YL Capernaum Everywhere

A guest post by Nancy Pantellas.... My sweet friend Kayla has moved to Massachusetts this summer, and I miss her so much. We have been friends for a number of years now. Kayla and I first met when she came out to our Young Life Capernaum club. I remember taking her and some of her friends to their first high school football game. We sat in the bleachers and had hot chocolate and cheered on the Valencia Vikings. From then on, we experienced many YL Capernaum clubs and camps together, many Special Olympics events, many birthday parties, movies, etc.If anyone knows Kayla, they know that she gives the most amazing hugs. To know Kayla is to have been hugged by her. Her hugs are long and cozy and warm   and full of love. Kayla is not in a hurry, and that is what is actually the best thing about her hugs. She makes me stop and live very presently and very fully in the moment. At bedtime at Young Life camp, Kayla would go around the cabin and hug each camper and leader bef...

A few folks gathered together in April to map out a series of Campaigner lessons all from the passage of Jesus Calming the Storm.  Below is what they came up with!  What an awesome resource, complete with activities, questions and scripture! Jesus Calms the Storm Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4: 35-41, Luke 8:22-25 Week 1 - Who is this man? (Part 1) - Powerful Creator Activity: “Finger/hand” painting Supplies: white pieces of paper in a plastic gallon sized ziplock bag, 10+ paint colors, paper towel, wipes Have each friend choose 3 colors, put a piece of paper inside the ziplock bag and squirt some of each color on the paper, inside the bag, then seal tightly. They can paint using their hands without getting messy! After painting, ask these questions to prepare for your discussion: What colors did you use? Why did you choose these colors? What would you name your piece of art? What do you love about it? Scripture: Read version of scripture of y...

A guest post by Barbara Newman... PART TWO – ACCESSIBLE GOSPEL Now that we have a good understanding of our friend, it’s time to apply that knowledge to creating an environment where we can share the good news of Jesus Christ. While the content is important, how we present that content may require some creativity and prayerful consideration. We may first need to learn to speak that individual’s language, to find out that person’s story and what that individual really enjoys. Perhaps we need to find that person’s “expert” or “guide” so we can better form a safe and productive relation­ship. Have we considered creating a team that may include intercessors, or perhaps purchasing some items that would be well received by that person? Do we know what phrases to avoid with this individual? It’s important to make sure the invitation focuses on the compelling love of Jesus Christ, rather than items that may appear scary to your friend (like nails, death, and blood). Though Jesus’ death is ...

A guest post by Barbara Newman This post originally appeared on the CLC Network blog, “Making Us Whole” . Part One: Get to Know the Individual The most important place to begin is by getting to know the individual's strengths and areas of struggle. Each person -- regardless of their level of ability or disability -- is handcrafted by God with gifts and areas of interest, as well as areas where they need the assistance and grace of others. As you consider this individual, it's important to ask: what CAN this individual do? When you focus on what the person enjoys, it's easier to think of the tools, approach and opportunities to include in that environment where you can help the person grow closer to Jesus. The following information is adapted from “Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship” , a book I recently wrote to help parents, friends, teachers, volunteers, and pastors create an environment where they can introduce the gospel and foster faith formation in persons w...

In Williamson County, one of their goals was for their friends in Capernaum to get more individual mail from their YL leaders.  They will get birthday cards, Christmas Cards and more.  One fabulous idea was that they made these postcards, inviting them to club, with all of the dates for the fall semester.  Simple, fun and gives them everything they (and Mom & Dad) need in one place!  Front of the Card: Back of the Card: Friend's address goes on blank, white right hand side

I went to a great celebration for both Capernaum and Young Lives in Boerne, TX and one of these small pieces of paper was on every seat as people came in to the room.  Such a simple, but beautiful way, to invite everyone to be a part of what is happening in your area and to hear from a Capernaum friend! Don't miss that Adam also happens to be an FBI and NCIS agent.  Watch out Gibbs, Ziva and McGee.

Another great installment on our friends from South Bay, California (Greater LA) serving in the mission! Summer 2015 has been a monumental and life-altering time for my Capernaum friend Jimmy. A year ago, after returning from Capernaum week at Lost Canyon in July, he and I began to talk and dream about what serving on Summer Staff this summer could look like for him. Jimmy didn’t hesitate at the idea of spending more than a week at camp and serving others just fit who God has made him to be. Camp truly has been a highlight for Jimmy! He and I would discuss all the fun and adventures along with the many friends that we’ve met at camp every time he’d come to club. He has been our camp poster camper as he’s encouraged everyone to go and tells of the great times they’d have there. Through Fall 2014 and early 2015 we’ve had many discussions about getting his heart and his mind ready to be gone from home for 26 days and wondering if the camp was willing to have him serve and what...