impact student ministries

Elevate Parent Survey

2012-03-06T11:11:00.002-06:00

Dear families of ImpactStudent Ministries,

Due to the wonderful growthof CCC and its ministries, we are taking steps to move to two separate studentworship services (Elevate).

This online survey is intended to gather informationthat will help our church leadership make the best decision for the entire CCCcongregation. The changes will not be decided by a simple majority from thissurvey, but your voice will play a role in how we proceed.

Please submit your answers tothis survey by Sunday, March 18. Thank you for your time and input!

Last Chance for the Survey!!!

2012-03-03T19:44:00.003-06:00

The DEADLINE to take the WinterCamp survey is MONDAY, March 5!!!

To take the survey, go here!

This Sunday's Elevate

2012-03-01T15:45:00.001-06:00

The Naked Truth Series
"Equally Yoked"
10:25-11:45am in the Warehouse

Have you ever seen two oxen pulling a cart down Hwy 52? It can be quite the sight... especially when the vehicle has "exhaust issues".

Can you imagine if one ox was super strong, and the other one was a weakling? What do you think would happen to the buggy? It would go off course, of course!

Believe it or not, there's a lot to be learned about relationships from this picture. And you'll find out what those lessons are...THIS SUNDAY!

BreakQuake 2012

2012-02-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

Friday, March 30
7:00-11:00pm
The Warehouse and Gym

Kick off Spring Break right with BreakQuake!

Come and enjoy a night of community-building, games, and memory-making! Whether you enjoy friendly competition, thought-provoking conversation, or just hanging out with friends, this night's for YOU!

Infrequently Asked Questions
Q: What does BreakQuake cost?
A: $0.00, plus shipping and handling

Q: Will I have fun?
A: Nope. It's going to be really boring. God hates fun. (Sarcasm Alert....)

Q: Can my friends come?
A: Sure...as long as they're not connected to another youth group...and as long as they are willing to laugh Mark's hilarious jokes.

Q: Will the church actually experience an earthquake during the event?
A: Probably not, but you never know.

Q: Will there be plenty of unhealthy things for me to eat and drink?
A: This is a youth group event, right? (Parental disclaimer: healthy alternatives will be offered as well...) And, because we're nice, it's on the house.

Q: What will we do for four whopping hours?
A: Within reason, anything you want. We'll have video games, dodgeball, basketball, Settlers of Catan, foosball, ping pong, and maybe a game of Mafia or Ninja will break out... We'll also have some "formal activities" throughout the night, like "Stump the Pastor" (more on that later) and "Spin the Bottle". (I'm kidding on the last one....just seeing if you're still reading.)

Q: You really think you're funny, don't you?
A: Why yes. Yes I do.

Q: Can my parents come to help ensure that this event is safe and well-organized?
A: If you can convince you're parents to come for even an hour, I will consider you my favorite kid in the youth group. (And yes, I really do keep a mental list...) If they want to help, just email me! Thanks!

WinterCamp Changes?

2012-02-22T13:53:00.001-06:00

As most of you know, WinterCamp is a BIG DEAL around here! We know that many lives get impacted in powerful ways on that weekend. We want to have as many families as possible join us in this annual "mountaintop experience".

For a few years, we have wrestled with changing the date of WinterCamp. Traditionally, WinterCamp has fallen on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend because most schools have the following Monday off. In 2013, that date is January 18-21.

The down side is this: the Rochester Public Schools semester ends shortly after that weekend. Many students have struggled with the timing of school projects, homework, and upcoming tests. This is why we are considering changing the date to January 24-27 (Thursday-Sunday). Rochester Public students get that Friday off of school, and it is the end of their semester.

We want your input, as we want to make the best decision possible. So please take this survey! Thanks!

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you took the survey February 22-23, please retake this new survey. There was concern about confusing questions in the old survey. So sorry for the inconvenience!

To take the UPDATED survey, go here! The survey will close on Monday, March 5.

This Sunday is the best Elevate to DATE!

2012-02-21T12:37:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the pun, but this Sunday's Elevate will be fantastic nonetheless!

We're going to split up MS and HS and have a heart-to-heart about dating. What's the healthiest approach to dating, what are some typical mistakes Christian teens make regarding dating, and - most importantly - what does God say about the subject?

As is the case with the other "Naked Truth" messages, parents are welcome to attend! It's a great spring board to further conversations around the dinner table!

High School Mission Trip

2012-02-15T13:33:00.001-06:00

The deadline to commit to the high school mission trip is Tuesday, March 6!

We are going to McAllen, Texas this year for a variety of reasons! Click on the info sheet for an explanation, as well as other details.

Please turn in your application form and your $100 non-refundable deposit (write check to Christ Community Church, memo: "High School Mission Trip".

The application form is available here or in the Warehouse!

8th Grade Mission Trip

2012-02-13T14:29:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again where we begin our preparation for the Greenspace (8th grade) mission trip to Cleveland, OH. We had our parent info meeting last night during our normal LifeGroup time and had a good turnout, but I know that not all our students and parents were there.

The picture on this blog post has some of the information we covered, and contains our registration form. Please take time to read the information on this form (if it applies to you). Please note: Registration & the $50 (non-refundable) deposit MUST BE turned in by March 4th if your student plans on being part of this trip.

We also want to let our whole 8th grade LifeGroup know that on March 4th we will be done with our Jesus Creed study and will be turning our focus to planning and preparing for our trip. Even if you aren't going to Cleveland, you are still encouraged to attend these planning times so that you can help us prepare. You are still a valuable part of the team!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Josh. Thank you!

The Naked Truth - Extended Edition!

2012-02-07T11:15:00.001-06:00

Back by popular demand!

After much feedback expressing a desire to dig deeper in the topics of Biblically-based sexuality, we are committing five more weeks at Elevate to these topics:

Feb 12 Fitting In as a Misfit: dealing with self esteem & peer pressure

Feb 19 Accountability: Finding & maintaining an accountability relationship

Feb 26 Dating Dos and Don'ts (split MS and HS)

Mar 04 Being Truly "Equally Yoked"

Mar 11 Homosexuality from God's perspective

Dare2Share Conference

2012-02-06T16:13:00.000-06:00

February 24-25
Grace Church, Eden Prairie
For: Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers
Cost: $50, plus 3 meals
(Scholarships are available)

Most of the students at Impact can explain WHAT "Being Orange" is: sharing the Truth (Yellow) and Love (Red) of Christ with the unbelieving world.

But HOW can we effectively be Orange? HOW can we share our faith with others? HOW can we stay motivated to go to the lost? That's a bit tougher issue to address.

So tough, in fact, that we're going to commit an entire conference to it! The Dare2Share Conference is two jam-packed days of training, inspiration, and application to be Orange. Kids will leave equipped, encouraged, and empowered to share Jesus with their friends and family. It just might be the best $50 you've ever spent, as this is an investment of eternal influence!

Between the two days, we will spend the night as a group at Christ Presbyterian Church. We'll have time to process the conference, play games, grab a late snack, and hang out. There are shower facilities at the church.

Schedule:

Friday, 5:15pm: load the bus at CCC (leave at 5:30pm)
Saturday, 10:30pm: return to CCC

Packing list:

Change of clothes
PJs
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Air mattress (optional)
Toiletries
Towel
Money for 3 fast food meals ($15-20)
Bible and pen

The Elephant in the Room

2012-02-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

Special Elevate
This Sunday, 10:25-11:45am
"The Elephant in the Room: God's Answer to Sexual Temptation"
This is the final message in the series "The Naked Truth: God's Views on Sexuality, Relationships, and Body Image."

The goal is to equip each student to be free from the strongholds that may come from sexual sin. Whether a student is currently battling the pull of sexual temptation, or will one day face this battle, this Sunday will be an empowering and encouraging time of hope-giving. It will be an opportunity for students to be armed with truth when facing Satan's lies about immoral sexual behaviors and thoughts.

We will be divided by gender (girls in the Warehouse, boys in the Gym) after worship. Each group will have a panel share their thoughts on overcoming sexual temptation. Each panel consists of both parents and single "twenty-somethings" of the same gender.

There will be an optional and anonymous "Q&A" time, where students may write down questions for the panel.

The questions the panel will be addressed are:

Question #1: Share, as much asyou’re comfortable doing so, about your journey with sexual temptation.

Question #2: In your opinion, what arethe top three temptations, struggles, or issues that adolescent boys/girls typically deal with, regarding their sexuality?

Question #3: Why are these temptationsso tempting? What specifically makesthem easy to fall into?

Question #4: What Bible passages speakto overcoming sexual temptation? What are some strategies to apply theseScriptures to your life?

Question #5: If you could “redo” youradolescence, what would you do differently? If you could “time travel” back tobeing 14, what would you tell yourself?

Parents are encouraged to attend as well, and process with their children after the service.

Hut Hut...HIKE!

2012-01-30T10:38:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, February 5
Middle School: 4:30-9:30pm
High School: 5:00-10:00pm

Chances are, your favorite team isn't playing this Sunday. But that doesn't mean it has to be a downer!

Impact is gathering at two locations for the Big Game! And even if you're not a fan of "American Soccer", there will be plenty to do! Please check out the info below:

Cost: both events are FREE!
Friends are DEFINITELY welcome! Please pass along this link to anyone you'd like to invite!
ADULTS: please consider attending! We would LOVE the extra supervision. If you can make it, please contact Pastor Mark (HS) or Pastor Josh (MS) Thanks!

The Middle School will be at the Sawyer home, and they have a sweet sledding hill on their property! Bring a sled, and dress appropriately for the outdoors if you'd like to hit the slopes!

The High School will be in the Warehouse and gym! We'll have a halftime dodgeball game, and a contest to win a $20 gift card! Also available are the usual Warehouse activities: video games, ping pong, foosball, carpetball, and basketball in the gym. Please bring a snack, dessert, beverage, or "healthy option" with you to share with the group! Thanks!

