Christ Church Youth

Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a good time at Parish Day this past Sunday. The weather was beautiful, the band was awesome, and the food was delicious. Later that afternoon we took the leftover burgers and fixings to the Men’s Shelter on N Tryon street along with some board games to share food and fellowship with some of the men there.

Lastly, it’s that time of year when we say thank you to our wonderful volunteers who have been so dedicated to the youth throughout the year. If you know someone who has volunteered, say thanks! If you are a volunteer, THANK YOU! And if you’d like to volunteer, watch this video to find out more about what it’s like working with the children and youth of Christ Church. (You can watch it even if you don’t plan on volunteering.)

Drew Courtright- Youth Minister

Volunteering with the Youth

Did you have a favorite teacher, youth advisor, or Sunday School teacher?
Would you like to be a similar mentor to our youth next year? Consider if working with
the youth could be a place where you might make a difference. We need 7th grade, 9th
grade, 11th and 12th grade Sunday School teachers, as well as Wednesday night middle
school youth group leaders for 6th-8th grade. Please prayerfully consider sharing
your time and talent with the Youth this upcoming school year! Please call Anne Ratcliffe at 704 714 6941 if you’d like to be involved or if you could recommend someone!

Pilgrimage Parent/Leader Meeting

Wednesday May 30th from 6:00-7:00 PM there will be a meeting for the parents of Pilgrims and the leaders in St Francis A. Please come ready to hear from the leaders of the Pilgrimage and to ask any questions you have.

Freedom Schools 

Parish Day will support Freedom Schools. We are collecting items to support our Freedom School Camp. Please bring at least one item and place it in the Freedom School bins on Sunday, May 20th or any other day in May. Your donations will ensure that these children have access to the resources that help make camp fun and educational. The camp will include 30 children from Rama Road Elementary School. We need: packs of juice boxes, packs of snack foods, packs of markers, construction paper, pencils, glue sticks, poster board, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, scissors, new or gently used swim suits. A complete list is on the website.

8th Grade Confirmation- June 3 

The Bishop is coming! The Bishop is coming! Confirmation for the 8th graders is June 3rd in the Church with a light reception to follow in the Blue Room. Confirmands are expected to attend a rehearsal Saturday June 2 at 10:00 AM in the Church. Mentors are invited to the service but do NOT have to be at the rehearsal. If you have any questions about confirmation points please contact Christine DeLia at 704 714 6959.

Bound Together

Christ Church, First Presbyterian, and Myers Park Presbyterian are starting a new summer book club for rising 7th and 8th graders called Bound Together. We will meet once a month (May 20, June 17, July 15, and August 19th) to talk about a chosen book and reflect on how it has an impact on our faith and life in community. The next book is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Join us when you can or every time! We will meet from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at Julia’s Coffee House (1133 N. Wendover Road). 

Readings for Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104: 25-35,37
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”

-Have you ever felt ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’?

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Happy Tuesday! There’s a big vote going on in NC today and regardless of how or for whom you’re voting, there is one question we should all consider before going to the polls…Why do we vote on a TUESDAY?! “In 1845, before Florida, California, and Texas were states or slavery had been abolished, Congress needed to pick a time for Americans to vote. We were an agrarian society. We traveled by horse and buggy. Farmers needed a day to get to the county seat, a day to vote, and a day to get back, without interfering with the three days of worship. So that left Tuesday and Wednesday, but Wednesday was market day. So, Tuesday it was. In 1875 Congress extended the Tuesday date for national House elections and in 1914 for federal Senate elections.” (From www.whytuesday.org) Now you know!

Anyway, Youth Sunday is THIS SUNDAY! Also, the last EYC and Life Groups are this Wednesday. I also want to give a shout out to any youth reading this who are in boarding school. Thanks for checking in and we look forward to welcoming you home real soon!

-Drew Courtright, Youth Minister

This summer Christ Church is partnering with Christ Lutheran to welcome over 80 campers (from Mclintock Middle School and Rama Road Elementary) to a Freedom School Camp. We have amazing opportunities for all ages to get involved. We are especially in need of people to help with afternoon activities for the children on a one-time basis for 2-3 hours. Activities include things such as cooking, a craft or leading a soccer clinic, etc. We also need people to help serve lunch and snacks (a great opportunity for families with younger children). To get involved in any of these areas please contact Fran Redic at mredic@carolina.rr.com or see the insert in this month’s “Disciple.”

Youth Sunday- May 13th

Sunday May 13^th is all about Youth! 8:45 AM in All Saints Hall is Senior Recognition with senior preachers, slideshows, the senior booklet, senior gifts, and a brunch for seniors and parents in the Blue Room. 8:45 and 11:15 AM in the Church also have youth preachers and readers. Come on out and celebrate the Youth!

