Overflow Youth

This is a blog dedicated to recapping youth events, sharing stories, and keeping youth informed on coming events

[apaoverflow]

So excited to announce our Fall Retreat Dates for 2014. More Details to Come

[apaoverflow]

History Maker 2014

This May long weekend, approximately 15 of us youth and young adults attended History Maker in Chilliwack.

This youth convention is not new to our youth group, but unlike the last few years, this one was quite different. With pastor Terry in hospital, welcoming his son into the world, Aliya and Jesse headed the event and we couldn’t have been more proud. With such a small amount of us attending this year, it all ended up going very smoothly.

Our youth group as a whole was so much closer and we all functioned as one body. I believe this year was better because of that.

Saying that, a few of us went into this expecting to be disappointed. Last year was such a let down compared to the first year for many reasons. And for me, specifically, I wasn’t excited about the theme being ALIVE. I thought that was dumb and the song it was referring to was overplayed and kinda stupid. Little did I know God was going to take my opinion and turn it on it’s head.

The first night of a youth convention usually consists of a light message and pumped up music. But the performer and speaker ended up causing revelation in me.

I don’t want to make this a sob story, but for a few years I have struggled with some dark thoughts about myself. And just through the worship and the Holy Spirit present in that room, I realized that I am alive. God made me alive. And I want to be alive. So that in itself took such a darkness off of me.

The break outs and messages the following day followed a pattern of Alive, and we encountered an amazing session where the Holy Spirit was working in that room. And I just got so encouraged and excited about the future of us as a youth group as well as us as people and the great things God is going to do in our lives.

Of course no History Maker would be complete without some laughs and bonding time. And I found that was prevalent in every moment we hung out with each other over those three days.

We may have been way over tired and a little loopy or grumpy, but I feel this History Maker raised the bar for History Maker and for our youth group in a huge way.

Nostalgia is hitting me now. This was my last one as a youth. But I can’t wait to come back next year and see the result of this year still Alive in those youth coming back.

God is good.

Written by Aleena Bonk, grade 12

[apaoverflow]

Last night we stared our two part series “Living a Life Worth Retweeting”. I (Brandon) got the honour sharing my testimony and a message that God had put on my heart. 

We read some of the Apostle Paul’s advice to his student Timothy, a young man whom Paul had put in charge of the Church in Ephesus. 

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation (preaching/ sharing), to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practise these things, immerse yourself in them,[b] so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:11-16

There are so many valuable and deep truths jammed into this passage of Scripture; last night I focused on 5.

Set An Example | v 12 Don’t let anyone sell you short just because of your age. And don’t sell yourself short either. But set yourself up as an example to your friends, parents, and fellow believers. Set an example in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Set an example for our congregation here at APA and you will encourage them to be an example for you.

Devote Yourself | v 13

Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture. Come to church and youth group because Christianity is a team sport; we need community. Devote yourself to exhortation (preaching and sharing God’s Word) and to teaching your friends, family, and fellow believers. Even if preaching on a stage or teaching in a class isn’t your strength, find opportunities to preach, teach, and share in an informal manner with your friends.

3. Do Not Neglect Your Gifts | v 14

Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. Use your strengths and abilities as vehicles to carry the Gospel message in whatever context you find yourself. Whether it’s writing, drawings, dancing, driving, music, sports, school work, etc. do it all to the best of your God-given ability and ask Him to give you opportunities to impact people with your testimony and the Gospel.

4. Be Visible | v. 15

Let people see what God is doing in your life. Don’t shy or ashamed. Don’t be arrogant or obnoxious. Don’t pretend to have it all figured out or that your life is perfect. Be real. Be open. Use social media to share what God is revealing to you in your study of His Word and in your day-to-day life. It’s not about bragging, showing off, or harassing people, but about being that city on a hill shining bright.

