PARKCREST YOUTH GROUP

2009-09-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!
Hope you had a great summer. This year we're changing things up a bit, having youth on Wednesday nights instead of fridays, so hope you can all make it out, and bring your friends this wednesday at 7 pm, we'll go until 9. we're going to have some games, and then steve is going to talk to us about his time in Panama.
hope to see you all there

Count it all joy

2009-03-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

It's definitely been a trial for me the past week. Friday, as I was helping register for the Crossfire retreat my bag was stolen. In it was all my documents (Passport, visa) Wallet (credit card, cash) Camera (+3 lenses) among other things (Bible, hat, sunglasses, keys...). It was amazing how the 'peace of God that passes all understanding' came over me. In the moment I remembered how God had brought James 1:2 to my mind earlier in the day, and decided to count it all joy. From there we got on the bus and headed out to the retreat.

One of the new songs we sang at the retreat was 'Love Enough' by Hillsong United..here is the pre-chorus:

We’re living in the Saviour today
And this day is what we have now
In this moment we have chosen to praise
And it’s changing how we live now

I was struck by the 3rd line as I sung it Friday night. "In this moment we have chosen to praise" It is so true. I often think of Job in this moment. When all his world crumbled around him his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)

I love Job's response in v.10

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Everyday we are faced with with adversities, large or small, and we have a choice. We can curse God or we can accept the lot God has given us and choose to praise. Friday night I made the choice to praise God despite the loss, and God rewarded me, really showing me His love that He has for me.

The rest of the crossfire retreat was amazing. Focused on the will of God, I know my boys were challenged a lot to take their faith to a new level. One of them, James, took the decision to accept Christ as his Savior! In all it was a great weekend.

Coming back to the city, God built patience into me as I spend the first two days going to the police station and embassy. In all honesty, I was really blessed to have a fairly straightforward experience in getting the reports and applying for a new passport. Wednesday I was back on campus. Thursday, after another day on campus I came home sick and am once again needing to make the choice to praise God even though I don't feel like it....

Until next time...

Steve

PS No pictures as I don't have a camera anymore...sorry.

Koinonia 09

2009-03-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, was Koinonia 2009! We had a great time of fellowship cuz that's what koinonia means! There were around 70 youth from around the province for the weekend conference.

Showing off the t-shirts that we made for the weekend, and the bandanas they gave us

Helen and Paul having an great time

Music was pretty good, if I may say so

And a visit from steve

Parkcrest Olympics Pics

2009-02-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

This friday we had our own Parkcrest Olympics in anticipation of next year's games. We had teams flown in from Uganda and Madagascar for the events.

I can't wait for bowling to become a real olympic event.

Everybody do the twist!

The boys from Madagascar with their gold medals

X-Box and Team Building

2009-01-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang,
Two weeks ago we had some team-building activities that challenged our throwing, math, and hugging skills (see the pics below). This week we had a night of playing Halo, singing songs, and looking into the Word (no pics to see below, cause the leaders were somewhat preoccupied--Halo can do that to a person).

Bethany.

Nick

Zack in the back.

Helen did all the work.

Marissa trying to fix Devon and Zack's mess.

Hockey party and Anvil retreat

2008-10-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had two hockey tournaments going on

some bubble hockey

Air hockey

Then this past weekend we went to Anvil and had a blast!

Marissa and Emily enjoying the sun at the point

board games inside the lodge

We all made it to the White Spot!

And Zack learned how to float in the air

Parkcrest 500

2008-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

This week we had this first ever Parkcrest 500. Teams from around the world came to race their RC cars. we had so many participants that frequencies were crossed and we had to limit the number of drivers on the course. here are some shots from the action:

Preparing the course

The Mayhem!

The Excitement!

The driver!

September! Camping and Sundaes

2008-09-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went camping at Sasquatch Park.

Swimming in Hicks lake

Then last week we went to Safeway, and bought some Sundae supplies:

MMMMM!

...and you thought those were sprinkles!

Grad Dinner

2008-06-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

So last week we had our annual grad dinner with presentations of the usual 10 lb Bible Commentaries! Everyone looked great in their grad attire, and we had a blast dancing afterwards

The Grads

Dinner

The Books

Emily and Colleen

Everyone

Beach Day

2008-06-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach on saturday

Played some bocce

AKA sand bowling

Cross Canada Moocher

Cruisers

2008-06-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

The couple weeks the Cross Canada Cruisers have been in town, so last friday we had a youth rally and invited some youth groups from around the area. we had a blast with the band Timothy playing, and Dave Jones speaking, as well as Josh giving his testimony.

Mini Golf

2008-05-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

last friay we played mini golf and it was mega extreme

we played up and down the chapel, yard and house basement.

Volleyball

2008-05-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

Last week we played some V-ball on the CHFL. Here are some pics...

After that we sang some songs to the Lord and we also ate some snacks.. sweet deal.

See you tonight for a fire!

