VCPC YOUNG ADULTS

This week's Bible Study

2011-06-02T16:59:00.002-07:00

We are in for a real treat this week. This Friday, we will have a bible study led by our very own Wilson Ng! Come on out and hear what Wilson wants to share with us about!

Also, it's June! Wow, the year seems to have gone by so fast. Here's what's happening in the next few weeks:

June 3 - Bible Discussion led by Wilson
June 10 - Holy Spirit Weekend
June 17 - EG Grad Night

Summer is almost here! We'll keep you posted about upcoming summer events!

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 3

2011-05-23T21:34:00.004-07:00

We're back home from Abbotsford, and Historymaker is over. Personally, I am glad that I went this year. I have been inspired by the speakers and worship leaders, and I do feel that my life is a little bit different now that I am back into the weekly routines. Many memories were made this weekend, and I cherish them all along with the people who went to Historymaker. Anyway, on to the recap!

Worship on Sunday introduced me to the band Downhere. I actually haven't heard of them before, but I gotta say that I'm fond of their songs. One of their songs, A Better Way, was quite touching to me. The lyrics talk about how there is no better way to say "I love you", than what Jesus did on the cross. I was reminded that God's love is perfect, and there is nothing greater than His love.

I felt a bit of Historymaker nostalgia when David Nasser came up to speak during the fourth general session Sunday morning. It's funny, because each time I hear David Nasser speak, it's like his sermons are successively getting more serious and assertive. The past few sessions this weekend had us following the examples of people in the bible, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. But David reminded us that our fundamental model of Christian living is Jesus. When we look at the ministry of Jesus, we see that not only was He the greatest preacher, but He was also a servant. In fact, the two go hand in hand. If you look at the example of when Jesus feeds the five thousand men (John 6), He served the people when they needed food. The next day, when Jesus leaves, all the people who were fed went to find Him again. In verse 26 of the chapter, Jesus knew that the people came not because of His miracles, but because they were given bread and had their fill. It is through this that Jesus tells the people, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

Sometimes we see a need, but are too quick to go into preacher mode, rather than actually helping them. Sure it's easy to open up a bible and say what God says, but what good is it when our actions do nothing to back them up? We can tell the orphan that he has been adopted into God's family and is an heir to God's inheritance, but it is meaningless to him no one finds him a home. Service and compassion are the mound that we make our stance on in order to preach to the world.

The last session featured speaker Matt Tapley, someone I've never heard speak before. In some ways this is good. For one, I don't know what to expect. As well, instead of getting excited for the person speaking, I get to be completely excited about God, who is the real speaker. Matt's talk was about the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and how God used them to bring an entire army of Philistines into panic and confusion (1 Samuel 14:1-23). As Christians, we are in a fight. This isn't a fight of flesh and blood, but of a spiritual nature. As such, we cannot just sit by a wait for the enemy to come to our doorstep. We've got to go on the offensive and bring the fight to the enemy's door! That's exactly what Jonathan and his armor-bearer did. They crossed many cliffs and climbed on their hands a feet in order to bring the fight to the Philistines. Because of their faith in God's saving power, God sent a panic to the entire army, and caused them to fight each other! We need the faith that Jonathan has. Faith that causes us to take action when nothing is happening. Faith that God will bring victory. Faith that is not dead, but with action.

I found the last two sessions very challenging. Very often I find myself sitting around doing nothing, when God has a plan for my life, and wants me to change the world around me. It is inspiring to hear the stories not only of those in the bible, but in the world today as well. Throughout the weekend we have heard stories of students starting up prayer groups, wells being built in countries with now clean water, and children being given the necessities of life through sponsorship. There are so many things to do, but the workers are few. Maybe it's time to stop sitting around, and stand up.

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 2

2011-05-22T00:13:00.001-07:00

What a long day today has been. There so much to cover about the second day of Historymaker, that it's a bit overwhelming to remember everything. We started the day off with the second session. Group 1 Crew returned for another rocking set, but not before we were introduced to an all-girl rock band from Alberta named Holle. Jonathan Lambert returned to lead a powerful worship set. What struck me as amazing was that there was only TWO songs for worship, but it was as powerful a worship experience as one can get. The second song, Show Me Your Glory, was one of those songs that I feel compelled to sing out, because it talks about our longing for God's presence and majesty to be revealed in our lives. I believe that it is in His presence, that we find His plans and purposes for us, just like Moses did.

Ben Johnson shared from God's word after worship. If you were at the last Unite event we had at VCPC, Ben had pretty much the same message then. It is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon. Ben used them as an example for us to follow, because they were standing up, and standing out. They chose to eat only vegetables and water, and became stronger and smarter than all the rest who indulged themselves in the pleasures of food. They also refused to bow down to the statue of the king, and were willing to go into the furnace because they knew who their God was. Matthew 5:11-16 was the verse that Ben used, because it tells us to be the salt and light of the world. Verse 12 has a promise for us, for when we are mocked and persecuted for standing for Jesus, we are blessed because we have a great reward in heaven.

The third session started with a short worship set by Jonathan Lambert. The band did one song from Fee called Rise and Sing. It was extraordinary, because during the bridge of the song, they brought in to finish the song, of all things a MARCHING BAND, with brass, woodwinds, and the works. I was astonished and blown away. This year's Historymaker is pulling out all the stops to bring God all the glory.