NO LifeGroups Tonight!

2012-01-22T14:35:00.002-06:00

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR IMPACT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!!!

DUE TO THE ICY ROADS AND THREAT OF SNOW ON TOP OF THE ICE, WE ARE CANCELLING LIFEGROUPS TONIGHT! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP THAT YOU HAVE CONTACT INFO FOR. THANKS!

Kingdom Kids Carnival Volunteers!

2012-01-18T11:50:00.000-06:00

THIS Friday, January 20
4:30-8:30pm

We need YOU to serve!

Please contact Autumn Penz as soon as possible so they can put you in a spot where you would love to contribute your time and talents!

WinterCamp Update

2012-01-11T15:50:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple quick notes to prepare you for WinterCamp!

BEAT THE LINES THIS FRIDAY! Students may arrive at Door #3 as early as 4:45pm to load the UNDERCARRIAGE of the bus. DO NOT PUT ANY "CARRY-ON" STUFF ON THE BUS YET!
The Middle School will have the 47-passenger bus, and the High School will have the 55-passenger bus.
When you arrive, you will be required to sign in with Becky Wageman. She will be seated at a table in the Door #3 Lobby.
DON'T BE LATE! The EXTREME latest you can be at CCC is 5:10pm. We have an orientation promptly at 5:15pm in Room 300 (next to Door #3). Parents are not required to attend this meeting.
At 5:30, the adult volunteers will be allowed to board the bus. They will be strategically spread out to have adequate adult supervision on the trip.
At 5:35, the students will board their respective bus. After a head count, we will leave at 5:45pm.
WE ARE NOT STOPPING FOR FOOD on the way to WinterCamp. Please bring a meal, snacks, etc. and/or eat before you arrive. The next meal will be breakfast at Big Sandy!
Be sure to provide lunch money for the return trip. We will be stopping at a fast food restaurant.
We will be returning at 5:00pm on Monday. Students will be allowed to use their cell phones once we leave the Twin Cities to give parents an accurate arrival time.
PLEASE BE IN PRAYER for this weekend. God does AMAZING things every year!

Finally, as of this posting, there are FOUR spots remaining. We will accept more people on a first-come, first-served basis, even up to Friday. They must pay $135 and have the registration form and health form filled out. For updates, please go to our Facebook page.

Please prayerfully consider who needs to be invited! (Late registrants will NOT receive a free tee shirt, however, as they have already been ordered.)

WinterCamp Needs You to Go!

2012-01-05T10:55:00.000-06:00

We still have about 20 spots available! Therefore, we have extended the deadline to THIS SUNDAY EVENING. We are also waiving the penalty, so the cost remains at $135. These spots MUST be filled!

If you are "on the fence" about going, it's likely because of three obstacles: money, scheduling, or fear/anxiety.

MONEY HOLDING YOU BACK?
If money has been holding you back, please know there is a way around it. Thanks to the generosity of others, we have scholarships available! We always say this: money is NOT a good excuse to stay home! We'll make it work for everyone who wants to go! If you need financial assistance, please contact Pastor Mark!

SCHEDULE HOLDING YOU BACK?
We are currently forming a car pool for kids who have a Friday night conflict. At no added cost to the families, students may ride up with responsible adult drivers on Saturday morning. If this would help you "say yes" to coming, please contact Pastor Mark!

FEAR OR ANXIETY HOLDING YOU BACK?
Parents or students may be hesitant to "take the plunge" of WinterCamp. Perhaps these five key facts may alleviate your concerns:

We have a 5:1 child to adult ratio. All our adults have had a background check done, and are well known by Pastor Mark and Pastor Josh. No adult is "flying solo" in a cabin. They are always paired up, and are paired based on experience and relationships with students.
Safety is placed at a premium. We simply will not do something if there is any unnecessary risk involved. We will always sacrifice "more fun" for the sake of "more safety".
We have had a sparkling track record on retreats with squelching deviant behavior. Our group is very well-behaved. Potential risky behaviors such as pranks, bullying, and boy-girl contact are strictly forbidden.
Students are never forced to do something outside their comfort zone. We strive to ensure each kid leaves with a very positive experience!
Ask any student who has gone, and virtually all of them would say WinterCamp is one of the highlights - if not THE highlight - of the year for them. WinterCamp has earned this positive reputation because there truly is nothing to fear!

So, "on-the-fencers"....please say YES! It's a decision you will be glad you made, as WinterCamp has proven over the years to be a significant difference-maker in many lives.

The Naked Truth

2012-01-04T12:03:00.000-06:00

Elevate Teaching Series on Sexuality and Relationships

Sundays, 10:25-11:45am, in the Warehouse

We all know what the world says about sex, body image, and romance. Any typical romantic comedy, advertisement, or popular song on the radio sends a clear, consistent message. Along with the media, adolescents are bombarded everywhere they go with this same message by friends, teammates, and even adults.

But what does God say?

Find out during this Biblically-based teaching series on dating, intimacy, and sexual temptation!

Parents are welcome to join us for this series, and follow-up materials will be given via the blog for them to dialogue with their kids about these subjects. Here's the schedule:

January 8: "Perfect Sex" - God's Design for Sexual Intimacy.

The world says, "If you really love each other...." But what does God say about boundaries? How far is too far? And what if you've already messed up?

January 29: "Pieces of Meat" - How God Sees Your Body.

The world says, "You're too _______." But what does God say about your body? How should we perceive each other's bodies? And what should you do if you really struggle here?

February 5: "The Elephant in the Room" - God's Answer to Temptation.

The world says, "It's natural, so don't feel guilty." But what does God say about sexual temptation or addiction? Is there a way out? This talk will be split by gender.

Help Wanted!

2011-12-28T17:24:00.005-06:00

ON New Year's Eve Student Ministries is hosting The REnewyear Project. This event is open for all ages, and it's purpose is to bring Christians together in unity to worship the Lord, and to pray for spiritual renewal in our own lives as well as the church as a whole.

We are looking for a few helpers for that night. We would like to get 5-7 people to act as ushers/hall monitors (to use a fun school word) to make sure that we have an adequate group of people providing supervision for the event. Don't worry, you can still go to the event like everyone else, you will just have a little more responsibility. If you're interested, please contact Pastor Josh (jhetrick@cccrochester.org) by 5pm on Friday.

Last but not least, we are looking for student volunteers to help out at the Kingdom Kids Carnival on January 20th. If you are interested in helping, please contact Autumn Penz (apenz@cccrochester.org) or Sam Inglebret (singlebret@cccrochester.org).

Thank you for considering your service in these two areas!

Blog Boo Boo

2011-12-20T11:16:00.002-06:00

Whoops! Don't you just HATE typos???

The previous blog post INCORRECTLY states that Bensonwells is leading worship for Big Church on Christmas Eve.

The CORRECT service they will be leading worship for Big Church is New Year's Eve (as well as New Year's Day).

Sorry for any confusion this may have caused!

REnewyear Project Update

2011-12-19T16:02:00.001-06:00

Want to see this powerful worship event bless everyone in your circle of influence? Here are two steps to help make it happen!

1. Make sure they ALL know about it!
Please share this video link on your Facebook wall, or email it to friends!

2. Have them join you for "Big Church" on New Year's Eve, 5:30pm.
Bensonwells (our feature band) is leading worship for this service! If they like them, bring them back at 9:00pm!

FYI: the Community Cafe will be open from 6:45pm - 8:45pm! You're welcome to come early to get caffeinated up!

Middle School LifeGroup Christmas Party Update

2011-12-14T16:12:00.004-06:00

Middle School Christmas Party Update!
If you have been attending a Middle School LifeGroup this Fall, you are invited to attend the Christmas Party THIS SUNDAY at the church!

FOUR quick updates:

1. Please look for updates from your leaders about what your party will entail. They will tell you what to bring as far as food, white elephant gifts, etc...

2. Brad Jorde (Crossroads College) will be leading us in worship including some Christmas songs from 6:20-6:45. Then you will proceed with your individual parties.

3. The party ends at 8:15pm, not 7:30pm when our regular LifeGroups get done. PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE!!!

4. The deadline for the WinterCamp early bird rate is THIS Sunday.
So it will be the students' last chance to save $25 on their trip! Bring the permission slip and the $35 non-refundable deposit (checks written to Christ Community Church, memo: 2012 WinterCamp).

High School Christmas Party Update!

2011-12-13T10:05:00.000-06:00

If you have been attending a High School LifeGroup this Fall, you are invited to attend the Christmas Party THIS SUNDAY at the McCutcheon home!
For the basic info, go here!

FOUR quick updates:

1. Everyone needs to bring a White Elephant gift to the party!
This gift should...

Be cheap or free to you!
Be humorous - the funnier, the better!
Be something most people would not want for a gift!
Be "appropriate for a church function"!
Be wrapped in a way that nobody could know what the gift is!

2. This is NOT intended to be an event to invite your friends to.

It's intended to be a celebration of Christmas, and an opportunity to gather as a community. It will not be focused on being "seeker-friendly", so to speak.

3. The party ends at 8:15pm, but students may stay as long as their parents approve.

If it gets too long, the students will be lovingly shoved out the door.

4. The deadline for the WinterCamp early bird rate is THIS Sunday.

So it will be the students' last chance to save $25 on their trip! Bring the permission slip and the $35 non-refundable deposit (checks written to Christ Community Church, memo: 2012 WinterCamp).

What will YOU say this Sunday?

2011-12-05T16:28:00.001-06:00

Elevate Celebrate & Communion
Special Orange Edition!
10:25-11:45am
In the Warehouse

What has God been doing in your life with Orange?