5. Be Dilligent

Keep an eye on your lifestyle and your doctrine, your works and your faith, your actions and your beliefs. If you lower the standard of your lifestyle, your beliefs will follow close behind and vice versa. Dig deep in to the Word of God. Lose the rake and grab a shovel. Imprint His words in your heart and mind. Cherish your time reading the Bible, don’t just suffer through it. Remember, it’s like a mathematics problem: knowing the answer to a question is often useless if you can’t explain how you came to that answer. Show your work.

I hope you were encouraged and challenged by the message last night. All the leaders at APA Overflow want to see you succeed by becoming incredible men and women of God who take their faith and their walk with God seriously. That starts by choosing now to live a life sold out 100% of Christ; a life worth retweeting. Thanks, hope to see you at church this Sunday and at youth on Tuesday.

[apaoverflow]

History Maker Recap 2013

Isn't it an amazing thing to equal the amount of sleep in one night, that you got for an entire weekend?  That is only one of many reasons why History Maker is one of the best events of the year. 

Every year I go into History Maker and ask God: "What do you have in store for our students?" But more often than not, God shows me that not only does he have something in store for you guys, but for me as well. 

I want to share with you a couple things that stood out for me, along with my highlights of the weekend. 

"You get to Serve"-Matthew Barnett

Serving is not something I really enjoy. I don't like picking up trash, or doing things that aren't fun, but.......... I GET to do those things. Serving is a privilege. But so often I treat it as a chore. I was extremely challenged by Matthew Barnett, because he was a man who is practicing what he preaches. He has done incredible things in LA, but at the heart all he does, is a servant heart.

Serving is one area where I would like to see us as a youth group grow in. Serving is not a chore, but an opportunity, a privilege: WE GET TO SERVE! That means we can serve in our children's VBS this summer. We can serve by coming early to help set up for youth, and staying late to clean up. The potential to serve is limitless.

One more thing that really left me thinking was Eric Samuel Timm's message on comparing ourselves to others. What was going through your head as you watched the youth pastors go to the altar because they have been comparing themselves to other youth pastors? It was humbling wasn't it? We all struggle with comparing, and that may be one of the biggest lies that we believe: That we need to be like other people. Better people.

Comparing can be one of the biggest struggles for teenagers themselves. Teens are always comparing their clothes, popularity, grades, talents, and no matter how good they are, feel defeated by the presence of someone who is better. 

It is so freeing, especially for me, to believe that God wants to use my own talents and gifts, and use them in my own setting. I am not supposed to be like the pastor down the road. I am to be me, and let God use the gifts he's given me.

I really urge you to throw off the comparison games at your young age, and learn to live in the giftings that God has given you.

What are your biggest lessons that you learned at History Maker? I want to encourage you to either share them in the FB group, or message me personally. 

Here are my personal highlights from the weekend:

5. SPINNING THING AT THE PARK: I've haven't laughed like that in such a long time. Watching people spin around and then go for a run has to be the funniest moment of the entire weekend.

4. THE SHO's CONCERT: Not only did I think THE SHO killed it, but I loved how our youth group supported him. We know how to get our S's up like no one else!!! 

3. TWITTER: No other youth group tweeted as much as you guys did. You did me proud once again. Some tweets were hilarious, others insightful. Some were just plain strange. But I loved them all. #hm13

2. BUS PRANK: I feel a tradition setting into place. APA OVERFLOW is getting a reputation of a youth group to watch out for. We will need to watch our backs in upcoming years.

1. SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE: What God did in that service was incredible. I know that God was speaking to all of you. I could see it, and will continue to pray that God works these things out he began doing that night. I hope you won't forget that night. It is a night I will remember for a long time.

What are YOUR HIGHLIGHTS???? Let's hear em!!!

[apaoverflow]

You may have been surprised when you showed up to youth last night. You may have thought that it was going to be a waste of time.

But if you thought those things when you walked in last night and saw that it was a church service rather than just our usual youth service, I hope you were proved wrong. 

To make a long story short: Last night was just another reason why I am a proud Youth Pastor. I have always been proud of you guys, but watching you participate in the service had me beaming on the inside like when I've drank too much coffee and am buzzing on caffeine. 

