TVC Youth

Barefoot Republic 2012

2012-02-02T15:54:00.001-06:00

I hope this video will inspire you to be a camper or volunteer at Barefoot Republic Camp this year!

2011 Christmas Video - Joy to the World

2011-12-22T12:29:00.002-06:00

TVC Youth Teaser

2011-12-05T15:56:00.002-06:00

Check out this awesome teaser by Quinn!

Bowling!

2011-09-09T13:54:00.000-06:00

What more can I say than... We had a lot of fun!

Guatemala Mission Trip

2011-07-18T15:03:00.000-06:00

Seven girls and Hayes went to Guatemala this past summer to work with the kids at a Compassion International school. As you can see it was a lot of hard work and a lot of fun!

High School Camp 2011

2011-07-02T12:24:00.000-06:00

Middle School Camp 2011

2011-06-18T12:13:00.002-06:00

Up All Night 2011

2011-05-29T17:00:00.000-06:00

Each year the Up All Night Event is a total surprise to the youth. They never know what they are going to do until they get there. This year we spent the middle of the night playing a midevil mystery game. It helped keep us awake for a few more hours.

Graduation Celebration 2011

2011-05-23T16:52:00.000-06:00

Each year it's sad to see our high school seniors leave TVC Youth. But we always send them off with a lunch to honor all that they mean to us. Congrats this year to Grace, Jordan, and Chapman. We will miss you!

Fall Fest 2010!

2011-04-05T19:36:00.004-06:00

This was the biggest and best year of Fall Fest! Once again we headed out to the Pierson farm for all kinds of fall activities.

The first event of the night was a corn shucking contest. Only everyone had to use their feet.

The costume contest was a hit and we had some amazing costumes this year!

The mummy wrap was made into a contest to who could create the best looking mummy in the given amount of time.

The second part of the mummy wrap involved a race to see who's wrap held up the best.
Carmel apple bobbing in a whole new way. The apples hung from string...

...while the other team members ate as many caramels as possible.

Here is Clayton with a little creepy Ending.

Service Project & The Camera Got Away

2011-04-02T11:33:00.005-06:00

One of the best service projects of the fall was a city-wide event put on by Barefoot Republic Camp. Barefoot Serves brought together youth from all over Nashville to spread out to different service projects throughout Nashville. Not only was it a great time to help those in need, but it was fun getting to know others in our group. Thanks to Chick-fil-A for hooking us up with lunch!

The following photos were at the point where some of the youth got a hold of my camera. They took some fun portraits of each other.

We Like Games!

2011-03-31T13:48:00.003-06:00

TVC Youth love to play games! Above is a shot from a night of movies and games we had last fall with the middle school students. Below are some shots from an afternoon of paintball with the high school students. As you will see, a few of us left in some pain. Tomorrow night we are playing laser tag. Thank goodness that lasers hurt a lot less than paint balls.

Emily really got attacked.

I attacked Emily, but as you can see she got her revenge. The paintball ripped through my shirt and left a nasty welt on my belly. It was there for over a month!

More Water

2011-03-30T12:06:00.003-06:00

More days in the water! If you have not guessed by now, I have been really behind on posting images from our past events. This concludes the summer posts. It's hot in Tennessee, so it's always good to spend time in the water. We ended our summer with a trip to Nashville Shores water park. As you can see, we had some fun, especially with the underwater camera.

High School Moutain Trip 2010

2011-03-19T16:35:00.003-06:00

I will be the first to admit that a very small percentage of us in TVC Youth are high-adventure or extreme sports athletes (or athletes at all for that matter). However, last summer the high school students went on our first White water rafting experience!

Knowing that the rafting guides were skilled enough to control the raft on their own was much comfort. However, after taking our first couple rapids we lost our fears and enjoyed the challenge.

The rafting was a great example for us as we spent the weekend in times of devotion, learning about "mountain top experiences" as well as learning what we must do when we "come down from the mountain."

Here are a few snapshots from the trip:

Middle School River Trip

2011-03-18T16:37:00.002-06:00

What a great time we had spending the day on the river! The night before we had to set up our tents and make dinner in the rain, but the day on the water was far better. We brought a disposable, water-proof, camera with us, but I think it was a bit damaged before we even used it. Here are a few shots that turned out from our trip last summer.

Middle School Camp 2010

2011-03-11T12:11:00.005-06:00

Here is a taste of middle school camp! For a more "full experience" be sure to watch the Middle School 2010 camp video.

High School Camp 2010

2011-03-10T14:10:00.004-06:00

Camp is just around the corner! To get you in the mood, here is a taste of last years High School Camp at Barefoot Republic.

