2010 Additional State Conference letter

For 2010 California State Youth Conference attendees:
I look forward to experiencing the 2010 California Youth Conference with you next weekend. I wanted to just drop you a short note to remind you of a couple of things before we go on our spiritual journey together.

• Arrive at Rorex Hall at 12:00pm on Friday.

• Bring only two pieces of luggage (one carry on and one piece to load under the bus).

• Bring enough clothes for the entire weekend.

• The dress code has been clarified

• Females: No Strapless Blouses OR Dresses, NO Halter Tops, NO Backs out, NO Cleavage showing.
• Males & Females: NO Super low rise PANTS (Revealing your bottom) JEANS CAN BE WORN ON FRIDAY, SUNDAY, AND MONDAY. NO JEANS ARE TO BE WORN ON SATURDAY. SLACKS, KHAKIS, PANTSUITS, DRESSSES, OR SKIRTS should be worn all day.

• Bring some spending money. We are going to lunch before arriving at the Conference site. Also, there is a snack bar & Starbucks at the hotel, and we are attending the Knott’s Berry Farm on Sunday afternoon.

• Bring your bible.

• Bring your GREAT attitude with you when you arrive and keep it all weekend.

• Please, leave you cell phone at home. There are no cell phones allowed at the conference. If you need to call your parents, the youth workers have their phones and there are phones at the hotel.

• The conference should end around 1pm on Monday. We should be back to the church no later than 3pm.

I can’t wait to see on Friday, April 2nd.



If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call.

Horace

Serve in the Food Pantry

The Free Activation Offer on phones has been extended until March 24th

Cell Phone email to send to your family and friends to make money for the National Conference

Here is the email you can send to your friends and family to let them know about our cell phone business. Just make sure you put in your name for the user code and put you name at the bottom of the email:

I just started a new cell phone business online and I'm really excited because I now have access to some awesome cell phone deals that you can't really get at the stores. We've got a deal through AT&T where you get FREE activation (from March 12-24) and we've got a LOT of free Blackberry's, Touch phones, and other cell phones that you can get for AT&T.

The shipping is also free, so all you need to do is place your order online at my store - here's my store link:
http://www.tmiphones.com/
PROMO CODE: 46390
User Code :   

Please let your friends and associates know about my store link in case they are considering upgrading their phone. I also have many free and cheap cell phone deals through T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and Nextel. Thanks!

Want to earn money to attend The National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July 2010 ?

Want to earn money to attend The National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July 2010 ?

StartCollecting.

            StartRecycling.

                    StartEarning.

Bring in old cell phones, movies, video games, and other electronic gadgets. Any brands. Any models. We will us this and other methods to earn money for us to attend the conference in July. Any questions about this and other programs, contact Horace @ 310-469-8101 or horacejohnsonjr@yahoo.com.

Cell Phone Recycling business is under way!!

I started the recycling part of our business yesterday. I requested people to visit our website (nvr2young@gazelle.com) to donate gadgets such as cell phones and laptops to us. Steven Brice in Texas has asked his contacts to let everyone know about it. The word is out!!! We are going to the National Youth Conference this year. I can feel it!!

Here is what I put in the email:

I am hosting an online gadget drive through Gazelle to raise money for Crenshaw Youth Group, and would love your support.



A gadget drive is a new way to fundraise that turns your used electronics (laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras & more) into cash to support a cause. Contributing to my drive is simple. Just visit my drive webpage, find the value of the gadgets you would like to donate, and send them to Gazelle (shipping is free). The value will go to support Crenshaw Youth Group and their planned trip to the National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July. We hope to travel with at least 20 youth to an unforgettable spiritual journey.



If you would like to donate, please check out my drive's page to learn more and track my progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email, and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

http://Nvr2Young.gazelle.com/



Thank you for your support,

Horace Johnson

Girls vs Boys Bowling Tournament

Well we went bowling this weekend and the girls won!! They averaged 64 and boys averaged 49. I guess the girls are better athletes than the boys.

We Still Have Today!

Wow…it’s crazy how time flies! It’s already MARCH 2010.

As we embark upon a new month in a new year with new challenges, we have to remember that some things should remain the same. We should continue to put Jesus first in all things (Luke 9:23-26) and follow his teachings (John 8:31). I know it's not a simple task and that sometimes we get down on ourselves because we aren't where we would like to be in our walks' with Christ. We; however, should leave all those concerns in the past! What's important is that we have a desire to strengthen our faith and that we began to take the necessary steps to do it. And what's really encouraging is that we still have today!

Below find 6 Accountability Questions that should encourage us in our walk and help us be an encouragement to others. Each month at least one of the accountability questions will be a topic of discussion on the blog.