When it comes to sharing Yellow (the light of Truth) and Red (the love of Christ) with those who don't know Jesus, what's up? What are the victories? How have you been "leaning on the boulder"? What "baby steps" have you taken? That may look like:

showing kindness to the school nerd
tutoring the kid who is struggling in algebra
volunteering to babysit for a single mom
having conversations about God on the bus trip home with your unbelieving teammate
serving at the local soup kitchen, and talking with those less fortunate
shoveling a Muslim family's driveway
bringing someone to church
helping someone trust in Jesus as their Savior

We want to hear your story!
Come prepared to share a few sentences this Sunday what God is doing in you and through you!

Students: REMEMBER TO WEAR AN ORANGE SHIRT!
Parents: you are welcome to attend and cheer your kids on!

2012 WinterCamp FAQ

2011-12-01T11:53:00.001-06:00

Are you still fuzzy about some details for the "mountaintop of the year", AKA WinterCamp? We want each one of you to enjoy the view from the top and get a spiritual kick-start for the remainder of your school year. So take a look at the answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions we come across. And remember: if a question you have isn't covered, please don't hesitate to contact Becky Wageman, Pastor Mark, or Pastor Josh.

Q: "What's the 'family rate' you offer?"
A: The first child pays the regular price ($135, or $160 after Early Bird deadline). The next child is $15 off, the following child is $30 off, and so on. We know it's not much, but at least it's something to help!

Q: "What scholarships are available, and how can I get one?"
A: Yes! Scholarships ARE available! We do everything we can to make sure nobody stays home because of money. You can have up to 50% of your price paid for, provided there is a legitimate need. We have funds available for only about 10 students to benefit. To inquire about the scholarship application, please contact Pastor Mark.

Q: "What, exactly, is considered a 'guest' for WinterCamp?"
A: Guests get a big discount to attend ($95 versus $135), and the invitee also gets a discount ($15 off for each guest brought). So this is a big deal! We regard "guests" as students who are not connected to CCC or another church on a regular basis (attending a church at least once a month). The goal of the guest program is to bring students who do not know Christ as their Savior, or who do not have a community where they are being fed spiritually.

Q: "Can I bring my cell phone, iPod, or other electronic devices?"
A: Students may bring cell phones, as long as they are not a distraction for the retreat. There is very limited service at Big Sandy Camp. Students may bring music, but may only be used at night to help them sleep. REMEMBER: if you don't want something broken, lost, or stolen, don't bring it to WinterCamp. Every year, somebody has a Technology Tragedy!

Q: "I have school on Monday/I have a game on Friday. Does that mean I can't go?"
A: Not necessarily. Families often drive up their students on Saturday morning, or have the parents pick them up on Sunday evening. Sometimes, car pools occur. If you need flexibility, please contact us and we'll try to help you out! NOTE: if we know two weeks ahead of time that a student will miss part of WinterCamp, they will only pay for the part they attend.

LifeGroup Christmas Parties!

2011-11-30T15:23:00.001-06:00

Sunday, December 18
6:15-8:15pm

Middle School meets at CCC
High School meets at the McCutcheon home

MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAN:

Begin with large group worship in the Warehouse!
Then small groups will break off and do their own thing! Leaders will each determine their group's activities!

HIGH SCHOOL PLAN:

Bring either a dozen Christmas cookies or a beverage to share!
Bring one wrapped "White Elephant" gift!
We'll have games, laughs, Christmas carols, and fellowship!

the renewyear project

2011-11-29T12:27:00.001-06:00

Saturday, December 31
9:00pm-12:30am
CCC
Cost: Free

What was once called "Rock the Clock" is now The REnewYEAR Project!

In keeping with our commitment to using events for discipleship and community, this event is changing its focus from outreach and fun to engaging worship and interactive prayer. We're going to spend time focusing ourselves for the new year in powerful and memorable ways.

This event is open to anyone who wishes to come worship and pray, regardless of church affiliation. While the style of music is geared toward teens and young adults, we are not limiting the event to a particular age group!

Here's what you can expect:

7:00pm Community Cafe opens (NOT free!)
9:00pm Main doors open; Community Cafe closes
9:15pm Instructions and preparations for the evening
9:30pm Worship with Static November
10:15pm Interactive prayer, "Stations of the Cross" experience, fellowship
11:15pm Break
11:30pm Worship with Bensonwells
12:30pm Go home

2012 WinterCamp

2011-11-10T16:01:00.001-06:00

January 13-16
Big Sandy Camp
$135 (Early Bird Rate)

This is the MOUNTAIN TOP of our year! These are the Top Ten reasons why kids will LOVE WinterCamp again this year:

10. Last year’s dynamic speaker returns! Joe Mousseau!

09. High-energy worship led again by Static November!

08. The ever-popular broomball tournament!

07. Amazing tubing hill with a tow rope!

06. Indoor energy-burners: climbing wall, floor hockey, and basketball!

05. Fun-filled, weekend-long challenge to win a pizza party!

04. Comfy coach bus for our 4-hour road trip, with movies!

03. Fantastic facilities!

02. Plenty of hang-out time with friends!

01. Free “Step” tee shirt!

For the registration form, go here!

Special Elevate this Sunday!

2011-11-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

There are two significant things happening this Sunday at Elevate, 10:25am SHARP!

1. We have a guest worship band leading us in worship. My Anchor Holds is a band out of Nashville who is in town to lead worship for the Hearts At Home conference. They have arranged to play an acoustic set for us! Please come this Sunday prepared to help with a love offering, and there will be merchandise available for purchase after Elevate. TParents are welcome to join us!

2. We are beginning the third part of the Living with Roy series: Orange. You will not want to miss the next three weeks! This Sunday we're discussing WHY we're called to be the Truth and Love to an unbelieving world! Next week we'll equip you, teaching you HOW to be Orange in practical ways! The third week will be the CHALLENGE that we're going to put in front of our students for the rest of this year! We believe these Sundays will be a TURNING POINT at Impact Student Ministries! YES!

Turkey Bowl!

2011-10-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Gobble Gobble! It's time for this very popular annual tradition! Come play a rousing game of flag football (MS and HS separate) or help decorate the Warehouse for Christmas! This is a GREAT opportunity for a guest to experience the IMPACT community!

In order to eat lunch, YOU MUST CHECK IN AT THE WAREHOUSE BY 11:10AM!

Bring the money you need for:

Pepperoni, sausage, or cheese pizza = $1/slice

Salad = 50 cents/plate

Soda = 50 cents/can)

Schedule:

11:00am Warm up, pick teams; decorators go over the plans and get into teams

11:30am Games and decorating begin

1:00pm Halftime (lunch)

1:30pm Games and decorating continue

2:30pm Games done, clean up decorating

3:00pm Warehouse closes - students MUST be picked up by 3:00pm!

Impact Welcome Ministry

2011-10-18T15:04:00.001-05:00

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression.

First impressions often make or break a person's desire to stick around with us. What if a kid never gets noticed? What if nobody talks to them? What if they slipped in and out of the Warehouse, with nobody showing that they even cared?

Would YOU want to join a group like that? No way!

But what if a kid was greeted right away - and with more than just a "hi"? What if they were introduced to other kids from their grade or school? What if they met the youth pastor? What if that kid was "adopted" for the entire service? What if that kid made plans to go out for coffee with another student to get to know them better?

Would YOU want to join a group like that? I know I would!

For these reasons, we're starting a new ministry at Elevate for students to create a more welcoming environment for guests. You could be the difference between someone "checking out", or checking out God for the first time. Cool!

If you are outgoing and teachable, and have a burden to see guests join our community, you qualify for the job! If you'd like to be a part of this ministry's launch, we're having a training time coming up:

Sunday, December 4
12:00-1:00pm (lunch is provided)
In the Warehouse
BRING A 2012 CALENDAR for your availability on Sundays!

High School Lock In Vote

2011-10-04T16:07:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION HS STUDENTS & PARENTS OF HS STUDENTS:

Last Sunday, we attempted to have a vote for the weekend to have the high school lock in. We learned that it was too difficult for many students to know their schedules at that time. Therefore, we're going to do this the "old fashioned way": through the Internet!

NOTE #1: if you DID vote this past Sunday, it doesn't count. We'll do EVERY vote online. Thanks!

NOTE #2: as an "act of inclusiveness", this year's ninth graders and last year's twelfth graders are BOTH allowed to vote and attend!

Here's what you need to do:

1. Look at the dates below and see which dates DO NOT WORK for you.
2. Send me an email with those dates that don't work BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 10.
3. Look for the announcement of the lock-in dates at the next weekly email on Tuesday, October 11.

POSSIBLE DATES FOR THE LOCK IN:

November 4-5
November 11-12
December 2-3
December 9-10
December 16-17

See You at the Pole/Party is TOMORROW!

2011-09-27T13:44:00.002-05:00

Remember, tomorrow is the morning set aside for Christian students to meet before school, to pray for their school, nation, friends, family, churches, etc...

The prayer starts at 7am at your school's flag pole. This is a great chance for you to be ORANGE! Please make it a priority to attend.

Home schoolers, you meet at the Soldier's Field flag pole at 7am.

Also remember that tomorrow night is our See You at the Pole Party! It is held at Calvary E-Free. The fun starts at 6pm with a cookout in the parking lot. The event will be over by 8:30pm.

I hope to see you all there. If you want more information, please go here.

LifeGroups Update

2011-09-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

That's the number of students who attended our LifeGroups Kickoff this past Sunday and Wednesday! Yes!

That means that we have...

93 students who are taking their faith to the next level.
93 students who are connecting with other believers in meaningful ways.
93 students who are going to serve together in our community.

Awesome.

If you are NOT yet a part of the 93 students, we will be THRILLED to add you to a group! There's ALWAYS room for one more! For information on LifeGroups, please go here!