High School Camp 2010

2011-03-01T07:01:00.006-06:00

These photos should have been posted long ago. However, it has been a busy year and we have many events to share with you. Here are some photos from High School Camp 2010. Barefoot Republic Camp’s 2011 season is coming up fast! Be sure to register now to reserve your space. This will be TVC Youth’s 3rd year to attend this incredibly diverse camp. We are excite to see what God has in store for this year!

Winter Retreat 2011

2011-02-07T16:31:00.000-06:00

We had a fab winter retreat. It was our first time to go on a ski trip! We also studied through four lessons on creating habits to let Christ inhabit us.

Thanks to Joel for providing these photos of the trip!

Winter Retreat Video

2011-02-07T12:27:00.000-06:00

Girls' Night / Guys' Night

2010-10-12T14:36:00.007-06:00

I have been a bit late in posting images from past events. But, I figure it is better late than never. Back in May we held a night where the guys went off and played Laser Quest while the girls had a 60’s party with makeovers and a fashion photo shoot.

Upon return from Laser Quest, they guys wanted to get in on the photo session as well. We had all just purchased stick-on mustaches from a vending machine. As you will see below, much craziness ensued.

Skate Party

2010-04-15T17:13:00.002-06:00

Rollerskating is an event that spans many generations through space and time. We continued the tradition last week here in Nashville. Below is the proof:

Nothing like some synchronized skating moves!

Spring Retreat 2010

2010-03-31T20:21:00.007-06:00

We are a crazy bunch. When we spend a weekend out of town together we tend to get a little crazier. During spring break we took a trip to Atlanta for a time of Bible study, worship, Six Flags, and lots of fun. Here are some of the images from the weekend.

This looks like a lot of thought went into this photo. Like, maybe it makes some sort of statement. However, I just wanted to tape Wesley's mouth and Shane and Alex wanted to get in on it as well.

It's hard to aim with an iPhone above your head.

The pool was a little too cold to enjoy, but Mary and Taylor gave it a try.

Up All Night Video - Stop Motion

2010-02-17T15:34:00.002-06:00

A couple weeks ago we held the 3rd annual TVC Youth Up All Night. The first part of the evening started with a film competition. Each team had to draw a genre as well as two quotes to be in the film. They also had to incorporate random props that they were given. Then they had to write, star in, film, and edit their own videos. They had 3 hours to do so. Below is one of the two winning videos.

New post! Finally!

2009-12-15T20:57:00.004-06:00

So I will admit this blog has gotten a little dusty. You can blame Face Book for that. However, I do need to remember that not everyone is on Facebook. So, I will try and remember to still treat those of you who are visitors, under-age teens, or parents not interested in social media to some of the youth photos and videos we put on FB. To start it off, here are some images from our Fall Fest we held in November. Enjoy!
Breaking the rules of JiffyPop
It kind of worked!
Joel has a way to make all of his Smore warm.

Graduation 2009

2009-05-24T12:14:00.002-06:00

David Hansen will be graduating from The Bellevue Home School Enrichment, today at 2:30 at Pegram Church of Christ. Friends of David and the Hansen family are invited to attend.
David has been one of the most active members of TVC Youth since the very first youth meeting in February 2006. He has participated in the youth worship team, volunteered for many service projects, and has served as a student leader. Even with his family's recent move to Birmingham, he still finds a way to attend occasional TVC Youth events and Bible studies.
David plans to attend Pratt Institute of Art & Design in New York City this fall.
David is the son of Craig and Sophia Hansen.

Tori Townsend will be graduating from Spring Hill High School this Tuesday.
Tori has been an active member of the church taking part in both the youth worship team and the adult worship team. She has participated in numerous TVC Youth service projects and has volunteered in different areas of the church.
Tori plans to take classes this fall at Columbia State. So, we are excited that we will get to have her around.
Tori is the daughter or Mark and Suzanne Townsend.

The Rescue

2009-05-15T21:32:00.006-06:00

Last month TVC Youth took part in a world wide event called "The Rescue". The event was organized by Invisible Children as a peaceful demonstration to free the child-soldiers of Northern Uganda. Below are the photos from the event.The starting point was at Centennial Park, marked by a sign labeled "Abduction Point."

We all walked single file, through Nashville, caring a rope.

We marched over 5 miles and ended at Bicentennial Mall in front of the Capital building. This spot was known as "The LRA Camp." This is where we waited to be rescued by attracting the attention of the media, a government official, and a celebrity.

Everyone clipped photos of their self, with friends and family, which symbolized being abducted and leaving your loved ones behind.

Waiting to be rescued.

We wrote letters to our senators asking to help free the child-solders.
Whitney and Emma created a collage depicting the need to help the children in Uganda.

We were successfully rescued, but we still chose to spend the night in support of the abducted children and those who night commute for protection.

