OPC Youth Group

Bass Lake Packing List

2011-07-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

What to Bring:
BIBLE,Notebook,pen/pencil
Plastic Plate (Frisbees work great)
Plastic Bowl
Plastic Cup
Water Bottle
BIBLE
Fork and Spoon
Flashlight
Modest bathing suit
2 towels
Sun screen (at least 45 SPF)
Lip balm with sun screen
BIBLE
Mosquito repellant
Hat
Sleeping Bag & Pillow
Warm and Cool Clothes
tennis shoes (2 pair of shoes in case one gets wet!)
Play clothes for recreation
Overnight toiletries
Spending money ($20 recommended for a meal up and back from Lake)

What NOT to Bring:
Drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor)
Alcohol
Weapons
Matches

Dress Code: MODESTY is the key!
Girls: Be mindful that your brothers in the Lord struggle with taking their thoughts captive to Christ, so choose modesty. If you don’t know what modesty means, ask yourself: “Am I showing off way to much skin?” “Would I be embarrassed trying this suit on in front of my dad?” “Why do I want to wear this suit?” Remember, our aim for the weekend is to draw closer to God. Therefore, do not dress to draw attention to yourselves.
Guys: No Speedos or underwear showing above the waistline. Once again, gentleman, choose modesty. Do not place a stumbling block in your sisters way, and do not dress to draw attention to yourselves.

Hume Lake Packing List

2011-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

What To Bring
• BIBLE, notebook, pen/pencil
• Flashlight
• Towel
• Sleeping Bag and Pillow
• Warm gloves, waterproof jacket
• Snowboots/shoes
• Jeans and tennis shoes
• Clothes for recreation
• BIBLE
• Overnight toiletries
• Spending money ($20-$25)
• Camera (optional)
• Orcutt Presbyterian Medical Release form if you don’t have a current one on file.
• BIBLE

What Not To Bring
• iPods
• Your Cell Phone will be staying in the VAN, so don’t bring it if you aren’t ok with that.
• Drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor and you have the Medication Administration Form Filled Out by you parents)
• Alcohol
• Firearms
• Weapons of any kind

San Fran Packing List

2011-01-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

Upperclassmen Trip Packing List

2010-11-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Portable chair
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pads
Pillow
Large Mouth Water Bottle
Plate/bowl/spoon/fork/cup
Lantern, flashlight, or headlamp
Towel
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Quarters for showers
Walking shoes or hiking boots
Sandals/flip-flops
Warm and cool clothes
Pajamas
Bathing suit
Backpack
Camera
Bible
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Spending money ($20)
Wetsuit (optional)
Surfboard (optional)
Boogie Board (optional)

Benefit Show

2010-10-12T22:48:00.001-07:00

September Reading Plan

2010-08-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

September 1 Job 18:1-21:34
September 2 Job 22:1-25:6
September 3 Job 26:1-31:40
September 4 Job 32:1-37:24
September 5 Job 38:1-41:34
September 6 Job 42:1-17; Ezra 1:1-2:70
September 7 Ezra 3:1-4:5; 4:24-5:1; Haggai 1:1-2:23
September 8 Zechariah 1:1-6:15
September 9 Zechariah 7:1-8:23; Ezra 5:2-6:22
September 10 Daniel 6:1-28
September 11 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:55
September 12 I Chronicles 3:1-4:43
September 13 1 Chronicles 5:1-6:81
September 14 1 Chronicles 7:1-9:34
September 15 Esther 1:1-2:23
September 16 Esther 3:1-8:17
September 17 Esther 9:1-10:3; Ezra 4:6-23
September 18 Malachi 1:1-4:6
September 19 Ezra 7:1-10:44
September 20 Nehemiah 1:1-11
September 21 Nehemiah 2:1-6:14
September 22 Nehemiah 6:15-7:73a
September 23 Nehemiah 7:73b-10:39
September 24 Psalm 1, 91
September 25 Psalm 119
September 26 Nehemiah 11:1-12:30
September 27 Psalm 120-134; Nehemiah 12:31-47
September 28 Psalm 104, 107, 111-113
September 29 Psalm 114-118, 135, 136
September 30 Psalm 145-150

Talent Show Canceled

2010-08-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, tomorrow's COFFEE HOUSE TALENT SHOW IS BEING CANCELED. No talent, no talent show! The youth building will be open from 6:30-8 to hang out and play games and turn in your small group and growth group registration forms. We need these forms turned in tomorrow EVEN IF YOU WERE IN A SMALL GROUP LAST YEAR, because the leaders are going to be forming the groups tomorrow night after 8.