6 Accountability Questions

1. Did you accomplish your spiritual goals for this month? Did you pray for others? Did you have a daily quiet time with God?
2. What did you do to enhance your relationship with your parents and/or guardian?
3. In What ways has God blessed you this month? And/ or what disappointment consumed your thoughts this month?
4. Have you shared your faith? In what ways? How can you improve? Have you had an opportunity with a non-Christian?
5. Where are you academically right now? Are things under control? Are things under anxiety?
6. What do you see as the number one need for the month?

Is there a particular accountability question that you need to focus on this month?

What's your story?

Hey guys. I really want you to check out this video. It's people telling their testimony with few choice words. It's actually really powerful and I found myself relating to a number of the people even though they were from a different ethnic background than me.

As you watch, think. Do you have a testimony? A story of where God has brought you from? A time when you saw God's awesome power clearly on display? A changed life? A changed perspective?

After you think about your story, think about how you express to God that you are grateful that He brought you through. Leave a comment and tell me what your cardboard would say.

P.S.-I really liked 3:29, 4:46, 5:57, 6:30, 7:49. How about you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX4VQmcaGiQ

Youth Conference Meeting

We had a great meeting yesterday. The enthusiam and excitement was very high in anticipation of a great upcoming youth conference. We discussed all the rules for a succesful youth conference. We are going to the Marriot in Irvine this year. Even though it is not far away, we are looking for forward to a great retreat from the day to day routine.

I am hopeful of having at least 30 people attend the youth conference from Crenshaw alone.

2010 California State Youth Conference

It's that time again!

The 2010 California State Youth Conference is coming up soon. It is the first weekend in April. The registration packets are available for pick up and completion. The mandatory meeting to discuss the details and arrangements for the conference is January 24th at 1pm in Rorex Hall.

The meeting is mandatory for all youth, parents of youth, and youth workers who are planning on attending the youth conference this year.

The registration packets will passed out at the meeting; but they are also now available for pick-up in the foyer of the church, or by requesting one by sending an email to : "hjohnson@crenshawchurchofchrist.org"

Daily Bible Readings for December 2009

Daily Bible Readings
December 2009

God
December 1 Exodus 18:11
December 2 Deuteronomy 30:15-16
December 3 Psalm 116:5
December 4 Psalm 139:7-10
December 5 Isaiah 45:5-7
December 6 Romans 11:22
December 7 I Corinthians 8:6
December 8 II Corinthians 13:11

Jesus
December 9 Matthew 1:18-21
December 10 Matthew 28:20
December 11 Luke 23:44-48
December 12 John 1:14
December 13 John 8:12
December 14 John 10:9
December 15 Acts 4:11-12
December 16 Romans 5:1-2
December 17 Colossians 2:5-7
December 18 II Timothy 1:9-10
December 19 Hebrews 1:2-3
December 20 Hebrews 2:17
December 21 Hebrews 4:15-16
December 22 Revelation 1:17
December 23 Revelation 22:20

Grace
December 24 Nehemiah 9:16-17
December 25 Psalm 78:37-39
December 26 Psalm 84:11
December 27 Psalm 103:8-10
December 28 Isaiah 30:18
December 29 John 1:16
December 30 Ephesians 1:7-9
December 31 Ephesians 2:5

Sudden Impact

Be Transformed By the Renewing Of Your Mind

It is really sad. Janie walks down the hall between classes. She goes to her locker and stands there alone. As she goes through every school day no one stops just to hang out and chat for awhile with her. Why, because she is not physically attractive at all. As a matter of fact she has over heard people calling her ugly. She has overheard boys kidding each other about going out with her. She has never done anything to hurt anyone; she is just not physically attractive. Oh, she tries to do better but quiet frankly it is hopeless. Janie finally admitted that her looks were her problem and she comes to you for help.
How would you handle this situation?

Use the verses below to help with your answer:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; I Corinthians 1:22; II Corinthians 5:16-21; Romans 12:1-8. I Timothy 2:9-10

Daily Bible Readings for November 2009

Daily Bible Readings
November 2009

Christian
November 13 John 13:34-35
November 14 II Corinthians 3:16-17
November 15 II Corinthians 5:17
November 16 Galatians 3:3
November 17 Colossians 2:6-7
November 18 II Timothy 2:19
November 19 II Peter 1:5-8
November 20 I John 1:17

Lifestyle
November 21 Proverbs 10:5
November 22 Ephesians 4:1-3
November 23 Ephesians 5:1-2
November 24 II Timothy 3:2-5
November 25 Hebrews 3:14
November 26 II Peter 1:5-9; II Peter 3:11-14

Church
November 27 II Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 13:7
November 28 Psalm 122:1; Ephesians 2:19
November 29 Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42-47
November 30 Ephesians 1:22-23

September Friday Night Live devotion

A day at UCLA

The youth summer camp visited UCLA two weeks ago. the campus was huge. But it was a great experience.

Enjoying a meal at the conference

Us at the 2009 California State Youth Conference

What if you only had Six Months To Live?

What would you do if you only had 6 months to live?

Would you live differently?

What would you change?

Would you treat people differently?

Would you live life to the fullest?