SYATP2011

2011-09-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, September 28

See You At The Pole
7:00am until first bell
At your school's flagpole
(Home-schoolers at Soldiers Field)
Pray with other believers from your school! This annual event has been going strong for over 20 years! Students from MANY different churches across SE Minnesota gather together as one Church to lift up the school, the city, the nation, and the world in prayer! Don't forget to set your alarms early!

See You At The Party
7:00 - 8:30pm (6:00pm cookout)
Calvary Evangelical Free Church

Join over 350 of our area's Christian youth that night at "See You At The Party" to unite as one Body for this amazing annual event! High School LifeGroups are cancelled for this event!

See You At The Party Schedule:

6:00 pm Cookout in the parking lot! (Donations happily accepted!)

7:00 pm Worship!

7:25 pm Challenge!

7:45 pm Break off into school groups for prayer and fellowship!

8:15 pm FREE snack!

Text Message Links

2011-09-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

If you live life on the cutting edge of technology and want to stay current on whats going on at IMPACT Student Ministries, you gotta sign up for our text messaging service!

It is a super easy way to stay informed on the most important things going on at IMPACT. If you want to sign up, here at the links.

High School Students
High School Parents
Middle School Students
Middle School Parents
Volunteers
Last In Line

There you have it. Follow the link that best fits who you are and sign up so you can stay up to date!

Baptism Weekend

2011-09-13T14:54:00.001-05:00

Believer's Baptism is a major theme in the New Testament. Since the beginning of the Church, it has been an "outward sign of an inward change" that Christ-followers do to publicly confess Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. It's a great metaphor to describe the reality of being born again, of being a "new creation".

Twice a year, CCC holds baptism services for people who respond to Christ's calling to obey Him and follow His example by getting baptized. Around 40-50 people people say "Yes" every year! Is God tugging at your heart to take this next step in your faith journey?

The next Baptism Weekend is October 22-23. There are a couple steps that need to happen beforehand! Please contact the church office to let them know you're interested. We'd be thrilled to start the process with you!

Divorce Class for Teens

2011-09-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Sundays, 4:00-6:00pm

Beginning September 25

Room 203 at CCC

FREE!

Divorce affects so many families these days, and the impact it can have on adolescents is real. We're doing something about that. Divorce Class for Teens (DC4T) is a 10-week support group that comes alongside teenagers to equip, encourage, and empower them to cope with this new life.

Each study, we will provide:

a light dinner
a workbook
a lot of support and care

Please register online for the DC4T Kickoff on Sunday, September 25, and please bring friends who may benefit from the group! If you have questions, please contact Kim LaCroix.

Are Ya Ready for Some...MINISTRY?!

2011-09-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

Fall Kickoff
Sunday, September 11
10:25-11:45am
The Warehouse

This is a BIG DEAL! We're launching a new season of ministry at Impact Student Ministries, and there's excitement in the air! We'll be unveiling the vision for the year, setting the bar for what God is calling us to become. We'll be introducing our LifeGroup leaders and Elevate table leaders to the community as well.

Please note: beginning this Sunday, the Warehouse will be open at 10:00am for video games, hanging out, and other fun options! The gym will also be available for basketball! With Oasis being cancelled, this is to help meet that need.

Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend the Kickoff, as there will be plenty of things for them to take in. Specifics about LifeGroups, Orange, calendar stuff, and social media will be touched on. The Kickoff is taking the place of our annual Parent Meeting.

Finally, Elevate will be taking on more of an outreach-sensitive mindset this year. In other words, this is the place to bring your friends who are searching for God or who are not connected with a church or youth group! This Sunday is the PERFECT day to bring them!

Volunteer Needs: 1 week to fill them!

2011-08-31T16:40:00.001-05:00

The great news is that our LifeGroup leaders are set! Yes!!

The bad news is we still need table leaders for Elevate! Both Middle School and High School leaders are needed! Here's what the role entails:

commit to attend Elevate most Sundays (NOT on holiday weekends, MEA, Spring Break, etc.)
facilitate a small group discussion of 5-10 students (the questions are given to you days in advance via email)
take attendance of your group
take prayer requests, and pray with them over the requests

That's it! No prep, no planning, no sweat! But we need about a DOZEN adults to say yes! Will you be one of them? Please contact Josh (Middle School) or Mark (High School), and make their day!

No more Oasis?! NOW what?!

2011-08-29T16:48:00.000-05:00

There is no more Oasis on Wednesday nights. While we will consider having Oasis next summer as a way for kids to stay connected, Wednesday nights will no longer be a place for our students to gather during the school year.

We do value meaningful community, however! Here are some ways IMPACT students can come together:

The Warehouse will be open for "hang out time" at 10:00am. Students may come in and talk, listen to music, or play video games, ping pong, carpetball, or foosball.
We will also have various events for our group to be together: fall retreats, WinterCamp, Turkey Bowl, Rock the Clock, the Super Bowl parties, and BreakQuake.
LifeGroups will be serving together, creating opportunities outside our "program time" to build relationships. This fosters having community with a PURPOSE!
We will be encouraging our students to form a "cheering section" for kids who volunteer their extracurricular event information. We'll make signs and banners, make up corny cheers...anything to embarrass...errr...SUPPORT our brothers and sisters!
Oftentimes, the best platform for community happens organically, without the micromanaging of a youth pastor. This happens when families take the initiative to host gatherings in their homes. Please consider being a family that is always opening your doors for our group to "do life" together! Watch sporting events, play games, have a sleepover...whatever works for your family!

Pardon the Mess!

2011-08-24T15:31:00.000-05:00

The Warehouse has been under construction for the past few weeks. Thanks for your patience! We should be all clear of the mess by Sunday, if all goes well.

Also, Josh and Mark will have their new office in the loft area of the Warehouse, beginning next week. Feel free to stop by for a visit!

No Oasis tonight

2011-08-17T14:10:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. We will not be having Oasis tonight due to the construction in the Warehouse. We will have Oasis next week at the regular time. Have a great week!

Bible Quizzing

2011-08-11T14:29:00.002-05:00

In the past CCC has participated in Bible Quizzing. Bible Quizzing is pretty much just what the title says it is. It is a fun and competitive way to memorize Scripture. If you haven't seen what it is like, imagine Jeopardy but with only Bible questions.

If you have a student interested in Bible Quizzing, we have a date and time for you! On August 20 & 21 you are invited to see what this Bible Quizzing thing is all about. There will be a meeting in room 200 for anyone interested.

If you have questions, please contact Matt and Christina Block either by phone (507-281-9593) or by email (ms_block@hotmail.com). Enjoy the quizzing!

Updated Volunteer Needs

2011-08-11T11:15:00.002-05:00

Serving Opportunities at IMPACT!
Since last week we have made some headway in the volunteer department. We aren't totally there yet, but we're getting close. Here is what we have left.

Need: Middle School Elevate Table Leaders
Spots Left: 3 Men, 5 Women
Commitment: Most Sundays, 10:25-11:45am; 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-1:00pm
Role: facilitate a discussion (questions are provided in advance); take attendance and prayer requests; lead the group in prayer.

Need: Middle School LifeGroup Leaders
Spots Left: 0 - we are full!
Commitment: 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-4:00pm; 20 Sundays, 6:00-8:30pm; 8 monthly meetings (for training and community-building) on Sunday, 4:30-6:00pm; serving with your small group of students (monthly?)
Role: "pastor" a small group of 6-12 students with another leader; lead them through a curriculum; serve with them in a small group.

Need: High School LifeGroup Leaders
Spots Left: 1 Man, 1 Woman
Commitment: 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-4:00pm; 20 Sundays, 6:00-8:30pm; 8 monthly meetings (for training and community-building) on Sunday, 4:30-6:00pm; serving with your small group of students (monthly?)
Role: "pastor" a small group of 6-12 students with another leader; lead them through a curriculum; serve with them in a small group.

Need: "The Uprising" worship band coordinators
Spots Left: 1 Man, 1 Woman
Commitment: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45pm
Role: lead the practice times; organize the music; get trained in running the sound system; get trained in using the MediaShout software.

As you can see, we are very close! Please contact Pastor Josh (jhetrick@cccrochester.org) if you can volunteer!

Serving Opportunities at IMPACT!

2011-08-02T14:01:00.002-05:00

As fall approaches, Josh and I are looking at a beautiful thing: our list of volunteers! We have some AMAZING people who serve alongside us, and we are a better ministry because of them! We ask a lot of our team - maybe more than any serving role at CCC - and they rise up to make an IMPACT through Jesus Christ.

But we need more of you to rise up. Many more. We currently have 21 spots that need to be filled by Saturday, September 10. Would you please consider contacting Mark or Josh about the following service opportunities? You will make our MONTH! Thanks so much!

Need: Middle School Elevate Table Leaders
Spots Left: 4 Men, 6 Women
Commitment: Most Sundays, 10:25-11:45am; 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-1:00pm
Role: facilitate a discussion (questions are provided in advance); take attendance and prayer requests; lead the group in prayer.

Need: Middle School LifeGroup Leaders
Spots Left: 3 Men, 1 Woman
Commitment: 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-4:00pm; 20 Sundays, 6:00-8:30pm; 8 monthly meetings (for training and community-building) on Sunday, 4:30-6:00pm; serving with your small group of students (monthly?)
Role: "pastor" a small group of 6-12 students with another leader; lead them through a curriculum; serve with them in a small group.

Need: High School LifeGroup Leaders
Spots Left: 2 Men, 3 Women
Commitment: 1 training day, Saturday, September 10, 10:00am-4:00pm; 20 Sundays, 6:00-8:30pm; 8 monthly meetings (for training and community-building) on Sunday, 4:30-6:00pm; serving with your small group of students (monthly?)
Role: "pastor" a small group of 6-12 students with another leader; lead them through a curriculum; serve with them in a small group.