This was then followed by worship led by Leeland. Leeland songs have wonderful lyrics, some that inspire imagery through poetic expression, and some so simpleand genuine, speaking the truth at its core. I remember Leeland came to Historymaker, maybe 2 or 3 years ago, and I didn't like them at first because the lead singer had such a high voice, it seemed like he was screaming everything. But this year, it was quite radical. The lead singer spent several moments in the worship time to speak to everyone, about how God is strong through our weaknesses. When we show our weakness, God will show His strength. You know if a worship leader is authentic when he can preach what he sings about.

Phil Dooley returned to the stage to talk to us about breakthroughs. A breakthrough is breaking from the things that control you. Fear. Doubt. Pride. There was one character in the bible that stood up to do something when no one else was willing to breakthrough. His name was David. While all the other soldiers were being taunted by Goliath, David stood up and did something about it. And he was not afraid, because he knew who his God was.

It's hard to believe that we're all going home tomorrow. It's kinda sad that we are leaving, but isn't that what the whole point of Historymaker is? We are to take what we have learned here and bring it back to our homes, our schools, and our workplaces in order to change this world for the better, and for the furtherance of God's kingdom. There is no greater purpose than to live out for God, and to stand up for Jesus!

See you at the next update!

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 1

2011-05-21T00:23:00.002-07:00

Howzit bro?

Welcome to the first blog post of this Historymaker weekend! Since there aren't that many people from our church coming out this year, I thought that I would use the Young Adults blog to kind of give you guys back home a taste of what Historymaker is like. I will be updating each night talking about the sessions, speakers, and just about anything interesting that happens over the course of that day.

Our first session started with a bang! Remember the explosion on stage at last year's HM:Fearless? Well, multiply that by fifteen and add a couple of fireworks aimed at the stage, and you've got this year's opening. Group 1 Crew started the night off with some pretty good beats. The sound system had the bass turned up really high; you could feel each beat vibrating in your body.

After that, Jonathan Lambert led a great set of worship. Several songs I didn't know, but for the ones I did know, I didn't hesitate to sing. They ended the night with, what else, but Stand by Hillsong United. Fitting for this year's theme.

But the highlight of the night was the speaker. I'm always happy to hear speakers that I have heard spoken in the past, and tonight, Phil Dooley was no exception. He's come a long way from Hillsong. He is now planting a church in Cape Town, South Africa. It's great and inspiring to hear the great things God is leading His servants to do.

The talk was about choices. Our lives are guided by the choices we make. And those choices bring us to certain consequences. Ultimately, we have three choices to make. (1) We have to choose to listen to what God says. (2) We have to choose to believe in what God says. (3) We have to choose to live what God says. Phil shared a passage from Jeremiah 1:4-8, in which God spoke to Jeremiah about his purpose as a prophet of God. In the passage, God said that He knew Jeremiah before he was formed in the womb. God already had a plan for Jeremiah before he was even conceived! Jeremiah may not have believed in himself, but God believed in him. God believes in all of us. In Romans 5:8, it says that even though we are sinners, God was still willing to send Jesus to die for us. That is how much He believes in you! You are worth dying for!

Choice number three was to live out what God's purpose is for us. It's one thing to say that we are Christian, but when you live it out, it shows. Phil demonstrated this by putting on a Canucks jersey! The final bible passage of the night was Galatians 2:20. We should die to ourselves, so that Christ can live through us! When we put God on, like that Canucks Jersey, it covers our entire being. But most of all, it shows the world God's glory.

I'm kinda rushing this, cause we were a little late tonight. We actually got out of the arena at 11:30pm. Tomorrow is a busy day, so I'll post up as much as I can tomorrow night.

Historymaker is off to a good start so far. Looking forward to great things this weekend!

Friday... Friday...

Reubs

Games Night Tonight!

2011-05-13T09:58:00.002-07:00

Ready for some Family Business?? Tonight is a games night! Bring your friends out for some fellowship time, and feel free to bring any games you want to play!

Monthly Update for May 2011

2011-05-04T21:51:00.002-07:00

First off, let me apologize for not updating the blog regularly last month. April was a hard month for me personally, and several things in my life demanded my attention. Though I do not wish to share anything, know that both Jack and myself are committed to you guys. We recognize our responsibilities as your young adult leaders and will strive to serve this role by the grace of God.

That being said, here's what's happening this month for the young adults:
May 6 - Discussion led by Jack
May 13 - Special Speaker (or) Games Night ... TBA
May 20 - Historymaker 2011 - STAND
May 27 - Chuck Norris Event!

This week, Jack will be sharing something that has been on his heart for a while. I've known Jack for a while, and I know that he's a passionate guy. Come out as we hang out, fellowship, and spend some time talking about the issues that matter to us.

Also, if you do not know already, Historymaker is coming in just two weeks! Historymaker is the annual youth and young adult conference held in BC during the May long weekend. Featuring worship bands, inspirational speakers, and informative workshops, this is a weekend you don't want to miss. Any questions at all, ask Jack, myself, or Ps. Tim.

