Youth Ministry Gadget of the Future?

Leader - Ok, it's time to get on the van and head home. Do we have everyone?
Youth - No, jenny's missing!
Leader - Well, where is she?
Youth - I think she's still in the bathroom.
Leader - What bathroom?
Youth - The one we passed on the way to the parking lot.

Does that sounds familiar to you? Do you ever wish that you could just track the kids with GPS. Here is a company thats made just that possible. On the record I would never do this. At least I don't think I would.

RFID Chips in School Uniforms Track Students

A Vision of Students Today

This is a short video summarizing some of the most important characteristics of students today - how they learn, what they need to learn, their goals, hopes, dreams, what their lives will be like, and what kinds of changes they will experience in their lifetime. Created by Michael Wesch in collaboration with 200 students at Kansas State University.

New Health and Environment Resource for Youth Leaders

The choices we make for our families and the way we care for God’s Earth are intricately related to human health and the health of all creation. Today, pollutants and toxic chemicals contaminate our water, our land, our personal care products, and our children’s toys. Many studies have found links between these contaminants and health conditions ranging from asthma to cancer, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, women, communities of color, and low-income communities.

Download a copy of the new environmental health resource from the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics, to learn how to maintain the sanctity of our bodily temples and ensure that health of God’s good Earth. This resource is full of ideas for parents and youth leaders to learn more and to find youth and adult study ideas, sermon starters, worship materials, and more! Learn more about the NCC environmental health initiative or download a copy of Mindful Living at www.nccecojustice.org/mindful_living.html.

Chloe Schwabe
Assistant Director of Environmental Health

National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs
110 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
cschwabe@ncccusa.org
202-481-6932
www.nccecojustice.org

A New Generation Reinvents Philanthropy - WSJ.com

Social networking sites like myspace.com get a pretty bad rap. Stories about children and youth being targeted by predators are constantly in the headlines. It's nice to read a story about some of the good that social networks can provide. It's taken years for most nonprofits to even begin to tap into the benefits of marketing online. Many just don't have the resources it takes to do it right. It's become a lot easier thanks to sites like Facebook.com and Change.org which offer free ways to promote and interpret your cause. They also have created new avenues for fund raising.
A New Generation Reinvents Philanthropy - WSJ.com

Senior wins fight to stay on team, attend a religious convention

I wanted to share this story with those of you that are constantly competing with summer sports training camps or other school related summer activities. This is the story of a girl who wanted to go to a Youth Conference that overlapped with volleyball training. She was threatened with not being allowed on the team her senior year and her family wouldn't hear of it. They fought back! It's great to hear stories of families who still see the church as a priority over sports and other school options. Check it out at http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007706140476

Resources to use with your young people in response to the shootings at Virginia Tech

Dear Friends in Youth Ministry,
The Office of Youth Ministry has created some resources to use with your young people in response to the shootings at Virginia Tech. You can find them at http://www.pcusa.org/youthministry/

1. 60-70 minute lesson plan for a youth group or youth gathering "Through a Mirror Dimly".

2. d365.org Online Devotions for youth and youth leaders. Special writings on April 17, 18 and 19 responding to the shootings at VA Tech.
3. Liturgy of Discernment and Prayer For a Youth Group
Contemplative movement for youth groups using scripture and prayer to explore the acts of violence happening in our world (and this past week).

For any questions please contact The Office of Youth Ministry through http://www.pcusa.org/youthministry/.

Peace, Andrew

Presbyterian Volunteer Village Youth Program

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has received numerous requests for youth to be involved in the Gulf Coast hurricane response. We are pleased to announce that a special program has been designed especially for youth (ages 16-18) to participate in the Presbyterian Volunteer Village experience and the Gulf Coast recovery effort with the Orange Grove Presbyterian Volunteer Village. Information is as follows:

Location: Orange Grove

Dates: Each team will spend one week, arriving on Sunday by 4:00 p.m. and leaving on Saturday.

  • June 17-23
  • June 24-30
  • July 1-7
Age minimum: 16

Adult/youth ratio: 1 adult per 5 youth

Activities: Work in the community may include rebuilding or cleaning, such as cleaning up a park or painting homes. There may also be opportunities to assist local churches with Vacation Bible School or other activities — being a witness in the community and helping the church grow.

For more information please visit http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/gulfcoast/youthinvillage022707.htm