Need: "The Uprising" worship band coordinators
Spots Left: 1 Man, 1 Woman
Commitment: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45pm
Role: lead the practice times; organize the music; get trained in running the sound system; get trained in using the MediaShout software.

High School Lock In Update

2011-07-26T13:03:00.001-05:00

Due to a lack of volunteers, we are postponing this weekend's High School Lock In. It would be unsafe and unwise to oversee a large number of students over that significant amount of time and area without sufficient adult supervision.

We will aim to reschedule for September 23-24, pending volunteer involvement.

High School Fall Retreat Registration

2011-07-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

Please print off, complete, and turn in the RIGHT SIDE of this form to the church office with your payment BY August 25! Keep the left side for your own personal information.

Too Religious to be a Christian?

2011-07-19T15:45:00.000-05:00

Growing up, I was Captain Perfect. I never smoked, drank, did drugs, had sex, cussed, got in fights, played with Ouija boards, skipped school, listened to heavy metal, or slow danced with cute girls (mostly because I couldn't get a date, but I digress...).

I went to church and Sunday School every Sunday, attended church camp and retreats every year, and attended youth group faithfully. I was squeaky clean. When it came to religion, I was the poster boy.

But was I really a Christian?

What if all my "cleanness" kept me away from doing the "dirty work" of a true Christ follower? What if my attempts to be really good kept me from ministering to those who attempted to be really bad? What if my tunnel-vision focus on purity kept me from seeing with fresh eyes those who needed God's touch of purification walking all around me?

What if I was too religious to be a Christian?

This Sunday at Elevate, we're going to look in-depth at the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's a well-known story, but there are some surprises that many of us miss at first glance. Whether you see yourself as the oppressed outcast, the spiritually superior, or the courageous crusader, you'll see your role in this story in a whole new light!

Please consider who you will bring to this Sunday's service. It will be a message that is perfectly suited to someone investigating God for the first time!

Why Are YOU a Christian?

2011-07-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

Elevate
Sunday, July 17
10:30-11:45am
The Warehouse

Here's a crazy question: why are you a Christian? If we were to be honest, most of us would answer it with at least one of these answers:

to get to go to heaven, and get that mansion in the sky
to get a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life
to get a relationship with God
to get freedom from sin, guilt, and punishment
to get a community to care about our needs
to get approval from your parents and friends

But what if the MAIN reason for following Jesus has little to do with GETTING anything out of the deal in the first place? What if there was a greater purpose to being a Christian that many of us miss seeing, because we only concern ourselves with what we get out of it?

This Sunday at Elevate, we're looking at the parable of the Laborers and the Vineyard. It's a confusing story, where we can easily miss the essence of what Jesus was getting at. There's a crazy twist that just might dramatically change how you view your place in the Kingdom of God.

High School Fall Retreat

2011-07-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

August 27-28
Camp Victory
Cost: $69

Kick off the school year right!

THIS IS THE KEY HIGH SCHOOL EVENT WE DO ALL YEAR!! Here's what we focus on:

Growing personally in your faith through teaching, worship, & quiet time with God!
Growing closer together as a group through games, challenges, & free time!
Forming the "nucleus" of high school students who will influence the rest of our youth group all year!

This year's Senior class will once again lead this retreat! They will be leading the activities, doing the teaching, facilitating small group discussions, and leading the worship! Mark will be working with them all summer long to prepare for this key leadership experience!

Registration begins Sunday, July 17! Forms will be available in the Warehouse. The deadline to register is August 21.

NOTE: While guests are always welcome at IMPACT, please only invite people who will likely "stick with us" for the year, due to the nature of our retreat's goal of growing closer as a group. If they are committed to another church or youth ministry, please consider inviting someone else. Thanks!

Big Weekend Coming Up!

2011-07-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

There are THREE major things happening at IMPACT Student Ministries at the end of July! See below for details!

HIGH SCHOOL LOCK IN
July 29-30
10:00pm-7:00am
Christ Community Church

Students in grades 9-12 during the 2010-2011 school year are celebrating their victory in the yearlong Collide Challenge! There will be pizza, pop, and snacks for purchase; the rest of the night is free!

These are the planned activities:

Dodgeball
Basketball
Ping pong tournament (prize given to the winner)
Board games (Settlers....)
Stupid human tricks/talent show
Invent a Skit (prize given to the winner)
Video games
Toy Story movie marathon

ELEVATE CELEBRATE & COMMUNION

Sunday, July 31

10:30-11:45am

The Warehouse

Hear awesome stories of what God did in the lives of dozens of people on the mission trips to Reynosa and Cleveland! There will be pictures, testimonies, and an opportunity for you to get on board for next year!

INFORMATION MEETING #3

Sunday, July 31

12:00-1:30pm

The Warehouse

If you missed the previous two meetings, this is your last chance! To RSVP for the meal, contact Pastor Mark.

Mission trips highlighted at Elevate!

2011-07-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

Cleveland Commissioning Service
This Sunday, July 10
10:30-11:45am in the Warehouse

Come hear more about what several of our students and adults will be doing on the upcoming mission trip to Cleveland! Participate in praying for them as they go into to the city to live Orange lives! This is going to be a special Elevate for all who attend!

Celebrate & Communion Service
Sunday, July 31
10:30-11:45am in the Warehouse

Watch a slideshow of each trip, hear testimonies of what God in and through our team, and learn about how you can get plugged in to next year's trip!

"It is for freedom that Christ set us free."

2011-06-29T15:52:00.003-05:00

When I think about July Fourth, I think about fireworks, spending time with family and friends, and a day off from work. I actually don't think about the reason behind the Fourth of July very often. As American citizens, we celebrate July Fourth because that is when we, as a country, received our freedom from an oppressive nation, Great Britain.

I have a tattoo on my left shoulder and it says "Freedom" in Hebrew, and below it is "Galatians 5:1". The reason I got that tattoo is because to me it represents that I am a slave to Christ. You see, slaves used to be marked by their owners. A good example of this is from the movie "Gladiator". Maximus has the "brand" of the Roman Army tattooed on his left shoulder. They did this so that they could always be identified with the Roman Army - to people outside the army, and to the army in case a soldier would ever go missing in action.

Now, what you may find interesting is that I chose the "mark of a slave" with a reference to freedom. Why did I do this?

Well, as an American citizen I have certain rights that our government wrote in the Declaration of Independence - which we fought for and won on July 4th, 1776. Some rights you may remember from the Declaration of Independence are "the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". However, as a citizen of God's Kingdom I am not guaranteed all of those rights. Outside of eternal life (which I am absolutely excited about) Jesus didn't promise me a lot of positive things. He did tell his followers that they would be persecuted for his sake. He told them they would have to lose their life to find it. He said they would have to carry their cross (and were sometimes crucified on that same cross). Jesus followers weren't guaranteed much good - in this world - at all!

However, in Galatians 5:1 Jesus said, "It is for freedom that Christ set us free." You see, while Jesus' followers aren't guaranteed a lot of positive things here on earth, we are guaranteed eternal life, and freedom from the power of sin. That is why I chose the tattoo I have. Even if as an American citizen my rights are all taken away, no one can take from me the freedoms I gained when I became a follower of Christ.

As you celebrate July Fourth this year, certainly celebrate the freedoms you have as an American citizen. But I challenge you to become slaves to Christ, because "who the Son sets free is free indeed!"

Happy Independence Day!

New Elevate Teaching Series

2011-06-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

There is so much power in a story. We all resonate with them. The elements of any story (setting, conflict, climax, and resolution) ring true with our own existence. Stories are also easy to remember, and easier to get a complex truth communicated.

Jesus knew this, and His teachings reflect this. He taught his followers using many stories, or parables; in fact, Jesus told over 50 parables!

This summer, we're going to take an in-depth look at a few of Jesus' stories. Here's the schedule we'll have:

June 26 The Pharisee & The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

July 3 Invited to the Supper (Luke 14:15-24)

July 10 Cleveland Commissioning Service

July 17 The Laborers and the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

July 24 The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

July 31 Celebrate & Communion: Mission Trip Testimonies

August 7 The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

August 14 The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

August 21 The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

August 28 The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)

September 4 The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Support IMPACT Missionaries!

2011-06-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

Below are several ways you can support our teams as we reach out to the communities in Reynosa, Mexico (June 25-July 2) and Cleveland, OH (July 16-23). Please consider how God may be calling you to respond!

Prayer Support

Middle School Mission Trip to Cleveland, OH

To keep posted on the trip and find a list of prayer needs, go to our Reynosa blog or our Cleveland blog!
Grab a Prayer Reminder Card in the Warehouse, or at any information display at CCC!

Financial Support
To donate for the trip or buy a $20 coupon book (only 37 remain out of 300!), please contact Pastor Mark.

Car Pool (Saturday, June 25 or Saturday, July 2)
If you can drive some of our Reynosa Team to and/or from the MSP Airport, please contact Pastor Mark.

Who's Yo Daddy?

2011-06-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

Special Father's Day Elevate
Sunday, June 19
10:30-11:45am in the Warehouse

"Who's Yo Daddy?!"

That phrase isn't just a popular slang nowadays...it's a legit question our culture faces, especially with the skyrocketing crisis of absentee fathers.

What is "Dad" supposed to look like? How is our view of our Heavenly Father influenced by our earthly fathers? What response can we have today toward our dads? Find out this Sunday at our special Father's Day Elevate!

2011 Summer Calendar

2011-06-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

2011-2012 Health Form

2011-06-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

Please print off, fill out, and turn in the health form below to cover any trips or off-site events that we have for the next 12 months. This includes all mission trips, retreats, LifeGroups, and off-campus service projects.