I want to share with you 3 reasons why I am a Proud Youth Pastor

1) You Showed Maturity

During the service, no one was goofing off. No one was staring at their cell phones. Everyone there was involved in the service. You worshipped, and when it came time for the altar call, you participated because you saw the need for it. Our group is maturing in spiritual understanding, and that makes me so excited to sit back and watch.

Keep maturing and leaving childish things behind. The world needs mature young adults, and after seeing your maturity last night, I have great hope in that the answer may be found in you guys!

2) You Showed Sensitivity

The Holy Spirit really wanted to do something awesome in your lives last night. And you recognized it, and responded to it. That is not something that comes from your flesh. But from your Spirit. You were listening to your Spirit. You pursued God's presence and were not afraid to let God's power take over. Some of you will never be the same because of what you experienced last night. 

Sensitivity comes from your devotional life and your dedication. Keep devoting yourself to Him through prayer and reading His Word, and keep your ear attuned to what He is saying.

3) You Showed Passion

There is nothing worse than apathetic teenagers; Teens who just really could care less about what they are doing. You showed the opposite. You wanted God's presence and were calling out for Him. You worshipped. You Cared. 

Your passion was felt by the adults, and to be honest with you, adults could learn from the passion of young people. Don't let that passion die out. Its an energy we all benefit from. 

Julia and I love you guys tremendously and let's continue to grow in this journey that we are on. As we let God pour into our lives, let us Overflow with his presence, with love for others, and with our love for Him. 

[apaoverflow]

The Merge and All-Nighter!

If you missed it, last Friday night (February 22nd) was the Merge and All-Nighter!

Here is a look into what we were up to: http://youtu.be/ikAw6daUoQk

We had guest speaker Clark Moran speak on not being normal, and how no normal people make a difference in this world.

He spoke about a few abnormal people from the bible, including: Two women who gave Jesus everything they had (Mark 14:3-9 and Mark 12:41-44); The woman who suffered from the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34); And three men who refused to bow down (Daniel 3). 

Here are some quotes from his sermon:

"People who are about to make history in the name of Jesus give him everything."

"I don't care about what you did last week, I don't care about what you did yesterday. You are here now and you are called to be different."

"The best thing you can do is not give in to the things your friends are bound to. The best thing you can to is refuse to be broken. To stand up. And be different."

"Your unwillingness to bow down to the things of this world will lead your friends to not bow down anymore."

And of course, after the serious stuff, we had to let loose and have some fun. We also did this:

http://youtu.be/YixpEql_tdI

To wrap up the Merge, we rented out Planet Lazer for some friendly fire. The green team dominated.

After we returned, the rest of the gang joined us and there was pizza, a game of manhunt, some movies, and other shenanegans. For some reason though, most of us couldn't make it through the night with as much vigor as we would have liked. We were a rough looking group in the morning. 

So if you missed it, well that's too bad. But we had a great time learning together and having fun as a unified group. Here's to another great night like this in the future! 

  ~Aleena

[apaoverflow]

Weekly Devotions

February 11th

Scripture: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will receive the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

        This passage is very powerful to me because sin is something really sitting on my brain right now. Questions like: What counts as sin? In teenage relationships, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and not mean for some things to happen. But we shouldn't put ourselves in situations where that is a possibility. Also, establishing boundaries is  a very important step and should be done fairly early on in a relationship. 

     Terry has said it before, "we shouldn't be known for what we don't do." In some ways that is true, as faith is nothing without works, but we should also set the standard for purity among teens and not be ashamed for that. 

     We all go through those low points spiritually in our lives and I feel like we aren't always aware of our sins during those times. The rules don't change and God never goes away. 