It's been a while

2008-04-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I havn't updated this in a while. here's some pics from a few previous weeks. First off, the grand prix, with nintendo faces.

And some Singing!!

And Dancing!

And Preaching!

Sleepover

2008-03-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

This week at youth we had a sleepover! well, not much sleep, but we spent the night playing games and eating food. and then pancakes for breakfast!

Koinonia

2008-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Koinonia Conference at Heather Bible Chapel this weekend was amazing!
We had food, fine music and folding our fingers. We heard some great speaking by Brent, had a blast playing games, to top it off had a sleepover!

Singin'

Chilllin'

Games

Doin' the backstroke!

Seymour and Missions Fest

2008-02-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

We had a great turnout this week.. at least by the leaders.. but the sun was shining and tons of fresh powder made for a perfect day of skiing/boarding/tubing.

The slopes

Getting ready

Beth, you probably shouldn't mess with him, he has boxing gloves and he was born to kill

Missions Fest

That is my skateboard

ALOOOHHHAA!!!

2008-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great winter break, and have enjoyed the snow and rain. so to get our minds off the Vancouver weather, we had a Hawaiian theme night. of course we were all decked out in our beach wear, with leis and hawaiian shirts. we listened to hawaiian tunes, ate tropical fruit, and had our annual limbo contest. winners were Helen, Cristin, Anya, and Zack all tied.

Derek warming up for the limbo.

The Limbo winners

P-Diddy walked his way through the 3rd round of limbo without even bending a joint.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

2007-12-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Ok sorry, but there was too much ugly sweater going on last night to take pictures, so there's none to post. but, we still had a lot of fun, with games, carols, and a gift exchange

Gingerbread Houses

2007-12-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

This week we had the sweetest activity in a while... we made gingerbread houses from home made gingerbread. first we rolled it out and cut out the shapes, then baked them, then icinged them together with loads of candy.

Skating

2007-12-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

This last week at youth we decided to start the winter season with some skating 8 rinks just down the road.

Air and Bubble Hockey

2007-11-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

This week we had a hokey tournament.... not ice hockey, but air and bubble hockey! everyone had a shot at the titles, but the champions were Eric Wang for air hockey and Ian Fenton for Bubble hockey.

Started off with some singing

Epic Fenton vs. Fenton with Eric sizing up his prey

Bubble with no bubble

Zack makes his way up the playoff ladder

Dance party between games with DJ KaoBoy

Happy Birthday!!!!

2007-11-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

This week we had a few birthday's so we celebrated by singing songs to God, drinking pop, making noise with noise-makers, eating cold pizza, pinning the tail on the donkey.
Paul in the back row, a little sideways.

Tommy breathing fire.

Praisin' the Lord

Tailin' the donkey.

Nicolas is a really fast donkey tailer.

Milkshakes

2007-11-14T23:00:00.001-08:00

We made milkshakes of all types, shakes and sizes. chocolatey fruity milky and shakey.

Milkshake makers

Milkshake enjoyers

Milkshake shakers

Board Games Night

2007-11-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

This friday the youth at Parkcrest enjoyed a night of board games. We had a great time playing games such as Horseopoly, Apples to apples, and even something that was so taboo that i'm not even going to mention it. Shoot. I just did.

Horseopoly in the new newly renovated part of the basement.

DON'T SAY THAT WORD!

Singin'

How do you like them apples?

Dress Up Party!!

2007-10-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

WE had a dress up party this week with lots of fun, bobbing for apples, a pinata, and pumpkin carving, and a surprise visit all the way from panama from our former faithful furry leader Steve.

Yup, this is steve back on a short furlow.

Bobbin'

That's Enoch

PINATA!!!! SCRAMBLE!!!

Pumpkins

Bake Off, eh?

2007-10-16T15:55:00.001-07:00

We had a bake off this friday, and after a lot of mixing, messing, egg beating, smoking ovening, and icinging, the final product was sweet, sweet cupcakes.

The kitchen crew

Mix Master Zack

That's Enoch

Jolly Ol' Saint Nicholas

Out of Sprinkles!

Cupcakes!!!! umm sorta...

YEAH!!!

Thanksgiving Dinner

2007-10-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Friday night was our Thanksgiving Dinner. We had Turkey, and pumpkin pie and stuffing and stuffed our faces with stuffing.

the square-headed purple pie eater

That's Enoch

Yellow, yellow haired yellow cream puff eater

a MAIZEing race

2007-09-26T23:51:00.001-07:00

Last Week We Went Out To Sunny Cloverdale Saturday Afternoon For The Corn Maze. We Had A Great Time, Had An Earful Of Corny Jokes, And Got All The Clues Right Because They Had Scriptural Questions. Then We Went Back To Parkcrest For A Corn Boil Of Our Own Complete With Little Pizzas (But Not Homemade).