Health forms may be dropped in the church office, or in the Offering Box in the Warehouse.

Oasis Volunteers Needed!

2011-06-06T14:28:00.000-05:00

Wednesdays
6:30-8:30pm

Can you play video games, ping pong, foosball, board games, basketball, or Ultimate Frisbee...or just hang out?
Do you love Jesus?
Do you care about teenagers?
Do you know how to have a conversation in English with other humans?
Are you available any Wednesday nights?

If you answered "yes" to all 5 questions....we need you this summer!

If you can serve this summer - even occasionally - please contact Pastor Mark and make his day!

Warehouse Loft Giveaway

2011-06-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

We need to make room for a major renovation in the Warehouse loft, so EVERYTHING MUST GO!

If you like free stuff, come to the Warehouse loft today until 6:00pm, and all day Thursday during regular business hours!

First come, first served!

Get your car extra DIRTY this week!!!

2011-05-31T11:27:00.000-05:00

IMPACT Missions
Car Wash Fundraiser
This Saturday, June 4
11:00am-5:30pm

Wendy's North Parking Lot

We're washing cars to raise funds for our Cleveland and Mexico mission trips! Please spread the word to coworkers, classmates, neighbors, friends, grocery store cashiers...you get the idea!

If you have any car washing supplies (old towels, squeegees, sponges, etc.), please email Mark and let him know! Thanks!

Oh, and it's supposed to be 76 and sunny on Saturday! Praise God!!!

Special "Celebrate & Communion"

2011-05-24T09:34:00.000-05:00

Elevate
This Sunday, May 29
10:30-11:45am
The Warehouse

What has God done in your life this past year? What specific event, program, moment, or relationship at IMPACT called you into a deeper walk with Christ? How is your spirit different from this time last year?

We want to celebrate with you the spiritual highlights you experienced! There will be an open mic time for students to share with the group how God impacted you through IMPACT Student Ministries in 2010-2011. Please come prepared to share something, or prepared to "receive" something from the students' stories.

Parents are encouraged to come, as these Celebrate & Communion times are POWERFUL to witness!

Open Communion will be served for those who are committed followers of Jesus Christ.

Text messaging links...read closely

2011-05-23T14:43:00.003-05:00

We wanted to be like the cool kids so we signed up for a text messaging program so that IMPACT Student Ministries can keep you informed of upcoming news and events via text messaging. If you have not signed up already at one of our info meetings, or from links we have sent out in the past, now is your time! The links that follow are designed to take you to a secure site so that you can sign up to get these text updates.

Parents, if you have students in HS and MS, please sign up for both. Students, please sign up for whatever grade you will be in NEXT school year. If you have questions, please email Pastor Josh - jhetrick@cccrochester.org

High School Students
High School Parents
Middle School Students
Middle School Parents
Volunteers

Thanks for signing up!

Info Meeting #2

2011-05-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

This Sunday
12:00-1:30pm
The Warehouse

If you missed the first Info Meeting, here's your next chance!
We're unveiling a VERY different approach to outreach this fall, and we need everyone to be informed and on board! It's a big dream, but we have a big GOD!!

We need you to RSVP, as a meal is provided. Please indicate:

How many are attending from your family (students are STRONGLY encouraged to attend)
What slices of pizza they want (choice of pepperoni, sausage, or cheese), and how many slices (up to 3 per person)
What type of soda they want (one per person; Pepsi products)

TO RSVP TO PASTOR MARK BY SUNDAY, 9:00AM, GO HERE!

Our final Info Meeting is Sunday, July 31. If you cannot make either of these meetings, please contact Pastor Mark to arrange a time to meet. Thanks!

Are YOU one of the 20?

2011-05-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

20 volunteers are needed for the Kingdom Kids 10th Anniversary Celebration, THIS Friday, 5:00 - 8:30pm at CCC.

Help with face-painting, food, balloon animals, and inflatables! We need you to respond! If you can help, please contact Sam (singlebret@cccrochester.org) ASAP!! You'll make her day!!!

National Day of Prayer-Youth Version

2011-05-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

THIS Thursday, May 5
Rochester Assembly of God
7:00 - 8:00pm
Worship band to follow (optional)

This network-wide event is geared completely toward prayer. Students from many different churches and youth groups from around SE Minnesota will join together to pray for each other, the area, the nation, and the world. It will be a Kingdom-impacting experience!

For the Facebook event page, go here!

Family Matters: Control versus Trust!

2011-05-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

Family Matters: Control vs. Trust
Sunday, May 15
6:15-8:15pm

Teenagers crave freedom. Parents crave safety. Teenagers want to do more. Parents want to protect more. Teenagers desire more trust from their parents. And parents desire more control of their teens.

This is not a new struggle. Many generations have played this game of Trust and Control tug-o-war. Chances are, parents, you remember what it was like when you were a teenager with your controlling parents!

What is the balance? Are the parents too overprotective and controlling, or too lenient and naive? Are the students too stifled and crushed, or too unbridled and unchecked? What determines how strict or loose parents should be with their children?

This upcoming Family Matters seminar will address this struggle that every family experiences, regardless of faith. Like the other FM seminars, it will be highly interactive and hands-on. And it is free!

Please consider making this night a priority for your family to process together the key issue of trust vs. control. And please bring a family who needs it as well.

AWANA Service Night!

2011-04-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, May 11
During Oasis, 6:30 - 8:30pm

We have a special opportunity to serve Culver's frozen custard for the AWANA Awards Night! Please come to the Warehouse as usual for Oasis. Then, around 7:15pm, we'll begin preparations to serve the families in the gym.

Those who serve will get to enjoy the custard as well!

Two Big Meetings!

2011-04-20T12:23:00.000-05:00

Info Meeting
Sunday, May 1
12:00 - 1:00pm
The Warehouse

We're having a key meeting spelling out a few significant changes for IMPACT Student Ministries! We're very excited about what God is doing in our midst, and we want to make sure everyone is clear about the details going forward.

A free meal will be provided for those who RSVP. When you email Pastor Mark, please choose 1 to 3 pizza slices per person, and which type (pepperoni, sausage, cheese). Also, please designate which soda you'd like (Pepsi products, one per person).

Family Matters: Trust vs. Control
Sunday, May 15
6:15-8:15pm

Teenagers crave freedom. Parents crave safety. Teenagers want to do more. Parents want to protect more. Teenagers desire more trust from their parents. And parents desire more control of their teens.

This is not a new struggle. Many generations have played this game of Trust and Control tug-o-war. Chances are, parents, you remember what it was like when you were a teenager with your controlling parents!

What is the balance? Are the parents too overprotective and controlling, or too lenient and naive? Are the students too stifled and crushed, or too unbridled and unchecked? What determines how strict or loose parents should be with their children?

This upcoming Family Matters seminar will address this struggle that every family experiences, regardless of faith. Like the other FM seminars, it will be highly interactive and hands-on. And it is free!

Please consider making this night a priority for your family to process together the key issue of trust vs. control. And please bring a family who needs it as well.

Easter Reflection

2011-04-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

For those who don't know, my mom passed away this past December 2, 2010. This will be my first Easter without her.

I remember being a kid and walking to our little Baptist church on Easter Sunday (about 2 blocks for us). We'd usually be the first family to show up, and the last family to leave. My mom played the church organ. "Up from the Grave He Arose" was a staple every Easter.

There's a strong temptation to grieve during this holiday, as Easter memories flood back and future memory-makers are impossible to experience.

However, there's a greater urge to rejoice. Easter is the one holiday where the LAST thing we should be doing is grieving the dead. The very fact that we have a day designated as "Easter Sunday" is the hope I have that I will one day be with my mom again! The resurrection of Jesus gives the believer hope of rising as well. Or, as the apostle Paul put it,

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his." Romans 6:5

So this Sunday, I will be celebrating the truth of the resurrection - not just for my Savior, but also for my mom. I will see her again one day all because of that One Day.

Elevate Sneak Peek this Sunday!!

2011-04-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Remember what it was like to be a fifth grader, heading into youth group? You probably had a weird mix of excitement, fear, hope, and dread! Will I be accepted? Will I get picked on? Will I be noticed? Will I be noticed for the wrong reasons?!

This Sunday, the current fifth graders will be joining us for a "sneak peek" to our ministry. Please do everything you can to help them feel welcome, accepted, noticed (in a good way), and valued!

Remember: we only get ONE CHANCE to make a first impression!!

URGENT NEED FOR THIS SATURDAY!!

2011-04-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

ALL HANDS ON DECK!!

We need as many people as possible to FLOOD Sam Inglebret's email inbox to SAY YES to volunteering for this Saturday's Easter Eggstravaganza!!! Both adults and kids (and I mean DOZENS of "good eggs") are needed!!! 8:00 - 11:00am at CCC.

You will make her day, and you will help make this outreach event touch someone's heart for Christ!

Serving Opportunities!

2011-04-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

CCC needs our help! Let's rise up and live out 1 Timothy 4:12 in a real way: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

If you are available for either (or both) of these opportunities, please SAY YES by contacting Sam Inglebret.

Easter Eggstravaganza, April 16
This HUGE event needs MANY teens to serve! Help with crafts, games, egg hunts, and more!

Show up at 8:00am to help hide eggs for the egg hunt, and we'll be done cleaning up around 11:00am. Two shifts will be made if we have enough volunteers!

Easter Sunday in KidCity, April 24
We DO NOT have Elevate on Easter...so if you're in town, you're available! We'll need "all hands on deck" to minister to many adorable little kids. Several of these children will be new to CCC as guests, so we want them to feel loved and welcome! If you're around CCC for Easter, please say yes to this opportunity!

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you have never gone through the old FLASH training (now called "KICS training"), you cannot serve on Easter Sunday without this training! You must attend this Saturday's training time: 4:30pm in Room 300. There will be a bribery of ice cream for all who attend!