     If you were at church this week, you would recognize this passage as what Pastor Greg spoke about. This passage isn't supposed to sound as if anyone who has done those things aren't going to heaven. It is, in fact, the opposite. Some of us have done those things and all of us have sinned, and it says here that you have been purified. We have all been washed clean of our "guilty stains" by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

    Just because we have been cleansed does not mean we are free to destroy ourselves again and ask God for half-hearted forgiveness once a week and expect to be good. Since we have been saved, we should glorify Him by picking up our crosses and following Jesus. That means giving up addictions and sinful activities. 

     This upcoming Valentine's Day, don't fall into sin, no matter how sweet he is or how beautiful she may be. 

       For more on love and relationships come out to youth tomorrow night for Terry's sermon as we cover those topics once again. 

          ~ Aleena

[apaoverflow]

We are a youth group.

Two words. Youth. Group. 

Part of being a group is doing things together. We are in a sense one body. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. When one is celebrating, we all should be celebrating.

Last night we ditched our topic of Dating, because some of the guys of our group had a playoff hockey game. In the big scheme of things, hockey is not up there on the most important things of life. But being part of a group is. 

We were able to cheer, make fools of ourselves, and be fans, because we were a group.

Groups share moments. Moments make memories. 

People remember moments. 

Not talks.

Chances are, you will not remember my talk on dating 2 months from now. But you will remember the moments we spend together. Moments like going to the boys' hockey game. Driving up to Salmon Arm on a rowdy party bus. The Sho's first ever concert. History Maker. 

There is a lesson in all of this: People remember moments, not talks. 

In your relationships with friends and family, cherish and emphasize the moments, not the talks. Don't try to talk people to death. Be there for them. Show up for them. Be part of their moments. 

They will remember that so much longer then any talk you ever had. 

[apaoverflow]

Recap: February 5th 2013

What amazes me  when I look at last night, is the maturity that has taken place in our students over the past year. Last year's series on "Love, Sex, and Dating" was not received with the same maturity that I have observed the last two weeks.

Sexis not an easy to talk about. Partly because at your age, Sex is this curious topic that is still foreign and new, but since it is so widely talked about at school and so widely celebrated in your culture, it must not be ignored

My goal for you is that you approach the issue of Sex in a way that you aren't running away from it, but yet keeping it at a safe distance until a time when you are gifted by God to explore it. I want you to be knowledgable of Sex, but not curious enough to expirement with this knowledge on your own. It is a maturity of letting people who are older than you, more experienced in that topic, and who have made mistakes pass that knowledge to you.

With that in mind, please know that my job is to provide spiritual knowledge on the topic of sex, and help point you in the right direction by giving you advice and guidance in staying pure. But I cannot replicate the support and role that your parents play in your life. Seek out their guidance, be open and honest with them about this subject, and I can bet that they will show a great respect for you because of that maturity.

Do not stop praying about this topic of sex. Pray for your protection, for purity, and even pray for your future spouse. Let yourself come under God's view of sex, so that you are not misled by this culture's view of sex. 

And remember: myself and any other leader would be happy to discuss this more in detail at any time! Just give me a call

Pastor Terry

[apaoverflow]

Weekly Devotions

February 4th 

Scripture: "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. for whose sake I have lost all things."  Philippians 3:8

       I find it incredible how Paul words this, a huge concept, in such simple words. Everything in life that is not for God is nothing. It is counter-productive. It is garbage. 

     We love so much in our lives: People, places, things, and Paul just counts it all as worthless compared to having Jesus. It's true, but not many of us have the strength to say it. We all have addictions and things we can't function without on a daily basis. Yet in the grand scheme of things they are all pointless and only keep us from spending more time with God. Some of them are sinful, and even though it may be socially acceptable, the world's views and morals are vastly different from God's. 

   I wish I had a portion of Paul's strength and commitment so that I may follow Jesus completely and wholeheartedly. Picking up your cross is not an easy task. We can hope and pray to be better, but without God's aid we are useless. 

     So maybe that is something you are struggling with right now. Something in your life taking up more time than it should, or obstructing your time for God. The thing that just popped into your head, that's it. Cold turkey might not be the best idea, but definitely start making it less of a priority and God more of one, because it doesn't matter what level of assassin you are in heaven, nor how many quotes you can recite, nor who the rose went to this week. 