That's Enoch

Yummy

Even Yummier

07/08 Kickoff BBQ

2007-09-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Finally!!! I've managed to crack steve's password to this account and now i've commandeered it! The first thing i'll do is update you on the most recent news, our kickoff bbq at bby's barnet beach! we played frisbee, ate burgers, sang songs, but mostly caught up on each other's summers (especially me and mac, we spent a lot of time apart at the end of the summer)

The end of a dynasty

2007-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

The raising of the Iron curtain, the breaking down of the Berlin wall, Tianamen square. All are synonmous with the fight for freedom, victory over villany. Well we can add another to the list. This past Friday, June 8th 2007 saw the end of the dictatorship of Stephen Scott over the Parkcrest Young People's Youth Group. For 3 long years Steve has ruled the group with an iron fist, breaking all those who try to oppose him or even look at him the wrong way.

To commemerate the event the youth went bowling. Symbolically striking down the pins just as they have now struck down the evil empire.

However these youth, are Christians, and follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. And as Stephen took them back to the church in vain effort to subject them to one final torturing, they in turn provided him with a lovely cake and card to say 'Adios Amigo'

Yet another BBQ

2007-06-02T17:35:00.001-07:00

This Saturday saw the debut of the Parkcrest neighbourhood picnic. The sun was shining, breeze was blowing and well over a hundred people came by to bounce in the castles, eat their chilli dogs, have their face painted and have fun!

"Those two Rachel's are very good at bouncing and falling down" commented an out of breath Anya V. as she exited the children's bouncy castle. While on the other side, at the Noah's Ark bouncy castle a young Mr. Mackenzie Fenton was seen consoling a young asian girl who got in the way of his 'Ninja roll cannonball' off the top of the ark.

Over at the face painting booth butterflies kittens, batman and eagles were being paited left right and sometimes even on the centre of peoples faces. One of the most popular of the day, as modeled by the young Gorsline's, was the wiskers look.

After 4 hours of bouncing, eating, chatting, painting, lounging, conversing, drinking, introducing, bocce balling, it was time to wrap things up.....

Thanks to all who came, who helped out and were a part of the fantastic day.

BBQ

2007-05-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night saw 60+ youth descend upon Parkcrest Bible Chapel for a night of burgers, bocce, volleyball, fellowship, singing and all round good times. We were joined with our friends from North Surrey and Westminster Chapels, with a nice guest appearance by a couple of lovely Murdoch boys.

Through the night friends were made, good times had and many burgers consumed. Also there was some good old fashioned preaching to be had, with an insight into Psalm 73. The music was rocking as well and all in all it was a very fun night.

Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed....

May long weekend 07 - We were there

2007-05-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

It was epic to say the least, The OCC aka MLW07 was a blast (for those who are currently confused the last sentence could read "The Okanagan Challenge Conference also know as May Long weekend two thousand and seven")
Friday nigth 13 brave PBC souls piled into cars and headed up to Westbank for the conference. Upon arrival we were greeted with old friends from camps gone by and new friends to be met. Saturday morning was a very pleasant suprise as there was free time to be had to enjoy the sunshine and friends. Starting the afternoon the conference began and some great teaching was had from Steve Price on how the church should be showing love. After good teaching the youth stayed up into the early hours of the morning having fun, only to do it all again the next day.

Thanks for those who posted pics, here is a selection of them.

Fun times

2007-05-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

The past few weeks the Parkcrest Youth Group has been humming along. A night of combined youth activity with WBC....a night of watching movies....playing in a wonderful hockey tournament and being humble and gracious enough to lose. It has been a wonderful May so far.

This past weekend we were up at MSBC enjoying an awesome weekend....if any of you fine youth members have photos, please inform me, or put them on facebook and we will see them up here shortly

Let's give it all we got

2007-05-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

There are pictures from the past two weeks below....here is a cheesy mathematical equation for everyone.

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 101%? What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND, look how far the love of God will take you

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Can I get a BIG AMEN ????

Mugs, Gloves and loves

2007-05-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been very full for the PYPYG. Starting a couple friday nights ago, each of the youth made up their very own mug by pasting on pictures of their mugs. The event was a cup full of fun as we got crafty and reminisced of good old times. The next week, after a wonderful closing ceremonies, the youth hung out at the Chapel. We played an entertaining game of Mennonite Madness, in which Peter Kao reigned supreme and Mackenzie Fenton single handedly knocked over Helene He and man handled Colleen McCambridge to the ground while blindfolded. After the madness was done board games were played and hanging out was in full effect as the radio kept us updated to the Canucks eventual OT win.

On both Saturdays that came after the Fridays, the youth were fully engaged in work parties. First of all, it was at the Rogers, where helping hands made easy of alot of work that had to be done. Good times were had by all, especially Mackenzie Fenton who has a new appreciation for life after spending time atop the world's 17th most rickitiest ladder. The next Saturday it was the infamous annual Spring Cleanup. Trees were removed, garbage dumped, windows washed, hedges trimmed, vacuming sucked, organization done, pizza eaten, weeds removed, and good times created as we cleaned up the Chapel property together.