Collide Update!

2011-03-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

Our yearlong competition between the Middle School and the High School is VERY CLOSE! Team MS has 965 points, while Team HS has 951 points! The winning team gets a lock in at the end of the year on Friday, May 20!

The final Collide of the year is the Dodgeball Tournament on Wednesday, May 18, and it's a "DOUBLE POINTS" night! Points will be given for attendance (2 pts), participation (10 pts.), and guests brought (20 pts.).

Middle School teams will play against each other, and High School/adult teams will play against each other. The winning teams from each tournament will enjoy ice cream sundaes!

Teams will begin registration on Sunday, April 10, and the deadline to submit or join a team is Sunday, May 15.

Spring Break Cancellations

2011-03-28T11:00:00.001-05:00

Due to the Rochester Spring Break, we ARE NOT having Oasis (March 30) or LifeGroups (April 3).

However, we ARE having BreakQuake THIS Friday, 7:00-midnight. For more info on BreakQuake, go here!

BreakQuake 2011

2011-03-15T14:03:00.001-05:00

Friday, April 1

7:00pm - midnight

Warehouse/Gym

Looking for a way to reconnect with friends during Spring Break?

Looking for a venue to give a seeking friend a glimpse of our Student Ministries?

Looking for a platform to claim "Settlers of Catan" glory?

Looking for a legit excuse to eat junk food?

Looking for a chance to show your b-ball handles?

Looking for an opportunity to make Mark look clueless?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions - and you're around town during Rochester's Spring Break - then BreakQuake is the place for you! This FREE event will offer:

basketball
dodgeball
video games
hang out space
ping pong, foosball, carpetball
board games (like Settlers!)
snacks

And...best of all...you'll get a shot to "Stump the Pastor"!!!

Come up with a question that Mark can't answer to your satisfaction, and you'll win a prize! Not only that, but your seeking friends will hear answers to questions that may be keeping them from placing their faith in Jesus!

NOTE: STUDENTS MAY ONLY LEAVE EARLY WITH PARENTAL PERMISSION!!

Family Matters Seminar Series #2

2011-03-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

"Just Say No"
THIS Sunday, March 6
6:15-8:15pm, in the Warehouse
Cost: FREE

If one word could describe this generation's American family, it's this: BUSY. In the past 20 years, overextended families have typically bought into two myths: first, that "more" equals "better" regarding involvement in activities; and second, that "quality time" makes up for any lost "quantity time".

Today's Mom has turned into a glorified event coordinator and taxi service who juggles everyone's else's life while her own comes crashing down. Today's Dad has turned into a tired, distant shell who has nothing but fumes to offer his family after a too-long day at work. Today's Family has turned into a frantic, fragmented, stressed-out clan that rarely eats meals together...unless it's in the drive-thru.

Did that paragraph just describe your family? Are you too busy? How much of your busyness is avoidable? What steps can be made to create more margin in your schedules? What does "Sabbath" have to do with Christians? What "good" things must we say "no" to so that we can say "yes" to the best things?

This seminar, like every Family Matters series, is highly interactive and discussion-based. Attendees can expect these key elements:

An opening "group initiative" to get us thinking about the upcoming topic, and to break the ice.
Some principles taught up front by me (Mark).
Large group discussion and feedback.
A "family remodeling project" at the end of our time for the parents to discuss ideas with their children.

I have three requests:
1. If you have healthy, Biblical principles in place for you family, would you please come with your ideas?
2. If you struggle as a family with busyness, would you please come with an open mind and heart?
3. If you have a friend whose family struggles with busyness, would you please bring them with you?

URGENT UPDATE!

2011-02-20T13:40:00.001-06:00

ATTENTION CCC STUDENTS: LIFEGROUPS ARE CANCELLED TONIGHT!!!!

STAY HOME TONIGHT AND READ YOUR BIBLES! NEED A PLACE TO START? I RECOMMEND READING 1 JOHN (YES, ALL OF IT!!). YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Film Festival Deadline THIS Sunday!

2011-02-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to submit your childhood video for the upcoming Collide Film Festival, Wednesday, February 23!

The deadline is THIS SUNDAY, February 20! Please turn it in to Josh Hetrick.

We need the video in DVD format. To learn how to convert VHS to DVD, go here!

IMPACT'S Summer Mission Trips

2011-02-07T17:02:00.000-06:00

We are now accepting applications for the two life-changing mission trips we offer every year!

To join either group, you must turn in an application and a $50 deposit by Sunday, March 6.

Here are the facts for both trips:

What: Greenspace Mission Trip
Who: 8th grade students, select 7th grade students
Where: Cleveland, OH
When: July 16-23; first meeting: Sunday, April 17, 7:30pm, Warehouse
Why: to do a VBS outreach program with Metro Alliance Church
Cost: $400 through fund-raising and/or out-of-pocket
Contact: Josh Hetrick

What: High School Mission Trip
Who: 9th - 12th grade students
Where: Reynosa, Mexico
When: June 25-July2; first meeting is Sunday, April 17, 12:00pm, in Room 300
Why: to do a children's park outreach with Harvest Ministries & Reynosa Alliance Church
Cost: $800 through fund-raising and/or out-of-pocket
Contact: Mark McCutcheon

Collide Film Festival!

2011-02-01T13:12:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, February 23

6:30 - 8:30pm

The Warehouse

Lights...camera...crawl????

The upcoming Collide Film Festival will be loaded with home videos from when you were LITTLE! Be ready to "oohhhhhh" and "aawwww" as you get to know each other on a whole new level! Here's what you need to do:

Simply dig up the cutest, funniest, or most embarrassing home video you've got.
Transfer the video to a blank DVD. For instructions on how to do this, go here!
Submit the DVD to Josh Hetrick by Sunday, February 20.

DOUBLE POINTS will be rewarded for our yearlong Collide Challenge! Currently, the Middle School has the edge: 819-730. That can change in a HEARTBEAT with this event! Earn points for attendance (2 pts.), participation (10 pts.), guests brought (20 pts.)

SPECIAL POINTS will be rewarded for the cutest, funniest, and most embarrassing videos (20 points each).

Can a meeting change your life?

2011-01-31T18:34:00.000-06:00

That's a great question! Many meetings can STEAL from your life! But a meeting in the Warehouse this Sunday has the potential to impact your life forever - and no, it has nothing to do with Mark's favorite football team....

We're having a meeting to discuss the upcoming summer mission trips! And mission trips are life-changing! Here are the details:

What: Mission Trip Info Meeting for Cleveland, OH (8th Grade) and Reynosa, Mexico (HS)

Where: The Warehouse

When: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Who: students in grades 8-12, and their PARENTS
Why: to learn about the trips, fundraising options, policies, key dates, & possibly sign up!
How: sign up for the FREE pizza lunch on Sunday before Elevate (10:15 - 10:30am). Please only sign up if you are TRULY interested in one of the two trips! Thanks!

SPECIAL NOTE: Joel Nelson, director of Reynosa's Harvest Ministries (and WinterCamp speak from 2010) will be in attendance to field questions and share more about the mission trip!

These parties are BIG HIT!!

2011-01-25T14:24:00.001-06:00

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!

Whether you're a fan of the frozen tundra dwellers, a fan of any team playing the team to the East, or a fan of the commercials, this party is an annual highlight you won't want to miss!

Don't care about the game, but just want to hang out? That works too! Both venues have many options that have nothing to do with oblong cowhide materials! Check out the details below!

Middle School
@ Ramada Inn (1517 16th Street SW, Rochester)
Sunday, February 6
5:00 - 10:00pm (parents may pick up kids earlier)
Cost: $5.00 AND an updated 2010-2011 health form
Needs: adult volunteers, snacks, and drinks. Contact Josh Hetrick if you can help!

watch the game in a couple hotel rooms with rabid fans
go swimming with waterslides, hot tub, water volleyball and basketball (modest one-pieces, please)
hang out with friends

High School
@ the Warehouse
Sunday, February 6
4:45 - 9:45pm
Cost: $5.00
Needs: adult volunteers, snacks, and drinks. Contact Mark McCutcheon if you can help!

watch the game on the Warehouse big screen
play a game of touch football in the gym during halftime
play video games, foosball, carpetball, or ping pong
win prizes in the 6th Annual IMPACT Challenge (predict various things about the game)
hang out with friends

Divorce Class for Teens

2011-01-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

Begins THIS Sunday, January 23
4:00 - 6:00pm
Room 200
(A meal is provided)

This group is built around equipping and encouraging students who are experiencing the consequences of divorce in their family. Whether you are going through a divorce or have experienced divorce in the past, this group is for you!

Please pass this ministry info to someone who may need a group like this!

To register for this group, please go here!

WinterCamp Follow Up

2011-01-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a retreat!

I believe this past weekend's WinterCamp was the BEST retreat I've ever been a part of in my dozen years of youth ministry. God was stirring in profound ways, and we want to keep that going! There are a couple ways we'd like to help follow up with you all.

First, this Sunday is our Celebrate & Communion time at Elevate, 10:30 - 11:45am, and parents are welcome to attend! Students and adults are encouraged to share in an "open mic" format what God did in their lives this past weekend at WinterCamp. This is a great way to:
   (1) remind yourself how God touched you, and to be held accountable to it
   (2) minister to others who may share a similar story or burden
   (3) help those who didn't attend WinterCamp still feel connected to the experience

Second, Josh and Mark would like to follow up with you. If you made a decision to surrender something to Christ, we want to help you! Sometimes kids get all excited about God at these events, and then they fade once "life" happens. If you don't want that to happen, please contact us!