Stay tuned for more information on our other events this month!

Reubs

God VS Science

2011-05-02T01:24:00.003-07:00

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the problem Science has with God. He asked one of his new Christian students to stand:

Professor: You are a Christian, aren’t you, son?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in God?

Student: Absolutely, sir.

Professor: Is God good?

Student: Sure.

Professor: My brother died of cancer, even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is God good, then? Hmm?

(Student was silent)

Professor: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Is Satan good?

Student: No.

Professor: Where does Satan come from?

Student: From.. God.

Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?

Student: Yes.

Professor: So who created evil?

(Student didn’t answer)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immortality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them?

(Student had no answer)

Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son.. have you ever seen God?

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God.

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God, for that matter?

Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student: Yes.

Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, Science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student: Nothing. I only have my Faith.

Professor: Yes, Faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student: Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?

Professor: Yes.

Student: And is there such a thing as Cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student: No, sir, there isn’t.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of Heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was a pen-drop silence in the Lecture Theatre)

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?

Student: You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light… But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called Darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, You would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student: Sir, my point is, your Philosophical Premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student: Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes of course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The class was in uproar)

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?

(The class broke out into laughter)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? .. No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable and Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable)

Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on Faith, son.

Student: That is it, sir.. exactly! The link between man and God is Faith. That is all that keeps things alive and moving!

----------------------------------------------------

That student was Albert Einstein.

Monthly Update for April 2011

2011-04-07T21:41:00.001-07:00

We have an exciting month ahead of us. With Missions, Unite, and an EG joint cake off event, be sure to come out on Friday nights and join in on the fun, fellolwship, and oppurtunity!

April 8 - Bible Lesson (Esther leading)
April 15 - EG Cake Off!
April 22 - Missions Night
April 29 - UNITE

This week will be a lesson led by Esther, titled 'To Be Or Not To Be', about dealing with being spiritually uncomfortable. Don't miss out on hearing God's word this Friday! We will be meeting in the blue house at 7:15pm.

Reubs

1040 movie night

2011-03-15T20:54:00.002-07:00

Soo this friday will be a movie night with popcorn drinks and fellowship! The movie is 1040, starring Jaeson Ma. Its an documentary about the rapid change in Asia and the dramatic shift of spiritual landscape in the 10/40 window [ 10 degrees and 40 degree north latitaude on the eastern hemisphere. ]

Be sure to come out for a great night of fun!

The last will be first...

2011-03-03T19:55:00.007-08:00

We live in a hierarchical society. Everyone believes that in order to get up in the world, one must work hard and diligently. If you want a good job, you must have good experience. If you want respect, you need to build up a good reputation. If you want to be skilled at something, you have to practice, practice, practice. This makes sense, because nothing is going to happen for you if you just sit around and do nothing.

How does this compare to the Kingdom of God? If one person 'works' more towards becoming a better Christian than someone else, is he in some way 'higher up' than the latter person? What does it mean when Matthew 20:16 reads: “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”?

This Friday we are going to explore these questions, and compare/contrast how this world works with how the Kingdom of God works. Be sure to come out tomorrow to be a part of this discussion! We will be meeting in the Blue House at 7:15pm.

Reubs

Monthly Update for March

2011-03-01T17:04:00.002-08:00

Hello Young Adults!

March is here, and we have some exciting things planned for this month:

Mar 4 - Bible Discussion
Mar 11 - Games Night
Mar 18 - 1040 Movie
Mar 25 - NERF!!

Stay tuned for more info about this week's bible discussion!

Reubs

Can you say ICE CREAM!!!!

2011-02-09T01:45:00.002-08:00

I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!!! Well everyone, are you guys ready for some delicious treats? Come out and join us for some famous ice cream from the one and only Bella Gelateria! We will be meeting up at church by 7:30pm and leaving together in a group at 7:45pm. Please remember to bring some cash for you treats. =)

Event: Ice Cream Night

Where to meet: Church lobby

Time:7:30pm

Location: Bella Gelateria (1001 West Cordova Street )

ps - we will be busing together to downtown as a group =D

Interactive Worship and Prayer Night

2011-02-01T09:56:00.003-08:00

Are you a Christian earnestly seeking after God, and want to go deeper with Him? Or are you someone who wants to know more about who God is, and what exactly worship and prayer mean? If you answered yes to either one of those questions, this Friday is the night for you.

The night will be about exploring spirituality, as well as interacting with one another about worship and prayer. There will be two stations set up, and it is your choice of whether you want to attend one or the other, or even switch between the two in the middle of it. We want this to be an informal environment so that everyone feels free and comfortable.

Station #1:
This will be a quiet space, where people may spend time with God. There will be worship music playing in the background, and those who want to grow their own spiritual walk with God may do so in this setting. If you were at our retreat a month ago, it will be similar to our spiritual design sessions.

Station #2:
This station will be a discussion group setting. For those of you who have questions about what worship and prayer is, or anything about Christianity, this is the station for you. Many of us in the group have been in this church for a significant part of their lives, and we want to answer your questions.

We will be meeting in the Blue House this Friday at 7:15pm. Come seeking, for those who seek will find.

God bless,
Reubs

This Friday: Quelf!

