stay on top of it!

Also, feel free to comment about what you are most excited about for youth group this year!

-Jack Broomell