August Readings

2010-08-08T14:25:00.001-07:00

August 1 Ezekiel 22:1-22
August 2 Ezekiel 23:1-49
August 3 Ezekiel 21:18-32; 24:1-27
August 4 Ezekiel 3:22-7:27; 29:1-16; 30:20-31:18
August 5 2 Kings 25:4-7; Jeremiah 52:7-11; 39:1-7; 2 Kings 25:8-21; Jeremiah 52:12-27; 39:8-10
August 6 Lamentations 1:1-3:30
August 7 Lamentations 3:31-5:22
August 8 2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 39:11-41:18
August 9 Jeremiah 42:1-44:30
August 10 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Ezekiel 12:1-28; Psalm 89
August 11 Ezekiel 33:21-33; 19:1-14; 22:23-31
August 12 Ezekiel 25:1-28:26; 32:1-32
August 13 Psalm 137; Obadiah 1:1-21; Jeremiah 52:28-30
August 14 Ezekiel 33:1-20; 34:1-37:28
August 15 Ezekiel 38:1-39:29
August 16 Ezekiel 40:1-42:20
August 17 Ezekiel 43:1-48:35
August 18 Ezekiel 29:17-21; 30:1-19
August 19 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34; Isaiah 13:1-14:23; 21:1-17;
33:1-35:10
August 20 Daniel 5:1-31
August 21 Isaiah 40:1-41:29
August 22 Isaiah 42:1-43:28
August 23 Isaiah 44:1-45:25
August 24 Isaiah 46:1-48:22
August 25 Isaiah 49:1-51:23
August 26 Isaiah 52:1-55:13
August 27 2 Chronicles 36:22,23; Proverbs 22:17-24:34
August 28 Proverbs 30:1-31:31; Job 1:1-2:13
August 29 Job 3:1-7:21
August 30 Job 8:1-11:20
August 31 Job 12:1-17:16

july readings

2010-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

July 1 Psalm 33, 66, 67, 100
July 2 2 Kings 23:26, 27
July 3 Jeremiah 1:1-2:37
July 4 Jeremiah 3:1-4:31
July 5 Jeremiah 5:1-6:30
July 6 Nahum 1:1-3:19; 2 Kings 23:28-34
July 7 Jeremiah 22:10-17; 2 Chronicles 35:20-36:4
July 8 Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; 2 Kings 23:35-37
July 9 Jeremiah 26:1-6; 7:1-8:3; 26:7-24; 11:1-12:17
July 10 Jeremiah 47:1-7; 46:1-12; 13:1-14; 18:1-17
July 11 Jeremiah 36:1-10; 25:1-14; 36:11-32; 45:1-5; 15:10-21
July 12 Jeremiah 14:1-15:9; 16:1-17:27
July 13 Jeremiah 8:4-10:16
July 14 2 Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 35:1-19
July 15 Jeremiah 23:9-40; 18:18-20:18
July 16 2 Kings 24:5-9; 22:18-30; 13:15-27; 2 Kings 24:10-17; 2 Chronicles 36:5-10
July 17 Jeremiah 24:1-10; Daniel 1:1-21
July 18 Daniel 2:1-4:37
July 19 2 Kings 24:18-19; Jeremiah 52:1-2
July 20 Jeremiah 27:1-11; 48:1-49:39
July 21 Jeremiah 25:15-38; 27:12-28:17
July 22 Jeremiah 29:1-32
July 23 Jeremiah 50:1-51:64
July 24 2 Chronicles 36:11-12; Ezekiel 1:1-3:21; 2 Kings 24:20-25:3; Jeremiah 52:3-6
July 25 Jeremiah 10:17-25; 21:1-22:9; 34:1-22; Jeremiah 46:13-28
July 26 Jeremiah 37:1-21; 30:1-24
July 27 Jeremiah 31:1-33:26
July 28 Jeremiah 23:1-8; 38:1-28
July 29 2 Chronicles 36:13-16; Ezekiel 8:1-11:25
July 30 Ezekiel 13:1-18:32
July 31 Ezekiel 20:1-21:17