2011-01-27T00:16:00.003-08:00

Do you know which country eats the most Macaroni & Cheese than any other in the world? How many 1-syllable words can you think of that start with 'W'? Have you ever balanced a book on your head and walked 20 feet away...backwards?

These are some of the questions and stunts that you might have to do this Friday, because we are playing Quelf! The game that gives RANDOM a new name! In this game, players move around the board trying to reach the finish. Each space requires you to draw a card and follow its directions. If you do not, you pay the penalty! This will be a night of hilarity and fun, so don't miss out!

On a side note, we will also be writing a letter to Yamilet, our Compassion sponsor child, as well as taking up a missions offering at the beginning of the night. Please meet at 7:15pm in the church sanctuary.

Reubs

This Friday: Mission Night

2011-01-18T23:11:00.004-08:00

This Friday is, once again, our monthly mission night. Come on out and help us bless those downtown with hot dogs. Many of the people downtown have interesting stories and testimonies. Come and be a part of what God is doing in this city! Please meet in the Blue House @ 7pm sharp!

Reubs

HOT POT

2011-01-12T23:45:00.003-08:00

Hey Guys! Hope everyone is doing well with the snow =D This friday night we are going to keep warm in the blue house with a bit of fun hot pot. There will be beef, tofu, fish ball, meat ball, udon + many more yummy item this friday night. Be there at BLUE HOUSE at 7.30 for a great time of fellowship. Of course there will be a short fee just to help with the food costing($7). If you are thinking of bringing a friend or have any information please reach me 778 889 8154(Jack)
See you guys this friday.

When - This Friday
Where - Blue house
Why -Time to for fellowship
WHAT - HOT POT
Costing - 7 dollar per person

Jack
778 889 8154

More YAWR photos...

2011-01-10T23:33:00.001-08:00

Our fellow retreat-er Maple has posted more photos of the Young Adult Winter Retreat up on her website. Be sure to check it out!

Reubs

Post-Retreat Thoughts & Monthly Update (Jan)

2011-01-09T13:29:00.007-08:00

Hey everyone, and happy 2011!

What a wonderful retreat we had last week. I don't know about you, but I really felt that we were a community as young adults. Everyone was enjoying each other's company, we cooked together, played games and enjoyed tea...there were so many great memories made at the retreat that I will hold on to for a long time. I'm sure you guys have memories of your own. Why not leave a comment and share your stories here??

Anyways, we do have a recap video for you guys, so enjoy!

We are ready to kick off our new year with Emerging Generations, so here's what's happening this month for young adults:

Jan 14 - Hot Pot Dinner in the Blue House!
Jan 21 - Mission Night
Jan 28 - Quelf Night

As young adults, we want to continue to be a community, active in interaction, and growing in spirituality. So we hope to see you all come out!

Reubs

Registration deadline is near...

2010-12-16T20:22:00.004-08:00

Just a quick reminder that registration for our young adult retreat is only a few days away! There is still room for people to sign up, so don't delay! Again, the deadline is December 19th. I will be at both performances for Imagine Christmas that day, so if you need to register then, find me!

Looking forward for great things to come,

Reubs

The Encounter

2010-12-14T14:06:00.003-08:00

It's finally here...Imagine Christmas is this weekend!

For those who do not know what Imagine Christmas is, it is VCPC's annual Christmas production. Each year, we put on a show for the community with music, dancing, and a wonderfully acted story. This year's play is about a person who is so fed up with all the materialistic and consumer-oriented attitudes that the holidays bring, and yearns to find the true meaning of Christmas. This year's performances are scheduled as follows:

December 17th at 7:30pm (English)
December 18th at 7:30pm (Cantonese)
December 19th at 10:00am (Cantonese)
December 19th at 7:30pm (English)

As our group usually meets on Friday, I do have some tickets on hand for those who want to come see the December 17th performance. Please leave a comment, or contact me directly if you would like a ticket.

Reubs

This Friday: Ice Skating @ Riley Park

2010-12-08T18:12:00.002-08:00

What is winter without enjoying a wonderful time on the ice with your friends? This Friday, the Young Adults will be going ice skating at Riley Park Community Centre (50 East 30th Avenue). Let's all meet at the rink at 7:30pm sharp, so that we all will have time to rent and lace up our skates. The cost is $5.70 for the adult fee, plus $2.90 for the rental fee. Invite your friends out!

Reubs

Retreat Information

2010-12-07T16:17:00.005-08:00

The retreat draws ever closer as the days go by. If you haven't decided whether or not you want to come, please consider in doing so. We would love for you to be with us! Join in each other's company as we explore God and ourselves as a group through genuine interaction, deep spirituality, and real community.

Where: Halfmoon Bay, Sunshine Coast (http://www.halfmoonhaven.com/)
When: January 1st - 3rd, 2011
Cost: $120 per person

If you would like a registration card, talk to either Pastor Tim, Jack, or myself (Reuben). We'll be happy to hand you one. Please be aware that space is limited, so get your registrations in along with payment ASAP! We accept either cash or cheque. (Cheque written to VCPC.) The deadline for registration is Dec 19th, the last day of Imagine Christmas! (That's easy to remember!)

Any other questions, feel free to ask anyone of us.

