Happy Tuesday, 

I hope your having a BLESSED week!!! I just wanted to send out a quick reminder about some of the things we have going on this week.

Over the past 4 weeks I have traveled across the country attending different camps, workshops and seminars.  I have been gone so much that I sometimes wake up and have no clue where I am.  I appreciate all of your prayers and support as I have been planning and discerning the course for next year.

I will be in the office this week but will leaving again on Monday.  I am trying to respond to all of my emails and phones calls.  I am also continuing to work on Kenya 2012 and have already received a tentative flight schedule. 

Again I appreciate your patience and prayers as we prepare for the upcoming year and the changes to come.

Thanks,

Brandon

UMYF Summer Schedule

• July 20: Dinner and a Movie
• July 22: FUMC Youth Beach Day
• July 26-31: Youth 2011

Dinner and a Movie

July 20: Dinner and a Movie

With so many great movies out this summer Brandon wants to get a few youth together for dinner and a movie.  If you are interested let Brandon know so we can plan a night of food and fun.

FUMC Youth Beach Day

July 22: FUMC Youth Beach Day

We will be meeting at 67^th Avenue North around 11:00am.  Bring your friends, beach towel and sunscreen.  There will be adult supervision but make sure your child has transportation.

Youth 2011

July 26-31: Youth 2011

Please be in prayer as several of the youth and their counselors travel to Sacramento to participate in Youth 2011.  Youth 2011 is the national youth gathering for the United Methodist Church.  It is an event that only happens every four years and is the largest single gathering of UMC youth in existence.

A NEW Day is COMING!

Over the next few weeks pay close attention to The Steeple and Brandon’s Weekly Emails.  The youth calendar is about to DRASTICALLY change.  In a world that is rapidly changing so is the world of youth ministry.  Change isn’t always a bad thing and sometimes needed to grow the Kingdom of God.  A NEW Day is COMING! ~Brandon

Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page- “First United Methodist Church Myrtle Beach UMYF” for all the latest UMYF NEWS.

Happy Tuesday, 

I hope your having a BLESSED week!!! I just wanted to send out a quick reminder about some of the things we have going on this week.

Over the past 4 weeks I have traveled across the country attending different camps, workshops and seminars.  I have been gone so much that I sometimes wake up and have no clue where I am.  I appreciate all of your prayers and support as I have been planning and discerning the course for next year.

I will be in the office this week but will leaving again on Monday.  I am trying to respond to all of my emails and phones calls.  I am also continuing to work on Kenya 2012 and have already received a tentative flight schedule. 

Again I appreciate your patience and prayers as we prepare for the upcoming year and the changes to come.

Thanks,

Brandon

UMYF Summer Schedule

• July 20: Dinner and a Movie
• July 22: FUMC Youth Beach Day
• July 26-31: Youth 2011

Dinner and a Movie

July 20: Dinner and a Movie

With so many great movies out this summer Brandon wants to get a few youth together for dinner and a movie.  If you are interested let Brandon know so we can plan a night of food and fun.

FUMC Youth Beach Day

July 22: FUMC Youth Beach Day

We will be meeting at 67^th Avenue North around 11:00am.  Bring your friends, beach towel and sunscreen.  There will be adult supervision but make sure your child has transportation.

Youth 2011

July 26-31: Youth 2011

Please be in prayer as several of the youth and their counselors travel to Sacramento to participate in Youth 2011.  Youth 2011 is the national youth gathering for the United Methodist Church.  It is an event that only happens every four years and is the largest single gathering of UMC youth in existence.

A NEW Day is COMING!

Over the next few weeks pay close attention to The Steeple and Brandon’s Weekly Emails.  The youth calendar is about to DRASTICALLY change.  In a world that is rapidly changing so is the world of youth ministry.  Change isn’t always a bad thing and sometimes needed to grow the Kingdom of God.  A NEW Day is COMING! ~Brandon

Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page- “First United Methodist Church Myrtle Beach UMYF” for all the latest UMYF NEWS.

2010 Christmas Cruise

Youth Sunday

Revolution Photos

 Ski Trip Photos

2010 Christmas Cruise

Youth Sunday

Revolution Photos

 Ski Trip Photos

Happy Monday, 

I hope all of you are enjoying this HOT weather and staying cool.  I just returned from chaperoning The Western Tour and have been out of the office for the past few weeks. 

I first want to acknowledge the service and leadership of Rev. Jean Osborne.  This will be her final week as Director of Christian Education here at First Church.  Jean has been a dear friend and supporter of this youth ministry program.  I feel selfish in saying this but I am truly going to miss her warm spirit and the confidence she has given me. 

