I don't know about everyone else - but I'm still recovering from this weekend.  It's these type of events that make me realize, "I'm getting older."  Let me just explain a few of these photos from top left to right.  
1. Is the gage half full or half empty?
2. Read the sign closely
3. Me and Mean Dean Bradly from the midwest cage fight.  Dean used to sit on the front row at youth group with a pick comb stuck in his afro.  Today he's pursuing his title in the Ring. 
4. The skyline was our backdrop - so cool
5. Immersive youth culture
6. Night Time Backdrop of the city - was amazing
7. Dodgeball tournement 1
8. Dodgeball Tourney 2, I'm very proud of this shot - one of my favorites
9. More Mingling
10. Cortnie practices her dance routine at HyVee Hall in front of the downtown - what a cool shot!

Someday - maybe you can experience this with us!

by: Lee Havemeier

Hey Everyone!

I wish I had a way (currently) to transfer my pictures from my cell phone to the site.  I got some great shots from this weekend.  We had a blast at Red Culture & the Fine Arts Event.  Not only did we enjoy the speaker (Jeanne Mayo) but we were encouraged by our very own Tian Siggins and Cortnie Kirchhoff as they participated in Fine Arts.  Tian excelled in the category of Short Sermon and Cortnie received a Superior with invitation to participate in Fine Arts at the national level for the dance catagory.  The National Fine Arts Event is connected to the national youth convention that will will take place in early August in Detroit, Michigan.   Make sure you congratulate both participants with a job well done!

by: Lee  

One thing we recognize about youth ministry is, "Irrelevance is Irreverence!"  We are striving to be relevant to the youth of today and the local culture.  On Wednesday April 7, the youth took the task seriously.  We set out to discover who we are and why we are.  Everything about our youth ministry was on the table - every detail was laid out in plain site and dissected.  We got a lot accomplished and enjoyed ourselves in the process.  We are striving for community and discovery.  (discovery and sharing a common unity seemed to be at the forefront of our conversation and the final analysis of our surveys) One thing is certain - our identity is who we are becoming - not what we are or once were.  It's an exciting journey - I'm glad I get to be a part of it!!

by: Lee

Growing up, I had a rabbit named Alexander. He was a pure, white, Californian bunny.  I taught him tricks like roll over and how to stand up on his hind legs to give me kisses every time I saw him.  I have some very good memories with my buddy.

It's amazing how your whole day can seem different because of one little instance.  When I came in my office this morning, I was going to open my window because it was a little musty and I was thinking about the fresh outdoor air.  I got plugging away at some messages first thing instead.  I almost didn't even get to my desk this morning; because I was going to attack our sound system in the sanctuary.  

Shortly after I check my messages I hear this rustling outside my window - Lo and Behold - it's this little bunny rabbit.  I took some quick shots with my phone and realized, I didn't have cables to transfer the pictures. So I grab the camera that happens to be sitting on my other desk.  I got two shots off before he/she hopped away.  

I don't know why I got so excited about this.  It was nice to have nature visit me today - and in some way capturing a piece of art that would only last a moment.  Thank You God - for the little moments!   | by Lee

It's simply amazing how those little details stand out to you at times.  Like the other day - I shook the hands of the men at church and all of them felt a bit softer.  Low-and-behold! I find this in the men's bathroom.  Apparently, some very thoughtful ladies have spared no expense for the men of the church to have a FIRM but Friendly handshakes.  For this, I say - Thank you!

I heard a pastor preach a message on the Yield sign one day, and the point of the message was Yielding to God by saying, I'm "Yours In Every Little Detail".  I know there are so many details I miss in life, but in all of them, God is sovereign.  

Jesus' Death brought us life! What a great day to celebrate together!  It was a beautiful day inside and out.

I love Spring Time!  The weather yesterday was absolutely fabulous!  Such a gorgeous day to experience with other people.  The youth attending NRYM were encouraged through a message entitled, "Fight for Me" - a message dealing with the importance of helping the powerless who may not be able to help themselves as Jesus did for us.

The kids and parents enjoyed a bunch of candy found on their hunt and a great movie celebrating Easter!  What a great day!
We hope you enjoyed the day with us! Enjoy the rest of your Easter Celebrations!

Just a quick reminder - Our Kid's Easter celebration begins on March 31st at 6:30 pm.  There will be an interactive service followed by a Great Candy Hunt!  Things like this make you wish you were a kid again!  Hope to see you there!

Jenny Kirchhoff's Father Jim came out to the church today with his tractor and pulled all the gravel out of our grass.  What an amazing guy!!  The winter had caused such a huge mess of our grounds that we were concerned about summer activities.  Thanks to the Kindness of Jim - We have a nice parking lot as well as a maintained landscape.  Thank You Jim!!

Finally! The weather is warming up.  We even played Capture the Flag last night for about 20 minutes.  It was so nice to be outside.  We celebrated with Tammy Glenn on her Birthday - Enjoyed some St. Patrick's Day Treats and had a chat about "Perfectionism and Criticism".  Later in the evening we hung out at BK (Burger King) and enjoyed some cheap refreshments.  Many of the students are on Spring Break right now so Kelly and I stayed up late playing Shot Online with Jordan Mauk. We all nearly finished under Par... I can say that I finished under par; but, only because I was -5 when I began on hole 18.  If it wasn't for that I would have finished +1 due to my many errors on the last hole.  

I am so glad that Summer is around the corner - I have had a serious case of "Cabin Fever".  So glad to see the grass again - even if it is brown! Blue skies today and gorgeous weather!  Thank you God for allowing me to experience a  beautiful and peaceful day !!