Reubs

Monthly Update: December

2010-12-01T20:47:00.003-08:00

I hope you are all excited to be a part of the upcoming Young Adults Winter Retreat in January 1-3. Expect something new and stimulating, because I can tell you that this retreat is NOT going to be like Winterfresh. It will be a spiritual retreat, as we explore God and ourselves through interaction, spirituality, and community. You will be hearing those three words quite often as the date of the retreat approaches closer, so I would like to suggest that you guys take some time this month and dwell on what those words mean to you.

It's always busy at this time of year, so it's always good to slow down and take some needed time in the Lord's presence. This Friday is a Praise and Worship Night, and Micah will be leading us in some acoustic worship. Micah will be the worship leader for our retreat, so you can think of this Friday as a sneak peek of the kind of atmosphere you can expect at the retreat.

As it is December now, it's time for an update for this month:

Dec 3 - Praise and Worship Night (Micah leading)
Dec 10 - Christmas Party (last EG nite of the year!)
Dec 17 - Imagine Christmas!
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve (No planned event. Happy Holidays!)

Stay tuned for more retreat details, and hope to see you this Friday!

Reubs

Friday NIGHT PASSION 2010

2010-11-03T18:27:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone! I know im excited for passion, but what about you? I just want everyone to know that this event will be amazing and im glad for those who will be attending it. We will all be bless =D
The Run down is to meet at stadium skytrain station on the bottom level by the ticket vendor. Please be there between 5:45 to 6pm we will leave the station and walk over to start lining up SUPER EARLY to get some amazing front roll hopefully. If you are late please either call myself or reuben to see where we are

Jack

PASSION VANCOUVER is less than 2 WEEKS AWAY!!

2010-10-26T15:59:00.004-07:00

As most of you know, the Passion World Tour is coming back to Vancouver on Friday Nov 5th. It was in 2008 when they first came to Vancouver, and it was such an awesome time, that we have decided for the Young Adults to go as a group for 2010.

Tickets are still on sale for $15. You can purchase them online at http://www.passionworldtour.com. If finances are an issue, but you would still like to come, please talk to either myself or Pastor Tim, and we'll see if we can make arrangements for you. Regardless, please send me an email if you are going so that I have a good idea of who will be coming out. (Email: pinsir003@yahoo.com)

This Friday is Harvest Carnival. If you would like to help out with setting up, please meet at the church at 5:30pm.

And finally, I would like to close this post with the update for November:

Nov 5 - PASSION VANCOUVER!!
Nov 12 - Joint Games Night with Just Youth
Nov 19 - Joint Missions Night
Nov 26 - UNITE: EG's Got Gifts

God bless you and have a great rest of the week!

Reubs

Purpose-Driven Life Chapter 3: What Drives Your Life?

2010-10-13T17:41:00.004-07:00

Hey Young Adults,

This Friday, we will be returning to our series of The Purpose-Driven Life. If you have the book, please go ahead and read Chapter 3 before we meet on Friday in the sanctuary. The chapter is titled, 'What Drives Your Life?' Take time over the next couple of days to think about your life, and what drives it. Is it by greed? By a need of acceptance? By your past? What is your purpose?

If you do not own The Purpose-Driven Life, I suggest that you read Philippians 3:12-21, as this passage talks about similar things to the chapter we will be discussing.

Hope to see you there. God bless you.

Reubs

Check Norris Chuckers Tournament!!

2010-10-06T21:40:00.002-07:00

Hey guys! (And girls)

Remember that little Chuck Norris Challenge night we had in the summer? Remember the ravishing Chuck Norris trophy that awaited the winner? Well, it's up for grabs again! 'Cause for the guys this Friday, we're gonna play some CHECKERS!! We're joining up with Just Youth and Lighthouse and having a full fledged tournament!!

Now I should mention that this Friday is another special Guys/Girls Night, in which the guys and girls go off and do their own thing. Since our Young Adult group is virtually all guys, (...sorry Esther =)) I'm only talking about what the guys are doing. (Also because I have no idea what a PJam Night is...)

Anyways, I'm sure you all know how to play the great game of checkers. But have you ever played it in...wait for it...TAG TEAMS???!! As they say, two heads are better than one! Nevermore will you have to go it alone! Nothing is better than sharing sweet victory with a partner by your side!

We're excited about this, so be sure to come out! The more the better! And remember, you don't win the Chuck Norris Trophy, the Chuck Norris Trophy wins YOU!

Reubs

Board Games!! (And Monthly Update: October 2010)

2010-10-01T00:02:00.007-07:00

Come out this Friday to VCPC, and join the young adults group in a casual board game night! We'll have board games out, such as Settlers, Family Business, or any other games that you would like to bring out. We really want to have a night where we can all grow together in fellowship, as well as create a safe environment for your friends to come out and see what we're all about.

We will also be taking an offering at the beginning of the night for the various missions that we participate in, such as our hot dog mission nights and our Compassion sponsor child, Yamulet.