The Rescue in Nashville

2009-04-30T20:24:00.003-06:00

This last week TVC Youth attended Invisible Children's "The Rescue", an event to raise awareness for the child-soldiers in Northern Uganda. The following video shows some of the youth members at the event:

Spring Retreat 2009

2009-04-10T10:24:00.002-06:00

This year's spring retreat focused on the theme "Live Love".

We Are The Dancers

2009-04-10T10:16:00.002-06:00

Our study in Revelation sort of took a strange turn.

Christmas Star

2008-12-16T12:03:00.007-06:00

I have been really bad about posting blogs. But this one should make up for all of them, because this video is truly awesome!

Staring TVC Youth
Special appearance by Kim Thomas
Directed by Peter Carlson
Written by Peter Carlson & Sean Savacool
Filmed by Peter Carlson & James Harrington
Edited by Winston Hearn

You can also view and share this video on UTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcOSyEabro

The 2007 & 2006 Christmas videos can be scene on this blog as well.
http://tvcyouth.blogspot.com/2007/12/its-christmas-check-out-these-videos.html

Continue to Reflect

2008-11-20T08:18:00.003-06:00

This week, continue to reflect on creating justice. Remember that you are not too young. God has called you. Read 1 Timothy 4:12.

Pray by asking God this week how you can join the fight against injustice.

Journal about what you are seeing, hearing, and feeling about God's call to create justice for the oppressed.
1) What resources - however small or large - can you offer to God in the fight to create justice for oppressed people?
2) How do you feel about considering a career in law enforcement or diplomatic relations or some other work to pursue justice? Does that idea generate dread or excitement in you?
3) What could keep you from raising $1,000 to help rescue someone from forced prostitution?
4)What could you do to overcome those obstacles?

Oppression Links and Challenge

2008-11-10T20:42:00.005-06:00

Wow! I can not believe how long it has been since I last posted a blog. So, this blog does not have any fancy photos to go along with it, but I wanted to at least try to get it going again.

Being we have been talking about oppression and injustice, I thought I would post a little something for you to think about.

First, I wanted to list some websites that you may want to check out. All of these websites are for great organizations that are seeking to aid with the ending of corruption and injustice.

African Leadership - www.africanleadership.org
Compassion International - www.compassion.com
International Justice Mission - www.ijm.org
Invisible Children - www.invisiblechildren.com
One - www.one.org
World Vision - www.worldvision.org

Next, I want to pose a challenge for you this week:
Interview someone who fights injustice in law enforcement, a community organization, or has a ministry to oppressed people. Find someone in your community or get the e-mail address of someone and conduct an internet interview.

Find out:
- How they got started.
- What their challenges are.
- What keeps them going when times are hard.

Bring your interview to Bible study next week.

Seen you soon!

- Peter

Lake Day 2008

2008-09-07T09:45:00.005-06:00

So, I know it took me a little while to get this posted. The summer has been very busy, but a lot of fun. So, below are the photos from Lake Day '08! What a blast! We headed out to Center Hill Lake again. Joe and Janice Meyers, in the usual awesomeness, brought out their water skis and inner-tubes. We loaded up the double decker pontoon and topped it off with a jet-ski. I know I at least paid for all the fun the following week with my blistering sun burn and my saddle sores from riding the jet ski all day.

Enjoy the slideshow!

- peter

Becomming Devo #3

2008-08-26T18:53:00.003-06:00

Read Galatians 5:16-18.

Can you relate to what Paul is saying here? Do you ever feel like there is a war going on in your heart and mind? If you’re like every other Christian in the world, you are constantly faced with a choice: Do you listen to the Holy Spirit—who lives in you—or that other voice that leads you to do things you know are wrong? Paul calls that voice your sin nature. Let’s face it . . . no matter how long you’ve been a follower of Christ, you still have a part of you that leans towards sin. Unfortunately, this is your spiritual inheritance from Adam and Eve. (Yeah, yeah, yeah. You’re thinking, “Thanks, a lot you two . . .”)

Read Galatians 5:19-21.

Just in case you were unsure, Paul outlines some of what the sinful nature looks like. This list isn’t very pretty, is it? Keep in mind that Paul was writing to the Galatians. Their culture was pretty raunchy. Among other things, there was no real push for people to be sexually moral. So Paul had to help these Galatians who had become Christians understand what a Christian did and didn’t do. Even though it was written 2,000 years ago, the list is still pretty relevant today, isn’t it?

So, Paul tells you what to avoid. But what does he say you should strive for? Read on . . .

Read Galatians 5:22-25.

This is good stuff. These attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are literally a sign of God in you. Paul calls these attributes the “fruit of the Spirit.” Just as an apple tree produces apples, you will produce these fruits if you have the Holy Spirit in you. Look at your life. Do you see these attributes in action? If not, maybe
you need to spend some time focusing on how you can put yourself in a position to let the Spirit lead you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be so active in you that others can’t help but see fruit.

The way you live your life is incredibly important. You can show the world through your actions that God lives in you and that you serve Him.