Wednesday Night 

EYC End of the Year Party

The Middle School EYC End of the Year Party will be on May 9^th outside on the Church grounds. All middle schoolers, even if you haven’t come to a single EYC, are invited to come eat, play, and have fun from 6:30-8:00 PM. Please bring $6 for dinner. Congrats to the 7th Graders who won Jeopardy last week!

High School Life Groups meet at homes of their leaders from 7:00-8:00 PM. Please email Anne at ratcliffea@christchurchcharlotte.org for information on where to go.

-9th Grade: Party at MOE’S! East Blvd.

-10th Grade: Party at MOE’S! East Blvd.

-11th Grade: Cook out at Jane’s house! 226 S. Canterbury Road

Sunday Morning

Sunday School- Final Sunday School of the year!

Snack Shack begins at 9:55 AM. Classes begin at 10:10 and end at 11:00 AM.

6th grade: M207/208

7th grade: St. Francis A

8th grade: St. Francis B

9th grade: St Francis C

10th grade: Youth Room

11th grade: St Francis D

12th grade: Prayer Room

 Coming Up

High School Bible Study- The Gospel of Mark 

Happy May! Thanks to all the youth and adults who made the 9th grade City Bus Trip a huge success this Sunday. We received this message from the advocate of one of the families. “[The mother] is deeply grateful for what you and your group did for her and her family. She wanted to say it again and again to the entire group that went to visit her, but because of the language barrier she couldn’t. Thank you so very much for doing this for them.  That is a true reflection what the love of God is all about.”

And that is why we do what we do. Here’s the news!

Drew Courtright- Youth Minister

Youth Sunday- May 13th

Sunday May 13^th is all about Youth! 8:45 AM in All Saints Hall is Senior Recognition with senior preachers, slideshows, the senior booklet, senior gifts, and a brunch for seniors and parents in the Blue Room. 8:45 and 11:15 AM in the Church and 11:15 AM Discovery also have youth preachers and readers. Come out to celebrate the Youth!

EYC End of the Year Party

The Middle School EYC End of the Year Party will be on May 9^th outside on the Church grounds. All middle schoolers, even if you haven’t come to a single EYC, are invited to come eat, play, and have fun from 6:30-8:00 PM. Please bring $6 for dinner.

Wednesday Night 

Middle School EYC - 6:30-8:00 PM in All Saints Hall with dinner from 6:30-7:00, $6 for dinner. Each week we play a game, read some more of the Gospel of Mark and meet by grade and gender to laugh, talk, play, and pray together. Dinner this week is Hoagies and soup! Also we are playing JEOPARDY!

High School Life Groups meet at homes of their leaders from 7:00-8:00 PM. Please email Anne at ratcliffea@christchurchcharlotte.org for information on where to go.

-9th Grade: Yophoria on Selwyn Ave.

-10th Grade: Youth Room! Come help out Freedom Schools by decorating some collection bins.

-11th Grade: Jason’s Deli at 1600 East Woodlawn Road #200.

Sunday Morning

Sunday School

Snack Shack begins at 9:55 AM. Classes begin at 10:10 and end at 11:00 AM.

6th grade: M207/208

7th grade: St. Francis A

8th grade: St. Francis B

9th grade: St Francis C

10th grade: Youth Room- Talking about Journaling

11th grade: St Francis D

12th grade: Prayer Room

 Coming Up

Youth Sunday Senior Send-off 

Parents of Seniors! Youth Sunday is almost here. Help make the day memorable for your senior by getting his or her information for the Senior Booklet ASAP. We need 1) Hard copy color photos of your senior, one from kindergarden age and one from Senior year; 2) Info for the Booklet–Name, Parents, High School, Plans after Graduation; 3) Digital photos for the slideshow of your senior at Christ Church or doing youth stuff, send to me at courtrightd@christchurchcharlotte.org; 4) Letter Packet, please gather letters from family and friends to be given to your Senior that day and bring them in to Christine. All of this info is in the letter dated February 24th, which can be viewed here: Senior Parent Letter 2012.

High School Bible Study- The Gospel of Mark 

Good morning! Thanks for everyone who came to the Habitat for Humanity day. Last Wednesday at EYC we made permanent place mats and they look great. If you are ever at Church for Wednesday night dinner take a look in All Saints Hall and see the beautiful creations! Thanks once again for being invested and involved in the youth of Christ Church.

Drew Courtright- Youth Minister

PS- Just going to throw this out there but… Anyone want to be an adult chaperone for the 9th grade City Bus Trip this Sunday the 29th from 9:30AM-2:30PM?  The City Busy Trip is a chance to the 9^th graders to feel what it is like to have to move around the city using public transportation, to shop on a tight budget, and to meet and provide those groceries for a family in need. It’s awesome! Just need a couple more adults. Call me at 704-714-6975 please.

Last call for Summer Options! 