Hope to see you all come out! Also, here is the Friday Schedule for October (subject to change):

Oct. 1 - See above =)

Oct. 8 - Guys/Girls Nite

Oct. 15 - Purpose-Driven Life

Oct. 22 - Joint Mission Night (w/ Just Youth)

Oct. 29 - Harvest Carnival

Reubs

This Friday: UNITE

2010-09-23T18:29:00.002-07:00

UNiTE Official Announcement:

This Friday, Sept 24th, 7-9:30 pm
Something New! Small Groups for Preteens, Teens, and Young Adults where Your Life will Be the Message!

Our topic: 'Somebody Move the Big Gigantinormous Elephant Off My Back!' or 'Dealing with the Weight and Pressure of School, Family, and Peer Pressure!' (facilitated by Tim Young, Jesus Aficionado)
...and all the fun games, dynamic worship, and empowering fellowship of UNiTE!

---

Yes, so UNITE is back once again this Friday. Come out and join Bethel and Harvest City churches in a night of worship, games, and God's Word. Hope to see you there!

Reubs

This Friday: Mission Night

2010-09-16T19:34:00.004-07:00

Hello Young Adults.

It's been quite a long summer, but we're back and ready to minister to our city once more. This Friday will be our first mission night of the fall, and as usual we will be blessing those of downtown Vancouver with hot dogs.

I am happy to announce that we have changed the format of these nights to include the participation of Just Youth. This time, they will be preparing the hot dogs for us young adults to hand out. We feel that this new format will not only give a valuable opportunity for the youth to be involved in this local ministry, but also give us young adults some time before we leave to come together and prepare ourselves for the night, through prayer and encouragement.

Really excited about tomorrow night. As always, come with willing hands, and compassionate hearts.

Reubs

FALL!!!!

2010-09-08T20:12:00.002-07:00

Hey guys! I know its been awhile since i last wrote in it. Don't you worry Fall is coming fast within couple of day and here is the list of what is going on for friday night.

sept

10th - ya welcome back - group game/ worship/ summer recap and prayer

17th - Joint mission night plus announcement

24 - Unite

Oct

1st - board games

8th - purpose driven life

22 - joint mission

29 - harvest carnival

nov

5th - purpose driven life

12 - worship prayer night

19- ?

26 - joint mission

If you have any question please feel free to ask either Reub or Myself.

Jack

Is Giving Enough?

2010-06-22T21:17:00.004-07:00

Most of us know the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, when ten lepers called out to him. Jesus healed them, but only one of them came back, praising God, and thanking Jesus. Even Jesus wondered where the other nine lepers were. Weren't they healed too?

As good as it is, sometimes it seems like giving isn't enough. I've heard someone say before, that 'Vancouver has the most well-fed homeless people in Canada.' I think that in many ways, that statement is very true. I was walking out of the Main Street Skytrain Station once, and I saw a scruffy person sitting on the concrete eating a sandwich, while throwing the crusts away. I don't know if the man was homeless or not, but that image of the crusts on the ground made me think about downtown, and how the people living on the streets there may be expecting handouts, and not worried about where their next meal will come from.

Now, I could be completely wrong about all of this. However, it has led Jack and I to reevaluate what we do in our ministry. We do have our mission nights and we try to do them every month. But like I said before, maybe giving out hot-dogs isn't enough, both for them or God. We should be doing something more, something that draws the people of downtown Vancouver closer to the one true and living God, the God who created them, who loves them, who sent His only son Jesus to die for them.

On that note, I am announcing that this Friday's planned mission night will be canceled, and instead we will be hosting an acoustic worship night. If you are on the EG Youth emailing list, you would have gotten an email about this already. For those not on the list that are reading this, you are free to come out this Friday at 7:30pm in the VCPC Sanctuary and join us. We want this night to be an intimate time with God, as well as bring our church family together in fellowship by encouraging and praying for each other.

As for our mission nights, Jack and I will be taking a hard look at what we are doing now, and what we should be doing in the future. If you have any thoughts, responses or criticisms to the things that I have said in this post, please feel absolutely free to express yourself in a comment. The summer season has come; so does a season of change and renewal for our ministry.

God bless you guys.

Reubs

Royalty

2010-06-08T17:29:00.004-07:00

The bible says that we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). I've never considered myself a royal priest, or a royal anything for that matter. The word royal seems to have all these ideas of respect, honor, and high standings attached to it. To me, these ideas kind of go against the ways of humility that I have been taught in church. Doesn't the bible teach us to be servants?

God's view of royalty is utterly different than what the world thinks of it. Jesus addresses this misconception in Mark 10:42-44. He talks about the rulers of the world, and how they love to lord and exercise authority over the people. Jesus teaches us that it is different for the kingdom of God. Verse 43 and 44 say that, "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."

To be great in this world, you need money, skills, a good reputation, and many other things that make you focus on yourself. But to be great in God's kingdom, you need to be a servant, and focus on everyone else. It's such a beautiful reversal that God places those who care for others in high places. I think that Jesus is the ultimate example of that. He gave up his godliness in heaven to became just like us, and throughout his ministry, he has shown us what it means to be a servant.

1 Peter 2:9 says, "...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..." We are chosen by God. We are a holy nation. We belong to Him. And yes, we are a royal priesthood. God loves you, and he wants to put you in a high place. If we follow Jesus' example, we will become servants of all, and truly become great in God's kingdom.