Becoming Devo #2

2008-08-20T08:53:00.002-06:00

Read Philippians 3:7-14

Take a minute to think about something: what things are important to you? What do you spend most of your time doing? Stop reading this, and think for a moment. Don’t start reading again until you have an answer . . .

Got your answer? Good. What was it? Sports or school? Music or family? Your job? A car? Maybe a girlfriend or boyfriend? Chances are, whatever you identiﬁed as important to you probably takes up a lot of your time and energy. We are devoted to those things that are important to us. Can you say the same for your spiritual life?

Ouch. Touched a sore subject, huh? Well, never fear. Help is on the way.

Take a moment to read Philippians 3:7–8. Pay attention to verse 8. Can you, like Paul, say that everything else pales in comparison to the greatness of getting to know Jesus? If not, well . . . why not? Do you think it is unreasonable to devote yourself that deeply to Christ? Paul didn’t think so. In fact, he said he had “lost all things” for Jesus’ sake. Paul literally let everything else fall by the wayside. His devotion to Jesus was the number one priority in his life.

Paul painted an incredible picture of his goals. Read verses 9–11. Verse 10 is ﬂat-out amazing. Paul longed to intimately know every detail about Christ! He wanted to live in such a way that he knew ﬁrsthand the power of the resurrected Christ. He wanted to know what it meant to suffer for the name of Christ. He was not afraid to die because he knew he would live in heaven.

Here, we see something pretty cool about Paul. After all he had done and all he had been through, he still wasn’t as close to God as he wanted to be. Read verses 12–14. Do you understand what Paul was saying? Paul wanted to know everything about Christ and what
it meant to follow Him, but Paul admitted he wasn’t there yet. He hadn’t attained the level of devotion and familiarity he desired. But he pressed on. He committed to getting close to Christ no matter the cost.

What will it cost you to commit to this kind of devotion? God has given you so much! How can you give back to Him? If you are willing, talk to God today about helping you become the kind of committed follower Paul wrote about. Ask God for the strength to press on toward the goal He has set for you. Trust that God will be faithful to His Word.

Becoming Devo #1

2008-08-14T13:21:00.003-06:00

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

Here’s something interesting to think about:
In God’s great plan for the world, He decided to create you. He didn’t have to, but He did. He created you because of His immeasurable love for you. Yet, even though God loved you, there was a great distance between you and Him.

You see, God is perfect. And you were a sinner in need of saving. Read Ephesians 2:1–5. What does it say you used to be? Dead to your sins. What does it say you used to do? Live among the disobedient and gratify your sinful cravings. This is who you used to be . . .

That’s the cool thing. Verses 4 and 5 say that because God loved you, He made you alive in Christ. Even though you were still a sinner, God provided a way to Him. Because of His grace,
God sent Jesus to conquer sin so you might have a relationship with God. Amazing!

Keep going. Read verses 6–7. You see, it wasn’t enough for God to simply improve your life here on earth. Verse 6 says God has a place for you in heaven with Him! God wants to lavish you with good things. He can do this because He gave you new life through Christ. You are no longer a slave to sin; you are a new creation through Jesus Christ!

What is behind this amazing plan, this incredible gift? Simple. God’s grace. Read verses 8–10. God saved you from the punishment of sin because of His grace. If you have faith that Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross and rose from the dead to save you from your sins, then you receive the salvation God made available to you. This salvation is only through grace. No one can earn God’s love.

Verse 10 makes a pretty strong statement: You see, God made you to be a special tool, an instrument of His will. God planned all along that you would be a messenger of the good news
of Christ and that you would bring life to a dying world. Ask yourself today if you are pleased with your spiritual life. Are you growing like you want to? Are you being used by God? Go to
God in prayer. Thank Him for creating you, for saving you, and for promising to use you. Devote some time to thinking about how you can be of better use to God.

Ichthus 08

2008-06-19T11:29:00.006-06:00

This past weekend we went on our annual youth retreat to Ichthus Festival in Wimore, KY. The bands and seminars were great! Speaker Justin Lookadoo had a guy skydive over the crowd during his seminar; Caleb Bislow talked about being an unusual soldier for Christ; David Crowder played one of his songs on a Guitar Hero controller; and the list goes on.

Despite the severe rainstorm that hit us on Friday, the weather was far better than last year. With hotels near by and a laundry mat to dry out our sleeping bags, we had nothing to fear.

Our meals were great! Katherine made a grilled cheese sandwich one afternoon.

Wesley and Peter: Just too cool.

"Let's take pictures of each other."

Watching concerts in the sun.

Chick-fil-A Cows rock out with Family Force Five.

Happy Birthday Benji!