Here are a sampling of pictures from the events.

Matt is distracted (or is that disgusted)

After sifting through years of photos, Steve realized he had none of himself and Amy.....not anymore!

Well this is a naturally looking pose if I ever saw one

Peter Kao, Amy Rogers, Colleen McCambridge. Sitting on stairs....

Playing some games in the Chapel basement.

Wait a second! Where are the pictures of the work parties at the Rogers' residence and then Parkcrest. Well hello, it was a work party, no time for dilly dallying and taking silly pictures. But by all accounts the youth (and other esteemed members of Parkcrest Bible Chapel) worked very hard and helped alot.

So until next time, keep fit, have fun, bug Steve to make sure he updates this site more often and eat your vegetables.

Talent Show

2007-04-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Friday night the Parkcrest Youth Group showed off its talons along with its talents. However their talented, modest, good looking and humble, studendous, hilarious, brilliant and meek leader Steve was not there, regardless the talent show was a hit, just ask the egg.

He is Risen

2007-04-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the annual Easter Conference. Dozens of youth descended upon Granville Chapel treat bags in hand...but little did they know that the real treat was in the fun times and good teachings to be had from the many wise speakers and other people at the conference.

Friday was a brilliantly brilliant day with the sun shinning happily down upon the youth. It was in fact, the first time I can remember taking our dinners outside for a lovely picnic on the front lawn. If only this idiot had remembered his camera. Alas it was not meant to be....

Anyways the weekend was full of good times and good laughs (A oh ho ho)

Fugitives

2007-03-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well after all was said and done Friday night, all but one of the fugitives had been caught. Ian 'I bet you can't catch me' Fenton and Ruth 'I like bananas' Fenton were found together skateboarding down excalators. Bryan 'The big big bambino. Babe Ruth ain't got nothing on me yo' MacMaster was lured in by Kelly impersonating Anya at which point Bryan came running. Steve 'The saucer imposter' Scott was caught being too casual about laughing at the youth group as they walked right by him. However Mark 'Mad Mullet Skier' Mark was not caught. He was seen on several occasions, however looked so scary that no one dared approach him on the off-chance that they had the wrong dude.

So where is Mark 'Mad Mullet Skier' Scott? No one knows forusre, however here are some pictures that can hopefully prove useful in the pursuit of this wanted fugitive.

I love it when you call me Big Poppa

2007-03-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

WE had a big night last Friday. After playing GIANT sized take two, we ate a couple of GIANT cookies...and then some pizza. Head and shoulders above everything else for the evening was the singing....yes we sang....and sang....and then once I had driven people hoome and there were a few stragglers at the Chapel...we sang....until way past my bedtime.

See you this Friday night for more awesome fun times.

Hawaiian Night!!!

2007-03-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

This past Friday we had a wonderful night of hawaiian experience. Everyone look fabulous in their Hawaiian gear, with the top (and only...) couple going to Branya...who amazingly made their own leis. Bethany brought a boogey board and that is indeed what we did...boogeyed untill the cows came home (we spent a good portion of the evening playing a game making animal noises, nothing matches Helene He's Emu....) We of course had a ridiculous limbo contest, they went so low it hurt to even hold the stick down....on a totally unrelated note there were several complaints of sore leg/back muscles after the night....

Surfs up!

PICTURES!!!

2007-03-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

Yes they are long overdue, but here are some pictures from the Chapel O' Love...we start with an assortment of couples...move on to the host....and then we get to the really fun part...cleanup!!!! Thanks again to all who made this evening possible.

...and fall short...

2007-02-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Yes I admit, in recent weeks I have fallen short of the expectations put forth by the Parkcrest Youth Group blog readers. Alas, furthermore I have fallen short in duties as a youth leader, spending my Friday in South Quesnel unstead of where I should be at Parkcrest Bible Chapel. However all is not lost, because as I think of how I fell short, I realize that in one way or another we have all fallen short. Let's go for a walk down the Romans road....

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

You see the Bible tells us that we have all fallen short of God's standard of perfection. This happened when Adam sinned in the garden and has continued through human history. This sin keeps us away from God, and it gets worse...

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Not only does our sin seperate us from God, it also leads to death. We can see that in the world around us through all the suffering and disease. It gets worse even yet, the Bible says that ultimately our sin causes eternal death, meaning seperation from God and spending eternity in Hell...

Hallelujah!! There is good news. You see God loves us so much that he is offering us a gift of eternal life. Our sins can be forgiven and we can pass from death unto life through Jesus Christ. Interested how? Read on...

Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

What great news! God knew that our sin would seperate us from Him and that the payment for our sin was death. But since He loves us so much He took the penalty of our sin on Himself, through Jesus Christ. Christ bore the penalty of our sin!!

However it is not enough to simply know these facts. Like all gifts, you have to receive it for yourself.

Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

You see, although Jesus died for our sins, He didn't deserve death. The bible tells us He had power over death and conquered it once and for all. If we acknowledge God's gift of salvation through Jesus to be true, confess it and believe it in our hearts your sins will be forgiven! What great news!

You must individually receive Christ as your savior, no one can do it for you. Its between you and God. So if you haven't already dealt with your sins, what are you waiting for? Accept Jesus as your savior now and be forgiven friend.

If you have any more questions, leave a comment or contact me at parkcrestyouth@hotmail.com

Chapel O' Love

2007-02-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

Well happy valentine's day one and all. Of course more important than the so called V-day is the fact that the annual (if you ignore the 2 year hiatus) Chapel O' Love went on this past Saturday night.
Since only Fentons and Scotts read this you guys need no description of the night, which is good, because words cannot describe how amazing it was. Let's just say, in response to Elton John's question 'Can you feel the love tonight?' Had Simba and Nala been at the Chapel O' Love they would have responded 'Yes we can...grrrrrr'

Here is God's Valentine to you:
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

Pictures to come....

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Pizza

2007-02-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

In a quest to provie only the finest ingredients for the finest youth group in the world I spent my week pretending I was busy at school. However, the truth of the matter is that I spent the week scowering the face of the earth in search of fresh, delicious ingredients: Pineapples from Mongolia, Pizza Crusts from Israel (they tried to tell me it was some sort of unleavened Passover bread...bread without yeast? yeah right! What'll they think of next? Hamburgers made of beef?!?!?!) Tomato sauce from Nunavut, Peperroni from Albania, Green Peppers from Chili, Chillies from Green Pepperland and miscelaneous ingredients from a Horse farm.

Bringing these all together, the talented (and yes, one of the PYPYG members is a professional pizza maker) and lovely PYPYG constructed their own pizzas. After devouring the delicious pizzas, we spent some good time worship God through song. The food was good, the singing was better and the people were the best.

Here are a few pictures from the night....funny enough, I don't have any pictures of pizza.

Jordanna was briefly the youngest member of the youth group....yet strangely one of the most mature.

What a lovely group of rockstars

In an attempt to make people lose their appetites, Steve grew a mustache. They still ate their pizzas, however Steve still lucked out in that he found some of his pizza the next morning in his 'stache...

I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts....these guys are monkeys.

Appologies and appologetics

2007-01-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

Well first of all, I would like to appologize for not updating the blog last week. A combination of school and preaching prep gunned me down. I know that the Fenton's are really the only ones who noticed/were affected by this lack of update-ment, but to one and all, I appologize.

So on to the appologetics......well actually there are none, it just made a nice title. But this past week the youth all went down to Missions Fest for an awesome time. You want to know how good it was? Helen He enjoyed all of it!!!!! She didn't even read her book, it was amazing.
So Missions Fest...well its more of the overall experience, some like the booths, some like the seminars, some like the sessions, some like the pizza. Overall it was a great time of getting excited about what God is doing here and around the world.

Well untill next time, go shine.

Go Express Go!!

2007-01-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday night saw the reutrn of the Parkcrest Youth Group to the Bill Copeland arena to cheer on their beloved Express. As many of you know, after being crowned Canadian Jr. A champs last year, the Express have pretty much been horrible all year. Is it a case of post-championship hangover? Perhaps they have been missing some key players? Are other teams gunning for them? Well on Saturday the answer to their season's woes was answered.....they need more PARKCREST!!!!
As we returned for our second game of the season (after the Express won the first) the Express, as we expected won...9-2! With the controlled cheering of the Parkcrest Youth Group the Express were inspired to a third period mauling of their opponents from beautiful Surrey BC...
In the humble opinion of this writer, if the Express want to turn their season around and make a run for a repeat championship, they need to get the PYPYG out a little more...which could be accomplished if they give us free tickets (hint hint Mr. Bellefeulle if you're reading this)
On a side note, it was Anya Kutkina's first hockey game! I'm sure she enjoyed the evening.

Enjoy the pictures....leave captions for them in the comments section, the best captions will be put up on the posting.

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more pictures

2007-01-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

ok more picture. dont look at them till you read the last blog.

Look at me...doo de doo de doo

Mac - mmmmm Eggnog
Helen - Where did Mac get that drink?
Zack - I will break you like chopsticks
Anya - Oh no, Zack is going to break me

Colleen looking COOLeen with Emi(cool)ly as they ski....which is cool

Gangsta's rolling PYG style (aka without a driver's license)

You put the right one in and you shake it all about

Hey boys ;) Looking for some ladies?

oh and by the way i dont know if you notesed, via number of spelling mistakes, but i totaly got all of you, this isnt steve, its mackenzie. man i totaly punked all of you.