BASS FLASHBACK

2010-07-01T11:57:00.001-07:00

BASS LAKE PACKING LIST

2010-06-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

June reading plan

2010-06-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

June 1 2 Kings 13:1-25; 14:1-22; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21
June 2 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
June 3 2 Kings 14:23-29; Jonah 1:1-4:11
June 4 Amos 1:1-6:7
June 5 Amos 6:8-9:15
June 6 Hosea 1:1-6:11
June 7 Hosea 7:1-14:9
June 8 2 Kings 15:1-8
June 9 Isaiah 6:1-13, Isaiah 1:1-5:30
June 10 2 Chronicles 26:1-23
June 11 2 Kings 15:8-31; 2 Kings 15:32-16:4
June 12 2 Kings 16:5-9; Isaiah 7:1-10:4; Isaiah 17:1-14
June 13 Isaiah 14:24-32; 2 Kings 16:10-20; Micah 1:1-2:13
June 14 Micah 3:1-7:20
June 15 2 Chronicles 27:1-28:27; 2 Kings 17:1-4
June 16 Isaiah 28:1-29:24; 2 Kings 17:5-41
June 17 2 Kings 18:1-12; Isaiah 10:5-12:6
June 18 Proverbs 25:1-29-27
June 19 Isaiah 18:1-20:6; 15:1-16:14
June 20 Isaiah 22:15-25; 30:1-32:20
June 21 2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-22; 2 Kings 20:12-19; Isaiah 39:1-8; Isaiah 36;1; 2 Kings 18:13-16
June 22 2 Kings 18:17-19:7; Isaiah 36:2-37:7
June 23 2 Kings 19:8-37; Isaiah 37:8-38; 2 Kings 20:20-21
June 24 Isaiah 22:1-14; 23:1-18; 24:1-23
June 25 Isaiah 25:1-27:13
June 26 2 Chronicles 29:1-31:21
June 27 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; 32:1-23; 32:32-33; 2 Kings 21:1-18; 2 Kings 21:19-26; 2 Kings 22:1-20
June 28 Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
June 29 2 Kings 23:1-25
June 30 2 Chronicles 33:1-35:19

May Reading Plan

2010-05-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

May 1 Psalm 2, 20, 21, 72, 93
May 2 Psalm 94, 95, 97-99, 101, 110, 144
May 3 I Kings 3:1-4:34
May 4 Proverbs 1:1-4:27
May 5 Proverbs 5:1-9:18
May 6 Proverbs 10:1-12:28
May 7 Proverbs 13:1-15:33
May 8 Proverbs 16:1-22:16
May 9 I Kings 5:1-18
May 10 I Kings 6:1-38
May 11 I Kings 7:1-9:14
May 12 I Kings 9:15-10:29
May 13 Ecclesiastes 1:1-4:16
May 14 Ecclesiastes 5:1-8:17
May 15 Ecclesiastes 9:1-12:14
May 16 I Kings 11:1-8
May 17 Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14
May 18 I Kings 11:9-43; 2 Chronicles 1:1-2:18; 2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22
May 19 2 Chronicles 5:1-7:22; 2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31
May 20 I Kings 12:1-24; I Kings 12:25-14:20
May 21 I Kings 14:21-15:24; I Kings 15:25-16:20; 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:23
May 22 2 Chronicles 12:1-13:22; 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14
May 23 I Kings 16:21-34
May 24 I Kings 17:1-19:21
May 25 I Kings 20:1-22:40; I Kings 22:41-50
May 26 2 Chronicles 17:1-19:11; 2 Chronicles 20-1:37
May 27 I Kings 22:51-53; 2 Kings 1:1-18
May 28 2 Kings 2:1-4:44
May 29 2 Kings 5:1-8:15
May 30 2 Kings 8:16-29; 2 Kings 9:1-10:36
May 31 2 Chronicles 21:1-22:9; 2 Kings 11:1-12:21