Looking for something cool to do this summer with the church? You’re in luck! There are lots of option for middle and high schoolers including camp, conferences, and mission. In middle school? JYP (Junior Young People) at Kanuga, EOC (Episcopal Outreach Camp) in Charlotte, and Glory Ridge mission trip in the NC mountains. High schooler? SYP (Senior Young People) at Kanuga, HUGS Camp for people with special needs at The Summit, and Freedom Schools volunteering in Charlotte. Check out www.christchurchyouth.org/forms to see more on each option and download forms. Please call Drew Courtright at 704-714-6975 for more info, too.

Youth Sunday- May 13th

Sunday May 13^th is all about Youth! 8:45 AM in All Saints Hall is Senior Recognition with senior preachers, slideshows, the senior booklet, senior gifts, and a brunch for seniors and parents in the Blue Room. 8:45 and 11:15 AM in the Church and 11:15 AM Discovery also have youth preachers and readers. Come out to celebrate the Youth!

EYC End of the Year Party

The Middle School EYC End of the Year Party will be on May 9^th outside on the Church grounds. All middle schoolers, even if you haven’t come to a single EYC, are invited to come eat, play, and have fun from 6:30-8:00 PM. Please bring $6 for dinner.

Wednesday Night

Middle School EYC - 6:30-8:00 PM in All Saints Hall with dinner from 6:30-7:00, $6 for dinner. Each week we play a game, read some more of the Gospel of Mark and meet by grade and gender to laugh, talk, play, and pray together. Chicken fingers and Mac n Cheese!

High School Life Groups meet at homes of their leaders from 7:00-8:00 PM. Please email Anne at ratcliffea@christchurchcharlotte.org for information on where to go.

-9th Grade: Freedom Park!

-10th Grade: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt on East Blvd (near Brixx and Harris Teeter)

-11th Grade: Moe’s East Blvd

Sunday Morning

Sunday School

Snack Shack begins at 9:55 AM. Classes begin at 10:10 and end at 11:00 AM.

6th grade: M207/208

7th grade: St. Francis A

8th grade: St. Francis B

9th grade: City Bus Trip! Meet at St Francis C at 9:30AM SHARP!

10th grade: Youth Room.

11th grade: St Francis D.

12th grade: Prayer Room.

 Coming Up

Service Opportunity- Men’s Shelter May 6 

Did you know the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte prepares/serves approximately 1,000 meals per day or 365,000 meals a year? On May 6th we’re taking some youth to serve a meal! We’ll meet at the Church at 5pm, go over to the Men’s Shelter to serve the meal and then be back at the Church at 7:30pm. This is a great way to serve the local community and to get some service hours if you need them! Email Betsy Zarzour if you want to go! zarzourb@christchurchcharlotte.org. http://www.mensshelterofcharlotte.org/

Youth Sunday Senior Send-off 

Parents of Seniors! Youth Sunday is almost here. Help make the day memorable for your senior by getting his or her information for the Senior Booklet ASAP. We need 1) Hard copy color photos of your senior, one from kindergarden age and one from Senior year; 2) Info for the Booklet–Name, Parents, High School, Plans after Graduation; 3) Digital photos for the slideshow of your senior at Christ Church or doing youth stuff, send to me at courtrightd@christchurchcharlotte.org; 4) Letter Packet, please gather letters from family and friends to be given to your Senior that day and bring them in to Christine. All of this info is in the letter dated February 24th, which can be viewed here: Senior Parent Letter 2012.

High School Bible Study- The Gospel of Mark 

Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a nice Palm Sunday. Check out the picture below that I took in a church Bethany (just outside of Jerusalem). Notice the person taking off his/her cloak on the left whose face you can’t see. It that you, taking your cloak off for Jesus? Pretty cool huh? Next Sunday is Easter Sunday (woo hoo!) but let’s not forget about what happened between Palm and Easter Sunday, like on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I echo Chip’s encouragement to take part in the Holy Week services at Church this week. Fully investing in Holy Week helps you to more fully understand the meaning of Easter and of Resurrection on Sunday. I highly recommend it. Plus, there’s no Sunday School or youth group/life groups so you might as well!

~Drew Courtright, Youth Minister

Wednesday Night

There are no Wednesday night meetings this week due to Holy Week.

This Sunday is Easter Sunday so there is no Sunday School. Here is the Holy Week schedule:

** Crib and nursery care available (up to 4 years old). Children are welcome at all services.

Coming Up

Youth Sunday Senior Send-off

Parents of Seniors! Youth Sunday is almost here. Help make the day memorable for your senior by getting his or her information for the Senior Booklet ASAP. We need 1) Hard copy color photos of your senior, one from kindergarden age and one from Senior year; 2) Info for the Booklet–Name, Parents, High School, Plans after Graduation; 3) Digital photos for the slideshow of your senior at Christ Church or doing youth stuff, send to me at courtrightd@christchurchcharlotte.org; 4) Letter Packet, please gather letters from family and friends to be given to your Senior that day and bring them in to Christine. All of this info is in the letter dated February 24th, which can be viewed here: Senior Parent Letter 2012.