Most of us waste our lives with “when and then” thinking, believing that “when” this or that happens, “then” we will really start living and do something for God that really matters. That approach is guaranteed to leave you with regrets.

If you think that you are too young to think this way, Jesus was just twelve when He said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” Just twenty-one years later, He could say to the Father, “I have completed the work You gave me to do.”

If we all had that kind of focus and dedication in our lives, there’s no telling what God would accomplish in our the world!

Your time on earth is limited.

Most of us, if we knew we only had one month to live, would live differently. We would be more authentic about who we are and more deliberate about how we spend our time. But such a contrast begs the question: What keeps us from living this way now?

Why can’t all of us live more like we’re dying? Isn’t that how we were meant to live in the first place? To discover what we’re made for and to utilize our unique gifts in the limited amount of time we’re given?

I believe that the 6-monts-to-live lifestyle is unique. If we all live as if we only had a short time left on this earth, we would spend it differently, in ways unique to us, and yet I believe we would all experience more fulfilling lives that could leave a legacy for eternity.

Will you try it with me?

Submission equals sacrifice

One of the things that I think disturbs me the most about Christians (including myself) is that we think that Christianity is about what we can get from God.
Our prayers are slanted that way, “Bless me…give me…help me...forgive me...protect me.”
Our motives are slanted that way, “If I do this for God then He may bless me by giving me…”

BUT…the Scriptures teach so clearly that when we become a follower of Jesus we are saying to Him, “I will submit to what YOU want me to be…I will do what YOU want me to do.”
AND…MOST people do not have a problem with believing the sentence above–UNTIL it requires us to actually make some sort of sacrifice.

We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it impacts our dating life or marriage.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact us financially.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our time.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our social schedule.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our sleep
BUT…one of the things I am seeing over and over again in the Scriptures is that a true follower of Jesus Christ held nothing as sacred (Look at Acts 4:32-37 as an example -- WOW!!).

When someone in the Scriptures was submitting their life to Christ, it was complete and total surrender and not “submission based on convenience.”

The question I am praying and wrestling through personally right now is, “Is there any area of my life that I have declared ‘off limits’ to God?”

I challenge you to do the same.

Jesus SACRIFICED …and He calls us to do the same (you know, the whole “take up your cross and follow me” thing!)

Submission equals sacrifice!

Conference call annoncement

Announcing a conference call for our youth group today at 8:00pm. The call will give us a chance to make sure everyone is up to date on the upcoming event this weekend and in the coming weeks.

We will also take prayer requests and just take a minute to see how everyone is doing. The phone number to call is 1-605-475-6333, and the access code is 44141.

This weekend at the senior event, we will serve hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, water, soda, and other snacks to be offered to attendees. We will discuss our needs from everyone. We need to know when people can help. The event starts at 11am and ends at 3pm. We need help with setup at 9am and breakdown and clean-up when the event ends.

This event is a fundraiser and a service event also. We will assist the senior ministry with whatever they need and we will work to make sure the youth ministry’s refreshment stand gives us the vital funds we can use for future youth events.

Let me know what you think we should have at the refreshment stand.

Talk to you on Thursday at 8.

Please call on time.

Ladies at the youth conference

Some of our ladies at the Youth Conference. Don't they look nice!!

I will lift up my eyes

I will lift up my eyes.
Psalm 121:1

A woman who did a lot of research at home began to have difficulty with her vision, so she went to see an eye doctor. After a thorough exam, he said, “Your eyes are extremely tired. They need rest”

“But that’s impossible,” she replied. “My work requires that I use them all the time.”

After thinking for a moment, he said, “Do you have any wide views of the countryside from your home?”

“Yes,” she answered. “From the front porch I can see the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The specialist replied, “The next time your eyes get tired, gaze steadily at the mountains for ten to twenty minutes. That will rest your eyes.”

What is true in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual. The eyes of the soul grow tired from focusing on our problems. But if we turn our attention to the far horizon of God’s love, we gain a new perspective. We experience the rest we so desperately need.

When your burden is too much to bear, trust God’s tender care.

Hang out before conference

Hello Crenshaw Youth,

Conference is coming real soon!
Are you ready?
Some of you remember that I like for us to leave for the conference with the prayers of the church with us. I would like for everyone to respond to the invitation from the minister for prayer requests on Sunday in the service by walking down to the front of the church.

You do not have say anything. I will make the request for prayer for the group.

To make this easier this year, I am requesting that all conference attendees meet at the house across the street from the building at 7:30am. Please be on time.

We will have a short devotion and refreshments before we head over to worship. We will sit together and worship as a group (just like we will do at the conference).

We will attend bible study and go bowling and have lunch together afterwards.
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to spend time together as a group before we head off to conference on April 10th.

Don’t forget your essays are due April 5th. If you are not attending worship on Sunday, then it would be a good idea to email your essay Saturday night.

If you have any questions or problems, please let me know.

Horace Johnson

2009 Youth Conference Rally