 ~ Aleena 

[apaoverflow]

Weekly Devotions

January 28th

Scripture: "And so he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 (N.I.V.)

       After having to memorize this scripture for learning communities I was sitting at home studying for my exams when "Holy Spirit Have Your Way" by Leeland (<- click to hear song) came on and it made me think of this verse. We've all heard this speech many times, but we don't really act on it. Fact is, we need to apply these words to our lives. I know there is temptation to live like the world, I experience it every day, and constantly fail. 

     As Pastor Terry said yesterday, we shouldn't be known for what we DON'T DO, but rather what we DO. We need to deal with our addictions and idols, and be obviously different from the rest of the world. People should look at us and know us for our works in our schools, churches, and communities.

     Maybe it's the people you hang out with, the words you say, or the things you do; but we all need to stop living for ourselves, and live for God. It really is the best feeling in the world to be truly happy and not regret our lives. 

     I challenge you to listen to this song and just spend some time meditating on it and talking to God. We all need to act on our faith and have a personal connection with God, instead of just knowledge of his word and going through the motions of church and youth group. Make spending some time with God a part of your day, and doing things for God a part of your life.     Click here for the song and here for the lyrics.

  ~ Aleena

[apaoverflow]

It’s TONIGHT!!!!

[apaoverflow]

Tuesday January 22nd: Castle Fun Park!!! Go Karts, Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Arcade Games. Highlights: -Grace crashing the Go Kart -Colten kicking butt at Mini Golf -Kate visited -Cake, chips, and tea with unusual names And it was extra special because I got to share my birthday with the best youth group on earth! Next Week: Love || Can a Teenager really be in LOVE?

[apaoverflow]

Weekly Devotions

January 21st Scripture: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."  Proverbs 25:11

      When discussing friendships and the struggles often involved, it is important to think before you speak. I am sure most of you regret saying something to someone in the heat of the moment to this day, because I sure do. But to remain Christ-like and keep away from friendship shattering fights, it is extremely important to take a moment and find the right words. 

       Sometimes hard stuff happens, but we need to abstain from hurtful words and harsh language. I know it's really hard, believe me, I've been there many times; but this scripture really jumps out at me. The image of us or our words as being like gold when everything around us is silver, says that we must stand above and separate from the ways of the world and strive to be like Christ. 

      So write this in your devotions, journals, make a note, or highlight this in your bibles and remember this next time you get caught up in a fight.                                             

 ~ Aleena

[apaoverflow]

Last night was our first "Small Groups" night. Rather than joining together as one big group, we separated into smaller groups according to gender and grade. The Girls were located in their leader's homes. I got hilarious text messages of the games you played and the laughs you shared. It is probably safe to say that the guys would not have been invited there. The Dudes got together with CLCC boys, and we had a meat BBQ and played dodgeball. The boys are already known for their high energy, but they took it too a new level last night. No Dodgeball game could be completed without a bench brawl breaking out. I am really excited about these small groups. We have such fantastic leaders who love you guys so much. They want to get to know you better and share their lives with you. These small groups will surely give you a closer look into the lives of your leaders, and hopefully you will grow together with your group and leaders in a way you never expected!

[apaoverflow]

On January 23rd, APA Overflow will never be the same again. That is because The S.H.O. aka Brayden Tielmann, will debut in his first ever concert. And the audience couldn't be tougher to break in: that is Jr. High students. But he will fearlessly take to the stage, hoping to present the heartbreaking theme of Dreaming. 

Although this concert is for pre-teens aged 11-13, The S.H.O. has made it clear that all ages are welcome. Rumour has it that there will even be a 15+ after party. Whatever the case, the undeniable truth is that January 23rd will not disappoint. 

THE S.H.O. PRESENTS DREAM || January 23rd || 6:30pm || 15+ AFTER PARTY TO FOLLOW