Tha Gang!

fun... smelly, but fun! i especially liked the part where we got rained out and went to a hotel.
-megan

How Not To Be A Fool

2008-06-10T09:23:00.004-06:00

Over the last three weeks we learned how not to be a fool. We learned to ask a very important question: "What is the wise thing to do?" In every invitation, opportunity, and relationship, this question will direct you better than the question, "Is it right or wrong to...?"

Why? When we ask ourself if it is right or wrong to do something, we tend to follow our feelings and emotions rather than what is truly wise. So, in light of your PAST experience, your CURRENT circumstances, and your FUTURE hopes and dreams, what is the WISE thing to do?

Last week I skimmed over a few benefits to wisdom. Here are the scriptures that support those benefits. See if you can figure out what the benefits are.

Proverbs 1:1-5 & 8:15
Proverbs 9:11
Proverbs 11:30
Proverbs 14:24
Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 14:35

- Peter

A Night With Caspian

2008-05-27T09:31:00.007-06:00

TVC Youth hit the opening night of Prince Caspian.

The evening began with pizza at Pizza Perfect.

The theater even had a throne waiting for our three Narnian queens.

i'm not only a tree hugger. i AM a tree!
-megan

Youth Worship Sunday

2008-05-22T08:37:00.002-06:00

This week TVC Youth did an excellent job of leading worship at all three Sunday services!

I do not have photos of the actual worship service, but Steven Leiweke snapped this photo at our Saturday rehearsal.

Thanks go out to Megan, Amy, William, Emily, Bella, Tori, Trinity, and Wesley for greeting, playing music, reading scripture and leading prayer.

Narnia is Near!

2008-05-13T11:02:00.006-06:00

It's only a couple days until the movie premiere of Prince Caspian. Here are a few video clips to get your ready.

The New Trailer
Hi-Res
Lo-Res

Interview with Douglas Gresham #4
Hi-Res
Lo-Res

Switchfoot Video from Prince Caspian Soundtrack
Hi-Res
Lo-Res

All About Jack

2008-05-01T14:37:00.003-06:00

Who is Jack and who is this old guy?

Those close to C.S. Lewis called him Jack. If you want to know more about C.S. Lewis (AKA: Jack) and the Chronicles of Narnia, you should hear about them from someone very close to him. The old guy above is Jack's step-son Douglas Gresham. Here are some links to videos where Douglas Gresham answers questions from Prince Caspian Fans.

Video 1
Hi Res
Lo Res

Video 2
Hi Res
Lo Res

Video 3
Hi Res
Lo Res

Journey Back to Narnia

2008-04-20T17:55:00.004-06:00

Wow! Is anyone else's head hurting from all the information we have been learning from "Prince Caspian?"

For those who missed tonight's lesson, we talked about many different topics. We read chapters 5 & 6 this week. Chapter 6 leads the Old Narnians into war. They realized it might be "quite possible that they might win a war and quite certain that they must wage one."

Read this chapter, if you have not, and read Ephisians 6:10-20. In spiritual terms, what do you think is the difference between picking a fight and waging a war? Why must we wage war?

Chapter 7 has the start of the war. Read this chapter on your own and see what "deeper insight" you can pull from this chapter. Next week I will ask each of you for one thing you found.

If you want to see some behind the scenes clips from the movie, check out this video showing some of the battle scenes.

Check out the Journey Back to Narnia clip here.

- peter

TVC Youth Up All Night Part 2

2008-03-14T16:05:00.005-06:00

Cara took a few photos at TVC Youth Up All Night. Most of these are from the city-wide game we played called "Secret Agent."

Amy accomplished her first mission by approaching Creepy Coffee Shop Man.

Disclaimer: Creepy Coffee Shop Man is really Creepy TVC Worship Team Bass Player.

The girls read the clues.

The Girls call the agent headquarters.

Blake's team is on the prowl.

Up All Night

2008-02-26T13:58:00.005-06:00

A Couple weeks ago we stayed up all night. The evening started with a scavenger hunt-type game called Secret Agent. Cara Donahue took photos of this, so I will tell you about it once Cara posts her photos. After a couple hours of running around town playing this game, we headed down to Franklin for a little cosmic bowling and video games. As you can see, everyone played with his or her own style.

We grabbed some pizza from Mafiaoza’s at 2:30 in the morning and headed back to the church for some eats, some board games, and a couple rounds of the classic youth all-nighter game, Sardines. I am proud to say that when I hid, no one found me.

The event ended as we watched the sun rise while eating Hot Nows at Krispy Kreme. What a night!

Dance, Dance, Revolution!

Amy had great bowling form

Aidan knows how to rock out.

Jordan has his own style.

Cara is hard-core.

Blake has his own style as well.

Acts 2

2008-01-25T16:35:00.000-06:00

I keep finding it interesting that throughout our current Sunday youth study, “Another World is Possible,” we keep falling back to Acts 2.