Whether it was a ski trip, mission trip, or even “Cruising For Christmas,” Jean always was there to comfort me and surrounded us with love and prayer.  As she prepares to enter this next chapter in her life I wanted to publically express my gratitude and love for all that she has given to this program and to me.

If your child is interested in going to the Atlanta Braves Overnight July 5-6^th please let Brandon know by Wednesday, June 29^th.  We need to have an accurate number for tickets and lodging. 

Also the application deadline for Kenya 2012 has come and gone.  We extended the deadline two weeks and applications and deposits were due Sunday, June 26^th.  As of now we have 40 adults, young adults and youth committed and registered for this ground breaking mission experience.

Thanks,

Brandon

UMYF Summer Schedule

• June 26-30: Vacation Bible School Helpers
• July 5-6: Atlanta Braves Overnight
• July 17: Carowinds Youth Trip
• July 26-31: Youth 2011

Atlanta Braves Overnight- Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 29^th

July 5-6: Atlanta Braves Overnight

Cost: $80-includes ticket and lodging

Looking to go on a little mid-week road trip?  Let’s head down to Atlanta on Tuesday, July 5^th and catch Braves vs. Rockies at 7:10pm.  We will then spend the night in Atlanta and head back to the beach on Wednesday, July 6^th.

Carowinds Youth Trip- Registration deadline is July 8^th

July 17: Carowinds Youth Trip

Cost: $50.00-includes park admission

FUN is on its way.  After Sunday School on Sunday, July 17^th we will pack up the bus and head to Carowinds for a day of sun, fun and fellowship. 

UMYF Summer Schedule- Back to Basics

Our theme this summer is “Back to Basics.” We are going to try and focus on building relationships and will be doing a lot of small group activities. 

I intentionally did not plan any big retreats or mission trips this summer because I really feel in the pit of my spirit that we need to concentrate and understand the importance of loving one another.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.”- Mark 12:30-31

We live in a world where we are surrounded by negativity all the time and that negativity affects our relationships and our spiritual souls.  In light of the recent disasters across the Southeast I am looking at doing a 4-Day Mission Project but still developing the details.

As of now my plan is to do a lot of small group activities including; dinners, movies, laser tag, etc.  Fun activities that are local and don’t cost that much.  I understand the state of or current economy and with our Winter Retreat and Kenya 2012 approaching I have kept all of that into consideration.

I encourage you to continue to read your email, church newsletter and social media outlets to keep up-to-date on what we are doing this summer.

NEED Sunday School Teachers

If you or someone you know maybe interested in teaching Sunday School for our 7^th-12^th Students please let me know.   We need part-time and full-time Sunday School teachers.  Please take time to pray about this calling and let Brandon know.

Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page- “First United Methodist Church Myrtle Beach UMYF” for all the latest UMYF NEWS.

Happy Monday, 

I hope all of you are enjoying this HOT weather and staying cool.  I just returned from chaperoning The Western Tour and have been out of the office for the past few weeks. 

I first want to acknowledge the service and leadership of Rev. Jean Osborne.  This will be her final week as Director of Christian Education here at First Church.  Jean has been a dear friend and supporter of this youth ministry program.  I feel selfish in saying this but I am truly going to miss her warm spirit and the confidence she has given me. 

Whether it was a ski trip, mission trip, or even “Cruising For Christmas,” Jean always was there to comfort me and surrounded us with love and prayer.  As she prepares to enter this next chapter in her life I wanted to publically express my gratitude and love for all that she has given to this program and to me.

If your child is interested in going to the Atlanta Braves Overnight July 5-6^th please let Brandon know by Wednesday, June 29^th.  We need to have an accurate number for tickets and lodging. 

Also the application deadline for Kenya 2012 has come and gone.  We extended the deadline two weeks and applications and deposits were due Sunday, June 26^th.  As of now we have 40 adults, young adults and youth committed and registered for this ground breaking mission experience.

Thanks,

Brandon

UMYF Summer Schedule

• June 26-30: Vacation Bible School Helpers
• July 5-6: Atlanta Braves Overnight
• July 17: Carowinds Youth Trip
• July 26-31: Youth 2011

Atlanta Braves Overnight- Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 29^th

July 5-6: Atlanta Braves Overnight

Cost: $80-includes ticket and lodging

Looking to go on a little mid-week road trip?  Let’s head down to Atlanta on Tuesday, July 5^th and catch Braves vs. Rockies at 7:10pm.  We will then spend the night in Atlanta and head back to the beach on Wednesday, July 6^th.

Carowinds Youth Trip- Registration deadline is July 8^th

July 17: Carowinds Youth Trip

Cost: $50.00-includes park admission

FUN is on its way.  After Sunday School on Sunday, July 17^th we will pack up the bus and head to Carowinds for a day of sun, fun and fellowship. 