April Reading Plan

2010-04-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

April 1 I Samuel 31:1-13; 2 Samuel 1:1-28; Psalm 18
April 2 2 Samuel 2:1-4:12
April 3 2 Samuel 5:1-7:29
April 4 I Chronicles 9:35-44; I Chronicles 10:1-11-47
April 5 I Chronicles 12:1-15:29
April 6 Psalm 8, 19, 29, 32, 65, 68, 103, 108, 138
April 7 I Chronicles 16:1-43
April 8 Psalm 96, 105, 106
April 9 Psalm 39, 62, ,50, 73-76
April 10 Psalm 77-79
April 11 Psalm 80-83, 88
April 12 I Chronicles 17:1-27; 2 Samuel 8:1-12:15a; Psalm 51
April 13 2 Samuel 12:15b-14:33
April 14 2 Samuel 15:1-37; Psalm 3; 2 Samuel 16:1-14; Psalm 7
April 15 2 Samuel 16:15-20:26
April 16 2 Samuel 21:1-22
April 17 2 Samuel 22:1-23:39; I Chronicles 18:1-13
April 18 Psalm 60; I Chronicles 18:14-20:8; 2 Samuel 24:1-25
April 19 I Kings 1:1-2:35; I Kings 2:36-46; I Chronicles 21:1-30
April 20 Psalm 4-6, 9-10
April 21 Psalm 11-14, 16, 17, 22
April 22 Psalm 25-28, 31
April 23 Psalm 35, 36, 38, 40, 41
April 24 Psalm 53, 55, 58, 61, 64, 69-71
April 25 Psalm 86, 102, 109, 139-141, 143
April 26 Psalm 37; I Chronicles 22:1-19; Psalm 30
April 27 I Chronicles 23:1-26:19
April 28 Psalm 15, 24, 42-46
April 29 Psalm 47-49, 84, 85, 87
April 30 I Chronicles 26:2-29:30

High Shcool Small Group Cluster Night

2010-03-10T09:41:00.001-08:00

Remember that tonight all the High School Girls small groups are getting together at Kristen's house, and all the Boys are at Shawn's house. Contact your leader if you need the address. 7:30-9:15pm

March Reading Plan

2010-03-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

1 Deuteronomy 28:1-68
2 Deuteronomy 29:1 - 33:29
3 Deuteronomy 34:1-12
4 Psalm 90; Joshua 1:1-5:5
5 Joshua 6:1 - 8:35
6 Joshua 9:1 - 11:23
7 Joshua 21:1 - 14:5
8 Joshua 14:6 - 15:63
9 Joshua 16:1 - 19:51
10 Joshua 20:1 - 22:9
11 Joshua 22:10 - 24:33
12 Judges 1:1 - 3:6
13 Judges 3:7 - 5:31
14 Judges 6:1 - 8:35
15 Judges 9:1 - 12:15
16 Judges 13:1 - 16:31
17 Judges 17:1 - 19:30
18 Judges 20:1-48
19 Judges 21:1-25
20 Ruth 1:1 - 4:22
21 I Samuel 1:1 - 6:21
22 I Samuel 7:1-17
23 I Samuel 8:1-22
24 I Samuel 9:1 - 12:25
25 I Samuel 13:1 - 16:23
26 Psalm 23
27 I Samuel 17:1 - 19:17
28 Psalm 59, I Samuel 19:18-21:15
29 Psalm 56; Psalm 34;I Samuel 23:1-29; Psalm 52; Psalm 63
30 I Samuel 24:1-22;Psalm 57; Psalm 142; I Samuel 25:1-44
31 Psalm 54; I Samuel 26:1-30:31

HS Winter Camp Flashback Part 2

2010-02-25T23:55:00.001-08:00

HS Winter Camp Flashback Part 1

2010-02-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

Winter Camp Packing List

2010-02-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

Halloween Pics

2009-11-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Pics from the Halloween Party are on the Website!!! Check them out here!

Homeless Shelter Sunday

2009-10-30T10:38:00.001-07:00

Breakfast at the Shelter

OPC Youth,

Now is the time for breakfast! Join us the first Sunday of every month to fix breakfast for the homeless families of Santa Maria. If you are interested in serving, read further...