In this chapter we see the apostles forming the first church (group of Christians). The first couple weeks of our study looked at poverty. When we looked at Acts 2, we focused on verses 44-47. These verses talk about how the early church would take care of those in need so that they “had all things in common.”

Last week, by no plan of our study, we participated in The Village Chapel’s potluck dinner. We remembered Act 2:42. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Each Sunday we listen to teaching and we pray, but this last Sunday we also hung out with each other (fellowship) and ate (breaking of bread). These were the four things the early Christians dedicated their lives to!

Now as I prepare for my lesson this week, I find myself going back to Acts 2. You will have to attend TVC Youth Bible Study to find out why it is coming up again.

The most interesting thing is the lesson is called “Another World is Possible.” It’s a title that sounds like its telling us we can do something entirely new. Yet as we study, we realize it is a plan that has already been made. I guess over time, we have just forgotten the plan.

- Peter

Frustration

2008-01-17T15:08:00.000-06:00

I was soooo frustrated last week. My internet was not working properly. I felt a bit stranded as I was having a hard time sending and receiving emails. I couldn’t do research or go shopping from the convenience of my office chair. I tried posting last week’s blog entry as I was continuously rejected. (If you look below this entry you will see I finally posted it.)

After my internet was working again, I calmed down and realized how silly my frustration was. We have been in the middle of a study on poverty. I was reminded that people around the world travel miles a day on foot just to get water or work very hard to obtain food for the day. Here I am annoyed that I can not post a journal entry for everyone to read. Crazier yet, I was annoyed by the thought that I may actually have to go to the library to look up some information or use the telephone or postal service instead of using my email.

I hope our current study has inspired you to take a look at your life and rethink the way you think and act. I know it has for me. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion this past week. I have posted some of the scripture and quotes we talked about in case you would like to look back at them.

- Peter

“We can not understand the poor until we understand what poverty is like.”
– Mother Teresa

“In the poor we see Jesus in his most distressing disguises.”
– Mother Theresa

“If someone steals a person's cloths we call them a thief. But shouldn’t we give the same name to the person who could cloth the naked, but doesn’t.”
- Basil the Great

“There is enough for the world’s need, but there is not enough for the world’s greed.
- Gandhi

“The tragedy is not that the rich don’t care for the poor. The tragedy is that the rich do not know the poor.”
– Shane Claiborne

Matthew 25:31-46
1st John 3:16-18
I Corinthians 13:13

Do Not Feel Guilty

2008-01-12T10:41:00.000-06:00

The idea is not to feel guilty but to feel inspired. What does this mean?

Last Sunday we learned a lot about poverty. We learned God did not create poverty but humans did. We learned 20% of people in the world own 80% of the stuff in the world. We learned 3,500 children die per day from starvation. We learned that the homeless are not just drunks and drug addicts but different people facing different difficult situations. We learned that Jesus was homeless and spent much of his time with the poor. If this doesn’t seem like enough, we learned a lot more.

We know that God provides for everyone. It is our duty to share what God has provided for us. There is enough “stuff” in the world for everyone. Please don’t feel guilty. Feel inspired! Think about what you can do. Give a bit of your time. Give a bit of your money. Give a bit of your love. After all, are any of these things truly yours? I am looking forward to our study this next week so that I may feel even more inspired! See you then.

Here is a photo of Ruth, Katrina, and Angelo giving a bit of there time and love at the last Parking Lot Ministry in East Nashville.

New Year's Resolution

2008-01-02T14:49:00.000-06:00

It’s that time of year again. The time to make a new year’s resolution. Many times it can seem a bit lame to do this. Probably because we know we will end up breaking our resolutions or never even begin to follow one. However, I still feel it is a good tradition to have.

I usually pick out one thing to change or pursue and I may do it for a month. This year my resolution is to blog more. I am horrible about blogging. Maybe because the blogging craze hit the high-schools and colleges after I had already finished my schooling. I used to look at MySpace regularly, but this was primarily when I was single and in a band. Now that I am married and no longer in a band, I log into my MySpace account about once every other month. So, don’t bother writing me there.

Now I maintain this blog. As you can see, I might post on it once a month. Whitney has a blog for our photography studio and tries to get me to write more on there. So, I am going to try to make the commitment to blog more. Hopefully it lasts longer than a few weeks.

If we tend to break or not follow our new year’s resolutions, what is the point of this tradition? I think it is just a monumental mark for us to remember that there are things in our lives that we need to change. One great scripture that sticks out to me is Romans 12:2. It says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is.” If we want to change something about us, we must allow God to “transform” and “renew” us. If your new year’s resolution is a big task, ask God to help you with it. Maybe this task is something that’s even talked about in this verse. Change your thought process. Think the way Christ would think. Do not act or think the way the rest of the world does. What a resolution that would be!