UMYF Summer Schedule- Back to Basics

Our theme this summer is “Back to Basics.” We are going to try and focus on building relationships and will be doing a lot of small group activities. 

I intentionally did not plan any big retreats or mission trips this summer because I really feel in the pit of my spirit that we need to concentrate and understand the importance of loving one another.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.”- Mark 12:30-31

We live in a world where we are surrounded by negativity all the time and that negativity affects our relationships and our spiritual souls.  In light of the recent disasters across the Southeast I am looking at doing a 4-Day Mission Project but still developing the details.

As of now my plan is to do a lot of small group activities including; dinners, movies, laser tag, etc.  Fun activities that are local and don’t cost that much.  I understand the state of or current economy and with our Winter Retreat and Kenya 2012 approaching I have kept all of that into consideration.

I encourage you to continue to read your email, church newsletter and social media outlets to keep up-to-date on what we are doing this summer.

NEED Sunday School Teachers

If you or someone you know maybe interested in teaching Sunday School for our 7^th-12^th Students please let me know.   We need part-time and full-time Sunday School teachers.  Please take time to pray about this calling and let Brandon know.

Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page- “First United Methodist Church Myrtle Beach UMYF” for all the latest UMYF NEWS.

 Salkehatchie Summer Service

If you registered for the Salkehatchie Summer Service Program you should have received a postcard in the mailing confirming your registration.

Please fill out the appropriate paper work and send it back on time.  Also please let me know what camp you got into so I can make transportations arrangements.

 Salkehatchie Summer Service

If you registered for the Salkehatchie Summer Service Program you should have received a postcard in the mailing confirming your registration.

Please fill out the appropriate paper work and send it back on time.  Also please let me know what camp you got into so I can make transportations arrangements.

NEW Retreat Policy

We have instituted a NEW Retreat Policy effective immediately.  If you have any questions or for more information please contact Brandon.  Youth who are ACTIVE will be eligible to sign up first, then SEMI-ACTIVE youth and then the Retreats will be OPEN to our friends.  Retreat prices will vary on depending on your attendance.

Example: ACTIVE: $150; SEMI-ACTIVE: $200; OPEN: $250

Please remember these key points: Attendance, Deposit, and Commitment.

NEW Retreat Policy

We have instituted a NEW Retreat Policy effective immediately.  If you have any questions or for more information please contact Brandon.  Youth who are ACTIVE will be eligible to sign up first, then SEMI-ACTIVE youth and then the Retreats will be OPEN to our friends.  Retreat prices will vary on depending on your attendance.

Example: ACTIVE: $150; SEMI-ACTIVE: $200; OPEN: $250

Please remember these key points: Attendance, Deposit, and Commitment.

Kenya 2012-“Siyahamba”

I wanted to have the team selected so I could begin the process of booking reservations for our lodging, transportation and two-day safari before I left to go out of town.  Several of you said you were interested in going on the trip but I have not yet seen your application or $100 deposit. 

I will extend the registration deadline until Sunday, June 26^th.  I know many of you have been busy with school ending and with summer beginning but if you are truly interested in being apart of this experience you need to work with me.  Preparation and prayer are in the details and I need to get this team assembled so we can begin the planning process.

In June of 2012 First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach will partner with an organization called Start with One Kenya.  We will be traveling to Nakura, Kenya which is about 90 miles outside of the Capital City of Nairobi.

For a country of its size, Kenya certainly packs a lot in: deserts and mountains, colorful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife. 

Mission Teams may conduct medical clinics, children’s ministry, visit local people, and hold evangelism events.

I am in the final stages of preparation for our Kenya 2012 Trip.  As of now our tentative dates are June 21, 2012-June 30, 2012.  We are working with a new organization that is connected through UMVIM. 

I have had extensive conversations with the several youth pastors who have traveled to Kenya and to this facility as recently as last month.  Some of you have raised concerns over your child’s safety but let me once again assure you I would NEVER put your child in a situation that was not safe. 

I am in fact prayerfully considering visiting Kenya within the next few months to personally oversee the projects, staff, and facilities your children will be visiting.  I have formed an Administrative Team of Health Care Professionals, Security Personnel and Support Staff who will be working with me to make sure this trip is success and that your children are safe at all times.

Within the next week we will begin the application process and accepting the non-refundable $100.00 deposit.  Please continue to be in prayer as we form our Mission Team and please take time to review the information below.

Please talk to your children and make sure they understand that once they are selected to be on the team than there is no turning back.  COMMITMENT is the key word. 