The "Feed My Sheep Principle"

It's always good to start with a principle, a rule to live by. Why would you even consider doing this? Is there good reason to get out of bed early on a Sunday morning to serve those less fortunate (other than pancakes of course)?

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:37-40

There are many more good reasons to serve, but this is a good start.

Bring Only These

Your Time - Be prepared to show up at 6:30 AM Sunday morning. Your time is valuable, use it wisely.
Your Talent - Do you know how to cook breakfast? Yes? Great, let's talk about the menu and plan to use your talents. We'll do this every month and there will be many opportunities to share your culinary skills. Can't boil water? No problem! We'll share our secrets to the best breakfast in town. Come and learn.
Your Treasure - Be ready to make a small "free will" donation. If you don't got it, cool. If you are so led, give.

A Few Last Things

We need to be done by 8:00 AM so that the folks can run off to church. We'll feed up to 100 guests.
Please feel free to mingle and eat breakfast with the residents. They appreciate your efforts.
Once we clean up we'll head off to church and attend the 10:00 service as a group. The motley breakfast crew in the back pew.
Remember who we are serving (see quote above if you are not sure). We'll make a breakfast that you would serve to your most valued friends. Think Kay's Kitchen, not Denny's. This is a very special treat.

Peace...

Pancakes by framboise on Flickr

TALENT SHOW BABY!

2009-09-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Bob or Tom??

2009-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

Talent Show Rocked!

2009-09-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last night was awesome. I was blown away by how talented and entertaining you guys are. Check back here soon because the Bass Lake Video and some video of last night will be going up. . .

Bass Lake Video

2009-07-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Fair After YG Next Week

2009-07-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Next week after youth group at youth building we will be going to the fair! Bring money so you can have fun! Transportation is not provided, so you need to arrange your own ride to and from the fair. I will be leaving the youth building at 8 and can transport a few folks, so let me know if you need a ride.

2009-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Youth Group this week is at Port San Luis. Come enjoy the beach, a warm fire, worship, a message, and smores! Meet at the church at 6 IF you need a ride, otherwise, we will see you there! We will be returning around 10:30.

Bass Lake Pics!!!

2009-06-21T23:33:00.001-07:00

Camp was amazing. God was working in many of our lives! Check out the 575 camp pics. They are up on the youth website, orcuttyouth.com!!!

Senior Banquet. JUNE 5th

2009-05-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

So here is the deal. Senior Banquet is going to be off the hook, and you need to buy your tickets tomorrow. Friday is the last day we will be selling tickets. Come out and celebrate our senior class, enjoy a delicious dinner, yummy desserts, silly senior memories, and end the night with some dancing to a real DJ! So don't be lame, iron that dress shirt, and polish those dancing shoes, and come give our seniors a proper send off!

Why do we read the Bible. . .

2009-05-07T14:17:00.003-07:00

I found this story on another website i follow, http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/

The Bible and Coal

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of
eastern West Virginia with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in anyway he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of
water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before
he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You
will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the
river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he
returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was
"impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket
instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of
water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went
out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his
grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak
out before he got very far . The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but
when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the
basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was
clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not
understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change
you from the inside out. That is the work of God in our lives. To change
us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His
son."

Un-Christian

2009-05-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

I just started reading a book by the president of the Barna Group titled UnChristian. The book is a presentation of over 3 years of research investigating what people between the ages of 16-29 think about Christianity. The research focuses on 6 broad themes that are often times cited by "outsiders" (the term adopted in the book to refer to those outside the church) as their major problems with Christianity and Christians. The 6 common themes used to describe Christians are:
Hypocritical
To focused on getting converts
Antihomosexual
Sheltered
Too Political
Judgemental

To tell the you the truth, the 6 areas didn't surprise me all that much, as there have been times I have felt the same way and I am an "insider" (as opposed to an outsider). But I want to know what you guys think? Are these common opinions about Christianity at your schools? At your workplaces? Please post and let me know what you have experienced. . .

Don't Believe the Lies. . .

2009-04-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, in 30 minutes, we collected a total of 283 cans of food! (that doesn't include all the jars and dry food) So don't believe the lie that we can't make a difference in this world. God calls us to care for the poor and those in need, and we did guys! Trust me when I say, God is pleased!