---

Before I end off my post, a couple of announcements. Firstly, I wanted to highlight a couple of links that have been brought up in our ministries:

The Acts 2 Process
- Coming soon to the Young Adults Sunday School class!
http://discipleship.ag.org/Process/Strategies/Acts2/index.cfm

LIFTinG blog
- Blog started by LightWriter and DramaticNightz after HM:Fearless.
http://living-to-lift.blogspot.com/

And please note that THIS FRIDAY, both Just Youth and Young Adults groups will be promoting for this year's VBS. Please be at the church before 7:15pm, as we will be setting out by then to post posters along Main Street. After we finish, we will return to the church and continue with our discussion series of the Purpose-Driven Life.

That is all for today, so have a blessed week in the Lord!

Reubs

Bill Strickland - HOPE

2010-06-04T01:00:00.004-07:00

I thank him for what he had share today at the Coastal Church about the new Vancouver Cente for Arts and Technology. It was amazing and powerful. It was about HOPE, Hope is something that we all have, chinese, white, black, brown, female or male, rich or poor. We all have a hope for something better and something more wonderful. When we do have this hope, we will have a dream that come with it and a passion that follow that dream.

This man by the name of Bill Strickland. He is the CEO-PRESIDENT of Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its sudsidiaries. Its a school to help the disadvantaged people to build a better future. In the focus on the arts and technology. The VANCAT goal is to bring Hope to the disadvantaged in our CITY of VANCOUVER..

To read more about his ministry.
http://www.bill-strickland.org/aboutbill.html

Something you don't want to miss out on.

It was an amazing night to see soo many passionate people who really want to see the work of god to our city. Even though we have BIG HOPE and DREAM. Its time to take ACTION into our hand and allow god to use us. MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING, JUST DO IT.

Jack
ps, I really suggest to read about who he is and what he did. VERY ENCOURAGING.

Monthly Update - June 2010

2010-06-01T09:09:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Alison!

Its the beginning of June so I thought that I would make a quick update on the exciting events happening this month! (subject to change)

June 4 - Just Jam (HM Reunion!)

June 11 - Purpose Driven Life (Chapter 2)

June 18 - EG Grad Night 2010

June 25 - Missions Night

I'm looking forward to this month, and I hope to see you all on Friday nights. Have a blessed month in the Lord, and may the Holy Spirit guide you in your everyday circumstances.

Cough.

Reubs

OH NO WE WONT STAY SILENT

2010-05-24T22:45:00.003-07:00

It wasn't hard to be loud for GOD over the weekend, but the question is will we stay loud from now till the end? Are we going to SHOUT from the rooftop? are we going to sing it to the world we are not ashamed of JESUS? Weekend was to be fearless. There was couple story how one God encounter can change one's HEART. What is our story..

My story for History Maker was couple year ago. When I heard delirious? sung their heart out for God. God came into my heart and was change forever. Even though we change for the moment, I tend to lose that focus. Throughout the years I have believe in the God's word. The great commission. Only till when we GO to the world, Step out in faith and do his work. That is when we will see God move. If I truly believe that OUR GOD REIGN, I will step out and GO. Then when we GO we have to BELIEVE that God is REAL and ALIVE. RevolUTION came around, I've been called to be a leader of the young. Took the position as a leader for our young adult and now ITS TIME TO BE FEARLESS.

First step was stepping down and praying for Alfred, Reneil and Crystal. I knew God was speaking to them. But the second time when Steve ask the pastor and youth leader.. I was challenge. I didn't know if I should GO and pray for people. Never pray for the spirit to fill anyone up. And within second, just obeying God I got up and walk to the front of the alter. Waiting for the spirit to fill me. ALL FEAR CAST OUT I knew what to say and what need to be said by GOD. God told me to challenge two young men. So I did. They were crying and I was crying because God spoke to them through me and I knew God was IN ME. My head, mind,heart,soul,feet,arm was trembling in fear. Since then I knew what it mean to be FEARLESS.

FEARLESS is when we take the first step in trusting god by our faith. HOW? Got to think simple. GOD is only ONE step ahead of me. NOT he is in heaven and I am on earth. Not HE IS X amount of step But only the FIRST step. Untill we take our first step toward him. We won't know what he can do in us.

I challenge all of us to only take the FIRST step in faith with God and with EACH OTHER.

God I pray that you watch over us and only give us what we can do. JEREMIAH 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Knowing that you will only give us plan to prosper us and not to harm us. I pray that we can all step out in faith and trust that your loving arm will guide us in the hard time. I pray that we wont be afraid to be set apart from the world view. to be set apart from what other think. I pray for your glory to overcome us. Your love cast out all fear. SET OUR HEART ON FIRE. SO WE MAY BURN AND THE WORLD WILL SEE WHAT YOU HAVE FOR US.

FOR THE YOUTH. 1Timothy 4:12

¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I Thank you for the young. I thank you that you CHERISH your children and that we are your GEMS. I pray that you will give us DREAM and PASSION for the thing you want for us. and that you have in store for us. WHAT PROFIT A MAN WHO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSE THEIR SOUL.. I pray that they will find confidence in you and LOVE in you as well, oh lord. I pray that they will stand strong as a child of god for you. and love you forever.