I understand this is a huge financial obligation and COMMITMENT.  We have 14-months to pay for this trip and if money becomes an issue I do have scholarship funds available.

Please think carefully, be in prayer and if you are seriously considering being apart of this “ONCE IN A LIFE-TIME” experience please contact me so I can get you an application.  (SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY)

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Who Can Go?

• High School Student
• Must have completed at least (1) Mission Project
• Family Members
• Community Members
• Local Physicians

Kenya 2012-“Siyahamba”

When: June 2012 *Tentatively*

Mission Project: Evangelism and Children’s Outreach

Organization: Global Infusion

Cost: $2800-$3800 includes airfare, meals, lodging and excursions

*Price subject to change based on activity and participation level with the Youth Ministry Programs of First United Methodist Church*

The deposit is non-refundable but will be credited to your final invoice.  Space for this trip is limited but once applications are received and approved the team will be selected and invoices including payment plans will be sent out.

For a country of its size, Kenya certainly packs a lot in: deserts and mountains, colorful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife.  Mission Teams may conduct medical clinics, children’s ministry, visit local people, and hold evangelism events.

There is a 52-acre parcel of land on which building of children’s homes is taking place. Currently, there are 42 Kenyan orphans who have been accepted onto the property. Specific duties will be assigned according to your interests, experience, and gifting love of God to these wonderful children.

If you would like more information on how you can be involved contact Brandon or visit www.globalinfusion.org

Kenya 2012-“Siyahamba”

I wanted to have the team selected so I could begin the process of booking reservations for our lodging, transportation and two-day safari before I left to go out of town.  Several of you said you were interested in going on the trip but I have not yet seen your application or $100 deposit. 

I will extend the registration deadline until Sunday, June 26^th.  I know many of you have been busy with school ending and with summer beginning but if you are truly interested in being apart of this experience you need to work with me.  Preparation and prayer are in the details and I need to get this team assembled so we can begin the planning process.

In June of 2012 First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach will partner with an organization called Start with One Kenya.  We will be traveling to Nakura, Kenya which is about 90 miles outside of the Capital City of Nairobi.

For a country of its size, Kenya certainly packs a lot in: deserts and mountains, colorful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife. 

Mission Teams may conduct medical clinics, children’s ministry, visit local people, and hold evangelism events.

I am in the final stages of preparation for our Kenya 2012 Trip.  As of now our tentative dates are June 21, 2012-June 30, 2012.  We are working with a new organization that is connected through UMVIM. 

I have had extensive conversations with the several youth pastors who have traveled to Kenya and to this facility as recently as last month.  Some of you have raised concerns over your child’s safety but let me once again assure you I would NEVER put your child in a situation that was not safe. 

I am in fact prayerfully considering visiting Kenya within the next few months to personally oversee the projects, staff, and facilities your children will be visiting.  I have formed an Administrative Team of Health Care Professionals, Security Personnel and Support Staff who will be working with me to make sure this trip is success and that your children are safe at all times.

Within the next week we will begin the application process and accepting the non-refundable $100.00 deposit.  Please continue to be in prayer as we form our Mission Team and please take time to review the information below.

Please talk to your children and make sure they understand that once they are selected to be on the team than there is no turning back.  COMMITMENT is the key word. 

I understand this is a huge financial obligation and COMMITMENT.  We have 14-months to pay for this trip and if money becomes an issue I do have scholarship funds available.

Please think carefully, be in prayer and if you are seriously considering being apart of this “ONCE IN A LIFE-TIME” experience please contact me so I can get you an application.  (SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY)

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Who Can Go?

• High School Student
• Must have completed at least (1) Mission Project
• Family Members
• Community Members
• Local Physicians

Kenya 2012-“Siyahamba”

When: June 2012 *Tentatively*

Mission Project: Evangelism and Children’s Outreach

Organization: Global Infusion

Cost: $2800-$3800 includes airfare, meals, lodging and excursions

*Price subject to change based on activity and participation level with the Youth Ministry Programs of First United Methodist Church*

The deposit is non-refundable but will be credited to your final invoice.  Space for this trip is limited but once applications are received and approved the team will be selected and invoices including payment plans will be sent out.

For a country of its size, Kenya certainly packs a lot in: deserts and mountains, colorful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife.  Mission Teams may conduct medical clinics, children’s ministry, visit local people, and hold evangelism events.

There is a 52-acre parcel of land on which building of children’s homes is taking place. Currently, there are 42 Kenyan orphans who have been accepted onto the property. Specific duties will be assigned according to your interests, experience, and gifting love of God to these wonderful children.

If you would like more information on how you can be involved contact Brandon or visit www.globalinfusion.org