welcom to camp snowfun

2007-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

alright everyone, as you all know i, steve, just returned from preaching the word on the mean streets of calgary and nearly was burned at the steak because of it. but luckily i survived and returned to find that you all had a great time at camp snowfun, up at msbc, aswell as the newyears party at my house.
it gives me great pleasure to first congragulate the 1st annual krazy karpet race champion (spelt with k's because its CCCRRRAAAZZZYYY), britany baker on her victory. "everyone put up a good fight, but was there ever any doubt who that champ was" britany said in a post race interview. we look forward to her defending her titel next year. i would also like to congradulate the winner of our best trick compution, colleen mccambridge, she just edged out emily and her patented move "ski-explosion", with smacking a phat 180 im the camp big air extraviganva, congrats to all who partisipated in that. "i was just in the zone, i knew that i could stomp it if i just steped it up, shreded the knar, and i rip and hammered my way into top spot." colleen was caught sayingin a post sesh interview.
False computitions aside, everyone had a great time, whether it was snowskateing, playing apples to apples, or halo for hours apon hours,four on a coutch, learning about the holy spirt or just froliking in the snow, all in all a good time had by all, and here are some pictures to prove it.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from me and all the others at Parkcrest Youth.
As is tradition, we had a wonderful amazing Parkcrest Youth Group Christmas party. How wonderful and amazing was this party? So wonderful and amazing that the editor (me) was so preoccupied having a jolly good time that he forgot to take pictures.
A recap of the evening:
Went to the Rogers and proceeded to go Christmas caroling. People were overjoyed at having a beautiful group of teens sing them Christmas Carols. It definately brought out a 'Merry Christmas' in all of us. As we returned to the Chapel there was Hot Chocolate, Egg Nog and snacks waiting for us as well as a beautifully decorated room. The festivities moved upstairs to gingerbread man (or thing) making. Reutrning downstairs we played a few games and learned that we don't just need to know facts and things about Jesus, we need to know Him intimately, know His voice. (John 10) Each of the youth then received a small little gift and in turn, many gave money. In total, after Christmas Caroling donations and a generous group of young people we raised 185 dollars!!!!! (The next post will outline what that money went towards, because although you physically put the money into Steve's pocket, it didn't stay there...)
The perfect evening was wrapped up by watching The Chronic(what)les of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

All in all a wonderful evening spent with wonderful people.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Union Gospel Mission

2006-12-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, 11 of the youth battled faituge, hunger, lazyness, sore backs and what not to help those who truly are in need. Going down to the Union Gospel Mission, we helped organize and pack Christmas hampers for families who are in need. We entered a room that was almost as messy as my room at home (which means it looked like Godzilla had just ran through there with a Tornado in hand) Amidst the organizational chaos was food, clothing and toys all waiting to be given to a family in need. After splitting up into groups we started packing boxes....4 hours, a sore back, 1 bathroom break, 3 heavy sighs, 2 complaints later we had packed Christmas hampers for over 25 grateful families and organized the chaotic room.
Although there was nothing glamorous or 'fun and entertaining' about the afternoon, the group left satisfied knowing they had made a difference in peoples lives.

"Quick Matt, I'm using this can of spam to distract them from the fact they can see your undies..."

"I hope no one notices that I'm actually reading the latest issue of Star magazine..."

"Please can I gaze into your eyes Bethany...."

"Just keep packing, just keep packing..."

Tea-he-he

2006-12-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

Teeheeheehee, oh how I love tea, and biscuts.
Top five highlights of the night for the author:
1. Accidently putting salt out instead of sugar for the tea...
2. Those McVites digestives with the Chocolate on the one side
3. Te Duran and Herbal Peach Tea
4. Whatever made Mac laugh so hard in the picture below
5. Helen howling at the full moon

Here are some highlights in picture form....

Ice Skating pictures

2006-12-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Colleen who had a few pictures from when we went Ice Skating.

Word to the Father

Can you feel the love tonight?

I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts...

'Darn it! I almost have that triple sow-cow nailed....'

House Warming

2006-12-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

This past Friday we all visited Jessie's NEW apartment....well new to her. It was amazing to see that our wee little Jessie B. is now a big girl. HOWEVER, due to rumors that there were secret agents at this week's Youth event, I am not allowed to show pictures of the event.....here is an artist's rendition as well as a picture from outside her apartment.

PS all you who are thinking 'I bet Steve just forgot to bring his camera are gravely mistaken....'

PPS And yes, we did play MASTERMIND!!!!!!!!!!!

PPPS Zack and Helen posed as this....it was awesome

We're Rich (now with pictures)

2006-11-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Friday Night was awesome. An evening spent together focusing on God....what could be better?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Also, thank you for your generous donations to Trotski O'Dacy this month. There was an surplus in this month's donation, so all the excess money was donated to Compassion's AIDS initiative (Dec. 1st is International AIDS day, so I thought this was appropriate) "Compassion Canada is replacing despair with hope as 3,343 AIDS victims are supplied with antiretroviral therapy treatment and necessary care to overcome many obstacles related to AIDS."

Here is the message they sent us.

Thank you for donating to the AIDS Inititative. Your
contribution to this community project will help improve the quality of life
of children and their families. It well empower parents and communities to
become self-sufficient and escape the trap of poverty. We are grateful for
your support. God bless you.