LORD I THANK YOU FOR BEING MY DADDY

AMEN

Jack

Impossible is nothing, Just do it

Losing Myself

2010-05-06T14:56:00.003-07:00

Have you ever stop and think about you past and your present? Realizing how much u have lost your old self to something more beautiful? I don't always stop and think about these stuff, but last couple of days i have started to begin thinking about how did god change me. I feel that I have more of a sense of where my standard are and where god is in my life. Its been an amazing journey.
Can't wait to see what god have in store for me.

I challenge all of you to take sometime off the last bit of the week and enjoy the sunshine. Sit at the park or beach and read or reflect on life. Do this with a friend or 2. bounce some laughter around.
At the end of the day, knowing we have all grew someway in Christ together. what more can god ask for. I bet he is smiling down on us when we share the good life with each other.

Jack

A Song-Based Doctrine?

2010-05-05T14:58:00.003-07:00

If you were there at Just Jam last Friday, you probably me share my little message. Pastor Tim had called me up a few days before, and asked me to give a short, five-minute message about something that I wanted to share, and I honestly couldn't think of anything to say. I ended up settling on the topic of worship, primarily because I do lead worship on Friday nights, but also because I realized I had a lot to say about it. (By the way, if you're interested, the book that I based my message on was titled, Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin. And I meant it when I said that it was one of the best worship books out there now.)

Anyways, as I was getting my notes together on paper, I found myself writing a hefty amount of stuff down, and started worrying about the five-minute time constraint. If my message seemed short and abrupt, it was like that because I chose to cut my message down at the very last minute before going up to the front. So I decided to discuss the stuff that I was going to say that night here on the Young Adults blog.

If you remember, I did talk about the importance of knowing the God that you are worshiping by referring to the Word of God, which is the truth. Many of the worship songs we sing today are inspired by and refer to the Word of God. For example, the wonderful song, Give Thanks uses the phrase "Let the weak say I am strong" in the chorus. This is a reference to Joel 3:10 ("...Let the weakling say, "I am strong!") (NIV). However, the next line after says "Let the poor say I am rich". This line makes sense musically and lyrically, as it follows the same form as the previous line. But is it a reference to any bible verse?

One of my personal fears is that we as Christians would be to following a 'song-based' doctrine instead of a Word-based one. I remember browsing around the internet when I saw a video of a pastor preaching about money, and as a supporting statement he said, "Why would the bible say 'Let the poor say I am rich'?". There was some discussion on the site, and people were declaring that the line wasn't a quote from the bible, but from the song Give Thanks. Because of this, the credibility of the message, as well as the speaker, was in question.

Let me be clear. My point is not to say that the bible doesn't talk about the poor becoming rich. It is that when certain things are said to be in the bible when they might not be, it leaves holes of doubt in people's minds, and the whole purpose of the message may be lost. If we do not have a solid foundation on the Word of God, we only allow for the enemy to steal our footing and we fall prey to his lies and ways of deceit. We must know the truth, for "...the truth will set you free." (John 8:32, NIV)

I did do some research on Give Thanks and the story behind it. The writer, Henry Smith, was inspired to write the song through this bible verse:

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." - 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Jesus gave up everything he had for us; he became poor. It is through his sacrifice that we were able to receive the greatest gift of eternal life. Because of what the Lord has done for us, we can say that we are rich.

As worshipers, it would do us good to have an understanding about the many great songs that we sing, and why we sing them. What do the words Hallelujah and Hosanna really mean? Why do we sing about God as the 'Great I Am' or Jesus as 'Emmanuel'? Why do we say that He is the 'name above all names' when He goes by so many names? Ask yourself questions about why the writers of these songs chose the words in their lyrics, what the biblical foundation is, and what they are trying to say about God. Through seeking after the truth, God will reveal himself afresh to you, and you will want to worship him more and more.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father." - John 14:6 (CEV)

Well I hope you had a good time reading all of that. Feel free to comment if you have additional thoughts, or even if you disagree with me on anything I said. Be sure to come out this Friday, May 7th @ VCPC for UNITE, with guest Devan Sylvester. Catch a preview of what Historymaker will be like. (It's only two weeks away!) See you all then!

Reubs

Welcome!

2010-04-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official blog of the VCPC Young Adults group!

It is finally here! This blog will serve as your source of updates and information on upcoming events, as well as a place for us to discuss...well, pretty much anything. Feel free to leave comments if there is anything you feel pressed to say. We are hoping that this page will be an open place for the Young Adults to share whatever they wish.

On that topic, if you do indeed leave comments, please respect other readers and be both sensible and clear in your writing. There is to be no cursing, flaming, trolling, or anything of that sort. We want to be civilized in what we way, for it says in the Bible that, "Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise." (Proverbs 12:18, The Message)

Anyways, this blog will be updated, at the very least, every end of the month, in which all of the Friday night events of the following month will be posted. Here is what's happening for the Young Adults in May (subject to change) :

May 7 - UNITE (with Devan Sylvester)

May 14 - Just Jam (Pre-HM Service)

May 21 - Historymaker: FEARLESS

May 28 - Holy Spirit Weekend

There's lots of exciting stuff happening in May, so don't miss out! And be sure to check back here for updates regularly.

God bless you!

Reubs