WinterCamp Update

2011-01-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

******PLEASE FORWARD THIS NOTE TO ANY GUESTS WHO ARE COMING!******
WinterCamp is just a few days away! This figures to be our best WC yet, so I hope you're ready for God to mold and shape you in dramatic ways! Below you'll find some helpful info about WC to make sure you're all ready to go this weekend.

Waiting List:

There are a limited number of spaces still available for WC until Wednesday, 12:00pm. They will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you missed the deadline, or know of a guest who you'd like to invite, please act now!

Arrival:
Friday, 4:45 - 5:00pm at Door #3. Please don't come too late...or too early! When you arrive, you may put your luggage in the undercarriage of either bus. However...DO NOT put anything inside the seating area at this time!
Once you enter Door #3, there will be a check in table to confirm your arrival and any medications you would like us to have in our care.

After checking in, please go into Room 300 for a brief meeting at 5:10pm to pray, go over a few rules, and give out bus seating assignments. We will plan to load the buses at 5:20pm and leave CCC at 5:30pm.

Packing List:

A MEAL FOR FRIDAY'S DINNER
Money for Monday's lunch (fast food), and for any snacks/camp merchandise you'd like to buy
Sleeping bag and pillow
One or two towels
Toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, contact lens solution
Winter gear: jacket, gloves, hat, boots
Modest clothing, including athletic shoes
Optional items: alarm clock, camera, snacks
Bible and pen (if you need a Bible, please contact Mark for a free Bible!)
DO NOT BRING: anything illegal or dangerous, anything you don't want lost or broken, or anything that you think might get you in trouble!

"Family Matters" Series This Sunday!

2011-01-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

Attention Parents: please prioritize this Sunday evening's gathering!

You are invited to join your kid(s) from 6:15 - 8:15 in the Warehouse! We're doing the first of three very interactive trainings on parent-child dynamics called "Family Matters". This first training is on Communication and Conflict Management.

Whether you are constantly struggling with poor communication or conflict as a family, or just want to go from "good" to "great", this evening will provide a platform for parents and their kids to discuss topics where every family can improve.

This Sunday's FREE training will cover:

how to apply Biblical principles to communication and conflict
how to "fight fair"
how to truly listen and be heard
how to empathize and reach an understanding
how to reach a positive resolution for all
how to transition from being opponents to being on the same team

The format will be highly interactive, dialogue-based, and practical in nature. Feedback will be asked from the attendees.

LifeGroups will not be held this Sunday to make room for all to attend!

Feel free to invite your friends & neighbors to attend with their teens as well!

Rock the Clock is HERE!!!

2010-12-30T16:15:00.000-06:00

It's our fourth year of Rock the Clock, and it's going to be our best one yet!

There's something for everyone, whether you love rocking out, playing video games, burning off excess energy, or just hanging out!

Many door prizes will be given away, including a NetBook! You'll also have a chance to win CD's and Community Cafe gift cards in our two gym competitions: Bulls Eye and 9 Square!

There will be plenty of great food and merchandise to buy: CiCi's Pizza, the Community Cafe, nachos, candy, CD's, tee shirts, and more!

It's not too late to invite friends to come too! Tickets will be available at the door at 8:00pm for $15.

Rock the Clock needs you!

2010-12-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

One of our biggest events of the year is coming SOON, and we still need MANY adult volunteers!

If you can serve in any of the following areas, please contact Pastor Mark (mmccutcheon@cccrochester.org) or Josh (jhetrick@cccrochester.org) as soon as possible! Thanks so much!

Security (watching doors, roaming halls)
Concessions (serving and ordering pizza, handling transactions)
Video game room (supervising/crowd control)
Ticket sales at the door
Green Room (food prep ahead of time and keeping stocked for bands and volunteers)

URGENT UPDATE!

2010-12-18T21:12:00.002-06:00

TOMORROW (SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19) IS THE EARLY BIRD DEADLINE FOR WINTER CAMP!!!

BRING YOUR $35 AND REGISTRATION FORM TO ELEVATE!!!

Preparing for Christmas

2010-12-16T10:36:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but every year I run into the same problem.

I go into the Christmas season firmly determined to protect myself from the three bandits of Christmas joy: distractions, disillusionment, and discouragement. And my defenses fail every year.

I get distracted by the tyranny of the urgent. "Ho, Ho, Ho" sounds more like "Go, Go, Go". While the activities are wonderfully fun and meaningful, they keep me running. Running right past the manger.

I get disillusioned by the commercialism. Sometimes I wonder if people say "Happy Holidays" because we can't even remember why we're buying all these gifts in the first place.

And I get discouraged because I myself fall prey to the commercialism. I know I'm just as guilty as Macy's and Best Buy when it comes to falling in love with the things wrapped in shiny paper instead of the One wrapped in swaddling cloths.

These next 9 days, I'm committing to reflection. I'm committing to breathing easier, doing less, and walking slower. I'm committing to fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Will you join me? These next two Sundays at Elevate, there will be no sermon, no small group discussion, no distractions. We are going to have simple worship and then view a film, The Nativity Story. It will help us to not gloss over the significance of the season, and to see the Light in a whole new light. Parents and visitors are welcome to attend as well. Hope to see you all there!

NO Youth Programs This Sunday!!

2010-12-11T22:53:00.000-06:00

Due to the weather, there will be no Elevate or LifeGroups on Sunday, December 12. There are also no CCC services.

See you this Wednesday for the Salvation Army Bell-ringing (sign up by emailing Josh) or the neighborhood Christmas caroling! No Oasis program will be provided.

NOTE TO PARENTS: 8 adults are needed to pull off this Wednesday! If you can help ring bells with 3 wonderful kids OR join us for caroling, please email Josh. Thanks!

URGENT UPDATE!

2010-12-07T09:26:00.000-06:00

This Wednesday's Collide - American Idol - is being postponed until Wednesday, March 16.

We will have our normal Oasis program instead, 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Christmas at IMPACT

2010-11-30T13:49:00.000-06:00

Celebrate Christmas at IMPACT Student Ministries! There are some awesome opportunities coming up. Please mark your calendars and plan accordingly!

Christmas Caroling & Bell-Ringing
Wednesday, December 15
6:30 - 8:30pm in the Warehouse
Choose to go Christmas caroling in the neighborhood or sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army! Sponsored by the Mogo Care Team. (Oasis is cancelled for the evening.)

Elevate Christmas Prep
Sunday, December 19
10:30 - 11:45am in the Warehouse
Get your heart and mind ready to worship God for sending us the best Christmas gift of all. This will be a special time to pause from all the clutter that surrounds this holiday to help make it a holy day!

LifeGroup Christmas Parties
Sunday, December 19
6:15 - 8:15pm
Be sure not to miss out on your group's gathering! For locations and details, please talk with your LifeGroup leader!

Are you ready to ROCK?!

2010-11-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

Friday, December 31

8:00pm - 1:00am

$10 in advance; $15 at the door
Tickets available at CCC, Christian Book & Gift, and various other churches.

Ring in the New Year with hundreds of teens at the 4th Annual Rock The Clock! You'll make memories, have a great time with your friends, and be in a safe and positive environment!

Featured Bands:
Children 18:3
Hyland
So Much for Sleep

Also:
Acoustic Cafe
Video Game Room
Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course
DJ & awesome hang out space in the gym
Concessions
Merchandise
Prayer Room

Collide Update: The Air Band contest is up for grabs!

2010-11-22T16:10:00.000-06:00

There are a few more spots open for the American Idol Air Band competition, December 8!
The more air bands your team has, the more points you earn for the overall competition! So if the Middle School has more air bands than the High School...that's a HUGE advantage!

The deadline to register a group is Sunday, December 5! We're capping the event at 10 TOTAL GROUPS, so hurry!

If you'd like to register a group, or if you'd like to see the rules, click on the image below!

Divorce Class for Teens

2010-11-16T16:00:00.000-06:00

Sundays, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Christ Community Church
Launch Date: January 23

Are you a teen who has been through a divorce, or is going through a divorce right now? Would you like to help other teens navigate through their own family's divorce? Or do you personally need a group to support you and encourage you through this difficult time?

Divorce Class for Teens (DC4T) is a ministry that Christ Community Church is launching to meet a critical need that many adolescents experience. We need teens and adults to rise up and minister to this group. Our dream is that this will be a life-giving outreach to a population in southeastern Minnesota that truly needs the hope of Christ.

Interested in being a charter member of this launch? Please contact Pastor Mark at mmccutcheon@cccrochester.org.

Football Feast this Sunday!!

2010-11-15T11:29:00.000-06:00

Sunday, November 21
12:00 - 3:15pm
In the Warehouse
Cost: $5 for pizza & soda

The Vikings play the Packers this Sunday, and we're watching it on the BIG screen in the Warehouse! Cheer on your favorite team; play video games, ping pong, or Settlers; or just socialize!

Friends are encouraged to come! Even better: bring them to Elevate first!

Collide's American Idol!

2010-11-09T15:57:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, December 8
6:30 - 8:30pm
The Warehouse

We're having Air Bands for the competition this year! Points will be awarded for participation in an air band (5 points per person), and for first place (40 points), second place (30 points), and third place (20 points).

For the yearlong Collide Challenge, the Middle School owns a 739-690 lead, but that can change in a heartbeat!

Contestants will be judged on:

· skill and preparation for the act

· overall entertainment value and crowd reaction

· use of props and costumes to duplicate the actual band

To register an air band (3 - 6 participants required) by November 21, print off and turn in this form!

Turkey Bowl VII

2010-11-08T15:31:00.000-06:00

Saturday, November 20
11:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: $5 (for lunch)

Gobble Gobble! It's time for this very popular annual tradition! Come play a rousing game of flag football, help decorate the Warehouse for Christmas, or just hang out! This is a GREAT opportunity for a guest to experience the IMPACT community!

Bring $5 if you'd like pizza and soda. The pizza order will be made at 11:30am.