Living Sacrifices

2009-04-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Holy Week is upon us! Chara! I have been reading Romans 12 which talks about personal responsibility. The scripture says we are to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship! Our love must be sincere. We are to hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love! Wow...devoted. I looked up that word and it means loyal, faithful, committed, dedicated, constant, loving, caring. Are we constantly showing that kind of devotion to all of our brothers and sisters?

We are commanded to honor one another above ourselves. Basically...it's not about ME. As living sacrifices we do not repay anyone evil for evil. We must be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If possible, as far as it depends on YOU, we must live at peace with everyone. If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. This is the core of Christian living! Do you have some coals that need to be heaped? Do it now! If you have experienced God's grace, pass it on to others. Remember...grace is undeserved favor! What Jesus showed us on the cross. Blessings!

Community Wide Youth Gathering

2009-03-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night, Wed April 1st, all the youth groups from the Santa Maria Valley are going to be getting together at First Christian Church from 6:30-8:00pm. The meeting will include student-led worship from area youth ministries, as well as a message from Rocky Kim, youth pastor at First Christian Church.

Some of you may be asking yourselves, why are we getting together with other youth groups?

Let me give you a couple of many reasons:

For starters, the Church (i use the term "Church" here to refer to the universal church which is made up of all true believers for all time) makes a tremendous statement to the surrounding community when local churches are able to meet, serve, and worship together. Often times the tension and division found between churches is no different than what we see in the surrounding culture.

Secondly, we believe that by getting all of the Christian youth in the Santa Maria area together, God will bring accountability and change in behavior to our Jr. High and High School campuses. When we know who the other believers are at school, it allows us to keep one another accountable, as well as to encourage one another in our walks with Jesus.

Also, when God's people get together and pray, big things happen! Prayer is the most important activity any Christian can be involved in.

Finally, it is going to be a lot of FUN!

So we hope you realize the value that comes with an event like this, and we will see you tomorrow.

Beard a Reno Week 6

2009-03-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Kenna is still kissing me, Cormac cries everytime I kiss him, and we are still 6 weeks from judging. . .

Support Our Mission Trip

2009-03-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

God has opened a door for a team from the OPC youth group to go to San Francisco and show God's compassion to the people living their. There are a number of ways all of you can get involved in sharing Jesus' compassion:

1. Pray for the students who will be going. Pray that God would prepare us for the visit and bless our efforts as they minister to the people of San Fran. We also need prayers that our financial needs will be met. Each student needs to raise $161 to attend this trip.

2. Another way you can be involved is to provide financial support. Even a small donation helps. Please makes checks payable to Orcutt Presbyterian Church and mail to:

Orcutt Presbyterian Church
C/o Shawn O'Brien
993 Patterson Road
Orcutt, Ca
93455

Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer, or both, all of your support is appreciated.

An Old Indian Story about Two Wolves

2009-03-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

An old Cherokee man told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves that live inside us all. One wolf is Evil - it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, love of money, and ego. The other wolf is Good - it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, serenity, humility, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith". The man's grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins the battle?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

As we begin the walk of Lent, I invite you to find your wolves, and to feed the one who is God's goodness within you, so that you might have peace.

Beard-a-Reno Week 4

2009-03-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest progress on my beard cultivation. What do you think, do I have a chance in the "red beard" division?

Sean Mcdowell at Pacific Christian Center

2009-03-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Several of us (maybe 1o) managed to get up early on Saturday morning to hear Sean speak from 8:30 to 12:00. I know that sound like a crazy long lecture, but it was so amazing. It was broken into 3 mini seminars (evolution, the Bible, and the resurrection) all under the umbrella of "defending your faith". God calls us to go into the world equipped with His message of salvation. It was sweet! Angie and I have books written by Sean that may interest you in this area. Just ask us! We also had the amazing privilege to go to lunch with him too...Olive Garden!!! It was a awesome visit. He spent quality time sharing with our students over a great meal. His web site is www.seanmcdowell.org. Check it out if you want.
Peace
Diane

2009-03-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

Hey Youth Crowd...

Check out Josh Riebock's web site. Josh spoke at Hume Lake for the High School group. He was pretty cool and very thought provoking. Thanks to Alan for pointing me to his site...