What’s your resolution? Send it to me. If you are a member of TVC Youth, I’ll post it on this blog. By doing this, you will actually be helping me with my resolution! Let’s all help each other out this next year by encouraging each other to renew our minds daily. Maybe we can even see how the other resolutions are coming along.

- Peter

Christmas Videos

2007-12-20T09:15:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas!
Check out these videos made by TVC Youth!

Video 1: Christmas Confessions (2007)

Video 2: Christmas Confessions (extended version)(2007)

Video 3: A Charlie Brown Christmas (2006)

Chapman's Jumping Pictures

2007-11-14T16:09:00.000-06:00

Here are the pics from Tofu Night

- Chapman

Art Show Prep

2007-09-12T15:46:00.002-06:00

On September 30, TVC Youth will open our very first art show. The show will also be our first fundraiser to benefit the children of Northern Uganda. Last Sunday we started to prepare the pieces for the show.

We watched a few video clips from Invisible Children to remind us what the children in Northern Uganda have had to face in daily life. We prayed for the many things these children need and we made paintings of our prayers. To inspire our creations, Whitney Carlson taught us about African and Ugandan art. We are very excited about what will happen as we prepare for the opening.

Check out these photos Cara took:

First we made sketches of our art piece.

When the sketches were finished, we picked up our canvas and paint choices.

Paint brush hair-do.

Matthew? Normal?

TVC Youth’s shoe of choice.

Haha.

I love the shoes!!

- Ruth

Somewhat Consecutive Blog #6 – Fear Factor

2007-09-07T10:45:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post a blog yesterday. However, our good friend Mackenzie posted one. I hope that makes up for my missing it.

Anyway…

I think it is a requirement for youth groups to play gross-out games. We rarely participate in these kinds of activities. So, when we get the chance, why not do it? A couple of weeks ago at TVC Youth Bible Study, we played a rendition of the mother of all gross out games: Fear Factor. A few students volunteered to participate by being blindfolded and eating some items that may be a bit scary to eat without blindfolds: cold canned spaghetti, cottage cheese, and tuna. Of course we had fun suggesting it might be worms, old milk, and cat food. Not to worry, serious Bible study and a discussion on humility followed.

Check out these photos that David Hansen sent me:

William

Emily

Chapman

Sardines anyone?

I guess they like sardines.

Teaching is fun!

I like to learn.

Mackenzie's Blog

2007-09-06T20:55:00.000-06:00

hey here are some pics from the boating trip

- Mackenzie

Consecutive Blog #5 – Lake Day

2007-09-05T20:14:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a day! I don’t know what else to say. Thanks to the Myers family for taking us out on this exciting adventure.

Our private island.

I’m really not sure what is going on here, but I have never seen this look on Jordan’s face before.

Aidan knows how to beat the heat.

that was the bessssttttt day ever eer the best was the tubing

- mackenzie

Consecutive Blog #4 – Take me out…

2007-09-04T22:42:00.000-06:00

Our annual event that happened without a hitch was the TVC Baseball Night. This is a church-wide event that many look forward to each year. Baseball fan or not, the Nashville Sounds games are loads of fun. Going together as a church family only makes it more fun.

Consecutive Blog #3 – Lord of the Sleep

2007-09-03T18:12:00.000-06:00

I didn’t post a blog yesterday because it was Sunday. So, I am still on target.

Anyway…

Our annual camping trip took a detour this year. The group of girls who planned on going on the trip were not disappointed by the change of having a girls sleep-over. The night was filled with games and movies. The two aspects were combined with Lord of the Rings DVD Trivial Pursuit.

As you can see from the pictures that follow, our group has a number of hard-core LOTR fans.

The morning after the intense night of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.

The healthy breakfast that followed.

Classic! I especially love the second picture where Whitney is "poking" my eye out. What a night!

- Caroline

Consecutive Blog #2 – Cook-Out

2007-09-01T23:25:00.000-06:00

OK, I pulled off two days in a row.

It seems like only a couple of weeks ago that we had our spontaneous cook-out. Our old friends Chris and Tosha Barber welcomed all of us into their yard for an evening of hotdogs, marshmallows, croquet, mafia, as well as a few other games.

Check out the pics that documented the night:

Bella does not take this game lightly.

Evie has a few more years till she can join TVC Youth on a regular basis.

Consecutive Blog #1 – Can I do it?

2007-08-31T10:56:00.000-06:00

My, how the summer has past!

I have been horrible about keeping up with the TVC Youth blog. So, to make up for my poor punctuality of picture posting, I have decided to post a blog a day for the next week. Let’s see if I can do it.

Today I have not posted any images because I would like to talk about the service project we participated in last night. A group of TVC Youth headed over to East Nashville to work with Bridge Ministries. This night we planned to minister to the lower income families in the neighborhood.