See you Friday....

Go Loins Go!!!

2006-11-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

Dimache, le 19 de Novembre, les Lions de Colombie Britanique avez detruit les Alloutes de Moreal en la 93e Grey Cup.....and there was the annual party at the Scott's house. We were joined by a lovely contingent of young people from Westminster Bible Chapel and had a grand old time with them. The annual halftime game was won by the Cougars 8-0 (they scored a touchdown and didn't even attempt the convert, and then punted through the endzone twice) Unfortunately we were too fast to be caught on camera during the halftime game, so some pictures of us watching the 'other game' aka Grey Cup.

Amy puts on her best face

Steve and Colleen looking like cool cats

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There were plenty of people on hand to watch the Lions break the Grey Cup in half.

Well now that you see the good times we had, I'll be seeing you at the annual Super Bowl party at the Scotts.....my prediction Seahawks 21 - Bears 18

Bananaranapanamanaramahamarama

2006-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and wet night, but then God stopped the rain and it was just cold as we departed on our quest to measure all things in bananas. Invading Kensington square lots of people thought we were nuts....I told them 'Nah, just a little bananas.' Silly people can't tell the difference between a nut and a banana. Regardless, at the end of the day, Bryan, Colleen and Matt won the 2006 edition of Bananarama. Congradulations to them.
After the event we enjoyed some lovely singing led by Marky Mark and the boys followed by some amazing Banana splits. Let me tell you, those were some good banana splits.

What a bunch of crazies

Bananatoo

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Mac and the ladies

Bethany and Lindsey

Derek Enjoys some split

Did I mention how great those banana splits were? Well untill next time, keep fit and have fun.

Here are the pictures

2006-11-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

Well finally some pictures rolled in....

Mr. Boag thinks he's Canadian.....oh wait he is.

What a pretty bunch of people (Justin was there earlier but had to leave....he would have made it even prettier)

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm poutine.....does anyone else laugh everytime they say poutine?

No Pictures and the greatest two questions ever asked

2006-11-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Well I forgot my camera to the multiple youth events this past week. Which truly is amazing since one of the events took place at my house. For you girls who did take pictures, send them to me :)
Anyways it was another wonderful youth week highlighted by: Tim almost having his face blown off....alot of fireworks....candy....poutine.....Jon moving back to Aus therefore giving us an excuse to party.

Since there are no pictures to comment on, I'll get serious. I am currently reading 'Amazing Faith' - the biography of Bill Bright. During which he hilighted the two greatest questions a person can ever ask themselves. It comes from Acts 9:3-6 and is Paul's (Saul) conversion(you'll have to read in the KJV or NKJV cuz the other translations really drop the ball on this one)

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

When comfronted with Jesus, Paul asked the two questions that we have to ask Him today: Who are You, Lord? and Lord, what do You want me to do?

I don't want to leave these questions dangling rhetorically, after you read this stop, pray and ask God these questions.

Boo

2006-10-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

What do you call a man who wears a car on his head with the lights on?

Jack - o - latern

With this in mind, the PYPYG spent a delightful evening singing and carving pumpkins and eating candy. Here are some picture of the night.

Starting the night off with some singing

Having fun carving les pumpkins

Emily makes friends with the real cookie monster

Cristin shows off her pumpkin

Steve gets beat up by a girl

More carving

Let's have a fire

2006-10-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

So I wasn't there at youth this weekend due to a wonderful wedding. So I believe you guys had a fire. Here's what I imagined it looking like.

After a while I'm sure you decided you needed a bigger fire and created a second sun, pictured below.

We can now thank Parkcrest Youth Group for global warming by doubling our solar system's sun count. This will also 'spark' the begining of the appocalypse in my humble opinion. Better start doing some quick evangelism, time is running out.

Our theme song

2006-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know, and can practice up, the Parkcrest Young People's Youth Group (PYPYG) has a theme song. Here it is, and it is sung to the tune of 'The B-I-B-L-E'

The P-Y-P-Y-G
Yes that's the group for me!
We hang out together in a shabby little shelter
The P-Y-P-Y-G!!!!!

Pizza + Painting + PYPYG = Party

2006-10-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Once again the PYPYG gathered together in our lovely basement and decided to make it even more lovely with some more mural painting. The night was kicked off with 'an encouraging thought' (Romans 8:31), some singing and then on to pizza and painting.

Steve sharing an encouraging thought

Eric writing out 'The Lord's Prayer'

Singing some songs

Derek's masterpiece.....more over Michelangelo and your Sistine Chapel.

Cooleen and Krystal share a smile with us as the paint away

Thanksgiving dinner

2006-10-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Quotes from the night:

"I'm so excited that I get to have thanksgiving dinner with my second family" - Colleen McCambridge

"This is my first thanksgiving dinner" - Anya #2

"Why don't they have thanksgiving in Ukraine" - another, not so smart, comment from CMac

"Why don't you have thanksgiving dinner? There's so much to be thankful for" - Nicolas Daminco

"Goliath likes to speak in the third person" - Goliath

"You know what they say....you are what you eat" - Andrew Scott to the YP before we had Turkey dinner.....what a turkey.