Also, if you like, you can download some of his talks from iTunes. Make sure you have iTunes installed and up and running on your computer and click on the link on his web site (ya, the one I mentioned above). If you need help let me know.

If you read this, and your mommy did not show it to you, I will take you to lunch. First one. Only one.

The Sparrow

2009-02-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

Breakfast at the Shelter

OPC Youth,

Now is the time for breakfast! Join us the first Sunday of every month to fix breakfast for the homeless families of Santa Maria. If you are interested in serving, read further...

The "Feed My Sheep Principle"

There are many more good reasons to serve, but this is a good start.

Bring Only These

Your Time - Be prepared to show up at 6:30 AM Sunday morning. Your time is valuable, use it wisely.
Your Talent - Do you know how to cook breakfast? Yes? Great, let's talk about the menu and plan to use your talents. We'll do this every month and there will be many opportunities to share your culinary skills. Can't boil water? No problem! We'll share our secrets to the best breakfast in town. Come and learn.
Your Treasure - Be ready to make a small "free will" donation. If you don't got it, cool. If you are so led, give.

A Few Last Things

We need to be done by 8:00 AM so that the folks can run off to church. We'll feed up to 100 guests.
Please feel free to mingle and eat breakfast with the residents. They appreciate your efforts.
Once we clean up we'll head off to church and attend the 10:00 service as a group. The motley breakfast crew in the back pew.
Remember who we are serving (see quote above if you are not sure). We'll make a breakfast that you would serve to your most valued friends. Think Kay's Kitchen, not Denny's. This is a very special treat.

Peace...

Sue and The Sparrow

Pancakes by framboise on Flickr

Beard-a-Reno Week 2

2009-02-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

The high altitude of Hume Lake slowed down growth, but I am back at sea level. . .

Mountain High at Hume Lake!

2009-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

What an awesome weekend at Hume Lake - Decision '09!
Twenty HS students, 6 leaders and lots of snow. We were blessed with no major injuries, although we deserved some......bodily damage from sledding (Shawn and Grant!), major snowball attack to the right eye (Diane), broom hockey finger smash (Tara) to name a few! Congrats to Shawn and Alan for a first place finish in table tennis (aka ping pong) and Mark and Brant for a second place finish in Billiards. A huge thanks to Rod (my hero) for taking good care of all of us. Many decisions for JESUS were made. To Him be the glory!

50th Annual Beard-A-Reno

2009-02-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I officially joined the Santa Maria/Orcutt community by entering the 50th Annual Beard-A-Reno contest. For those of you who are so out of the loop that you don't know what it is, google it! I am going to provide a weekly picture for all of you so you can monitor my progress. Let me know what you think. . .

CHARA!!

2009-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Been doing some discovery of the Fruit of the Spirit from Gal. chapter 5; specifically...JOY. The Greek word for joy is chara. It basically means to celebrate! Yes, we as believers are to experience joy! For me, I experience real joy because my name is written in the Book of LIFE! CHARA (accent on the second syllable).It was also the source of King David's joy...the Lord's salvation! Yes, He (GOD) is the giver of salvation through Jesus Christ. Joy is also discovering the person, power, and plan of God in our lives....discovery, like looking for hidden treasure. Now who doesn't love looking for treasure?
Unfortunately we can "lose" our joy pretty easy here on this earth.
1. When we serve (people) more than we seek (the Lord).
2.When our talk exceeds our walk.
3. When we expect to always see God in a BIG way, doing marvelous things. True joy is in His gentle whispers to us in every day life.
4. When we are pooped!WE need to take good care of what God created....US!
5. When we feel all alone. Don't feel that you are all alone in your walk with Christ...no one understands, or doesn't share in your passion.

If you have lost your joy...look for it where you left it.......IN HIS presence. HE is our JOY!
CHARA my beloved brothers and sisters. You are my joy and my crown!

I have a dream. . .

2009-02-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

Seeing as though it is Black History Month we should all take a moment to listen to the message of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech:

Welcome to the OPC Youth Blog

2009-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking us out! This is a place where we will post things relating to Jesus, the Bible, Theology, Contemporary Culture, and anything else we think will encourage you in Kingdom Living!