Two large trucks pulled into First Wesleyan’s parking lot. The first truck was filled with chairs and a sound system. The second truck was filled with food. With all of the volunteer help, we set up for a worship service and two buffet lines in no time at all.

The evening began with a hot meal of vegetables, spaghetti, and pineapple glazed ham. It was all topped off with a strawberry cream pie. During dinner, many dining guests participated in singing gospel praise songs. An area pastor came forward to give a sermon on facing our giants. He taught us how we can look at the story of David and Goliath to understand how God helps us become victorious in the battles we each face.

As the worship service ended, the buffet lines were reset with grocery items. Each guest was invited to go through the line and fill there bags and boxes with free grocery and cleaning items. I had a great time seeing the happy faces of those coming through the line. I also enjoyed meeting the volunteers who came from many different churches.

I highly recommend joining TVC Youth the next time we volunteer with Bridge Ministries.

- Peter Carlson

for those of you who didn't get to serve the people you missed a really great trip and the salsa was the best

- mackenzie

Summer Retreat 2007

2007-06-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

TVC Youth just returned from the Summer Youth Retreat. This years retreat brought the youth to Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, KY. Three full days were spent listening to music, hearing great sermons and seminars, and having a great time. Nobody wanted to return home when the festival was over (except maybe the youth leaders).

Aiden & Chapman Makin' Breakfast

Time to wake up!

Ale 8 was a hit Kentucky drink. "Thumb in a Bottle" was a hit as well.

This one explains itself.

Two Guys

Two Girls

Jordan sank the Titanic

Weeeeeeeee!

Chapman gets slammed!

Chapman slams back!

Matthew, had enough shows?

Toby Mac

Toby Mac-Attack

Nashville City Fest

2007-06-20T10:45:00.000-06:00

One of the biggest free events to hit the Nashville streets happened on May 19 & 20. TVC Youth was there. The Nashville City Fest put on by Luis Palau brought in over 90,000 people to the downtown streets to hear great music, see extreme sports, have fun, and hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Freestyln'

2007-06-20T10:03:00.000-06:00

While at Nashville City Fest, Chapman and Peter decided to hone in on some freestyle walking skills.

Displace Me

2007-05-13T21:58:00.000-06:00

Recently, a group of TVC Youth went to an event, in Hendersonville, called Displace Me. The evening was planned to raise awareness for the displaced people of Northern Uganda. If you are unfamiliar with this situation, you can learn more about it at http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ and www.mochaclub.org.

We arrived a bit late. So, we ran in carrying our supplies in a large box. We tied a rope around it and pulled it like a pack of sled-dogs.

We quickly joined the group of 1,500 other teenagers and college students to take part in the filming of a documentary that was made to show on the senate floor.

A major part of the event was sleeping in huts made from card board. Each hut was personalized with slogans and scripture.

It was an exciting experience to learn from the video-clips. We heard testimonies by Ugandan children and adults. Even the First Lady had a special message for us. We were also visited by a political leader from Uganda.

A large challenge of the night came when it was time to retrieve our water rations. Only the females, who were 18-22 years of age, in each group were allowed to retrieve the water. On top of that, they were only allowed to get one bottle of water per visit to the distribution area. To make matters more difficult, our group did not have any females in the correct age range. So, we found creative ways to obtain our water. It was a valueable lesson on survival.

The night stayed rain-free, but ended up quite cold. Three out of the four girls who attended ended up sick. The boys were worn out as well. A great time was had by all as we learned more about life in Northern Uganda.
-peter

Tori

Aiden

Matthew

Wesley

Banditos for Peace

2007-04-24T15:36:00.000-06:00

This Saturday TVC Youth will be attending an event called Displace Me. In preparation for the event, we viewed a film entitled Invisible Children and made t-shirts with a large red X.

The t-shirts symbolize the need for Americans to take more effort in helping stop the war in Northern Uganda and help the children revive from the devastation the war has put them through. We have photographed ourselves with these t-shirts. We will attach the photos to letters we will write to our state senator, letting him know how much we care about these children.

To learn more about Displace Me and the Invisible Children film, visit: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/. If you would like to join TVC Youth at this event, visit our web page at http://www.thevillagechapel.com/.

- Peter

Check out some of our past events!

2007-04-22T12:32:00.000-06:00

Hay! Look up there!

Rebecca can't feel her face.

Hike for the Homeless was a lot of fun.

Bethany, arn't you going to the symphony after this?

Don't the fall colors look great on Amy's face?

A day at Nashville Shores proved to be a good girls day out.

Go Bella! Go!

"Is corn bread considered a vegitable or a bread?"

The freezer unit at Second Harvest Food Bank is really cool.

Chris & Bella are "The Tops" when it comes to cleaning.

Somewhere behind all that mess is Amy.

Rock Night!

Jordan Plays Drums

A frame from the TVC Kids Easter Movie