Well thanks to all who made the evening super (don't worry even if I don't have a quote from you, you still made the evening super).

Goliath eats a bun

Marks leads us in some Worship

mmmmmmmTurkey dinner

Movie Night

2006-10-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hockey Night in Canada? Football Night in America (ya they copied us Canadians for their Sunday night football). Well better than those is Movie Night ON Parkcrest...thats right, not in Parkcrest, ON Parkcrest. On a slightly chilly September evening we sat on blankets and lawnchairs and watched Robots projected onto the side of Parkcrest Bible Chapel. Of course the highlight of the night happened before the movie when we read the most recent letter sent to us from Trotski O'Dacy (A child we sponsor who lives in Haiti....to learn more visit www.compassion.ca) As well Mackenzie Fenton's graduation was officially recognized with him being presented with a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible from Parkcrest Bible Chapel.

Mac joyfully receives his hard earned concordance

Watching the movie

A large number of chicken fights broke out after the movie

Happy Prayer

2006-09-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recently told me of his favorite 'prayer activity'. Running in a field with his eyes closed telling God whats on his heart with a big smile on his face.
Today I was starting a prayer journal (something that comes highly recommended to me from several people) and decided to read some verses about prayer, one thing I noticed is that being joyful and prayer seem to go hand in hand often times in the Bible.
1 Thesselonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"
In Acts 16 Paul and Silas were praying and singing while in jail.
Derek and I talked about how we're often not joyful enough in our prayers. We find it easy to put out prayer requests up to God, but I know in my life I'm often not thankful as I do it.

One other thing...if you read this, pick someone from the youth group and right now pray for them and thank God for them.

Cheers for now

One of the greatest

2006-09-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Friday September 22nd will go down as one of the all-time great youth events. The night began with the unveiling of the new Parkcrest Youth Group song book. After a wonderful time of praise and worship it was time for a devotion from Steve...but what's this?!?! As Steve stepped up he started playing 'Shine' by the Newsboys a dance party broke out!!!!!

Well once that amazing good time was done with Steve continued with his devotion sharing a few pearls of wisdom on how if we don't live this year for God, we will waste our year, indeed we need to Shine for Jesus as Matthew 5:16 says "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven'
To demostrate this Steve blew up a balloon (representing a good work). Well 1,000 good works later we had a room filled with balloons and one crazy good time of balloons up to our heads, jumping around, banging, popping and playing in balloons.

So finally the night was done and sweaty and sticky we headed home a bit banged up but full of joy.

A deeper thought of sorts

2006-09-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

What makes a person a missionary? I'm not sure, but here's one thing I do know
"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" - 2 Corinthians 5:20

I was at my friend's house tonight to hear him share as he 'becomes a missionary'. The funny thing is, he already was a missionary (or ambassador for Christ) in his everyday life, he was just changing jobs from working secular to a Christian organization.
"Three years ago I joined a missions trip to Japan. During those six weeks I began to see how God worked in my life to impact others. As I came back from this trip I knew that God had called me to be a missionary. This meant that I was His witness no matter where I went. So I started being a missionary by working in a shipping and logistics company." -Tim Chan

So I guess the points of this blog is that where you are now (School, work, working on Personal Development) you are a missionary to the people in your life, YOU ARE CHRIST'S AMBASSADOR TO THESE PEOPLE. More than that, you can take part in the greatest most important thing possible, working with God in reconciling the world to Him through Jesus.

This Saturday Sept. 23rd there is a breakfast at Parkcrest on personal evangalism, should prove useful in equiping you for your missionary work.

Express Season Opener

2006-09-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

The Parkcrest Youth Group once again brought enthusiasm, noise, youth and wins to the Bill Copeland Arena. Coming in during the 1st intermission as usual we inspired the Express from a drab 1 - 1 first period tie to take the game 5 - 2.
"You guys came at the right time to cheer these guys on. The first period sucked but that was a great second period." Said Mike "The Hulk", a former co-worker of yours truly and an Express Season ticket holder.

Here are some pics of the great night.

Cheering on our Express

They're so fast they're blurry.

Tim and his youth were also there.

Go Express Go

Going crazy after a goal scored by the Express, assisted by our cheering.

Wilderness campground adventure

2006-09-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

Amid the wilderness of North Burnaby, the 2006-2007 Parkcrest Young People's Youth Group (affectionately known as the PYPYG) kicked off with an overnight camping adventure. Among raveneous dogs, fierce tempests and Steve's singing we survived to have a Pancake breakfast in the morning. All in all it was a great time had by great people.

Derek starting off our campfire song session with some Kumbaya

Warming up by the fire

Staleen and Justin making some smores